The Most Memorable ‘Friends Of’ In The History Of ‘The Real Housewives’

Bravo’s franchise is 20 this year, and it’s time to honor some of our favorite women.

In the last two decades of “The Real Housewives,” the women who have entered the Bravo franchise in the “friend of” role have performed various duties: high-level antagonist, comedic sidekick, fashion expert, bone collector, genuine nice person who probably doesn’t belong in this environment, etc.

“Friends of” have always played a vital part in the show, but have sometimes been overlooked for their contributions to its popularity.

Some of that has to do with the “friend of” role being perceived as less than, thanks to the shade from full-time housewives and fans, depending on what corner of the internet you stand on.

Still, in recent years, those stank attitudes have slightly shifted thanks to the equal treatment between housewives and “friends of” on the rebooted “The Real Housewives of Miami.” Also, some veterans, like “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Cynthia Bailey, have not only returned to the show as a “friend of,” but have also boasted about it as an opportunity to be seen, be paid, and be less involved in the mess. More recently, Carole Radziwill, who was on “The Real Housewives of New York City” from Season 5 through Season 10, was reported to be rejoining the show in the role of “friend” for Season 16.

In this economy, everyone needs a job where they can find one, especially in the entertainment industry, so in celebration of 20 years of “The Real Housewives,” I want to shine a light on some of the most memorable “friends of” in the show’s history.