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Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
When 'Real Housewives' Makes Women Want to Be More Than Housewives
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. For some, the Real Housewives is a means to achieve their 15 minutes of fame, but for other cast members, it has been a vehicle to break free from traditional roles expected of women and take financial control of their lives. "They're finding their independence through the show," Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo & Peacock unscripted, told Newsweek. "It's given a lot of them the ability to fulfill a dream or to evolve into something and realize their full potential." When Real Housewives started filming, Andy Cohen didn't believe it had what it takes to become a success. He didn't even think it was worth putting "Orange County" in the title because he didn't see it expanding to other areas. So, highlighting the location wasn't necessary, and it felt clunky. Nearly 20 years later, the franchise has expanded to 11 cities, and more than 150 women have been cast for the show. Generally speaking, the women cast have the kind of money that many people dream of having, often fueled by their husbands' business ventures. They're women who are predominantly focused on raising their families and caring for their husbands, who, often, are blunt about calling the shots in the relationship. But just because they start out in those roles doesn't mean they stay in them. Over the years, viewers have witnessed the evolution of these stars as they transitioned from traditional "housewife" to breadwinner. As one of the original Orange County housewives, Tamra Judge was among those who launched the entire franchise—and after a brief hiatus, she remains on people's screens each week. When Tamra was first on the show, she went by the name Tamra Barney, a last name she shared with her husband, Simon. During the early seasons, viewers saw Tamra kowtowing to Simon's domineering manner. The two said they didn't travel without each other. Simon would question the appropriateness of the Judge's outfits and berate her for the demands of her Housewives career taking her away from time with her children. "He controlled everything," Tamra told Newsweek. "He didn't want me outside of the house. He did not want me to have any life outside of this house and with the kids and that was it. And I really thought that's how it was." At the end of Season 5 of RHOC, viewers watched as Tamra hit her breaking point, declaring in a limousine ride to a party that she wanted a divorce. Then, when Season 6 returned, viewers watched her navigate life as a single mom and a 43-year-old woman who suddenly only had herself to depend on. Tamra Judge attends KIIS FM's Jingle Ball in Los Angeles on December 2, 2022. Tamra Judge attends KIIS FM's Jingle Ball in Los Angeles on December 2, returned to real estate, started selling her clothes on eBay to pay the rent, and eventually opened a gym that would become her primary business for a decade. While she ultimately partnered with her now-husband, Eddie Judge, she retained the majority stake in the company. And, unlike her first marriage, she doesn't rely on Eddie financially. "Being able to take care of yourself and your children is the most amazing feeling in the entire world," Tamra said. "I do credit the show for giving me the platform, the courage to move on and get out of this marriage that I was very unhappy with." The couple has since partnered on a successful CBD business, made smart investments, and Tamra hosts a very popular podcast with former castmate Teddi Mellencamp. Tamra still keeps her real estate license active in case she ever needs it again. While Housewives has been her identity for years, it could end at any time, and when that day comes, she wants a diversified source of income. "The show has been incredible to me and the platform is it's not gonna be there forever," Tamra said. While Tamra was finding her way out of her bad marriage, her castmate, Alexis Bellino, was embarking on a new role as well. A woman who once called her husband, Jim, her "king," viewers watched her step outside her Leave It to Beaver life to create a fashion line and appear on a morning news show. She said that she was initially happy about giving up her career to take on the traditional role, but after joining Housewives, she wanted to pursue a career again. The couple ended up divorcing, something that Alexis said likely would have happened regardless of whether she was cast on Housewives or not, because of their changing definitions of what a marriage should look like. She told Us Weekly that changing the "agreement" of who is going to be the breadwinner and who is going to take care of the kids requires a couple to either grow together in their new roles or face the possibility of breaking up. In Season 11 of Real Housewives of New Jersey, viewers saw that dynamic play out with Melissa and Joe Gorga. Melissa had become a staple of the franchise, with numerous appearances and Envy, a boutique she opened 10 years ago that has since expanded to multiple locations. From what viewers saw, it wasn't necessarily an easy shift for Joe to make, and the tension viewers saw was the culmination of years of changes in the dynamics of their marriage. Having gotten married young, Melissa and Joe started as a very traditional couple. Melissa stayed home with the kids, had dinner on the table when Joe got home and supported him by running the household while he was the breadwinner. "I would have to ask him sometimes for a $100 bill," Melissa told Newsweek. "Sometimes I would say to Joe, like, 'I wanna go to the mall today and like push Antonia around in the stroller, like, can I get some cash?' And I hate that." Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty/Bravo Melissa lost her father at a young age, forcing her to work to support herself through college. When she met Joe, she was already working three jobs. While she always wanted a traditional family, her work ethic was one of the things that drew Joe to her, and that didn't change when they got married. Always receiving compliments on what she wore, Melissa realized she could monetize her sense of style by opening a boutique and selling her own clothing. Viewers watched as Joe had to take on more of the child-rearing while Melissa opened the store and famously said she "makes the crumbs" with her business, while his is the "cake." "I showed my whole journey with that and how it wasn't husband was used to me being home, me being there after school, me getting them to school, you know? The whole thing," Melissa said. "People really gravitated and rooted for me and it was inspiring to a lot of the moms out there who do have hopes and can do both. We can be great moms. We can be great wives and we can also own a business." Women wanting to work and also raise a family isn't a desire confined to reality television shows. It's reminiscent of a shift that's happening in American culture, as well. The number of working moms has doubled since 1975, and the expansion of social media and telework has given women more opportunities than ever before to build flexible work schedules. And as the share of women working rose, so did the number of women who were earning as much or more than their husbands. In 1972, 85 percent of men were the primary or sole breadwinners, according to Pew Research, and by 2022, that number had dropped to 5 percent. During the same time period, the number of women who are the primary or sole breadwinners more than tripled, increasing from 5 percent to 16 percent. But women are still the main caretakers of children, whether they're working or not, and the COVID-19 pandemic showed how fragile that balance can be. Working mothers experienced a greater rise in unemployment during the pandemic when their children transitioned to remote education than working fathers. Women are also more likely than men to take time off work to care for sick kids, according to polls. Unlike Alexis and her husband, Melissa and Joe were able to redefine their roles, offering viewers a glimpse into how couples can successfully navigate the shift. And since opening Envy, Melissa's has started a podcast and launched Let's Sprinkle, a dessert line that has become a runaway success. Joe has been there every step of the way, championing his wife. Melissa Gorga is seen behind the desk at her store "Envy By Melissa Gorga" where she was wearing a hat from the merchandise line of her fellow Housewives star and friend Luann de Lesseps on... Melissa Gorga is seen behind the desk at her store "Envy By Melissa Gorga" where she was wearing a hat from the merchandise line of her fellow Housewives star and friend Luann de Lesseps on March 11, 2025 in Ridgefield, New Jersey. MoreYes, the shift these housewives have undergone has benefited them, but they all agree that it could also be creating generational change. They're women who had a drive to work, and their kids now are getting a firsthand look at what goes into building a business and raising a family. Tamra's teenage daughter caught the entrepreneur bug and has started buying and selling clothes online. Melissa loves that her daughter, Antonia, got to see her build Envy and that her sons, Gino and Joey, got a firsthand look at what it took to get her dessert line off the ground. "I love that my children see the kind of time I put into it, but then they also see the success. So, they see I'm not just missing a game here or there, I'm trying to build something for all of us later in life," Melissa said. "Joe and I were explaining to them that there's a financial part of this learning that it's not all fun and games." Transitioning from a traditional housewife to the breadwinner isn't as simple as getting on a reality television show, although the platform certainly helps. For most women who appear on the show, their success doesn't transcend the franchise—building an empire off the back of reality television requires drive and hard work. Both Melissa and Tamra worked before the show and said they probably would have gone back to work eventually with or without it. But, being on Real Housewives opened doors they never thought possible, and the key to their success is harnessing their brand and being authentic. It's not enough to slap your name on a product; you need to connect with fans in a real way. Berwick said it's not for everyone because it means you're never off the clock. Bravo stars are stopped on the streets to hear what fans of the show think about their lives and give unsolicited advice, because once you let people into your life, like reality stars do, it's hard to turn the tap off. For the women who harness that celebrity, the opportunities are life-changing. "I think there is a school of thought for people who don't watch Bravo that this is a sometimes negative representation of women," Berwick said. "I think we are showing a lot of women being incredibly successful and doing powerful things and using their voices."
