Humiliating secret A-Z ranking of Bravo stars revealed

Who exactly is at the top of the Bravo food chain?

As someone who’s watched the entertainment industry evolve, I’ve seen reality TV really launch a lot of careers since the early 2000s. But a select few have truly become household names – they’ve not only gained huge popularity, but have also built lasting success from their time on those shows.

Fans are incredibly dedicated to their favorite TV stars, so the network now hosts a yearly convention where viewers can meet them. Plus, there’s a whole community of podcasters and bloggers devoted to covering these shows.

Naturally, the question then arises: who is considered a Bravo A-lister?

The Daily Mail has highlighted the most popular stars from Bravo, as well as those who’ve become outcasts due to their behavior both during filming and in their personal lives.

A-LIST

Kyle Richards

For over two decades, this socialite has been a prominent figure on Rodeo Drive, and she continues to thrive. Season after season, her life consistently makes headlines, demonstrating her lasting popularity and influence.

Kyle Richards’ presence on television has become widespread, even beyond the Bravo network. Early in her career, a picture of her during a heated discussion went viral as a meme – it featured her face superimposed onto a cat at a dinner table, and it’s still popular online today.

Heather Gay

Lisa Gay, a cast member on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, gained prominence after leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Although she’s been vocal about her religious beliefs, she’s built a strong identity separate from her past as a member of the Mormon faith.

After discovering a former source of gossip had joined the cast, 51-year-old Gay famously demanded, ‘I want everything – receipts, proof, a timeline, screenshots!’

A famous line from Bravo TV quickly became incredibly popular. It inspired merchandise, was mentioned on the game show Jeopardy!, and even made its way into a political hearing. During a House hearing, Representative Robert Garcia used the phrase, saying, ‘As Democrats, we have the evidence – receipts, proof, a timeline, and screenshots.’

Gay, who previously wrote the popular books Bad Mormon and Good Time Girl, recently hinted at a romantic connection with Captain Jason Chambers from the show Below Deck.

Captain Jason Chambers

Speaking of…

Captain Jason Chambers quickly became a fan favorite when he joined Below Deck in 2022, and many consider him one of the most attractive captains in the show’s history.

Although there were reports of a romantic relationship, Jason Gay, 53, has stated these are untrue. However, he’s become popular with online viewers, particularly on Reddit, who praise his leadership style. One commenter wrote that Captain Jason is both approachable and supportive of his crew, but also firm when necessary, pointing to an incident with a sous chef who left the show. They also noted his willingness to share his time and offer encouragement.

Andy Cohen

Not only does Andy Cohen run Bravo Nation, he rules it.

This well-known TV personality not only produces many shows for the network, but also leads their cast reunion specials and welcomes Bravo stars onto his talk show, Watch What Happens Live.

No one can wrangle a group of bickering Housewives quite or put a guest at ease quite like Cohen.

He’s become well-known outside of Bravo TV, too – every New Year’s Eve, the 57-year-old celebrates with his close friend Anderson Cooper in a lively, televised party that often includes alcohol.

Luann de Lesseps

Our list wouldn’t be complete without fan favorite and Bravo OG Luann de Lesseps.

Luann de Lesseps, known as ‘The Countess,’ became known to audiences in 2008 when she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City. However, her marriage to Count Alexandre de Lesseps ended in 2010 following reports of his infidelity.

Despite personal challenges, including a brief marriage to Tom D’Agostino Jr., Luann de Lesseps, 60, was a consistent presence on the show until it was revamped in 2022. She continued to appear on television afterwards, with roles on shows like Ultimate Girls Trip, Love Hotel, and Welcome to Crappie Lake.

She’s also started performing cabaret and will be touring in Australia and the US this year.

One Reddit user praised her as having the most compelling character development of any housewife. They pointed to a wild journey that began with demanding respect from Bethenny, continued with her obsession with etiquette, the famous ‘Money Can’t Buy You Class’ quote, a tumble into the bushes, her relationship with Tom, an arrest, and ultimately, her transformation into a cabaret performer. The user summed it up by saying her life was unbelievable and she’s a true icon.

Padma Lakshmi

Bravo OG Padma Lakshmi is another mega star who has landed on our A-list.

Padma Lakshmi, who hosts Top Chef, started her journey with the competitive cooking show back in 2006. She began as a model but developed a passion for food.

While she has since left, she is now in a league of her own.

Lakshmi, a popular author and chef at 55, is reaching even more people with her cooking knowledge. She gained recognition through the TV shows Taste The Nation and America’s Culinary Cup.

Paige DeSorbo

Paige DeSorbo, known from the show Summer House, is gaining recognition beyond her reality TV career after ending her relationship with Craig Conover last year.

