Alex McCord - Life Beyond Reality Television
For those who followed the early days of reality television in New York City, the name Alex McCord brings back a whole lot of memories, you know? She was a familiar face, someone who really made an impression when "The Real Housewives of New York City" first came onto our screens.
It's kind of amazing to think about how much time has passed since we first met her and her family. She was one of the original people asked to join that group, and she stayed on for quite a while, sharing a good chunk of her life with everyone watching. People often wonder what happened to those who stepped away from the spotlight, and Alex's story is, in some ways, a really interesting one.
Her time on the show showed us a part of her life, but as it turns out, her story continued to unfold in ways many might not expect. From her initial appearances to her big move and what she's doing now, there's a good bit to consider about her path. It’s a bit like seeing an old friend after a long time, isn’t it?
Table of Contents
- Biography of Alex McCord
- Personal Details of Alex McCord
- What Was Alex McCord's Role on "The Real Housewives of New York City"?
- How Did Alex McCord's Family Life Evolve?
- Where Did Alex McCord Go After the Show?
- What is Alex McCord Doing Now?
- The Enduring Appeal of Alex McCord
- Looking Back at Alex McCord's Journey
Biography of Alex McCord
Alex McCord, whose full name is Sara Alexandra McCord, first came into the public eye as a personality on a reality program. She was one of the first people chosen to be part of the group for "The Real Housewives of New York City," a show that truly captured the attention of many viewers. Her journey on this program began when it first aired in March of 2008, so it was quite a while ago now. She was actually one of the five main cast members right from the very first season, which is pretty significant when you think about it. For four whole seasons, she shared her experiences as a 'housewife' with everyone watching, staying with the show until its fourth season wrapped up. Her presence helped set the stage for what the program would become, and she was, in a way, a foundational part of its early success. It's really something to be an original, isn't it?
During her time on the show, she gave viewers a glimpse into her daily existence, including moments with her husband, Simon van Kempen, and their two sons. The show often focused on the everyday happenings and social interactions of the people involved, and Alex was right there in the thick of it for a good long stretch. After her time on "The Real Housewives of New York City" came to a close, she stepped away from that particular kind of public life. However, her story didn't just end there; she continued to build a life for herself and her family, choosing a different kind of path. It’s interesting to see how people move on from such a public stage, and Alex’s path is quite unique, in some respects.
Personal Details of Alex McCord
To give you a clearer picture of Alex McCord, here are some personal details gathered from what we know about her public life. This information helps to paint a more complete picture of the person beyond the screen, offering a few specific facts about her background and family situation. It's just a little bit of extra information that might help you connect with her story.
Full Name | Sara Alexandra McCord |
Known As | Alex McCord |
Profession (Post-RHONY) | Psychologist |
Spouse | Simon van Kempen |
Children | Two sons (F & J) |
Original Residence (RHONY) | Brooklyn, New York City |
Later Residence | Byron Bay Hinterland, Australia |
Age (as of 2022 reference) | 51 (when RHONY first aired in 2008, she would have been around 37) |
What Was Alex McCord's Role on "The Real Housewives of New York City"?
When "The Real Housewives of New York City" first came on, Alex McCord was right there from the beginning. She was one of the first people to be called a 'housewife' on the program, which meant she was meant to share her life, her home, and her social circles with everyone watching. What made her and her husband, Simon van Kempen, stand out a little bit was that they weren't what you'd usually expect from the cast members. They had a certain way about them that was, in some ways, different from the others, which actually made them quite memorable.
Her time on the show, which lasted for the first four seasons, involved showing the ups and downs of her daily existence, her interactions with the other women, and her family life. The show aimed to capture real-life situations, and Alex was a part of that fabric. She brought her own particular flavor to the group, and her presence was definitely felt. It’s pretty clear that she played a significant part in shaping the early feel of the show, and many viewers really connected with her story. She was, you know, a key player in those early years.
Being on such a widely watched program means that many moments of your personal life become public. For Alex, this meant sharing her experiences as a mother, a partner, and a friend, all while cameras were rolling. It's a unique kind of situation to be in, where your everyday activities are broadcast for many to see. Her journey on the show was a big part of her public story for a good long while, and it’s something people still talk about when they think back to those early seasons. She truly left her mark, and that's something worth remembering.
How Did Alex McCord's Family Life Evolve?
Alex McCord's family, consisting of her husband Simon van Kempen and their two sons, was a big part of her story from the very start of "The Real Housewives of New York City." When the program first aired in 2008, viewers were introduced to her whole household. Their family unit was, in a way, a central focus of her narrative on the show, offering a look into their home and their daily routines. People got to see them grow up a little bit on screen, which is pretty interesting when you think about it.
Years after her time on the show, Alex gave a lot of people a lovely feeling of fond memories when she shared a picture on Instagram. This photo showed her family standing together, which was a nice moment for those who remembered them from the program. It’s always a little bit heartwarming to see how people and their loved ones have changed over time, isn't it? This particular picture really brought back a lot of good feelings for fans who had followed their journey from the beginning.
