10 Most Recognizable Real Housewives, Then and Now

Since the episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County aired in 2006, the Real Housewives franchise quickly became an international hit. 10 other spinoffs were created in cities such as New York, Atlanta and Beverly Hills, with the female cast members keeping audiences entertained and wanting more.

Curious to know what happened to some of your favorite “real housewives”? Here are ten of the most recognizable names and faces of Bravo’s Real Housewives series, when they first appeared in the show as full-time or featured cast members and now. See if they also made it to our The Most Beautiful Women of 2020 list!

Bethenny Frankel

First Episode: Known for her work on Hollywood Hills 90028 (1994), The Big Shot with Bethenny and Wish Me Luck (1995), Bethenny Frankel was an active member of the Real Housewives cast until season 11, when she decided to step out of the reality-tv show. This is Frankel in the Real Housewives of New York City Season 1, Episode 1, “Meet the Wives” (March 4, 2008)

Now: Attending the Walt Disney Television Emmy Party in 2019. Speaking of then and now, take a look at 1920 Vs. 2020: What’s Changed And What Hasn’t In 100 Years.

NeNe Leakes

First Episode: A member of the original Real Housewives of Atlanta, NeNe Leakes was quickly known for outspoken, no-nonsense demeanor and “tell-it-like-it-is” attitude inside and outside the show. This is her in Season 1, Episode 1, “Welcome One, Welcome ATL” which aired on Oct. 7, 2008)

Now: This is NeNe arriving at Strahan, Sara and Keke in 2019. One year later, the American television personality, presenter and author announced her exit from RHOA:”Thank you to all of you guys that have been showing me a lot of love and support as of late. I feel you, I hear you. I have been on an extremely, extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional negotiation. There has been a lot of emotion flying on both sides,” Leakes said in the video. “It has been hard, and I have made the very hard and difficult decision to not be a part of Real Housewives of Atlanta season 13.”