Vicki Gunvalson is a former main and recurring cast member on The Real Housewives of Orange County. She has also starred in the second and fifth seasons of The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip.
Casting[]
Gunvalson made up one of the five original main cast members of The Real Housewives of Orange County in its first season (the original season of The Real Housewives franchise). She continued to star as a 'Housewife' all the way up until the conclusion of the thirteenth season but was later demoted to a recurring capacity (as a 'Friend of the Housewives') during the fourteenth season due to a variety of reasons - two of them being to keep the show fresh and to reduce Gunvalson’s allegedly high salary.
After one edition in a recurring role, she exited the franchise altogether ahead of the fifteenth season. However, Gunvalson returned to the show in the seventeenth season and was credited as a 'Guest' despite appearing in five episodes and joining the main cast on their season’s cast trip. She has filmed for the show’s eighteenth season and it is unknown whether she will make only one appearance at a dinner party or whether she will make more sporadic appearances.
She also appeared as an "All Star" on the second and fifth seasons of The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip; as part of both "Ex-Wives Club" editions where former 'Housewives' across four to five American installments of the franchise holiday together in The Berkshires and Morocco, respectively. She was joined by former co-star, Tamra Judge, in her first season on the show and then by former co-star, Gretchen Rossi, during her second season on the show.
Synopsis[]
The Real Housewives of Orange County[]
Season 1[]
To Be Completed.
Season 2[]
To Be Completed.
Season 3[]
To Be Completed.
Season 4[]
To Be Completed.
Season 5[]
To Be Completed.
Season 6[]
To Be Completed.
Season 7[]
To Be Completed.
Season 8[]
To Be Completed.
Season 9[]
To Be Completed.
Season 10[]
To Be Completed.
Season 11[]
To Be Completed.
Season 12[]
To Be Completed.
Season 13[]
To Be Completed.
Season 14[]
The OG is in some hot water after she hops on the rumor mill train. Still, she has plenty to celebrate because, yes, her love tank is full when Steve Lodge finally proposed to the OG of the OC.
Storylines[]
The Real Housewives of Orange County[]
Season 1[]
Summary[]
Vicki introduces her extremely busy life as a mother to two children, Brianna and Michael, as a wife to Donn Gunvalson and as a businesswoman running her own company, Coto Insurance.
Workaholic[]
In Reunion, now that both Michael and Briana are at school, Vicki has been diving into work, and Donn has to often reel her back from working too much.
Season 2[]
Summary[]
The balance between work and family proves more difficult than initially thought out as work becomes increasingly demanding and her family are wanting less of “workaholic Vicki”.
Season 3[]
Summary[]
As Vicki manages to stabilise an equilibrium between her role as a mother, role as a wife and role as a businesswoman, she struggles to accept independence of her children as they branch out as young adults from their school careers to their distancing from their mother.
Season 4[]
Summary[]
After Vicki continues to find a balance between her personal and professional lives, she considers buying a yacht to help bring her family of four closer together. However, Vicki ends up opening up that her marriage is failing and her “love tank” is empty.
Season 5[]
Summary[]
Vicki is still in the process of maintaining a balance between the personal and professional but this comes to a head more than ever as she works on her marriage to Donn. They renew their vows in Turks and Caicos this season.
Season 6[]
Summary[]
A lot arises in Vicki’s personal and professional lives (as always!) since Coto Insurance expands and thrives. However, despite the previous year of extreme happiness between her and her Husband, Vicki and Donn’s relationship becomes irretrievably broken down. While Vicki experiences health issues, Vicki decides that she wants to move out of the neighborhood while Donn wants to stay put. At the end of the season, the couple file for divorce.
Season 7[]
Summary[]
The new year is all about change since Vicki and Donn’s divorce continues to proceed and Vicki introduces her new boyfriend, Brooks Ayer’s, to her friends and family - albeit met with resistance. While this new relationship conflict causes issues between her existing relationships as Vicki’s house is put on the market.
