James Kennedy and Ally Lewber Step Out Post-‘Vanderpump Rules’ Announcement With Their Adorable Pup, Hippie!
The fate of Vanderpump Rules hung in the balance after its season 11 finale on May 28, 2024. With aging cast members, hostile group dynamics, and rumored contract disputes affecting the Bravo mainstay, fans wondered if VPR would continue. Then, on November 26, producers confirmed that the reality TV series will return for a 12th season but will feature an entirely new cast.
Where are the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ cast members now?
Most of the Vanderpump Rules stars have other irons in the fire. Ariana Madix has transitioned to hosting gigs, brand collaborations, and the role of a lifetime as Roxie in Broadway’s Chicago. Katie Maloney is focused on her sandwich shop, Something About Her, co-founded with Madix. Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz are dismantling their bar. Lala Kent and Scheana Shay will appear on season 2 of The Valley. VPR fans were left wondering, “What about James Kennedy?”
Fortunately, the 32-year-old will land on his feet with high-profile DJ gigs planned through the holidays and into 2025. Kennedy did mourn the end of Vanderpump Rules. He posted a statement on Instagram explaining that he was “holding back tears.” The DJ continued, “It’s been a pleasure being a part of Vanderpump Rules and filling your TV screens with our lives over the past decade. I’ve dedicated my life to this show and I’m forever grateful to everyone who tuned in.”
James Kennedy and Ally Lewber’s first appearance since the ‘VPR’ announcement
Since late November, most of the former VPR cast has laid low. However, Kennedy and his girlfriend, Ally Lewber, stepped out for a special event starring their dog, Hippie. Formerly known as Graham Cracker, Hippie and his parents attended the special event hosted by REÁL MESA. On December 3, the Meditteranean-inspired dog food company invited Kennedy, Lewber, and Hippie to West Hollywood’s 1 Hotel for “Dogsgiving.”
Lewber posted several Instagram stories of her getting ready with Hippie and attending the soiree. REÁL MESA hosted a dog caricature artist and gifted custom dog tags and snacks to fluffy guests. Kennedy and Lewber appeared in good spirits as they laughed and posed for photos with their beloved Goldendoodle.
Kennedy adopted Hippie with his ex-fiancée, Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, in 2018. Leviss kept the young pup after their contentious breakup in December 2021. But she eventually surrendered the Goldendoodle to a dog rescue because he bit someone. As documented on VPR, Lisa Vanderpump reunited Graham with Kennedy, who renamed him Hippie in honor of his late godfather, George Michael.
Kennedy and Lewber are focusing on their furry family and off-screen careers
Since their reunion in July 2023, Hippie has bonded with Lewber, forming a family of five with their two cats. Now, with the end of their time on Vanderpump Rules, Lewber and Kennedy have turned to other projects. After two seasons on the reality show, Lewber began building her astrology business.
The Hellenistic astrologer specializes in birth chart readings and astrology forecasting. Lewber has a goal of “empowering her clients through natal astrology,” hoping “to help promote a deeper sense of self-love and acceptance,” according to her website. With readings starting at $400 for 45 minutes, Lewber is surely doing well for herself.
Kennedy also explained how he’s moved on in 2024. In his Instagram statement regarding the end of his time on VPR, he continued, “All of my dreams are coming true; this year I played Neon Carnival, EDC, and Stagecoach and I have a Las Vegas residency — and I have all of you to thank. It’s been a wild ride and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”