We love seeing our favorite Real Housewives grace our TV screens — but it's also so interesting to see old photos of their lives before they joined the Bravo universe. 

Consider Marysol Patton of The Real Housewives of Miami, who was also born and bred in Miami. These days, Marysol brings her vibrant personality to RHOM, as well as plenty of “cockies,” as she jokingly refers to drinks. While we love watching her antics, especially with bestie Alexia Nepola, Marysol had a very interesting life before she ever joined the ranks of the Real Housewives. 

Learn more about her past — and see some incredible photos of a younger Marysol — now.

Marysol Patton Over the Years

Marysol was raised by her Cuban mother, Elsa (beloved by RHOM fans), and her Irish father, Don. (She also has one brother, Thomas.) She spent plenty of time by water, whether it be the ocean or a pool, growing up.

Marysol’s father, who was a yacht builder, frequently took Marysol along on his travels around the world for clients.  

Marysol (and her fellow Miami housewife Alexia Nepola) are not only besties on RHOM, but they’re also both graduates of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida. Marysol is a 1997 grad, while Alexia is a 1990 grad.

Marysol owns the Patton Group, which is a PR and events agency. She’s worked with brands such as Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Gucci, Carolina Herrera, Harry Winston, and more.  

Marysol and Alexia also have their own podcast called Ay Por Favor.

RELATED: Meet Marysol Patton's Husband Steve McNamara

Marysol’s newest venture is her ready-to-drink beverage brand, Cockies, that will launch in early 2024.  

One of Miami’s most popular (non) Housewives was affectionately known as Mama Elsa.

A dynamic duo with her daughter, Marysol, Elsa’s fear of flying almost kept her from appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen back in 2011, but Andy sent two staffers to Miami to drive the women up to Manhattan. Elsa told Andy she expected him to be waiting with flowers for being “stuck in this gondola on wheels.” 

Tragically, Mama Elsa was laid to rest in May 2019 after passing over Mother’s Day weekend. Many Miami housewives were there to mourn, including Alexia, Lisa Hochstein, and Adriana De Moura.

Marysol delivered the eulogy in her mother’s memory. She also posted a message for her mother on Instagram, where she called her “an angel watching over all of us now.” 

When Marysol returned for RHOM Season 4, she brought her new husband, Steve McNamara. The two were married in April 2021. She believes her late parents had something to do with the love connection.

“Every day, I’m like, ‘Man, Mom, Dad, you nailed it. You guys nailed it,’” Marysol said to Bravo Insider. “I would, probably, have never picked him, but there was a greater force at work. I know that I’m with the right person. He’s very kind and good to me. He knows how to be a husband.”

Watch all-new episodes of Season 6 of The Real Housewives of Miami starting on Bravo Wednesday, November 1 at 9/8c, and the next day on Peacock.