Interview with Carson Kressley
Love him or hate him, Carson Kressley is one of TV's most recognizable gay reality stars. He burst onto the scene with Bravo's groundbreaking reality phenomenon Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and he's been everywhere ever since. Whether he's on the red carpet at the Oscars, dropping by The Today Show, or commentating for the Miss USA pageant, Carson always brings his flamboyant style and quick wit to the screen. In fact, it's that vibrant — some say over-the-top — personality that has become somewhat divisive within the gay community. In addition to his CW reality show Crowned, Carson recently got his own show on Lifetime, an American remake of the British show How To Look Good Naked. While the show is at heart a makeover show, it's unique in that it's more about teaching women to see through their insecurities and warped self-images than finding them a cute outfit. The program has even come under fire for not encouraging the women to diet or lose weight. Each episode follows Carson as he meets a woman with body issues and helps her learn to see herself differently, get a makeover, and finally do a nude photo shoot. The show debuted last month to record numbers for the Lifetime Channel.
We recently talked to Carson about his new show, gay men on television, and what the other Queer Eye guys are up to these days. Oh, and Carson is quite the multitasker too. He was doing dishes while we chatted.
AfterElton.com: Congratulations
on the record breaking ratings for your new show!
AE: With other similar makeover shows out there such as What Not To Wear and How Do I Look? what made you decide to
do a show like this? The good thing about this show was that it was successful on the BBC in England so before I said I wanted to do it, I got to see one of their episodes. I really felt it was a good fit because I could take what I do, which is making people feel better by making them look better, and make a version for the United States. I think it's kind of similar to Queer Eye in that it's not just about the outside. We really transform the way people think about themselves, and I think that's the most powerful kind of makeover show. A lot of them that are out there now don't do that. They show the made-over person to their friends and family, and it's like, "Wow, you look different." But has their life really changed? For most of them, the answer is no. With this one, though, I think we really help people live a better life. And I needed the money.
AE: So how did you come to be involved? Submitted by on Wed, 2008-01-30 22:27. |
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