If you’ve spent any time watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, you know Erika Girardi isn't exactly someone who fades into the background. She's the "Enigma wrapped in a riddle—and cash," or at least that was the tagline before the legal world came crashing down. But lately, the chatter isn't just about the lawsuits or the earrings. People are genuinely curious: how old is Erika Girardi, and how has she managed to pivot so hard while the cameras are rolling?
Honestly, the numbers are pretty straightforward, but the story behind them is anything but simple.
Erika Girardi—better known to the club scene and Bravo fans as Erika Jayne—was born on July 10, 1971. As we sit here in early 2026, that makes her 54 years old. She’ll be hitting the double-nickel mark this coming summer. It’s kind of wild to think about because she’s been in our living rooms for over a decade now, and she still brings that same "ice queen" energy that made her a polarizing fan favorite back in Season 6.
Why Erika Girardi's age matters more now than ever
Age in Hollywood is usually a taboo subject, but Erika has leaned into it. When she first joined the cast, she was the "younger" wife of a high-powered attorney, Tom Girardi. There was a massive 33-year age gap between them. For years, she played the role of the devoted, polished wife in the Pasadena mansion.
Then 2020 happened.
The divorce filing, the embezzlement scandals involving Tom’s law firm, and the sudden shift from "Mrs. Girardi" to a woman fighting for her own survival changed the narrative. At 54, Erika is effectively starting over. Most people are looking toward retirement at this stage, but she’s out here headlining residencies and launching podcasts.
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The Atlanta Roots and the New York Hustle
To understand where she is now, you’ve gotta look at where she started. Erika Chahoy (her maiden name) didn't grow up with a silver spoon. She was raised in Atlanta by a single mom who was a classically trained pianist.
She wasn't some late bloomer, either. Erika has been performing since she was about three years old. She actually attended North Atlanta High School for the Performing Arts—the same school that produced stars like RuPaul.
- Age 18: Moved to New York City with nothing but big dreams.
- Age 19: Met her first husband, Tommy Zizzo, while working at the China Club.
- Age 20: Became a mom to her son, Thomas Zizzo Jr.
- Age 20s: Hustled as a cocktail waitress at Chasen’s in LA, which is where she met Tom Girardi.
It’s a classic "starving artist" story that eventually led to a billion-dollar marriage—and a multi-million-dollar collapse.
Is Erika Jayne "Age-Appropriate"?
There’s always this debate online about whether her stage persona, Erika Jayne, is "too much" for a woman in her 50s. People get weird about it. They see the latex, the "How Many F*cks" performance, and the over-the-top glam and they start clutching pearls.
But honestly? That’s exactly why she resonates with a specific part of the audience. She basically gave a middle finger to the idea that you have to disappear once you hit 40 or 50.
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She actually didn't even start the "Erika Jayne" dance music career until she was 35. That's "ancient" in the pop world. Yet, she racked up nine number-one hits on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. It proves that the how old is Erika Girardi question is less about a birth certificate and more about the branding.
A New Romance in 2026
If you’ve been following the blogs lately, you know there’s a new man in the picture. For the first time in forever, Erika isn't dating someone decades older.
She’s currently seeing John "Shrek" McPhee. He’s a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major and, interestingly enough, he is also 54 years old.
This is a huge departure for her. For twenty years, she was the "younger wife." Now, she's in what people are calling a "same-age romance." They were spotted recently in Panama at a wellness clinic, and she’s been vocal on her podcast, Diamonds in the Rough, about how refreshing it is to be with someone who is grounded and "not Hollywood." It feels like a "soft era" for a woman who spent years being criticized for being too cold.
The Legal Cloud That Won't Go Away
You can't talk about Erika's life at 54 without mentioning the courtroom. Even as she tries to move on, the past is sticky.
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As of January 2026, she’s still facing significant legal hurdles. There’s a major trial scheduled for February 2026 regarding a $25 million lawsuit from the Girardi Keese bankruptcy trustee. The court wants to know how much she knew about Tom’s alleged swindling of plane crash victims and settlement funds.
She has maintained her innocence throughout, but it’s a heavy burden to carry into your mid-fifties. While her co-stars on RHOBH are arguing over who snubbed whom at a dinner party, Erika is literally fighting to keep her bank account from being drained by creditors. It adds a layer of grit to her "Pretty Mess" persona that makes her more "human" to some, and more "villainous" to others.
What's Next for the Pretty Mess?
So, what does a 54-year-old reality star do when the world is watching her every move?
- The Podcast: Her show with Teddi Mellencamp is actually doing numbers. It’s where she’s been the most candid about her dating life and her fears.
- The Music: She’s still touring. She has dates lined up for 2026, including some international appearances.
- The Show: RHOBH is still her main platform. Even though fans call for her "cancellation" every season, she’s the one who brings the ratings.
The reality is that Erika Girardi is a survivor. Whether you like her or not, she has managed to reinvent herself at an age when many women in entertainment are told they’re "past their prime."
If you’re looking for a takeaway from the saga of Erika’s age and career, it’s probably this: don't wait for permission to start your "second act." She started her music career at 35, joined a hit reality show at 44, and is navigating a total life rebuild at 54.
Actionable Takeaways for Following the Story
If you want to keep tabs on how this next chapter unfolds, here’s what to look out for:
- Watch the February 2026 trial updates. This will be the turning point for whether she finally clears her name or faces a massive financial judgment.
- Listen to the "Diamonds in the Rough" podcast. That’s where the "real" Erika (the one without the $40k-a-month glam squad) tends to show up.
- Check her 2026 tour dates. If she’s still selling out clubs at 54, it’s a sign that her brand is stickier than the scandals.
The mystery of Erika Girardi isn't how old she is—it’s how she keeps going when most people would have folded a long time ago.