Season 8[]
Summary[]
Vicki’s relationship with Brooks continues to be turbulent and a problem for other existing relationships. In addition to this, Vicki’s immersed in the experience of being a Grandmother to Grandson, Troy.
Season 9[]
Summary[]
The talk of the town is still focused on Vicki and Brooks’ relationship which continues to prove problematic. Also, Brianna and her family are set to relocate to Oklahoma which causes deep upset for Vicki.
Season 10[]
Summary[]
Vicki deals with grief of her Mother as she loses her midway through filming for this season while Brooks Ayer’s announces that he has cancer as Vicki helps care for him.
Season 11[]
Summary[]
After ending her relationship with Brooks, she is ready to forget the past and move forward. As Brianna and her family return to Orange County, she helps care for her daughter who has severe health issues as her Grandmother duties are on overdrive.
Season 12[]
Summary[]
Coto Insurance is expanding as the company receives an office upgrade which Vicki, as creator, is overseeing. In addition to this, she announces that she is seeing a new boyfriend, named Steve.
Season 13[]
Summary[]
Vicki’s relationship with Steve is further explores as rumors are spread about Steve while the proportion of marriage between the two is discussed. Also, Vicki and her son, Michael’s, relationship is tested after the latter’s recent promotion at the former’s company and Vicki indulges in more plastic surgery.
Season 18[]
Tres Amigas[]
Vicki visits Shannon and tells Shannon that she has a staph infection but refused to stay in the hospital because she has work to do in Not My Cup of Tee. They talk about Tamra dropping out of the Tres Amiga show unceremoniously. The ladies video call their manager and are rebranding the show as the Shannon and Vicki show. Shannon and Vicki are mad at Tamra for dropping out unexpectedly and without informing them
The Tres Amigas talk about their cancelled show in Once A Traitor, Always A Traitor. Tamra blames it on her fallout with Shannon. Tamra liking Alexis' photo is brought up, Tamra feigns ignorance. Shannon breaks down and they talk about the John Janssen lawsuit. Tamra states Alexis and John wants Shannon to clear John's name, Shannon says she is not going to lie. Vicki supports Shannon while Tamra worries about being stuck between Alexis and Shannon. Vicki diffuses the situation, the Tres Amigas hug and they make up.
Shannon leaves after Heather's fashion show to meet Vicki in Houston for their Dos Amigas live show in Catwalks and Catfights. Gina visits Shannon in Singled Out, grabbing a couple lemons out of Shannon's neighbor's tree on the way. Gina asks Shannon about her Dos Amigas show with Vicki, downgraded from Tres Amigas with Tamra dropping out. Shannon has an upcoming Dos Amigas show in St. Louis the next day. Shannon states Vicki and their manager had to undergo tremendous amount of restructuring with the Tres Amigas brand with Tamra's sudden withdrawal. Shannon and Vicki arrive in St. Louis for their Dos Amigas show at the Helium Comedy Club. Vicki got the idea of sling-shotting out t-shirts to the audience from the Adele concert she attended. Shannon shares with the audience about her DUI, Vicki thinks the show is a great outlet for Shannon. The Dos Amigas ends the show with tap dancing.
Friendships[]
Lauri Peterson[]
Season 1[]
Vicki and Lauri talk about an upcoming insurance convention in Is It Hunting Season, Yet. Vicki thinks Lauri is not ambitious enough, and is frustrated. Lauri is oblivious and appreciates her assumed work schedule flexibility granted by Vicki.
