Logo’s highly anticipated reality series, “The A-List New York” returns for a second season of drama, cat fights and fabulousness. All of last year’s (what I call the gay version of “Sex and the City”) cast returns and introduce a new cast member; Nyasha. Yes, it’s a girl, and she is fierce! On the eve of the show returning to Logo, it was a pleasure to sit down with cast member Derek Saathoff for a Hotspots exclusive interview.
1) At what age did you realize you were gay and at what age did you come out?
I knew I was gay at 12 after I watched “Titanic.” I came out at 14.
2) Is your family accepting?
Yes, absolutely. I didn’t go into depth with them until the TV show came out, but they are my biggest fans.
3) How is New York different from Kentucky, where you grew up?
New York is great because it is a place that you forget you are different from others. In Kentucky I felt like I always stood out. I feel so comfortable in New York!
4) At what age did you decide you wanted to be a model and what was your first gig?
At 17 I came to New York to visit with a friend from Boston and I was scouted by an agency for a company called Next. My first gig was Rolling Stone. At the time, I had a strange look that the clients responded well to. Eventually I went to the other side of the business as a modeling agent.
5) Since you have traveled extensively, what is your favorite place in the world and why?
I really love Brazil and I have been there 5 times in the last 3 years. It has a different feel and its very affordable and beautiful! The way of life there is very sexy.
6) It is well known that you love to shop, what are your favorite stores/designers and why?
I am definitely a shopper. I love a good deal and I also love to spend money on fabulous things. Zara is one of my favorite stores, which is an upscale type of H&M. I also love Gucci, Versace and Louis Vuitton for staple pieces.
7) How did you get cast on A-List New York?
I had a girlfriend call me and ask if I was interested in being on a reality TV show. I went in for a camera test and got a call back. Ryan and I were the originals that were cast. The concept changed a few times before it finally went into production as “The A-List New York.”
Ryan as we have been in it since the beginning. He is the strongest mentally and the one person I truly respect.
9) Tell me about the experience filming season 2?
Season 2 has been a rocky road. I was very close with Austin after season 1 and we started out close in the beginning of season 2, but we take a long roller coaster ride. We are wrapping up season 2 in a couple weeks, so I am excited to see how it ends. I am very happy there is a season 2 after the way I think I came across on season 1. There is no dummy guide for how to be on reality TV.
The future is unplanned at the moment. I am living in the present. However, after the show wraps I will take a lengthy vacation. I have also started a spray tan line (it’s called Tan Sexual; TanSXL.com) that I am launching and hopefully it will take off.
To find out more about Derrick go to www.facebook.com/dereksaathoff and www.twitter.com/dsaathoff
Catch Derek and the whole cast of “The A-List New York” Season 2 on Mondays at 10 pm on LOGO.
