Who Is Tom Sandoval? The Reality TV Star, Entrepreneur, and Entertainer Explained
Tom Sandoval is an American reality television personality, bartender-turned-restaurateur, musician, and actor best known for his long-running role on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules.
Here’s a quick snapshot of who he is:
- Born: July 7, 1983, in St. Louis, Missouri
- Known for: Vanderpump Rules (over 173 episodes, 2013-2026)
- Restaurants: Co-owner of TomTom and Schwartz & Sandy’s in West Hollywood
- Band: Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras
- Infamous for: “Scandoval” – a 2023 cheating scandal that became a cultural moment in reality TV
- Currently dating: Victoria Lee Robinson (since early 2024)
- Recent TV: The Traitors Season 3, America’s Got Talent Season 20, The Masked Singer Season 10
He started as a bartender at Lisa Vanderpump’s Los Angeles restaurants before reality TV turned him into a household name. Then, in 2023, a very public cheating scandal – dubbed “Scandoval” by the internet – made him one of the most talked-about people on television.
But there’s more to him than the headlines. He’s a co-owner of two bars, a working musician, a former model, and a competitor on multiple reality competition shows. With his band frequently touring the East Coast and visiting the New York area, his influence reaches far beyond the West Coast.
Here’s everything you need to know.
The Rise of Tom Sandoval: From Bartender to Business Owner
Before he was a household name, Tom Sandoval was a working bartender in the heart of West Hollywood. His journey to stardom is intrinsically linked to the Bravo cinematic universe. As a mainstay on Vanderpump Rules, Sandoval spent years behind the pine at Lisa Vanderpump’s iconic establishments, Villa Blanca and SUR.
While many reality stars are content with their “fifteen minutes,” Sandoval parlayed his service industry experience into a legitimate seat at the table. Alongside his best friend and castmate, Tom Schwartz, he caught the eye of Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd. This partnership led to the creation of TomTom, a steampunk-themed bar in West Hollywood that quickly became a destination for fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Sandoval didn’t just lend his name to the project; he put his skin in the game. He invested $50,000 for a five percent stake in TomTom, a move that transitioned him from an employee to a business owner. Following the success of TomTom, the duo branched out on their own to open Schwartz & Sandy’s in 2022. This venture was a more personal, albeit more stressful, undertaking that tested their friendship and financial resolve.
For Edible Hudson Valley readers, this part of Sandoval’s story is the most transferable: a service-industry career evolving into hospitality ownership. While these venues are in Los Angeles, the arc mirrors what we often see closer to home in the Hudson Valley, where bartenders and operators turn loyal regulars into full-fledged communities around a bar program, a dining room, and a point of view.
| Feature | TomTom | Schwartz & Sandy’s |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | Steampunk Garden / Industrial Chic | Psychedelic / Retro Lounge |
| Partners | Lisa Vanderpump & Ken Todd | Tom Sandoval & Tom Schwartz |
| Location | West Hollywood | Franklin Village, LA |
| Sandoval’s Role | Junior Partner (5% stake) | Co-Founder / Majority Owner |
| Opening Year | 2018 | 2022 |
The Musical Journey of Tom Sandoval
If there is one thing we know about Tom Sandoval, it’s that he is “extra.” He even threw an “extra-themed” birthday party in Season 8 of Vanderpump Rules to celebrate his flamboyant personality. It was only a matter of time before this energy translated into a musical career.
Enter Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras. This isn’t your average garage band; it’s a high-energy cover band that features Sandoval as the lead singer alongside a group of professional musicians. They specialize in “ultimate party” hits, bringing a theatrical flair to every performance. Sandoval is known for his elaborate stage outfits, occasional trumpet playing, and high-octane stage presence.
The band has toured extensively across the country, and fans can even request a tour stop in their own cities. Whether he’s performing at a small club or a major festival, Sandoval treats every show like a headlining set at Coachella.
Acting and Early Career Highlights
Long before the cameras started rolling at SUR, Tom Sandoval was chasing the Hollywood dream. His full filmography reveals a history of acting and modeling that dates back to the early 2000s.
One of his most notable early “claims to fame” was appearing in Bon Jovi music videos. In 2002 and 2003, a young, uncredited Sandoval played the character “Jack” in videos alongside Camila Alves. His early acting credits also include roles in horror and sci-fi films like Alien Presence (2009) and The Pit and the Pendulum (2009).
Sandoval’s career actually began in the modeling world. He was discovered by filmmaker David DeCoteau through a referral from his dermatologist in St. Louis. This led to a 15-year modeling career that saw him working in major markets like New York, Chicago, and Miami. It was during his time as a model that he first met Jax Taylor, setting the stage for the friendships (and rivalries) that would define Vanderpump Rules.
Understanding ‘Scandoval’ and Its Cultural Impact
In March 2023, reality TV was rocked by a revelation that would forever change the legacy of Tom Sandoval. It was discovered that Sandoval had been engaging in a months-long affair with castmate Raquel Leviss, all while in a nine-year, committed relationship with Ariana Madix.
