Bethenny Frankel is an American entrepreneur, television personality, philanthropist, and author, best known for her roles in reality television and her successful lifestyle brand. Born on November 4, 1970, in New York City, New York, she first gained national attention as a contestant on the NBC reality competition series The Apprentice: Martha Stewart in 2005, where she finished as a runner-up. Her charisma and business acumen led her to become a prominent figure in the world of reality television, ultimately becoming a household name through her appearances on the Bravo series The Real Housewives of New York City, which she joined in 2008.

Frankel's journey into the spotlight began in her early years. Raised in a family with a strong culinary background, her father, Robert Frankel, was a horse trainer, and her mother, Bernadette Parisella, was a former model. This upbringing instilled in her a passion for food and hospitality, which she harnessed as she pursued a career in the culinary arts. Before her rise to fame, she worked as a natural foods chef and developed her unique approach to healthy living.

Her stint on The Real Housewives of New York City significantly boosted her profile, leading to the creation of her brand, Skinnygirl. The brand, which focuses on low-calorie cocktails and healthy lifestyle products, became a massive success, culminating in the sale of the Skinnygirl Margarita for an estimated $100 million. This accomplishment not only solidified her status as a savvy entrepreneur but also paved the way for her other ventures.

Following her success on The Real Housewives of New York City, Frankel starred in her own spin-off series, Bethenny Ever After, which aired from 2010 to 2012 and showcased her life as a working mother and businesswoman. She later collaborated with Fredrik Eklund for the series Bethenny & Fredrik in 2018, further expanding her presence on television. In addition to her reality television endeavors, she hosted the daytime talk show Bethenny from 2013 to 2014, where she interviewed celebrities and discussed various topics related to lifestyle and wellness.

Frankel has also made significant contributions as an author, writing four self-help books that cover topics ranging from business advice to personal empowerment. Her philanthropic work includes founding BStrong, an organization that provides disaster relief and support to those in crisis. In 2021, she returned to television with the HBO Max competition series The Big Shot with Bethenny, where she showcased her skills as a mentor to aspiring business leaders.

Today, Bethenny Frankel continues to make an impact through her various endeavors, embracing her roles as a television personality, entrepreneur, and advocate for social causes. With her dynamic presence and relentless drive, she remains a significant figure in both the entertainment industry and the world of business.