Kim Fields Didn't Know About Throwing Shade Before Joining RHOA

When fans tune in to the new season of Real Housewives of Atlanta this Sunday, they will notice one new (yet very familiar) face: Kim Fields. And while the Facts of Life and Living Single actress had long been asked to enter the world of reality TV, she knew that RHOA would be the right way for her to embark on that journey. "Go big or go home," she told Wendy Williams on Thursday (Nov. 5) about her decision to join the series.

The newest Housewife admits she's wasn't a regular viewer of RHOA prior to joining the cast, which means she also needed to brush up on some key terms. "I didn't, I didn't, I didn't [know what throwing shade was]... I heard 'ratchet' but I wasn't sure [what shade was]," she shared. Well, we assume, she learned all about the ins and outs of shade throwing etiquette very quickly.

Her decision to go into reality TV may surprise some fans, but someone who completely understood Kim's decision to join RHOA was her mom, Chip Fields. The actress, and "original momager," according to Wendy, gave her daughter some good perspective before she made her decision. "First of all, she was like 'They called you?' And then she said, 'Baby, if you can be light, then be light. Take care of my babies, take care of your man. You do what you want to do.' And she understood the whole idea of the adventure of it," Kim said.

She didn't mention if her mama will make any cameos this season, but fans will certainly get to meet the rest of her family. "Chris is on the show, the kids are on the show, my sister Alexis does a couple of beats with me via Facetime and Skype... We are true to us," Kim said. "The woman that you all have helped to raise in your own way by pouring into my career and my spirit, that's the same chick that shows up, OK? So I'm true to myself."

RHOA returns Sunday, November 8 at 8/7c.