Mary Cosby on Exiting RHOSLC After Season 2: Believes She’s Not Funny (Exclusive)

Following a brief hiatus from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Mary Cosby has returned, funnier than ever—though she might not realize it. Her unique nonchalance has made her the unsung hero of the Bravo franchise and secured her a spot on Us Weekly’s list of Reality Stars of the Year.

At 52, Bravo viewers have reconnected with Cosby, one of RHOSLC’s original cast members who stepped away after Season 2 amid controversy surrounding her church. She explains that taking a break was essential after her church was labeled a “cult” following the show’s debut season.

“I had to step back and reassess the situation because, believe it or not, I was unaware of what I was getting into by being on this show,” Cosby tells Us Weekly exclusively. “I didn’t realize it would be so chaotic.”

Mary’s grandmother, Dr. Rosemary Redmon Cosby, founded the Faith Temple Pentecostal Church in 1968. Following her passing, Mary took on the roles of first lady and evangelist alongside her husband, Robert Sr., who serves as the church’s bishop.

During her first season on RHOSLC, the negative attention surrounding her church and her relationship (Robert Sr. was her step-grandfather before their 1998 marriage) became the most challenging aspects of her experience. Cosby believes much of the speculation originated from former co-star Jen Shah.

“She put that out there, and people ran with it,” Cosby asserts, mentioning that her rivalry with Shah “came with the territory” of the show and that she has since “let it go.”

“I came to understand this was part of my journey,” Cosby explains. “When you’re strong enough, you go through trials and darkness, like I did. I didn’t realize then that I could handle it.”

The tension between Cosby and Shah (sparked by Cosby saying Shah “smelled like hospital”) contributed to the buzz around RHOSLC shortly after its November 2020 premiere. (Shah is currently serving time after being convicted of fraud in 2023.)

After her absence in Season 3, Cosby returned as a “friend of” in Season 4, appearing quieter and notably choosing to eat McDonald’s alone rather than join a night of partying. However, when she came back as a full-time cast member in Season 5, her sharp humor returned with a vengeance.

If you ask Cosby, she doesn’t consider herself a comedian.

“I honestly have no idea that I’m funny. I still don’t believe I am. I even watch myself and find it amusing,” she admits, adding that “my entire family is funny,” leading her to believe the humor genes might have skipped her.

“I’m serious. I’m direct and focused on my life’s path. I didn’t realize I made people laugh. So am I funny? I’m not sure,” she says.

After witnessing Cosby’s interpretation of Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl lyrics, Us would certainly disagree, but we digress.

Beyond her unintentional humor, her return to the show has also fostered an unexpected yet wholesome friendship with Angie Katsanevas, which fans have embraced. Cosby describes their bond as “one of the joys of being on the show,” despite some ongoing tension as Season 6 unfolds.

“Finding sisterhood is essential in today’s world,” Cosby reflects. “People seem different after COVID; there’s more stress and anger.”

She continues, “People aren’t searching for friendships that feel like family anymore.”

Cosby’s family dynamics have resonated with viewers too. In Season 5, it was revealed that her 22-year-old son, Robert Jr., was struggling with drug addiction. Their emotional conversation, captured by Bravo’s cameras, showcased Cosby’s compassion over anger.

“I was genuinely shocked,” she recalls learning of Robert Jr.’s issues. “I immediately blamed myself because I realized, ‘You can’t judge his life and choices.’”

Regarding how she stayed calm, Cosby states, “I don’t judge people. I dislike judging others. … If he’s courageous enough to share something so significant, why would I judge? I had to be there for him.”

Cosby tells Us that her heartfelt dialogue with Robert Jr. has garnered “a lot of audience feedback,” but during tough times, she consistently turns to one source for support.

“I rely on God for that support and guidance. My challenges and life journey are much greater than I often perceive, so I need higher help,” she explains.

And how is Robert Jr. doing these days?

“I can genuinely say he’s doing very well,” Cosby tells Us, sharing that her son “had a minor setback” recently but she’s hopeful he “stays on track.”

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City airs on Bravo every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Stream previous episodes anytime on Peacock.

For more with Cosby and the other Reality Stars of the Year, check out the latest issue of Us Weekly, in stores now.