Nyle DiMarco is a reality-TV champion, twice over, and a role model
“It’s all about breaking barriers,” deaf model and actor Nyle DiMarco responded last month when I asked him about guest hosting CHIPPENDALES at The Rio from Sept. 22-Oct. 16.
DiMarco, who is 27, 6’3” with dark brown hair and smoldering blue eyes, won Tyra Banks’ final Season 22 of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL on The CW in December, then followed up the accomplishment with another reality-TV competition win, this time on ABC’s DANCING WITH THE STARS in May with pro partner Peta Murgatroyd.
Here is our Q+A at Flirt Lounge in Chippendales Theater on Aug. 23. I faced DiMarco (it was a very tough assignment … not), on my right, while asking him questions so that he could read my lips, and his interpreter, on my left, voiced DiMarco’s answers.
Welcome to Las Vegas, Nyle.
Thank you.
Why CHIPPENDALES at The Rio in Las Vegas at this point in your career?
CHIPPENDALES is like a huge Broadway show in Las Vegas, and to be asked to host something that is internationally well-known, it’s an honor. I’m the first deaf person to actually do this. It’s all about breaking barriers.
How are you preparing for CHIPPENDALES?
We haven’t had a rehearsal yet. I definitely want to make sure that the audience is learning American Sign Language while I host.
Are you nervous at all?
Yes, naturally I’m nervous and excited at the same time.
How did winning AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL change your life?
The platform that I received from that, I feel that I can change and influence many deaf people’s lives. It made people want to learn American Sign Language, which is an amazing thing.
And then to win DANCING WITH THE STARS, too?
Right, exactly, it is very impressive, I guess! After DANCING WITH THE STARS, my platform was even bigger, and that’s one of the reasons why I established The Nyle DiMarco Foundation. The influence and being able to change people’s lives are important.
You’re an inspiration and role model to many people. How important is that to you?
Well, I’m very honored. I’m more than willing to take that on. The deaf community has been very supportive of my journey and foundation. I look forward to seeing what’s going to happen. I’m definitely very happy.
Who inspires you?
(Pauses) I try to be my own inspiration in a way. I try to just keep trucking forward.
You’re teaching American Sign Language on your Instagram on Wednesdays?
Yes, I’m going to be teaching American Sign Language to stories on Instagram two Wednesdays a month because I want to make American Sign Language more mainstream and connect with my audience.
You portrayed Garrett Banducci on Free Form’s SWITCHED AT BIRTH. Do you have plans to do more acting?
Yes, most definitely. That’s one of my main goals, to do more acting, and I know that will be happening in the future.
What do you look for in a perfect mate?
Well, there are three things. First, being able to communicate. Also, being independent and, finally, adventurous.
When it was announced that you were guest hosting CHIPPENDALES, I perused social media and noticed haters who said that you should shave your body. How do you respond to that?
(Laughs) that’s their opinion. People are entitled to their own opinion, that’s fine, but then there are people on the other side of the equation who want me to keep my body hair.
What’s on your to do list in Las Vegas — you’re here for about four weeks — when you’re not guest hosting CHIPPENDALES?
I’m going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities outside the Las Vegas area because it’s so beautiful. There is so much to do in Las Vegas and outside Las Vegas.
Why should your fans come to see you in Chippendales?
If my fans want to see how a deaf person hosts, they need to come see Chippendales!
