Kenya Barris Says He’s ‘Really Lucky’ to Involve His Kids in His Work: ‘My Best Friends’ (Exclusive)

Kenya Barris is one proud father!

The writer and producer, 49, spoke exclusively with PEOPLE about the importance of family in Diarra from Detroit premiered at Citizen’s News in Los Angeles earlier this week.

When asked what it’s like balancing fatherhood with his illustrious film and television career, Kenya — who shares six children with Dr. Rania “Rainbow” Edwards-Barris — joked, “I’m not their father anymore.”

– No, I’m just joking – he continued. “I’m really lucky. My daughter works with me on one of my shows. My other daughters [are] interns. My son is coming there.”

“They’re a little bit older and a little bit coming into their own,” Kenya added. – They really became like my best friends.

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Kenya Barris, Dr. Rainbow Edwards-Barris and their family in 2023.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

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Kenya and Rainbow are the proud parents of six children – Kaleigh, Brooklyn, Jalen, Lamar, Liberia and Nana.

The couple filed for divorce in June 2022 after more than 20 years together. The Black-like the creator filed for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court at the time, citing “irreconcilable differences,” according to a court document obtained by PEOPLE.

The legal filing also says the couple has been separated since September 2020. In addition to requesting joint and legal custody of their children, Kenya also indicated that spousal support will be paid to his ex, according to the document.

Kenya Barris, Dr. Rainbow Edwards-Barris and their family in 2016.

David Livingston/Getty

The filing didn’t mark the first time the couple decided to legally end their marriage, as Rainbow first filed for divorce in 2014, though she withdrew her request less than a year later after the duo reconciled, according to the Associated Press.

The media also reported that Kenya filed for divorce in 2019, before later calling it off.

The first three episodes Diarra from Detroit currently airing on BET+. New episodes will be released every Thursday.

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Source: HIS Education