Real Housewives of Orange County star Heather Dubrow is no stranger to the spotlight — or the drama that comes with it. The longtime Bravo personality, who first joined the franchise in 2012, returned for season 16 and is back in the mix for another season that’s already stirring buzz.
Life & Style caught up with Heather, 56, at Los Angeles Magazine’s LA Woman Luncheon, held at the Beverly Hilton on April 18, where Paris Hilton was honored as Woman of the Year. The former actress turned reality star and podcaster opened up about the upcoming season, how reality TV has evolved, and how she stays grounded as both a mom and a media figure.
While she couldn’t spill all the details, she hinted at just how juicy the upcoming season of RHOC is going to be.
“I can’t really say anything,” she admitted, “but what I will say is it’s a fantastic season. It’s unbelievable. And that’s why these shows work: because truth is stranger than fiction.”
Now a veteran of the reality TV game, Heather, reflected on just how much has changed since she first appeared on the show over a decade ago. “It’s so different,” she explained. “When I was first on the show, it was very different.” She added,” When I came back, I really had to adjust to how far these shows have come and how savvy new cast members are — because it wasn’t always like that.”
But while the new generation of Housewives might be slick, Heather makes it clear she’s not easily rattled.
“They think they know how to work the show,” she said with a smile. “You need to be beyond real. But the truth is, when you think you’re smarter than the show—you’ve lost.”
That kind of confidence only comes with experience, and Heather handles behind-the-scenes gossip and on-screen drama with grace. Still, she admits that the calculated moves of newer cast members—sometimes causing rumors or stirring the pot just for airtime—are a very real part of today’s Housewives world.
“I’m very lucky — my kids, knock on wood, they’re good kids,” the mother of four shared. “But I think it’s about communication. You have to instill gratitude in your kids, whether you’re on TV or not. They’re living in a certain home, having all these wonderful things—how do you keep them grounded? Gratitude. And lots of communication. Very important.”
As she juggles filming, gossip, family and fashion, Heather still makes time for her podcast, “Let’s Talk with Heather Dubrow.” There she shares lifestyle tips, expert wellness advice, candid parenting stories and celebrity chats with guests like Bekah Martinez and Jackie Schimmel.
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