Heather Gay is a prominent American television personality, author, and entrepreneur. She is best known as a main cast member of the Bravo reality television series, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, since its premiere in 2020. Gay has garnered significant attention for her candidness about her life, particularly her departure from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), her experiences as a single mother, and her successful business ventures. She is also the founder of the popular medical spa, Beauty Lab + Laser, and a New York Times bestselling author.
Heather Gay Overview
| Full Name | Heather Jill Gay (née Deans) |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1974 |
| Age | 51 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Carmel, California, U.S. |
| Family | Parents: Susan (née Carver) and John Deans |
| Height | Approximately 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Profession | Television personality, businesswoman, author |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3–10 million (as of 2025) |
| Spouse | Frank William “Billy” Gay III (m. 2000; div. 2014) |
| Children | Three daughters: Ashley, Georgia, and Annabelle |
Early Life and Education of Heather Gay
Heather Jill Gay was born on June 29, 1974, in Carmel, California, to Susan (née Carver) and John Deans. She was raised in a devout Mormon family and grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in the traditions and values of the LDS Church. Gay attended Brigham Young University (BYU), a private university sponsored by the LDS Church, where she further immersed herself in the Mormon lifestyle. During her time at BYU, she was a contemporary of her future Real Housewives of Salt Lake City co-star, Lisa Barlow. Following her university studies, she also served a religious mission in France. Heather has spoken about the strictures of her religious upbringing and the internal conflict she experienced between her naturally ebullient personality and the expectations placed upon her as a “good Mormon girl”.
Heather Gay’s Career
Business Ventures
Before her rise to fame on reality television, Heather Gay established herself as a savvy entrepreneur. In 2017, she co-founded Beauty Lab + Laser, a medical spa in Murray, Utah, with her friend and business partner, Andrea Robinson. The business offers a range of aesthetic treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, and skincare. Gay focused on the marketing and public relations side of the business. Beauty Lab + Laser proved to be a successful venture, leading to the opening of a second location in Riverton, Utah, in 2022. The business is now reportedly valued at over $20 million.
Television Stardom
Heather Gay became a household name with the premiere of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC) in November 2020. As an original cast member, she quickly became a fan favorite due to her wit, relatability, and her compelling personal story of leaving the Mormon church. Her journey of self-discovery and independence has been a central theme of her storyline on the show. In addition to RHOSLC, Gay has appeared on other television programs, including the third season of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip and a guest appearance on Below Deck Adventure. She has also been a guest on various talk shows like Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and Sherri.
Author
Leveraging her platform, Heather Gay has also become a successful author. In February 2023, she released her memoir, Bad Mormon: A Memoir. The book details her life growing up in the Mormon church, her marriage into “Mormon royalty,” her subsequent divorce, and her journey of leaving the faith. Bad Mormon was a commercial success, landing on The New York Times Best Seller list. She followed up with her second book, Good Time Girl, released in December 2024.
Heather Gay Personal Life & Family
Heather Gay’s personal life has been a significant focus of her public persona. In July 2000, she married Frank William “Billy” Gay III at the Laie Hawaii Temple. Her ex-husband’s family is prominent and wealthy, with his grandfather having been a close associate of the business magnate Howard Hughes. Heather has referred to her marriage as marrying into “Mormon royalty”. The couple has three daughters together: Ashley, Georgia, and Annabelle.
After 11 years of marriage, Heather and Billy separated, and their divorce was finalized in 2014. Gay has been open about the profound difficulty of her divorce, as it was not common within her devoutly Mormon community and family. She has shared that she felt her identity was completely intertwined with her role as a wife and mother within the church. The divorce was a catalyst for her to re-evaluate her life and her relationship with the Mormon faith, ultimately leading to her public departure from the church. Despite the challenges, she maintains an amicable co-parenting relationship with her ex-husband.
Awards and Achievements of Heather Gay
- New York Times Bestselling Author for her memoir, Bad Mormon: A Memoir.
Heather Gay Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Heather Gay’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $10 million. Her primary sources of income include her successful business, Beauty Lab + Laser, her salary from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, book sales from her bestselling memoirs, and various brand deals. While she received financial support from her ex-husband following their divorce, her entrepreneurial endeavors and television career have been significant contributors to her wealth.
Legacy and Influence
Heather Gay has made a significant impact through her role on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. She has been praised for her honesty and vulnerability in sharing her personal struggles and her journey of leaving the Mormon church. Her story has resonated with many viewers who have faced similar challenges with faith and identity. Gay has become a symbol of reinvention, demonstrating that it is possible to start a new chapter later in life and find success and happiness on one’s own terms. She is seen as an advocate for self-expression and authenticity.
Interesting Facts about Heather Gay
- She served a Mormon mission in France.
- Her father was reportedly an FBI agent for 20 years.
- She has admitted to using the drug Ozempic for weight loss.
- Her third cousin is her Real Housewives of Salt Lake City co-star, Whitney Rose.
- She enjoys traveling, watching movies, and reading books.
Controversies
Heather Gay’s time in the public eye has not been without controversy. One of the most talked-about incidents was the mysterious black eye she sustained during a cast trip. Gay initially claimed to know how it happened but later stated that she had blacked out and had no memory of the event, leading to much speculation among fans and her co-stars. She has also faced criticism for her unwavering loyalty to her former co-star Jen Shah, even after Shah was convicted of wire fraud. Additionally, Gay entered into a trademark dispute with the LDS Church over her use of the phrase “Bad Mormon” for merchandise.
Social Media Presence
Heather Gay maintains an active presence on social media, where she engages with her fans and promotes her various projects. She can be found on Instagram under the handle @heathergay and on Twitter (X) as @heathergay29.
Final Words about Heather Gay
Heather Gay has successfully transformed her life from a devout Mormon wife and mother to a celebrated television personality, bestselling author, and successful entrepreneur. Her journey of self-discovery has been a central and compelling narrative on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Through her candor and humor, she has built a strong connection with her audience. With a thriving business, a successful writing career, and a prominent role on a popular reality show, Heather Gay’s future continues to look bright as she navigates her “second lease on life”.
