Lauren Conrad Confirms Reality TV Career Is Over After Laguna Beach Reunion
Lauren Conrad has definitively revealed that she will not be reigniting her reality television career following her return to the spotlight for the 20th anniversary special The Reunion: Laguna Beach. The 40-year-old star, who became famous as one of the California It Girls from Laguna Beach in the early 2000s alongside on-off friend Kristin Cavallari, has largely stayed out of the media glare in recent years.
Putting a Pin in Her Career
In a teaser for Cavallari's podcast Let's Be Honest this Tuesday, Conrad stated: "I would love to put a pin in my career." She elaborated, saying, "It would be really cool to end my career with the same people I started it with. Like, the same group of people I started with, I can also say goodbye with. It felt clean and then when this is all over, I can..."
Her 39-year-old castmate interjected with "...hang up that entertainment hat," to which Conrad responded, "God, I hope so. I don't [miss it at all]."
From Laguna Beach to The Hills
Conrad was just an 18-year-old senior at Laguna Beach High School when MTV recruited her and classmates Cavallari, Lo Bosworth, and Stephen Colletti to star in the first two seasons of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County from 2004 to 2005. She later described the experience as "the easiest money I ever made" and admitted she only agreed to star in five seasons of MTV's spin-off The Hills from 2006 to 2009 because she "was broke."
During her time on Laguna Beach, Conrad feuded with Cavallari over a love triangle involving castmate Stephen Colletti, and The Hills was frequently criticized for fabricating storylines. Despite the drama, Conrad has expressed gratitude for the opportunities her reality TV career provided.
Turning Down New Beginnings
Conrad previously turned down starring in two seasons of MTV's 2019 continuation The Hills: New Beginnings. However, she was fine with the one-off Laguna Beach reunion, especially since Roku made her an executive producer for the special.
Reflecting on her career, Conrad said: "I'm so happy. I feel so lucky because, you know, it can go a lot of ways when you've been in entertainment for a long time. And I think a lot of people really miss it and I didn't. I enjoyed it while I had it. Like, we had fun. It was great. And I'm really grateful for the opportunity."
Embracing a Quieter Life
Conrad emphasized her preference for a more private existence, stating: "And I know that because I did all that, I'm able to live the life I live now. But I love, like, just being with my fam and my friends and living a quieter life."
The Little Market co-founder welcomed two sons—Liam, eight, and Charlie, six—during her 11-year marriage to Something Corporate rocker William Tell, whom she began dating in 2012. She keeps busy running and designing her clothing company LC Lauren Conrad and children's line Little Co., both of which are sold at Kohl's.
Current Endeavors and Future Plans
Conrad rarely shares social media posts, perhaps once a year, despite amassing 5.8 million Instagram followers. The FIT drop-out remains focused on her fashion ventures and family life.
Her husband's rock band is next scheduled to perform on August 6 at the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Conrad's decision to step away from reality TV marks a clear end to an era that began two decades ago, allowing her to fully embrace her roles as a designer, entrepreneur, and mother.
