Reality TV

Former ‘Real Housewives of New York City’ Stars: Where Are They Now?

May 4, 2021

More than a decade in the Big Apple! The Real Housewives of New York City premiered in 2008, but not every Housewife has gone the distance.

The season 1 cast of RHONY included Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Bethenny Frankel, Jill Zarin and Alex McCord. While Kelly Bensimon joined the cast during season 2, Sonja Morgan became a full-time cast member during season 3 and Cindy Barshop earned an apple during season 4. The show saw its biggest shake-up ahead of season 5, with Jill, Alex, Kelly and Cindy exiting. (Bethenny left after season 3 and briefly starred in spinoffs Bethenny Getting Married? and Bethenny Ever After?)

“That was a scary time but also, it reenergized the show and took it into a lot of different directions,” Andy Cohen said during a 2018 panel about firing three cast members in 2012.

“I was out in the field for that first season,” executive producer Lisa Shannon added. “It was three newbies and three veterans. And there was that polarizing divide between the women that, this is how we do it and this is how it’s done. When you come on and you’re new and you’re by yourself, you just kind of have to defer. But this was 50 percent of the cast. It really was an interesting chemistry shakeup. And also trying to mentor three new cast members into what it’s like to open up your life and to really be free and be yourself. It was terrifying as a producer. I was like, ‘I don’t know if it’s going to work.’”

Ramona, Sonja and Luann were joined by Aviva Drescher, Carole Radziwill and Heather Thomson for season 5.

“At the end of every season, we talk to the women about what they have coming up and whether they want to come back,” Cohen said about changing up the cast. “What they see for the future. Then we also look at the show and say, ‘How do we want to change the show?’”

He added: “I think part of the reason the entire franchise is successful is it’s an ensemble show. It’s all about what’s best for the group. What’s best for the ensemble? How’s it going to be different? Do we want to continue this conversation? Do we want to pivot into a new conversation?”

Listen to Ramona Singer tell Us Weekly editors what it was like filming season 13 of ROHNY during COVID-19.

While Bethenny returned for season 7 (and left again ahead of season 12), former stars Aviva, Heather, Carole, Kristen Taekman, Jules Wainstein, Tinsley Mortimer and Dorinda Medley are all no longer part of the cast as RHONY enters season 13. In addition to longtime Housewives Ramona, Luann and Sonja, the 2021 season stars Leah McSweeney and Eboni K. Williams.

Scroll through to see what the women who left the hit Bravo series have been up to:

Credit: Michael Lavine/Getty Images; Jay Sullivan/Getty Image (2)

Former ‘Real Housewives of New York City’ Stars: Where Are They Now?

More than a decade in the Big Apple! The Real Housewives of New York City premiered in 2008, but not every Housewife has gone the distance. The season 1 cast of RHONY included Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Bethenny Frankel, Jill Zarin and Alex McCord. While Kelly Bensimon joined the cast during season 2, Sonja Morgan became a full-time cast member during season 3 and Cindy Barshop earned an apple during season 4. The show saw its biggest shake-up ahead of season 5, with Jill, Alex, Kelly and Cindy exiting. (Bethenny left after season 3 and briefly starred in spinoffs Bethenny Getting Married? and Bethenny Ever After?) “That was a scary time but also, it reenergized the show and took it into a lot of different directions,” Andy Cohen said during a 2018 panel about firing three cast members in 2012. “I was out in the field for that first season,” executive producer Lisa Shannon added. “It was three newbies and three veterans. And there was that polarizing divide between the women that, this is how we do it and this is how it’s done. When you come on and you’re new and you’re by yourself, you just kind of have to defer. But this was 50 percent of the cast. It really was an interesting chemistry shakeup. And also trying to mentor three new cast members into what it's like to open up your life and to really be free and be yourself. It was terrifying as a producer. I was like, ‘I don’t know if it’s going to work.’” [jwplayer skWhLaxm-l3ahXupL] Ramona, Sonja and Luann were joined by Aviva Drescher, Carole Radziwill and Heather Thomson for season 5. “At the end of every season, we talk to the women about what they have coming up and whether they want to come back,” Cohen said about changing up the cast. “What they see for the future. Then we also look at the show and say, ‘How do we want to change the show?’” He added: “I think part of the reason the entire franchise is successful is it’s an ensemble show. It’s all about what’s best for the group. What’s best for the ensemble? How’s it going to be different? Do we want to continue this conversation? Do we want to pivot into a new conversation?” Listen to Ramona Singer tell Us Weekly editors what it was like filming season 13 of ROHNY during COVID-19. While Bethenny returned for season 7 (and left again ahead of season 12), former stars Aviva, Heather, Carole, Kristen Taekman, Jules Wainstein, Tinsley Mortimer and Dorinda Medley are all no longer part of the cast as RHONY enters season 13. In addition to longtime Housewives Ramona, Luann and Sonja, the 2021 season stars Leah McSweeney and Eboni K. Williams. Scroll through to see what the women who left the hit Bravo series have been up to:

Credit: Jay Sullivan/Getty Images; Charles Sykes/Getty Images

Alex McCord

Along with her husband Simon van Kempen, Alex was a stable on RHONY for the first four seasons. Shortly after wrapping up her career in reality TV, Alex and Simon left Brooklyn to move to Bryon Bay, Australia. Housewives producer Andy Cohen revealed in March 2017 via Twitter that Alex became a psychologist. “Congrats to @mccordalex who is officially a psychologist! Too bad she is all the way in Australia, a thriving NYC practice awaits. #RHONY,” he tweeted at the time.

