The Evolution of Vanderpump Rules' Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval: From Roommates to Dynamic Duo
From roommates to business partners, Vanderpump Rules' Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval's bromance has endured through ups and downs Follow their journey as they navigate friendships, relationships, and building their empire
The friendship between Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval has endured countless changes over the seasons of Vanderpump Rules. They formed a bond even before the show premiered in 2013 when they shared an apartment with Jax Taylor, a former costar. As the Bravo hit progressed to its third season, Schwartz became a regular on the series, and his friendship with Sandoval flourished. They went on to become business partners, with the support of Lisa Vanderpump, opening the establishments TomTom and Schwartz & Sandy's.
When Schwartz and Katie Maloney ended their relationship in 2022, Sandoval stuck by his friend's side. However, their friendship was put to the test a year later when Sandoval's affair with co-star Raquel Leviss created turmoil within their circle of friends. In March 2023, it was confirmed by Us that Sandoval's infidelity led to his split with Ariana Madix.
Regarding the situation, Sandoval spoke to TMZ in March 2023, saying, "It's a complicated mess. That's an understatement. I believe Tom is doing okay. Personally, I'm saddened by the negative impact it's having on our business, but I have faith that things will eventually calm down. I will continue to move forward and stay focused. As for Tom, I think he's feeling like a terrible person, and perhaps he is to some extent."
Keep scrolling for Schwartz and Sandoval’s bromance over the years:
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Vanderpump Rules’ Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval’s Bromance Over the Years: From Roommates to Business Partners and Beyond
Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval have maintained their unbreakable friendship throughout the seasons of Vanderpump Rules. Even before the show premiered in 2013, Schwartz and Sandoval were already connected, sharing an apartment with Jax Taylor. As the Bravo hit entered its third season, Schwartz's role was elevated to a series regular, strengthening his bond with Sandoval. Their friendship flourished to the point where they became business partners, thanks to Lisa Vanderpump's assistance, opening TomTom and Schwartz & Sandy's.
Schwartz and Katie Maloney ended their relationship in 2022, and during that time, Sandoval supported his friend. However, a year later, their friendship was challenged when Sandoval's affair with costar Raquel Leviss caused turmoil within their group of friends. (Us confirmed in March 2023 that Sandoval and Ariana Madix broke up because of his unfaithfulness.)
"It is incredibly complex. To say it's an understatement would be an understatement itself. Regarding the situation in March 2023, I expressed to TMZ that I believe Tom is doing alright. Honestly, I'm saddened by the detrimental effect it's having on our business, but I have faith that rational minds will prevail and I will continue to persevere. ... I believe he carries the weight of guilt and, to a certain extent, he may deserve it."
Credit: Courtesy of Tom Schwartz/Instagram
Roommates
The pair became pals after Schwartz responded to a Craigslist advertisement and eventually moved in with Sandoval prior to Vanderpump Rules premiering in 2013.
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Tom Schwartz Becomes a Full-Time Cast Member
While Schwartz was a recurring cast member for Pump Rules' first two seasons, he was bumped up to series regular for season 3, and the duo’s bromance grew even tighter.
Credit: Courtesy of Tom Schwartz/Instagram
Failed Business Pitch
Their business journey commenced in 2015 when the BFFs presented Vanderpump with a cocktail concept during Vanderpump Rules season 4. Although the idea didn't succeed, it marked the initiation of their professional collaboration.
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Butt Tattoos in Vegas
During season 4, Schwartz and Sandoval embarked on a Las Vegas getaway to pay tribute to their then-girlfriends, Maloney and Madix. In a rather unconventional manner, they both decided to etch tattoos on their buttocks as a symbol of their love and devotion.
Credit: Courtesy of Tom Schwartz/Instagram
Sandoval Helps Schwartz Propose
Sandoval was by Schwartz's side in season 4 when he decided to propose to longtime girlfriend Maloney, even styling his pal for the life-changing moment.
Credit: Courtesy of Tom Sandoval/Instagram
Sandoval Defends Schwartz Against Cheating Rumors
In 2016, during a combined bachelor and bachelorette party for Schwartz and Maloney, Sandoval stood up for his friend when Maloney accused Schwartz of infidelity during their previous trip to Las Vegas.
Credit: Jonathan Liebson/Polk Imaging/Shutterstock
Sandoval Flies Family Out to Schwartz's Wedding
In order to present a wedding gift, Sandoval arranged for Schwartz's family, who would have otherwise been unable to attend the event, to travel and join him at the rehearsal dinner in August 2016, thereby surprising him.
