Big Poppa, RHOA's Mystery Man, Passes Away

0:00It's April 22nd. Welcome to entertainment and celebrity news today, powered by AI and packed with headlines. Lee Najar, the mystery man known as Big Papa from Real Housewives of Atlanta, passed away at 68. He was Kim Zolshek's ex, who funded her lavish lifestyle back in the show's early days, covering everything from Range Rovers to townhouses all. Without ever stepping in front of the cameras, TMZ first reported his death on April 18th, and the Miami-Dade medical examiner confirmed it. No calls has been released yet, but his daughter, Caitlin, shared emotional Instagram tributes, calling their bond incredibly close and posting a, touching birthday card he wrote her. Fans still recall Kim describing Big Papa as a multi-millionaire who shunned the spotlight to protect his celebrity status. He was legally married during their time together, though estranged, and their on and off romance fueled plenty of early season drama. The relationship officially ended around 2009, with a brief reunion attempt in 2010 that didn't stick.

1:05By 2017, Kim told reporters they hadn't spoken in years as she focused on her marriage. Big Papa's off-screen presence shaped R.H.O.A.'s wild start, and he leaves behind his wife Kimberly, daughter Caitlin, and son Jeremy, his legacy lingers, and those iconic stories.