While Alex has yet to return to RHONY, she made an appearance on Watch What Happens Live in May 2017 with former costar Ramona Singer and revealed she no longer watches the series. The Little Kids, Big City: Tales from a Real House in New York City authors also frequently share photos of their two sons: Francois and Johan, on social media. “Francois and Johan are great," McCord told The Daily Dish during a visit to New York that same month. “They are enormous. Francois is as tall as I am."

Credit: Amanda Schwab/Starpix/Shutterstock; Mathieu Young/Bravo

Bethenny Frankel

Fans jumped for joy when Bethenny, who starred on the first three seasons of RHONY, returned for season 7. The Skinnygirl boss, however, left again in 2019 after season 11.

“It’s time to move on and focus on my daughter, my philanthropy and my production partnership with Mark Burnett, producing and starring in shows which represent a shift in the conversation for women. With the changes in modern culture, I want to highlight the strength, confidence and unstoppable power that women have,” Bethenny said in a statement in August 2019. “My experience at Bravo has been an incredibly magical ride. I am so grateful to them for highlighting my entrepreneurialism and allowing me to pave the way for many women to achieve their goals. I am excited for my future. The best is yet to come.”

In addition to launching new Skinnygirl products, Bethenny often makes headlines for her charity, B Strong, which raises funds for disaster relief. HBO Max announced her new unscripted show, The Big Shot With Bethenny, in February 2020. The series will follow contestants competing to work for the reality TV star.

While her custody battle for daughter Bryn with ex-husband Jason Hoppy was lengthy, the twosome finalized their divorce in January 2021. That same year, Bethenny announced her engagement to her boyfriend of two years, Paul Bernon.

Credit: Jay Sullivan/Getty Images; Charles Sykes/Getty Images

Jill Zarin

Another OG of the Big Apple franchise, Jill returned to the series for the first time since exiting after season 4 to make a cameo in season 9, which aired in 2017. The following year, the Secrets of a Jewish Mother author’s husband, Bobby Zarin, lost his battle with cancer. “With the heaviest of hearts, we are devastated to share the news that our beloved Bobby Zarin passed away peacefully today surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer,” the family said in a statement on Jill’s website on January 13, 2018. Jill reunited with many of her former RHONY costars at Bobby’s funeral, including frenemy Bethenny Frankel, and their reunion will be featured on season 10 of RHONY.

Since Bobby’s passing, Jill has stayed busy working on her new rug line and spending time with her adult daughter Ally Shapiro. “Bobby wouldn’t want me to stay home and be depressed,” Jill told Us in February 2018. “Bobby wants me to be happy. I want to be happy.”

Jill confirmed in December 2018 that she was dating Gary Brody.

Credit: Michael Rosenthal/Getty Images; Presley Ann/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Kristen Taekman

Kristen joined RHONY in season 6 and remained on the series until season 7 wrapped. The Pop of Color nail polish designer has since turned her attention to her fashion blog, Last Night’s Look. After Kristen’s husband Josh Taekman admitted back in August 2015 that He previously had a profile on Ashley Madison, a dating website for married men, she told ET in 2016 that the scandal “100 percent” made their marriage stronger.

“I signed up for the site foolishly and ignorantly with a group of friends and I deeply apologize for any embarrassment or pain I have brought to my wife and family," he told Us Weekly at the time. "We both look forward to moving past this and getting on with our lives." Kristen announced in 2020 that she and Josh — along with son Cassius and daughter Kingsley — relocated from NYC to Los Angeles.

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Kelly Killoren Bensimon

Avoiding Scary Island! Kelly joined the ladies in season 2 and exited the show as a series regular after season 4. However, the model has remained friendly with multiple cast members, including Luann de Lesseps, and has made a few appearances on the Bravo hit since her departure. Kelly frequently posts photos with her daughter Sea, who attends college at the University of Mississippi, and her daughter Teddy, who studies at Trinity College. Kelly released her sixth book, a novel titled The Second Course, in August 2017 and runs a blog titled KKBLoves.com. She also works as a real estate agent.

Credit: Michael Rosenthal/Getty Images; Mireya Acierto/Getty Images

Aviva Drescher

Aviva starred on RHONY for seasons 5 and 6 before turning her focus to on her kids: son Harrison, whom she shares with her ex Harry Dubin, her two children with husband Reid Drescher: Hudson son and daughter Sienna. Aviva is also a stepmom to Reid ’s daughter Veronica from a previous marriage.

