Lea Black, a star of The Real Housewives of Miami, is grieving the loss of her husband, Roy Black, who passed away on July 21 at their home in Coral Gables, Florida, following an illness. He was 80 years old. Lea, who shared the news via an Instagram post on July 22, expressed gratitude for the support they received and indicated that plans for a tribute and celebration of life would be shared in the coming weeks.
Roy Black had a distinguished career as a criminal defense attorney, representing several high-profile clients, including Rush Limbaugh, Helio Castroneves, and Kelsey Grammer. He was notably the only defendant to get acquitted in the Varsity Blues college admission scandal, as detailed in his law firm’s biography. A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Roy was affectionately known as “the professor.” His work was highly regarded, with his partner at Black Srebnick, Howard Srebnick, calling him “the greatest criminal lawyer of our generation” and commending his ability to achieve acquittals in some of the most challenging cases over his 50-year career.
Roy occasionally made appearances on The Real Housewives of Miami alongside Lea, who was a main cast member in the show’s early seasons and returned as a guest in 2022. The couple married in 1994 and shared a son, RJ, while Roy was also the father to a daughter, Nora, from a previous relationship.
Roy Black’s impact on both the legal field and the reality television landscape will be remembered fondly as the couple navigated public life together. He also hosted a brief reality competition show titled The Law Firm in 2005, showcasing his expertise in a unique format.
This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting memories shared between loved ones. As Lea seeks to honor her husband, there is hope that the tributes will celebrate the legacy of a man who was not only a notable legal figure but also a cherished partner and father.