Lisa Vanderpump

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Lisa Vanderpump – Life, Business, & Memorable Quotes

Explore the life of Lisa Vanderpump — her early years in London, rise to reality TV stardom, restaurant empire, philanthropy with animals, and her most memorable quotes.

Introduction

Lisa Jane Vanderpump (born September 15, 1960) is an English businesswoman, restaurateur, television personality, author, and philanthropist. She first attracted broader public attention through her role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but over time she built a multifaceted brand spanning hospitality, design, media, and animal welfare. Her life offers a study in reinvention, brand building, and advocacy with personality.

Early Life and Family

Lisa Vanderpump was born in Dulwich, London, England on September 15, 1960.

From a very young age, Lisa showed an affinity for performance and design. She began ballet lessons at three, and at age nine she was enrolled in the Corona Academy drama school.

By her late teens, Lisa was already striking out independently: by age 19, she had her own flat in Fulham and claimed financial self-sufficiency. Her early exposure to London’s culture, arts, and social scenes helped shape her tastes for elegance, hospitality, and visual flair.

Rise, Media & Business Ventures

Acting & Early Media Appearances

Lisa made her on-screen debut as a child—at age 13 she appeared as an uncredited extra in A Touch of Class (1973) Silk Stalkings and Baywatch Nights.

The Real Housewives & Television Brand

Lisa’s mainstream breakout came in 2010 when she joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) as a main cast member. Vanderpump Rules, Vanderpump Dogs, Overserved with Lisa Vanderpump, and Vanderpump Villa.

Her television persona is often a blend of elegance, directness, and a flair for drama — traits that both endear her to fans and fuel the conflicts central to reality television.

Hospitality & Brand Expansion

Lisa Vanderpump and her husband, Ken Todd, have built a vast hospitality empire spanning both the UK and the U.S. Some of their well-known establishments include:

  • SUR Restaurant & Lounge (West Hollywood)

  • Villa Blanca (Beverly Hills, Mediterranean-inspired)

  • PUMP Restaurant (West Hollywood)

  • Tom Tom (co-owned with Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz)

  • Venues in Las Vegas, such as Vanderpump Cocktail Garden and Vanderpump à Paris.

Beyond restaurants, her brand has diversified into:

  • Vanderpump Wines / Vanderpump Rosé

  • Homewares & design collections (Vanderpump Beverly Hills Collection)

  • Publishing: she authored Simply Divine: A Guide to Easy, Elegant, and Affordable Entertaining (2011)

In her business life, she often blends aesthetics, luxury, and hospitality with storytelling and branding.

Philanthropy & Animal Advocacy

A defining aspect of Lisa Vanderpump’s public profile is her strong advocacy for animal welfare.

In 2016, Lisa and Ken Todd launched The Vanderpump Dog Foundation (also known as Vanderpump Dogs), a nonprofit rescue organization based in Los Angeles, with outreach also in China.

She has been outspoken against the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China, organizing a protest march in October 2015 from MacArthur Park to the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles, part of her campaign “Stop Yulin Forever.”

Lisa has also supported LGBTQ+ causes: in 2015, she received the Ally Leadership Award from Equality California.

Personality & Influence

Lisa is frequently described as charismatic, confident, refined, and unapologetically expressive. Her television presence often combines elegance with a readiness to speak her truth.

Her background in performance and design gives her an eye for ambiance, interior aesthetics, and brand presentation. This flair surfaces in her restaurants, home collections, and public persona.

She also carries the mindset of a self-starter. From early independence in London to navigating entertainment and high-stakes business in Los Angeles, she has often spoken of resilience, authenticity, and the tension of pleasing others while retaining identity.

Memorable Quotes by Lisa Vanderpump

Here are some of her notable sayings:

  • “I don’t really lie about anything, I have to be honest. I like to live with the truth.”

  • “You can film me 24 hours a day and you’ll get a very accurate picture of who I am. You see the funny side, I work hard, and I try to be honest and just call it how it is.”

  • “I don’t think a man should try to suppress a woman just because he’s married to her.”

  • “My kids would not get into bed every night without me telling them that I loved them.”

  • “I don’t really care what others think of me. You’re not going to please everybody. I care what I think and what my children and my husband thinks.”

  • “Find what you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life, that’s true. But also always try to fill a niche. What can you try to do that is different?”

  • “The crown is heavy, darlings, so just leave it where it belongs.”

  • “Don’t take life too seriously. Have fun in your life. And, never forget my mantra – love and laughter supersede all!”

These lines capture her blend of confidence, self-awareness, and flair for self-expression.

Lessons from Lisa Vanderpump’s Journey

  1. Brand over persona — she turned a TV role into a broader lifestyle brand encompassing restaurants, design, and philanthropy.

  2. Authenticity matters — in crowded media spaces, being consistent and true to one’s voice builds trust and longevity.

  3. Merge passion and cause — her business success is complemented by her advocacy for animals, making both dimensions part of her identity.

  4. Adapt and evolve — Lisa has moved between continents, industries, and media formats, always expanding.

  5. Balance glamour and grit — she presents elegance but is no stranger to hard negotiation, business challenges, and public scrutiny.

Conclusion

Lisa Vanderpump is far more than reality television royalty. She is a savvy businesswoman, designer, and advocate whose personal brand reflects her passion, aesthetics, and heart. From London upbringing and dramatic arts training to building a hospitality empire in Los Angeles and championing rescued animals, her story is one of reinvention, purpose, and staying glamorous on one’s own terms.