From Registered Nurse to '90s model in Milan to Countess to cabaret singer. Oh, what a journey it's been for Luann de Lesseps, and thanks to Bravo's Real Housewives of New York, devotees of the stunning brunette have gotten to travel much of it with her.
A fan favorite and the "classiest" cast member by far has had her ups and downs, and Lu has made it through with the support of her admirers. Alas, even the noblewoman by marriage is only human, and mere mortals make mistakes, for which even some of her most ardent fans had to take her to task.
Supported: Her Divorce From The Count
Luann and Count Alexandre married in 1993, and the union produced two children: Victoria and Noel. They built a business empire together before divorcing in 2009 after 16 years of marriage. When she found out via email that her worldly husband was leaving her, that was enough to have everyone donning a Team Lu t-shirt.
The missive stated that the Count had met someone and that they were serious. Although the couple had been secretly separated for three months, Luann was devastated because she thought they were on a break, not getting ready to break up.
Went Too Far: The Pirate Incident
It was Season 5 and the ladies of RHONY went on yet another legendary girls' trip--this time to St. Barths--where they met Tomas "the Pirate" Ribeiro. The group enjoyed a night out at club Le Ti replete with tequila shots and a pirate-themed performance. The next morning, rumors swirled that Luann brought the party--aka Tomas--back to the villa. Fans were unhappy at the mere whiff of Lu cheating on Jacques.
On the August 7th, 2020 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Tomas, who now lives in Miami, appeared to set things straight: he and Lu had not hooked up.
Supported: Her Relationship With Jacques
With basically the same coloring and hairstyle, Luann and the French businessman were made for each other. It didn't even appear to be a big deal that he was younger than her. They began dating in 2010, about year after her marriage to the Count had ended. He seemed to also have a great rapport with Lu's two kids.
Unlike the Countess, Jacques had never before been married and wanted a family; he hoped to start one with Luann, who revealed on RHONY that her chances of getting pregnant at her age were not good. She finally had to admit that having more children was not for her, so the couple parted company, yet have remained very good, supportive friends.
Went Too Far: Feud With Carole Over Chef Adam
It was the princess vs. the countess, when in season 7, after a chance meeting at Luann's Hamptons house, Carole started dating Adam Kenworthy, who was on Lu's payroll as a chef and involved with Luann's niece, Nicole. Aside from the fact that he was 20 years younger than the author, the two women came to blows because Lu insisted that when Carole and Adam got together, he and Nicole were still involved. Carole denied this and insisted Adam was available.
In the end, fans leaned more towards Team Carole since Adam and her romance seemed genuinely playful and happy. The hippest May-December couple ever dated from 2014 until 2017, and remain close friends.
Supported: Her Divorce From Tom
Everyone was thrilled that Luann had once again found love with wealthy businessman Tom D’Agostino Jr., who was a lifelong bachelor. But the red flags were waving wildly before their 2016 Palm Beach wedding. Bethenny even gave her OG housewife pal the heads up--with photos--that Tom was with another woman at the bar of NYC's Regency Hotel. But she married him anyway and hoped for the best.
Seven months later, they announced their divorce, because the groom, regardless of how much he loved Lu, loved his bachelor life more.
Went Too Far: The Diana Ross Halloween Costume
During RHONY's 2018 season premiere the ladies attended Dorinda's Halloween party, each in her own eyebrow-raising costume, but Luann took dress up to an inappropriate level showing up as the legendary Diana Ross. Not only was the Countess wearing a giant Afro wig, but a white jumpsuit which contrasted her skin that was darkened excessively with bronzer, so it looked as though she was wearing blackface. The words "disrespectful" and "racist" were rightfully used. Fans of RHONY--via Twitter--called for Bravo to fire Lu.
de Lesseps consequently apologized and fans hope she sincerely learned her lesson.
Supported: Lu Vs. Ramona & Mario
Anyone who's watched RHONY from Season 1 has felt the jealousy vibe coming off the Ramona-coaster whenever the Countess was around, as Luann was much more poised as well as higher up the society ladder than the manic blonde, who directed her passive-aggressive digs at any opportunity.
After her divorce from the Count, Luann was quite vulnerable, and since her identity was so attached to her title, she continued to use the moniker "Countess." Mario Singer, Ramona's husband at the time got into the act and called Lu: The Count-less, which all agreed was more than not nice; it was downright hurtful.
Went Too Far: The House In The Catskills
If there was anyone fans would expect to see out and about in NYC or out east as part of the Hamptons scene, it was Luann de Lesseps. So when she announced the purchase of a house in the Catskills--home of fishing and hunting as well as other outdoorsy activities, well no. Just no. Even when she had her castmates up for a visit, they agreed it was lovely, but so un-Lu.
Understandably though, after her divorce from Tom, she seemed to need to get away from the social scene that had her meeting men like the wealthy scion, the excessive drinking, and late-night partying. But at the same time she bought the property, the singer started up her cabaret show, so she only visited the place about 10 times in 2 years. It promptly went on the market.
Supported: Her Cabaret Show
Boasting three hit songs--“Money Can’t Buy You Class,” “Chic, C’est La Vie,” and “Girl Code”--Luann made her 2017 debut with #CountessAndFriends, a cabaret show that sold out at the Manhattan venue: Feinstein’s/54 Below. Vanity Fair and The New York Times have given the revue rave reviews and Lu signed a deal with Live Nation for an expanded national tour. Her new show, “Marry, F**k, Kill” was previewed last season on RHONY.
de Lesseps mixes her three original tunes (her latest: "Feelin' Jovani") with covers of cabaret favorites, and passes the mic to Broadway “friends” and comedians (sometimes even Sonja Morgan) so she can go change into her next glamorous (Jovani?) outfit. The show also includes storytelling and audience Q&A.
Went Too Far: The Drama In Florida
The date: Dec. 23, 2017. The place: Palm Beach. Luann de Lesseps was arrested and charged with "alleged disorderly intoxication, battery on an officer/firefighter/EMT, allegedly resisting arrest with violence, and allegedly threatening a public servant."
In the months that followed she sought professional help and voluntarily checked into an alcohol treatment center. Lu credited "sobriety, yoga, and cabaret" as three important elements of her life as well as support from family and friends. The Countess has apologized to her disappointed fans who have clearly given her a chance to redeem herself by attending enthusiastically her cabaret events.