Molly O’Connell has been quite the addition to Southern Charm. She is a welcomed breath of fresh air as she often gives a real-life perspective on so many events. She isn’t afraid to enjoy a cupcake even if Whitney Sudler-Smith is being as ass about it. And she wears her heart on her sleeve when it comes to that crush on Shep Rose. All in all, Molly might be my new favorite. But is she over reality TV before she even got started? Let’s take a look.
Where did Molly O’Connell place on America’s Next Top Model (ANTM)?
Season 16 of America’s Next Top Model was one for the record books. As usual, you had Tyra Banks yelling at the girls to “smize” and the photoshoots were insane. Even though Molly had the most photos that were given the thumbs up through the entire season, she placed second to 19-year-old Brittani Kline from Beech Creek. Molly was well-liked on her cycle, and many had high hopes for her. But her hair was a different story. She was first given a really bad weave that she turned out to be allergic to. It also bruised her scalp. Then, just 45 minutes before the final cut on the season finale, she was asked to chop her hair off. She walked away in second place and with a dreadful Leonardo DiCaprio hairstyle circa the Titanic.
Since leaving America’s Next Top Model, Molly has signed with Images Management in New York. However, as of 2020, she made the jump to Click Models, which is still based in New York City. She has been featured in magazines such as HUF, ShoeHolics, Fuzion, Vogue Knitting, FantasticsMag, Bronze, Stella Nova, Arsenic, and American Salon. And before Southern Charm, she was even on an episode of Below Deck.
What does Molly O’Connell think of Southern Charm?
Imagine the surprise Southern Charm and ANTM fans had when they noticed that Molly was now going to be a cast member on the newest season of Southern Charm. For Molly, the Bravo series is a walk in the park. She said the experience on Southern Charm “was fun. I’m really high-stress all the time. I’m very high-strung. I was like, ‘Oh, my God, am I boring? Does everyone hate me?’ Every situation I go into, I overthink it. I actually think it went really well.” According to Molly, “Top Model was harder. It was 24/7 filming.”
“They had motion sensor cameras in the corner of our bedrooms.” According to Molly, “You couldn’t escape anyone. They could just come in. If you wanted to hide from the cameras, they’d come find you.” The Bravoleb even shared that production would mess with the girls and hold confessionals late at night. She shared, “I would get low blood sugar attacks and need food, and they would dangle a sandwich in front of me. ‘Just a few more questions, Molly and then we’ll feed you. It was so toxic.” Molly joked it was “a bit of psychological torture. I would still do it again. It wasn’t so horrible that I wouldn’t do that experience all over again.”
Why Southern Charm fans love Molly O’Connell
It’s hard not to like Molly. She is Switzerland when it comes to the Charleston drama. She shared, “I don’t fight anybody,” but “I dip my toes in a bit, but I try to be the neutral person.” Overall, Molly is just sweet. She is also a big ‘ol nerd, which is something viewers are loving. Between her love of the euphonium and her ability to crack a joke, she offers something for every viewer. Her personality is genuine, and for now, it doesn’t seem like she is putting on an act.
Honestly, we need more Molly. In my opinion, she is the best addition to the show in years. She stands up for herself even after Whitney fat-shames her. Perhaps the biggest reason Southern Charm fans are in love with Molly is the fact that she comes across as ‘this is me. Take it or leave it.’
Southern Charm is available to stream on Peacock.
