Lala Kent Bio, Age, Height, Boyfriend, Career, Vanderpump Rules, The Valley, Sobriety, Net Worth & Facts
Lala Kent is one of Bravo’s most outspoken and resilient reality stars. From her explosive debut on Vanderpump Rules to building a beauty empire and navigating a very public breakup with a Hollywood producer, she has turned personal chaos into a thriving brand. Known for her unfiltered honesty, sobriety journey, and catchphrase-turned-company “Give Them Lala,” Kent has become far more than a SUR hostess—she is a mother, entrepreneur, author, and the architect of her own reinvention.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Lauren Elyse Burningham (professionally known as Lala Kent) |
| Nick Name | Lala |
| Profession | Reality TV Star, Actress, Author, Entrepreneur, Podcast Host |
| Birth Date | September 2, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years 10 months old |
| Birth Place | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Vanderpump Rules, The Valley, Give Them Lala memoir, Lala Beauty |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Blonde (natural brown) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Qualification | High School Graduate; moved to Los Angeles at 18 for acting/modeling |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed (raised non-Mormon in Utah) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouses | None |
| Relationships | Randall Emmett (2015–2021, engaged); Mystery man (2025–present) |
| Children | 1 — Ocean Kent Emmett (b. March 2021) |
| Family | Father: Kent Burningham (deceased 2018); Mother: Lisa Burningham; Brother: Easton Burningham; Half-brother: Brandon Burningham |
| Hobbies | Acting, singing, podcasting, beauty/makeup, spending time with daughter |
| Current Work | Cast member of The Valley; CEO of Lala Beauty; host of Untraditionally Lala podcast |
| Years Active | 2015–present |
| Net Worth | ~$2–4 million (2026) |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Early Life & Education
Lauren Elyse Burningham was born on September 2, 1990, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kent and Lisa Burningham. Despite growing up in the heart of Mormon country, her father had left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in his early twenties, and Lala was not raised in the faith. She has said this made it difficult to find common ground with classmates, leading her to gravitate toward theater and choir—communities she found more welcoming.
She has two siblings: a brother, Easton Burningham, and a half-brother, Brandon Burningham. Lala was extremely close to her father, whom she described as kind and tender-hearted. After high school, she moved to Los Angeles at age 18 to pursue acting and modeling. She later explained in her memoir that because of her height, she focused primarily on print work.
Career Journey
SUR and Vanderpump Rules
Lala first visited SUR, Lisa Vanderpump’s West Hollywood restaurant, at 18. She briefly worked there at 23 but left shortly after. In 2015, after two years in Los Angeles with only a car commercial and a few indie films to her name, she returned to SUR as a hostess and joined the cast of Vanderpump Rules in Season 4, Episode 2. Her arrival was rocky—cast members questioned her work ethic and her mysterious off-camera life—but she eventually found her footing and formed a close bond with DJ James Kennedy, whom she calls her “soul mate.”
She became a mainstay of the show, evolving from a controversial newcomer into a central figure across multiple seasons. When Vanderpump Rules was rebooted with a new cast for Season 12, Lala transitioned to The Valley, a Bravo spin-off focusing on SUR alums navigating adulthood and parenthood.
Acting, Music, and Writing
Beyond reality TV, Lala has pursued multiple creative outlets. She played the lead role in the Lionsgate horror film The Row and appeared in films including Dudes & Dragons, Pitching Love and Catching Faith, and Vault. In music, her single “Boy” reached #1 on the iTunes Electronic chart in 2018. In 2021, she published her memoir, Give Them Lala, chronicling her rise to fame, her father’s death, and her relationship with Randall Emmett.
Beauty Empire and Podcast
Lala launched Give Them Lala Beauty, a skincare and cosmetics line, leveraging her reality TV fame into a direct-to-consumer business. In September 2025, she underwent a major rebrand: she dissolved two businesses, renamed her beauty line Lala Beauty, and relaunched her podcast as Untraditionally Lala. She explained that the original “Give Them Lala” branding felt “juvenile” and represented a version of herself that no longer existed. The new podcast focuses on people who have taken life in unexpected directions. Her first guest was Ambyr Childers—Randall Emmett’s ex-wife and her co-parenting partner.