The Leggy Blonde author told Page Six in March 2018 that she would be open to returning to RHONY: “If they needed somebody and I worked in the mix, I would go back. I really think the ‘Housewives’ are some of the strongest women around because they are portraying their real life and they’re getting hammered for it and to have that thick skin. I think its really admirable.”

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Heather Thomson

Holla! Heather was part of RHONY from season 5 to season 7, and appeared on a season 9 episode at bestie Carole Radziwill’s election party. The Yummie Tummie designer also ran the New York City marathon with Carole in 2017, and is now training to climb Mera Peak in Nepal for charity, according to her Instagram bio.

Heather often shares photos of her family on social media, including her husband, Jonathan Schindler, and their two kids, Jax and Ella Rae. Fans will remember Heather being open about Jax’s respiratory and hearing issues during her time on the series. Heather’s former costar Dorinda shared a photo in November 2015 after Heather’s now teenage son underwent another surgery. "So proud of little Jax & hoping today's surgery makes a world of difference! and huge hugs babe!!! @iamHeatherT,” Dorinda tweeted at the time.

Fans will see Heather briefly return for season 13 in a “friend” role, but her drama with Leah prompted her to quit filming early.

Credit: Charles Sykes/Getty Images; CJ Rivera/Getty Images

Jules Wainstein

One and done. Jules made headlines in July 2016 after announcing her split from husband Michael Wainstein. Their divorce got ugly when TMZ reported that Jules called 911 after an alleged altercation between the pair in August 2016. A rep for the former reality star told Us Weekly at the time that Jules was “not interested in fighting this out in the media as this is a private matter and two children are involved.”

Jules and Michael’s divorce made headlines again in February 2020 when she was arrested for allegedly attacking him in Boca Raton, Florida. “This is a serious situation reflecting Ms. Wainstein’s increasingly reckless behavior that unfortunately took place in front of the kids,” Michael’s attorney, Morghan Richardson, said in a statement at the time. “The children were released to Michael’s custody yesterday and he is most concerned about protecting them. Michael is exploring all of his legal options at this time.”

As of May 2020, Jules was able to reunite with her kids, Jagger and Rio, after a judge dismissed Michael’s request for a restraining order against her. She is still facing felony charges. They finalized their divorce in October 2020.

Credit: Marc Stamas/Getty Images; Steven A Henry/FilmMagic

Cindy Barshop

Following only one season on the series, Cindy left RHONY after season 4. Since then, she opened a women’s health spa in New York City called VSPOT Medi Spa. According to the company’s website, VSPOT’s special services include “vaginal lasers, tightening, radio frequency, orgasm shot (o-shot), vaginal lightening, v-steam and femilift.” Cindy also continues to raise her twins, Zoe and Jesse, whom she often shares pictures of on Instagram.

Cindy revealed in 2019 that Jesse, one of her twins, is transgender. That same year, Cindy introduced her followers to her “man,” health professional Jay Cardiello.

Credit: Amanda Schwab/Starpix/Shutterstock; Patrick Ecclesine/Bravo

Carole Radziwill

After six seasons — and a nasty falling out with Bethenny — Carole put down her apple after season 10 wrapped in 2018. She later told Us that Ramona is the only Housewife she’s still in touch with.

“Ramona, I’ll be honest, she’s a very good girlfriend. There’s a reason why she has 25 really close girlfriends that she’s accumulated,” Caroline told Us in September 2018. “She knows how to create and maintain friendships. So that’s a friendship that I’m sure I’ll see outside the show. That’s about it. I haven’t really talked to any of the … I’m not close to any of the other girls.”

Carole now works as a contributing editor for Violet Grey. In addition to her various brand collaborations, which she shares on Instagram, Carole uses social media to raise awareness for several charities and social issues.

Credit: Sophy Holland/Bravo; Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Tinsley Mortimer

Tinsley left RHONY in November 2019 after four seasons to move to Chicago with her then-fiancé, Scott Kluth, whom she had been dating on and off since February 2017. While a source exclusively told Us at the time that the pair “no longer [wanted] to live without each other,” Kluth announced in March 2021 that their engagement was off.

“We have been living independently for the last few months,” the businessman said in a statement to Us. “This was an incredibly difficult decision, but it is one that I believe is best for both of us. I will always care about Tinsley, and I sincerely wish her happiness and success in all that she does in the future.”

A source later told Us that Tinsley was “completely blindsided” by the “devastating” breakup.

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Dorinda Medley

After starring in seasons 7-12, Dorinda announced her exit in 2020 while the season 12 reunion was still airing. She later confirmed it wasn’t a “mutual” decision, telling Us she misses the show already but is trying to make the most of the time away from the cameras.

“And it’s been a blessing to have the time off, because every once in a while, it’s important to stop reset, think, regroup,” she said in February 2021. “Because we get lost, right? Lost in whatever this is: Housewife fame. The city. Wants, desires. … [It’s been] really nice just to kind of reset and find Dorinda again. Not Dorinda the Housewife. Not Dorinda, John Dan’s daughter. Not Dorinda, Richard’s wife. Just Dorinda. I found it very empowering.”

She is set to release her first book, Make It Nice, in August 2021.

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