See Your Favorite Stars From ‘The Real World’ Then and Now
In many ways the original reality TV series, MTV's 'The Real World' has been documenting what happens when people stop being polite and start being real since 1992.
There have been over 200 cast members of varying backgrounds and temperaments during the show's soon-to-be 28 seasons. With season 28, 'The Real World: Portland,' in full swing, find out what some of the more memorable 'Real World' housemates are up to these days.
Eric Nies, 'The Real World: New York'
Then: Eric Nies and his abs became the breakout star of the first ever 'Real World.' The son of former NBA referee Jack Nies was a male model and dancer when he was tapped for the show, and after it was done he took his six-pack to another MTV offering, 'The Grind,' which he hosted between 1992 and 1995. (Oh God, remember 'The Grind'?!!!!)
Now: Nies was a regular participant in Real World/Road Rules challenges until 2004. His last TV appearance was on 'Confession of a Teen Idol' in 2009, although it should probably be pointed out that he was actually 20 when he first came to be idolized on 'The Real World.' Today he is a life coach and helps others by discussing his battles with addiction.
Puck (David Rainey), 'The Real World: San Francisco'
Then: There was a fair share of conflict on the first two seasons of 'The Real World,' but the acrimony went to a whole different level in season three, thanks to Puck. The spiky-haired bike messenger used snot rockets, provocative comments and an ongoing feud with HIV-positive roommate Pedro to outrage his housemates, eventually getting the boot from the San Francisco mansion.
Now: While Puck has gotten older, his criminal record suggests he hasn't really grown up. The now 44-year-old was booked in 2003 and 2011 for domestic abuse and in 2012 for stalking. For that last charge he is currently serving time in Wasco state prison. He is expected to be released later this year.
Jacinda Barrett, 'The Real World: London'
Then: Barrett had a cheeky sense of humor that often got on her roommates' nerves on 'The Real World: London.' Although she had a big personality, she probably wouldn't be listed among the more memorable 'Real World' alum if it wasn't for what she did with her initial reality TV fame.
Now: Barret has been a fairly busy actress since the late '90s, appearing in movies like 'Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason' and 'School For Scoundrels,' and TV shows like 'D.C.' and 'Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane.' She's currently a series regular on 'Zero Hour' and plays a recurring character on 'Suits,' which stars her husband Gabriel Macht.
Sean Duffy, 'The Real World: Boston'
Then: During his time on 'The Real World,' Duffy was known for being a competitive lumberjack and for his outspoken conservative views. He put both those characteristics to use soon after leaving the Boston house, getting elected district attorney of Ashland County, Wisconsin in 2002 and becoming a commentator at the 2003 ESPN Outdoor Games.
Now: In 2010 Duffy was elected to the US House Of Representatives and is now serving his second term. He's married to fellow Real World-er Rachel Campos-Duffy, a Season 3 alum, and they have six children.
Julie Stoffer, 'The Real World: New Orleans'
Then: The 'Real World' producers decided it would be fun to send Julie, a devout Mormon, down to their house of temptation in New Orleans. Julie admitted to learning a lot, although her faith didn't crack. However, because she lived in the same house as men she wasn't related to, she was suspended from Brigham Young University for violating their honor code.
Now: Stoffer has co-hosted episodes of the G4 show 'Electric Playground.' A public speaker, she gives talks in support of abstinence and against tobacco use.
Ruthie Alcaide, 'Real World: Hawaii'
Then: Ruthie's drunken antics on 'The Real World: Hawaii' got so bad and dangerous her housemates issued her an ultimatum: go to rehab or leave the house. She picked rehab and eventually returned to the house.
Now: These days Ruthie works to spread alcohol addiction awareness. An avid traveler, Ruthie has been to 45 of the 50 states and 12 countries and posts videos of her latest adventures on her YouTube channel Planet Ruthie. She's also clearly not opposed to getting her party on occasionally, as evidenced by this promotional video from a 2010 Pittsburgh nightclub opening she hosted with JD from 'Real World: Brooklyn."
Teck Holmes, 'Real World: Hawaii'
Then: With his blonde hair, positive attitude and fearlessness when it came to nudity, Teck Money seemed like a guy we would be hearing from after his time on 'The Real World' was up. And that's exactly what happened, as he quickly snagged roles in films like 'Love Song' and 'Van Wilder.'
Now: Well, Teck never quite became a big movie star. However, he did host the Cartoon Network's 'Hole in The Wall' game show during its 2010 season and recently appeared in a film called 'Save Me From Love.'
Mike Mizanin, 'The Real World: Back To New York'
Then: When 'The Real World' returned to New York in 2001 we met Mike, an aspiring pro-wrestler from Ohio who called himself "The Miz" and was fond of practicing his moves in his housemates' general direction.
Now: Proving that sometimes dreams do come true, The Miz is now one of the biggest pro-wrestlers in the world, becoming only the 25th ever WWE triple crown champion. Mizanin has also acted on recent episodes of 'Psych' and 'Pair of Kings,' suggesting he might be looking for a post-wrestling career a la the Rock..
Trishelle Cannatella, 'Real World: Las Vegas'
Then: Thanks to some pretty rampant partying and hooking up, the original 'Real World: Las Vegas' cast remains one of the most notorious of the long-running series. Leading the way in the debauchery was Trishelle, a Southern gal from a very religious background who ran wild all over Sin City. Soon after 'The Real World,' she posed nude in Playboy.
Now: Trishelle has been a pretty regular participant in the 'Real World/Road Rules' challenges and in 2006 she starred in the movie 'Ninja Cheerleaders.' A professional poker player, she won $20,000 in the 2010 WPT Invitational Event. She's currently filming the TV series 'Livin' the Life' and is on Twitter.
Jamie Chung, 'The Real World: San Diego'
Then: On 'The Real World: San Diego' we met Jamie Chung, who liked to work hard and play hard. Not long after 'The Real World,' she started acting on TV shows like 'Veronica Mars' and 'Days of Our Lives' and movies like 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.'
Now: Chung currently plays recurring character Mulan on 'Once Upon a Time.' Her star is about start burning even brighter with roles in 'The Hangover Part III' and 'Sin City: A Dame To Kill For' on the horizon.