Kendra Wilkinson Says She’s Thriving in a Career That “Doesn’t Involve Sleeping With an 80-Year-Old”

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Kendra Wilkinson is moving on from her days at the Playboy Mansion and building a career in real estate. The former reality star, now 40, has been a full-time real estate agent for the past five years, and finds the work more fulfilling than her previous fame. Interestingly, this new career has already lasted longer than her time living with Hugh Hefner.

Looking back on becoming famous, Wilkinson admits it was difficult to move past how people first saw her. She explains that she became a public figure at just 19 years old, and for many years, that time defined who she was. While she’s thankful for the opportunities it gave her – saying she loved her time on TV – she’s determined to be known for more than just those early years. She feels those five years were a significant part of her life, but shouldn’t be her only identity.

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Paparazzi recently photographed Wilkinson at a house showing, and she looked like any busy mom, not a glamorous model. She’s happy about the pictures, seeing them as a sign of her fulfilling new life. She explained, “I’d much rather be photographed in casual clothes putting up a sign for an open house than dressed up on a red carpet just to be famous.”

Wilkinson is a real estate agent with Ernie Carswell & Associates at Sotheby’s International Realty in Los Angeles. She emphasizes that the industry is challenging and competitive, unlike the often-glamorized portrayal in shows like Selling Sunset. As she puts it, “Real estate isn’t easy – it takes a strong person to succeed.”

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She finds much more satisfaction in closing business deals than she ever did on reality television. “Each deal I complete feels like a sign of how far I’ve come,” she explains. Wilkinson describes her work as empowering and is proud to be successful “in a field where she doesn’t have to compromise her values or rely on questionable tactics to earn a living.”

She’s intentionally changed her image, moving away from a glamorous celebrity look and focusing on her career. She even deliberately chooses less fashionable clothes, jokingly saying she wants to annoy people, and now dresses more conservatively, prioritizing being seen as professional over being considered a ‘sex symbol.’ She’s thought about getting breast implants removed to match her new lifestyle, but the $10,000 cost is holding her back. She explains that she’s no longer wealthy and would prefer to save that money for a vacation.

Beth Wilkinson faced a difficult time after her divorce from Hank Baskett in 2019 and the subsequent end of her career in television. She experienced mental health challenges, admitting she felt lost without the constant presence of cameras. These struggles intensified in 2023, leading to severe depression and anxiety. Wilkinson attributes her recovery to finding solace in Bible study and the support of a close-knit group of women. She now prioritizes her mental well-being and has discovered a more peaceful and simpler life through her faith.

I first discovered Kendra Wilkinson back in 2005 when I was watching The Girls Next Door. It was so fascinating to see what life was like inside the Playboy Mansion with her, Holly Madison, and Bridget Marquardt. I kept following her career as she branched out with her own shows, Kendra and then Kendra on Top, which were really interesting because they showed a different side of her – her marriage, becoming a mom, and just everyday life after leaving the mansion. Now, I’m really enjoying Kendra Sells Hollywood on discovery+; it’s cool to see her taking on a new challenge and getting into the Los Angeles real estate world.

Kelly Wilkinson has two sons, Hank, 16, and Alijah, 11, from her previous marriage to Hank Baskett. She’s currently raising her children and concentrating on creating a secure future for them. While she’s open to finding a partner again, she’s wary of men who are only interested in her past as a public figure.

You know, I’ve been reading interviews with Wilkinson, and what really struck me is how much happier she seems now, focusing on her current work. She’s made it clear that this new direction feels way more rewarding than any fame she experienced before. She even said, and it really resonated with me, that she’d much rather people form opinions about what she does now, rather than dwelling on things from her past.

We’re curious to hear what you think: can reality TV stars successfully move on from the characters they played on screen? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.

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2026-01-22 14:22