In “We should have seen this coming” news, blogger Mario Armando Lavandeira, Jr. (aka Perez Hilton) announced today that he will be starring in a brand new reality series titled Gay Dads of New York. The show will feature Perez and his son, Mario Armando Lavandeira III, as well as other gay dads (single and married) living in and around New York City. Perez promises the show, produced by reality TV pioneers Bunim/Murray (Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Bad Girls Club, The Real World), will not be “trashy or boring” and will be “filled with love, humor and drama.”
Production has yet to begin on the series, and according to the press release (included below) they are still casting. I think a hilarious choice would be former star of The Real Housewives of New York City Simon van Kempen. 😉 And speaking of The Real Housewives, kudos to Perez and the production company for not adding the word “Real” at the beginning. (Or “Wars” at the end for that matter.)
Here is the full press release issued earlier today:
PEREZ HILTON TO STAR IN “GAY DADS OF NEW YORK” REALITY SERIES
PRODUCED BY BUNIM/MURRAY PRODUCTIONS
LOS ANGELES – December 4, 2013 – One of Hollywood’s most colorful personalities is lifting the curtain on gay fatherhood. Gossip guru and media mogul Perez Hilton today announced he’s partnering with Bunim/Murray Productions, producers of The Real World, Project Runway and Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and OMG Productions to develop Gay Dads of New York. Set in New York City, the reality docu-series will follow Hilton, who recently became a single father, and a group of gay dads, single and married, as they support each other through the ups and downs of raising children.
“What is your typical American family like? These days, it looks a lot like mine! I am honored and excited to bring to television a show that will be filled with love, humor and drama. What will it not be? Trashy or boring! I am thrilled to have partnered with the leaders and innovators of reality television, Bunim/Murray, to create a program that is compelling and real,” said Hilton. “Up until now people know me more for my opinions than who I am. This show will give viewers the opportunity to get to know the ‘real’ Perez Hilton and my family, as well as some other really dynamic gay dads, and the women that make up their support system. I am a recent transplant to New York City, looking for friends and open to – hopefully – love. To new beginnings and this exciting new venture!”
“I immediately responded to the ‘Gay Dads of New York’ concept because my partner and I were part of one of the first gay dads support groups in Los Angeles back in 1998,” said Jonathan Murray, Chairman of Bunim/Murray Productions. “Whether it’s a single dad like Perez, or married gay dads, becoming a gay parent affects your relationships with family and friends, all of which will make fascinating stories.”
“I brought the project to Bunim/Murray because of their brilliant storytelling, unbelievable track record in reality television, and what I consider the best eye for casting shows in the business,” said Suzy Unger, OMG Productions. “I have worked with Jon and his team for many years, and they are not only pioneers in the reality space, but they remain groundbreaking producers. We are proud to be working with them.”
Bunim/Murray Productions is currently casting the series, looking for gay dads in the New York City area who want to be in a support group with Hilton. More information can be found at: http://www.bmpcasting.com:16080/casting/gdc/
The series will be executive produced by Bunim/Murray Productions and OMG Productions. Suzy Unger at OMG Productions; Steven Grossman and Mario Lavandeira (Perez Hilton); and Bunim/Murray’s Jonathan Murray, Gil Goldschein and Scott Freeman will serve as Executive Producers.