Career Stats & Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Joined Vanderpump Rules Season 4 as SUR hostess |
| 2017 | Began sobriety journey |
| 2018 | Single “Boy” hit #1 on iTunes Electronic chart |
| 2018 | Father Kent Burningham passed away (April) |
| 2018 | Got engaged to Randall Emmett (September) |
| 2021 | Gave birth to daughter Ocean (March) |
| 2021 | Published memoir Give Them Lala |
| 2021 | Split from Randall Emmett (October) |
| 2022 | Altered “Rand” tattoo to read “bRand new” |
| 2023 | Appeared on The Valley |
| 2025 | Rebranded podcast to Untraditionally Lala (September) |
| 2025 | Rebranded beauty line to Lala Beauty |
| 2025 | Confirmed new mystery man in her life (December) |
| 2025 | Finalized custody agreement with Randall Emmett (March) |
Personal Life
Family Background
Lala’s father, Kent Burningham, died suddenly on April 21, 2018, at age 64, after suffering a stroke following a car accident. His death was documented on Vanderpump Rules Season 7 and profoundly affected Lala, triggering the alcohol struggles that led to her sobriety. She got a heart-shaped tattoo with “Dad” inside to honor him. Her mother, Lisa, remains a close presence in her life, and her brother Easton co-hosts her podcast and is a devoted uncle to Ocean.
Relationships & Dating History
Randall Emmett (2015–2021): Lala met the film producer at SUR in December 2015. Emmett, then married to actress Ambyr Childers, sent his assistant to get Lala’s manager’s contact info, claiming he wanted her for a film. They began dating while he was separated, and Lala kept his identity secret until his divorce was finalized in December 2017. Emmett proposed in September 2018 during her birthday celebration in Cabo San Lucas. They welcomed daughter Ocean in March 2021 but split in October 2021 after Lala discovered repeated infidelity. She later said the relationship “made zero sense” and admitted she hadn’t been intimate with him since Ocean’s birth. A bitter three-year custody battle followed before they reached an agreement in March 2025.
Mystery Man (2025–present): In December 2025, Lala confirmed she was seeing someone new, describing the relationship as in the “beginning stages” and admitting he gets her “giddy.” She has not revealed his identity but stated she prefers dating younger men who appreciate her independence.
Children
Lala has one daughter, Ocean Kent Emmett, born in March 2021. She has been open about the joys and challenges of single motherhood, often sharing moments with Ocean on social media. She has also developed a close, private friendship with Ocean’s half-sisters’ mother, Ambyr Childers.
Sobriety Journey
Lala has been candid about her alcoholism, announcing in 2019 that she was a “friend of Bill W.” (Alcoholics Anonymous) and had been sober for five months. She credited her fiancé at the time for supporting her, though she later clarified that drinking had become medication for grief after her father’s death. She celebrated two years of sobriety in November 2020 and has remained committed to total abstinence. In 2021, she publicly criticized Demi Lovato’s “California sober” approach, calling it “super offensive” to those who work hard for complete sobriety.
Controversies
The Randall Emmett Saga
Lala’s relationship with Emmett was controversial from the start, with accusations that she was his mistress while he was still married. The drama escalated after their split, when she accused him of cheating with multiple women. In July 2022, the Los Angeles Times published allegations that Emmett offered film roles in exchange for sexual favors; Emmett’s spokesperson claimed the accusations were part of a “smear campaign orchestrated by Randall’s ex-fiancée to sway their custody dispute.” Lala has also shaded Emmett publicly, saying at BravoCon 2022 that he “lowered her stock” and that she “deserves a jawline.”
“California Sober” Comments
Lala faced backlash in 2021 for her harsh criticism of Demi Lovato’s “California sober” approach to recovery, in which Lovato continued using marijuana and alcohol. Lala called the concept “not a real thing” and “extremely offensive,” arguing that true sobriety requires total abstinence. While some addiction experts agreed with her stance, others felt she was overly judgmental of another person’s recovery path.
Cast Feuds and Reputation
Throughout her time on Vanderpump Rules, Lala clashed with multiple cast members, including Katie Maloney, Scheana Shay, and Stassi Schroeder. Her aggressive defense mechanism—what she called “giving them Lala”—earned her a reputation as a villain before her redemption arc. She has admitted that her past behavior was rooted in insecurity and that she has since evolved into a more reserved person.
