Over the past two decades, the reality TV business model has filled many an executive’s pockets with big bucks and the most successful reality TV stars used their temporary fame wisely to build long lasting careers. While some have made a name for themselves in the fashion industry, others have launched product lines, books, or further developed their on-screen presence through films and television shows. But from the plethora of members that form the realm of reality TV, which ones demonstrated that they have real talent?
That fame is a natural consequence of being on a reality show is nothing new, as these are part of today’s top 10 most profitable TV shows, which we listed in a previous article. However, while some characters enjoy a short-lived flash of the celebrity life, others have used the platform to gather the right connections and influence to make it large in the long run. So, let’s see who the most successful reality TV stars are and how they created their current fortune.
6. Bill Rancic
Reality TV Show: The Apprentice
After winning the first season of The Apprentice back in 2004, Bill Rancic was hired by Donald Trump and certainly took advantage of the opportunity. He gathered all of his acquired knowledge and used it to open the RPM Italian restaurant, as well as establish his presence as a TV host, motivational speaker, and book author. He can now call himself a proper businessman and certified millionaire.
5. Christian Siriano
Reality TV Show: Project Runway
The youngest winner of Project Runway always had big ambitions and at 28, he seems to be reaching for the stars. After season 4 of the reality TV show ended, Siriano delved deep into the fashion market and created his own clothing line, which debuted at the New York Fashion Week in 2008. When Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus then picked up his collection, the pace picked up, leading to shoe collections for Puma and Payless, as well as a makeup line for Victoria’s Secret.
4. Kristin Cavallari
Reality TV Show: Laguna Beach, The Hills
When Kristin Cavallari made her first television appearance on MTV’s teen reality TV show, Laguna Beach, it was hard to imagine that she would one day not only be married, and a mother, but also a successful businesswoman. But after a couple of seasons on the follow-up show The Hills, the California babe devoted herself to fashion and launched her own shoe collection: Kristin Cavallari by Chinese Laundry. She then further established her presence in the fashion world as the host of E!’s show The Fabulist.
3. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
Reality TV Show: Jersey Shore, Snooki & Jwoww
The self-titled “meatball” went from drunken party-girl to savvy entrepreneur in less than a few years by focusing her ideas towards her humongous fan base. From slippers, to perfume, handbags, shoes, and books, Nicole Polizzi has truly found a long lasting way to exploit her reality TV fame. Her must recent endeavours take a walk down the tech path, with a photo-editing app called Snookify Me!, and Snooki’s Match Game on Facebook. This tiny lady is definitely one of the most successful reality TV stars on the scene.
2. Lauren Conrad
Reality TV Show: Laguna Beach, The Hills
For viewers of the MTV reality TV shows, there was always a side to choose in the eternal battle between Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari. However, today it seems both have won, considering they’ve both built successful careers. After writing several NY Times best-selling novels, like LA Candy and The Fame Game, Conrad devoted herself to her ultimate goal: conquering the fashion world. And she did it in a heartbeat by launching the clothing lines LC by Lauren Conrad and Paper Crown.
1. The Kardashians
Reality TV Show: Keeping up with the Kardashians
When the Kardashians first appeared on their reality show in 2007, which followed them around through their different endeavours, nobody imagined that Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney would become one of the most popular faces in Hollywood. What’s more, these women have some serious entrepreneurial spirit, being it as they own a clothing line, a makeup line, a shoe website, and a tanning lotion brand. However, the newest business – Kardashian Kids – is sure to be a big hit, given Kim’s recent transition into the world of motherhood.
