Heather Dubrow spent the entire recently concluded season of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” fending off slings and arrows flung at her by her castmates, and so-called friends — only to be completely vindicated during the show’s reunion.
At BravoCon, Variety spoke to Dubrow, who was accompanied in the press room by her husband, “Botched” star Terry Dubrow.
The women came at you all season, and you did nothing but comport yourself with dignity. You’ve been on the show for years. Is there a level of coordinated attack that’s a strategy? Is it like a “Survivor” situation?
Heather Dubrow: It’s an interesting question. I mean, the truth is, being on this side of it, I don’t know! Right? But what I would say is sometimes the tide moves in a certain direction, and starts picking up steam. And I think that tends to happen — that people feed off of each other.
Terry Dubrow: But you surfed it, and then kicked out.
It must take a toll.
Heather: It does take a toll! Like you just said, I was on the apology tour. Because I am a very self-actualized person. You know, I was joking, like in a Taylor Swift way: “Am I the problem? It’s me?” So I would say I’m sorry: “I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I’m sorry I did that.”
And at one point, I went: “I’m sorry — I’m not sorry! What did I do? I don’t understand what is going on!” And it was very difficult for me. Also on top of it, I have four kids, two of them are leaving for college, I’m dealing with the other two. I’ve got a husband, I’ve got jobs, and all this. And obviously, we sold the house, and moved out in three weeks. There was a lot going on.
Were you ever like, “I don’t want to be on this anymore? I don’t need this?”
Heather: I mean, look — we were on the show for five years. We left. When they asked me to come back, we laughed. And, Kate, I know you know this, but one of the main reasons for coming back is to try to use the platform to show our normal family, and try to start conversations in other people’s families about families that have LGBTQIA+ kids, and make it easier for them. And have someone on the TV that represents what they’re living. And honestly, I’m kind of proud of what we’ve been able to do in the last couple of years, and hope to continue that work.
We don’t need to sell any more books — like, we’re good! But that really was my impetus for coming back. And so I guess the answer is even with the bullshit, and pettiness — and maybe one might say jealousy, I don’t like that word —
Well, I’ll say it if you won’t.
Heather: When I know that I’m affecting change in other areas, I’m OK.
Terry: But the reality is, there is a behind the scenes that you’re talking about — the toll. It’s a real thing. And we live it. And I think had it occurred, this kind of thing, in the early seasons, she wouldn’t have been — [looks at Heather]
Heather: I don’t know if I would have been able to handle it.
Terry: She wouldn’t have handled it well.
Heather: I didn’t handle it that well. I cried a lot!
Terry: There was a lot of crying behind the scenes. It was very, very difficult.
I know this came up in your panel yesterday, but given your new house, and your résumé, Beverly Hills is a really sensible location change for you if you wanted to move forward in that direction.
Heather: Listen — I’ll say this. Eventually. Eventually! I mean, I’m a New Yorker, transplanted to L.A., dragged down to Orange County. I’m trying to migrate home!
Terry: She’ll be a “RHONY!” In, like, three years.
Heather: I’ll be a “RHONY.” But isn’t it kind of cool to see what happens?
Filming must be beginning soon, right?
Heather: We’re hearing top of the year. First quarter. Am I allowed to say that?
This interview has been edited and condensed.