Main Cast and Current Lineup
The core cast of Vanderpump Rules centers on employees of Lisa Vanderpump's restaurants SUR Restaurant & Lounge and Pump Restaurant. The current main cast includes Lisa Vanderpump, Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix, Katie Maloney, Tom Schwartz, James Kennedy, and Lala Kent. The show premiered on Bravo on January 7, 2013, and is produced by 3Ball Productions and World of Wonder. The series is a spin-off of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where Vanderpump first gained widespread attention as a cast member. The show's format follows the personal and professional lives of the staff, with storylines often intersecting with the broader Bravo ecosystem.
The cast has evolved significantly since the show's debut, with original cast member Stassi Schroeder departing the series in 2020, followed by Kristen Doute, Max Boyens, and Brett Caprioni in the same year. These departures were linked to the resurfacing of past racist incidents, which the cast members addressed publicly. The current lineup focuses on the remaining core group, with new cast members introduced in later seasons. The show's production company, 3Ball Productions, continues to develop storylines around the restaurant staff, maintaining the series as a fixture in Bravo's reality programming lineup.
Notable Departures and Cast Changes
Stassi Schroeder, a central figure in the early seasons, left Vanderpump Rules in 2020 after public accountability for past behavior. Kristen Doute, Max Boyens, and Brett Caprioni also exited the show following the same controversy, which involved racially insensitive comments and actions that came to light in 2020. These departures were widely reported by entertainment outlets and marked a significant turning point for the series. The cast changes were part of a broader industry reckoning with issues of race and accountability in reality television.
Jax Taylor, another prominent cast member, was fired from the show in 2020 after a physical altercation with a neighbor and subsequent legal issues. He later returned for a brief period before leaving again. The show's producers, 3Ball Productions and World of Wonder, have consistently managed cast changes through public statements and behind-the-scenes adjustments. These departures have shaped the narrative direction of the series, shifting focus toward the remaining core cast and their evolving relationships.
Cast Members' Careers and Ventures
Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix have pursued individual brand partnerships and business ventures outside the show. Madix launched a line of skincare products and has been featured in publications discussing her entrepreneurial efforts. Sandoval has appeared in various media projects and has been involved in restaurant-related ventures in Los Angeles. Lisa Vanderpump continues to operate multiple restaurants, including SUR and Pump, and is involved in real estate and philanthropy through the Vanderpump Dog Foundation.
Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz have expanded their public profiles through social media and brand collaborations. Maloney has been involved in wellness and lifestyle content, while Schwartz has pursued projects in entertainment and business. James Kennedy, the DJ and cast member, has continued his music career, performing at venues and events internationally. Lala Kent has been active in podcasting and advocacy, particularly around issues of mental health and personal empowerment. These individual ventures are often highlighted on the show and in related media coverage.