The show may be called Single Ladies, but that does not mean only the ladies get to shine. You know him best as Omar Kearse, our favorite Atlanta ladies’ gay bestie and stylist extraordinaire, but there’s more to the man behind THE MAN of Single Ladies–Travis Winfrey! Whether he is stealing the scene with his outlandish humor or hip fashion trends, Travis is one of the biggest reasons you live to love Single Ladies.
When it comes to upfront information on the latest season of the show, Travis is definitely the most forthcoming. His chill, relaxed, yet humorous demeanor make him easy to talk to. As you know, Single Ladies relocated to Centric after a surprising and abrupt cancellation by VH-1. The show has returned for a fourth season with six highly charged episodes. Travis admits learning VH-1 cancelled the series was initally a surprise. “I was really surprised by everything that happened, but this television you know…you can be here today and gone tomorrow…it’s the nature of the business… but I’m even more impressed by the fans they really rallied for us to come back and here we are…” The show’s transition to Centric brings about cast changes, a more serious tone, and a bigger role for Omar. “The series is definitely darker this season, darker than its ever been…we are focusing less on the fashion side and more on the story…there are some interesting changes in place for him [Omar]…” When asked if these new changes were based on budget issues Travis answers, “…Definitely not. The writers get together and decide what is the best direction for the show…and this is going to be really good…”
Last season we saw Omar transition from shop boy to celebrity stylist as he developed a love/fear relationship with Felicia Price. As of the second episode of the new season Travis’s character seems to have grown from a fashionista to talent recruit and VP of New Business. Travis is very proud of his character’s growth over years and strives to make him as relatable and realistic as possible. “I use to bar tend at gay bars and I know that there is a spectrum of gay men out there…I’ve fought hard for him [Omar] not to come off as stereotypical and be a good representation of the people he is portraying…it can be hard writing for a gay character when you aren’t gay yourself…”
Watching Travis on Single Ladies is always an OMG moment. Whether he is delivering some scathing one liner or proving just why every woman needs her own gay bestie, he is easily our single guiltiest pleasure on the show. It is time you really see what Omar is made of and you catch Travis in all his awesomeness on Single Ladies!
