New York – Luann de Lesseps, the former star of The Real Housewives of New York City, is turning heads at 60 with her enviable physique and a message of empowerment for women of all ages. In a recent exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the cabaret performer shared her fitness secrets after fans flooded her social media with praise following a bikini photo she posted to celebrate her milestone birthday earlier this year.
De Lesseps, who marked her 60th birthday in 2024, uploaded the photo to her Instagram account under the handle @countessluann, sparking an outpouring of compliments. One fan commented, 'No one has ever looked better than you in the history of the world,' while another asked, 'Luann, give me your secret to keeping that smoking, hot rocking body!!' The post, which garnered significant attention, prompted de Lesseps to open up about her approach to health and wellness in the interview conducted during her busy holiday season schedule of cabaret shows.
At the heart of her routine, de Lesseps emphasized the importance of mindful eating habits. 'The most important thing is – chew your food,' she told Fox News Digital. 'We eat on the run a lot, and we don't chew our food enough because digestion starts in the mouth. That's why we salivate, because these digestive juices break down the food that we chew. So people eat too fast, they're on the run. So it's really taking time to sit down and chew.'
She also advised against certain common practices that she believes hinder digestion. 'Then they drink cold beverages while they eat,' de Lesseps added. 'This is why the Europeans are thinner. They'll sip a little bit of red wine or sip a little bit of wine. They're not having big gulps and not drinking cold drinks because this water's down your digestion as well.' According to de Lesseps, these small adjustments can make a significant difference in maintaining a fit body over time.
Beyond eating habits, de Lesseps follows a Mediterranean diet to stay in shape. 'I do Mediterranean diet because I try not to eat things from a package,' she explained. 'Anything that comes in a package is generally going to be full of sodium or carbs or all of that.' She stressed the need for balance, combining this dietary approach with regular physical activity. 'You have to keep it moving… it's really about being active and having a positive outlook on it and not beating yourself up about it, because I think that also the mental part of it is so important.'
De Lesseps' journey to this confident state has not been without challenges. A former countess by marriage, she joined The Real Housewives of New York City in its inaugural season in 2008, appearing alongside castmates like Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan, Carole Radziwill, Aviva Drescher, and Heather Thomson. Over 13 seasons, viewers watched her navigate high-profile divorces, a brief remarriage, and various romantic entanglements, all under the scrutiny of reality television cameras.
Reflecting on her time on the show, de Lesseps said the experience taught her resilience. 'Confidence came from a lot of doors closed in front of me, but then doors would open,' she noted. 'So you know what they say when one door closes, another door opens. So I think that's an important mentality to have in life.' This mindset, she added, has been crucial in dealing with public criticism and online trolls.
Eight years ago, de Lesseps ventured into cabaret, a move that marked a pivotal shift in her career. Her debut show was particularly nerve-wracking, as it was filmed for Housewives, adding extra pressure. 'When I started cabaret eight years ago now, I didn't know it would be successful at all,' she recalled. 'It was very scary because not only was it my first cabaret, but it was being filmed for the ‘Housewives’ as well, no pressure there. And so, that people really loved it and that I'm able to keep on doing my shows. They're not always the same because life is a cabaret, and it's constantly changing.'
Today, her cabaret performances blend pop culture references, comedy, fashion, and personal anecdotes, drawing fans who appreciate the glamour. Recent shows include a performance at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on April 25, 2025 – a date that highlights her ongoing tour schedule even as she promotes her holiday lineup. 'My show is really – it's pop culture meets cabaret meets comedy meets a fashion show, because I do a lot of changes,' de Lesseps described. 'I love to bring a lot of glamour, and my fans love that, and it is a great reason for them to get dressed, put on their best sequins, their statement necklaces, and come out and see my show. And that's a huge nod to what I do.'
Authenticity is key to the success of her shows, according to de Lesseps. She incorporates 'iconic moments' from her life, discussing behind-the-scenes details and current events.
'I run through iconic moments in my show, talk about what happens behind the scenes, talk about what's going on in my life,' she said. 'And that's where my show is always different, because my life is ever-changing and ever-evolving like everybody else's. And I've been through 13 years of ‘Housewives’ and people have seen me get divorced and married again and divorced again and dates. My life is out there, and I think that the camera doesn't lie. I think if you're not authentic, and you're not really living your real life, I think people can really see that.'
De Lesseps' philosophy extends to embracing one's inner strength. 'I just think that we have to live with our inner diva … I think it's about being happy with who you are,' she stated. 'I think that's really where it starts. And when you're happy, that energy permeates. So, when I do my shows, I'm really spreading joy and inspiration for women, and I want them to know that, at any age, you can be living your best life. It's not about the number. It's really about how you feel about yourself and the energy that you put out there. And I think that's very important.'
Despite her positive outlook, de Lesseps acknowledged the negativity she has faced, particularly on social media. 'Not everybody's going to love you. There's a lot of negative people out there who are behind their social media and who are not living their best lives, obviously,' she said. 'So they have to pick on yours. And so how I roll is that I don't let what people think of me affect me. And I always say I love who I want to, and I cry when I have to, which is true. So when somebody makes me feel uncomfortable or is a negative naysayer or a hater, I feel for them. I really put it off onto them. It's really about them. It's really not about me. So I protect myself in so many ways.'
Her story resonates in the broader context of aging in the entertainment industry, where women over 50 often face typecasting or reduced opportunities. De Lesseps' continued success in cabaret and her openness about fitness at 60 challenge those norms, inspiring fans who see her as a role model. As she performs through the holiday season, including dates in various cities, she continues to emphasize mental and physical well-being as intertwined elements of a fulfilling life.
Looking ahead, de Lesseps shows no signs of slowing down. With her cabaret career thriving and a message of self-acceptance at its core, she aims to keep motivating women to prioritize their health and happiness. 'To be able to still have a career at 60, because I turned 60 this year, and I'm living my best life,' she reflected. 'And I thought to myself yesterday, I was like, I get to be creative. I get to do what I want to do.' For de Lesseps, the future is about continued evolution, much like the ever-changing nature of her performances.
This interview comes amid a busy period for the entertainer, who has also weighed in on other high-profile stories, such as advising Sarah Ferguson on navigating public scandals. As The Real Housewives franchise evolves, de Lesseps' post-show endeavors highlight the lasting impact of reality TV stars who transition into multifaceted careers. Fans can catch her next shows by checking her official website or social media for updates on tour dates.