Are you also wondering what happens when a beloved QVC host steps away from the screen? Over the years, viewers form a unique bond with their favorite hosts, making their departures bittersweet. Whether they’re pursuing new opportunities, enjoying retirement, or launching their own ventures, fans are naturally curious about their next chapter.
In this article, we will discuss former QVC hosts like Lisa Robertson, Dan Hughes, Carolyn Gracie, Antonella Nester, Jill Bauer, Jacque Gonnzales, Dan Wheeler and even icon Kathy Levine to see what they’re doing now. So, grab a cup of coffee and As we discuss their professional transitions, life achievements, and new endeavors since their QVC days, grab a cup of coffee and see this as a casual conversation with old friends.
Former QVC Hosts: Quick Overview
- Lisa Robertson: Entrepreneur turned newlywed enjoying personal bliss.
- Dan Hughes: Comedian, author, and Scrub Daddy ambassador.
- Carolyn Gracie: Gardening brand entrepreneur and social media personality.
- Antonella Nester: Overcame cancer, thriving as jewelry influencer.
- Jill Bauer: Lifestyle entrepreneur with Just Jill online brand.
- Jacque Gonzales: Media coach and live-selling consultant.
- Dan Wheeler: Ministry leader spreading faith and hope.
- Kathy Levine: Back on QVC2 hosting Diamonique jewelry shows.
Let’s take a quick look at the Former QVC host in detail:
1. Lisa Robertson – From TV Star to Entrepreneur and Newlywed
Lisa Robertson was one of the most beloved hosts on QVC, who has been loved till now. Robertson worked on QVC for about two decades. Lisa Robertson was one of the most beloved QVC hosts and was known for her elegant and charming personality.
Lisa Robertson left QVC in 2014 and started her journey that combined her passion for style and her business-minded spirit. She started her own website and online store that included luxurious fashion, jewelry, and home decor items that caught her discerning eye.
Lisa often communicates and engages with her fans through Facebook Live Streams and even organizes special travel events to collect cheerful experiences. Lisa’s special travelling experiences include arranging fan holidays and group excursions to remote locations like Alaska and Spain. In simple terms, she turned her talent for presentation into a lifestyle brand, using her on-camera skills to showcase products and share tips on cooking, decorating, and style.
In recent years, Lisa has also embraced big changes in her personal life. In 2023, Lisa surprised her all fans by announcing her marriage with her surprised and delighted fans by announcing her marriage with her long-time love, Jeffrey Lawrence. Lisa focuses on personal happiness and has decided to give less focus on her business.
Lisa is now in her late 50s and she is enjoying a more relaxed pace after decades of live TV and being a businesswoman. Lisa divides her time between her home and tropical vacations, where she reportedly spends a lot of time in the sunshine of the Caribbean. She also uses social media to stay in touch with her followers. From creating a lifestyle business to falling in love and “living her best life” off-air, it’s clear that Lisa’s post-QVC life has been rewarding.
2. Dan Hughes: Reinventing Himself with Comedy, Books, and “Scrub Daddy Dan”
Dan Hughes spent over three decades at QVC and departed from QVC during the major layoffs in early 2023. Dan Hughes helped viewers understand everything from electronics to collectibles. Dan was one of the cherished veterans laid off when QVC’s parent company experienced significant layoffs. Dan approached this as a fresh start rather than the finish. Since then, he has reimagined himself in several fascinating roles.
The first thing that he did immediately after departing from QVC was to be a Stand-up comedian. Dan turned his long-time passion into a profession by returning to stand-up comedy, bringing laughter to audiences off-camera as he did in QVC. Next, he also became a published author by bringing his storytelling talents into writing. In addition to writing at least one touching memoir, “Christmas in the Heartland,” which is a meditation on holiday memories, Dan is also involved in fiction, making references to upcoming mystery novels.
Perhaps most appropriately, Dan managed to continue working in his favorite field of products and presentations. He now works for the cleaning products company Scrub Daddy and is well-known as “Dr. Dirt” or “Scrub Daddy Dan.” Dan helps the sponge business reach its fan base by creating entertaining product videos and infomercial-style pieces on YouTube and social media as a brand ambassador and content creator.