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Reality star, 46, admits agonising wild sex injury – leaving co-stars horrified
REAL Housewives of Orange County star Gretchen Rossi made an x-rated revelation in the show's latest trailer. The 46-year-old actress is making her return to the RHOC franchise and appeared in the trailer for the 19th season of the Bravo reality show where her and fiance, Slade Smiley, shared a bedroom secret. 4 4 The two were chatting with castmate Emily Simpson, when Gretchen tells her, 'I broke his penis for real.' Slade is seen nodding in agreement as Gretchen bends her finger to demonstrate the injury adding, "like this." The NSFW confession was quickly replaced with other edits of Gretchen's RHOC comeback. She is returning to RHOC as 'a friend of the show' and will co-star along fellow housewives, Emily Simpson, Shannon Beador, Heather Dubrow, Tamra Judge, Gina Kirschenheiter, Jennifer Pedranti and Katie Ginella. Elsewhere in the trailer, she appears to be reigniting her feud with Tamra when Emily is seen telling the latter, 'Gretchen said you had an affair.' The trailer also shows the two women going head to head in what seems like an explosive confrontation. Tamra is seen yelling at Gretchen: 'For 12 years you've been going after me.' And Gretchen says back to her: 'It's not the same thing.' Gretchen first debuted on RHOC in 2008 when she was diagnosed to Jeff Beitzel, but he died from cancer as that season began premiering. She then met Slade who had previously been engaged to another RHOC star, Jo De La Rosa. Gretchen proposed to Slade in 2013 and they welcome daughter Skylar five years ago. Gretchen experienced tragedy in 2023 when her stepson Grayson died from cancer at only 22 years old. She's also stepmom to Gavin, 32. The Real Housewives of Orange County season 19 premieres Thursday, July 10, at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo, and can be streamed the next day on Peacock. 4
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Teddi Mellencamp CONFIRMS new romance amid cancer battle
Teddi Mellencamp is getting candid about her dating life, amid her cancer battle and divorce from Edwin Arroyave. The 43-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star spoke openly about the new man in her life during the Tuesday's episode of her Two Ts In a Pod podcast, which she co-hosts cohosted with Tamra Judge. In the latest show, she confirmed her budding romance after DailyMail exclusively cozy photos of her and her beau. 'I'm dating somebody,' she shared with listeners. 'He's very kind to me, he's taking good care of me. He's nice, he's not married, he doesn't have any kids. But he's also a private person.' The mother-of-three opted to keep her new suitor's name private, explaining, 'I asked him, like, "Do I even say your name?" and he's, like, it's really whatever you want to do, like, "I know you're a public person."' Teddi initially revealed that she was seeing a special someone back in March. It's unclear if the man she spoke about on Tuesday is that same person. Speaking with fellow Bravo celebrity Erika Jayne on her Diamonds in the Rough podcast, she teased, 'I went on a second date.' She added, 'So I went on a first date, pre-the [cancer] thing, and then I went on a second date yesterday actually. He's really cute and nice.' Erika asked Teddi if her doctors gave her the okay to date as she pointed out, 'I know that they told you that you could ride horses.' Mellencamp enthusiastically replied, 'Yes!' before showing the Chicago actress photos of her love interest. Taking on a protective tone, Jayne then said, 'Wait a second, okay. What are his intentions? Do I need to get on the phone with this fool?' Mellencamp then noted that the guy didn't know about her time on Real Housewives ahead of their meeting. 'He doesn't know s***,' she laughed, adding, 'But it's weird. He's like, so nice then I get panicked. But I have been on two dates.' She shared with podcast listeners that the two dates went 'really well' and noted that the person is 35 and 'works in events.' Teddi announced her split from her husband of 13 years, Edwin, in November. The exes share daughters Slate, 12, Dove, five, and son Cruz, 10. While Arroyave stepped up to help care for and support her amid her health crisis, the couple have maintained their intention to move forward with their divorce. 'Their divorce was on hold as Edwin was taking care of Teddi,' a source close to the couple told in May. It was added, 'She was staying at the home that they share together past several months. While Edwin is dedicated to continuing to help Teddi however he can in her recovery, they have decided to progress with their divorce. 'Their marriage is over and they want to put an end to this and finalize it amicably and with much respect.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teddi Mellencamp receives 'really good' news amid cancer fight
