Vicki Gunvalson Reflects on ‘Real Housewives’ Impact on Family and Personal Life

Vicki Gunvalson, known as the ‘OG of the OC,’ first appeared on ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ 20 years ago. Recently, she returned to the franchise, starring in ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,’ a tribute to two decades of the Bravo series. Gunvalson revealed that while she received considerable attention from the network, her family did not share the same experience.

Gunvalson admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that her daughter, Briana Culberson, has distanced herself from the show. Despite appearing in a few episodes with her mother over the years, Briana, now 39, reportedly declined a return for season 20. She allegedly requested Bravo’s Andy Cohen to ‘lose her number’ when approached for a special appearance.

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

Briana last appeared on the network during Season 18 of ‘Watch What Happens Live.’ Her husband, a former Marine, completed six overseas tours, and the show allegedly portrayed him unfavorably, leading Briana to further distance herself. Gunvalson tried to invite her for a cameo, but Briana refused, emphasizing the negative impact the show had on their family.

Briana and her husband Ryan Culberson have been married for 15 years and have four children together. Despite family issues, Gunvalson’s son Michael recently appeared on a ‘RHOC’ episode, expressing his dismay over not seeing his sister in eight years. “I haven’t even met two of her kids,” he stated.

Gunvalson expressed her sadness over the geographical distance, with her son in Spain and Briana in Oklahoma. She misses having her children nearby for family gatherings, acknowledging the reality is different from what she envisioned.

The impact of ‘Real Housewives’ on Gunvalson’s personal life extended to her marriage. Her ex-husband once issued an ultimatum between their marriage and the show, a choice that ended in regret. Gunvalson recalled, “When Scott [Dunlop] approached me and Donn [Gunvalson] about doing this pilot, Donn said, ‘There’s no way we’re doing this in our family.'” Eventually, they divorced, which she partly attributed to the show’s strain on their relationship.

Fellow housewife Porsha Williams offered insight, suggesting the show could both strain a marriage and reveal underlying issues. Gunvalson believes that if a marriage is weak, it is likely to collapse under such pressure.