Growing up with sitcoms like Reba provided a blend of humor and heart that many families cherished. Airing from 2001, Reba starred country music icon Reba McEntire as Reba Hart, a resilient single mom navigating life’s challenges with humor and strength. The show wasn’t just about Reba, though; it featured a memorable cast, including the lovable but annoying Barbara Jean (Melissa Peterman) and Reba’s children: Cheyenne (JoAnna Garcia), Jake (Mitch Holleman), and Kyra (Scarlett Pomers).
Scarlett Pomers, who played the sarcastic and mature-for-her-age Kyra, faced a serious battle behind the scenes. In season 5 of Reba, Pomers was notably absent due to her struggle with anorexia nervosa. In a 2006 interview with E!, she revealed that her mental health had deteriorated during her time on the show. Although no one on set pressured her to lose weight, Pomers started dieting and it spiraled out of control, leading to severe weight loss.
Realizing she needed help, Pomers first tried working with a therapist and a nutritionist. When these measures weren’t enough, she checked into a treatment facility for anorexia nervosa. Her absence from the show led to speculation and potential rumors, prompting Pomers to share her story publicly. She hoped her transparency would help others facing similar struggles.
After her time on Reba, Pomers largely stepped away from acting. She shifted her focus to music, performing at notable Los Angeles venues like The Roxy and the House of Blues. In 2010, she released a solo EP titled Insane. In a 2014 interview with StarTrek.com, Pomers shared that she still engages in music, primarily for personal enjoyment rather than for a career, noting, “I do it mostly for myself and not for money, not for a living. There’s no money in it anyway.”
More recently, Pomers has pursued photography and ran a jewelry shop called The Mermaid’s Lure. Although she maintains a low profile, her occasional interactions on social media suggest she’s doing well. In response to a recent comment on her shop’s Facebook page, she mentioned being busy but expressed hope to return to her jewelry business soon.
Scarlett Pomers’ journey highlights the personal battles that actors can face behind the scenes and her resilience in overcoming such challenges. Today, she continues to find fulfillment in her creative pursuits while maintaining a more private life.
