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Vicki Gunvalson

Star file

Vicki Gunvalson

reality television star

Also known as OG of the OC, OG of the O.C.

11 stories · latest Sep 15, 2026 · Reality TV

Vicki Gunvalson biography

Vicki Gunvalson is a reality television star known as an original cast member of The Real Housewives of Orange County. She helped launch the franchise in 2006 and has also appeared on spin-off series including Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.

Recent coverage highlights her central role in interpersonal conflicts during Season 20 of her main series, including heated arguments over her personal commentary and an incident where she halted camera crews at her home. Reports have also focused on public discussions surrounding her relationship with Michael Smith, as well as her financial support for fellow reality star Brandi Glanville.

  • Coverage of Vicki Gunvalson focuses heavily on her high-tension clashes with co-stars and public scrutiny of her romantic life.
  • Reports frequently highlight her longstanding status as an original franchise star when contextualizing her behavior during group arguments and crossover events.
  • Recent stories also capture moments of peer solidarity outside of television drama, such as her financial backing of fellow stars facing personal challenges.

The Vicki Gunvalson shelf

Films and shows to own

Keeping Up With the Kardashians coverWATCH · 2007Keeping Up With the KardashiansTwenty seasons that invented the modern family-business show.

Latest on Vicki Gunvalson

Vicki Gunvalson timeline

  1. Kyle Richards Breaks Down Over Mauricio Umansky Separation On 'RHUGT'

    Aug 17, 2026

    Kyle Richards became emotional while discussing her marital separation in a conversation with Vicki Gunvalson.

    Kyle Richards Breaks Down Over Mauricio Umansky Separation On 'RHUGT'
  2. Cynthia Bailey Says Vicki Gunvalson Had No Idea Who She Was at Bravo Event

    Aug 20, 2026

    Cynthia Bailey recalled an awkward encounter where Vicki Gunvalson did not recognize her at a franchise event.

    Cynthia Bailey Says Vicki Gunvalson Had No Idea Who She Was at Bravo Event
  3. Heather Dubrow Steps In After Vicki Gunvalson Targets RHOC Newbie Carmella Garcia’s Parenting in Sin City

    Aug 21, 2026

    Vicki Gunvalson faced pushback after making unsolicited critiques about newcomer Carmella Garcia's parenting in Las Vegas.

    Heather Dubrow Steps In After Vicki Gunvalson Targets RHOC Newbie Carmella Garcia’s Parenting in Sin City
  4. Tamra Judge Exposes Vicki Gunvalson’s Boyfriend and His Strict '90-Day' Engagement Rule

    Sep 4, 2026

    Tamra Judge revealed details of a 90-day trial period set by Vicki Gunvalson's partner regarding a potential engagement.

    Tamra Judge Exposes Vicki Gunvalson’s Boyfriend and His Strict '90-Day' Engagement Rule
  5. Vicki Gunvalson Shuts Down 'RHOC' Filming After Explosive Clash With Co-Stars

    Sep 11, 2026

    Vicki Gunvalson halted production at her residence following a heated argument with Jennifer Pedranti and Emily Simpson.

    Vicki Gunvalson Shuts Down 'RHOC' Filming After Explosive Clash With Co-Stars
  6. Bravo Stars Assemble: Vicki Gunvalson & Claudia Jordan Back Brandi Glanville’s GoFundMe

    Sep 13, 2026

    Vicki Gunvalson contributed financial support to a crowdfunding campaign for Brandi Glanville's medical expenses.

    Bravo Stars Assemble: Vicki Gunvalson & Claudia Jordan Back Brandi Glanville’s GoFundMe
  7. Jenn Pedranti Takes Aim at Vicki Gunvalson's 'Sad' Relationship With Michael Smith

    Sep 15, 2026

    Jenn Pedranti publicly criticized Vicki Gunvalson's relationship with partner Michael Smith.

    Jenn Pedranti Takes Aim at Vicki Gunvalson's 'Sad' Relationship With Michael Smith

The photos · 14

Gunvalson (pictured above with Smith in Las Vegas in November 2023) has been dating Smith for four years.
Smith (pictured above with Gunvalson in Las Vegas in November 2023) allegedly told Gunvalson that he would propose if she was a “good girl” for 90 consecutive days.
Pedranti (pictured above in the Studio in September) said she feels “sad” for Gunvalson.
Smith (pictured above with Gunvalson at BravoCon 2023) already bought an engagement ring.
Bravo Stars Assemble: Vicki Gunvalson & Claudia Jordan Back Brandi Glanville’s GoFundMe
Vicki Gunvalson Shuts Down 'RHOC' Filming After Explosive Clash With Co-Stars
Tamra Judge Exposes Vicki Gunvalson’s Boyfriend and His Strict '90-Day' Engagement Rule
Vicki Gunvalson Defends Herself Against 'Mom-Shaming' Accusations on RHOC
Luann de Lesseps Confronts Erika Jayne and Vicki Gunvalson on 'RHUGT'
Heather Dubrow Steps In After Vicki Gunvalson Targets RHOC Newbie Carmella Garcia’s Parenting in Sin City
Cynthia Bailey Says Vicki Gunvalson Had No Idea Who She Was at Bravo Event
Bailey said Gunvalson (pictured above in New York City in August) had “no idea” who she was when they filmed at a party in Atlanta.
Gunvalson is one of the core cast members in “RHUGT.” (Pictured above: the “RHUGT” cast at their ’80s party in Orange County.)
Gunvalson (pictured above on “Watch What Happens Live” in August) also didn’t recognize Kung Minkoff when the crew visited Beverly Hills.

Vicki Gunvalson: your questions

Who is Vicki Gunvalson's partner?

Vicki Gunvalson's romantic partner is Michael Smith.

Why did Vicki Gunvalson stop camera crews from filming her show?

She shut down production inside her home after an argument escalated with co-stars Jennifer Pedranti and Emily Simpson.

Why did Vicki Gunvalson donate to Brandi Glanville?

She provided financial support to help cover Glanville's medical treatments and upcoming surgeries for a facial disfigurement.

What dispute arose over Vicki Gunvalson's parenting comments?

Gunvalson faced accusations of mom-shaming after critiquing Carmella Garcia and Tamra Judge, though Gunvalson denied judging their parenting.

More on Vicki Gunvalson

Often in the same story

The Real Housewives of Orange CountyDanny MurphyEvan RealBravoReal Housewives Ultimate Girls TripEmily SimpsonHeather DubrowCarmella Garcia