The Real Housewives franchise is centered around the lives of women and their families, but sometimes the husbands insert themselves into the drama. Usually, when the ladies bicker, the husbands tend to stay out of it. They prefer to stand to the side and drink with the other men while the women work things out. If things escalate, the husbands are on standby to quickly escort their wives home.
Some husbands make it clear they don’t even like being on camera. Brandi Redmond was one of the most entertaining stars of The Real Housewives of Dallas, but her husband Bryan Redmond was usually checked out during their scenes together. Former star of The Real Housewives of Orange County, Dr. Jen Armstrong, tried to engage with her now-estranged husband Ryne Holliday on camera, but he often seemed robotic and stiff.
However, other Real Housewives' husbands clearly love the spotlight, and many have become so popular that they sit through confessionals. Joe Gorga became a big part of The Real Housewives of New Jersey storylines that he is now allegedly a paid cast member on the show. His wife Melissa Gorga was initially asked to join, but their feud with RHONJ star Teresa Giudice became so integral that Joe became a permanent fixture on the show. Although he would prefer not to fight with his sister, Joe couldn’t help but become involved with the housewives’ drama.
Aaron Phypers
Denise Richards was on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for only two seasons, but fans couldn’t stop talking about her husband, Aaron Phypers. Many were intrigued by their relationship, especially after Denise claimed she hunted him down a “happy ending” massage. However, he soon turned viewers off when he inserted himself into the drama between Denise and the other ladies at Kyle Richards’ barbeque during RHOBH season 10. When Teddi Mellencamp tried to explain herself, he cut her off abruptly. Kyle later attempted to tell him that his behavior made her uncomfortable, but Aaron became combative again when Erika Jayne jumped in. Although Teddi told him to “butt out,” he refused to step aside and stood by his wife.
Ken Todd
Ken Todd has remained next to Lisa Vanderpump’s side since her debut on RHOBH season 1. Fans loved his doting nature but soon became tired of him fighting her battles. During RHOBH season 4, Lisa got into an argument with Yolanda Hadid during a cast trip to Puerto Rico. Ken stepped in, which caused Yolanda to call him out for being intrusive. Instead of backing off, he touched her arm, leading her to say to him, “Don’t touch me!” Ken again got involved during RHOBH season 9 when the housewives accused Lisa of orchestrating Puppygate. When Kyle came over to smooth things out, Ken stayed by Lisa’s side until the very end. RHOBH fans can’t forget the pivotal moment he kicked Lisa’s former friend out of the house with a resounding, “Goodbye Kyle!”
Slade Smiley
Slade Smiley was a recurring fixture in RHOC. During season 1, he was engaged to Jo De La Rosa. After their relationship fell through, Slade showed up again as Gretchen Rossi’s boyfriend in RHOC season 5. Slade seemed to love the spotlight as he frequently engaged in drama with the other women, particularly Vicki Gunvalson. During his brief stint as a stand-up comedian, he compared Vicki to Miss Piggy, causing her to get a nose job shortly afterward. Many The Real Housewives fans accused Slade of stirring up drama to steal the spotlight, and he seemed to have no trouble maintaining his role as an honorary housewife.