The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lydia McLaughlin and her family have navigated their fair share of highs and lows.
In October 2024, Lydia shared that her mother Judy — who appeared alongside her during seasons 7 and 8 of the hit Bravo reality series — had died of breast cancer. She was 76. On April 17, her brother Geoffrey also died in California.
“My family and I are devastated by the loss of my brother,” Lydia said in a statement to TMZ at the time. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community. We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn.”
Through it all, Lydia has maintained a stoic and strong disposition. She and her husband Doug have three sons together and run the men’s magazine NOBLEMAN, an enterprise they hope to pass down to their children.
Here is a look at Lydia McLaughlin’s family and all they’ve been through.
Geoff Stirling
Lydia’s grandfather Geoff Stirling founded NTV News, North America’s first 24-hour news station, in 1955. He also helped run Stirling Communications International. His death in 2013 was a talking point on RHOC.
Judy Stirling
Stirling’s mother Judy battled breast cancer for several years before the reality star announced her mother’s death in October 2024. “I am thankful for the outpouring of love and support,” McLaughlin wrote via Instagram at the time, with highlights from the special event. “I am grateful to not grieve alone. I am honored to be her daughter and will forever carry her in my spirit. ✨”
Judy was also remembered by NTV News, where her father serves as CEO.
“Judy’s radiant presence lit up every room. Her passing leaves a void, but her legacy of love, laughter, and compassion endures. We’ll cherish memories of her sparkling eyes, generous heart, and unwavering optimism,” the station wrote on its website after news of her death was announced.
Though Lydia was the official cast member, Judy was a regular on seasons 7 and 8 of The Real Housewives of Orange County, often at her daughter’s side through the show’s many ups and downs.
Scott Stirling
Scott is the CEO of NTV News. The company was founded by his father, Geoff Stirling, who died in 2013.
In 2017, Lydia told BravoTV her dad often splits his time between California, where she lives with her husband and sons, and Canada.
“My dad goes back and forth from Canada to Orange County a lot,” she explained. “He is very involved in my and my boys’ lives, but sometimes he has to be at work, even when we know his heart is with us. I grew up with him working a lot, so this is something I’m used to. He is a great husband, father, and grandfather to my boys. You also get to meet my brother Jesse, whom I very close with. He works with us on NOBLEMAN Magazine, and he is the best uncle to my boys. We are a very tight knit family.”
Geoffrey Stirling
Geoffrey was shot during a police altercation on April 17. According to authorities, he was riding a motorcycle along the Pacific Coast Highway when he was pulled over. Geoff was reportedly “uncooperative” with police and at least one police officer shot him.
“My family and I are devastated by the loss of my brother,” Lydia said in a statement to TMZ. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community. We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn.” Geoff died six months after his mother.
Geoffrey’s LinkedIn profile indicates he worked at Shyam Bird Productions in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was also skilled at karate, and won a regional championship in the sport in 2010.
Jesse Stirling
Jesse is the owner of Stirling Studios and the host of NTV’s Meetings with Remarkable People. He and his wife Amanda welcomed their daughter Olivia in 2018 after struggling with infertility for several years, a journey he shared with The Newfoundland Herald that year.
“After we went off all the fertility medicines, had the big talk, decided that we weren’t gonna be able to have a kid, we were fine with that, we thought maybe we’d adopt. Then one night, we went out on a date just for fun, my wife had a glass of wine for the first time in two years, and bingo, it happened. Our little miracle baby. I credit God and the wine,” Stirling told the outlet.
He also credited his father and grandfather with helping him understand the family business.. “I think the best advice my dad ever gave me was; pace yourself. When I was in high school, I loved pulling all-nighters and cramming for tests. Then as you get older, you learn that it is all about pacing yourself. Life, and your career, is a marathon, it’s not a sprint, so make sure that you have your work life balance,” Jesse said.
Doug McLaughlin
Lydia’s husband Doug is the founder and editor-in-chief of NOBLEMAN Magazine. In 2017, Lydia explained that the pair started the magazine “with a mission to create a magazine of style and substance for the modern man.”
“We aim to inspire men to live life to the fullest and with purpose. NOBLEMAN is Southern California’s only luxury lifestyle magazine catering specifically to men who value style, travel, food, art and culture,” she also told BravoTV.
The following year, Lydia and Doug renewed their wedding vows for the third time, an event she documented on her own blog. “I love renewing our vows! I know that Doug is my person, and we will be together until death do us part… but why should we only celebrate our love once in our lifetime! It is special to say those vows, to be intentional and look one another in the eye and say, ‘I choose you. Still. I am yours and you are mine,’” she explained at the time.
“We now have three boys and it was amazing to have them there and be part of our vows,” she continued. “Marriage is a journey and one worth celebrating. I believe in being intentional and making every year count. Every moment, or any excuse to mark an occasion, I am all about that. We had a wonderful day and I’m sure it is not our last vow renewal!”