This part-time job came about because of a connection with the inventor of Scrub Daddy, who recalled that Dan had sold 45,000 smiling sponges on QVC in a matter of minutes. Now, Dan is back in front of the camera, but in a different setting. In addition, as he has done for decades, Dan is sharing his knowledge of retail and radio by coaching aspiring entrepreneurs on how to communicate the story of their goods.
Dan Hughes is full of fun and vitality, even though he had a major health scare a few years ago and survived an awful heart attack in 2022. He admitted in interviews that his followers were more disappointed than he was by his departure from QVC! With these new activities, he has “landed on his feet” and is appreciative of the overwhelming support. Dan’s excitement is transmissible, whether he’s signing copies of his book, making jokes on stage, or jokingly showing off a Scrub Daddy sponge like in the above picture.
3. Carolyn Gracie: Embracing Gardening and Launching “Girl Next Door”
Over her 19 years on QVC, Carolyn Gracie won over viewers with her kind smile and calm manner. She was the face of shows on gardening and pets, and featured well-liked parts like Sundays with Carolyn & Dan. Carolyn’s career at QVC ended unexpectedly in March 2023 as a result of the same layoffs that impacted Dan Hughes. Carolyn, who has always been positive, saw this shift as a chance to pursue her hobbies more openly.
Carolyn, a self-described animal lover and gardening passionate, gave followers an early look at her new projects right away, and she delivered. Carolyn said in early 2024 that she was starting her own line of garden and home décor, which she jokingly called “Girl Next Door.” Inspired by years of listening to the desires of QVC viewers, this collection is a real labor of love.
Carolyn explained on social media that “her inspired by her longtime love of gardening and pets, it’s a collection of beautiful, whimsical and functional items for your home and garden.” Her “Girl Next Door” captures Carolyn’s cheerful style, where you can get decorative items from decorative planters and gardens to pet-themed outdoor.
Carolyn has also recently visited QVC and met her friends from QVC. She joined as a vendor guest where she debuted her new collection in QVC’s gardening shows. Carolyn fans, who missed her on-air appearance, were pleased to hear and find that Carolyn joined as a vendor guest where her first on-air presentation aired in February 2024.
Carolyn has been active on social media and in the community, although she has already left QVC. She often shares updates, tips on flower gardens, adventures in RV camping, and also beloved rescued dogs and cats. Fun fact: “Carolyn and her husband Mike love camping, and she’s teased that she might host a fan camping trip in the future!”
Carolyn has teamed up with Dan Hughes, and she occasionally teams right now also for Facebook Live chats and a possible joint podcast, which proves that the Carolyn & Dan duo isn’t done yet. Carolyn exudes gratitude for health and often encourages her fans to enjoy every little thing in their life and enjoy every moment. Carolyn is a breast cancer survivor who knows the value of life and encourages her fans to do the same. After relocating from QVC’s Pennsylvania base, Carolyn’s now spending more time at her North Carolina residence, where she focuses on the projects that she “places on the back burner: during her busy TV career.
4. Antonella Nester: Weathering Storms and Thriving Online
Antonella Nester worked in QVC for 16 years, where Antonella managed to connect with her viewers who were interested in jewelry and fashion. Like other QVC hosts, Antonella Nester was laid off in mid of 2020 during QVC restructuring. QVC was compelled to take a very tough break that was compounded by personal hardships.
Antonella’s husband also lost his job in a short time, and the couple made a very rough and tough decision; they downsized their life and decided to live on a boat to save their living cost. Antonell’s family and her friends were so sad to hear that at the same time, she was diagnosed with cancer and needed intense treatment. Antonella’s spirit remained unbroken even in that stormy period.
In the present day, Antonella Nester symbolizes perseverance. From shaving her head before chemotherapy to ringing the bell after treatments, she brought her fans along on every step of her candid and humorous social media and YouTube documentation of her cancer struggle. Through it all, her upbeat motto was, “I ain’t done yet!”
