Kathy Hilton Dishes on How Real Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Actually Is
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Some critics might dismiss the Real Housewives franchise as dramatic reality TV, but perhaps it's worth looking at it the way Kathy Hilton does: as pure fun. This season, Hilton joins the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills as a friend to the housewives—translation: she isn't on “full-time”—but viewers will still get to see their fair share of the entrepreneur, who's bringing a healthy dose of an it's-not-that-serious attitude to the show.
RHOBH is something of a family affair at this point, as Kathy's half-sister Kyle Richards has been a mainstay cast member since the series premiered in 2010. Kim Richards, also Hilton's half-sister, was a full-time cast member for the first five seasons and featured smaller guest roles in seasons six through 10. But it's a new experience for their big sister. Longtime fans will appreciate the significance of Hilton joining this season, as it debuts her reunion with Kyle. The pair have had their differences through the years, and Kyle has openly struggled with their estrangement in past seasons. Slowly but surely, the tensions have eased. Now, the sisters are embracing their newly repaired bond, as signified by Hilton signing on for this season of RHOBH.
Below, T&C caught up with Hilton to talk all things family, fashion, and pranks.
Producers and fans alike have wanted you on the show for years. Why did you decide to say yes to season 11?
If they had asked me this two years ago, I would say, “Are you out of your mind?” But I think that’s what’s exciting about life is that you can never say never. There was a lot of chaotic crazy drama on last season; I probably would not have jumped in at that point. But I thought, “This seems to be a fun group of ladies.” They definitely have the drama going, but it’s just a little different.
Most of the people that watch this show have heard over the years that my sister Kyle and I have had lot of bumps in the road… When the producers kept asking, and when Kyle would not give up, I was very flattered. It made me feel really good. So, I talked about it with my husband. Rick said, “I think this would be a great opportunity for you to spend some time with Kyle.”
I didn’t tell my girls at first. I avoided telling them because they have this preconceived idea that everybody is fighting and cursing, and they didn’t want me to be part of that. But I told them, “Do not worry; I’m not gonna make a fool of myself... hopefully.”
What do Nicky and Paris think of it now? Are they watching?
Paris likes it! She just had us on her podcast. She’s happy. Nicky, she’s a little more strict. She’s seen the episodes so far. I think she’s feeling better about it. It’s funny how the roles change. I’m like, “Dear, I am the mother. OK?” But we always look after each other. We’re a close family.
How has it impacted your relationship with Kyle?
We both learned a lot about each other. It’s very cute—she’s definitely taken care of me. I went on our first trip [Editor's note: the Housewives headed to Lake Tahoe in the second episode]. It was my first time going on a girls’ trip without my husband, so she was really looking after me. It brought us very close together. I think I get on her nerves a little, and she definitely can get on my nerves a little bit. When you watch the episodes, it is pretty funny what I do to her…
In Tahoe, she came to your room to see what clothes that you packed—a classic sister move. Did you expect the ladies to get as glammed up as they did?
She always does that! And I’m like “Kyle, this is not a fashion show.” For the first episode, I went to Dorit’s for a barbecue. I thought I looked pretty nice; I had on a silk flowy dress and espadrilles. I mean, that’s pretty nice for a barbecue! And I could not believe it. I walked in and all of these women–they looked absolutely gorgeous–it was like New York Fashion week meets Paris couture shows meets the red carpet at the Oscars. Gucci and Balmain and Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Unbelievable.
What were your expectations about what it would be like?
I thought somebody would be whispering in one of the girl’s ears, or starting rumors, that it would be somewhat manufactured drama. This is not. I will tell you this: 100% this is real. The crew… it’s like they’re not there. You really forget they’re there, and you become very comfortable. You’ve got these very dynamic, strong personalities, and one thing leads to another. And of course, I don’t like to miss out on anything! This is entertainment for me. And they are really nice girls. But I have to tell you… what you see is what you get.
Did you try to avoid the drama, or did you get involved?
I try to be somewhat of a peacemaker. I’m very good at helping people. I think maybe I was a therapist or a psychiatrist in my past life. They trust me, they talk to me, and I like to help them with any advice I can give. I don’t want somebody coming into my home or anybody’s home, and then they get into a disagreement, and then they’re in hysterics crying, and then it’s “I’m out of here!” That doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t want anybody to get that worked up. So, I try to talk to them. And I’m pretty good at it.
The ladies all say you’re a major prankster—you already pulled off one prank just three episodes in. Will there be more?
I am always up for a prank. That’s how I get by. I really enjoy it. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I just want to have a good time. Surrounded by that group of girls, I thought, “This is a girls trip! C’mon, I gotta liven this up!” A couple of the girls said, “Oh, I’m gonna make it an early night tonight,” and I’m thinking “Really? I don’t think so.”
This season you’re on as a “friend” to the housewives. Are you open to coming back?
You know what, let’s see. Let’s see how I’m edited.
Fair enough. How do you think the episodes have turned out so far?
They’re interesting. They show a lot of me, like, not knowing how to plug stuff in, or funny things like that, and I talk in a funny voice sometimes. People that don’t know me think that’s how I am. It’s just these silly kinds of things. And it’s just so weird to see yourself. This is the first time in my life that I’ve let my guard down. You have a camera on you, and once you’re mic’d, you’re mic’d. It’s interesting to watch myself and hear my voice.
This is the first time you've let your guard down?
Yes. I feel free. I think this has helped me to feel a sense of freedom. It’s just been fun. I have to say, I've enjoyed myself.
What else is in the works for you right now?
I just had an event for Race to Erase MS. My mother-in-law was affected by it [multiple sclerosis], so I’ve been involved in that since the beginning. I’m planning an event at the house for rescue dogs, so I’m getting ready for that in the middle of the summer. And I’m in the midst of planning a wedding for Paris.
That’s exciting! Is she welcoming the help, or is there a power struggle going on?
Are you kidding? Paris would be happy if there were white teddy bears and unicorns hanging from the ceiling. She is easy breezy. You would think that she’d be a bridezilla, but not at all.
You Might Also Like
