Vicki Gunvalson Reflects on ‘Real Housewives’ Impact on Family

Vicki Gunvalson, known as the “OG of the OC,” first gained fame 20 years ago as part of the initial cast of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” Recently, she returned to this Southern California-based series and is also featured in “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.” Despite her continued television presence, Gunvalson acknowledged that her own family did not experience the same positive treatment from the network over the years.

Gunvalson, who is now 64, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that her daughter, Briana Culberson, has distanced herself from the show. Briana, who is married to a former military husband, does not wish to be associated with the series anymore.

My children are now 39 and 40. My son did a film this year. My daughter wants nothing to do with it.

Briana, who appeared occasionally through the years, declined the opportunity to return for the 20th season. She allegedly requested that Bravo executive Andy Cohen “lose her number” when approached about a special appearance.

Briana’s aversion to the show stems partly from her husband’s portrayal. Her husband served six tours overseas with the Marine Corps and has post-traumatic stress disorder. The reality show depicted him in a negative light, which led to Briana’s decision to step away.

She just was like, ‘Mom, I want nothing to do with it.’ I’m like, ‘Can you do a cameo? Can you come on for a little bit?’

Gunvalson elaborated that Andy Cohen even called Briana for the current season, but Briana insisted, “Please lose my number.” Briana and her husband Ryan have been married for 15 years and have four children.

Michael, Vicki’s son, recently revealed on “RHOC” that he hadn’t seen his sister in eight years, which highlighted their family’s distance and communication through digital means rather than personal visits. Vicki expressed sadness that her children are spread across different locations, with Mike living in Spain and Briana residing in Oklahoma.

Reflecting on her family’s situation, Vicki shared,I see other families have their kids over on Sunday dinner, and I don’t have that. It’s not what I’d ever planned, but it’s their life.

Vicki also touched on her past marriage, recounting how the show affected her relationship with her ex-husband Donn Gunvalson. Initially skeptical about reality TV, Donn’s prediction about potential marital strains came true as their marriage ended in divorce.

He was like, ‘Anybody that goes on TV is going to get divorced.’ I’m like, ‘We’re not going to get divorced. We’re fine.’ And obviously, fast-forward, we got divorced.

Porsha Williams, a fellow housewife, offered insight, mentioning,Two things can be true. The show can strain a marriage, but it can also reveal things about that marriage — or about yourself — that you needed to know.

Reflecting on her experience, Vicki admitted,If the marriage is weak, it’s going to fall apart.