American television personality
Crystal Kung Minkoff (Chinese : 孔令华 ; born February 4, 1983)[ 1] is a Chinese-American television personality, podcaster and entrepreneur.[ 2] She is best known for appearing as a main cast member for three seasons on the reality television show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2021–2024).[ 2]
Early life and education
Kung Minkoff was born in Northridge, Los Angeles to Chinese immigrant parents.[ 3] [ 4] Her father was an oral surgeon and her mother was a housewife .[ 4] She has one brother, Jeffrey Kung , who is best known for being a singer and recording artist in China and Taiwan .[ 5] Kung Minkoff claims to be a 76th generational descendant of Confucius .[ 3] Kung Minkoff attained degrees in biology and history from the University of California, Irvine and completed a culinary education .[ 3] [ 6]
Career
Kung Minkoff co-founded Real Coco with her brother, a company that sells coconut products.[ 6] She is a former cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills , joining in 2021, and had starred in a main capacity for three seasons. She is the first Asian American cast member on the Beverly Hills franchise.[ 7] In 2022, Kung Minkoff made a guest appearance as the voice actor of Charisma in Zootopia+ , alongside fellow Real Housewives alum Porsha Williams .[ 8] In 2023, she guest starred in History of the World, Part II .[ 9] Kung Minkoff uses her social media platforms to share cooking videos and to advocate for the Alzheimer's Association and the Stop Asian Hate movement.[ 6] [ 10] [ 11] In 2022, Kung Minkoff was paid an undisclosed sum by the Chinese government to promote the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics on her social media.[ 12]
In April 2024, it was confirmed that Kung Minkoff would not be returning to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills , after three seasons.[ 13] As of October 2024, Kung Minkoff is set to co-host the Humble Brag with Crystal and Cynthia podcast alongside Cynthia Bailey , focusing on topics related to pop culture , reality television and celebrities .[ 14]
Personal life
Kung Minkoff married American filmmaker Rob Minkoff in 2007, and they have two children.[ 2] She has openly expressed her struggles with bulimia nervosa and body dysmorphia and advocates for increased awareness concerning eating disorders .[ 15] [ 16]
References
^ "RHOBH Cast Celebrates Crystal Minkoff's 40th Birthday: 'Sometimes We Play Nice' " . People . February 27, 2023. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ a b c "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Crystal Kung Minkoff Joins Season 11 Cast" . People . October 26, 2020. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ a b c "Who is Real Housewives of Beverly Hills newbie Crystal Kung Minkoff?" . South China Morning Post . May 22, 2021. Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ a b "Crystal Kung Minkoff Reveals Which RHOBH Is The Most Fun To Go Out To Dinner With" . Romper . April 22, 2023. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ "Everything To Know About Crystal Kung Minkoff's Pop Star Brother From 'RHOBH' " . Bustle . June 2, 2021. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ a b c Bergado, Gabe (October 6, 2021). "Crystal Kung Minkoff Likes It Spicy" . The Cut . Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ "Crystal Kung Minkoff on Being RHOBH's First Asian American Housewife, Addressing Racial Issues on Show: 'Huge Honor' " . People . May 19, 2021. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ "Real Housewives Stars Porsha & Crystal Guest Star On Disney+ Series" . ScreenRant . November 16, 2022. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ " 'History of the World Part II' reveals massive starry guest cast and (some) character names" . Entertainment Weekly . February 6, 2023. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ " "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"' Crystal Kung Minkoff Shares Her Alzheimer's Story" . Alzheimer's Association . October 26, 2021. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ Yee, Lawrence (May 13, 2021). "Why 'Real Housewives' Newcomer Crystal Kung Minkoff Won't Shy Away From Conversations on Race (Video)" . TheWrap . Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ "China used TV, TikTok stars in discreet Olympics campaign" . Associated Press . April 8, 2022. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ Tinoco, Armando (April 15, 2024). "Crystal Kung Minkoff Exits 'The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills' After 3 Seasons" . Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved April 15, 2024 .
^ Tinoco, Armando (October 15, 2024). " 'Real Housewives' Stars Crystal Kung Minkoff & Cynthia Bailey Set To Co-Host 'Humble Brag' Podcast For Envy Media" . Deadline . Retrieved October 16, 2024 .
^ "Crystal Kung Minkoff admits temptation to try Ozempic: 'It's not a good place for me' " . The Independent . April 25, 2023. Archived from the original on May 18, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
^ "RHOBH: Erika Girardi Suggests Crystal Kung Minkoff 'Take Laxatives' amid Her 'Ongoing' Bulimia Battle" . People . July 20, 2022. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
External links