Justin Sylvester got his start by working for Kyle Richards, and the two have been friends ever since.
The E! host and television personality was actually Kyle’s assistant when she first joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (which premiered back in 2010). Since then, Justin has co-hosted E! News, Nightly Pop, Daily Pop, E! Live from the Red Carpet, and most recently, he just took on a stint as Jenna Bush Hager’s co-host for a week of Jenna & Friends on TODAY.
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After the week wrapped, Justin reflected on the advice Kyle gave him.
“Kyle Richards is always my rock, and her just reminding me to be myself and reminding me that I got this was huge,” he shared in an interview with People in February 2025.
Kyle Richards’ friendship with Justin Sylvester, explained
You may have seen Justin sporadically pop up on Kyle’s Instagram feed throughout the years (and vice versa), and that’s because the two have a long-standing history with one another.
During a 2022 appearance on TODAY, Justin shared that Kyle was instrumental in him feeling ready to come out to his family.
Justin posts a photo of himself and Kyle on January 11, 2024 to his Instagram. Photo: Justin Sylvester/Instagram
“My first job was working for Kyle Richards,” he explained on the morning news series. “She was on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I started with her from Season 1, and during Season 2, someone had a ‘Gays and Gals’ party. She sat me down and she said, ‘I really want you to come with me, but I know you’re not out to your family. And if you do this, the schtick is up.'”
Kyle offered her unwavering support. He recalled her saying, “‘If you do decide to do this, I will be with you every step of the way.'”
Justin decided to attend he party and come out to his mom.
“It was the hardest call of my life, but the greatest call of my life,” he recounted. “That moment changed my life forever because, for the longest time, I was hiding my real dream. I knew I could never be in front of the camera because of the shame I would bring all my family.”
The moment cemented Justin’s bond with Kyle — and they’ve been “ride or die” best friends ever since (that is, if her November 2024 birthday tribute to Justin is to be believed).
Justin has also celebrated Kyle’s impact. In January 2024, he posted a sweet photo with his former boss on Instagram.
“‘Til the wheels fall off,” he wrote in the caption.