Countess Luann de Lesseps has been on the dance charts, and can be seen weekly as one of the “OG” cast members of The Real Housewives of New York City. Recently kicking off a new season of the hit Bravo show, de Lesseps is already in the midst of a feud with fellow cast member Dorinda Medley, and enjoying sobriety with ladies closest to her, including returning castmate Bethenny Frankel and new “friend” Barbara Kavovit, while also playing to sold out crowds with her smash cabaret show, Countess and Friends. As she hits the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa on March 23rd for a night of cabaret, I caught up with the Countess to talk about enjoying life with a brand new perspective, what she is most proud of, and what we can expect from the brand new season of The Real Housewives of New York City.
Michael Cook: Luann, you’re coming back to the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa on March 23rd for for another night of Countess and Friends. What does it mean to have some of you New York-adjacent fans be so thrilled about seeing you head to Atlantic City for another big night?
Countess Luann: I have very special memories from my last show at the Borgata. I love performing there and the New Jersey fans are fantastic. They have shown me a lot of love and even come to see me when I perform in New York. I am thrilled I am coming to see them at Borgata and I am sure it will be another memorable night!
MC: You have so many amazing people that have joined you throughout the run of Countess and Friends. What amazing talents do you think would be fantastic people to join you on-stage?
CL:I am very fortunate to always have my pick of the greatest talent and we have a lot of fun on stage. For example, Murray Hill is an audience favorite and will be joining me for this show! Trust me audiences will love him – I can’t wait!
MC: Okay, time for a quick lightning round; I am going to give you a couple names of people you have shared the stage with and I want you to tell me a quick story or your thoughts on them.
CL: Murray Hill- Very funny, in a very old school kind of way.
Sutton Lee Seymour- Sutton is my kind of girl…..she is very glamorous!
Brent Heuser- Now he’s a tall glass of water isn’t he?! So handsome!
MC: “The Real Housewives of New York City” is back; what little tidbits can you share about the new season? We love that your cabaret show is front and center, but Bethenny telling you “Life isn’t a cabaret” has us concerned!
CL: Laughs) Well all the girls work on our friendships that is for sure. We have our trip that we take every year which is always fun and you get to see my Holiday concert which definitely proves, life is a cabaret!
MC: You have a new “Friend” on the cast this year, with your friend Barbara Kavovit joining the ladies. What is it like having an outside friend on board and what do you think it adds to the group? Is she cut out to take on these ladies if she needs to?
CL: Having Barbara there filming with us has been really great. And yes, she has what it takes. I think the fans will enjoy her, and she definitely holds her own!
MC: The LGBT community adores the Housewives as you know, but they specifically adore you and have for so many years. What do you think it is that makes the community gravitate so much to you?
CL: That really means so much to me that you say this. I am so touched and if they gravitate toward me I am truly humbled and honored. I have a great affection for my fans and the LBGTQ+ community should definitely know that I am an advocate and ally.
MC: It’s the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall and of the LGBT Revolution; what gives Countess Luann the most pride as a performer, a mother and as a person?
CL: I will be celebrating this landmark anniversary and showing the community my support through various endeavors that I cannot just announce just yet. I am proud of my kids, of the career I have built for myself and being a good friend.
MC: What continues to inspire you to be the best and healthiest Luann that you can be for both yourself and your children?
CL: My children, my family, and my friends. Also, I love the joy my fans express during my shows and I find my life is just so inspiring now on so many different levels. All of this together really makes me realize I am so lucky to have this wonderful life!