Ciara DeSorbo, age 33, co-hosts the popular podcast Giggly Squad with her former Summer House co-star, Hannah Berner. She’s also launched her own clothing line called Daphne.

This summer, she was honored with the Allison Williams Cool Girl Award at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards.

Ariana Madix

Who knew heartbreak could completely catapult someone’s career?

In the case of Ariana Madix, it changed hers for the better.

For almost a decade, she was a prominent cast member on Vanderpump Rules and in a committed relationship with Tom Sandoval.

Everything appeared ideal until 2023, when news broke that her partner was having an affair with a close friend – a scandal quickly nicknamed ‘Scandoval’.

Despite being deeply hurt by the breakup, Ariana Madix, 40, has become the most talked-about star on Bravo. Since the scandal became public, she’s landed a role on Dancing With The Stars, played Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago, and is now hosting the popular dating show Love Island.

One Reddit user on the Love Island forum shared in 2024, ‘I’ve never watched Vanderpump Rules, but I’m already a big fan of Ariana! She’s a fantastic host, and she’s going to be starring in the Broadway production of Chicago starting in August – it’s amazing!’

Z-LIST

Jen Shah

Jen Shah, formerly a prominent cast member on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, has experienced a significant decline in public standing, landing her on our list of celebrities who have fallen from favor.

In 2023, Shah, age 52, received a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence after admitting to wire fraud. She ran a multi-million dollar scheme that tricked thousands of people, many of whom were elderly.

Shah’s arrest in March 2021 happened while filming season two of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and the footage became well-known, making her a memorable figure in the show’s history.

Shah originally denied any wrongdoing, continuing to maintain her innocence even during reunion shows. However, she eventually admitted guilt in July 2022, several months after her former assistant and partner in the crime, Stuart Smith, had already pled guilty.

After several reductions to her sentence, she has been released from prison, but it appears she’s unable to rebuild her life. Even her former associate, Cohen, has stated he doesn’t want to encounter her again.

‘Jen Shah, I never want to see again,’ he previously told the Watch What Happens Live audience.

Jax Taylor

Jax Taylor has been a prominent, and often controversial, figure on Bravo since joining the network in 2013.

Taylor, age 46, started on Vanderpump Rules as a bartender at SUR, but he quickly became more famous for his problematic actions than for his work.

Jax Taylor wasn’t known for being a perfect guy. He had a history of infidelity – including cheating on his future wife, Brittany Cartwright – legal troubles, and even slept with his best friend Tom Sandoval’s girlfriend. He definitely wasn’t someone who followed all the rules.

He was let go from the show in 2020, but later earned another chance, appearing with Cartwright in the spin-off series, The Valley.

They had been married for six years, but their relationship wouldn’t last, as the audience would soon discover.

After completing a period of rehabilitation, he has announced he’s taking a break from the show to prioritize his mental health, maintain his sobriety, and focus on co-parenting his son, Cruz, with Cartwright.

James Kennedy

Another controversial figure to make our Z-list is former Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy.

Kennedy, a 34-year-old DJ, gained popularity playing music at SUR’s weekly “See You Next Tuesday” events, but has also been under public criticism.

He was arrested in December 2024 following a dispute with his girlfriend, Ally Lewber, but no charges were ever filed. Lewber later told People magazine that she wasn’t physically injured during the incident.

After getting sober, Kennedy stepped back from public life for a while, but he continues to work as a DJ.

As for Bravo, there’s no indication of him returning to the network.

One Reddit user joked that he was effectively removed from Bravo’s sphere of influence, pointing out that even though he was in the same city as BravoCon, he wasn’t invited to any of the events.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Even though these Bravo stars didn’t quite make our top list, our expert still wanted to give them recognition. From those who inspire us to those who spark debate, here’s a look at the celebrities we couldn’t leave out.

Teddi Mellencamp: Most Inspiring Bravolebrity

Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp is easily our pick for the most inspiring personality from the Bravo network.

Last year was incredibly difficult for Mellencamp. She went through a divorce after more than a decade of marriage to Edwin Arroyave and also revealed she was diagnosed with stage four cancer.

The 44-year-old actress first learned she had melanoma in 2022. This April, she shared that the cancer had advanced to stage four and spread to her lungs and brain.

I’ve been following her story for years, and it just breaks my heart. She’s had seventeen surgeries – seventeen! – trying to fix things, but the doctors just didn’t seem to grasp how sick she really was, how far it had already spread inside her. It’s like they didn’t see what was happening, even with everything she was going through. It’s just… devastating.

John Mellencamp has been open with his fans about his health, and he shared a heartwarming video last year announcing that his cancer was no longer detectable.

But last week her famous father John Mellencamp said his daughter was still ‘suffering.’