Vicki and Lauri get ready to go to the insurance conference in New Orleans in Upgrading Has Nothing To Do With You Honey. Lauri arranged a home visit botox appointment for Vicki and herself. Vicki is being dramatic while Briana and Michael spectate with glee and judgment. Lauri wants to look "young and attractive" at the conference. Vicki and Lauri both reinforce house rules to their daughters before leaving for New Orleans. They meet with Vicki's sister Lisa, who also sells insurance. Lauri lost her luggage. Lisa and Vicki are staying at a luxury hotel while Lauri has to pay for the hotel out of her pocket so she has to stay somewhere more affordable. Vicki hopes to ignite Lauri's ambition for insurance at the convention. Lauri is only selling insurance because she needs to support her and the kids. Vicki and Lauri talk about the standing ovation she received for selling $500,000 in new policies poolside. Vicki and Lisa have a passion in long term care insurance because when their father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's their mom had to spend their retirement savings caring for him. Lauri connects with Vicki as her father had suffered a stroke and the cost of caring decimated her family. Lauri and Vicki go out at night, Lauri states she and Vicki had developed a stronger bond, prior to the trip their relationship was strictly business.
Vicki and Lauri have a drink and enjoy Vicki's jacuzzi after a hard work day in Cut The ‘P’ and ‘Lem’ Out of Problem and You Get ROB. Both ladies have gotten close and consider each other very good friends. Michael and his friends joins the ladies, they think Lauri is hot and a MILF. Lauri is flattered. Vicki thinks Lauri and her would not be as good of friends they are without the show in Reunion.
Jeana Keough[]
Season 1[]
Jeana invites all the ladies to a BBQ at her house in Talk, Talk, Talk.
In The Finale, Jeana brings Kara along with Vicki and Lauri to go diamond shopping with Barbara Parker, Jewelry Broker.
Duff Evans[]
Season 2[]
Vicki's business continues to grow in The Housewives Are Back!, and she hires Duff, through Jeana to help. Duff has a son, Ryley from a previous long term relationship.
Tamra Judge[]
Best Friend[]
Season 18[]
The Tres Amigas talk about their cancelled show in Once A Traitor, Always A Traitor. Tamra blames it on her fallout with Shannon. Tamra liking Alexis' photo is brought up, Tamra feigns ignorance. Shannon breaks down and they talk about the John Janssen lawsuit. Tamra states Alexis and John wants Shannon to clear John's name, Shannon says she is not going to lie. Vicki supports Shannon while Tamra worries about being stuck between Alexis and Shannon. Vicki diffuses the situation, the Tres Amigas hug and they make up. Vicki tells Katie she has "no desire" to talk to Tamra at Jenn's engagement party in Unfinished Business, she thinks her "ego is bigger than the state of California".
Shannon Beador[]
Season 18[]
The Tres Amigas talk about their cancelled show in Once A Traitor, Always A Traitor. Tamra blames it on her fallout with Shannon. Tamra liking Alexis' photo is brought up, Tamra feigns ignorance. Shannon breaks down and they talk about the John Janssen lawsuit. Tamra states Alexis and John wants Shannon to clear John's name, Shannon says she is not going to lie. Vicki supports Shannon while Tamra worries about being stuck between Alexis and Shannon. Vicki diffuses the situation, the Tres Amigas hug and they make up.
Shannon and Vicki arrive in St. Louis for their Dos Amigas show at the Helium Comedy Club in Singled Out. Vicki got the idea of sling-shotting out t-shirts to the audience from the Adele concert she attended. Shannon shares with the audience about her DUI, Vicki thinks the show is a great outlet for Shannon. The Dos Amigas ends the show with tap dancing.
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave[]
Season 18[]
Vicki states she does not like Teddi in Once A Traitor, Always A Traitor as they have beef from BravoCon 2023, when Teddi asked Vicki where she was on January 6th and brings up Brooke's cancer scam.
Katie Ginella[]
Season 18[]
Vicki tells Katie she has "no desire" to talk to Tamra at Jenn's engagement party in Unfinished Business, she thinks her "ego is bigger than the state of California".
