Chappaqua Resident Ready for Housewives Debut

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. – Chappaqua residents tuning in to watch the premier of “Real Housewives of Orange County” on Feb. 7 may recognize a familiar face. Actress and former Chappaqua resident Heather Dubrow has been added to the cast for the show’s seventh season.

Dubrow was offered a spot on the reality show when she and her friends ran into officials for the show’s production company, Evolution Media, during a restaurant opening. While friends and family urged her to sign on, Dubrow was hesitant.

“I thought I was too sensitive for that, but my husband was so into it,” said Dubrow, who eventually agreed. “My husband basically didn’t talk to me for two weeks until I caved in. Then I said yes.”

Dubrow and her plastic surgeon husband, Terry, have been married for over 12 years and have four children together, all under the age of eight. Terry was a cast member on the reality television show, “The Swan.”

Before moving out to California, Dubrow lived in Chappaqua for 13 years. She left New York after graduating from Syracuse University in 1990.

“I went to Westorchard, and Bell Middle School – I hear it’s changed – then I went to Horace Greeley,” said Dubrow. “It was good. Chappaqua’s a beautiful place.”

Having never watched “Real Housewives” before trying out, Dubrow was not sure what to expect when the cameras started rolling.

“I heard that they were mean and threw wine and did all this crazy stuff,” Dubrow said. “The cameras are there and you’re doing these little sidebar interviews, you’re being forced to say what you think at that moment, which might not be your long-term opinion. Maybe in real life you wouldn’t share that thought process. But because you play it all out and the other girls see it, I think feelings get hurt. It’s a very difficult way to have friendships.”

Before making her reality debut, Dubrow was an actress, starring from 2000 to 2002 on the CBS series “That’s Life.”

“What do I know? I’ve never been on a reality show before,” said Dubrow. “I come from scripted T.V.; that’s my background. I didn’t have any preconceived notions of anybody. There was definitely a couple of moments on camera when I think my jaw is just hanging open. I was so horrified by what’s going on." 

Despite the drama, Dubrow said she enjoyed her experience. Principal photography on the show has wrapped up, but cast members are still doing interviews. “Real Housewives of Orange County" will debut on Bravo on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 9 p.m.

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