Newcomer to The Real Housewives of Orange County Elizabeth Lyn Vargas was married to multi-millionaire Bernt Bodal before she became a Bravo Housewife.
Elizabeth was introduced to the RHOC fans in the first episode of season 15. During her initial appearance, she revealed she was once married to a very rich man, but split from him over three years ago. She is now in a relationship, but the couple has not been physical, as she is still legally married to her ex-husband.
Who is Elizabeth's ex-husband, Bernt Bodal? According to Reality Titbit, he is a Norwegian-American businessman and former musician with an estimated net worth of $200 million. The 67 year old is also the former CEO and shareholder of American Seafoods, one of the largest seafood companies in North America. Elizabeth's ex is not new to the world of reality TV – he actually appeared on the reality series Undercover Boss for only one episode back in 2012. Bodal also plays the bass and has even performed with Eddie Vedder from the popular rock band, Pearl Jam. Elizabeth revealed in the first episode of the season that the couple did not work out due to him having an affair and a child with another woman.
According to Decider, Elizabeth and Bodal are now officially divorced. In July, the reality star posted an Instagram story revealing she and her ex finalized the divorce. "You know, I don’t know how I’m feeling today,” she shared. “I’m excited but I’m sad... it’s the end of an era. I was with the guy for 20 years. Seventeen years but divorcing for three. Twenty years total of my life and I’m happy but it’s a failure...and here we are transitioning to a new phase in my life and I’m excited.” While both parties are happy to part ways, Elizabeth feels the ending of the marriage is bittersweet.
Elizabeth revealed in the premiere episode of RHOC that the former couple had yet to divorce, at the time. While filming season 15, Elizabeth was in the middle of the proceedings and moving towards finalizing the divorce. Elizabeth does have a boyfriend, Jimmy, who refused to be intimate with her until her divorce was complete. "He just wants to do it right, and he really cares for me,” she said in the episode. Now, the two can finally feel like a real couple. As the season progress, fans are sure to find out more about Elizabeth and her marriage to Bodal. C.
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Wednesdays at 9 pm ET on Bravo.
Sources: Reality Titbit, Decider, Elizabeth Lyn Vargas