It turns out 'Selling the OC’ star Gio Helou’s mum also works for The O Group
It's 'bring your mom to work day' every day for Gio!

If you're already pining for Selling the OC season two, perhaps we can quench some of your cravings for the Selling Sunset spin-off with some very interesting facts about the cast—namely, Gio Helou's mum, who is also a big name in the real estate biz. Lisa Helou not only works in the Oppenheim Office but made quite a few appearances in the show and we can likely expect more if the hit show is renewed!
As many fans may know, Gio actually isn't the only cast member with real estate in his genes. Tyler Stanaland—who recently split from wife Brittany Snow—also has a parent with skin in the game. Tyler's dad John Stanaland is a property tycoon, who also makes a quick cameo in the show—though, unlike Lisa, he doesn't have his own
Throughout the first season, Gio made it clear that when it comes to lavich, beachfront abodes in Newport Beach, he knows what he's talking about. And clearly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as his talent for selling was clearly inspired by his mother, Lisa Helou.
Here's what we know about her and in case you missed her, here are all the episodes of Selling the OC you can spot her in...
Who is 'Selling the OC' star Gio Helou’s mum Lisa Helou?
While many of us would think sharing an office with our mothers wouldn’t exactly equal an ideal work environment—it seems to work for Gio, who works alongside his mother at Jason and Brett Oppenheim’s brokerage ‘The Oppenheim Group.’
Gio’s mom, Lisa Helou can likely take some credit for her son’s real estate success as she herself has a mind-boggling amount of multi-million dollar sales behind her.
Lisa, who you can find on Instagram under the handle @lisa_cantagallo_helou, is a realtor associate at the O-group. She earned her license in 1976 and is married to a residential builder. The O group’s website describes her as having ‘a longstanding reputation for her assertiveness and relentless pursuit on behalf of her clients.’
A post shared by Lisa Helou (@lisa_cantagallo_helou)
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On her Instagram, she keeps followers up to date with all her latest listings, as well as sharing some adorable family snaps—especially with her son/colleague Gio!
A post shared by Lisa Helou (@lisa_cantagallo_helou)
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Is Lisa Helou in 'Selling the OC'?
Yes, Lisa appears in several episodes, making her debut in episode two at Gio's open house—where she gave him some sage advice on creating ambiance and the importance of 'no wine upstairs.' She also appears alongside Gio in episode six, again delivering words of wisdom and support to her younger colleagues, Rose and Jarvis!
A post shared by Lisa Helou (@lisa_cantagallo_helou)
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Since making her debut on the show, Lisa has been updating her IG page with some behind the scene snaps, including one shot of her about to ring the famous O-group bell—does this mean congratulations are in order?
A post shared by Lisa Helou (@lisa_cantagallo_helou)
A photo posted by on
She's also posted a number of snaps with her son and boss, Jason Oppenheim, so clearly, the mother-son work arrangment is still going smoothly...
Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team and has recently earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ. She has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but has taken a leap into the world of journalism after always having a passion for writing. She currently writes pieces on beauty, trends, fashion, and entertainment for GoodTo and My Imperfect Life. She also tests and reviews beauty and skincare products and tries out the latest TikTok hacks for My Imperfect Life.
Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.
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