It’s the franchise that has brought us epic catfights, drinking, and drama, courtesy of names including Bethenny Frankel, Luann de Lesseps, Lisa Vanderpump, Teresa Giudice, Dorit Kemsley and so many more.
But “Real Housewives” fans are missing out on even more star power, The Post can reveal: Several big names have turned down the opportunity to bear their Botox, Birkins, and Bentleys on Bravo’s juggernaut franchise.
Bravo’s “Holy Grail” of “Real Housewives ” — aka Andy Cohen’s wish list — includes Vanessa Bryant, Chrissy Teigen, Julia Fox, Jana Kramer, and Ayda Field Williams.
As far back in 2012, Bryant — the widow of Lakers star Kobe Bryant — was rumored to be joining the “Real Housewives” franchise, with the speculation running hot again in 2014.
n" >Alas, Bryant, now 40, repeatedly told the producers to point their cameras elsewhere.
Casting director Jennifer Redinger confirmed Bravo’s obsession with Bryant in Dave Quinn’s book, “Not All Diamonds and Rosé, The Inside Story of the Real Housewives from the People Who Lived It,” saying, “Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant? We pursued her every year, and she was a no. She passed.”
“Spouses are a big factor,” Casey said. “If the husband is unwilling to participate it pretty much ends the conversation with production. Also, not everyone is willing to open up their lives for the world to pick apart, especially if they have secrets they want to keep hidden. Lastly, putting your home and lifestyle on display could make you a target.”
Others prefer to shape and monetize their image themselves, without the vodka-soaked lens of Bravo.
Take the Skalla sisters — Rachel Parcell, Amy Skalla, Megan Hunsaker, and Emily Jackson — four very photogenic entrepreneurs and influencers in Salt Lake City.
Nicknamed the “Mormon Kardashians,” they’ve reportedly been on the radar for the “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” for a while but make more money through their various business and social ventures than they would on the show, according to Casey.
A production source said they too were never in “casting consideration.”
“Influencers can carefully curate their image on social media,” Casey said. “Participating on a reality show puts you at the mercy of editing.”
Additional reporting by Nicole Lampert
