While Tom Schwartz considers the opportunity to join The Valley a chance to step outside his outgoing counterpart Tom Sandoval’s shadow, his longtime BFF believes that’s not entirely the case.
“Schwartz has always had his own identity. It’s really funny that he says that because, you know, behind closed doors, Schwartz definitely wears the pants in a lot of ways,” Sandoval, 43, exclusively told Us Weekly while attending BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas on Friday, November 14.
“I’m telling you,” he continued. “I’m just more of the outspoken [one], but behind closed doors, Schwartz [has] a very strong-set mindset.”
Sandoval and Schwartz, 43, had been close pals since their early days working at Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR and starring on Vanderpump Rules. The two men subsequently launched two dining establishments, TomTom and Schwartz & Sandy’s, together.
Schwartz made a surprise appearance at Friday’s The Valley panel, revealing that he will join the VPR spinoff, which helped him create his own identity.
“I mean, like with the restaurant and dealing with something that’s not doing well, [we were] failing [and facing] constant pressure and negativity,” Sandoval explained of closing Schwartz & Sandy’s. “It sucks, and it definitely wears on your friendship, but overall, since we’ve moved past that, it’s definitely been better.”
He added, “I’m glad that he’s on there and doing his own thing and being himself. He’s got his podcast, he’s got his own voice. It’s great. I love it.”
As for Sandoval, he had also been mulling about whether or not to appear on The Valley season 3.
“Not currently for this season, [but] I’ve been on the fence about whether I wanted to be on The Valley,” Sandoval said. “With that, I don’t think they want somebody on their show that’s going to be apprehensive about whether they want to be involved. I would be more open to it now, especially with Schwartz and Lala [Kent joining]. It would feel more organic.”
Bravo recast VPR going into season 12, prompting Sandoval to take a step back from the network.
“I think being away from Vanderpump Rules, it’s nice to have a little distance and have a little privacy. I’ve been pretty private lately,” Sandoval said of his life after the hit reality TV show. “Me and Victoria [Lee Robinson, my girlfriend] have just been enjoying being on our own, just kicking it.”
Countless friendships have come and gone throughout each season of Vanderpump Rules — but Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval’s bond has remained intact. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us […]
Sandoval and Victoria, 33, have been together since 2024, with the Bravo star hinting that marriage could be on the horizon.
“Who knows,” he quipped, revealing that Victoria even joined him at the three-day Bravo fan convention held in Las Vegas. “It’s been nice, like, I get to coast and just sort of chill and meander. This is … Victoria’s first BravoCon, so she’s getting into it and seeing it. It’s awesome, though, there’s so much love here, and it’s a really cool way to connect with the fans, and I love that. I love that about BravoCon.”
Sandoval further praised the “great energy” inside the convention center, noting that he and Victoria have already met up with Schwartz, Teddi Mellencamp, Tamra Judge and Brittany Cartwright.