Awards & Achievements
Lala Kent has not received major industry awards, but her achievements include:
- New York Times Bestselling Author: Give Them Lala (2021)
- iTunes Chart Success: Single “Boy” reached #1 in Electronic genre (2018)
- Business Growth: Built Give Them Lala Beauty into Lala Beauty, a recognized direct-to-consumer cosmetics brand
- Podcast Success: Hosted Give Them Lala for six years before rebranding to Untraditionally Lala
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde (naturally brown) |
| Body Type | Slim, athletic |
| Tattoos | Heart with “Dad” (honoring Kent Burningham); “bRand new” (altered from “Rand”) |
| Distinguishing Features | Full lips, bold makeup style, confident on-camera presence |
Quotes
“Give them Lala.” — Her signature catchphrase and former brand motto
“I don’t like to judge, but I actually think that that’s super offensive… It’s not a real thing. You’re not sober.” — On “California sober,” 2021
“I was talking about a rebrand that was going to happen… I didn’t even know, at that point in time, what I wanted out of life. I didn’t really know who I was.” — On rebranding in 2025
Favorites
| Category | Favorite |
|---|---|
| Beauty Brand | Her own Lala Beauty line |
| Podcast Topic | Untraditional life paths and reinvention |
| Hobby | Singing, acting, makeup artistry |
| State | Utah (calls it “my heart”) |
| City | Los Angeles (current residence) |
Earnings & Net Worth
As of 2026, Lala Kent’s estimated net worth is between $2 million and $4 million, depending on the source. Celebrity Net Worth estimates $2 million as of 2024, while other outlets suggest $4 million. Her income streams include:
- Vanderpump Rules / The Valley: Reality TV salary
- Lala Beauty: Cosmetics and skincare sales
- Podcast: Untraditionally Lala sponsorships and ads
- Book Sales: Give Them Lala memoir
- Social Media: Estimated Instagram earnings of $5,000–$7,000 per month (2026)
- Acting & Music: Film roles and music streaming revenue
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $1 million |
| 2023 | $2 million |
| 2024 | $2 million |
| 2026 | $2–4 million |
Interesting Facts
- Lala changed her name from Lauren Elyse Burningham to Lauryn Kent, then finally to Lala Kent because she thought it was more memorable for audiences.
- She got her first job at SUR at age 23 but left shortly after; she returned years later specifically to get on Vanderpump Rules.
- She has described her brother Easton as “a pretty epic person” who stepped up as the man of the house after their father’s death.
- She is close friends with Ambyr Childers, her ex-fiancé’s ex-wife and the mother of her daughter’s half-sisters.
- She prefers dating younger men because she feels her financial independence threatens older suitors.
- She dissolved two of her businesses in 2025 as part of her personal rebranding.
- Her Instagram income alone is estimated to generate over $60,000 annually.
Did You Know?
- Lala’s “Rand” tattoo for Randall Emmett was creatively altered to read “bRand new” after their breakup.
- She and Randall Emmett’s ex-wife Ambyr Childers have developed a genuine friendship and co-parenting relationship.
- She has appeared in 14 films in addition to her reality TV work.
- Her beauty brand was originally named after her catchphrase, which she now considers “juvenile.”
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @lalakent
- TikTok: @lalakent
- Twitter/X: @lalakent
- Website: lalakent.com / Lala Beauty
- Podcast: Untraditionally Lala (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts)
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Lala Kent in 2026?
Lala Kent was born on September 2, 1990, making her 35 years old in 2026.
What is Lala Kent’s net worth?
As of 2026, her estimated net worth is between $2 million and $4 million, built through reality TV, her beauty brand, podcast, book sales, and social media.
Who is Lala Kent’s baby daddy?
Her daughter Ocean’s father is film producer Randall Emmett, her former fiancé. They split in October 2021.
Is Lala Kent married?
No, Lala Kent is not married. She was engaged to Randall Emmett from 2018 to 2021. As of late 2025/early 2026, she is dating a mystery man.
What is Lala Kent’s real name?
Her birth name is Lauren Elyse Burningham. She later changed it to Lauryn Kent, then professionally to Lala Kent.
Why is Lala Kent famous?
She is famous for her role on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules (since 2015), her beauty brand Lala Beauty, her Give Them Lala memoir, her sobriety journey, and her highly publicized relationship and breakup with Randall Emmett.
Is Lala Kent sober?
Yes. Lala has been open about her alcoholism and recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous. She has been sober since approximately late 2018/early 2019.
What happened between Lala Kent and Randall Emmett?
They met in 2015, got engaged in 2018, had daughter Ocean in 2021, and split in October 2021 after Lala discovered he had cheated repeatedly. A three-year custody battle ended with a finalized agreement in March 2025.
What is Lala Kent’s podcast called?
As of September 2025, her podcast is called Untraditionally Lala, rebranded from Give Them Lala.
Conclusion
Lala Kent’s evolution from a SUR hostess with a catchphrase to a sober, single mother running her own beauty empire is a testament to her resilience. Whether she is sparring with castmates on Bravo, rebranding her businesses, or navigating the complexities of co-parenting, she remains one of reality television’s most compelling figures. With a new podcast, a mystery romance, and her eyes set on building an empire, Lala Kent shows no signs of slowing down.
If you enjoyed this deep dive into her life and career, share it with fellow Bravo fans and reality TV enthusiasts!
