Lauren Conrad, the beloved reality TV star turned fashion mogul, is pulling back the curtain on her dramatic departure from the glitzy world of Hollywood. Known for her central role in MTV's hit show, The Hills, Conrad stunned fans when she exited at the peak of her stardom in 2009. In a recent interview, Conrad revealed she never intended staying in the spotlight, seeing reality TV as merely a stepping stone to her true passion.
“I always looked at reality TV as a temporary thing to make my connections and then go on to my dream,” the 40-year-old told People for her cover interview.
After five intense years on the Los Angeles-based show, Conrad traded the camera lights for sewing kits, launching her first fashion collection with Kohl’s later that year. Now, she's living a more serene life in Laguna Beach, sharing her days with husband William Tell and their two sons, far from the relentless pace of the entertainment industry.
Conrad's journey from reality starlet to a reserved fashion designer is one she cherishes deeply. As she shared in an interview, being away from the public eye has allowed her to savor private moments that fame couldn't afford. “Nobody cares who I am here. It’s such a privilege to be able to live my life for myself after putting many years on camera,” she admitted.
The former teen icon took her first steps into the public sphere at just 18, as part of MTV's revolutionary series Laguna Beach. The show followed Conrad and her high school peers as they navigated adolescence and looming adulthood. Two years later, viewers followed her to Los Angeles, witnessing her rise in the fashion world through The Hills, alongside fellow stars Heidi Montag, Audrina Patridge, and Whitney Port.
Despite stepping away, Conrad is set to return to the small screen for a Laguna Beach reunion special on April 10. The Roku Channel will host the special, promising fans nostalgic trips as the original cast revisits old haunts and relives unforgettable moments. Kristin Cavallari, Stephen Colletti, Lo Bosworth, and Talan Torriero will join Conrad, celebrating the show's 20th anniversary.
Reflecting on her past decisions, Conrad once told Seventeen magazine she needed to leave The Hills to "stay sane," setting a deadline to ensure she bowed out on a high note. The upcoming reunion is a chance for fans to see if Conrad's time away has truly brought her the sanity she sought.
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