Family[]
Briana Culberson (Daughter)[]
Season 1[]
Briana is going to her prom, Vicki takes her to get her hair done and becomes a bit overbearing in Meet The Wives. Briana gets ready for her senior prom, she thinks Vicki is living the experience vicariously through her. Briana is attending prom with her boyfriend Colby. Vicki is coordinating flying her family in for Briana's graduation. She is not excited to see her ex-husband, Michael. Briana states she is not close to Michael, and Vicki is both a mother and father figure for her. At Briana's graduation party, Briana appreciates Vicki's party planning effort and flying all the relatives in. Vicki is sad Briana is leaving but states she is not going too far so they can still have a relationship. Briana is excited about leaving but worries her mom would feel lonely without her.
Vicki plans a Mexican cruise trip for Briana and her cheerleading squad in Is It Hunting Season, Yet, and they have a blast.
Vicki states she worries about Michael but never for Briana in Cut The ‘P’ and ‘Lem’ Out of Problem and You Get ROB . Vicki loves Briana's boyfriend, Colby. However, Vicki doesn't want Briana to marry her high school sweetheart. Colby gave Briana a chastity promise ring, they both believe in sex after marriage. Vicki calls Briana on her date with Colby and wants her home after dinner, Briana objects. Briana thinks Vicki still babies her despite her being 18. Vicki interrupts the date in person, to the couple's surprise, and reiterates Briana has to come home after dinner. To much of Briana's frustration. On another day at lunch, Vicki thinks Briana should date other people, as Vicki married her high school sweetheart and it didn't turn out well. Briana shuts down the discussion and thinks Vicki is being controlling.
Vicki wants to get another dog from the separation anxiety of Briana leaving for college in Shocking News. Donn thinks Vicki can maintain healthy relationship with the kids otherwise. Vicki regrets not going to college in The Finale, she's glad Briana is staying a bit longer. Briana is already bracing herself for Vicki's overbearing antics when she leaves for college. Vicki explains she did not know that Briana and Colby's date she interrupted was being filmed in Reunion, and she'll be happy if Colby ends up being her son-in-law
Michael Wolfsmith (Son)[]
Season 1[]
Michael states he'd like to enjoy his summer while Vicki wants him to get a job at Briana's graduation party in Meet The Wives. Vicki discusses Michael's bad grades in college with him, and declares he must get a job in Is It Hunting Season, Yet, as he will not be receiving an allowance for the summer.
Vicki checks in with Michael over the phone in Upgrading Has Nothing To Do With You Honey. Michael does not do the promised chores and homework and instead plays with his friends. Michael gets a job delivering pizza one day a week.
Michael is leaving for college in The Finale. Vicki is worried about Michael registering for classes, Michael has also overcharged his credit card by paying for his friends' concert tickets, Vicki states Michael will not be taking the credit card with him to college. Vicki makes a to do list for Michael, Michael thinks Vicki worries too much and it's stressing herself out. On another day, Michael is packing for college, Vicki expresses her love and missing Michael in the form of nagging. The day of Michael leaving comes, Vicki tries to help but they just bicker. Vicki is sad Michael is leaving and drops him off at the airport. Vicki cried on the drive home from the airport.
Season 2[]
Vicki goes to Chicago to visit Michael in The Housewives Are Back!, who she sent to work for her brother Billy's contracting business for the summer. Michael's biological father, Michael Sr. is working there too. Vicki thinks it'd be good for him to connect with Michael Sr. Vicki has dinner with her whole family in Chicago, Michael Sr. could not make it. Vicki thinks Michael will go into construction if he does not receive a college education.
Michael J. Wolfsmith (Ex-husband)[]
Season 1[]
Vicki is coordinating flying her family in for Briana's graduation in Meet The Wives. She is not excited to see her ex-husband, Michael. At Briana's graduation party, Michael reveals Vicki and him met when they both worked in a grocery store. However, it did not work out as Vicki prefers the "finer things in life".
