Leah Remini

Leah Remini Reflects on Kevin James Impact on Her Career

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Leah Remini and Kevin James are well-remembered for their iconic roles in the beloved sitcom *The King of Queens*, which aired from 1998 to 2007. Their on-screen chemistry as Doug and Carrie Heffernan captured the hearts of audiences, but Remini recently revealed that their collaboration may have had unintended consequences for her future projects. In an exclusive interview with *Us Weekly*, Remini, now 54, shared that she remains in close contact with James, 60, stating, “We talk all the time. He’s the real deal.” Despite their enduring friendship, she candidly expressed how working with James has made it challenging for her to find comparable chemistry with other actors. “He kind of ruined me for future projects. I loved working with Kevin so much,” she admitted. “I’ve said that a thousand times but he really did ruin me because he’s the perfect leading man for me.” This sentiment highlights the unique bond they formed during their time on *The King of Queens*. The show, which followed a working-class couple navigating life in Queens, featured a talented ensemble cast, including Jerry Stiller, Victor Williams, Patton Oswalt, and Nicole Sullivan. The series became a staple of American television, and the dynamic between Remini and James was a significant factor in its success. The duo reunited nearly a decade later on James’ sitcom *Kevin Can Wait*, which aired from 2016 to 2018. In this series, James portrayed a retired police officer adjusting to single fatherhood after the death of his wife. Remini joined the cast as his work partner, bringing their familiar chemistry back to the screen. Reflecting on their collaboration, James praised Remini, stating, “There is nobody I have worked with or ever will work with that will match what she did. It doesn’t matter what I do; I’ll have fun working with other people, but there’s nothing like what I had with Leah in that way.” As the television landscape continues to evolve, the trend of reboots and revivals has become increasingly popular. However, both Remini and James have expressed hesitance about revisiting *The King of Queens*. Remini acknowledged that while she would consider it, any revival would need to honor the legacy of Jerry Stiller, who played their beloved character Arthur Spooner and passed away in 2020. “It would be hard to say yes without something meaningful,” she explained. “To me, in memory, it wouldn’t be enough. You would have to really think of something to represent Jerry. Because he was such a big part of this. There’s no *The King of Queens* without him.” The bond between Remini and James extends beyond their professional relationship; they consider each other family. James noted, “We just have that relationship and a connection.” This deep-rooted friendship is evident in their interactions and the genuine affection they share for one another. As fans of *The King of Queens* continue to reminisce about the show, the possibility of a revival remains uncertain. Yet, the love and respect between Remini and James leave the door open for future collaborations, should the right opportunity arise. For now, Remini is focused on her current projects while cherishing the memories of her time on *The King of Queens*. In conclusion, Leah Remini’s reflections on her partnership with Kevin James reveal the lasting impact of their work together. While the prospect of revisiting their iconic roles remains a topic of discussion, their friendship and mutual respect will always be a testament to the magic they created on-screen. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, fans can only hope for more moments that capture the same spirit and chemistry that made *The King of Queens* a timeless classic.

Leah Remini Reflects on Divorce Healing and Her Ongoing Fight Against Scientology

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Leah Remini is no stranger to the spotlight, but her journey over the past decade has been marked by profound personal challenges and triumphs. As she approaches her 55th birthday on June 15, Remini reflects on life after leaving the Church of Scientology, her recent divorce, and the ongoing struggle against the organization that has pursued her relentlessly since her departure. In July, it will be 12 years since Remini made the brave decision to leave Scientology, a choice that has defined her life in many ways. The actress, known for her role in “The King of Queens,” has dedicated herself to exposing the controversial practices of the Church, sharing her experiences in her 2015 memoir, *Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology*, and through her Emmy-winning A&E docuseries, *Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath*. Remini’s commitment to shedding light on the Church’s alleged abuses has come at a cost. She claims that the Church has retaliated against her, subjecting her and her loved ones to harassment and surveillance. “It’s difficult to say it’s gotten easier when I have a multimillion-dollar organization terrorizing me and my family,” she admits. In August 2023, she filed a lawsuit against the Church, alleging ongoing harassment and surveillance of her and her 20-year-old daughter, Sofia. A trial is scheduled for October. In response to Remini’s claims, a representative for the Church of Scientology dismissed her allegations as “unsupported and untrue,” stating that there has never been evidence to support her claims of harassment. Despite the challenges, Remini expresses no regrets about her decision to leave Scientology. She credits therapy with helping her heal from the emotional and psychological damage inflicted during her more than 30 years as a member. “There are good days and bad days, but in general, it’s been worth it,” she reflects. “My heart has opened up so much.” As she navigates significant life changes, including her recent divorce from Angelo Pagan after 28 years of marriage, Remini is finding new strength and purpose. The loss of her close friend and *Aftermath* cohost, Mike Rinder, to cancer in January has also been a heavy blow. However, she remains hopeful about her future. “I feel like I’m just starting to live,” she says, adding that she is finally emerging from the fog of her past. Remini’s journey has not only involved personal healing but also academic growth. This fall, she is set to graduate from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, a testament to her belief in the importance of education and self-discovery. “I think education is important. It’s about pushing past what you think you can do,” she explains. The transition to being an empty nester has also posed challenges for Remini. With Sofia now in college, she grapples with the emotional weight of this new chapter. “Some people celebrate this part of their lives, but I don’t. It’s the job I love the most,” she admits. Yet, she finds solace in the close bond they share, as Sofia continues to reach out for advice and support. Reflecting on her marriage, Remini acknowledges that both she and Pagan have changed over the years. “When you’re giving what you give in a relationship, but it’s not what the person wants, it’s like, ‘So you don’t appreciate what I’m doing?’” she notes. Their decision to divorce was ultimately about recognizing their individual needs and moving forward with clarity. As for her future in Hollywood, Remini is eager to produce and direct projects that resonate with her values. “I want to be on sets that are joyful, where you can make jokes and not have to talk to HR,” she shares. While she remains open to the idea of a *King of Queens* reboot, she acknowledges the difficulty of proceeding without the late Jerry Stiller, who played her character’s father. In her ongoing fight against Scientology, Remini remains undeterred. She acknowledges the risks involved but feels a sense of obligation to continue advocating for those who have suffered similar experiences. “If it was affecting Sofia in a way that was debilitating to her, I would pass the torch to somebody,” she states. “But she doesn’t want me to give up, and Mike wouldn’t want me to give up. In his honor, I feel an obligation to continue.” As Remini prepares to celebrate her birthday, she embraces the changes in her life with optimism. “I’m starting to find my own power,” she says. “It’s an awakening. It’s scary and exciting.” With her unwavering spirit and commitment to truth, Leah Remini continues to inspire others as she carves out a new path for herself beyond the shadows of her past.