Kristin Cavallari Reveals Surprise Connection to Vicki Gunvalson

The former 'Laguna Beach' star shares an unexpected history with the 'Real Housewives of Orange County' OG.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:34pm

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Kristin Cavallari, the former star of MTV's 'Laguna Beach', has revealed a surprising connection to Vicki Gunvalson, the original cast member of 'The Real Housewives of Orange County'. Cavallari shared that she and Gunvalson's daughter, Briana, were best friends and went to school together during their freshman year before Cavallari moved to Laguna Beach. Cavallari also said she was 'obsessed' with 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' in the past, though she hasn't watched it in years.

Why it matters

This unexpected connection between two iconic reality TV stars from different shows highlights the interconnected nature of the reality TV landscape, as well as the lasting bonds that can form during those formative high school years, even for those who go on to become famous. It also speaks to the enduring popularity of both 'Laguna Beach' and 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' among viewers.

The details

Cavallari, 39, revealed the connection in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly while attending the premiere of 'The Reunion: Laguna Beach' in Santa Monica, California. She said that she and Gunvalson's daughter, Briana, were 'best friends' and went to school together during their freshman year before Cavallari moved to Laguna Beach to film her breakout MTV series. Cavallari also shared that she was 'obsessed' with 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' in the past, though she hasn't watched it in years.

  • Cavallari and Gunvalson's daughter Briana were best friends and went to school together during their freshman year, before Cavallari moved to Laguna Beach.
  • Cavallari revealed the connection in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on March 26, 2026, while attending the premiere of 'The Reunion: Laguna Beach' in Santa Monica, California.

The players

Kristin Cavallari

A former star of the MTV reality series 'Laguna Beach' who is now returning to her reality TV roots with the premiere of 'The Reunion: Laguna Beach'.

Vicki Gunvalson

An original cast member of the Bravo reality series 'The Real Housewives of Orange County', who is set to return to the show for its 20th season.

Briana Gunvalson

Vicki Gunvalson's daughter, who was best friends with Kristin Cavallari during their freshman year of high school.

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What they’re saying

“I used to be obsessed with The [Real] Housewives of Orange County. I haven't seen it in years, but I know Gretchen [Rossi]. Like, I know Gretchen is obviously not on it anymore, but like the original crew, yes. This is actually funny — Vicki, her daughter, Briana, and I went to school together freshman year, before I moved to Laguna Beach.”

— Kristin Cavallari

“When he asked me about season 20, I was really somber going out there because I thought, 'This is my last time on stage. This is my last time with BravoCon. They're putting me out to pasture. I'm going to kick and scream the whole way out, but I'm going to do it.' And then, when he asked me, it took me a while for me to understand that this is my next life now for at least a year.”

— Vicki Gunvalson, 'OG of the OC'

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in to see how Kristin Cavallari and Vicki Gunvalson's unexpected connection plays out, as both reality stars return to their respective shows - Cavallari with 'The Reunion: Laguna Beach' and Gunvalson with the 20th season of 'The Real Housewives of Orange County'.

The takeaway

This surprising revelation about Kristin Cavallari and Vicki Gunvalson's shared history highlights the interconnected nature of the reality TV landscape, as well as the lasting bonds that can form during the formative high school years, even for those who go on to become famous. It also speaks to the enduring popularity of both 'Laguna Beach' and 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' among viewers.