The Real Housewives of Orange County is back, and new cast member Carmella Garcia is bracing herself for a dramatic season.
“I hope that the viewers show a little grace, because it wasn’t easy,” Carmella exclusively told Us Weekly before the season 20 premiere in July 2026. “There were a lot of very difficult moments, and we had so many great times. I am so grateful, but it wasn’t the easiest.”
Based on the trailer, Carmella may find herself butting heads with the OG of the OC, Vicki Gunvalson. At the same time, she will build close relationships with Jennifer Pedranti and Heather Dubrow.
“I’m sure I look very messy at times,” Carmella teased. “I’m sure there are moments that I’m not proud of, but as a whole, I’m proud to be a part of this franchise.”
Keep reading to learn more about Carmella and watch RHOC on Bravo Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET. Stream new episodes the next day on Peacock.
Carmella Garcia Is a Mother of 4
Season 20 cameras rolled as Carmella raised four teens ranging in age from 14 to 18.
“I’m the sensitive [mom]. Sometimes I can be cool, but my kids don’t think so,” Carmella told Us. “I have a lot of rules, very OCD, but my kids are everything. I live for them, love them so much, and I’m just grateful to be their mom.”
When asked if they enjoyed filming for Bravo, Carmella said her daughters “were all about it” while her sons could “take it or leave it.”
Carmella Garcia Is Connected to the Oppenheim Group
Although she didn’t appear on Netflix’s Selling the OC, Carmella works with Jason Oppenheim and various members of the Oppenheim Group as a broker associate.
“Carmella specializes in identifying opportunities, maximizing value and bringing high-level projects to life,” according to her online bio. “With over $100 million in career sales, she has successfully represented buyers, sellers and developers across some of the region’s most exclusive coastal and luxury communities.”
Carmella Garcia’s History With ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’
Although Carmella was friends with Jennifer — the pair share the same hairdresser — before joining the cast, Bravo’s newest reality star said she didn’t watch much of the show before filming.
“I watched a little bit of season 19. It’s probably better that I didn’t because I do feel like I could come in and really be the most authentic version of myself,” she said. “There were a couple of times that I thought, ‘Wow, I should have paid more attention and watched.’ But I don’t think anything could prepare you.”
When asked if she will watch herself on season 20, Carmella was unsure.
“I feel like it’s probably better that I don’t watch it, but I don’t know if I can stop myself,” she joked. “I’m curious to see how bad of a train wreck I am.”
Carmella Garcia Was a ‘Playboy’ Playmate
Long before joining The Real Housewives of Orange County, Carmella was Playboy’s Miss April 2003 and the publication’s 2004 Playmate of the Year.
As loyal fans recall, original cast member Jeana Keough was Playboy’s November 1980 Playmate of the Month.
Where Does Carmella Garcia Live?
Although she was born and raised in Ohio, Carmella moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18 to pursue a career in modeling.
She currently splits her time between Corona Del Mar (the same city where The Quiet Woman is located for food and drinks) and Rancho Santa Fe, California.
