Bravo Insider Exclusive!

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more!

Sign Up for Free to View
The Daily Dish The Real Housewives of Orange County

Who Is Gina Kirschenheiter's Husband Matt Kirschenheiter? The OC Housewife Spills All the Details About Her Ex

The Real Housewives of Orange County mom reveals all about her mysterious ex.

By Laura Rosenfeld
Gina Kirschenheiter Spills Secrets About Her Ex Matt Kirschenheiter

When Gina Kirschenheiter posted a photo on Instagram of herself, her soon-to-be-ex-husband Matt Kirschenheiter, and their three children, Nicholas, 6, Sienna, 4, and Luca, 3, at a charity event in October, she couldn't believe the response from fans. "People go crazy over that. It's so funny. Like, oh my god, he's a real person!" she told The Daily Dish during an interview in New York City in October. "He's like Big Foot."

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of Orange County on  Peacock and the Bravo App.

Fans of The Real Housewives of Orange County have certainly heard a lot about Matt as they get to know Gina for the first time this season, from the couple's life in Long Island, New York to their unconventional living situation to their impending divorce. However, we haven't actually seen Matt at all this season of RHOC because he cannot appear on the show due to his job (more on that later).

So naturally, the RHOC husband has remained a bit of a mystery for fans — until now. Gina spilled all of her ex's secrets when The Daily Dish caught up with her last month, revealing everything you need to know about this seemingly elusive member of the RHOC family.

Press play on the above video to get to know Matt a bit better. Then come back down here for even more scoop on the OC husband.

The Real Reason Why Matt Isn't on RHOC

Some fans have wondered if Matt not appearing on RHOC had anything to do with what had been going on in their marriage and Gina's ultimate decision to file for divorce on April 2. However, Gina said their marital issues had nothing to do with it at all. "Matt can't film because of his work," she told The Daily Dish. "People thought that Matt wasn't filming because of our relationship, but really he just wasn't filming because his employer was not into it. So it's not like he's not around, but he's not around when we're filming."

He Has Met One OC Housewife

Matt may not be hanging out with the 'Wives on RHOC, but he has gotten to know at least one of Gina's new friends, Emily Simpson. "She feels privileged, she says, because she's like the only one who can testify to the fact that he's real. So they laugh, they joke about it. And then she also jokes with him, like gives him crap because she wants him to come and film so that he can come and kind of take some of the heat off of [her husband] Shane [Simpson], which I think is hysterical," Gina said. "So it's kind of cute, the rapport they have with each other. But no, none of the other ladies have met him."

He Has Some Secrets

There's a lot that RHOC fans don't know about or get wrong about Matt, according to Gina. "He's a nice person. I hate seeing people be accusatory towards him or mean towards him. It's not right. He's a good person. He's always been a good provider for me. He's been a good friend," Gina shared with The Daily Dish about what she wants fans to know about Matt. "He likes history books, and he watches Harry Potter almost every night. He's kind of like a secret dork locked inside a really nice-looking package. So he's good. He is a catch."

He's an Amazing Dad

Though Gina and Matt may be legally ending their partnership, they will always be committed to being a family and being the best parents they can be to their three little ones. Gina shared that she has continued to be impressed by Matt's parenting skills during their separation. "He's a really good dad. He really is. He takes them everywhere. He takes them to the movies, all three of them. I won't even do that. I get a babysitter for Luca. I'm like, bye!" Gina gushed. "They just went to see Goosebumps last week, and he loves that. He's good. He gets out with them. I'm kind of proud of him. Now I'm not around all the time when he does the dad-ing. And he's been doing really good, so I'm proud of him."

He'll Always Have Gina's Support

Gina Kirschenheiter Reflects On Getting Married and Starting a Family at a Young Age

Gina's friendship and continued closeness to her ex throughout their divorce have puzzled the RHOC ladies and fans alike. But Gina has a message for those who speculate that there's more to the story when it comes to why she filed for divorce. "I am more private with relationships. I choose not to speak about that, and I don't think I have to. I think signing up for this show was agreeing to be who I am and share my life, and part of who I am is I'm more private with my relationship stuff. I'm not that girl who fights with my husband and tells my girlfriends, I'm just not. I would tell my best girlfriends in the world I was getting divorced, and they didn't even know there was a problem," Gina explained. "So I think that's OK. I think that's for my family to know and no one else. Matt's not a part of this. I'm not gonna go around slamming him. He's the father of my children. You couldn't pay me enough money in the world to disrespect him in that way. I won't do it."

Gina opens up more about her ex, below.

New ‘Wife Gina Kirschenheiter on Filing for Divorce
Want the latest Bravo updates? Text us for breaking news and more!