Tom Schwartz hinted “Vanderpump Rules” would be undergoing some major changes just two weeks before the cast overhaul was revealed.
Earlier this month, Page Six caught up with Schwartz, 42, at Lisa Vanderpump’s annual Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala in Beverly Hills, Calif., where we asked him about his “hopes” and “dreams” for “the next season of ‘Vanderpump Rules.'”
“You mean, what would happen in particular if we do film or when we do film?” he replied. “Or just, like, hope that we do film again? What are you saying?”
At the time, Bravo had not said anything about a 12th season of the reality series, which historically films in the summer.
We explained to Schwartz that we were under the assumption there would be a “next season” at some point but asked him if he knew “otherwise.”
“I’m tight-lipped right now,” he responded. “But listen, I love filming ’cause it’s, like, I grew up with these people in Los Angeles. They’re my LA family.”
Pointing to Vanderpump, 64, who was posing for pictures on the red carpet, the bar owner added, “That’s my LA mom right there.”
Schwartz shared that the cast’s close-knit bonds extend to “the whole production team.”
However, he sighed as he admitted, “I know all good things come to an end, so I’m just savoring every moment right now while it still is going on. I don’t know what the future looks like, but I’m optimistic!”
He added that he is “working on some other cool stuff” but could not get into specifics.
Perhaps Schwartz’s sentiments at the time also applied to the then-impending closure of his and co-star Tom Sandoval’s namesake bar Schwartz & Sandy’s.
The Toms announced via Instagram Monday that they have made the decision to close the Franklin Village, Calif., lounge at the end of December.
“This hasn’t been an easy choice for my partners and me, but other priorities and commitments have taken hold,” Sandoval, also 42, explained without further elaboration.
Schwartz, for his part, told his followers that he feels at “peace” knowing he gave his “absolute all into S&S, fully committed with every fiber in [his] being.”
As for “Vanderpump Rules,” Bravo revealed Tuesday that the Emmy-nominated show is coming back for Season 12 but that it will feature an entirely “new group of close-knit SUR-vers.”
