television
Tiberi caught up with us before the first season of “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” ended on Sunday.
Alicia Carmody (left) and Jo Ellen Tiberi from “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.” Scott Eisen/Bravo
When Bravo announced The Real Housewives of Rhode Island was a success, New Englanders’ initial shock was simply that it would exist.
But the real surprise came in the fourth episode when the series found its groove. It wasn’t just the drama, it was these women as well cheerful, Each in its own distinctive way.
The Internet fell in love.
“But it is, mother.”
“I like crack.”
“I love Jane Fonda.”
quotes become Memes Become Etsy Hats, Cups, Candles.
I wasn’t surprised when Bravo renewed their ratings magnet for a second season.
Star Jo Ellen Tiberi had a similar journey.
“At first we were wondering: Is this show going to happen?” Then it happened. Then when we started watching it, we were like, ‘Wow, this is really funny,'” Tiberi says on Zoom recently from her home in Cranston.
“We assumed we would get a second season, but when we heard… [officially]We were like, ‘Hey! “This is unbelievable,” she says. Rhode Island itself is “the perfect combination of like-minded attitude, fun and beauty – I’m so proud of the show and the girls.”
Now act like you’re riding in a car with Alicia, and buckle up: the season finale is Sunday at 9 p.m. The group takes a ferry to Block Island. Grab your Fig Newton.
There are no dates, changes or confirmations announced yet. Tiberi says she’s excited to film Season 2 this summer. She hopes there will be more Boston scenes.
We asked Tiberi about the highs and lows of Season 1, the Boston episode, and more. (Dunkin, she’s ready for her close-up.)
So how were you cast?
I was seven months pregnant, sweaty and huge, and my tanned girl said to me, “Hey, they’re casting this Italian show in Rhode Island, you should do an interview.”
I did. And after a few months, people said, “You know, this could probably be ‘Housewives.'” I was like, “Yeah, right.” No one said anything about Bravo. Then it progressed, and we were like, “This could be ‘Housewives.'” When we got the green light, I remember being on this conference call, and everyone was speechless. I was just: No sir. This is wild.
[laughs] What are the highs and lows of photography?
Top: Being around Alicia and listening to the things she says.
[laughs] It’s quotable.
Obviously no one likes to fight. This is real life and it’s hard to show sometimes. Especially my mother and me.
The scene where you confronted your mother affected me. I bet you’ve heard from people with similar family situations.
a lot. I can’t believe how many other people have been in a similar situation – whether it was getting kicked out, dealing with a parent who didn’t show them love, or favored one child. I feel like I’m not alone.
Was your mother okay filming that?
I mean my mom knows what she put us through. When I told her, “Hey, do you want to go to the scene?” We will talk about my childhood and upbringing. She knew what we were going to discuss. I think it was hard for her to watch it again.
I couldn’t believe it Episode 10 – Your fight with Liz on the drive to Boston – and inside Cabo. Was it scary?
I wasn’t afraid in the car. I was just trying to calm the situation down. Peacemaker – This isn’t exactly my favorite role. It was uncomfortable. But it escalated when we got to Cabo, and it was scary at that moment. I was crying. Hair pulling, chair kicking, chair pushing – there were a few moments. She brought them to Liz afterward, and was embarrassed when she said, “That never happened.”
right.
I’m glad Liz and I got over that in our friendship, but it was hard to rewatch.
You said you watch all the episodes. Do you read reviews online?
[groans] I do. But my condition is better, as I do not read comments 75 percent of the time. I don’t know why people think it’s okay to write bad things on the internet. I hope people realize that we are human. But 95% of the fans are amazing.
Favorite moment to photograph?
Talk to Alicia on the Cliff Walk in Newport. That was really touching. I think our friendship has blossomed even more.
I’m from Rhode Island, so loveWhat’s the show like in Rhode Island – hate driving or red pizza.
Yes! “What’s the name of the Big Blue Bug” was a trivia question at Audrey’s [in episode 9]
They didn’t show it, but I said, “Nibles Woodway!” I mean, who doesn’t know that?
[laughs] Going into Season 2, are you excited? tense?
Last summer, it was all like, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Now I feel more confident. I think more places would be welcome to shoot. I’m really excited for season 2.
Boston has been so welcoming to the Rhode Island housewives, I can’t even tell you. They were more welcoming than anyone else, put it that way. So thank you.
It was a pleasure to have you all at Fenway and at TD Garden during the Celtics game. There are always events for housewives here too.
Lots of meet and greets. Boston has been so welcoming to the Rhode Island housewives, I can’t even tell you. They were more welcoming than anyone else, put it that way. So thank you. Massachusetts as a whole has been very welcoming. Now I just need to meet Mark Wahlberg and Ben Affleck. Do you guys want me to do a Dunkin’ commercial? I’m going to do a commercial for Dunkin’.
The interview has been edited and condensed. Lauren Daly is a freelance culture writer. Can be accessed at [email protected]. She chirps @lorendelli1And Instagram on @lorendelli1. Read more stories on Facebook here.
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