Fans of the early-2000s sitcom Reba often notice that Kyra Hart, played by Scarlett Pomers, sometimes appears to walk with a limp or is missing from multiple episodes altogether. This observation has led to widespread speculation about whether it was a character choice, a plotline, or something connected to the actress herself.

The truth is tied to real-life health challenges that affected Scarlett Pomers during the filming of Reba. Here’s the complete breakdown of what happened, why it influenced Kyra’s on-screen appearances, and how the show handled it.

1. Who Is Kyra Hart in the Sitcom Reba?

Kyra Hart is the middle child of Reba Hart, portrayed by country music star Reba McEntire.

• Known for her sarcastic humor and quick wit.
• Often the “voice of reason” in the Hart family, especially with her older sister Cheyenne and younger brother Jake.
• Portrayed as musically talented, mirroring Scarlett Pomers’ real-life ability as a singer.

Kyra was a main character for most of the show’s six seasons, but attentive viewers noticed that she was absent for a significant number of episodes during season five — and when she returned, she sometimes appeared thinner and, in some scenes, moved differently.

2. Scarlett Pomers’ Health Struggles Behind the Scenes

The real reason Kyra’s on-screen presence changed is that Scarlett Pomers was dealing with a severe eating disorder.

• In late 2005, at the age of 17, Pomers was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
• She reportedly weighed just 73 pounds when she entered treatment.
• The illness required her to take an extended leave from filming Reba to focus on recovery.

During this time, Pomers was absent from the majority of season five episodes, and the writers gave minimal in-story explanation for Kyra’s absence (mostly referencing that she was “at band camp” or with friends).

3. Was the Limp Part of the Character or a Result of Recovery?

While there has been speculation online about Kyra walking with a limp, there is no evidence in official sources that Scarlett Pomers had a permanent injury or that the limp was scripted for her character.

What likely happened is:

• Post-recovery physical changes — After returning from treatment, Pomers’ body was still regaining strength, and this may have subtly affected her movement in certain episodes.
• Camera blocking and editing — Some shots make gait differences more noticeable, especially after a long absence.
• Fan perception — Because viewers were aware of her health break, any change in movement was more noticeable and sometimes interpreted as a limp.

The show never addressed a limp in the script, so if it occurred, it was likely incidental rather than intentional.

4. How Reba Addressed Kyra’s Absence and Return

Reba took a gentle approach in handling Scarlett Pomers’ absence:

• The producers supported her leave, prioritizing her recovery over production schedules.
• They did not write out her character permanently, keeping the door open for her return.
• When Pomers came back for season six, Kyra’s role was lighter but still integral to the family dynamic.

This respectful handling earned the production team praise from both fans and mental health advocates, as it allowed Pomers to heal without sensationalizing her illness.

5. Life After Reba: Scarlett Pomers’ Career and Advocacy

After Reba ended in 2007, Scarlett Pomers shifted her focus away from acting:

• Pursued music, performing with her band SCARLETT and releasing an EP.
• Became an advocate for eating disorder awareness, speaking publicly about her recovery.
• Transitioned to a more private life, occasionally appearing at fan events or in interviews.

Pomers’ openness about her struggle has helped destigmatize eating disorders in the entertainment industry and among young fans.

6. The Lasting Impact on Fans and the Show’s Legacy

The story of Kyra’s absence and the speculation about her limp highlight two key points about Reba’s impact:

• Fans cared deeply about the character — enough to notice subtle changes in her appearance and movement.
• The show modeled compassion by supporting an actress through a serious health crisis.

Today, Reba is remembered as much for its heartwarming comedy as for the way it handled behind-the-scenes challenges with empathy and respect. And while Kyra’s occasional different gait sparked curiosity, it ultimately served as a reminder that actors are human, and their well-being matters more than constant screen time.

Final Thoughts
Kyra from Reba did not have a scripted reason for walking with a limp — if viewers noticed gait differences, they were likely a side effect of Scarlett Pomers’ real-life health recovery rather than a character plotline. The actress’ journey through illness and recovery remains a powerful reminder of the pressures on young performers, and Reba’s handling of the situation stands as a positive example in television history.