Luann de Lesseps is looking back on her Real Housewives of New York City journey — and just how much it transformed her life.
The longtime Bravo star reflected on her experience to TV week as the franchise celebrates 20 years, admitting the show had a lasting impact on both her personal life and career.
“Housewives has changed my life completely,” Luann said.
Over the years, Luann has gone from countess to cabaret star, all while navigating relationships, divorce, and personal ups and downs in front of millions of viewers.
“It was not easy, particularly when the women had fights, and really unpleasant ones,” she admitted.
Still, she says the experience came with unforgettable moments.
“But I got to sing with Natalie Cole on the show. I got to travel with the girls doing cast trips. That was fun.”
As Bravo prepares to celebrate the franchise’s 20th anniversary with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls’ Trip: Roaring 20th, Luann teased that fans can expect classic Housewives energy.
“This OG trip is just fantastic,” she said. “There were tears. There was drama. There’s joy. There are surprises.”
According to Luann, the franchise’s impact goes far beyond reality TV — even reaching the highest levels of pop culture.
“Even Michelle Obama knows everything about the Housewives,” she said.
Luann recalled a moment that highlighted just how widely known the show has become.
“She was talking about Teresa going to jail. That and her table flipping scene were history-making.”
Looking back, Luann says the original Housewives still hold a special place with fans, even after cast changes and reboots.
Now, that nostalgia is being tapped into again with the upcoming E! series The Golden Life, which will feature returning OG stars.
“The flavour is always there – it’s always been there,” Luann said.
“You can’t change the taste of coffee. I mean, you can – but it’s not going to be as good!”
After two decades, Luann’s message is clear: Housewives didn’t just change her life — it became part of pop culture history.
25 comments
producer-drivenscripted. I know people with serious money (including family members) and no lives, let alone acts like these loons. In my mind, the only hope for the series is to get back to the basics, meaning REAL people with REAL connections ... the way OC and NJ started out.producer-drivenscripted. I know people with serious money (including family members) and no lives, let alone acts like these loons. In my mind, the only hope for the series is to get back to the basics, meaning REAL people with REAL connections ... the way OC and NJ started out.