Surviving R. Kelly

Lifetime 2019

Celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, R. Kelly’s genre defining career and playboy lifestyle has been riddled with rumors of abuse, predatory behavior, and pedophilia. Despite damning evidence and multiple witnesses, to date, none of these accusations have seemingly affected him. For the first time ever, survivors and people from R. Kelly’s inner circle, are coming forward with new allegations about his sexual, mental, and physical abuse. They are now finally ready to share their full story and shed light on the secret life the public has never seen.

The Top 10 Actors and Characters of Surviving R. Kelly (Ranked Cast in 2025)

#1 - R. Kelly (Himself (archive footage))

Robert Sylvester Kelly, known professionally as R. Kelly, is an American recording artist, songwriter, record producer, and convicted sex offender. A native of Chicago, Illinois, often referred to as the King of R&B, Kelly began performing during the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement. In 1993, Kelly went solo, releasing 14 albums in his career. Kelly has also written, produced, and remixed songs and albums for many artists. On September 27, 2021, he was convicted in a New York City criminal courthouse on all counts of sexual misconduct, racketeering, bribery and violations of the Mann act.

R. Kelly plays as Himself (archive footage) in Surviving R. Kelly.
R. Kelly is the top #1 member of the cast and appears in 6 episodes.

#2 - John Legend (Himself)

John Legend is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and producer. He was born John Roger Stephens on December 28, 1978 in Springfield, Ohio. As of 2017, he has won ten Grammy Awards, one Golden Globe Award, and one Academy Award. He is married to model Chrissy Teigen, and they have a daughter - Luna Simone Stephens - born in 2016. The couple's second child is due in 2018.

John Legend plays as Himself in Surviving R. Kelly.
John Legend is the top #2 member of the cast and appears in 6 episodes.

#3 - Sparkle (Herself)

Stephanie Edwards, better known by her stage name, Sparkle, is an American R&B singer. She began her career in 1998 as a protégé of fellow Chicago native R. Kelly. Edwards is probably best known for her debut hit single "Be Careful".

Sparkle plays as Herself in Surviving R. Kelly.
Sparkle is the top #3 member of the cast and appears in 6 episodes.

#4 - Wendy Williams (Herself)

Wendy Joan Williams is an American broadcaster, media personality, businesswoman, and writer. Since 2008, she has hosted the nationally syndicated television talk show The Wendy Williams Show.

Wendy Williams plays as Herself in Surviving R. Kelly.
Wendy Williams is the top #4 member of the cast and appears in 6 episodes.