Luann de Lesseps

Luann de Lesseps is an American television personality, singer, and cabaret performer best known as an original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City. Born in Berlin, Connecticut, she grew up in a working-class family of French-Canadian descent. Before her television career, she worked as a licensed practical nurse and a model, appearing in Italian television and fashion campaigns. Her life changed dramatically when she married Count Alexandre de Lesseps in 1993, gaining the title of Countess, which became central to her public persona.

De Lesseps joined The Real Housewives of New York City when it debuted in 2008, and her aristocratic airs and etiquette-conscious demeanor made her one of the most memorable Housewives in the franchise. She authored the book “Class with the Countess: How to Live with Elegance and Flair” in 2009, offering etiquette advice that played into her on-screen persona. Her ability to evolve on the show from a somewhat serious figure to a more self-aware and humorous personality endeared her to viewers over the years.

In 2010, de Lesseps released the novelty pop song “Money Can’t Buy You Class,” which became a viral sensation and a staple of Housewives culture. She followed it up with other tracks including “Chic C’est La Vie” and “Girl Code.” These musical ventures led to the creation of her highly successful cabaret show, “Countess and Friends,” which she has toured across the United States and which has become her primary source of income. The cabaret show features comedy, music, and celebrity guests.

De Lesseps divorced Count Alexandre de Lesseps in 2009 and later married Tom D’Agostino Jr. in 2016, though that marriage ended after just seven months. She has been open about her personal struggles, including an arrest in Palm Beach in 2017 and subsequent court-ordered rehabilitation. She has since become an advocate for sobriety and has spoken about her journey publicly. Her resilience and ability to reinvent herself have made her one of the most enduring and beloved figures in the Real Housewives franchise.