In Conversation With Alex Hall: “I’ve Never Craved Fame, I Don’t Wish It On Anyone”

Editor’s note: This interview was originally conducted for The Life of Luxury’s print edition in spring 2025. Some details may have since changed, but as part of our archive series, we are republishing selected exclusive print interviews online for our readers to enjoy.

From the sun-drenched shores of Orange County to the high-stakes world of luxury real estate, Alex Hall has crafted an enviable career. A powerhouse in property and a breakout star of Netflix’s Selling The OC, Hall seamlessly navigates the competitive terrain of multimillion-dollar listings while keeping her head above the stormy waters of reality television.

In this candid interview, she unveils the reality behind the cameras, the price of success, and how she remains grounded in the whirlwind of fame and fortune.

A Reluctant TV Star

Before stepping into the world of reality television, Hall had already established herself as a force in real estate. “I’ve been selling real estate for over a decade,” she explains. “I started when I was still married, and after my divorce, I had two kids to provide for. I needed a career that would allow me to be present as a mum, picking my kids up from school, packing their lunches, and making dinner every night. Real estate gave me that freedom while also allowing me to earn a substantial income.”

Her expertise and reputation inevitably caught the attention of television producers, but she wasn’t immediately sold on the idea. “During COVID, my business was thriving. I’d built my network, and it was all referrals at that point. Then I got a call from production,” she recalls. “At first, I wasn’t interested. I said no. Twice. Then, Adam DiVello, the executive producer behind Laguna Beach, The Hills, and Selling Sunset, personally reached out. He asked if I’d seen Selling Sunset. I hadn’t, but of course, I’d heard of it.”

It was a conversation with her mother that ultimately swayed her decision. “She told me, ‘You have to do it; you’d be an idiot if you didn’t.’ I was hesitant because I’ve never craved fame, I don’t wish it on anyone, to be honest. But I wanted to take my career to another level. I wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone, so I took a leap of faith.”

The gamble paid off, and Selling The OC became a runaway success, securing multiple seasons and catapulting Hall into the public eye.

Thriving In The Luxury Market

For Hall, the most fulfilling part of her career remains the art of selling luxury real estate.

“Being part of high-end property deals is far more rewarding to me than being on television,” she admits. “The industry is about relationships, understanding clients’ dreams, and delivering something truly exceptional. The show is just one facet of my life, but real estate is my passion.”

Navigating reality television, however, came with its own set of challenges. “You can’t really prepare yourself for it. My world was real estate and being a mum, those were my hats. Suddenly, I had millions of people judging me, critiquing me, and giving unsolicited opinions. It’s a whole new world to step into, and it takes a lot of resilience.”

She credits her grounded nature for keeping her sane in the chaos. “I’ve lived many lives, and I know who I am. At first, I’d get frustrated because so much of what happens behind the scenes isn’t shown, or things get blown out of proportion. But I’ve learned that at the end of the day, it’s a show. People watch for entertainment. If I can deliver that and still stay true to myself, that’s something to be proud of.”

The Drama Behind Selling The OC

Of course, the reality show isn’t just about jaw-dropping properties, it’s about the explosive drama that unfolds between the cast. “Filming isn’t easy. It’s long hours, back-to-back scenes, and you’re constantly in an environment where drama is inevitable. You don’t always get to choose who you’re around, and sometimes that can be toxic,” Hall admits. “There are moments where you just want to walk away, but you can’t. It’s like a pressure cooker where personal and professional lives collide.”

As the show gears up for another season, Hall hints at even more fireworks. “We’ve got new cast members joining, which always shakes things up. There are new alliances forming, and of course, there’s conflict. When you put highly ambitious, competitive agents in a luxury market and add cameras to the mix, drama is inevitable.”

Beyond the in-office feuds, the pressures of social media scrutiny also take their toll.

“People don’t realise how much reality TV stars deal with off-camera. You get painted as the villain or the sweetheart, but the truth is, no one is one-dimensional. It can be exhausting constantly having to defend yourself against edits that don’t tell the whole story.”

Hall also embraces the confidence that comes with being in the public eye. “One thing that’s important to me is self-love. I love my body. I work hard to stay in shape, and I’m not afraid to show it off. People can say whatever they want, but at the end of the day, I feel good in my skin, and that’s what matters.”

The Impact Of LA Fires On Real Estate

Beyond the interpersonal conflicts, Hall is also grappling with external challenges, particularly the recent wildfires affecting parts of Los Angeles and Orange County. “The fires have been devastating, and it’s something that really impacts the market,” she says. “It’s heartbreaking to see beautiful properties destroyed and families displaced. The long-term effects on the housing market are still unfolding, but we are definitely seeing a shift, buyers are more cautious now, especially when it comes to investing in high-risk areas.”

In response to the crisis, Alex hosted a charity drive to support those affected by the fires. The Selling Sunset cast was filming at the time and stopped by the LA office during the event. “They wanted to pitch in and do whatever they could to help, and they were very supportive of the drive I was hosting,” she shares.

However, not everyone approached the situation with the same level of involvement. “Some of the girls were more hands-on than others, though. In situations like that, you’ve got to be willing to get your hands dirty, but some of the girls showed up in six-inch heels, and I was like, ‘What the heck are you doing here?’”

Despite the challenges, Hall remains steadfast in her career and her personal journey. “At the end of the day, I’m a mum, a businesswoman, and a person just trying to navigate this wild life. Reality TV might amplify the drama, but my real life is about so much more than what people see on screen.”

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This interview originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of The Life of Luxury. To read the full magazine, including more exclusive interviews, luxury travel features, property stories, fashion, beauty and lifestyle edits, you can purchase the issue in digital or print.

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