The Real Housewives of Orange County

If you have ever wondered how the other half lives, tune into Bravo to watch "The Real Housewives of Orange County." This show features the lives of housewives living in the gated communities of Orange County, California. The show follows them through family life, work, and socializing. It premiered on March 21, 2006 and the original housewives were Kimberly Bryant, Jo De La Rosa, Vicki Gunvalson, Jeana Keough and Lauri Waring. In season two, Kimberly Bryant was replaced by Tammy Knickerbocker. At the beginning of the third season, the show dropped Jo De La Rosa and welcomed Tamra Barney. Halfway through the third season, Quinn Fry was added as well.

Here is a little information about each housewife:

Vicki Gunvalson

Vicki is very dominant, often being described as controlling and a workaholic by both family and friends. Even her kids Michael and Briana call her crazy. Vicki and her second husband Donn bought a smaller house to move into in the third season, but decided to keep their larger residence in Coto. Vicki thinks moving to a smaller house will be a sign of financial failure. She decided to sell the smaller house through Jeana Keough, which causes problems occasionally through the friends. Vicki is the owner of Coto Insurance & Financial Services.

Jeana Keough

Jeana is a former Playboy Playmate (November 1980) and actress (The Beach Girls, 10 to Midnight) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was also one of the three girls featured in the ZZ Top video's "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs" and was featured in several commercials in the 80s including those for Ditto Jeans, Honda, and 7-Up. Jeana is currently separated from her husband Matt Keough, a former pitcher for the Oakland A's. The couple has three children - Shane, Kara, and Colton. Shane is playing minor league baseball, Kara is preparing to attend UC Berkley, and Colton is still living at home. Jeana is now a realtor.

Lauri Waring

Lauri is the mother of Ashley, Josh, and Sophie. A former model, Lauri had been working in Vicki's home office to help make ends meet while living in a smaller townhouse. However, just as she was struggling to adjust to a less affluent lifestyle, Lauri met wealthy real estate and land developer George Peterson. During Season 2, the two became engaged and season 3 has shown them preparing for their wedding. George's daughter McKenzie lives with the couple. After allowing him to live in the townhouse, Lauri kicked Josh out after breaking several of her rules. He moved in with George's ex-wife Gina and Lauri has all but said the two don't speak anymore.

Tammy Knickerbocker

Tammy is a single mother to two girls, Megan and Lindsey by her first husband Lou. She has a 10-year-old son, Ryley, from a relationship with Duff, who works for Vicki. Lou had an affair with an assistant and broke up their marriage. He died of a heart attack in April 2007 without leaving a will, putting a financial strain on the girls. Tammy is living in a rented house while her home in Coto is undergoing renovations due to water damage. Tammy has been friends with Jeana for over 15 years. She works as a loan officer.

Tamra Barney

Calling herself the "hottest housewife in Orange County," Tamra recently became a real estate agent, working in the same territory as Jeana. She and her second husband Simon have two children, Spencer and Sidney. Tamra has an older son from her first marriage, Ryan, who is 21. Ryan recently moved back home and is causing problems between Tamra and Simon. Tamra is facing her 40th birthday and is always looking for ways to help keep her looking young and hot.

Quinn Fry

Quinn was born in 1955 and at 52, is the oldest of the housewives featured on the show. She was raised in Fort Knox, Kentucky. She has been married twice, but is single now. She lives in San Clemente and has two children, Shannon, who have moved out and Colin, who still lives at home. Quinn is an Internet marketing manager and the managing editor of an Orange County lifestyle and entertainment website. Quinn likes to date younger men, including Jarod (who is 26) and Billy (who is 40). She is old fashioned about romance and looking to fall in love and marry again one day.

Latest OC Recaps

Real Housewives of Orange County: The Girls Confess!
Posted: 30 Jan 2008
Actually, this was just a wrap-up of the season. Host Andy Cohen asked his favorite viewer question “Why do the women always have so much boob hanging out?” Jeana pointed out it WAS southern California and Tammy said it made her feel better. They showed some highlights of the season – Tamra dancing on the floor [...]

Real Housewives of Orange County: Lauri and George’s Wedding
Posted: 24 Jan 2008
This season finale episode dealt with some issues which I will get to in a minute, but the real thrill was Lauri and George’s fairytale wedding. I know this cost George a pretty penny, but it was so beautiful and tasteful. The orchids hanging from the tree with the crystals on the [...]

Real Housewives of Orange County: Tamra Turns 40
Posted: 16 Jan 2008
Tamra celebrated her fortieth birthday on a huge yacht with all the housewives there. I thought it was funny that she was moaning about turning 40 and how old she was in front of Quinn, who is in her 50s and still looks great. Simon fooled Tamra by giving her a Juicy bag, [...]

Real Housewives of Orange County: Quinn Confronts Billy
Posted: 9 Jan 2008
Poor Quinn! She has young, hot Jarod, but still hangs out with Billy, the perpetual bachelor. I felt sorry for her when she asked him if he was her boyfriend and all he could do was display the deer in the headlights eyes. I did love it when she went to Tammy’s [...]