Ashley Holmes, widely recognized by viewers as Ashlee Holmes or Ashlee Holmes Malleo, is an American reality television personality, professional makeup artist, and podcast host. First introduced to audiences as a teenager on Bravo’s hit series The Real Housewives of New Jersey alongside her mother, Jacqueline Laurita, she has navigated a public life filled with dramatic television storylines, entrepreneurial pursuits, and personal transformations. Financial estimates place Ashley Holmes’ net worth between $40,000 and $60,000, reflecting her early reality television appearances, freelance makeup work, and content creation ventures.
Early Life and Family Background
Ashley Holmes was born on December 1, 1990, to parents Jacqueline Laurita and Matt Holmes. Her parents divorced during her early childhood, and her mother subsequently married businessman Chris Laurita. Through this marriage, Ashley gained two younger half-brothers, Christopher (known as CJ) and Nicholas. Her family ties run deep within the television franchise. Her stepfather’s sisters are original Real Housewives of New Jersey cast members Caroline Manzo and Dina Manzo, placing multiple members of her extended family directly into the reality television spotlight.
Growing up primarily in New Jersey, Ashley experienced her formative years under the watchful eye of the public. She later altered the spelling of her first name to Ashlee, a moniker she frequently uses across her personal and professional platforms.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey Fame
Holmes made her television debut when The Real Housewives of New Jersey premiered in 2009. While her mother served as a principal cast member, Ashley captured viewer attention as a headstrong teenager navigating family dynamics, teenage rebellion, and explosive arguments with her mother.
Her time on the show was marked by several heavily publicized incidents. Most notably, a November 2009 altercation at the North Jersey Country Club involving cast member Danielle Staub resulted in Ashley pulling Staub’s hair. The confrontation became a major storyline in the show’s second season. In January 2010, a municipal court found Holmes guilty of simple assault, ordering her to pay $189 in fines and court costs.
As the seasons progressed, the series documented her attempts to build an independent career. This included an internship at Lizzie Grubman’s public relations firm in New York City. By season seven in 2016, her storyline shifted toward her engagement to Pete Malleo and her pregnancy. Following that season, Jacqueline Laurita departed the show, concluding the family’s regular run on the program.
Makeup Career and Podcasting Ventures
Stepping away from traditional television, Holmes built a professional career in the beauty industry. Inspired by her mother’s background in cosmetology, she enrolled at the renowned Make-up Designory in Burbank, California. Her training expanded into television, film, stage, beauty, and special effects makeup, featuring specialized skills in bridal applications and prosthetics.
Alongside her beauty portfolio, which features elaborate horror-inspired character transformations and zombie aesthetics, Holmes branched into digital media and audio production:
- Launched the podcast Parenthood Etc. in 2018, focusing on discussions with celebrity parents.
- Co-hosted the Your Mom Friends podcast alongside Karen James.
- Created lifestyle and beauty blogs, including The Pretty Mamas, launched in December 2016.
- Made guest appearances on various entertainment podcasts to discuss growing up on reality television.
Personal Life, Marriage, and Motherhood
Holmes became engaged to Pete Malleo in February 2016, and the couple welcomed their son, Cameron Hendrix Malleo, on August 30, 2016. The pair legally married at the New York City Clerk’s office in August 2018, prompting her professional adoption of the name Ashlee Holmes Malleo.
Following a move to Nevada in 2020 to live near family before returning to New Jersey, the couple experienced marital strain. They separated in July 2020 and briefly reconciled, but ultimately pursued a divorce. Holmes confirmed in May 2022 that their divorce had been finalized the previous month, emphasizing their mutual commitment to cooperative co-parenting for their son.
Mental Health Advocacy
In June 2022, Holmes opened up to her followers about her mental health, publicly disclosing a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder. She shared that professional medical help and a formal diagnosis provided clarity for experiences she had struggled with for years. Declaring proudly that she was “not ashamed of my diagnosis,” Holmes aimed to challenge societal stigmas surrounding mental illness. Her candid transparency received widespread support from fans, her mother, and public figures like singer Bebe Rexha.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashley Holmes
What is Ashley Holmes’ net worth?
Ashley Holmes has an estimated net worth between $40,000 and $60,000, earned through her early reality TV appearances, professional makeup artistry, and digital media projects.
How is Ashley Holmes related to the Laurita family?
Ashley is the daughter of Jacqueline Laurita, a former main cast member of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Her stepfamily also links her to original cast members Caroline and Dina Manzo.
Who is Ashley Holmes’ ex-husband?
Ashley was married to Pete Malleo. The couple married in 2018, welcomed a son named Cameron in 2016, and finalized their divorce in April 2022.
What is Ashley Holmes’ profession?
She is a professional freelance makeup artist trained at Make-up Designory in Burbank, California. She specializes in beauty, bridal, and special effects makeup, alongside her work as a podcaster and influencer.
When was Ashley Holmes diagnosed with bipolar II disorder?
Ashley publicly disclosed her bipolar II disorder diagnosis in June 2022, using her platform to raise mental health awareness and reduce social stigma.
