“Get ready for a dose of realness! One of the OG Housewives, Kyle Richards, is spilling the tea on her recent decision to take a break from filming Bravo’s hit reality show, “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kyle opens up about the toll the show was taking on her mental and emotional well-being, and why she ultimately said “I just can’t do this”. With over a decade of being part of the show’s cast, Kyle has seen it all – from friendships formed to feuds that have left lasting scars. But what drove her to step away from the spotlight, and what does the future hold for this beloved Housewife? Dive in to find out, as we explore the reasons behind Kyle’s hiatus and what this means for the future of “RHOBH”.
Kyle Richards Opens Up About Why She Took a Break From Filming ‘RHOBH’
For the first time in 14 seasons, Kyle Richards needed to step away from the cameras. The original star of Bravo‘s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, who has been on the reality saga since it launched in 2010, was navigating her separation from her husband of 27 years, Mauricio Umansky, and, though she has had anxiety throughout her life, she was coming upon new feelings of depression while filming the currently airing season.
“I just didn’t have it in me anymore. I was at a point where I was so depressed, frankly,” she tells Morningpicker of an episode still to come, which is teased at the end of Tuesday night’s episode. “I’m not someone who gets depressed. I’ve had anxiety my entire life but never depression. I really felt like I was struggling with depression and I expressed that. And I just felt like I could not go into scenarios all the time and just have everyone coming at me.”
Richards says when this happened seven months ago, she stepped away for about a week during production. (The Evolution Media-produced series spends one week filming each episode.) The break also came after serious reflection on her part, as she came thisclose to not returning for season 14.
The Decision to Step Away
The Pressure of Reality TV: Richards discusses the toll of filming “RHOBH” on her mental health, particularly during a tumultuous time in her personal life.
The Weight of Expectations: The original star of “RHOBH” reveals the stress of meeting the show’s demands and the scrutiny that comes with being a public figure.
The Break: Richards shares how she took a week-long break from filming and the factors that led her to re-evaluate her decision to continue on the show.
The Challenges of Filming Amidst Personal Struggles
Mental Health: Richards opens up about her struggles with depression and anxiety, and how they affected her experience on the show.
Marriage Separation: The reality star talks about her separation from her husband of 27 years and how it impacted her decision to take a break from filming.
Cast Dynamics: Richards discusses the challenges of working with her co-stars, particularly Dorit Kemsley, and the personal struggles they faced during filming.
The Future of RHOBH and Beyond
The Decision to Stay: Richards explains what pushed her to return to the show and what she hopes to achieve in the future.
New Projects: The actress-producer shares her plans for upcoming projects, including a collaboration with Reese Witherspoon.
The Legacy of RHOBH: Richards reflects on her experience on the show and what she hopes to leave behind as a legacy.
Conclusion
As Kyle Richards opens up about her decision to take a break from filming “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” it’s clear that the reality TV star was at a breaking point. The article reveals that Richards felt overwhelmed by the constant scrutiny and pressure to present a perfect image, ultimately leading her to say, “I just can’t do this.” The candid confession serves as a stark reminder of the toll that reality TV can take on its participants, highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care.
The significance of Richards’ admission extends beyond her personal experience, as it sparks a broader conversation about the impact of reality TV on its cast members. It’s a timely reminder that even the most seemingly glamorous and enviable lives can be hiding underlying struggles and stressors. Moreover, Richards’ courage in sharing her story serves as a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling in silence, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being and seek support when needed.