Life Beyond the Cabaret: An Exclusive Interview with Luann De Lesseps - By Reyne Hirsch
Luann de Lesseps, a name synonymous with glamour, resilience, and reinvention. As a former star of Bravo's hit reality series "The Real Housewives of New York City," Luann has captivated audiences with her dynamic personality, charisma, and unyielding spirit. Beyond her television persona, she has made her mark as an accomplished author, singer, and cabaret performer, consistently demonstrating her versatility and drive. Join us as we delve into the life and career of this multifaceted entertainer, exploring her journey, passions, and the secrets behind her enduring success.
EM: Your journey on The Real Housewives of New York City was quite captivating. What initially inspired you to join the show, and how has your perception of reality TV changed since your debut?
What initially inspired me to join the show was that I had never done reality - I was an Italian TV star long before that. Reality found me, Jill Zarin approached me, and the rest is history! I learned as I went along, but my perception of reality TV has changed since being on the show now that I know the inner workings of the industry. You truly learn as you go along - let's not forget that reality TV was new when I joined the show. I’ve learned to grow and evolve with my experience.
EM: Who would you say you are still friends with from the cast today?
I’m still friends with all the women!
EM: Given your experience, would you sign on to The Real Housewives again today?
Hell yeah I would! It's been such a great experience for me.
EM: We caught your spinoff "Welcome to Crappie Lake." It showed a different side of the Countess compared to RHONY. Are there any takeaways from being in a small town, and will there be a Season 2?
Both Sonja and I come from small towns, even though our lives have changed since then. We fell in love with the people - home is where the heart is, and those people had a lot of heart. There has been talk of a second season, so stay tuned!
EM: Your entrepreneurial endeavors have encompassed diverse fields such as fashion, skincare, and writing. What inspired you to explore these areas and what advice would you offer to budding entrepreneurs?
People are always asking me about my skincare because they think I look good for my age, which is such a compliment. I love to write! I loved writing my book, Class with the Countess. As we know, I love to write music - most recently I wrote and released my new song, “Marry F Kill,” written with the legendary Bruce Roberts, with a remix by the fabulous Tracy Young. In terms of advice? Do what you love, and what you’re passionate about. You write your own story…life IS a cabaret.
EM: Your recent cabaret performances have received rave reviews. What inspired you to delve into cabaret, and how does performing live differ from other forms of entertainment you’ve pursued?
One of my oldest friends said to me “You love to host parties, sing for your friends, and tell jokes…you should be a cabaret performer!”, and that was my inspiration, along with my love of music. There’s an energy that comes from a live audience like no other: they’ve actually inspired my new tour. At every show, the audience would ask, who would you Marry, F, and Kill? It's a game girls love to play! And thus, the show was born.
EM: Family has been an important aspect of your life, as we’ve seen with your children and your relationship with your ex-husband. How do you prioritize family amidst your busy schedule, and what lessons have you learned from your experiences in relationships?
Family always comes first, and then comes the rest. I love my family, and I love my friends. I’m somebody who is loyal, and that is the root of all my relationships.
EM: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally? Are there any projects or endeavors you’re particularly excited about pursuing?
Personally, I’d love to find a life partner. Maybe even get married again! They say three times the charm…so catch me if you can! Professionally, I have a few projects coming up that I’m super excited about. I look forward to people seeing the music video for “Marry F Kill” (directed by Jerry Chia), and the remix by Tracy Young, who just won a Grammy with Madonna. I mean, it doesn’t get much better than that! There is a lot coming down the pike, and I’m really excited about all of it.
Follow Luann on IG @countessluann and visit her site https://www.countessluann.com for cabaret tour dates!