Joanne Steinmetz (Mother)[]
Season 1[]
Vicki meets Lisa at their mom's in Shocking News. Vicki stays in a hotel due to friction between her and her mom. Lisa states Vicki's mom thinks Vicki has became more image obsessed since moving to Orange County. Vicki just wants her mom to be proud of her. Vicki's mom, Joanne states out of all the kids Vicki and her were the closest. Joanne and Vicki drives around the neighborhood and reminisce. Vicki thinks unfortunately Joanne and her won't be able to replicate the close knit relationship they once had due to the physical distance. Vicki attends the reunion and had a good time, she hopes she impressed her classmates.
Season 2[]
Vicki has dinner with her whole family in Chicago in The Housewives Are Back!, Vicki's mom, Joanne makes jokes of Vicki for caring about her appearance, to Vicki's displeasure. Vicki seeks validation from Joanne.
Relationships[]
Donn Gunvalson[]
Season 1[]
Donn is concerned that Michael does not have a job in Is It Hunting Season, Yet, Donn may have a job prospect in Sacramento, but wishes to stay in Orange County without relocating the family.
Vicki and Donn bicker in Talk, Talk, Talk, Vicki is under extra stress since Donn is out of work. They talk about Donn's job prospect. The Gunvalsons are planning to go to their second home in Havasu Springs. Vicki wants Briana to take off work to go with them but Donn disagrees. They eventually hug and appreciate each other and make up. The Gunvalsons arrive at the lake, the boys enjoy water sports while Vicki and Donn relax on the boat. They get pulled over by the boat police for missing the registration sticker. The police conducts a safety check, Donn is nervous while Vicki does not take things seriously. Donn is mad at Vicki, Vicki can't believe Donn is berating her. Fortunately everything is in order and the police lets them go.
Vicki, Lauri, and Lauri's friend Lorelei have dinner in Cut The ‘P’ and ‘Lem’ Out of Problem and You Get ROB. Vicki talks about the adjustment they went through when Donn lost his job, and the position of the bread winner transferred to Vicki. Donn is flipping a house Vicki and him bought in Mission Viejo. Vicki is glad Donn is doing something in his unemployment. Donn thinks Vicki's "controlling personality" will get involved somehow.
Gallery[]
To view the Gallery Page of Vicki Gunvalson, please click here.
Filmography[]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–19, 2023–2024 | The Real Housewives of Orange County | Herself | Housewife (Season 1–13) Friend (Season 14) Guest (Season 17-) |
| 2006–2023 | What What Happens Live! | Herself | Guest; 24 Episodes |
| 2017 | The Wendy Williams Show | Herself | Guest, October 16, 2017 SE09 EP21 |
| 2013 | Tamra’s OC Wedding | Herself | Three-Part Series |
| 2022 | The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip | Herself | Main (Season 2, 5) |
Trivia[]
Franchise Facts[]
- She was one of the first five original 'Housewives' that starred on the inaugural season of the entire The Real Housewives franchise.
- She was the first 'Housewife' ever to have a tagline as she opened the inaugural season’s intro.
- She was also one of the first four 'Housewives' to appear in a Reunion Special as she, alongside Jo De La Rosa, Jeana Keough and Lauri Peterson, sat in Keough’s back garden to discuss the inaugural season’s events.
- There has been different stories put forward publicly as to who or what inspired the beginning of the entire franchise but one theory, which has been suggested by Gunvalson, is that she is the reason that the franchise originated.
- Vicki claims that she responded to a newspaper advertisement on behalf of her Son, Michael, as the advertisement was applicable to him and his demographic. When Vicki and Mic|}
Taglines[]
| "I don't wanna get old." | ||
| "Here's to not being fake." | ||
| "Everything's got to be huge, large and grand." | ||
| "I want the power and the money, and I want them both." | ||
| "I love my family, I love my work, I love my life." | ||
| "I make my own money, and I make my own rules." | ||
| "My tank is full and I'm driving into my future." | ||
| "I’m my own boss and it’s time for a raise." | ||
| "I make my own rules, so don't expect me to follow yours." | ||
| "I am the OG of the O.C. - everyone else is just a copy." | ||
| "Before you judge me, you better be perfect." | ||
| "I go big or go home, and I am not going home." | ||
| "The fun bus is leaving, and this time, I'm in the driver's seat." | ||
Trivia[]
Franchise Facts[]
- She was one of the first five original 'Housewives' that starred on the inaugural season of the entire The Real Housewives franchise.
