In Australia for a series of talks, The Real Housewives Of New York City icon and business mogul Bethenny Frankel is ready to get candid.
Ahead of these talks, the star, 53, revealed to us what she plans to do here with her daughter Bryn, why she’s saying no a lot more and why she’s turned her back on the franchise that made her name.
We’re so excited to have you back in Australia!
Thank you. I’m excited. I’ve been three times and it’s a really far trip, but me saying yes each time says a lot about how much I love your country. It’s a magical place. It’s a long trip, but it’s totally worth it. And to be able to bring my daughter, it’s something not to be taken for granted. I’m really excited to be sharing it with her.
What have you planned to do with her while you’re here?
Well, I did the [Harbour] Bridge Climb last time and I think Bryn might like that. She loves animals, so to see a koala in some sort of intimate setting. And I guess she’s got to see a kangaroo too!
So you’re doing two talks while you’re here – one in Sydney and one in Melbourne.
What can we expect from these events?
We’re going to talk about business and balance and motherhood and age and beauty and influence – maybe a little gossip. I’m just excited to have fun, to connect and to laugh. If you go on my social media, it says that my number one fans are in New York, and the number two is Australia!
We can’t wait to hear you talk about motherhood because you’ve been on top of your game for so long and yet you’ve always prioritised Bryn. How do you juggle it all?
I’m at the point in my life where I only do what I want to do and it makes sense. It’s always a discussion and I don’t want to say a battle, but I say no to most things.
I just want to spend time with my daughter. For example, I was thinking about a big event [recently] but I had a tournament of my daughter’s for lacrosse and that’s really the most important thing.
So, you hit 50, and your priorities really change. When you’re young, you can just do anything anytime. It’s just the quality of time becomes so much more important.
Something you did say yes to recently however is starring in a new Lifetime movie, Danger In The Dorm!
It was so shocking to get the call to get the part. And then it was a shock to get the script. I thought it was going to be a couple of lines and it wasn’t – they gave me a lead. I was like, “Are they nuts!?” It was hard work.
I have a newfound respect for actresses and crews. It’s really hard work. But I’m glad I did it, it was a great experience.
So the wonderful Sally Obermeder is hosting your chats in Oz. Have you watched The Real Housewives Of Sydney at all?
I will say to you I don’t watch Housewives and I just cancelled my ReWives podcast. It’s just not where I am. The space has changed and I have changed with the space. But I bet the [Sydney] ladies are so interesting!
So you don’t see yourself ever returning to reality TV?
No, I love reality TV. It’s just not a reality TV show where there’s an underlying goal that there has to be conflict. I just think life is too short and I’m in a different place in my life. I don’t want to be blindsided with conflict.
What would you say if Bryn wanted to do reality TV when she’s older?
She wouldn’t because she doesn’t like it, but I mean she might if it was something cute and fun, but she wouldn’t if it was something like Housewives.
IN CONVERSATION WITH BETHENNY FRANKEL Hosted by Sally Obermeder, Friday, ICC Sydney. Tickets from ticketek.com.au.
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