TV turns out hundreds (if not thousands) of reality TV graduates every month- a few go on to fame and fortune, while others slip quietly back into obscurity. Of those that are clever enough to capitalize on their brief spell in the spotlight and add some extra miles on to their 5 minutes of fame, the rewards are clear: celebrity, fortune, and the chance to pursue their dreams… whether those dreams are of appearing on Broadway, hosting red carpet events, becoming a soap opera star, or even opening a celebrity-endorsed skincare clinic. Of all the reality TV shows out there, Big Brother is one of the biggest, managing to turn out more stars over the course of its 21 seasons than most other shows could manage over 100. To find out which Big Brother cast members have gone on to the most success, read on.
1. Frankie Grande
Frankie Grande made his Big Brother debut in 2014 as part of season 16. Although he only managed to finish the show in 5th place, he’s since proved a victor when it comes to post-BB success. In addition to appearing in numerous on and off-Broadway productions (including Pageant and Rock of Ages), he’s been the star of his own one-man cabaret show, hosted numerous red carpet events, proved a popular judge on reality TV shows, released a music single, been nominated for a People’s Choice Award, launched a unisex perfume with his half-sister Arianna, and developed a massive social media following that, while not quite in the same league as his sister’s, is still impressive in its own right. He’s not hesitated to use his newfound fame for good: not only did he donate his BB winnings to help build a school in Africa, he’s also participated in several charitable fundraisers (including the annual Broadway Bares show in aid of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the “Broadway Sings for Pride” benefit concert) and is an active supporter of AIDS/LifeCycle.
2. Cody Calafiore
Cody Calafiore first entered the Big Brother house as part of the lineup of season 16. On his second day, he teamed up with fellow housemate Derrick Levasseur to form “The Hitmen”, and together, they plotted against the rest of the house to ensure they were the last two cast members standing. The ploy worked, with Levasseur winning the season and Calafiore claiming the runner up position (along with a $50,000 cash prize). In 2016, he returned to the franchise briefly, appearing in episodes 1 & 14 of season 18. Since leaving the BB house behind, Calafiore has made a name for himself as an actor, appearing in such features as New Dogs, Old Tricks (2018), The Bold and The Beautiful (2014), and Elementary (2019). He’s also enjoyed success as a model, having appeared in the likes of Risbel Magazine, LOVE magazine, Men’s Fitness and Wing Magazine.
3. Rachel Villegas
Rachel Villegas’ first Big Brother appearance came in 2010 during season 12, when she placed 9th out of 13 competitors. Her BB journey didn’t end there: she’s since made appearances in Big Brother 13 (2011), Big Brother 14 (2012), Big Brother 15 (2013), Big Brother 16 (2014), Big Brother Canada 2 (2014), Big Brother 16 (2014), Big Brother 17 (2015), Big Brother 18 (2016), Celebrity Big Brother 1 (2018), and Big Brother 20 (2018). Undoubtedly, the main reason Villegas has been asked back to the house on so many occasions is down to the success she’s achieved since her first appearance. Like many former BB contestants, Villegas has continued to dabble in reality TV since her departure and has so far racked up appearances on the likes of Hell’s Kitchen 11 (2013), The Amazing Race 24 (2014), Celebrity Fear Factor (2018), and The Amazing Race 31 (2019). She’s also established herself as a successful actress, with appearances on The Letter Red (2016), Papa (2018), Barbee Rehab (2017-2018), Axeman 2: Overkill (2017), and Stained (2019).
4. William Kirby
William Kirby’s Big Brother debut came all the way back in 2001; his appearance went down a storm and he ended up winning first place. He’s since gone on to be named the best ever Big Brother winner and the greatest Big Brother player by EW. Since leaving the show, Kirby has returned to his full-time profession as an aesthetic dermatologist while using his new-found fame to capture a new audience (and an increased client base) by making himself a regular fixture on talk shows and lifestyle segments as an “aesthetic dermatology expert”. Following on from his departure from Big Brother, Kirby served briefly as a medical correspondent on Extra!, hosted a dating show for NBC, appeared in several episodes of Bravo’s Battle of The Network Reality Stars, featured in 2 seasons of The Doctors, and appeared on numerous episodes of E! News. He’s also played an animated doctor in Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken, and starred in two seasons of Bravo’s Then and Now.
5. Daniel Gheesling
Dan Gheesling made his first Big Brother appearance in season 10; further to his success on the show (he ended up placing in first position and claiming the $500,000 top prize in a 7-0 vote), he returned for another shot at reality TV stardom in Big Brother 14. That time around, he made it to 2nd place position behind eventual winner, Ian Terry (and in doing, became the first Big Brother contestant to ever make it to the final 2 on two occasions). Since leaving the show, Gheesling has built a successful career as a video game player (he even has his own dedicated YouTube gaming channel) and social media influencer. He’s also found success as a public speaker, coach, and author, having published several books, including Punch It In: 24 Days To Crossing Your Goal Line (2013), Clean Your Own Mirror: 6 Necessary Duties to Lead and Influence People (2013), and How To Get On Reality TV: How A Normal Guy Got Cast On Reality TV (2012).
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