Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Bronwyn Newport is making sure her husband, Todd Bradley, never misses a moment of his rising internet fame — even if he isn’t online himself.
The 40-year-old reality star spoke to PEOPLE at Julio Torres’ “The Cursed Amulet” Halloween party on Oct. 30, where she reflected on a couples costume she and Bradley once wore that unexpectedly foreshadowed a viral joke years later.
“Todd was Mr. Fredricksen from Up, and I was Kevin, the bird,” she said. “Then somebody made a really funny meme about Todd as Carl Fredricksen.”
And yes — Bradley has seen it, thanks to Newport’s dedication.
“Todd doesn’t have social media, so I have to screen record anything I want to show him on Instagram and text it to him,” Newport explained, laughing. “You do lose a little of the humor when I have to show it that way, but he is aware he’s often a meme.”
As for how he feels about being compared to Pixar’s beloved (and elderly) curmudgeon? Newport summed it up perfectly: “I think he is low-key flattered and also offended at the same time.”
Todd Bradley Under the Reality TV Microscope
Bradley’s newfound meme status is hardly the only reason he’s been a hot topic among viewers and castmates since Newport joined The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City in season 5.
During the season, co-star Heather Gay labeled him “an asshole” and criticized Newport for allegedly not signing a prenup. In another episode, Newport revealed that her daughter, Gwen, once discovered Bradley in the midst of an emotional affair — sparking even more questions about their marriage.
Newport defended him, explaining that Bradley’s relentless personality — which serves him well in business — can spill over into his personal life.
“What’s good for him in business is that he’s never satisfied,” she told her castmates. “He’s always pushing for the next deal … And it is hard to turn that off.”
She described his behavior as a “fatal flaw,” adding, “It’s not his fault. You’re used to what you’re used to, you like what you like.”
‘In a Better Place’ Heading Into Season 6
Despite the turbulence, Newport says she and Bradley — who met in San Francisco in 2014 — worked through their issues and strengthened their relationship ahead of season 6.
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“I think, in his own way, when the ladies and I noticed something was off, Todd was willing to fix it,” she told the New York Post earlier this year. “And sometimes they said things I didn’t agree with, which reminded me of all the things I love about him. When you defend someone, you remember all the good things.”
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
