One year after her mega breakup on the reality show “Scandoval,” “Vanderpump Rules” cast member Ariana Madix’s life is better than ever.
If there’s a silver lining to tabloid headlines and heartbreak, Madix seems to have found it. She had a successful stint on “Dancing With the Stars,” garnered endorsements from multiple brands and appeared on Broadway as Roxie Hart in “Chicago.” Her run will end on April 7, but we’ll talk about that in a moment.
For those unfamiliar with the public infidelity and breakup Madix endured, her boyfriend of a decade with her former good friend cheated on her (in her own home). The current season of “Vanderpump Rules” shows the aftermath of the seven-month affair and the group’s struggles to forgive Madix’s ex, Tom Sandoval, while remaining loyal to her friendship with her.
Meanwhile, Madix focused on becoming financially independent and took advantage of the offers that were coming in. The BIC EasyRinse shavers came first with a social media ad in which Madix announced that he was getting rid of “what has been clogging up” his (Sandoval) life. . It now has two more ads and the campaign will debut next month.
She also published a cocktail recipe book called “Single AF Cocktails: Drinks for Bad B*tches” and found love with a new boyfriend, a personal trainer living in New York.
In a recent conversation with CNN, Madix seemed very at peace with her post-“Scandoval” life. Below is a transcript of the conversation, lightly edited for length and clarity:
CNN: In last season’s “Vanderpump Rules” finale, you said you wished it was a year from now so you could get over the pain. Now that a year has passed, where are you?
Madix: I’m in a very different place in many, many ways. Probably in every way possible. Yes, a very different place. And I’m really grateful to be in a better place now. Nothing is guaranteed. Nothing is given to you. Nothing is ever easy. That’s why I’m very grateful to be where I am and to be surrounded by the people around me. It’s been a journey.
CNN: Broadway has been your dream and your career will soon come to an end. How do you feel about having made it to Broadway and now moving forward?
Madix: Oh, it’s bittersweet. You know, there are things I’m excited about next, going back to Los Angeles, seeing my friends and opening a sandwich shop (Something About Her) with Katie (Maloney). There are many things on the horizon that excite me, but I am very sad that this race is ending. And I’m trying not to be sad now and stay in the moment, so I can really enjoy these last few weeks because it really is a dream come true. I love it.
CNN: Do you think you surprised a lot of people last year with your talent outside of reality TV?
Madix: I think so. I mean, I think people who have known me for many, many years were probably less surprised than people who just saw me on ‘Vanderpump,’ and that’s not their fault. Of course I understand it. It’s not something I’ve really been posting about.
CNN: Did you say after the scandal that your goal was financial independence and that this year has probably brought you closer to your goals in that regard?
Madix: Work begets work. And I want to work! As someone in the entertainment industry, I started with a degree in theater, but I started with no connection to anything. I have spent many, many years where I couldn’t find work. I’m very, very grateful to be able to sign up and work and hopefully do the best job I can.
CNN: The way you’ve handled the last year after all has been fun to watch. How do you think you came to accomplish all these projects, instead of falling into a destructive or not-so-healthy path?
Madix: I think maybe the way I grew up has had a big influence on me. It’s hard to describe Melbourne, Florida to people who haven’t been there. But I definitely feel like maybe it’s that Florida in me. (I’m still) that barefoot kid running through a horse stable.