Bethenny Frankel.Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Bethenny Frankelhas gone from the Big Apple to a big honor!
It’s an accolade that “recognizes the legacy of reality greatness,” the network said in a release on Wednesday. Last year’s inaugural award went toNicole “Snooki” Polizzi,Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino,Pauly “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio,Jenni “JWoww” Farley,Vinny Guadagninoandthe rest of the cast ofJersey Shore: Family Vacation.
Of course, Frankel has a long history on reality television. She first appearedThe Apprentice: Martha Stewartin 2005, where she was named the show’s runner-up. From there she joined the inaugural cast ofThe Real Housewives of New York Cityin 2008, where her quick wit helped the show become one of Bravo’s biggest hits and made her the show’s breakout star.
Frankel remained onRHONYthrough season 3, exiting to start in two spin-off shows:Bethenny Getting Married?andBethenny Ever After…. She then had her own short-lived self-titled talk show and rejoinedRHONYin season 7 after her daytime series' cancellation.
AfterleavingRHONYagain after season 11, Frankel headlined and produced the one-season HBO Max business competition series,The Big Shot with Bethenny. She’s also appeared on Shark Tank, costarred with real estate agentFredrik Eklundon another single-season Bravo series,Bethenny and Fredrik, and produced two seasons of FYI’sFood Porn.
Bethenny Frankel and the season 1 cast ofThe Real Housewives of New York City.Jay Sullivan/NBC/Getty
Success struck when she foundedSkinnygirlback in 2009 with the creation of her famed pre-packaged Skinnygirl Margarita, the first in the low-calorie cocktail category. Its popularity led her to develop more cocktails and eventually, sell Skinnygirl Cocktails to Fortune Brands' Beam Global (now a part of Suntory) back in 2011for an estimated $100 million.
From there, a line of Skinnygirl products were launched that’s included everything from microwave popcorn to salad dressings to candy to shapewear and jeans. She also has Bethenny Brand, her eyewear line, andForever Young, a wine line.
Multiple best-selling books have been published along the way, including her latest title:Business Is Personal: The Truth About What It Takes to Be Successful While Staying True to Yourself. Frankel’s podcast,Just B withBethenny Frankel, launched in September 2020.
She’s also raised millions of dollars in disaster relief aid and donations throughB Strong, her philanthropic effort. To date, more than 10,000 individuals, companies and foundations have contributed to B Strong’s efforts, giving support to victims of the Ukraine war and natural disasters impacting Texas, Florida, Mexico, Northern California, Puerto Rico and more.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images.Cindy Ord/Getty
Frankel obviously won’t be the only reality star in attendance. Presenters include a wide array of stars across the genre’s gambit — fromThe Challenge’s Chris “CT” Tamburello,Making the Cut’s Nicole Richie andReal Worldalumna Tami Roman toThe Hills' Kristin Cavallari,The Bachelor’s Nick Viall andSelling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause (just to name a few).
Many Bravo stars will also be on hand, including cast members from across theHousewivesfranchise like Taylor Armstrong,Garcelle Beauvais,Teresa Giudice,Melissa Gorga, Kathy Hilton, Erika Jayne,Tamra Judge,Dorit Kemsley, Crystal Kung Minkoff,Dorinda Medley,Kyle Richards,Lisa Rinna, Sutton Stracke and Sheree Zampino.
Vanderpump Rulesstars Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval and James Kennedy will be there, too, as willSummer Housebreakouts Lindsay Hubbard and Paige DeSorbo.
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source: people.com
