Alicia Carmody Hasn’t Heard From Jane Fonda After ‘Jane’s Fonda’ Shout-Out: ‘I Have R-E-S-P-E-C-T’
Alicia Carmody is one of reality TV’s most quotable new stars, but there is one celebrity she is still hoping to connect with: Jane Fonda.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island breakout has not heard from the Oscar-winning actress and fitness guru since she affectionately—and incorrectly—referred to her as “Jane’s Fonda” during a confessional on the Bravo series. But Carmody, 41, isn’t losing any sleep over it. In fact, she has nothing but admiration for the legendary entertainer.
“I have not, but that’s OK because she’s Jane’s Fonda, and I have R-E-S-P-E-C-T for Jane’s Fonda always!” Carmody exclusively shares in Us Weekly’s annual Reality Stars of the Year issue.
Us Weekly named Carmody the “Most Quotable” reality TV personality of the year, and it’s easy to see why. From her distinctive Rhode Island pronunciation of the word “crackers” to her lovable alias for Fonda, Carmody has delivered some of the most memorable moments on the inaugural season of RHORI.
The moment that really caught fans’ attention came when Carmody opened up about her workout habits. Rather than hitting a spin class or hopping on a bike, she said she prefers a classic exercise routine.
“I don’t do spin classes. I really don’t ride a bike, but I like to still do Jane’s Fonda at least once a week,” she told viewers during a confessional. “I love Jane’s Fonda. I love her so much. Her workouts on YouTube, I love them so much.”
Fonda, of course, became a household name in the 1980s for her best-selling workout videos, which have since become nostalgic favorites on YouTube. While Carmody’s choice of words may have been accidental, it quickly became one of the most talked-about lines from the show.
Since her television debut in April, Carmody says fans have been stopping her on the streets of Rhode Island to share their favorite Carmody-isms. Whether it’s “crackers” or the “pizza chips” sold at her and fiancé Billy Kitsilis’s restaurant Pizza Mamma in Cranston, people can’t seem to get enough of her unique vocabulary.
“They have all just been a natural part of my life since before I can remember, so seeing everyone enjoy my favorite things brings me a lot of joy,” she marvels.
Carmody’s life has changed in many ways since RHORI premiered, but she remains grounded. With production on season 2 currently underway, she is still trying to process her new level of fame.
“I will never believe it,” she tells Us. “I still don’t believe it!”
But when the cameras stop rolling, Carmody says she is just another regular girl from Rhode Island. Her family and friends have made sure she doesn’t get a big head.
“They haven’t treated me any differently,” she explains. “Our family dynamic is still the same. They give it to be straight, and I still get in trouble. I mean, we are all living our best lives!”
Carmody also says she is honored to be included in the pantheon of reality TV icons. She has always loved the genre, and she enjoys watching how other stars grow over time.
“I love reality TV because I like to see how my favorite reality TV stars evolve and grow throughout their careers and filming their shows,” she says. “I also like to see what they are wearing, what they drive, what they use for makeup and hair products, where they like to eat and go on vacation because it gives me ideas as well.”
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island has quickly become one of Bravo’s buzziest new shows, and Carmody is a big reason why. Her unfiltered personality, thick accent, and endearing mispronunciations have made her a fan favorite.
Carmody isn’t the only one who has made headlines, though. During the Sunday, April 5, episode of RHORI, she made a confession that left viewers stunned. While explaining why she doesn’t drive on the highway, she revealed a frightening history behind the wheel.
“I’ve gotten in accidents. I ran over a woman. I’ve almost driven off a bridge,” she said during her confessional. “So, I’ve been there, done that.”
The admission quickly became another talking point, and Carmody later addressed it in an interview with Us, clarifying how the incident happened. It was just another example of how Carmody’s willingness to share her life—flaws and all—has endeared her to audiences.
The cast of RHORI has already seen changes since season 1. Costar Liz McGraw announced her exit from the Bravo series, and Carmody shared her support for the decision.
“I fully support her in her decision,” Carmody told Us while promoting her partnership with Ziploc. “I think that she had to do what was best for her.”
She added that she was hopeful about the future of the show and the direction it was heading.
Despite the drama and changes, Carmody remains focused on the positive. She has a thriving restaurant business with Kitsilis, a loving support system, and a growing fan base that hangs on her every word. She is also proud to represent Rhode Island on a national stage.
For now, Carmody isn’t sure whether Jane Fonda has seen her shout-out, but she would love to meet the woman she has admired from afar. Whether it’s through YouTube workouts or classic fitness DVDs, Fonda has made a lasting impact on Carmody’s routine.
In the meantime, Carmody is enjoying the ride. She may not have heard from Fonda yet, but she has heard from countless fans who can’t stop talking about “Jane’s Fonda.” And for a girl from Rhode Island who never expected to become a reality TV sensation, that’s more than enough.
“I still don’t believe it!” she repeats with a laugh.
With season 2 on the horizon, there’s no telling what kind of moments Carmody will deliver next. One thing is for sure: she will always be authentically, unapologetically herself. And that’s exactly why viewers love her.
