Lisa Vanderpump nearly missed out on her Bravo TV success.
During a new interview, the longtime Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member and Los Angeles restaurateur opened up about why she initially passed on the opportunity to star on the reality show and if she financially supports her two children.
First, Lisa explained how the popular Bravo series has changed her life.
“Oh my God, I can pick up the phone and get anybody I’d like. I could probably get the President of the United States on the phone,” Lisa told In Style. “I’ve worked with him on Miss Universe. I’ve managed to tell him off for a couple of things, that’s for sure. You have access. I’ve spoken at United Nations. We have Congress’s ear. And it’s been good for our business.”
According to Lisa, Bravo TV approached her a couple of times in regard to a potential role on the RHOBH but at first, she refused.
“I said it’s so not me — I’m useless at arguing and fighting,” she explained. “It was Jennifer Stallone who said to me, ‘Come on, you should go.’ And then Robert Kovacik, the news anchor, one of my best friends, drove me to be interviewed. I had to start thinking, ‘Well, it’ll be fun.’”
In addition to the fame she’s been exposed to in recent years, Lisa has also benefited financially from appearing on the show, not just through her series paychecks but also from the exposure her restaurants have gotten over the years.
As for her kids, daughter Pandora Sabo and son Max Todd have reaped in the benefits of their mother’s wealth but not to the point where Lisa and her husband, Ken Todd, are fully supporting them.
“I’ve always kept some money and invested in property, and I encourage my kids to do the same. I helped Pandora [and her husband] out with the deposit, they have their own mortgage, and already they’re moving up in the property market. Same with Max,” she explained.
“It’s very difficult now for young people to get started in a place like Los Angeles. That was something I could help them with, but they have the responsibility of their bills and their mortgage, and I think that’s an important part of growing up,” Lisa continued.
Also during her interview, Lisa spoke about her spin-off series, Vanderpump Rules, and revealed which of the show’s stars is most like her.
“They still work at SUR because they love being part of a family and want to be on the show, but they’ve obviously benefited from being reality stars, doing things on the side, and I encourage that,” she said of the cast.
“I’ve always seen a lot of myself in [Stassi Schroeder], except she’s more petulant than I am. But she’s got the smarts,” Lisa explained.
Lisa went on to reveal that she has great relationships with her Pump Rules co-stars, including Kristen Doute, who she infamously fired from the SUR Restaurant years ago. She added that the cast is always supportive of her business ventures and charity efforts.
“When the chips are down, they support me. So many of the Vanderpump Rules kids put up their hands, bidding at our gala. So I can’t be pissed off with [Kristen] for too long,” she joked.
Vanderpump Rules season seven airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on Bravo TV.
Photo Credit: Milla Cochran/Startraksphoto