Alex McCord Biography: Ethnicity, Books, Height, Religion, Movies, Age, Awards, Husband

Sara Alexandra McCord, widely known as Alex McCord, is an American television personality, former actress, author, and clinical psychologist best known as an original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City during its first four seasons.

With a background in theater and modeling, she brought a thoughtful yet candid perspective to the series, often appearing alongside her husband Simon van Kempen and their young sons.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Sara Alexandra McCord
• Stage Name: Alex McCord
• Born: October 1, 1973
• Age: 52 years old
• Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Television Personality, Actress, Author, Psychologist
• Height: 1.72m
• Parents: David Robert McCord, Alexis Williams
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Simon van Kempen (m. 2000)
• Children: Francois van Kempen, Johan van Kempen
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Sara Alexandra McCord was born on October 1, 1973, in Washington, D.C.. Her parents, David Robert McCord and Alexis Williams, both originally from Texas, raised her across various locations, including Texas, the United States Virgin Islands, and Fort Scott, Kansas.

She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1991 before studying theater at Northwestern University. After pursuing acting in New York, she met and married Simon van Kempen, with whom she built a family while balancing creative and professional pursuits.

She is of Caucasian-American (White) ethnicity with family roots in Texas and practices Christianity.

Career

Sara Alexandra McCord began her career with a foundation in acting and modeling, appearing in small film roles such as The Great New Wonderful (2005) and The Architect (2006) while living in New York City.

Her breakthrough into reality television came when she joined the inaugural cast of The Real Housewives of New York City in 2008, where she and her husband Simon offered a distinct dynamic focused on family life, design interests, and their Brooklyn neighborhood amid the show’s glamorous social circle.

During her four seasons on the series, she co-authored the parenting book Little Kids, Big City with Simon and launched business ventures including a home furnishings line called Aluxe Home.

After departing the show following season four, the family relocated to Australia in 2014, where she shifted focus toward academia.

She earned a master’s degree in professional psychology and ultimately completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology, now working as a registered psychologist with research interests in areas such as eating disorder treatment.

Sara Alexandra McCord‘s path reflects a thoughtful evolution from reality television fame to professional expertise in mental health.

Her occasional returns to the Bravo franchise, including appearances on Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip specials, demonstrate enduring connections to her early public platform while her current work as a psychologist and researcher underscores a commitment to meaningful contribution beyond the spotlight.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @mccordalex
• Twitter/X Handle: @mccordalex

Personal Life

Sara Alexandra McCord, born October 1, 1973, is 52 years old and now lives a quieter, family-focused life away from her early reality TV fame.

She has been married to Simon van Kempen since 2000, and they have two sons, Francois and Johan. Around 2014, the family relocated to Byron Bay, Australia, to be closer to Simon‘s roots.

Over the years, they have balanced family life with career changes—Simon in hospitality and Sara, also known as Alex McCord, in psychology—while navigating life beyond the spotlight.

Filmography

• The Great New Wonderful (2005)
• The Architect (2006)
• The Real Housewives of New York City (2008–2011, Seasons 1–4)

Net Worth

Sara Alexandra McCord has an estimated net worth of around $2 million USD.

Her income has derived primarily from her prominent role on the early seasons of The Real Housewives of New York City, combined with earnings from acting appearances, co-authoring the book Little Kids, Big City, and business efforts such as her home furnishings venture.