If you were watching Bravo back in 2006, you remember Jeana Keough as the calm, real estate-savvy center of a very chaotic storm. She was the "OG of the OC," the woman who seemed to have it all—the massive Coto de Caza mansion, the professional athlete husband, and a career that didn't just depend on a reality TV camera crew. But then things got messy. A very public separation that lasted over a decade, the 2008 housing crash, and a quiet exit from the main cast left fans wondering where she landed.
Honestly, the Jeana Keough net worth conversation is a lot more interesting than just a single number on a celebrity wealth site. While some sources pin her at around $750,000 and others claim she's sitting on nearly $3 million, the truth is tucked away in her decades of "pivoting." She didn't just wait for a Bravo paycheck. She’s been a Playmate, a music video icon, a top-tier realtor, and a savvy property flipper.
The Reality of the RHOC Salary
People often assume that being an original cast member on The Real Housewives of Orange County meant instant millions. That’s just not how it worked in the early days. Back when Jeana, Vicki Gunvalson, and Lauri Peterson were filming Season 1, the show was basically a social experiment. It wasn't the polished, high-glamour machine it is now.
Jeana has been vocal about the fact that the early pay was, in her words, "minimal." Reports suggest she was making roughly $50,000 to $100,000 per season during her peak years. While that’s great money for most of us, it doesn't sustain an 8,000-square-foot lifestyle in one of the most expensive zip codes in America. She once told Reality Tea that the show’s income wasn’t enough to support a family on its own.
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From ZZ Top to Real Estate Mogul
Long before she was a Housewife, Jeana was Jeana Tomasino. You’ve seen her, even if you don't realize it. She was one of the "muses" in those iconic ZZ Top music videos like Legs and Sharp Dressed Man. She was also the Playboy Playmate of the Month in November 1980.
That early fame gave her a nest egg, but her real wealth-building happened in the dirt—literally. She moved into real estate in the 80s and 90s, becoming one of the most successful agents in Southern California.
How she actually makes her money today:
- High-End Commissions: Jeana isn't just a "TV realtor." She’s affiliated with Coldwell Banker and has 30 years of experience. In the Orange County luxury market, a single $5 million sale can net an agent a six-figure commission.
- Property Flips: She famously built her own 7,000-square-foot custom home in Coto de Caza. She sold that property for roughly $3.4 million in 2017 after years of it being her primary residence and a rental property.
- The "Playboy" Legacy: To this day, Jeana makes paid promotional appearances for Playboy events, leveraging a brand she helped build forty years ago.
The Matt Keough Divorce and Financial Fallout
The biggest question mark surrounding the Jeana Keough net worth has always been her marriage to the late Matt Keough. They separated in 2004, but they didn't actually sign divorce papers until 2019—fifteen years later.
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Why the wait? Jeana was open about wanting to make sure Matt, who suffered from health issues following a late-career injury, was taken care of. When the divorce was finally finalized just months before his passing in 2020, the assets were "all divided." While the specific settlement numbers weren't made public, Matt was a former MLB pitcher and an executive for the Oakland Athletics, meaning there were significant pensions and assets at play.
Why Her Net Worth is Often Underrated
The reason you see such a wide range in her net worth estimates is that much of her wealth is "illiquid." It's tied up in real estate holdings and private investments rather than a flashy salary.
Also, Jeana survived the 2008 market crash, which hit Orange County realtors particularly hard. She didn't just survive it; she specialized in loan modifications and helping others in financial distress during that era. That kind of grit is why she’s still standing while other early reality stars have faded away.
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Modern Earnings and "Friend of" Status
Jeana hasn't been a full-time Housewife for a long time, but she pops up as a "Friend" or guest frequently. These appearances usually come with a daily filming fee that can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per day of shooting. It’s "pocket change" for her at this point, but it keeps her brand relevant, which in turn drives her real estate business.
What You Can Learn From Jeana’s Finances
If you're looking at Jeana Keough as a blueprint, the takeaway isn't "get on a reality show." It’s "have a trade."
- Diversify Early: She never relied on just one thing. When acting slowed down, she had real estate. When real estate dipped, she had the show.
- Wait for the Right Sale: She held onto her Coto de Caza property through the worst of the recession, eventually selling it for a multi-million dollar profit when the market rebounded.
- Use Your Platform: She used RHOC as a giant commercial for her real estate business. Every time she took a cast member house hunting, she was showing the world she was an expert.
The bottom line: Jeana Keough is likely worth somewhere between $2.5 million and $3 million in 2026, though her lifetime earnings are significantly higher. She’s a prime example of how to turn "fifteen minutes of fame" into forty years of financial stability.
To get a clearer picture of your own real estate investment potential, start by looking into local market trends or consult with a licensed wealth manager to see how luxury assets could fit into your long-term portfolio.