Nevada Ballet’s 2026 Woman Of The Year: Lisa Vanderpump
Long before Lisa Vanderpump became the businesswoman, author, philanthropist and television personality we know and love today, she was a budding ballerina.
Which makes it all the more perfect that Nevada Ballet Theater chose the Queen of Reality TV this year’s Woman of the Year at their largest annual fundraiser, the 42nd Annual Black & White Ball.
“I wasn’t quite the prima ballerina I had envisioned for myself, but I’m truly humbled to be honored tonight by the arts, by ballet, and the discipline,” Vanderpump said. “I think in a way ballet shaped me more than perhaps anything else in my life.”
In a special tribute, *NSYNC’s Lance Bass called his “bestie” the “hardest working woman” he knows. Vanderpump has certainly made a mark on her adopted city of Las Vegas. “It’s a city that has embraced me and supported me and I’m really deeply grateful for that, particularly as a woman who has built her life in the [hospitality] industry.”
I got the chance to chat with the reigning Queen just before she accepted this honor.
Deluxe Version Magazine: “Woman of the Year” has a nice ring to it, no?
Lisa Vanderpump: I’ve thought about it and I wondered, ‘What have i done to deserve this?’ I looked around Las Vegas, and I saw all the billboards everywhere and what we’ve created, but to me, the 1985 Woman of the Year—the woman of Las Vegas—was always [billionaire businesswoman] Elaine Wynn. I loved Elaine and I was getting to know her personally as a friend, and I absolutely adored her. So, when she died, it was such a loss to the city. Those are huge shoes to fill, and I doubt however long I live will I ever be able to fill her shoes. All of my predecessors are so accomplished; it’s a really great compliment to have me.
DVM: Which accomplishment of yours is the most deserving?
LVP: I suppose my business, but that’s never, to me, the most important thing in life. I think to have actually created our own foundation, Vanderpump Dog Foundation. I do speak for the Trevor project; suicide prevention; I’ve spoken on many LGBTQ issues; but to have created my own charity nine years ago and to have been successful in keeping it running is such an endeavor and challenge. When I see other charities, I know how much work goes into that and that is probably my proudest accomplishment to have saved 3,000 dogs in Los Angeles and many worldwide, and to have a sanctuary in China. I think that is what warms my heart the most.
DVM: What is the expectation for this evening?
LVP: I’ve been on television for so many years and have done so many episodes and produced them, I think it’s kind of quite nice when people have a certain expectation of who you are. When I showed up tonight, they were like, ‘You are all alone? You don’t have security? You don’t have an assistant?’ I said that will come later. I think I’m more down to earth than most people realize, except Caesars Entertainment, who already know that because I’m a bloody hard worker as well!
DVM: You are about to add “hotelier” to your portfolio when The Vanderpump Hotel opens on the Las Vegas Strip in May. That is huge!
LVP: It is a big thing and that’s just around the corner! I’m working very hard!
