Vicki Gunvalson Reveals Her Daughter Advised Against Returning to RHOC
Briana Culberson, daughter of Vicki Gunvalson, is not particularly happy about her mother’s choice to return to The Real Housewives of Orange County.
During a recent panel discussion for the RHOC season 20 premiere, Vicki, 64, shared, “Briana said, ‘No, Mom. The show has never been beneficial for you. You’ve always lost relationships.’”
With the show set to return on Thursday, June 9, Vicki revealed to Us Weekly that Briana also expressed worries about Vicki’s relationship with boyfriend Michael Smith, who she started dating in 2022.
“My daughter is incredibly protective of me and cautioned, ‘Please don’t jeopardize this relationship by involving Michael in [the show], because it’s not easy for these guys,’” Vicki recounted. “I reassured her, ‘I think we’re fine.’ Michael is very supportive, and I have amazing kids who have their own lives.”
Vicki has two children, Briana, 39, and son Michael Wolfsmith, with her first husband Michael J. Wolfsmith, whom she was married to from 1982 to 1991. She was also married to Don Gunvalson from 1994 to 2014.
During the panel, Vicki mentioned that she mostly agreed to keep her relationship with Michael, 65, off camera.
“He did make a brief appearance this year,” she playfully hinted.
Vicki originally starred on RHOC from seasons 1 through 13 before being demoted to a “friend of” role in season 14. She has since returned as a guest in seasons 17 and 18.
“The truth is we’re constantly looking to refresh every show,” Andy Cohen told Us regarding the decision to demote Vicki in 2019. “She had been part of the show for 14 years. That is an unprecedented run for any reality show.”
He further stated that even with her changed role, Vicki was “still very much a part of” season 14, emphasizing, “It’s just about keeping things fresh.”
In celebration of the 20th season of RHOC, Vicki was invited back full-time. Andy, 58, shared this news at BravoCon in November 2025 by presenting Vicki with an orange.
“I was thrilled to present Vicki with that orange,” he recalled. “We don’t take it lightly that The Real Housewives of Orange County is turning 20, so we thought it would be a fun surprise to bring her back, and I wanted to do it in front of all of you.”
Vicki hinted at her return to RHOC while speaking to Us at the 2026 Newport Beach TV Fest on June 5.
“I was thrilled to be back with my friends and to share what I’ve been up to,” she stated. “I’m still really close with Shannon [Beador] on and off camera, as well as Tamra [Judge]. It was an easy transition.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 20 is set to premiere on Bravo Thursday, July 9, at 8 p.m. ET.
