Vicki Gunvalson Biography: Height, TV Shows, Ethnicity, Parents, Instagram, Net Worth, Age, Husband

Victoria L. Steinmetz, professionally known as Vicki Gunvalson, is an American reality television personality and businesswoman best recognized as the “OG of the OC.”

She rose to prominence as one of the original cast members of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County, bringing her bold personality, entrepreneurial drive, and family-focused storylines to the long-running series over nearly two decades.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Victoria L. Steinmetz Gunvalson
• Stage Name: Vicki Gunvalson
• Born: March 27, 1962
• Age: 64 years old
• Birthplace: Mount Prospect, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Reality Television Personality, Businesswoman, Insurance Executive
• Height: 1.7m
• Parents: William J. Steinmetz, Joanne Steinmetz
• Siblings: Kathy Moloney, Lisa Bussenger, Kim Steinmetz, William Steinmetz
• Spouse: Michael J. Wolfsmith (m. 1982–1991), Donn Gunvalson (m. 1994–2014)
• Boyfriends: Brooks Ayers (ex), Steve Lodge (ex)
• Children: Briana Culberson, Michael Wolfsmith
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $7 million

Early Life and Education

Victoria L. Steinmetz was born on March 27, 1962, in Mount Prospect, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

She grew up as one of five children to William J. Steinmetz, who owned a construction company, and Joanne Steinmetz, a homemaker.

Her siblings include Kathy Moloney, Lisa Bussenger, Kim Steinmetz, and William Steinmetz.

Gunvalson attended Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois, and later enrolled at Harper College in Palatine.

Of German-American descent, she was raised in a Christian household.

Career

Vicki Gunvalson began her career in the insurance industry in the early 1990s after obtaining her license in California.

She founded Coto Insurance & Financial Services, initially operating from her home while balancing family responsibilities, and steadily grew the business into a respected firm offering life insurance, wealth management, and related financial services.

Her early recognition came through building a reputation as a top producer and training other agents, showcasing her determination and sales expertise long before television fame.

Her profile expanded dramatically when she joined The Real Housewives of Orange County as an original cast member in 2006.

The show captured her life as a driven businesswoman, wife, and mother, highlighting both her professional ambitions and personal challenges.

Over the seasons, Gunvalson became known for memorable moments, her no-nonsense attitude, and her role in shaping the franchise’s signature blend of glamour and real-life conflict.

She earned the nickname “OG of the OC” for her longevity and influence on the series.

Gunvalson has left a lasting mark on reality television, appearing in numerous episodes across nearly two decades and recently returning as a full-time cast member for the show’s 20th season.

She has expanded into podcasting with My Friend, My Soulmate, My Podcast, continued leading her insurance company (sometimes alongside her son), and inspired audiences through speaking engagements and her resilient approach to career and family.

Her journey reflects the evolution of a self-made entrepreneur who turned personal transparency into cultural impact within the Real Housewives universe.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @vickigunvalson
• Facebook Handle: @VickiGunvalsonOfficial

Personal Life

Vicki Gunvalson, born on March 27, 1962, has navigated a full and eventful personal journey marked by family devotion and romantic ups and downs.

She was first married to Michael J. Wolfsmith from 1982 to 1991, with whom she shares two children: daughter Briana Culberson and son Michael Wolfsmith.

In 1994, she wed Donn Gunvalson, remaining together until their divorce in 2014.

Following those marriages, she dated Brooks Ayers from 2012 to 2015 and became engaged to Steve Lodge in 2019 before the relationship ended in 2021.

Since around 2022, she has been in a relationship with Texas businessman Michael Smith, with the couple purchasing a home together in La Quinta, California, and openly discussing future possibilities including marriage.

Filmography

• The Real Housewives of Orange County (2006–2019, 2023–2024, 2026–present) – Herself
• Dr. Phil (2009) – Herself
• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (2010) – Celebrity Question Presenter
• Tamra’s OC Wedding (2013) – Herself
• The Doctors (2015) – Herself

Net Worth

Vicki Gunvalson has an estimated net worth of $7 million, earned mainly through her long-standing success with Coto Insurance & Financial Services, where she served as president and CEO.

She also made income from her appearances on The Real Housewives of Orange County, as well as podcasting, speaking engagements, and other media work.