Antonella managed to combine her background as a shopping presenter with the emerging field of internet content as her health improved. She started a YouTube channel and Facebook page called “Antonella’s Corner,” where she interacts with followers via weekly live streams. She currently broadcasts from her catamaran house (yep, she and her husband really relocated onto a sailboat, giving the phrase “smooth sailing” a literal meaning) and offers jewelry and fashion discounts in an entertaining, intimate manner, much like a QVC program on social media.
As a brand ambassador and influencer, Antonella has collaborated with jewelry merchants such as Silpada and JTV (Jewelry Television). On her channel, Jessica offers “JTV Fridays” every Friday, when she shares a unique shopping link with her fans and highlights glittery discoveries. She promotes sterling silver items and exclusive discount coupons on Saturdays during “Silpada Saturdays.”
For admirers who miss her engaging presentations, she has essentially developed her own at-home buying experience. In between these pursuits, Antonella also experiments with entertaining lifestyle material, such as beauty conversations and “girl time” storytelling sessions. Her material, which she refers to as “all girlie fun stuff, jewelry, makeup, sailing,” is, in fact, a combination of entertaining and useful updates.
Most significantly, Antonella recently announced the amazing news that her cancer is in remission following several rounds of treatment and even a leukemia episode. She frequently jokes that laughter has been the finest medication and that she is feeling stronger and more beautiful than ever.
Through a GoFundMe and unwavering support, fans have come together to support her, and Antonella has returned the favor by uplifting others and maintaining her optimistic attitude. Her success on the internet is touching; she is a living example of how even the most difficult circumstances can lead to promising futures.
5. Jill Bauer: Creating a Lifestyle Community with “Just Jill”
If you have ever watched QVC for home décor, kitchen gadgets, or holiday inspiration, you surely know Jill Bauer. For 25 years, Jill brought warmth and authenticity to QVC’s home programming, whether she was decorating Christmas trees on air or sharing recipes.
In 2019, Jill made the bittersweet decision to leave QVC to spend more time with her family and to pursue new challenges. Instead of returning to TV right away, Jill leaped into the digital world. She founded Just Jill™, a multifaceted lifestyle brand that includes a blog, social media presence, and even an online store.
On JustJill.com, Jill writes blog posts about easy recipes, entertaining tips, and home organization – essentially continuing the conversations she had with viewers, but now on her platform. She admits it was a big learning curve (“I had no prior experience in blogging or SEO,” she said), but she taught herself and built a loyal audience online.
Building on that success, Jill launched the Just Jill Shop in 2021 (Coinprwire). Rather than manufacture her own products, she curates collections of her favorite things – from boutique kitchen tools and cozy home décor to a line of Just Jill candles that have become best-sellers. She often highlights small businesses and family-run brands in her shop, giving them exposure they might not otherwise have. It’s like a little general store of Jill’s picks, all available through her website.
Jill’s transition from TV host to digital entrepreneur has been impressive. She effectively turned herself into a lifestyle influencer – but one who’s still the same down-to-earth “gal next door” fans remember. On Instagram (@justjillbauer), she shares snippets of her life: trying out new recipes in her kitchen, decorating her living room mantle for fall, or chatting about finding balance in midlife.
She’s also stayed connected to the wider media world. Jill occasionally pops up on the Today show as a lifestyle expert and recently became a brand ambassador for JAI Jewelry, a line on QVC, representing them on air. Yes, that’s right – she does make guest appearances on QVC from time to time, but now as a vendor rep rather than a host, which she finds fun and flexible. She even jokingly calls herself a “property sister” because she’s gotten into real estate staging and home renovation projects since leaving QVC, showcasing another facet of her creativity.
All in all, Jill Bauer has built what some call a “lifestyle empire” on her own terms. She’s her own boss, creating content that helps women, especially moms, find joy in cooking, decorating, and making a house a home. And she’s loving it – as she says, it allows her to be there for her family while still doing what she loves, which is connecting with people and sharing ideas.
6. Jacque Gonzales: Coaching and Connecting in the Digital Age
Jacque Gonzales brought energy and a modern flair to QVC during her 15-year run from 2002 to 2017. A former radio DJ, Jacque was adept at talking up any product enthusiastically, from electronics to beauty. Since stepping away from QVC, she’s charted a course that combines public service, consulting, and influencer-style content, truly a multi-hyphenate career that reflects her versatile talents.
