Who is Vicki Gunvalson?
The current OG in “The Real Housewives of Orange County” is Vicki Gunvalson. Her presence in the show is as iconic as the California sun. She’s a reality TV celebrity, businesswoman, and rocket that first hit our screens in 2006. By then, all she probably aspired to be was a simple girl trying to create a fortune in an insurance company, with a “Housewives” spin-off in her résumé.
Vicki Gunvalson Career
Vicki’s career proves that indeed sometimes one has to take the road less traveled to the reality TV hall of fame and some serious dough. She began down the totem pole at Swensen’s Ice Cream Shop, Wendy’s, and Jewel Food Stores, among others. After her “separation” from Michael Wolfsmith, it was time to get into the insurance business. But she didn’t just take a glimpse—she cannonballed into it and emerged after a year as it, one of their top salespersons.
Vicki joined “The Real Housewives of Orange County” in 2006, and her life quickly became one giant reality TV soap opera, replete with dramatic arguments, extravagant parties, and more than a few catchphrases. She remained on the show through Season 13, making headlines for her infamous clashes with Tamra Judge. Although Vicki may be gone from the series as a full-time cast member, some occasional guest appearances continue to keep her in the public eye. Beyond “RHOC,” Vicki has made appearances on several reality television series like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” “Tamra’s OC Wedding,” and “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.” She even had her podcast, “Whoop It Up with Vicki,” because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to hear Vicki’s thoughts when they’re on the treadmill or sitting in stand-still traffic?
Vicki Gunvalson’s Net Worth
Vicki Gunvalson has a net worth of $7 million in 2024. So, how she does make that money? Here’s how:
Reality Show Appearances: Vicki was one of the longest-running cast members on “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” Her check from the show was rumored at about $500,000 per season. And considering she was on for 13 seasons as a leading cast member, that adds up faster than you can say “Whoop It Up!”
Business Ventures: The craziness on TV is truly only one side of Vicki, who also happens to be quite a businesswoman. She owned Coto Insurance and Financial Services, which she expanded to Bellevue, Washington, and Atlanta. So, while fighting with Tamra on TV, she also has her hands deep in smart business moves.
Real Estate Investments: The real estate game of Vicki is strong. She once had a stunning home listed in Coto De Caza for $2.695 million. This place had all the trimmings: high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, and a backyard pool with a waterfall and a grotto bar. It was practically an “RHOC” set in its own right!
Vicki is a 62-year-old woman, born in 1962. Currently 62 years old, she has never taken “no” for an answer when it comes to fun and the great outdoors. They say one becomes younger with age, and she could be a good example of it. Anyway, it’s proven that age is just a case of numbers, especially with an engaging wardrobe and, of course, a drama queen.
Vicki Gunvalson Family: Husband and Children
Vicki has had highs and lows in romantic love. First, she was married to Michael Wolfsmith from 1982 until 1991, and their union produced two children, Briana and Michael. Her divorce from Michael left Vicki a single mom, but that did not slow her down.
She has since remarried to Donn Gunvalson in 1994, and their relationship played itself out on “RHOC,” including renewing their vows onscreen before eventually divorcing in 2014. Not to mention, Vicki is very complicated with Donn and sometimes frustrates herself by how things went down in the past.
Vicki was also in a good relationship with Brooks Ayers, who was highly controversial and added so much controversy to Vicki’s life. Romance with him was full of scandals and public drama, and Brooks, at some point, was even accused of fabricating medical documents to support that he was not faking his pancreatic cancer. Vicki’s latest romance with Steve Chavez Lodge ended in 2021. She then struck a relationship with Michael Smith, and from the looks of it, the two seem to be enjoying a lot.
Vicki Gunvalson Height and Weight
Vicki can boast good measurements, being 5′ 6¾” (1.69m) high and weighing 148 lbs. Anyway, she always looked taut and fabulous no matter how her weight dwindled to nothing. It always was her thing to seem proud confident and charismatic, and Vicki can always take the eye, no matter what the scales show.
Also Read: Lydia Ko Net Worth 2024: How Much is the New Zealand Professional Golfer Worth?
