Lauri Peterson (born October 28, 1960) is an American reality television star. She is best known for being a cast member on The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Early Life
She was born in Idaho but not much is known about her family.
Career
Prior to her television debut, she worked at Coto Insurance which is owned by co-star Vicki Gunvalson.
The Real Housewives
In 2006, she began appearing on The Real Housewives of Orange County (abbreviated RHOC) as one of the main cast members. She starred in Season 1-4 before being demoted to a "Guest" in Season 6. She has returned to be a "Friend of the Housewives" in Season 8.
RHOC Quotes
- Season 1 - "Are the police involved?"
- Season 2 - "I was poor, I was rich, I was poor again and you know what? Having money is easier"
- Season 3 - "You know what, I'm living the OC lifestyle again. I feel like royalty"
- Season 4 - "I still get pampered, I still get treated like a princess. I deserve it"
Personal Life
She has a daughter: Ashley Zarlin (born January 28, 1985) from a previous relationship before her first marriage.
Her first marriage was to Phillip Waring and together they had two children: Josh Waring (born 1988) and Sophie Waring (born September 30, 1997). The couple got divorced before 2006 and she was left destitute. Her son Josh was in and out of juvenile detention centers and struggled with addiction problems; it was later revealed he had an addition to heroine. In 2016, he was sent to jail for an alleged shooting and car theft which he and his family deny. Whilst in prison, he was stabbed and attacked by another inmate. In 2020, Josh was released from jail after accepting a plea deal in his attempted murder case.
She married her second husband, George Peterson in 2007 and became the stepmother to his four children.
Peterson has one granddaughter from Josh: Kennedy Waring. Due to her son's criminal and substance abuse problems, she legally adopted her.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-2009; 2013 | The Real Housewives of Orange County | Herself |
| 2008 | A-List Awards | |
| 2012-2018 | Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen | |
| 2018 | Megyn Kelly Today |
Relationships
Husbands and Partners
- Phillip Waring (Ex-husband)
- George Peterson (2007-present)
Children
- Ashley Zarlin
- Josh Waring
- Sophie Waring
Stepchildren
- McKenzie Paterson
- Slayte Peterson
- Danyka Peterson
- Bria Peterson
Grandchildren
- Kennedy Waring