27 Surprising Facts About Selling Sunset's Chrishell Stause
Chrishell Stause won over audiences on Selling Sunset with her unique blend of real estate savvy and down-to-earth charm. Whether she’s closing multimillion-dollar deals in the luxury real estate market or navigating the drama with her castmates, Chrishell's authenticity has made her a breakout star. But there’s much more to her story than what viewers see on screen.
Before her rise in real estate, Chrishell was pursuing a career in acting, landing notable roles in All My Children and other daytime soaps. Along the way, she faced personal challenges, including a highly publicized divorce and the devastating loss of both of her parents to cancer. Despite these obstacles, Chrishell has rebuilt her life, balancing her professional success with a resilient and optimistic outlook.
Curious to learn more about the real Chrishell? Here are 25 surprising things about Chrishell Stause you might not know about her life off-camera.
25 Surprising Facts About Selling Sunset's Chrishell Stause
1. Her First Name Isn’t Chrishell
Chrishell’s full name is Terrina Chrishell Stause, but she’s always gone by her middle name. Growing up, she wasn’t a fan of her first name, Terrina, and once told a stranger her name was “Sarah” when she got lost, hoping for a clean slate. As she explained, “I didn’t like the name Terrina, so I just wanted to be Sarah when I was lost.” After college, she embraced Chrishell as her name for good, finally feeling like it was the new beginning she deserved.
2. A Gas Station Gave Her a One-of-a-Kind Name
Chrishell's middle name has a unique origin. When her mom went into labor at a Shell gas station, an attendant named Chris helped her stay calm. Inspired by the experience, her mom combined “Chris” and “Shell” to create the name Chrishell
3. She’s a True Cancer—Emotional and Loyal
Born on July 21, 1981, Chrishell embodies the traits of a true Cancer: emotional, loyal, and deeply intuitive. Whether supporting her Selling Sunset castmates or navigating personal struggles, her nurturing and protective nature shines through—true to her Cancer roots.
4. A Tough Childhood in Kentucky
Chrishell’s early years in Draffenville, Kentucky were marked by hardship. At one point, her family lived in a tent for a year, washing her hair in a river, relying on food stamps, and keeping their difficult circumstances private.
5. Spirituality Played a Major Role in Her Upbringing
At age 10, Chrishell’s family turned to spirituality to cope with addiction and mental health struggles, joining the Worldwide Church of God. Her mom’s free-spirited approach to life played a key role in shaping Chrishell’s independent spirit and resilience.
6. She Lost Both Parents to Lung Cancer
Chrishell has been open about the painful loss of both of her parents to cancer. Her father passed away in April 2019, followed by her mother in July 2020, just over a year later.
7. Juggling Multiple Jobs as a Teen
As a teenager, Chrishell worked various jobs to support herself, including flipping burgers at Dairy Queen and selling knives door-to-door.
8. Soap Operas Sparked Her Acting Passion
As a child, Chrishell was captivated by soap operas, often watching them with her mom and grandmother. This early love of drama led her to pursue acting, eventually earning a theater degree from Murray State University in 2003.
9. Her Acting Career Started in Soap Operas
In 2005, Chrishell landed the role of Amanda Dillon on All My Children , where she stayed until the show’s cancellation in 2011. The role not only helped her refine her acting skills but also laid the foundation for her transition into reality TV.
10. A Brief Engagement with Matthew Morrison
Before her fame on Selling Sunset , Chrishell was briefly engaged to Matthew Morrison of Glee . They dated for about a year, but their engagement ended when Matthew admitted he wasn’t ready for marriage at that time.
11. Her Sisters Are Her Pillars of Support
Chrishell is deeply close to her sisters, Shonda and Sabrina. Shonda, her older sister, runs SkinSpa Facial Bar + Boutique in their hometown of Draffenville, Kentucky, and appeared on Selling Sunset . Sabrina, her younger sister, often appears on Chrishell's Instagram, with the two sharing a strong, supportive bond.
12. She Was Almost The Bachelorette
Before Selling Sunset , Chrishell was considered to be the lead on The Bachelorette season 4. According to The Viall Files podcast, ABC executive Robert Mills revealed that Chrishell met with producers, filmed promotional material, and was a top contender for the role. However, after reflecting on the pressure and scrutiny that would come with the show, Chrishell decided she wasn’t ready for it at 26. She said, “I just wasn’t in the right place,” which led her to pursue other opportunities, including a career in real estate and reality TV. The role ultimately went to DeAnna Pappas.
