Sometimes the casts of Real Housewives franchises need a little refresh. Maybe the same feuds or friendships are getting stale. So, Bravo brings in some new talent to spice up the mix. The Real Housewives of New Jersey is no exception.
Some new cast members have come along and served up drama, humor, and some iconic moments. Let’s take a look at the best additions to the RHONJ cast.
Margaret Josephs
Margaret Josephs made her RHONJ debut during Season 8. The pig-tailed wonder has been a wealth of drama. Her personal life was also intriguing. Her first marriage ended because she had an affair with, and later married, Joe Benigno. And PEOPLE reported that she remained best friends with her first husband, Jan Josephs, until his unexpected death in 2022.
Margaret has memorably feuded with several of her co-stars. Margaret outed Jennifer Aydin’s husband, Dr. Bill Aydin’s, affair from decades earlier.
Margaret also squabbled with Danielle Staub. Danielle was a housewife for the first two seasons of the show, returning in Season 8. When Danielle’s then-husband, Marty Caffrey, was insulting Margaret, she and Joe pushed him into the pool. You know, for a refreshing swim.
And during a shopping trip, Margaret poured water over Danielle’s head after she insulted her. In turn, Danielle grabbed Margaret and pulled her ponytail. It was horrifying to watch.
In Nashville during Season 12, Teresa Giudice cleared a table onto Margaret’s lap. The reason? Teresa accused Margaret of going to blogs and spreading lies about her husband, Luis Ruelas.
But other RHONJ cast members were worried that Margaret has an “arsenal” containing all the skeletons rattling around in their closets. Besides bringing the drama, Margaret was always open and spoke her mind, which are traits of a great housewife.
Jennifer Aydin
Jennifer strutted onto Season 9 of RHONJ. She loved to brag about her wealth and lux lifestyle with her husband, Bill. Jennifer and Bill share five children. One of the issues in their marriage is the way that Jennifer disciplines the kids.
She clashed with co-star Jackie Goldschneider when Jackie wrote an article about people who spoil their kids. Ahem, Jennifer. But Jennifer would like her plastic surgeon husband to be home more with his family.
Jennifer and Margaret were like oil and water. When Margaret remarked that she had difficulty with the concept of arranged marriages, Jennifer hit back. “And I can’t relate to people who have affairs with married people,” she said.
When Jennifer had a few too many cocktails, she became a handful. At a boozy dinner in Cabo, she broke a glass on the table and brandished it at Melissa. She even puked in Bill’s new Ferrari on the way home from Teresa’s pool party.
Jennifer is Team Teresa all the way, and for the last few seasons has been focused on trying to improve her marriage with Bill.
Luis Ruelas
Who says a reality television villain isn’t a great casting move? Teresa’s new man, Luis, was controversial from the start. Sort of like her previous husband, Joe Giudice.
In 2012, Luis’ ex-wife, Marisa Dimartino, accused him of domestic violence. According to US Weekly, in June 2023, Luis’ ex-fiancée, Vanessa Reiser, took out a restraining order, alleging that he harassed her. There were also hiccups with lawsuits related to his businesses. Luis’ company, Digital Media Solutions, was named in a class action lawsuit in May 2023.
But the Jersey housewives were concerned about Luis’ temper. He snapped at other cast members and Teresa. During Season 13, Luis claimed that he hired private investigator extraordinaire Bo Dietl to find dirt on the RHONJ cast members. But at the reunion, Luis denied it, even though John Fuda and Margaret had proof that a private investigator contacted their loved ones. Luis’ menacing tone frightened Margaret.
In the Season 14 trailer, it looked like Teresa’s love bubble finally burst. She didn’t sign a prenup when she walked down the aisle with Luis. Sigh. And now it sounds as if there are financial problems as well as marital issues.
Luis is a villain on RHONJ without a doubt. But he is also a great addition to the cast, even if he wore Nonno’s pajamas.
Danielle Cabral
Danielle Cabral burst on the scene in Season 12. This Staten Island native married Nate Cabral and the couple has two children. Danielle is over-the-top, like Teresa in earlier seasons.
She called her fellow newbie Rachel Fuda “a rat” because she told Margaret what Danielle said behind her back.
Then Teresa and Jennifer shared a rumor that Melissa had cheated on her husband. A conflicted Danielle shared the info with Melissa on camera. Unfortunately, Luis and Teresa had previously told Joe about the whispers, and Jennifer told Melissa before Season 13 started filming. It looked like Teresa and Jennifer set up Danielle to reveal the information on camera.
US Weekly reported that during filming for Season 14, Jennifer and Danielle were involved in a physical altercation. “It’s unfortunate. I was very disappointed. It’s a big story to unpack,” Danielle explained, “and I hope the audience watches and good wins.” Both ladies were temporarily suspended while Bravo investigated.
John Fuda
Don’t play with John! He went toe to toe with Luis at last season’s reunion. Rachel’s husband accused Luis and Teresa of investigating him and of contacting the mother of his child, who was in prison. “An eye for an eye. This is how we play,” John told Luis. “Leave my kid out of it.”
Before the men exited the stage, Luis tried to shake hands with John. John responded only if Luis admitted the truth. No dice. And it looks like the drama will continue between John, Rachel, Luis, and Teresa during Season 14.
May I just say that I love John’s honesty? John recently dropped 50 pounds. He underwent liposuction and also used hormone replacement and peptide therapy. “I’m not sure why there is such a stigma about taking care of your body, but I’m happy to be the voice of many men who don’t say it because it’s so important for you psychically and mentally,” John told PEOPLE about his glow up.
He is truly one of the best additions to the RHONJ cast.
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