Community Corner

Resident Kathy Wakile Joins the Cast of "The Real Housewives of NJ"

Popular reality show debuts May 16.

Wayne resident Kathy Wakile is no stranger to reality television.

Wakile is the first cousin of one the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" Teresa Giudice. Wakile make her debut as one of the newest members of popular show when season three debuts on Bravo May 16. 

"She is a 'real housewife': Self-assured, fun, aspirational," said Christian Barcellos, vice president of production for Bravo. "Her husband is a hoot and she has two great kids."

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Wakile has been married to her husband, Rich, for 19 years. They have two children, Victoria, 17, and Joseph, 15. Barellos said Wakile "works hard to keep her family's world in order and carefully monitors her children's social lives."

"The stories are born of their lives, their families, and their friendships," Barcellos said. "Kathy has two great kids who are entering their teen years and we'll get a glimpse into the challenges and joys of a proud mother seeing her children becoming adults."

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But she also likes to party and have a good time. Whether it's hosting a theme night with her girlfriends or throwing Victoria a Sweet 16 birthday party with belly dancers, Wakile tries to live her life to the fullest.

"Family is very much part of the DNA of this group of women," Barcellos said. "So when we were looking to add to the cast, we focused very much within their inner circle, be it family or close friends."

The series tries to equally balance stories between cast members. Local businesses get a lot of primetime exposure in the show. Season three, which was filmed around the holidays, focuses a lot on family rituals. Barcellos said Wakile is an "amazing cook."

"I wouldn't be surprised if viewers lobby for her to challenge our Top Chefs," Barcellos said.

The season picks up where last season left off when the holidays are celebrated, children leave the nest, and tensions are running high between the housewives.

"During the reunion last season, Teresa got very agitated about her 'family'," Barcellos said. "Viewers will get to learn what was really behind the outburst this season."


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