Being on TV is not a big deal for some. But for Alexis Bellino, the newest cast member of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” it was a cause for celebration.
The Newport Coast resident, her husband Jim, and more than 100 guests gathered at the Winery restaurant in Tustin Thursday night for a “Housewives” viewing party. It was the first episode in which Bellino, 32, was officially introduced as a “real housewife.” She and her husband appeared briefly on last week’s episode as friends of housewife Tamra Barney and her husband Simon.
“I’m surprised this many people showed up,” said the blond-haired Bellino, who wore a silver, sparkly dress. “I’m very excited. It was a good episode to have for our party. They didn’t show anything negative. Every housewife has a little drama.”
Several flat-screen TVs carried a satellite feed of the popular reality show, which is now in its fifth season. Although there were some issues with sound, most party-goers didn’t seem to mind. They were there for the food, drink and socializing, and to support their newly famous friends.
“I’m very excited for her to take on this new challenge,” said Peggy Tanous, 37, of Irvine. She said she has been friends with the Bellinos for 15 years. “We all got married at the same time. Their twins were born the day after our daughter was born, in the same hospital. Alexis is real. If she doesn’t like you, she’ll let you know.”
Peggy’s husband Micah said he was glad someone from Newport Coast was “representing the real Orange County.” “Coto de Caza is not the real Orange County,” he remarked. Throughout the evening, Micah Tanous, 37, performed some amazing, perplexing card tricks.
Another Bellino friend, Mishel Thorpe of Newport Beach, said, “Alexis is a good, sweet, amazing person. She’s a great mom.”
Thursday night’s episode showed Alexis and Jim taking care of their three children: James, 3, and twins Melania and Mackenna, both 20 months old. The cameras also followed the Bellinos as they went to lunch, attended a pool party at the Barney household in Ladera Ranch, and enjoyed a private party at La Perla lingerie store in South Coast Plaza.
A few special guests appeared at Thursday night’s viewing party. They included “housewife” husbands Simon Barney and Frank Curtin. (Their wives couldn’t make it.) Other guests were Michael Guymon, aka “the Joker,” a UFC fighter; reigning Miss Newport Beach Ashlee Krol; and Dr. Richard Moy, one of the county’s leading foot surgeons.
Moy said he picked up the Bellinos at their house in his limousine and delivered them to the event. Thankfully, he did it all without incident.
When the Bellinos and their entourage arrived, they were greeted on a red carpet with a couple of photographers flashing their cameras. It was most likely the biggest celebrity event at the District on Thursday night, although scores of people were more interested in the opening of the “Twilight” film “New Moon” at the AMC Theatres nearby.
Simon Barney, a “Housewives” husband for three seasons, said he was happy that the Bellinos were now part of the show. “It’s nice to have a couple that I can relate to,” he said. “Tamra and I have become very good friends with both of them. I wish them well on the show.”
As for his own relationship with Tamra, he reports that everything is just fine. Recent episodes have depicted their marriage as going through a rough spot, with lots of arguments and differences.
Thursday night’s episode included a scene where Jim Bellino does not allow his wife to try on lingerie in front of the other husbands.
“We’re going to show our reality,” said Jim, 47. “That’s not our reality.”
Overall, Alexis was pleased with the turnout and the choice to be on the series.
“I’m 110 percent happy and glad I did it,” she said. “Just wait. Give it a few more weeks. There’s more drama coming.”