Right after leaving QVC, Jacque took an interesting turn into close social duty. She and her family had made their home in Chester County, PA, where QVC is headquartered, and Jacque got involved in community government. In 2018, she was elected Inspector of Elections for her local precinct and was even re-elected for a second time.
Perhaps all those years of encouraging viewers to cast their votes for product surveys paid off, as her voluntary public service position reflects her keen interest in community service. On election days, Jacque has gladly put in a lot of overtime to make sure that every vote is counted.
In 2017, Jacque started her own consulting business, Jacque Gonzales Media, to further her career. She positioned herself as a “Live Selling Coach” and started teaching people how to use social media and speak on-air. With 40 years of combined experience in retail TV and broadcasting, Jacque currently counsels aspiring presenters and businesses on how to use engaging presentations to increase audience engagement and sales.
She basically teaches the next generation of presenters and influencers how to engage with viewers as sincerely as she did. Her services range from brand marketing to media coaching and content development. She frequently remarks that helping others shine brings her just as much excitement as being on television herself, indicating how fulfilling she feels the task to be.
However, Jacque is still in the spotlight. She portrays herself as a Gen-X mother and lifestyle coach on social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram. In addition to hosting weekly Facebook Live conversations, she has also hosted live shopping events on Amazon Live, and her series “Sundays with Jacque” offers a lighthearted blend of life updates and shopping advice.
Taking advantage of the current trend of at-home shopping shows, you can actually watch Jacque live stream on Amazon on some Sundays, displaying her favorite tech or home buys. “Helping Brands & Businesses Skyrocket Their Growth with Live Social Shopping” is how her Instagram bio puts it. She has effectively turned into a mentor and influencer combined.
Jacque has been open about the challenges she has faced and has overcome them. She had a breast cancer scare in 2016 while she was still employed at QVC, but fortunately,y the tumor was clear. She became a vocal supporter of routine mammograms as a result. She later had a major preventive surgery (a hysterectomy) in 2022 to address other health issues.
She has been honest about her experiences throughout it all in the hopes that sharing her story may benefit other women. Personally, Jacque is contentedly married to Jim, who also happens to be a financial backstage employee at QVC. They have a college-age stepson and a teenage daughter named Theresa, whom Jacque adores.
Jacque Gonzales is doing well today. She enjoys sharing pictures of her now-empty nest adventures, divides her time between Chester County and New Mexico, where her extended family resides, and still appreciates a good cosmetic product or technological advancement. Even though she doesn’t appear on TV every day anymore, she continues to assist others flourish in the home shopping industry.
7. Dan Wheeler: Turning Loss into a Faith-Fueled Mission
Dan Wheeler was a constant, comforting figure for QVC viewers in the 1990s and 2000s. After joining QVC in 1991, he went on to become one of the network’s longest-serving hosts, hosting for over 29 years. However, Dan had a very heartbreaking and personal reason for quitting QVC.
Dan decided to retire in 2017 to care for his loving wife Beth in her last days after she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in 2015. Dan left the cameras to be by Beth’s side after more than thirty years of broadcasting and eleven thousand hours of live television. After 31 years of marriage, Dan found himself a widower when she tragically died away later in 2015.
Dan resorted to his religion and his passion to assist others in the face of this tremendous tragedy. In remembrance of Beth’s legacy, he established the ministry Fearless Faith. In 2016, Dan founded Fearless Faith Ministries with two close friends, including his roommate from college, to inspire others to “finish strong” in life with faith and optimism.
What started as a Facebook page with daily motivational posts has expanded into a comprehensive missionary effort. Under Fearless Faith, Dan conducts a regular podcast/devotional series called “Finish Strong,” where he interviews people about overcoming hardship and offers inspirational tales. Though they are given as presents for donations rather than being sold for a profit because he is a nonprofit, he even sells Fearless Faith products.
On paper, Dan also spilled his emotions. In his book “Hurricane of Love: My Journey with Beth Wheeler,” he details the love and faith that got them through his late wife’s fight with illness. In addition to honoring Beth, the memoir offers consolation to those experiencing bereavement, which is an extension of Dan’s ministry work. Dan describes how taking care of Beth and losing her altered his understanding of what is important in the book and interviews. It inspired him to inspire families and youth to pursue a life filled with faith and purpose.
