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A VPR Producer Reveals How Tom Schwartz Was Cast [Even Though He Didn't Work for Lisa Vanderpump]
The Vanderpump Rules cast member shared why he was “weary” at filming the series.
It’s been over nearly decade since Bravo fans first met Tom Schwartz on Vanderpump Rules, and while we’ve all grown to love the bachelor, he almost didn’t become a cast member of the hit series.
That’s right – the Schwartz and Sandy’s co-owner initially wasn’t going to be a cast member because he didn't work at one of Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants at the time. In the latest episode of Bravo's Hot Mic podcast (clip above), Schwartz sat down with Hot Mic host Alex Baskin (who also is an Executive Producer on VPR) and Tom Sandoval to chat about how he joined the Vanderpump Rules cast.
Here's What You May Have Missed on Bravo:
Tom Sandoval Reveals He's Still in "Disbelief" About Cheating on Ariana Madix
Tom Schwartz Reveals the Surprising Number of Plants He Owns at Home: "Everyone is Healthy"
Tom Schwartz and Scheana Break Down Their Vegas Makeout During His "Rocky Moment" with Katie
Tom Schwartz reveals why he wanted to join Vanderpump Rules
During their candid conversation, Baskin raved about how long he’s been friends with Schwartz and Sandoval. “We’ve known each other for a really long time because when it was part of developing the show, and it was coming together, we would meet at the Belmont and talk about what was going on in your lives,” he said.
The podcast host continued to share how the “best” part about that time was catching up with Tom since he wasn’t a cast member on Seasons 1 and 2 of VPR. Schwartz then confessed that he was “weary” of the show in its early stages but had a change of heart before Season 3 began filming.
“I saw [the show] gaining momentum, and it started to become very appealing to me,” Schwartz said in the video above.
Alex Baskin explains Tom Schwartz’s casting pitch to be on Vanderpump Rules
Right after, Baskin explained how Schwartz pitched the idea of him joining the cast of Vanderpump Rules. “So, you presented me with a really compelling diagram,” he told Schwartz and Sandoval.
Of course, this struck a chord with Schwartz, who immediately asked his counterpart if he kept the chart. As for Baskin’s response? “Oh yeah, I know I saved it, I just don’t know where it [is],” he shared.
Baskin noted that the diagram featured “reasons that Tom Schwartz should be on the show in one column and cons in the other column.”
Of course, the rest is history, as Schwartz has been on the Vanderpump Rules cast for nine seasons. As Baskin concluded, Schwartz “made a compelling case.”
When do new episodes of Bravo's Hot Mic podcast premiere?
Mark your calendars! New episodes of Bravo's Hot Mic will be released bi-weekly and are only available with a paid subscription ($3.99/month).
Who are the guests on Bravo's Hot Mic podcast?
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Kyle Richards and The Real Housewives of Orange County's Tamra Judge appeared in Episode 1 and Episode 2 of Bravo's Hot Mic, respectively. Vanderpump Rules' Scheana Shay appears in Episode 3 with The Real Housewives of Orange County's Shannon Storms Beador appearing in Episode 4. Episode 5 featured The Real Housewives of Miami's Larsa Pippen. Heather Dubrow and Terry Dubrow appear together in Episode 6. Episode 7 featured The Real Housewives of Orange County alums Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley. Episode 8 featured Shahs of Sunset's Mercedes "MJ" Javid. Episode 9 features Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright from The Valley.
The current episode features Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, so be sure to tune in to see what they're revealing.
What is Bravo's official podcast Bravo's Hot Mic about?
Bravo's Hot Mic offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of Bravo's biggest moments from the people who know the real story. Host Alex Baskin is a longtime Executive Producer across multiple Bravo series and sits down with the stars of Bravo shows to discuss memorable moments and the things you didn't see.
Who is Bravo's Hot Mic host Alex Baskin?
Alex Baskin is the man behind the curtain of so much iconic reality TV action. Having produced more than 50 shows for nearly every network around, he currently serves as Executive Producer of multiple series including Bravo's RHOBH, RHOC, Vanderpump Rules, and E!'s Botched.
