Kyle Richards says there’s a reason she’s on the show.
The Real Housewives are getting honest about the money that comes with longevity in the Bravo universe.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Vicki Gunvalson, Kyle Richards, Luann de Lesseps, Gizelle Bryant, Lisa Barlow and Porsha Williams opened up about Housewives salaries, staying power and what it feels like to be brought back after being fired.
When asked if a Housewife’s salary gets bigger the longer they stay on the show, Vicki had a simple answer.
“Of course it does!” Vicki said.
Kyle Richards also made it clear that while she loves the people she works with, she is not showing up for free.
“I mean, I love my crew, but I’m not here for nothing,” Kyle said.
Luann de Lesseps joked that no matter how big the paycheck gets, it never feels like enough.
“And let’s just say, as big as it gets, it’s never enough!” Luann said.
Gizelle Bryant then pointed out that conversations about salary seem to happen differently when women are the ones being paid big money.
“Money is never a conversation with men,” Gizelle said. “If we were all men, there would never be a conversation of, ‘Hm, are y’all getting paid too much?’”
The women were also asked what they see themselves doing in another 20 years and whether a Golden Girls-style Housewives edition could be in the future.
Lisa Barlow was immediately into the idea.
“I’d love it, personally,” Lisa said.
Porsha Williams joked that she is trying to keep her Bravo check for as long as the Beverly Hills ladies.
“I always say I want to hold onto my check as long as the Beverly Hills girls,” Porsha said. “Y’all don’t let it go!”
Luann then made it clear that if Kyle is still around, the rest of them will be too.
“If Kyle’s still here, we’re all here,” Luann joked.
The conversation then shifted to Vicki, who launched the entire Housewives franchise with The Real Housewives of Orange County, was later let go, and then returned to the show.
When asked what being fired taught her, Vicki admitted she needed a reset.
“I needed a reset,” Vicki said. “I was burned out. I wanted to focus on my business and my children.”
But Vicki also admitted that when Tamra Judge returned and she did not, it stung.
“Then Tamra came back and I didn’t,” Vicki shared. “I called Andy. ‘Why is she on and not me? I started before her.’”
Eventually, Vicki got her orange back.
“They took me back,” Vicki said. “It was like a humble pie was served to me.”
Gizelle said she loved seeing how supportive people were when Vicki returned.
“I love how everyone was so supportive when you came back,” Gizelle said. “People cried when they gave you back your orange!”