An emotional moment unfolds at BravoCon 2023 for reality TV’s beloved Vicki Gunvalson.
Cue the celebrations for Vicki Gunvalson! The spirited heart of The Real Housewives of Orange County, now 61, basked in the glow of adoration at BravoCon 2023, where she was presented with the inaugural ‘Wifetime’ Achievement Award. This nod commemorates her trailblazing 18-year tenure with the network.
In a moment that pulled at heartstrings, Gunvalson was bestowed the honor amid the glitter and jest of The Bravos—a mock-award spectacle emceed by none other than Andy Cohen.
Camaraderie was in full bloom as RHOC veterans Jo De La Rosa, Lauri Peterson, Alexis Bellino, and Gretchen Rossi made a surprise appearance to hand over the prestigious accolade.
Gracing the stage to rapturous applause, a visibly moved Gunvalson clutched her award. She reminisced about the beginning, saying, “Remember season one? I feared aging—yet here we are, gracefully embracing those years together.”
She poured out gratitude: “To my sisterhood—every fan, friend, and season one cast member—I cherish you all. Hats off to Andy Cohen and Scott Dunlop for igniting this incredible journey and to every supporter who’s been my rock through thick and thin. Trust me, this journey’s had its shares of bumps!”
With a playful air, she reminisced over her iconic sayings, then, in a theatrical flourish, drew an orange from her sleeve and offered it to Cohen with a wink.
“Andy, this one’s for you—may it find a worthy hand,” she playfully declared.
Congratulations to Victoria Gunvalson, who will be the recipient of The Wifetime Achievement Award at #BravoCon 2023 in Las Vegas! 🏆 #TheBravos #WWHL pic.twitter.com/Gqlq9l5ZO0
— BravoCon LIVE (@BravoWWHL) September 14, 2023
Cohen had previously let the cat out of the bag about Gunvalson’s upcoming honor on Watch What Happens Live, as she joined Tamra Judge and Shannon Storms Beador back in September.
“The ‘Wifetime’ recipient is the quintessence of Housewives—she’s unabashedly herself, a whirlwind of fun, a woman who’s penned her own extraordinary saga,” he acclaimed.
Post-ceremony, Gunvalson shared a heartfelt message: “To be woven into this family’s fabric means the world. Andy, you know the depth of my love and gratitude. We’re in this legacy together—it’s our shared triumph.”
Gunvalson’s illustrious stint on the series began at its conception in 2006. When the tides shifted in 2020, she gracefully announced her departure on Instagram, affirming her eternal ‘OG of the OC’ status, and expressed heartfelt thanks to her fans for their unwavering support and for “whooping it up” with her along this 14-year escapade.
Speaking to PEOPLE in March 2020, Gunvalson reflected on her decision: “I was poised for departure. There was a hint of missing out, sure, but those concluding years had a bit of a sting. At this stage, if something doesn’t enrich your life—be it career or personal connections—it’s time to let go.”
Post-RHOC, Gunvalson graced The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Ex-Wives Club and popped up in RHOC’s season 17 as a guest, proving her ‘Housewife’ spirit remains unquenchable.
As BravoCon 2023 unfolds at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas until Sunday, Vicki Gunvalson’s ‘Wifetime’ recognition stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and the unbreakable bonds forged in the world of reality television.
