Taylor Armstrong Makes Real Housewives History: Exclusive Interview Reveals Her Journey to RHOC Season 17
In a groundbreaking move for the iconic Bravo franchise, Taylor Armstrong, a beloved original cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, officially joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Orange County for its highly anticipated 17th season. This historic announcement marks Taylor as the very first Housewife to ever transition from one city to another, setting a new precedent within the expansive Real Housewives universe. Just weeks prior to this monumental reveal, the 51-year-old reality star sat down exclusively with HollywoodLife for our popular Real Housewives podcast, Pay Attention Puh-Lease!, offering subtle but significant hints about her future in front of the Bravo cameras.
During that candid interview on June 17, 2022, Taylor, a true veteran of the franchise, spoke openly about her life post-Beverly Hills and the exciting prospects on her horizon. Little did fans know at the time that her words would foreshadow a dramatic shift, culminating in her new reality as an Orange County Housewife. Her journey from the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills, through personal trials and triumphs, has prepared her for this unprecedented chapter, bringing a unique blend of experience and a fresh perspective to the OC scene.
Taylor Armstrong’s Candid Revelation: A Hint at Her RHOC Future
In our exclusive conversation, we posed a pivotal question to Taylor: had she ever been approached about rejoining her original franchise, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? As an undeniable fan-favorite and an ‘OG’ who captivated audiences through RHOBH‘s formative first three seasons, her return to Beverly Hills had long been a topic of fervent speculation among viewers. Her response, delivered with a hint of playful intrigue, proved particularly fascinating when viewed through the lens of the monumental news that would electrify the Bravo community on Monday, August 1st.
Taylor revealed a significant turning point in her life that naturally steered her away from the 90210 postcode. “After I left Beverly Hills, I moved to Vail, Colorado, so I spent a few years there just skiing and breathing and trying to figure out what to do next with my life,” she shared, reflecting on a period of personal growth and healing. “And then, when I moved back, I chose to move to Orange County. So I’m down here with the OC girls now.” This revelation was incredibly telling, indicating not just a geographical shift, but a profound personal decision that aligned her life with the very women she would soon call co-stars.
At the time of the interview, Taylor was actively promoting her upcoming stint on Season 2 of Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip, a series that brings together Housewives from various franchises for a shared vacation. When we playfully suggested that she might consider joining The Real Housewives of Orange County instead of making a potential return to RHOBH, her response was simple yet potent: “That would be fun.” Her enthusiasm was palpable, signaling a genuine openness to embracing new opportunities within the expansive Housewives universe. This seemingly casual remark, in hindsight, serves as a crucial piece of the puzzle, revealing her unspoken desire to dive into the vibrant and often dramatic world of the OC Housewives.
Building Bridges: Taylor’s Thoughts on the RHOC Cast
While Taylor remained discreet about any ongoing discussions with Bravo regarding a formal role on RHOC, she generously offered insights into potential dynamics with the Orange County cast members. Her familiarity with some of the show’s veterans suggested a natural pathway into the group. “I see Heather [Dubrow] periodically around town, and I just love she and [her husband] Terry. So I think that would be fun to be on a show with her,” Taylor remarked. The Dubrows, known for their lavish lifestyle and sophisticated demeanor, appear to be a natural fit for Taylor’s personality, potentially forming a strong alliance.
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Beyond Heather, Taylor also mentioned her interactions with other legendary Orange County Housewives. “And then, of course, I see Vicki [Gunvalson] and Tamra [Judge],” she confirmed, highlighting her existing connections within the OC social scene. However, her comments about Shannon [Beador] were particularly noteworthy. “And I’ve met Shannon before, but we don’t hang out or anything,” she stated, subtly suggesting a lack of a pre-existing close bond. This observation leads to intriguing speculation that while Taylor might easily buddy up with the refined Heather Dubrow, she could potentially find herself at odds with the often-fiery and direct Shannon Beador, paving the way for classic Housewives drama and captivating storylines.
When we further probed, suggesting that her burgeoning friendship with Heather could provide an organic entry point into the cast, Taylor’s concise response spoke volumes: “Right?!” This simple exclamation underscored her agreement and perhaps even her strategic thinking, recognizing the value of existing relationships as a bridge into a new social circle and, by extension, a new reality TV family. Her move to Orange County was not just a change of address; it was a deliberate step towards a new life, and now, a new role on Bravo.
A Historic Franchise Switch: Taylor’s Unprecedented Journey
The official announcement that PEOPLE magazine was first to report earlier that day, solidified Taylor Armstrong’s place in Real Housewives history. By joining The Real Housewives of Orange County, she became the first-ever Housewife to transition from one city-based franchise to another. This move is more than just a casting decision; it represents an evolution of the Real Housewives format, opening doors for future cross-franchise appearances and further intertwining the narratives of these iconic cities. Fans have long speculated about such a crossover, and Taylor Armstrong is leading the charge, bringing her unique history and vibrant personality to a fresh landscape.
Taylor’s arrival is part of a dynamic shake-up for RHOC Season 17. She joins a cast that includes the highly anticipated return of Tamra Judge, who recently announced her own return to the show, much to the delight of longtime viewers. Heather Dubrow, who made a triumphant return last season, also continues her role, promising more of her sophisticated drama. Returning favorites Shannon Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson round out the main cast, ensuring a mix of established friendships, simmering tensions, and evolving storylines. Taylor’s insertion into this established group is expected to ignite new alliances, spark fresh conflicts, and bring an exciting, unpredictable energy to the show, leveraging her extensive experience as a veteran of reality television.
Resilience and New Beginnings: Taylor’s Personal Story
Taylor Armstrong’s journey to The Real Housewives of Orange County is underscored by a deeply personal and often challenging past that has made her one of the most resilient figures in the Bravo family. Before the premiere of RHOBH Season 2 in 2011, Taylor bravely filed for divorce from her husband of six years, Russell Armstrong, citing physical and verbal abuse. This harrowing period of her life was extensively documented on the show, earning her immense empathy and support from viewers worldwide. Tragically, Russell died by suicide on August 15, 2011, just one month after their separation was publicly announced. Taylor navigated this profound loss and public scrutiny with remarkable strength, all while raising her young daughter, Kennedy.
Through immense adversity, Taylor found love again and a path to healing. In 2014, she married attorney John Bluher, 64, signifying a new chapter of stability and happiness. Together, they reside in Orange County with Kennedy, who is now 16 years old. This move to Orange County, therefore, is not merely a geographical relocation but a symbolic step in her continuous journey of rebuilding and thriving. Her decision to embrace a new franchise in her new home reflects her ongoing quest for fresh experiences and personal fulfillment, showcasing her incredible strength and unwavering spirit. Her past experiences, while painful, have forged a woman of profound depth and resilience, qualities that are sure to resonate with RHOC viewers and add a rich layer to the show’s narrative.
As Season 17 of The Real Housewives of Orange County unfolds, fans are eager to witness how Taylor Armstrong integrates into her new environment. Her well-documented history, combined with her vibrant personality and connections within the OC social scene, promises an unforgettable season. Taylor’s move is a testament to her enduring appeal and her willingness to embark on new adventures, solidifying her status as a true icon of the Real Housewives franchise. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding joy in new beginnings, making her addition to RHOC one of the most anticipated events in recent Bravo history.