Heather Dubrow, a well-known figure in reality television, has shared her thoughts on her journey with “The Real Housewives of Orange County” (RHOC), particularly reflecting on her early days with the show. At the premiere for the 20th season, Dubrow recalled her concerns about joining the reality genre, believing that it would signify the downfall of her acting career.
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When Heather first joined RHOC in 2012 during its seventh season, she was acutely aware that reality television was generally viewed with disdain in the acting community. “It was so looked down upon for an actor to be on reality,” she commented, acknowledging that at the time, there were no other actresses on the show. Dubrow, who had previously portrayed Lydia DeLucca on the CBS drama “That’s Life,” felt uneasy about the transition from scripted roles to unscripted reality.
Originally leaving the series after five seasons, Dubrow returned for the sixteenth season in 2021 and has since established herself as a mainstay on the show. Reflecting on her return, she admitted that the latest season proved to be quite challenging for her personally. Despite the difficulties, Dubrow spoke warmly about the memorable experiences she had with her co-stars during filming.
One of the highlights for Heather has been the girls’ trips that are featured on the show. “I really love the girls’ trips because I had never been on a girls’ trip until I came on the show,” she remarked. These trips are not only meant for fun but also serve to strengthen the relationships among the cast, providing an opportunity for camaraderie amidst the drama that often arises.
As she looked back on the previous season, Dubrow noted that the group dynamic seemed somewhat fractured. Her intention for the new season was to help bring everyone back together. “Let’s start fresh. Let’s get together, let’s have a little fun, and let’s put things aside,” she stated, a sentiment aimed at addressing underlying issues among the cast.
In addition to her rollercoaster experiences on RHOC, Dubrow is dedicated to advocating for her family and the LGBTQ community. She has four children—twins Max and Nick, aged 22, Kat, 19, and Ace, who is 15—with her husband, Terry Dubrow. Their family journey has included significant moments of support for their children. Max came out as bisexual in June 2020, and the following year, Kat identified as a lesbian. Most recently, Heather announced in March 2023 that Ace had come out as transgender.
Dubrow expressed a great deal of pride in her children’s wellbeing, stating, “I have four healthy, great kids and our family—knock on wood—everyone seems to be in a good spot right now.” She is also passionate about creating a dialogue among parents of LGBTQ children, emphasizing the importance of community support. “The most important thing is to stay in our community and keep talking to each other,” she advised.
Bringing her experiences to centre stage, Dubrow aims to foster understanding and compassion, not only within her family but also in the wider community. As the new season of RHOC unfolds, viewers will undoubtedly see more of her journey, including her efforts to unify her castmates and her commitment to advocating for equality and acceptance.
As she steps into the spotlight once more, Heather Dubrow exemplifies how reality television can serve as a platform for personal growth and community advocacy, transforming initial fears into opportunities for connection and dialogue. With a firm resolve to keep things uplifting, Dubrow’s presence on the show remains significant as both an entertainer and a champion for her family and the LGBTQ community.