John Mellencamp recently shared that his daughter is seriously ill with brain cancer. He described the situation as incredibly difficult and painful during an interview on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Vicki Gunvalson: The Star Making a Comeback

Viewers followed Vicki Gunvalson’s personal life, including a controversial relationship involving a fake cancer story, for 14 seasons of The Real Housewives of Orange County before she left the show in 2020.

But now Gunvalson, 63, seems poised to make a comeback.

At BravoCon, Andy Cohen extended an invitation to Vicki Gunvalson to rejoin the cast, asking if she’d be interested in returning as a housewife for season 20.

An elated Vicki replied, ‘Yes!’

Jerry O’Connell: Possible Andy Cohen Successor

Even though Jerry O’Connell doesn’t appear on Bravo’s shows, he’s a huge fan and would be our pick to take over for Andy Cohen if he ever decided to step down.

Cohen himself has said he would hope to pass the torch to O’Connell, 51.

During a panel at BravoCon last year, Andy Cohen shared a story about being on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast. They asked him who he’d want to take over if he ever retired. He said he didn’t want to retire and didn’t want a replacement, but jokingly suggested Jeff Lewis or Jerry O’Connell. After a recent event, Cohen clarified that Jeff wasn’t the right choice, making Jerry his pick.

‘We can tag team!’ O’Connell replied.

Phaedra Parks: Most Buzzworthy

Phaedra Parks, a star on Real Housewives of Atlanta, was also recognized for returning to the show.

NeNe Leakes, age 52, became a cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2010. However, she was fired after season nine due to rumors she shared on the show.

She returned to television with appearances on shows like The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip and Married to Medicine, and she almost won the reality competition Traitors in 2024.

She won the title of ‘Greatest Shade Thrower’ at BravoCon last year, and she recently rejoined The Real Housewives of Atlanta as a full-time cast member.

She acknowledged she’d been sought after, saying, ‘Here I am,’ before rejoining the performance. ‘I’m exactly where I need to be,’ she added. ‘This feels like home.’

Brittany Cartwright: Biggest Sweetheart

Amidst the drama and scandalous rumors of Vanderpump Rules, Brittany Cartwright always stood out as a genuinely kind and positive presence.

Hailing from Alabama, this charming star caught the eye of Taylor during a trip to Las Vegas.

Even though she was new to the group, Taylor and the other cast members quickly became attracted to the 37-year-old.

With her charmingly humble attitude, cheerful personality, and memorable grandmother, Meemaw, she was a clear choice for our Sweetheart award.

Tamra Judge: The Bravolebrity Ruffling Feathers

Another Bravo OG to earn a shout-out is Real Housewives of Orange County star Tamra Judge.

Judge, age 58, co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Two Ts in a Pod’ with Mellencamp and recently competed on ‘The Traitors.’ She’s been involved with the show since 2007, but has also frequently faced criticism and sparked debate.

Last year, Rolling Stone published an article, “In Defense of Tamra Judge, Bravo’s Most Polarizing Real Housewife,” arguing against calls to remove her from the show.

A ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ cast member has been receiving negative feedback this season, and viewers want her removed from the show. However, many believe firing her would be a bad decision, according to a recent statement.

Bethenny Frankel: Biggest Success Story

She’s the Bravo OG whose money moves reportedly made her a fortune.

Bethenny Frankel, age 55, was one of the first stars of The Real Housewives of New York. She often caused drama with both the other cast members and viewers, and ultimately decided to leave the show permanently in 2019.

She’s become one of the most successful people to come from the show. Beyond her work on Bravo, she hosted her own talk show (though it didn’t last long), started a podcast, and famously sold her Skinnygirl Cocktails brand for around $100 million.

In 2023, she tried to help reality stars form a union, but that effort didn’t gain much traction. More recently, she’s become known online for reviewing products and sharing her opinions as a consumer advocate.

Tom Sandoval: Most Controversial Bravolebrity

The mere mention of his name is enough to make Bravo fans roll their eyes.

Tom Sandoval used to be a fan favorite on Vanderpump Rules, known as a bartender and for his long-term relationship with Ariana Madix.

Let me tell you, 2023 was a turning point. It all came out that he was unfaithful to Ariana with a close friend and fellow cast member, Rachel, and honestly, it completely shifted how everyone saw him. He really became an outcast within the group.

Honestly, it was insane. Everything completely changed after ‘Scandoval’ – that’s what everyone called the whole mess. It felt like the Vanderpump Rules I loved was only around for one more season after that. It was never the same, and they basically had to start over with a whole new cast. It was heartbreaking, truly!

Despite the public backlash from his affair, Sandoval hasn’t disappeared from television. He still appeared at BravoCon in 2025 and participated in shows like Traitors, Special Forces, and America’s Got Talent.

2026-02-16 20:26