Luann de Lesseps

Luann de Lesseps (née Nadeau) is a television personality, singer, author and former model best known as an original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City. Often referred to as “Countess Luann,” she gained fame through the Bravo franchise and later expanded her career with music and cabaret performances. De Lesseps spent her childhood in Berlin, Connecticut, and was raised in a large family. Before entering reality TV, she worked as a licensed practical nurse and briefly pursued a career in modeling.

De Lesseps joined The Real Housewives of New York City when it premiered in 2008 and quickly became one of the franchise’s breakout stars. She remained a central cast member for 13 seasons, with viewers following her personal and professional milestones on and off screen. Beyond reality TV, she briefly ventured into music, releasing singles like “Money Can’t Buy You Class” and “Girl Code.” She later authored the etiquette book Class with the Countess (2009) and launched her successful Countess and Friends cabaret show, which evolved into multiple touring productions.

In 2026, De Lesseps was announced as a cast member of the RHONY spinoff The Golden Life.

De Lesseps married Count Alexandre de Lesseps in 1993 and received the courtesy title of Countess through the marriage. They share daughter Victoria and son Noel before divorcing in 2009. She went on to wed Tom D’Agostino Jr. in 2016. The pair announced their split less than a year later and finalized their divorce in 2017. She later moved on with Michael Riemerschmid.