Kathy Hilton joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for Season 11 and has quickly become a viewer favorite. Kathy sat down with Town & Country to dish on friends, family, fashion, and just how real Real Housewives is.
On why she decided to join the show and how it has helped her relationship with her sister Kyle Richards: “If they had asked me this two years ago, I would say, ‘Are you out of your mind?’ But I think that’s what’s exciting about life is that you can never say never… But I thought, ‘This seems to be a fun group of ladies.’ They definitely have the drama going, but it’s just a little different.
Most of the people that watch this show have heard over the years that my sister Kyle and I have had lot of bumps in the road… When the producers kept asking, and when Kyle would not give up, I was very flattered. It made me feel really good. So, I talked about it with my husband. Rick said, ‘I think this would be a great opportunity for you to spend some time with Kyle.’”
On what her daughters, Nicki and Paris Hilton, think about the show: “I didn’t tell my girls at first. I avoided telling them because they have this preconceived idea that everybody is fighting and cursing, and they didn’t want me to be part of that. But I told them, ‘Do not worry; I’m not gonna make a fool of myself… hopefully.’
Paris likes it! She just had us on her podcast. She’s happy. Nicky, she’s a little more strict. She’s seen the episodes so far. I think she’s feeling better about it. It’s funny how the roles change. I’m like, ‘Dear, I am the mother. OK?’ But we always look after each other. We’re a close family.”
On her expectations of filming the show and how it is produced: “I thought somebody would be whispering in one of the girl’s ears, or starting rumors, that it would be somewhat manufactured drama. This is not. I will tell you this: 100% this is real. The crew… it’s like they’re not there. You really forget they’re there, and you become very comfortable. You’ve got these very dynamic, strong personalities, and one thing leads to another. And of course, I don’t like to miss out on anything! This is entertainment for me. And they are really nice girls. But I have to tell you… what you see is what you get.”
On pulling pranks in the show: “I am always up for a prank. That’s how I get by. I really enjoy it. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I just want to have a good time. Surrounded by that group of girls, I thought, ‘This is a girls trip! C’mon, I gotta liven this up!’ A couple of the girls said, ‘Oh, I’m gonna make it an early night tonight,’ and I’m thinking ‘Really? I don’t think so.’”
On if she is open to returning for another season: “You know what, let’s see. Let’s see how I’m edited.”
On seeing herself on-screen: “It’s just so weird to see yourself. This is the first time in my life that I’ve let my guard down. You have a camera on you, and once you’re mic’d, you’re mic’d. It’s interesting to watch myself and hear my voice.”
On helping plan her daughter Paris’ wedding: “Paris would be happy if there were white teddy bears and unicorns hanging from the ceiling. She is easy breezy. You would think that she’d be a bridezilla, but not at all.”