- She was the first 'Housewife' ever to have a tagline as she opened the inaugural season’s intro.
- She was also one of the first four 'Housewives' to appear in a Reunion Special as she, alongside Jo De La Rosa, Jeana Keough and Lauri Peterson, sat in Keough’s back garden to discuss the inaugural season’s events.
- There has been different stories put forward publicly as to who or what inspired the beginning of the entire franchise but one theory, which has been suggested by Gunvalson, is that she is the reason that the franchise originated.
- Vicki claims that she responded to a newspaper advertisement on behalf of her Son, Michael, as the advertisement was applicable to him and his demographic. When Vicki and Michael went for auditions, the producers apparently thought Vicki was "hilarious" and would be "great television" and therefore decided to build a show around her and her lifestyle.
- This has since been refuted since Gunvalson’s casting audition tape has been released and a snapshot has been aired on The Real Housewives of Orange County which suggests that she auditioned for the show.
- She argued that she just had to go through the process like all the other candidates and had to film a casting audition tape, however.
- This has since been refuted since Gunvalson’s casting audition tape has been released and a snapshot has been aired on The Real Housewives of Orange County which suggests that she auditioned for the show.
- Vicki claims that she responded to a newspaper advertisement on behalf of her Son, Michael, as the advertisement was applicable to him and his demographic. When Vicki and Michael went for auditions, the producers apparently thought Vicki was "hilarious" and would be "great television" and therefore decided to build a show around her and her lifestyle.
- Gunvalson was the first 'Housewife' to star in thirteen seasons on an installment but has since been beaten by: Tamra Judge (also from The Real Housewives of Orange County), Kandi Burruss (from The Real Housewives of Atlanta), Teresa Giudice (from The Real Housewives of New Jersey) and Kyle Richards (from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills); who have all starred in or filmed fourteen seasons, and has since been joined by Ramona Singer (from The Real Housewives of New York City) who also starred in thirteen seasons as a full-time 'Housewife'. This makes Gunvalson the joint fifth longest-serving 'Housewife' across the franchise.
Installment Facts[]
- Gunvalson is the second longest-running 'Housewife' on The Real Housewives of Orange County; having starred in thirteen seasons, as Tamra Judge has completed filming her fourteenth season.
- Vicki is one of five 'Housewives' on the Orange County installment to have left the show and returned as a 'Friend of the Housewives' (in a recurring role).
- While she was the fourth out of five 'Housewives' to do this, she was the third and latest to be demoted to a 'Friend' role directly after a season in which she last starred in (the thirteenth to the fourteenth season). While Jeana Keough did this from the fifth to the sixth season and Lizzie Rovsek from the ninth to the tenth season, Lauri Peterson left during the fourth season and returned for the eighth season as a 'Friend' while Alexis Bellino left after the eighth season and returned for the eighteenth season as a 'Friend'.
- Vicki was considered one of the most central pieces to the Orange County installment.
- This was reflected in the fact that she sat on either side of Andy Cohen (at the helm of a Reunion Special Sofa) six times, during the: fourth, seventh, eighth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth seasons.
- This was also reflected in the fact that she opened/closed the theme song six times. She opened the theme song in the show’s first, fifth and thirteenth seasons, while she closed the theme song in the show’s tenth, eleventh and twelfth seasons.
- Vicki appeared in five out of twenty episodes in eighteenth season; the second season in which she appears in a 'Guest' capacity - during the fourth, fifth, eighth, eleventh and seventeenth episodes.
- Vicki makes up one of the three members of the Tres Amigas.
Ultimate Girls Trip Facts[]
- She is one of the twenty-six 'Housewives' to appear on the show as an "All Star".
- She is one of the seven 'Housewives' to appear on the show twice.