The family's life, as we learned, took a pretty big turn when they decided to move. From being a family in Brooklyn, New York City, they made a very significant change, relocating to the Byron Bay hinterland in Australia. This kind of move is a huge undertaking for any family, suggesting a desire for a different kind of existence. It really shows how much things can shift and change for people, especially after being in the public eye for a while. Their journey, in some respects, has been one of constant change and adaptation.
Where Did Alex McCord Go After the Show?
After stepping away from "The Real Housewives of New York City" following its fourth season, Alex McCord made a rather significant life choice. She and her husband, Simon van Kempen, along with their sons, decided to pack up their lives in New York City and move to Australia. Specifically, they settled in the Byron Bay hinterland, which is quite a different setting from the bustling city streets of Brooklyn. This kind of change is pretty huge, suggesting a real desire for a new chapter and a different pace of life.
The move itself speaks volumes about a family looking for something new, perhaps a quieter existence away from the intense public scrutiny that can come with being on a reality program. It’s not every day that someone goes from being a well-known face in a major city to a more relaxed, natural environment. This decision marked a clear shift in their lives, indicating a desire to build a new home and create new experiences far from their old routines. It was, in a way, a fresh start for the whole family, which is something many people can relate to.
Time, as it does for everyone, has certainly moved on for Alex McCord since her days as a reality program personality. Her first introduction of her family to fans happened when "RHONY" first appeared in March 2008. Since then, a good number of years have passed, and her life has continued to unfold in new and different ways. The move to Australia was a pivotal moment in this ongoing story, showing a willingness to embrace change and explore new possibilities for herself and her loved ones. It’s a pretty inspiring thing to do, actually.
What is Alex McCord Doing Now?
Alex McCord has, in recent times, come back into public conversation to talk about what she's doing these days and to share her thoughts on why having a good laugh is so important. After her time on "The Real Housewives of New York City," she pursued a different kind of calling, moving into the field of psychology. This is quite a shift from being a reality program personality, showing a dedication to a new kind of work that involves helping people. It’s really quite a meaningful change in career direction, isn't it?
Her current work as a psychologist suggests a deep interest in understanding human behavior and supporting others. This kind of profession is very different from the world of reality television, requiring a different set of skills and a more private approach. She has, you know, truly reinvented herself in a professional sense, building a career that seems to align with a desire to contribute in a more direct, impactful way. It’s a testament to her willingness to grow and explore new areas of personal and professional interest.
The fact that she emphasizes the importance of laughter is also quite telling. It suggests a perspective gained from experience, perhaps from her time in the public eye and her new professional path. Finding joy and humor in life, even when things are challenging, is a valuable outlook. Her ability to talk about her new career and share such personal insights shows a continued openness, just in a different setting than before. She's really found a new purpose, it seems, and that's pretty wonderful.
The Enduring Appeal of Alex McCord
Even though Alex McCord stepped away from the reality program spotlight many years ago, there's still a certain interest in her story. For many people who watched "The Real Housewives of New York City" from its very beginnings, she represents a particular time and feeling. Her recent reappearance, even if just through an Instagram photo or an interview, brings back a wave of fond memories for those who followed her journey. It’s almost like revisiting a part of television history, isn't it?
Her path from a reality program personality in New York City to a psychologist living in Australia is, in a way, quite compelling. It shows a person who has made significant life changes and found new directions. This kind of personal evolution can be quite inspiring to others, demonstrating that life continues to offer new possibilities long after a particular chapter closes. She’s definitely someone who has shown a lot of personal growth, and that's something many people appreciate.
The appeal might also come from the fact that she and her family, Simon and their sons, were always a little bit different from the typical reality program mold. They brought a certain unique quality to the screen that resonated with some viewers. This distinctiveness, combined with her later life choices, makes her story stand out. People are often drawn to those who forge their own path, and Alex McCord has certainly done that, you know, in her own way.
Looking Back at Alex McCord's Journey
Looking back at Alex McCord's journey, it's clear that her life has been one of significant shifts and personal development. From being one of the original faces of "The Real Housewives of New York City" in 2008, she shared a good portion of her family life and social interactions with a wide audience. Her time on the show, spanning four seasons, established her as a recognizable figure in the world of reality programs. It’s pretty remarkable to think about how much has happened since those early days.
After leaving the program, she and her husband, Simon van Kempen, made a bold choice to move their family to Australia, trading the busy city for a more relaxed setting. This move marked a very clear turning point, showing a desire for a different kind of existence away from the constant public gaze. It was a big step, really, and one that required a lot of courage and planning. This kind of change is something many people dream of, but few actually make happen.
In her more recent public appearances, Alex has spoken about her new career as a psychologist and the importance of finding joy in life, even through laughter. This shift in profession and her current outlook on life highlight a person who has continued to grow and find meaning beyond her initial public persona. Her story is, in some respects, a reminder that life is a continuous process of learning and adapting, with new opportunities always on the horizon. She’s definitely someone who has shown that it’s possible to create a fulfilling life after a very public chapter closes.

Pictures of Alex McCord

Pictures of Alex McCord

Pictures of Alex McCord