Real Housewives of New York: Luann de Lesseps has come so far!

Luann de Lesseps has been working on herself during her time on The Real Housewives of New York and she has come a long way.

Luann de Lesseps has been a large part of The Real Housewives of New York City for 12 seasons now.  When she first arrived for season 1, she was certainly an interesting character to watch.  One of her most hilarious moments was when Bethenny Frankel picked her up in a limo and introduced her to the driver as Luann.  Luann was quick to turn around and tell Bethenny that she preferred to be introduced as Mrs. de Lesseps.  Another time, she casually ordered pizza and requested it was delivered to the countess.  Truly great television.

It was one of the more ridiculous things she’s done on the show to this day and we love it.  Since then, a lot has happened in Lu’s life.  She got divorced, found love with Tom D’Agostino, much like the rest of New York, divorced him, went to jail, completed probation, and now we’re here.  Of course, that’s eleven years abbreviated into one sentence.

But since her arrest and the probation period, Lu really does seem “Lu and improved.”  For one of her filmed events this season, she brought some of the ladies from The Fortune Society program she was working with to get their hair and makeup done.  It was a way to help them get back into their normal lives and feel better while integrating back into society.  Overall, it felt authentic and nice to see Luann helping out.  “She’s more approachable, she’s more real,” Ramona Singer said.  Dorinda Medley commented, “She’s more centered.”

It isn’t very often that housewives actually improve their character during their time on the show, but Lu really has gotten back on the camel and worked hard on herself.  She discussed her father and his issues with alcohol during the reunion, and it seems that had an impact on her decision.  “Part of recovery is learning what you are able to do and what you are capable of.”  She also noted she wasn’t proud of some of the things she did, so she tried to do better.

Of course, Luann was still upset at being sent to the “basement” at Ramona’s home earlier this season, but she persevered through that too.  Maybe divorce and a short stint in jail were good for her.  But have no fear, Lu is always down to talk about the cabaret.  All you have to do is ask!

The Real Housewives of New York City will be back on Bravo for reruns!