Credit: Courtesy of Tom Sandoval/Instagram
Sandoval Cries Happy Tears While Schwartz Gets Married
Witnessing his closest companion's wedding brought tears to the eyes of this individual from Michigan, to the point where he even used Schwartz and Maloney's furry friend to wipe away his emotions during the ceremony in season 5. The sentimentality continued to shine through during the reception as he delivered a heartfelt speech filled with love and admiration for his best friend.
Credit: Courtesy of Tom Sandoval/Instagram
They Decide to Open a Bar With Lisa Vanderpump
Schwartz’s wedding was joyful for many reasons. It was also the night the duo decided to open TomTom with the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star.
Credit: Courtesy of Thomas Sandoval/Instagram
TomTom Opens
The pair’s first bar opened its doors in April 2018 during season 7.
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They Expand Their Empire With Schwartz & Sandy's
Following the triumph of TomTom, the dynamic duo ventured into the world of gastronomy with the launch of Schwartz & Sandy's, their very own restaurant. Despite facing numerous obstacles on their journey, the pair finally unveiled their latest business venture to the public in November 2022.
Credit: Courtesy of Tom Sandoval/Instagram
Did Schwartz Cover for Sandoval Amid His Affair With Leviss?
In season 10 of Pump Rules, there were rumors circulating that Schwartz had protected Sandoval when it was revealed that Sandoval had an affair with their costar Leviss while he was in a relationship with Madix. Schwartz, who had previously kissed Leviss in the summer of 2022, denied these accusations and stated that he felt manipulated.
Credit: Courtesy of Tom Schwartz/Instagram
Scandoval Affects Sandoval and Schwartz's Buisness
Schwartz & Sandy's was slammed with negative Yelp reviews following Sandoval's affair.
"It's incredibly complex. That's an extreme understatement. As of March 2023, when I spoke to TMZ, I can say that Tom is doing fine. However, I can't help but feel a deep sadness for the detrimental impact on our business."
Credit: MediaPunch/Shutterstock; Charles Sykes/Bravo
Schwartz Defends Sandoval
During his appearance on WWHL in April 2023, Schwartz appealed to viewers of Pump Rules to show compassion towards his close friend, Scandoval.
"To begin with, Ariana, I want you to know that I love you. I understand that you may not feel the same way about me right now, but my love for you remains unchanged. And Tom, I am aware that you are widely disliked by the world. However, I want you to know that I will not abandon you, my old buddy. I will stand by your side," he expressed. "He is fully aware of the wrongdoing he has committed. If you happen to come across him, perhaps consider giving him a hug. Even if he doesn't deserve it, show him some compassion. He is going through a rough time."
Maloney then took to social media to criticize her ex-husband's comments. "You're the only person who wants to hug him, dude. Pay attention to the situation!" she tweeted at the time.
While appearing on the Bravo talk show, Schwartz revealed that he had been aware of Sandoval's affair with Leviss since August 2022. He claimed that his business partner had given him a false story about ending things with Madix.
"He successfully pacified me, assuring me that he had a well-thought-out strategy in place to do the proper thing. However, he gradually fell back into his habit of delaying," he remarked, labeling Leviss Sandoval's behavior as "heroin."
Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo
Through Good Times and Bad
"I poured my heart and soul into Schwartz & Sandy's, giving it everything I had. It's heartbreaking to think that this place could crumble because of Tom's affair," Schwartz divulged in the finale of Vanderpump Rules season 10, which aired in May 2023. "You messed up, man. You had a plan, but you didn't follow through. I care about you, but I need you to understand that this isn't good."
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Taking a Break
Schwartz admitted to distancing himself from Sandoval following the negative backlash surrounding Sandoval's cheating scandal.
"He created a major problem and left us to deal with the aftermath in our businesses," the "Stars on Mars" actor shared with Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright on their "When Reality Hits with Jax and Brittany" podcast in June 2023. "I can't help but feel resentful towards him, so I'm currently taking a break from Tom. It has been a while since I last saw him."
Credit: Courtesy of Tom Sandoval/Instagram
Back on Track
Reuniting on stage at BravoCon in November 2023, the dynamic duo displayed unwavering support for each other as they encountered their former partners. Sandoval openly acknowledged their friendship by addressing the audience and expressing gratitude to Schwartz for standing by his side, highlighting the challenges they faced together. "We faced difficulties, primarily because of me. He navigated through a great deal of lingering negativity," Sandoval disclosed, emphasizing his deep appreciation for Schwartz's loyalty.
Schwartz made a joke, saying, "In good times and bad times."
After the intense panel discussion, Schwartz shared his thoughts on being connected to Sandoval during the cheating scandal, admitting to feeling "guilty by association." He described the experience as peculiar, saying, "There were moments where it felt extremely bizarre. I could acknowledge the ridiculousness of it, but there were also moments that were truly sorrowful and quite frightening."