13. She Almost Quit Acting After All My Children Ended
After All My Children ended, Chrishell seriously considered walking away from acting. But when the opportunity to join Selling Sunset came along, she embraced the chance to reinvent herself, blending her acting background with a new career in real estate and reality TV.
14. Joining Selling Sunset Revived Her Career
In 2019, Chrishell joined Selling Sunset as a real estate agent. Her combination of bold personality, career success, and high-profile personal life—including her very public divorce from Justin Hartley—quickly made her one of the show’s most popular cast members, solidifying her place in the spotlight.
15. Embracing Her Diverse Heritage
Wondering about Chrishell's ethnicity? Chrishell shared in a People article that her biological father is half Japanese and half Spanish. To connect with her 1/4 Japanese heritage, she traveled to Japan with her partner, G Flip, and documented the experience on Instagram. She wrote, "So sad to leave Japan... We had the best trip ever."
16. She Has a Story to Tell—and She Told It
In 2022, Chrishell released Under Construction: Because Living My Best Life Took a Little Work , a memoir about her journey from a tough childhood in Kentucky to becoming a top realtor in LA and Selling Sunset star. With honesty and charm, she shares personal stories and lessons on resilience and overcoming obstacles.
17. She’s a Two-Time Award Winner
That same year, in 2022, Chrishell won two MTV Movie & TV Awards: Best Reality Star and Best Breakthrough Performance. Her authenticity, resilience, and charm made her a fan favorite, allowing her to stand out in the competitive world of reality TV.
18. She's Been a Real Estate Agent for Years
Before joining Selling Sunset , Chrishell started her real estate career in 2017. Her knowledge of high-end properties and her ability to close deals made her a perfect fit for the show.
19. She Dated Jason Oppenheim
Chrishell dated co-star and co-worker Jason Oppenheim for seven months, reportedly splitting over differing views on having children.
20. She Was Married to an Actor
Chrishell dated Jason Oppenheim following her divorce from actor Justin Hartley , of This is Us fame. The pair were together for six years, and married for two.
21. Her Divorce from Justin Hartley Was Public and Painful
Chrishell’s divorce from Justin became a central storyline on the first season of Selling Sunset . The couple married in 2017, but in 2019, Justin filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The public nature of their split, especially with the drama surrounding their breakup, left Chrishell heartbroken but resilient.
"He text me that we were filed," she told Selling Sunset costar Mary Bonnet . "Forty-five minutes later, the world knew."
22. She’s Found Her Forever Home
Chrishell’s breathtaking $3.3 million Hollywood Hills mansion seamlessly blends modern luxury with sleek, contemporary design. Boasting panoramic views of Los Angeles, this expansive open-concept home includes a gourmet kitchen, spacious living areas, and a master suite with a private balcony. Outside, the serene pool, spa, and lounge area create the perfect setting for both relaxation and entertaining.
23. Her Bold Move Funded Her New Chapter
In a powerful act of independence, Chrishell sold her wedding ring from ex-husband Justin Hartley to finance the purchase of her new home. This significant gesture marked a fresh chapter in her life and was highlighted in season four of Selling Sunset , where the house became a symbol of her reinvention.
24. She’s Got an Eye for Design
Chrishell’s love for interior design shines through her social media, where she shares updates and decor tips . Her style —sleek, modern, and chic—complements her real estate career, giving her a strong sense of aesthetics both professionally and personally.
25. Her Mom Was a Major Influence in Shaping Who She Is Today
Chrishell credits her mom as one of her biggest inspirations. Despite her struggles with mental health and addiction, her mom’s free-spirited nature and unconventional approach to life shaped Chrishell’s independence and determination to follow her path.
26. She’s Married to Musician G-Flip, Marking a Bold New Chapter
2022 was a pivotal year for Chrishell, as she publicly shared that she was in a relationship with Australian musician G-Flip, who she later married in May 2023. G-Flip, who identifies as non-binary, has brought important conversations about gender and identity to the forefront. As a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Chrishell’s openness about her relationship underscores her commitment to inclusivity and supporting diverse identities.
27. She Has an Impressive Resume
Beyond Selling Sunset and her soap opera roles, Chrishell has built a varied career. She’s appeared in several films, including starring in Lifetime's A Rose for Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story (2023) and You're Not Supposed to Be Here (2024). Additionally, she competed on season 29 of Dancing with the Stars , where she placed eighth.
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