RHOC’s Elizabeth Vargas Mourns Ex-Husband Bernt Bodal’s Death at 72

Elizabeth Vargas, a star from Real Housewives of Orange County, expresses deep sorrow over the passing of her ex-husband, businessman Bernt Bodal, who died at age 72 after battling cancer. Bodal passed away Wednesday at a Seattle hospital.

Vargas Reflects on Shared History

The 50-year-old Missouri native praises Bodal’s wife, Michelle Fox, for her dedicated care during his illness. Vargas shares that they maintained kind conversations in his final years.

Married in 2000, the couple separated in 2017 and finalized their divorce in July 2020. Vargas notes the two decades together left an lasting impact: “That kind of history is never erased.” She emphasizes that Bodal’s family has always meant the world to her, regardless of personal feelings.

In her statement, Vargas adds, “His spirit and legacy will live on through the lives he touched.” She highlights that Bodal remains warmly remembered by his new family, children, mother, wife, extended loved ones, and herself as his former wife.

Bodal’s Business Legacy

A Norwegian-American mogul with sharp business skills, Bodal served as CEO of American Seafoods. The company honors him as “far more than a leader – he was a force of nature.”

The statement continues: “With a larger-than-life presence, unmistakable energy, and a deep love for Alaska’s fishing communities, he left a lasting imprint on the people and places that define our industry.” It notes his personality filled every room and his passion shaped modern Alaska fishing.

Sources indicate Bodal’s net worth reached $200 million at the time of his death. Beyond boardrooms, he excelled as a pilot and guitarist.

Television Connections

Vargas gained prominence in season 15 across her three appearances on the Southern California reality series. Bodal never appeared on camera during RHOC segments about her but featured as a deckhand on a 2012 episode of Undercover Boss.

She has also appeared on Selling the OC and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.