It’s been nearly two decades since the world was introduced to “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” Since the show’s debut in March 2006, many faces have come and gone. The OG’s from season 1 have all moved on, and the only star from the early days of the show who is still part of the main cast is Tamra Judge. So, what happened to the RHOC stars of the past? Here’s what we know.
‘RHOC’ Season 1 Stars Have Moved on From Reality TV
Kimberly Bryant was part of the original RHOC cast, but she only starred on the Bravo series for one season. She left the world of reality TV behind and has kept a low profile ever since, with the exception of making brief guest appearances in seasons 3 and 4. Bryant moved her family, including daughter Bianca and son Travis, to the Chicago suburbs where she focuses on area charity events.
Jo De La Rosa was part of the RHOC main cast in seasons 1 and 2. Then, she made cameos in seasons 3 and 4 before leaving the show for good. According to Us Weekly, De La Rosa briefly starred in the spinoff “Date My Ex: Jo and Slade,” but then she made a career change. De La Rosa moved to Los Angeles and got a job in advertising.
In 2015, she announced her engagement to Mark Lovette, the CEO and founder of Empire Digital. But, they never made it down the aisle. They split the following year, and then she married Taran Gray in May 2022.
The ‘OG of the OC’ Finally Moves On
Vicki Gunvalson, the self-described “OG of the OC” starred on the Bravo series for 13 seasons before she was demoted to a friend in season 14. Since then, she has returned as a guest for seasons 17 and 18. Gunvalson got engaged in April 2019 to Steve Lodge, but they put their wedding on hold during the pandemic and have yet to tie the knot.
Gunvalson moved out of the OC and bought a lake house in North Carolina to be near her daughter, Briana Culberson. She also purchased a vacation home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Meanwhile, Gunvalson’s co-star for the first five seasons, Jeana Keough, has also moved on from reality TV life. After starring in seasons 1 through 5, Keough has made multiple guest appearances on RHOC. But, the real estate agent and mother of three is more focused on family and being a grandma.
Her daughter Kara gave birth to a baby girl in January 2016, and in March 2021 she welcomed a son named Vaughn. Keough has also had her share of heartbreak in recent years. She finalized her divorce from former MLB pitcher Matt Keough in 2019 — 15 years of they split.
Then, Kara lost a baby in childbirth in April 2020. And one month later, Keough’s ex-husband — the father of her three children — passed away at the age of 64.
RHOC star Lauri Peterson Has Suffered Serious Heartbreak Since Her Exit
Lauri Peterson was a full-time cast member on RHOC for the first four seasons, then she made guest appearances in seasons 5 and 8. Since her exit from the show, Peterson has often shared photos on social media of her husband, George, her adult two daughters and son Josh, and Josh’s daughter Kennedy.
Peterson adopted Kennedy in 2015 amid Josh’s struggles with substance abuse. He was arrested in 2016 after allegedly shooting a man in California and leaving the scene with a stolen car. Peterson stood by her son, and even took the stand in an April 2018 court hearing.
Josh eventually accepted a plea deal and was released from jail in March 2020. However, in April 2024, Peterson announced on Instagram that her son had died at the age of 35.
“Not everyone understands those suffering from substance abuse disorder, but I am forever grateful for your understanding and the impact you made on his life,” she wrote.
“I also thank those who have supported me through this journey and offering kind words of encouragement by sharing their stories of living with substance abuse disorder and the many parents that have shared their stories over the years with me about the children they have sadly lost due to this illness.”
RHOC seasons are streaming on Peacock. Season 19 premieres July 10 on Bravo.
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RHOC Season 1: Where Are They Now?