The internet dubbed the event “Scandoval,” and the cultural impact was staggering. It wasn’t just a gossip story; it was a phenomenon that dominated mainstream news cycles. The betrayal was particularly stinging for fans because Ariana and Raquel were close friends, and Sandoval had long positioned himself as the “moral compass” of the group.
The Season 10 finale and subsequent reunion saw record-breaking ratings for Bravo. The image of the cast sitting on that reunion stage, processing the raw emotion of the betrayal, remains one of the most iconic moments in reality TV history.
Life After the Tom Sandoval Scandal
Post-Scandoval life has been a rocky road for Tom Sandoval. While he initially faced a wave of public vitriol and a “villain” label, he has spent much of 2024 through 2026 attempting a redemption arc.
Season 11 of Vanderpump Rules focused heavily on the fractured dynamics of the group. Sandoval sought to repair his image, often discussing his mental health struggles and the toll the public backlash took on his well-being. While some fans remain skeptical, others have begun to move on, focusing on his new projects rather than his past mistakes. As of 2026, his public image is still a work in progress, but he remains a central figure in the Bravo universe.
Reality TV Dominance: The Traitors, AGT, and Beyond
Following the scandal, Tom Sandoval leaned into his reality TV roots by appearing on several major competition shows. He joined the cast of The Traitors Season 3, where his reputation for being “treacherous” made him a natural fit for the high-stakes game of deception. Interestingly, he even managed to help the “Faithful” win a $20,000 challenge by showcasing his knowledge of nursery rhymes.
He also took his musical talents to the big stage on America’s Got Talent Season 20. Auditioning with his band, he received four “yeses” from the judges, including Simon Cowell and Sofía Vergara, though his journey ended during the live quarterfinals.
Other notable appearances include:
- The Masked Singer: Sandoval competed as “Diver” in Season 10, a fittingly aquatic costume for someone in the “deep end” of a public scandal.
- Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test: He pushed his physical and mental limits in the grueling training program, aiming to prove his resilience.
Personal Life and the Future of Tom Sandoval in 2026
As we move through 2026, Tom Sandoval‘s personal life has found a new sense of stability. He has been dating Victoria Lee Robinson since February 2024. The couple is going strong, having recently celebrated their third official Valentine’s Day together in 2026. Victoria, whose mother was also involved in reality TV, seems to understand the pressures of Sandoval’s lifestyle while maintaining her own identity.
His friendship with Tom Schwartz has also evolved. While Scandoval put an immense strain on their business and personal bond, the “Toms” have remained close. They continue to navigate the challenges of co-owning Schwartz & Sandy’s and TomTom, often leaning on each other for support.
Sandoval remains proud of his St. Louis roots, but his career frequently brings him to the East Coast. With his band often touring through New York and making stops near the Hudson Valley, he has developed a connection with fans in our region.
If your interest in Sandoval starts with bars and hospitality, consider this a jumping-off point back to our backyard: the Hudson Valley’s independent makers, chefs, bartenders, and producers are the reason we cover food and drink here in the first place.
His mother, Terri Green, is a retired firefighter who was the first woman to be named “Firefighter of the Year” in St. Louis County back in 1997. This background of strong family values continues to influence him, even as he lives his life in the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tom Sandoval
How tall is Tom Sandoval and does he wear heel inserts?
Tom Sandoval is officially 5’11” (1.80 meters) tall. However, his height has been a topic of playful debate among his castmates. On Watch What Happens Live, Ariana Madix once revealed that Tom wears heel inserts in his shoes to give himself a bit of an extra boost—a fact that Tom Schwartz later confirmed.
What is Tom Sandoval’s salary per episode on Vanderpump Rules?
During Season 7 of Vanderpump Rules, it was reported that Sandoval earned approximately $25,000 per episode. Given that he has appeared in over 173 episodes (and as many as 220 according to some IMDb listings), his earnings from the show have been substantial, allowing him to fund his various business and musical ventures.
Is Tom Sandoval still part of the TomTom restaurant?
Yes, he is. Despite the drama of recent years, Sandoval remains a business partner in TomTom alongside Tom Schwartz, Lisa Vanderpump, and Ken Todd. The West Hollywood bar continues to operate with its signature steampunk aesthetic and remains a popular spot for fans of the show.
Conclusion
From his early days as a model and struggling actor to becoming one of the most polarizing figures in reality TV history, Tom Sandoval has built a career defined by being “extra.” Whether he’s shaking cocktails at TomTom, hitting high notes with The Most Extras, or navigating the treacherous waters of The Traitors, he remains a fascinating study in modern celebrity.
For Edible Hudson Valley, the most useful lens is hospitality: how a bartender’s on-the-floor experience can translate into ownership, branding, and a bar concept that becomes a destination. That same creative engine is what powers so many of our region’s operators, from cocktail bars to farm-to-table dining rooms.
If you enjoyed learning about the man behind the bars, be sure to discover more about local artisanal creators right here in our own region. From master brewers to dedicated makers, the Hudson Valley is full of its own “extra” ordinary talent.
