Nicole Alexander
Nicole Deannae Alexander | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Other names | Hoopz, Nikki |
| Occupations | Reality television star, actress |
| Years active | 2005-present |
| Television | Flavor of Love, I Love Money |
| Partner(s) | Shaquille O'Neal (2010-2013), Lucky Whitehead (2017-present) |
| Children | 2 |
Nicole Deannae Alexander, better known as Hoopz, is an American reality television star and actress. She is best known for her appearances on the hit VH1 celebreality shows; Flavor of Love and I Love Money.[1][2] She was also engaged to NBA legend, Shaquille O'Neal.[3]
Career
In 2006, Alexander appeared and was the winner of the first season of the hit VH1 celebreality show, Flavor of Love, where she received the nickname "Hoopz".[4] She revealed during the reunion special that she ended the relationship shortly after the filming of the show was completed, but remained friends with Flavor Flav.[1][5] She received a large amount of media attention after the show aired including, featuring in many magazines such as; KING and XXL Mag.[6][7]
In 2008, she competed in the first season of VH1 celebreality spin-off show, I Love Money, which she also won, defeating I Love New York season 1, contestant Joshua "Whiteboy" Gallander in the final challenge.[2] Throughout the series she was aligned with the "Stallionaires" alliance alongside; Ahmad "Real" Givens, Joshua "Whiteboy" Gallander, Kamal "Chance" Givens and Megan Hauserman, and feuded with Frank "The Entertainer" Maresca. In a 2020, interview with Zack Peter, Alexander claimed that the production team at 51 Minds Entertainment, told her they planned for Joshua "Whiteboy" Gallander to win the show.[8] In 2013, she featured in an episode of Celebrity Motor Homes, alongside her then partner Shaquille O'Neal. In 2015, she starred in her own reality television series on the Oxygen network titled. It Takes A Sister, the show followed her life, only airing for one season.[9]
In 2010, Alexander landed the role as Kayla in the film; Ghetto Stories: The Movie. She went on to feature in many independent films.[10]
Personal life
Alexander was previously engaged to retired NBA legend, Shaquille O'Neal, the couple split in 2013.[11][12][13] She is currently dating American football player, Lucky Whitehead and has two children.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Flavor of Love season 1 | Self; contestant | Winner, 11 episodes |
| Puff, Puff, Pass | Girl outside houseboat | ||
| 2008 | I Love Money season 1 | Self; contestant | Winner, 14 episodes |
| 2009 | The Mo'Nique Show | Self; audience member | 1 episode |
| 2010 | The Gift | Isha Powell | |
| Ghetto Stories | Kayla | ||
| Convicted | Reporter | Short film | |
| 2011 | Chronicle | Self; guest | 1 episode |
| Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain | Self; audience member | Uncredited | |
| 2013 | Celebrity Motor Homes | Self; feature | 1 episode |
| 2014 | Basketball Girlfriend | Collette | |
| 2015 | It Takes a Sister | Self; main cast member | 7 episodes |
| 2018 | First Lady | Maria | |
| Celebrity Boxing 69 | Self; contestant | 1 episode | |
| 2019 | First Lady II: Maria's Revenge | Maria | |
| 2020 | Turnt | Donyale Thomas | |
| 2021 | First Lady 3 | Maria | |
| Dymez | Kima | ||
| Against the Ropes | Mercedes | TV film | |
| 2022 | Stay Fly | Leslie | |
| Circumstances 3 | Agent Miraflores | ||
| Chasing the Ghost | Neveah | ||
| 2023 | Circumstances 4 | Agent Miraflores | |
| 2024 | P.U.A (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) | Lexus | |
| Beach Chain | Amara | ||
| Periodt | Lady Madame |
| Year | Title | Artist | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Party Starter | Will Smith | Dancer |
| 2007 | Wouldn't Get Far | The Game featuring Kanye West | Dancer |
References
- ^ a b Wynne, Kelly (2023-12-07). "Flavor Flav Has 'Unexpected' Reunion with Flavor of Love Season 1 Winner Nicole 'Hoopz' Alexander". people.com. Archived from the original on 2025-07-25. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ a b Dehnart, Andy (2008-10-07). "Hoopz wins I Love Money". realityblurred.com. Archived from the original on 2013-10-22. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
- ^ Goldstein, Meredith (February 3, 2011). "Hoopz is right at home with Shaq". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on November 5, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
- ^ Oggunnaike, Lola (2006-10-01). "A Ladies' Man Everyone Fights Over". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-06-05.
- ^ Wynter, Dontei (February 9, 2018). "What Happened to Hoopz and Flavor Flav? Why Did They Breakup?". Earn The Necklace. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
- ^ "Nikki "Hoopz" Alexander". King Mag. 2010-07-19. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "Eye Candy Hoopz". XXL Mag. 2006-08-18. Archived from the original on 2025-04-27. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Zack Peter (2020-08-21). Flavor of Love's Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander (Full Interview) on #NoFilter with Zack Peter Podcast. Retrieved 2026-02-09 – via YouTube.
- ^ Hinds, Julie. "Nikki (Hoopz) Alexander is back with 'It Takes a Sister'". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on 2016-09-04. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ George, Rachel (2023-09-27). "What Has 'Dymez' Actress Nicole 'Hoopz' Alexander Been Up to Since Leaving Reality TV?". Atlanta Black Star. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "Shaq's Girlfriend Keeps the Magic Alive". NBC4 Washington. 2011-05-17. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "Nicole 'Hoopz' Alexander Dishes On TV Series & Breakup With Shaq". Black America Web. July 21, 2016. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
- ^ "Nikki "Hoopz" Alexander FINALLY Breaks Down About Breaking Up With Shaq [PHOTOS]". Dallasblack.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.