I am thrilled that up next up on 'Favorites of Favorites' is Reichen Lehmkuhl.
Why He is a Favorite:
Ok, yes, Reichen Lehmkuhl is without a doubt hot. More than hot really. Maybe it is his name, his chiseled face, his 5 years in the Air Force. Maybe it was because most of us were introduced to Reichen on 'The Amazing Race' where he and teammate Chip were the first gay team to win it all.
Reichen and Chip on 'The Amazing Race'
Maybe it was because for many Chip and Reichen were a breath of fresh air and seen as the perfect representatives. A lot to live up to, but Reichen certainly has. For me, Reichen, along with Will Wikle from Big Brother were two of a very small group of men I ever related to on reality tv, or tv at all for that matter. May seem like a small thing to some, but with the exception of the odd tv show like 'Will and Grace' it was reality television that opened up tv viewers to slices of life not previously shown on mainstream networks. Reality tv was bringing in huge viewership and it seemed all of a sudden that every show had a gay player. It is not fair of course that any one of them should represent an entire community, but with so few openly gay men on tv, most had to wear the label of role model whether they wanted to or not.
Below: Reichen by Kal Yee
It was interesting watching Reichen after winning 'Amazing Race'. Reichen may have not intended to be a role model, but we insisted he represent us anyway. I think Reichen did an amazing job with this. Of course there have been backlashes, but Reichen has risen above them. Reichen was now a celebrity and one with a lot on his shoulders. People now felt free to be critical of each and every move he made, whether it be his love life, his choice of roles or causes. Reichen has remained strong, continuing to make choices to support causes he believes in and taking on projects that can further his career and ensure he continues to have a voice.
It was inevitable that Reichen would enter the entertainment industry. There is just something special about him that is a perfect fit with Hollywood. Reichen quickly began getting modeling work as well as acting work on tv shows like 'Frasier' playing what else, an Impossibly Handsome Man, as well as stints on 'The Young And The Restless' and 'Days Of Our Lives'. Other roles followed, but last year Reichen began playing Trevor on 'Dante's Cove'. I was initially surprised by this choice of role and felt it more than a little risky. I think it was ultimately a great choice for both Reichen and 'Dante's Cove'. It was Reichen's joining that got me to give the show a look. I think Reichen would also be a great choice to host a reality show. I can see him hosting Survivor or Race confidently.
Reichen is one of many men in the media who helps me to be proud to be gay. Strong, confident, a winner. Although people want him to be perfect, he is human and it is this I respect. Unlike many other gay personalities, Reichen is who he is. Being gay just happens to be one of those things. This to me, this is at the heart of what many of us strive for. Richen's achieving this gives me hope.
Below: Reichen in 'Dante's Cove'
Besides his role on Dante's Cove, Reichen also spends his time modeling (providing us with stunning images on his calendars) as well as public speaking engagements, writing, and supporting many causes. Reichen also represents his own line of jewlery, 'Fly Naked' which can be found at LoveandPride.com as well as Saks Fifth Avenue and Fred Segal.
Below: Reichen by Edwin Santiago.
NAME: REICHEN LEHMKUHL
Occupation: Actor, model and activist
Known for: Winning 'The Amazing Race' season 4 with Chip Arndt
Currently Seen: As Trevor on 'Dante's Cove'
Official Site: REICHEN
1.Favorite Site you check out daily on the net?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: HuffingtonPost.com
2.Favorite Meal?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: Any kind of Pizza, or Sushi
Above: Reichen wearing part of the 'Fly Naked' collection.
3. Favorite TV Show?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: True Blood
4. Favorite TV show guilty pleasure?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: Dante's Cove
5.First celebrity Crush?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: George Michael
6.Celebrity you would go on a date with if you could?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: Paul Walker
7. Favorite Thing to do when home alone for a day?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: Cook a bunch of food for the week and store it in the fridge (I hardly ever get to do this)
8. Favorite Part of your job?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: How diverse it is...no one day is like any other.
One of my favorite shots of Reichen
9.Favorite Project you have been a part of?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: The Drew Carey Show
10.Favorite Body Part (yours or on another):
Reichen Lehmkuhl: The Armpit
Below: Amazing shot by Paul Rusconi.
11. Favorite Piece of Clothing you own?
Reichen Lehmkuhl: My collection of "jammy pants" (pajama pants)
I just lovethis shot of Reichen and his cat Fritz. Such a beautiful shot!
12. Favorite Holiday
Reichen Lehmkuhl: Halloween
13. Favorite movie you saw as a child.
Reichen Lehmkuhl: On Golden Pond
14. Music that was blaring when you were a kid, when you closed your bedroom, grabbed something as a mike, and pretended to be a rock star.
Reichen Lehmkuhl: Kenny Rogers, "The Gambler"
Below: Reichen by Stephane Marquet and Aleksander Tomovic for FantasticMag.
You can check out Amazon for Reichen's book 'Here's What We'll Say: Growing Up, Coming Out, and the U.S. Air Force'
Thanks Reichen!!!
