The Southern Charm New Orleans Cast's Family History Is Filled with Some Very Important People

If there's one thing that really bonds Charmers from all over the south, it's their love and respect for their families. Considering the fact that so many of the Charmers' relatives and ancestors have played an important role in the history of their cities and the United States of America at large, from a vice president to an Academy Award-winning actor, we totally understand why they would want to live up to their legacies. 

The newest Charmers on the block are no exception. The Southern Charm New Orleans crew come from families who go way back in the history of the Big Easy and have made the Louisiana city what it is today. Find out more about some of the New Orleans Charmers' backgrounds below, and you'll soon see why this Big Easy bunch is kind of a big deal.

Reagan Charleston's family has been in New Orleans even before the U.S. became a country, coming from Spain and France and landing in the city in the early 1700s, she told The Daily Dish earlier this season. One of her ancestors, Antoine Amédée Peychaud, was an apothecary who invented Pyechaud's Bitters in the 1800s. He would later go on to create the Sazerac, which was declared the official cocktail of New Orleans by the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2008 and consists of rye whiskey, simple syrup, and Peychaud's Bitters. "I love craft cocktails. And I know why — it's in the blood," Reagan told The Daily Dish. "New Orleans has such an interesting history, and our family members go all the way back."

Check out the video at the top of this post to learn how to make a Sazerac yourself, and laissez les bon temps rouler!

In more recent history, Reagan's family also owned the world-famous Coghlan Art Gallery in the French Quarter. Reagan recently shared a photo of her grandparents at their art gallery on Toulouse Street on Instagram, which you can check out, above.

Tamica (center) with her father Bivian (left), mother Cynthia (right), and brother Sonny (lower right).

Tamica Lee's last name is synonymous with New Orleans sports. Her late father, Bivian Lee, was a legendary cornerback for the New Orleans Saints, drafted in 1971, the same year as the team's famous quarterback Archie Manning. Tamica's mother, Cynthia, who was born and raised in New Orleans, met Tamica's father when he came to the Big Easy to begin his pro football career.

Tamica's father passed away in 1984 at the age of 36 after suffering a massive heart attack. But Tamica and her brother, Bivian "Sonny" Lee, have carried on their father's legacy since his passing. Tamica has served as a member of the New Orleans Saintsations, and she still works with the dance team to this day. Sonny founded Son of a Saint, an organization that provides mentorship to boys growing up without fathers. "I love the Saints Organization. I've been there for 20 years dancing, coaching. My brother was Tom Benson's chief aide. He was the former owner of the Saints. He just passed away a couple of weeks ago," Tamica told The Daily Dish. "So we just have Saints ties."

Justin Reese is clearly close with his mother, Dottie Reese, as fans can see this season of Southern Charm New Orleans. And who wouldn't want to be just like the fierce and fabulous Dottie? She has her own consulting business, is a civic activist, and is a huge philanthropist. "Someone asked me who my mama is. I say, 'Dottie Reese,' and I don't have to say anything else after that," Justin proudly shared on Southern Charm New Orleans.

Justin's father is also a prestigious judge in the city. It's no wonder Justin went on to become a top personal injury lawyer and sports agent. Success is in his DNA!

See more of the NOLA Charmers and their families, below.

Throwback Photos of the Southern Charm New Orleans Crew