Teddi Mellencamp's body is responding well to immunotherapy. The 43-year-old TV star recently revealed via social media that her tumours had either shrunk or disappeared since starting her cancer treatment, and Teddi has now delivered another positive update, confirming that her immunotherapy treatment appears to be working. During her latest appearance on 'Two Ts In a Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge', she shared: "Last time, they had checked solely my brain, and those tumours are shrinking. And then, today I had the scan, where they checked my lungs and they are shrinking and one of them has shrunk so much you can barely even see it." Despite this, Teddi will have to continue with immunotherapy - which uses a patient's own immune system to fight cancer - for the next two years. She said: "So every four weeks for the next two years, I have to come in and get that done. And then every three months I get another scan and we check to make sure that everything is where it is." Asked whether immunotherapy was controlling or curing her cancer, Teddi replied: "It's both. "It's making sure that it's getting smaller and then let's say that it gets so small that it disappears, it's making sure that it won't form anywhere else in my body. "I was a little bit worried about having to live on immunotherapy because you know how I am when I get super emotional on certain days. But I think that the fact that this is all moving in a smooth path forward is really good news." Teddi recently revealed that her tumours had either "shrunk or disappeared". The reality TV star took to social media to explain that she was "on course" to make a recovery, amid her ongoing cancer battle. Teddi wrote on Instagram: "One update I couldn't wait to share! "All tumors stage 4 (metastasized melanoma in my brain and lungs) shrunk or disappeared so I have 6ish more weeks of immunotherapy and doctors believe I will be healed if everything stays on course. "Thank you to everyone who has sent their love, prayers, and positivity [heart emojis] (sic)"
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teddi Mellencamp Details Throwing Up 85 Times Amid Hospitalization
Originally appeared on E! Online is holding nothing back. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum detailed her weekslong hospitalization for multiple brain tumors, revealing what really happened after she underwent emergency surgery in February. "I was wretched in the hospital," she began on the March 13 episode of her and Tamra Judge's Two Ts In A Pod podcast. "It was a bad 17 days for everyone in my life." In addition to experiencing "patchy" spots in her memory, Teddi said she was "put on all these medications" with intense side effects. "I was on a sodium drip," she explained. "They made me take these disgusting sodium pills that I threw up every day." The 43-year-old continued, "One day, I remember I had just thrown up, like, 85 times from the stupid salt pills." But that wasn't all. Teddi said she also spent some time with her hands restrained because she "kept wanting to touch" the scars on the back of her head from the surgery. More from E! Online Why Teen Mom Star Amber Portwood's Daughter Leah, 16, Wants Stepmom Kristina Shirley to Adopt Her Will Your Zodiac Sign Be Affected by This Lunar Eclipse? Astrologer Aliza Kelly Reveals What to Expect Paige DeSorbo Details Ex Craig Conover's Darkest Days of Drinking Amid Addiction Battle "I didn't take the hand restraints well," she shared. "I would try to rip my hands out of them." Eventually, Teddi was discharged to a hotel with a full-time nurse. There, she learned that doctors discovered more tumors in her head and lungs despite having already removed four from her brain. 'Once I understood," she recalled, "I got really sad." Teddi is now undergoing immunotherapy and radiation to treat the remaining tumors, which she said makes her feel "absolutely terrible." "I have the worst headache," she tearfully revealed. "I feel back to how I felt at the beginning." Still, Teddi—who is the daughter of John Mellencamp and Victoria Granucci—is keeping her head up. As she put it, a nurse recently explained to her that "the fact that you're in pain right now is huge, because it means it's attacking the cancer." She added of her recovery journey, "I'm feeling really positive." For more celebrities speaking out about their health, keep reading... Christy Carlson Romano's Eye InjuryAmy Schumer's Cushing SyndromeHailey Bieber's Blood ClotJustin Bieber's Ramsay Hunt SyndromeJamie Foxx's Brain Bleed & StrokeEmilia Clarke's Brain AneurysmCori Broadus's StrokeShailene Woodley's Health Battle For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
