Ashley Darby Biography
Ashley Boalch Darby is a television reality personality, entrepreneur, and former beauty pageant holder of Miss District of Columbia in 2011. She is well known for starring in the Bravo reality series Real Housewives of Potomac. Darby is the founder of Zen Gem, a fitness apparel company. She was the co-founder and co-owner of OZ Restaurant and Bar.
Ashley Darby Age | Birthday
Born in Maryland, USA, Darby is 38 years old (age as of 2026). She was born on June 8, 1988. Darby celebrates her birthday on the 8th of June each year.
Ashley Darby Parents
Darby was born in Maryland, USA, o her parents; Sheila Matthews (mother) and her father. She was raised by a single mother alongside her siblings. Darby revealed that her father abandoned her when she was 1 year old after he divorced Ashley’s mother.
Ashley Darby’s Nationality and Ethnicity
Darby is Australian-American and half Irish-half African by descent.
Ashley Darby Height
Darby stands at a height measurement of 5 feet and 8 inches (or 1.78 meters approximately).
Ashley Darby Ex-Husband Michael Darby
Ashley Darby was married to Australian businessman and real estate developer Michael Darby. The former couple met while Ashley was working at L2 Lounge in Washington, D.C., where Michael was a co-owner. They dated for several years before marrying in May 2014.
Ashley and Michael have a 29-year age difference. Their marriage and its challenges became a major part of Ashley’s storyline on *The Real Housewives of Potomac*, where Michael also made numerous appearances.
In April 2022, Ashley announced that she and Michael were separating after nearly eight years of marriage. Although their separation lasted considerably longer than initially expected, Ashley filed for divorce in November 2024. Their divorce was finalized in February 2025, officially ending their marriage.
Ashley and Michael have continued to co-parent their two sons, Dean and Dylan, following their divorce.
Children
Ashley Darby has two sons with her ex-husband, Michael Darby. Their first son, Dean Michael Darby, was born in July 2019, while their second son, Dylan Matthew Darby, was born on March 2, 2021.
Ashley has frequently shared her experience of motherhood on The Real Housewives of Potomac. Following her divorce from Michael, the former couple have continued raising and co-parenting Dean and Dylan.
Education
Ashley Darby attended the University of Maryland, where she studied Communication and Media Studies. While in college, she worked as a bartender to help support herself and her family.
Before becoming a reality television personality, Ashley also competed in pageants. She won the Miss District of Columbia 2011 title and went on to represent the District of Columbia at the Miss America 2012 competition.
Ashley Darby Career
Darby is a television personality and entrepreneur. She is a cast member of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Potomac. Darby is a yoga guide and the owner of Zen Gem, a fitness apparel company.
Besides, Darby co-founded Restaurant OZ, an Australian-themed restaurant. The restaurant OZ was however permanently closed in June 2019, after four years in operation.
Darby started her career as a bartender at L2 Lounge (2008-2011).
Ashley Darby on The Real Housewives of Potomac
Ashley Darby is an original cast member of The Real Housewives of Potomac and has appeared on the series since its 2016 debut. Along with Karen Huger and Gizelle Bryant, she remains one of the original Housewives returning for Season 11.
Over the years, the series has documented Ashley’s marriage to Michael Darby, motherhood, business ventures, friendships and eventual separation and divorce. Season 11 follows another stage of her life as she continues raising her sons and navigating relationships within the Potomac group.
Ashley returns alongside Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, Wendy Osefo, Stacey Rusch, Tia Glover and new Housewife Courtney Ajinça. Season 11 premieres October 11, 2026, on Bravo.
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Ashley also appears during Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.
Ashley Darby Net worth
Darby has an estimated net worth of $5 million. She is a television personality and entrepreneur. Darby stars in the Bravo reality series Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP). She owns a fitness apparel company called Zen Gem.
Darby is active on Instagram. Her Instagram handle is @ashleyboalchdarby.
