Reality television has taken over in the 21st century, with some of the most successful shows of all time being unscripted programs. These shows would, of course, be nothing without the scene-stealing stars that help make them.
Here are the top 10 most iconic Reality TV Stars of all time:
Bethenny Frankel-Real Housewives of New York
Viewers were first introduced to Bethenny Frankel in 2008 when she helped kick off Real Housewives of New York alongside Ramona Singer, Luann de Lesseps, Jill Zarin, and Alex McCord. While the other ladies were busy being grown-ups, Bethenny was still getting her life together. She was unmarried, living alone, and trying to get her baking business off the ground. The other women gave viewers a glimpse into how the other half lives but Bethenny felt more like a friend. She was funny, relatable, and kept it real. She quickly became a fan favorite and a household name.
Tiffany “New York” Pollard-Flavor of Love
Few people make better TV than Tiffany “New York” Pollard. The 42-year-old got her start on the VH1 show Flavor of Love in 2006 where she fought for the attention of rapper Flavor Flav. She may not have won the rapper’s heart but she certainly caught the public’s attention. Since her time on the show, she has become a reality TV god. She’s starred in several shows, including Celebrity Big Brother and House of Villains. There is no denying Tiffany is an icon.
Dr. Will Kirby-Big Brother
Dr. Will Kirby made his reality TV debut on Big Brother in 2001. The Dermatologist transformed the game forever with his charm and manipulation tactics. He is often regarded as the founding father of Big Brother (U.S.) and I have to agree. The show is better because of his legacy.
Will has kept busy since his days on reality television. He is the Chief Medical Officer at LaserAway, an aesthetic dermatology group. LaserAway offers an array of services, including laser hair removal, cool sculpting, and tattoo removal. Check out their website HERE.
Lauren Conrad-Laguna Beach/The Hills
Lauren Conrad was the breakout star of the MTV reality show Laguna Beach. She had perfect hair, great clothes, and a seriously enviable bedroom. What’s not to like? After high school, she starred in the MTV spinoff The Hills, which followed a group of twenty-somethings living in LA. She went out every night, worked at Teen Vogue, and always had a cute boyfriend. Dream life! I think every girl wanted to be Lauren Conrad in 2006.
Kelly Clarkson-American Idol
Kelly Clarkson has become such a huge star that it’s easy to forget she came from a reality show. The Texas native became the first American Idol in 2002, scoring a record deal with RCA Records. Since then, she has released 10 studio albums, won 3 Grammys, and started a talk show on NBC.
Kim Kardashian-Keeping Up With the Kardashians
It’s hard to find a person who isn’t familiar with the name Kim Kardashian. The California native caught the public’s eye in 2007 after an intimate tape of her and her ex-boyfriend Ray J was leaked. She decided to turn the unfortunate moment into an opportunity and thus, Keeping Up With the Kardashians was born. The show ran on E! for 20 seasons. A spinoff titled The Kardashians later premiered on Hulu in 2022.
NeNe Leakes-Real Housewives of Atlanta
NeNe Leakes quickly became a Bravo fan favorite when Real Housewives of Atlanta premiered in 2008. Viewers fell in love with her snappy one-liners and her no-bullsh*t attitude. Although she is no longer a Georgia peach holder, she is still the queen of RHOA in my eyes.
Paris Hilton-The Simple Life
Paris Hilton ditched her Louboutin heels for cowboy boots when she starred in the reality show The Simple Life in the 2000s. The socialite was already a public figure before the Fox reality show but the series made her a household name. The show has had a lasting impact on pop culture. Quotes from the series still regularly circulate online and girls still dress up in Paris and Nicole Richie’s cowgirl chic looks for Halloween. Loves it!
Lisa Vanderpump-Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Lisa Vanderpump’s impact on Bravo is undeniable. From Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to Vanderpump Rules, she really is the Queen B of the network. Now that Lisa Rinna has left the building, maybe we’ll see her back on RHOBH someday.
Cardi B-Love & Hip Hop: New York
Cardi B has become a proper celebrity but she was once a reality star. The Rapper got her start on the VH1 series Love & Hip Hop: New York. She gained public attention for her sense of humor and her iconic one-liners. She became a household name after the series with the release of her first single Bodak Yellow in 2017.
TELL US – WHO DID WE MISS? WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST ICONIC REALITY TV STAR OF ALL TIME?
