Twins share a womb, so it’s unsurprising that at some point, becoming independent of one another can be difficult. For Tamera Mowry-Housley and Tia Mowry, that separation once created friction in their relationship. Housley recently shared a real example of this experience while on the Barely Famous podcast. The host asked the Sister, Sister actress what it’s like creating your own identity in the entertainment industry as twins, when she recalled a challenging and transitional time during her relationship with Tia.
It was during the period when they moved out of their parents’ house and lived together for six years. Housley described it as “one of the hardest transitions of my life” because they realized how different they truly are while sharing space.
“I remember asking Tia, ‘Who the hell are you? Who is this?’ Then she was like, ‘Well, who are you?’ Because we’re different,” she recalled.
Housley explained that they were “evolving into these different human beings,” which was challenging because they were so used to being the same.
“I remember us having this epiphany. We’re different. You’re the yin to my yang. We actually balance each other out when we tap into our authenticity and who we are made and called to be” she added. The two indeed have different personalities, which social media users often elucidate to the point of unhealthy comparison.
Since the Sister, Sister years, filmed 1994-1999, the twins, now 47, have gone on to get married (and divorced in Tia’s case), have kids, and lead separate careers. In 2024, Mowry disclosed that she wished she and Housley were still as close as they used to be during her docuseries Tia Mowry: My Next Act.
“I came into this world with a twin, and right after that, I went into a 22-year relationship, so I have never been alone in my life. It has been quite a journey,” Mowry said. “Being alone has been the most challenging part of my divorce,” she added. “It’s times like this when I feel and wish that my sister and I were still close, and I could pick up the phone and call her. But that’s just not where we are right now.”
This created speculation that the two were at odds and their relationship wasn’t in a good place.
Housley didn’t help the situation as she said she was unaware her twin was even filming a show at the time. “Tia is living her life right now, and Tia is doing Tia,” she said during a red carpet interview. In response, The Game actress eventually came out to clarify her comments, claiming the two were still close and her comments on the show were about them living in separate places and being preoccupied with their respective careers and family life. The twins further debunked rumors while doing a joint holiday campaign with Home Goods last fall that brought them to New York City.
“Tia and I always find ways to stay connected, no matter how busy things get — whether that’s decorating together virtually or sending each other photos of our latest HomeGoods finds!” Housley told ESSENCE. “Our time in New York City was incredible — full of laughter, sisterhood, and so many holiday (and shopping) moments. Seeing our different holiday aesthetics side-by-side — her whimsical sparkle and my cozy tradition — was so much fun. There’s nothing better than making memories together while celebrating what we love most about the season.”