While preserving Beth’s memories, Dan Wheeler has now found happiness once more. In 2021, he was married again; Pam, his new wife, was a buddy from high school, and they got back in touch years after Beth’s death. Dan and Pam relocated to Florida, where Dan continues his ministry work and frequently broadcasts his “Cup of Inspiration” films in the morning against bright skies.
He also enjoys spending a lot of time with his two daughters and grandkids, who are a great source of happiness for him. Despite his departure from commercial television, Dan occasionally appears as a guest on local stations and faith-based TV shows, where he talks about finding hope after loss. His story demonstrates that, although he stopped selling goods, he is now engaged in a really significant endeavor: promoting love and hope once again.
8. Kathy Levine: Back on Air and Sparkling as Ever
One of the initial presenters who contributed to the development of QVC’s identity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kathy Levine, must be included while discussing QVC legends. From 1986 until 2000, Kathy served as QVC’s resident beauty gal and storyteller. She was well-known for her clever one-liners and her ability to make light of any product.
Kathy left live TV after 20 years to pursue other projects, including publishing a best-selling book (It’s Better to Laugh…), doing media appearances, and appearing on other shopping networks. You can’t keep Kathy away from a camera forever, as many longtime watchers have wondered what happened to her.
After a 22-year break, Kathy Levine just made an impressive return to QVC. It all began in 2022 when Kathy received an invitation from QVC to attend the 35th anniversary of Diamonique, the company’s hallmark jewelry line, which she had previously actively marketed. Because of the popularity of her one-time appearance and the fact that it “felt like a chance,” according to Kathy, QVC offered her a regular spot on QVC2, the network’s sister channel.
Kathy now returns to the screen with her classic sparkle and sales savvy as the host of a monthly Diamonique show on QVC2. She says that every time she appears on television, it’s like a reunion because many of her former admirers are now grandparents, just like her. It’s like a nostalgic delight for QVC fans to watch Kathy show jewels once more.
Kathy has a lot going on outside of these QVC appearances. She splits her time between Florida and Pennsylvania with her husband, whom she married late in life and frequently makes jokes about “finally finding Mr. Right.” In addition to giving motivational speeches, Kathy maintains the “Kathy’s Korner” Facebook page, where she shares her open opinions on a wide range of topics, from current affairs to fashion.
She demonstrated that her sales skills are still strong a few years ago by hosting shows on ShopHQ, another shopping channel, and representing a jewelry line there. Kathy is smart, lively, and yes, she still loves large jewelry and sparkles at the age of about 70. She uses social media to remain in touch with a new generation of followers, and she is active on Instagram, sharing old pictures and style advice.
Kathy frequently claims that the secret to her successful life after QVC has been “reinvention.” She has never been scared to attempt something new, whether it was authoring books, selling real estate, making infomercials, or now returning to QVC for special shows. Furthermore, Kathy Levine’s ability to talk nonstop hasn’t diminished in the slightest! Her comeback to television has served as a reminder that, while doing what they love, some individuals never grow old.
Final Thoughts: Life After QVC
To conclude, these former QVC hosts have explored a wide range of topics, including digital content, entrepreneurship, and personal interests. However, they are still the well-known individuals we recall in many respects. They continue to engage their audience in meaningful ways, whether it’s via Facebook Live, podcasts, new product lines, or appearances on our screens.
Catching up with everyone of them has been amazing, and I’ve learned that life outside of QVC can be just as interesting and rewarding as it was on-camera. Let’s wish Lisa, Dan, Carolyn, Antonella, Jill, Jacque, Dan Wheeler, Kathy, and all the other QVC alums who are like old friends much success and happiness in the future. We’ll be supporting them in all that comes ahead, and we enjoy knowing where they are right now!
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I swear that Rick Domeyer has ADHD. He is off the wall and pushy. When he is on with Valerie Parr Hill he acts like he knows nothing about the products and relies on Valerie to be the stable grounded presenter. I always turn the tv off when he is on. He is way, way, way too much of a salesman to me. Too wild and crazy!!!!!!