Gretchen Rossi's Stunning Throwback Photos Prove Her Daughter Skylar Is Her Lookalike

Gretchen Rossi has come a very long way since her debut on The Real Housewives of Orange County in Season 4 back in 2008.

When Gretchen first appeared on the show, she was in a very different place in her life. After experiencing her own health issues and relationship struggles, Gretchen is now a busy mom to an adorable 5-year-old daughter, Skylar Gray Smiley, and is engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Slade Smiley.

But, before all of this happened in her life, Gretchen was just a young girl growing up in La Crescenta, California who had dreams of studying Psychology. While she was able to accomplish this, she went on to achieve so much more.

Don’t miss out on the latest Bravo news:

Heather Dubrow Gives Her a Full Tour of Her "Sexy" Los Angeles Penthouse: "Living in the Sky"

Shannon Beador Throws Some Shade at Alexis Bellino: "She's Just a Friend"

Why Heather & Terry Dubrow Aren't Living in Their Penthouse: "World's Most Expensive Closet"

Gretchen Rossi's Baby Photo

Gretchen (whose maiden last name is Forward) was born on October 30 in Michigan, just one day before Halloween. The date might contribute to Gretchen's love of theatrics, decorating for the holidays, and her super fun personality. 

A photo of Gretchen Rossi and her dad.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

Gretchen's October 30th birthday also means that she is a Scorpio. Scorpios are known for being devoted, passionate, and intense, according to TODAY, which makes them loyal partners and very hard workers. That seems pretty accurate for Gretchen.

Pics of Gretchen Rossi as a Kid and Her Brother, Ethan Forward

Gretchen Rossi and her brother, Ethan Forward.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

Gretchen grew up with two siblings — a sister, Nicole Forward, and a younger brother, Ethan Forward. Gretchen and Ethan are still very close to this day. Gretchen and her mom, Brenda Forward, threw Ethan and his wife, Dionne, a baby shower for their fourth child in December. And when Dionne gave birth in February, Gretchen and Skylar were there to meet her little cousin. Gretchen's parents celebrated their 40th anniversary on RHOC Season 6.

Gretchen Rossi riding a four wheeler as a child through the woods.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

Gretchen Rossi and Her Daughter, Skylar Gray, are Lookalikes: See Photo

Perhaps the most notable thing about these throwback photos of Gretchen is that she looks so much like her daughter, Skylar. There is no denying that Skylar is her mom's twin — from their blonde hair to their shocking baby blue eyes to their penchant for wearing color and having some serious style. They are clearly lookalikes!

Gretchen Rossi standing next to an off road vehicle as a child.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

But, Gretchen's journey to becoming a mother wasn't an easy road for her. "Everyone knew it was my dream to have a child," Gretchen explained during a February episode of Bravo's Hot Mic podcast. 

Gretchen underwent four years of treatment with IVF, or in-vitro fertilization in an attempt to get pregnant. Gretchen had lost 14 embryos before having one final embryo implanted in 2018, resulting in her getting pregnant with Skylar. Even once she was pregnant, Gretchen was so forthcoming about her journey, sharing photos and videos throughout their pregnancy journey. 

Gretchen Rossi as a child standing next to a jet-ski.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

"I have never felt more joy and happiness in my entire life," Gretchen said of finding out she was pregnant in 2018. "This last year was one of the most arduous years going through another two rounds of IVF...but these first two videos make all the pain, the tears, the worry, the anxiety worth it!"

A young Gretchen Rossi standing in front of a black board.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

In the past five years, Skylar has proven to be a mini Gretchen even in her personality. She can sometimes be a little too much, even for her parents. "Skylar is hard for us," Gretchen said on Hot Mic. "She's like having three kids in one, she wears us out."

Gretchen Rossi's Old Photos as a Cheerleader

Gretchen grew up in La Crescenta, California. As seen in the photos here, Gretchen loved being active — whether she was posing with a jet-ski or taking a ride on a four wheeler. And, according to her childhood photos, she was a cheerleader.

Gretchen Rossi standing next to her cheerleading coach in high school.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

In a 2012 interview with CeleBuzz! (via Reality Tea), Gretchen opened up about her love of being active. "I grew up playing soccer and softball and was a cheerleader," Gretchen said. "So I've always been extremely athletic."

Gretchen Rossi in a cheerleading uniform as a teenager.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

Gretchen's athleticism (and her natural ability in front of the camera) can be seen in these photos. Although she may no longer be cheerleading on the sidelines, she is Slade and Skylar's biggest cheerleader in real life.

A high school portrait of Gretchen Rossi in her letterman's jacket.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

Gretchen Rossi's Throwback Photos as a Teenager

It's safe to say that Gretchen did not have any awkward phases. These photos of her taken during her time in high school and from her teenage years prove it.

A young Gretchen Rossi wearing a black dress and a sash that says Princess.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

Gretchen has been previously open about her feelings on cosmetic procedures and detailed having Botox. In a 2011 blog penned for BravoTV.com, Gretchen revealed her stance on plastic surgery. "For the record, I have never had plastic surgery myself (despite all the rumors that say I have had every surgery known to mankind done — cheek implants, nose fake teeth, and whatever else they can come up with)," she wrote at the time. "Honestly I probably would look a lot better if I had all that done!"

A teenage Gretchen Rossi holding a birthday cake with candles.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

But, she also didn't completely rule out plastic surgery in the blog post written 13 years ago. "Let me be clear, I am not against plastic surgery at all, and I am sure one day I will probably have something nipped, tucked, or worked on as my body and face starts to droop!" she wrote. "However, I find some women overdo it and sometimes start way too young when they are so beautiful to start with."

A young Gretchen Rossi standing smiling with her parents.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

Gretchen Rossi's Old Photos from Before She Was a Housewife

Gretchen had to kiss plenty of frogs before she found her Prince Charming in her fiancé, Slade Smiley. While these photos show that she lived such a big life before she met Slade, she could not be any happier to be by his side now.

"You are my rock, my confident, my protector, my lover, my everything!" Gretchen wrote in the caption of an October 2023 Instagram post penned to Slade. "God blessed me abundantly when he brought you into my life & I could never imagine the ride we would go on together & all the things we have been through over the last 15 yrs! But I fall more in love with you with each passing year."

Gretchen Rossi dressed as Little Red Riding Hood with friends.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

Although Gretchen and Slade have experienced some tough times together, they could not be any stronger today. They have yet to tie the knot, but Gretchen isn't rushing to get married any time soon. She is very happy with their arrangement as it stands.

"Some will also always ask why we haven't gotten married (and maybe one day we still will) but the truth is I'm so proud of the fact that we are together because we want to be, not because we feel like we have to be," Gretchen penned in a February 2019 Instagram post. "We are committed and loyal to one another whether or not we have a marriage license! And sometimes I think that speaks more volumes."

Gretchen Rossi giving a thumbs up in a white suit.

Photo: Courtesy of Gretchen Rossi

Watch The Real Housewives of Orange County on Peacock.