Sidora finds healing in new sitcom role amid her ongoing divorce and personal challenges.
In a fortuitous twist, Drew Sidora, star of Bounce TV’s new original series “Mind Your Business,” has found solace in her latest role.
The half-hour sitcom, which premiered recently, has provided Sidora with a unique outlet to process and heal from her own personal struggles, particularly her ongoing divorce from estranged husband Ralph Pittman.
Sidora, who is also known for her appearances on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” plays Aaliyah, a divorcée who returns to her family home in Chicago after her marriage falls apart.
The character is strikingly similar to Sidora’s real-life situation, making the role deeply personal and cathartic for the 39-year-old actress.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Sidora opened up about the unexpected connection she found with Aaliyah. “When I read the script, I was like, ‘Oh my God, she’s going through a divorce too…,’” Sidora recalled. “That connection, for me, really grounded her because I knew exactly what she would be feeling; how I could shape her. But what I didn’t even think about is how she would help me.”
Sidora’s real-life divorce has been a drawn-out process filled with emotional highs and lows. She and Pittman separated in February 2023 after eight years of marriage, with both filing for divorce within an hour of each other the following month.
The couple has since been embroiled in contentious legal battles, yet to reach a resolution.
Amidst this turmoil, “Mind Your Business” has offered Sidora a unique form of therapy. One particular scene in the show resonated deeply with her. Aaliyah, her character, had to confront the pain of seeing her ex-husband with someone she assumed to be his new partner.
Sidora drew from her own experiences to bring authenticity to the scene. “I told them, ‘Okay, this is real for me, y’all,’ and they gave me that time to really bring that emotion to the forefront in that scene,” she shared.
The support of her castmates was crucial during these intense moments. Columbus Short, who plays Aaliyah’s twin brother, provided not only emotional support but also comic relief when needed.
“Afterwards, my cast, they were hugging me. And then, Columbus told a joke and put me right back in laughter,” Sidora said, reflecting on the sense of camaraderie and support she felt on set.
“I really was thankful to them for that moment; to allow me to not only get that out but then to be able to support me and uplift me and bring me right back to a happy place.”
This combination of emotional release and immediate support proved to be a healing experience for Sidora. “That was so divine and spiritual for me,” she added.
“I’m like, ‘This is what I need right now in my life; to be able to cry if I need to cry and show the emotion, because it’s real. I have to sit in that, but then also get me to a place where I feel supported and loved right there after.’”
Sidora, who is a mother to three children—Josiah, 13, Machai, 9, and Aniya, 6—reflects on this period of her life as bittersweet. “It’s a bittersweet time for me right now, with a lot of great things happening, but then also that,” she said.
“But I’m pushing through and I’m grateful for it. I’ve been healing through this character, for sure.”
Interestingly, the parallels between Sidora and Aaliyah don’t end with their marital struggles. Both women hail from Chicago and share a passion for music. Sidora’s latest single, “I Got 5 on It,” has been well-received, further connecting her personal and professional lives.
Sidora is enthusiastic about Aaliyah’s character and the show’s potential impact. “I love her,” Sidora said. “She’s so much fun and colorful and funny. She likes to laugh, she’s silly, she’s goofy.
She loves her family. She has a good head on her shoulders, and she’s really excited about this next chapter in life. I just see so much of myself in her. It was a no-brainer for me to join the cast on this one.”
Sidora is also confident that audiences will embrace “Mind Your Business” with the same enthusiasm. “It’s a very funny sitcom that we don’t really get anymore,” she said.
“It’s nostalgic; puts you right back in that mindset of Martin, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Jamie Foxx Show — all those great ‘90s comedies. And at this time in our society, we need laughs like that.”
For Sidora, the show represents a return to her roots in scripted television, a space she’s always loved. “I didn’t want to get lost in the sauce with the reality and coming from Housewives, this is the polar opposite energy because it’s so supportive and funny and we’re all rooting and uplifting each other,” she said.
“To be able to do a comedy with such a great cast, and for it to be having the success that it’s having, I’m just feeling blessed. It felt like I was back home.”
With a talented cast that includes Rolonda Watts, Brely Evans, and Bebe Winans, “Mind Your Business” airs Saturdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bounce TV.
