How Melissa From 'Real Housewives Of New Jersey' Changed From Her First Episode To Now

April 18, 2024

It feels it was a whole lifetime ago that Melissa Gorga joined the Real Housewives of New Jersey cast back in Season 3. Or at the very least, it feels like a very different show and very different Melissa than we know today. Melissa Gorga has changed a lot since her first episode of RHONJ. Longtime viewers have seen the evolution of Melissa's relationships, career, style, and even hair throughout the years.

Melissa started Real Housewives of New Jersey as a proud stay-at-home mom who was at odds with her sister-in-law (and eternal star of the show), Teresa Giudice. Now, she has several different job titles, runs her own businesses, and she and Teresa are attached at the hip. Oh, how times have changed and that's not even the half of it.

There have been some bumps along the way, but Melissa has a lot to be proud of. The mother of three has used the reality TV show as a platform to truly come into her own and live out her lifelong dreams. She is really making the most out of her reality star status and is even creating opportunities of her own.

These are just some of the ways that Melissa Gorga has changed from her first Real Housewives of New Jersey episode.

1 She Is Best Friends With Teresa

If it wasn't for Melissa's feud with Teresa, she might not even be on the show, so reality TV fame could be a considered a silver lining to their years of animosity. After years of fighting about chairs on the porch, Christmas cookies, and stripper accusations, the two finally decided to call a truce and build a genuine friendship after Teresa was released from prison.

5 She Is More Comfortable Sharing Her Opinions With Her Co-stars

6 She Has A Stronger Voice In Her Marriage

When Melissa initially opened her clothing store, her husband Joe was not on board with her dividing her time between their family and her business. Joe even told Melissa, "What you do, you bring in crumbs. See, I bring in the cake," during a Season 7 episode. After a whole season of explaining what the store means to her and working hard, Joe finally got on board to support his wife and truly value her input.

7 She's Spending More Time With Her Nieces

11 She Has Recorded Music

Just like many Housewives before and after her, Melissa used the show as a springboard to live out one of her lifelong dreams: recording music. Melissa blessed the RHONJ fandom with songs including "On Display" and "Never Let Me Go."

12 She Is Friends With Housewives From Other Shows

Aside from the women she's met on her own show, Melissa has developed relationships with Housewives from other cities. New York Housewife Ramona Singer interrupted the RHONJ Season 8 reunion when she called Melissa. Instead of going to a big party for the Season 7 premiere, Melissa watched RHONJ at her home with Dorinda Medley by her side.

Even though the reality star life can bring some drama and hard times, Melissa has truly made the most out of the Real Housewife experience. She is thriving personally, professionally, and fashionably at that. Melissa's life has changed greatly and for the better ever since her first RHONJ episode.

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