Dorinda Medley: The Woman Who Always "Makes It Nice"

From the Berkshires to the Big City

Dorinda Medley was born Dorinda Cinkala on December 13, 1964, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, a charming town nestled in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Raised in a family that valued culture, community and resilience, she developed an early appreciation for the arts and social engagements that would later define her personal and professional life. After graduating from Franklin & Marshall College in 1986, Medley moved to New York City, where she began her career in the fashion industry working in the showrooms of well‑known brand Liz Claiborne. Her early years in Manhattan were formative, as she learned the ropes of high fashion while networking with luminaries and shaping the Dorinda Medley foundation of her future endeavors. However, life soon whisked her across the Atlantic when she met her first husband, and this ushered in a new chapter far from New York’s hustle and bustle.

A Life Abroad and the Birth of an Entrepreneur

In London, Medley’s life took on an entrepreneurial dimension. She launched her own luxury cashmere company, DCL Cashmere, building an impressive clientele that reportedly included high‑profile figures like Princess Diana and Joan Collins. Her time in Europe was not only professionally productive but personally rich as well, as it was during this period that she welcomed her daughter, Hannah, into the world. Despite the challenges of balancing business, family and personal aspirations, Medley thrived in London’s sophisticated fashion circles. She also experienced life as a single mother after her marriage ended, eventually deciding to return to New York City in pursuit of fresh opportunities and a new chapter for her and her daughter.

Reality TV Fame and “Making It Nice”

Dorinda Medley’s national fame emerged when she joined the cast of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City in 2015, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her sharp wit, generous spirit and unforgettable catchphrases. Her tenure on the show extended through six seasons, during which she shared her life, friendships and occasional conflicts with fellow housewives. Medley’s personality—equal parts charm, candor and tenacity—translated into memorable reality television moments, from elaborate holiday gatherings at her iconic Blue Stone Manor in the Berkshires to passionate debates with her co‑stars. Her signature line, “I made it nice,” encapsulated not just her approach to entertaining and decorating but her broader philosophy of embracing life’s joys with gusto, even amidst challenges.

Personal Triumphs and Challenges

Medley’s life has been shaped by both celebration and sorrow. In 2005 she married Richard Medley, a financier and well‑respected figure who shared her enthusiasm for philanthropy and civic engagement. Together, they supported fundraising efforts for a range of charitable causes alongside notable figures, including Bishop Desmond Tutu, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and political leaders such as Bill and Hillary Clinton. Their partnership was one of shared purpose and deep affection, but Medley’s world changed irrevocably when Richard passed away in 2011 after a brief illness. The loss was profound, leaving Medley to navigate both grief and the responsibilities of life as a mother and independent woman once again.

Beyond Reality TV: Business and Cultural Influence

While her time on reality television remains a cornerstone of her public identity, Medley’s ambitions and influence extend far beyond. In addition to her entrepreneurial beginnings in fashion, she has authored a memoir, Make It Nice, which chronicles her life story, blending candid personal reflections with lessons gleaned from years in the spotlight. She has also expanded her brand with ventures such as Bluestone Manor Bourbon and themed merchandise that reflects her larger‑than‑life personality and loyal fan base. Medley’s legacy includes her participation in The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip and the competitive reality show The Traitors, showcasing her versatility and ongoing appeal in contemporary pop culture. As of 2026, she is also set to join the reboot of a real housewives‑related series following changes in cast members.

The Enduring Charm of Dorinda Medley

Dorinda Medley’s journey—from the Berkshires to international fashion, from personal heartbreak to reality television stardom—illustrates a life lived with both resilience and sparkle. Her knack for hospitality, her philanthropic contributions, and her candid, witty presence on screen have earned her a dedicated following. More than just a figure in reality TV lore, Medley embodies a uniquely modern blend of style, substance and authenticity, reminding audiences that life’s challenges can be met with warmth, humor and a commitment to “making it nice.”