The first episode of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” premiered nearly ten years ago. That’s hard to believe, considering the show is still on the air today and amasses millions of viewers each episode.
The first season of the “The Real Housewives of Orange County” was only a slight precursor to the eventual success and the cultural phenomenon “The Real Housewives” franchise would become.
Two years after the premiere of “Orange County,” “The Real Housewives of New York City” premiered. Atlanta, New Jersey, Washington DC, Beverly Hills, and Miami iterations of the franchise followed.
The growing of the franchise spearheaded the fame and careers of tabloid staples and “Bravolebrities” Bethenny Frankel, Nene Leakes, Teresa Giudice and Lisa Vanderpump.
The original ‘wives of the “OC” were almost clueless to the eventual success the Bravo show would become.
In the first season, there was barely any conflict between the ladies, Andy Cohen did not host the reunion special and the cast was made up of a modest amount of five women.
These women, considered by many as the First Ladies of Bravo have a special place in the hearts and minds of fans of the show.
Vicki Gunvalson: Calling herself the “OG of the OC,” Gunvalson is currently starring in her tenth season in the franchise. Throughout her long time on the show, she has dealt with a divorce, her children moving, cheating accusations and most recently, the death of her mother on-camera. Her current storyline is the speculation of whether or not her now ex-boyfriend, Brooks Ayers is lying about his cancer.
Jeana Keough: The former playboy model left the show in its fifth season, citing the downturn in her Real Estate sales. Keough still makes the occasional appearance on the show, catching up with former castmates such as Gunvalson and Tamra Barney. Keough’s daughter, Kara Keough Bosworth married football player Kyle Bosworth in 2014 and is currently expecting a child.
Jo De La Rosa: Jo De la Rosa did not return to “Housewives” in the show’s third season. Jo’s love interest on the show, Slade Smiley returned to the mix in the fifth season, dating cast-member Gretchen Rossi. As of 2014, Jo resides in Los Angeles, working at an Advertising company.
Lauri Waring Peterson: Peterson did not return to the show after its fourth season to focus on her home life. Peterson, who generally avoided conflict in her original run on the show, returned to the eighth season of “Housewives” in a lesser role and stirred up drama with Vicki Gunvalson. Peterson accused Gunvalson of having an extra-marital affair on her ex-husband, Don Gunvalson.
Kimberly Bryant: Bryant was the only “Orange County” cast member to leave the show after its first season. As of 2014, Bryant lives in a suburb of Chicago and dedicates her time to charity events.