Andy Cohen Reveals Kim Zolciak, Bethenny Frankel And Lisa Rinna Almost Weren't Cast In 'Real Housewives'

Andy Cohen has helped boost the celebrity of several wealthy socialites around the county with the highly successful “Real Housewives” franchise. The 46-year-old executive producer holds much of the power when it comes to who does and doesn’t get a spot on the cast of the popular Bravo reality franchise, but Cohen admits that even he doesn’t get it right all the time.

During an exclusive sit-down with “Real Housewives of New York” star Bethenny Frankel, who returned to the series for Season 7 after a four-year hiatus, Cohen admitted that he initally shot down three beloved “Housewives” before they were cast. The “Watch What Happens Live” host shared with Frankel that he said no to her as well as Kim Zolciak, who appeared on “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and Lisa Rinna, who recently wrapped her first season on “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”

Cohen said he initially thought it “was weird” that Frankel had starred on “The Apprentice” prior to auditioning for “RHONY.” He added that now, however, he knows she was “born to be a 'Housewife'.” As for Zolciak and Rinna, the Missouri native says he simply didn’t “get” how either would mesh with the women who later became their co-stars on their respective franchises.

After five Seasons of “RHOA” Zolciak quit the series. She did not, however, give up reality TV. She returned to Bravo shortly after her “Housewives” retirement with a spinoff special of her own, titled “Don’t Be Tardy for the Wedding.” That led to another series, “Don’t Be Tardy,” which followed her, husband Kroy Biermann and their household of six children. She is now gearing up for a third series alongside former enemy NeNe Leakes called “The Road to Riches.”

After trying out for the first Season of “RHOBH” and not being chosen, Cohen drafted Rinna for Season 5. She made her presence known on the show, causing some serious drama between herself and veteran housewife Kim Richards. The two are now credited with having what may be the most famous fight in “Real Housewives” history during what should have been a fun trip to Amsterdam.

Frankel will appear on the “Watch What Happens Live: Ask Andy” special May 26 at 11 p.m. EDT on Bravo. Be sure to tune in for more juicy gossip.