Carmella Garcia Biography
Carmella Garcia is an American real estate agent, property developer, former Playboy Playmate, and reality television personality. She joined The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) as a new cast member in Season 20, bringing a mix of luxury real estate experience, celebrity history, and a bold personality to the Bravo series.
Before joining RHOC, Carmella gained national attention as Playboy’s Miss April 2003 and Playmate of the Year 2004 under her maiden name, Carmella DeCesare. She later appeared on WWE’s Diva Search, The Girls Next Door, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Today, she works in luxury real estate with The Oppenheim Group while raising her four children.
Carmella Garcia Age | Birthday
Carmella was born as Carmella Danielle DeCesare on July 1, 1982, in Avon Lake, Ohio. She is 44 years old as of 2026 and celebrates her birthday every July 1. Her zodiac sign is Cancer.
Carmella Garcia’s Parents
Carmella was born and raised in Avon Lake, Ohio. She has largely kept details about her parents and siblings private, although she has shared that they supported her modeling ambitions when she moved to Los Angeles after turning 18.
Carmella Garcia Nationality and Ethnicity
Carmella is American by nationality. She is of Italian descent and has spoken proudly about her family background throughout her career.
Carmella Garcia Height
Garcia stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.
Carmella Garcia Husband
Garcia was previously married to former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia. The couple married in 2007 and has four children together. After their divorce, Carmella focused on raising her family while building her career in luxury real estate. As of 2026, she has shared that she is dating but is not married.
Carmella Garcia Children
Garcia is the mother of four children:
- Presley Garcia
- Jason Garcia
- Jax Garcia
- Faith Garcia
Her children range from their mid-teens to young adulthood. During RHOC Season 20, Carmella described entering a new chapter in life as her oldest daughter prepares for college while the rest of her children continue growing up.
Education
Carmella attended school in Ohio before moving to California shortly after turning 18 to pursue modeling.
She has not publicly disclosed attending college, having instead built her career through modeling, entertainment, and later real estate.
Career
Carmella first became well known after competing on Who Wants to Be a Playboy Centerfold. She was selected as Miss April 2003 before earning the title of Playboy Playmate of the Year 2004.
Her entertainment career later included:
- WWE Diva Search finalist
- The Girls Next Door
- Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (2008)
- Various modeling campaigns and television appearances
Following her entertainment career, Carmella transitioned into luxury real estate.
She now works as a real estate agent and developer with The Oppenheim Group in Corona del Mar, California, specializing in high-end residential properties.
The Real Housewives of Orange County
Carmella Garcia joined The Real Housewives of Orange County as a full-time cast member for Season 20. Bravo describes her as a confident, outspoken realtor and developer who quickly forms friendships but is never afraid of confrontation. Early in the season, she clashes with returning Housewife Vicki Gunvalson after refusing to “kiss the ring” of the franchise veteran.
Although she entered the show as a newcomer, fellow cast members praised her authenticity, confidence, and willingness to be herself. Carmella has also said she expected to cause drama simply because she was the new face joining a long-established group.
She will be joining Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Tamra Judge, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, Vicki Gunvalson.
Carmella Garcia’s Playboy Career
Long before joining RHOC, Carmella built a successful modeling career with Playboy. She became Playboy’s Playmate of the Year in 2004, making her one of the magazine’s most recognizable models during the early 2000s.
During the RHOC Season 20 premiere, Carmella addressed one of the most common questions about her Playboy past. She explained that she lived in the Bunny House rather than the Playboy Mansion and said she never had a sexual relationship with Hugh Hefner.
Carmella Garcia Net Worth
Garcia has an estimated net worth of $3 million to $5 million.
Her income comes from:
- Luxury real estate sales
- Property development
- Television appearances
- Modeling career
- Brand partnerships
Carmella is active on Instagram under @therealcarmellagarcia, where she shares updates about her family, luxury real estate, travel, fashion, and her experiences on The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Quick Facts About Carmella Garcia
Full Name: Carmella Danielle DeCesare Garcia
Known As: Carmella Garcia
Birthday: July 1, 1982
Age: 44 (as of 2026)
Birthplace: Avon Lake, Ohio
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Italian
Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Occupation: Realtor, Property Developer, Reality TV Personality, Former Model
Known For: Playboy Playmate of the Year 2004, RHOC Season 20
Ex-Husband: Jeff Garcia
Children: Four
Current Residence: Corona del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe, California
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Carmella Garcia?
Carmella Garcia is an American realtor, developer, former Playboy Playmate, and reality television personality who joined The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 20.
Was Carmella Garcia a Playboy Playmate?
Yes. She was Playboy’s Miss April 2003 and Playmate of the Year 2004.
Was Carmella Garcia married?
Yes. She was married to former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia before the couple divorced.
How many children does Carmella Garcia have?
She has four children.
What does Carmella Garcia do for a living?
She works as a luxury real estate agent and developer with The Oppenheim Group.
Where is Carmella Garcia from?
She was born in Avon Lake, Ohio, and now lives in Southern California.
Is Carmella Garcia on RHOC?
Yes. She joined The Real Housewives of Orange County as a full-time Housewife in Season 20.