Clinton Kelly (TV personality)

Last updated

Clinton Kelly
Clinton Kelly by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Kelly in 2023
Born (1969-02-22) February 22, 1969 (age 55)
Panama City, Panama
Alma mater Boston College
Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism
Occupation(s)TV personality, author, lifestyle consultant
Years active1993-present
Television
Height6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Spouse
Damon Bayles
​
(m. 2009)​
Website www.clintonkelly.com

Clinton Kelly (born February 22, 1969) is an American TV personality, author, and lifestyle consultant. He won an Emmy for his role as the moderator on the popular ABC daytime show The Chew . The Chew was nominated for multiple Emmys and ran for seven seasons. [1] He is also known for his role as co-host on the prime time reality show What Not to Wear, TLC's long-running reality program that featured fashion makeovers, for over 10 seasons.

Contents

Kelly is a contributing columnist to Woman's Day magazine offering style advice. He has published several bestselling books, including his most recent, I Hate Everyone, Except You - a humorous and candid collection of essays. Kelly started his career as a freelance writer for several fashion magazines and was an editor for Marie Claire and Mademoiselle .

Early life and education

Kelly was born in Panama City, Panama and raised in Port Jefferson Station, New York. He graduated from Comsewogue High School in 1987. Kelly recounts parts of his upbringing and childhood in his book, I Hate Everyone, Except You. [2]

He attended Boston College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications in 1991; he was president of Boston College's chorale. Kelly always wanted to be a novelist, but was afraid of “being broke” if he became a writer. [3] He instead decided to pursue a master's degree in journalism, specializing in magazine publishing, from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in 1993. He credits his training from Medill as one of the reasons he was able to transition seamlessly into magazine editing and television. [4] He likens the mindset of editing a magazine as similar to what is needed in producing a television show.

Career

Magazines

Before joining What Not to Wear, Kelly worked as a freelance writer and editor at several publications in New York. Kelly wrote about a range of topics including fitness, travel and relationships. He began his career in fashion when Kelly became an editor at Marie Claire and a deputy editor at Mademoiselle, where he contributed under the pseudonym "Joe L'Amour". [5] He later became the executive editor of DNR, a New York-based weekly men's fashion and retail trade magazine. He currently contributes to Women's Day as a columnist and style expert.

Television

Kelly in 2019 Clinton Kelly 2019.jpg
Kelly in 2019

While Kelly was at DNR, the producers at TLC's What Not to Wear decided to recast the original male lead and approached Kelly. After three auditions, Kelly was chosen as the new co-host, alongside Stacy London. He has described their relationship as "a brother and sister in the backseat of a car on a long car trip". The premise was to help participants refresh their wardrobes, and get them to look – and feel – better. Though makeover shows typically focus on the final look of the participant, this show highlighted the internal change and confidence participants gained during the makeover process. Kelly often asked contributors if their clothes made them feel beautiful and the majority of contributors admitted that they did not. [6] Kelly said of the ultimate purpose of the show:

“Having a style is a great way to get what you want from your life. When your style is aligned with who you are, you feel empowered.” [7]

Kelly is openly gay, but in comparing What Not to Wear with the show Queer Eye —which pioneered gay men making over people seen as needing fashion advice—the Washington Blade noted some key differences: "[U]nless you have your gaydar on while watching the show, you would have no idea. There's nothing 'gay' about the show and he doesn't really talk about it on air. Viewers trust Kelly's expertise based on the strength of his choices rather than on the 'he's gay and he should know' fashion theory." [8]

The show had over 350 contributors, those who experienced the makeovers, many of whom Kelly is still in contact with. [9] It was the impact on these contributors that kept Kelly engaged in the show for so long: “The only reason I was able to do that show for 10 years is because I knew I was helping women,” Kelly said. “It wasn’t just about the clothes; I felt I could continue empowering through this.” [10]

Kelly became the moderator of the ABC daytime show The Chew in 2011. Kelly was selected for The Chew after meeting a producer who had read his 2008 book, “Freakin’ Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better Than Everyone Else.” [11] He did several screen tests, where the chemistry with his co-stars were evident, and started the show in 2011. The show featured food and lifestyle topics and relied on the chemistry of the co-hosts. [12] The show was more reflective of Kelly’s interests and actual life, when not on TV, as it covered food, entertaining, and lifestyle topics. [13] It ran for seven seasons and was a staple in ABC’s weekday lineup. In 2015, Kelly shared the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host with his cohosts on The Chew. Kelly reflected on the positive energy and goal of the show to have fun: “That’s a great feeling that people are tuning in because they enjoy hanging out and we’re inspiring them to create things.” [14] Kelly maintains close relationships with Michael Symon and Carla Hall. [15]

Kelly was the host of the fifth & sixth seasons of the Food Network's seasonal cooking competition show, Spring Baking Championship, from 2019 to 2020. The show featured one-hour episodes where 10 bakers compete for the ultimate grand prize of $25,000 and the title of Champion. [16] Kelly also hosts the Haunted Gingerbread Showdown for the Food Network where nine gingerbread artists create displays to impress the judges for an ultimate prize and a feature in Food Network Magazine. [17] He has also been featured and served as a guest judge on other Food Network shows where his expertise in lifestyle, entertaining and food is relied upon.

He has also hinted to fans that he is developing a new show in the home space. [18]

Books

In 2017 he published his memoirs as a series of essays entitled I Hate Everyone, Except You. Kelly described the experience of writing his memoirs: This book really was about finally allowing myself to open up to the people who watched me on television for the past 15 or so years. It's basically a way of me saying, “I know that you probably have an idea of who I am, and to a certain extent you’re right, but that’s not all of who I am.” I'm actually just kind of a regular guy who got lucky enough to have a job on television. And I’ve had all the kinds of crazy experiences and embarrassments that you've had in your life as well. This is a way for me to share myself that I feel comfortable with, especially in today's society of oversharing. [19]

He published Freaking Fabulous on a Budget in 2013. In 2010, he wrote Oh No She Didn't, [20] telling the do's and don'ts of women's fashion. In 2008, Kelly wrote Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally be Better than Everyone Else. [21] In 2005, Kelly and Stacy London co-wrote a book titled Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body. [22]

He has also created a popular web series on his social media called Basic Grammar for Basic B*****s. The web series is a light-hearted approach to educating people on common grammar mistakes, examples are often taken from trolls who have posted on his social media. [23]

Design

His Miami home has also been featured in publications for interior design. [24] He designed the space to reflect his personality and features mid-century modern designs and flea market finds. He and his husband renovated the space using unusual pairings with unique finds. “I wanted something different, something fun.” He approached the space with “no rules” and endeavored to mix color, texture, pattern, and shine to reflect his personality. [25]

Personal life

Kelly is married to Damon Bayles, a psychologist. [26] They were married in 2009 at their home in Connecticut. He had a Jack Russell terrier, Mary, who was a rescue dog and was a feature of many of his social media posts. She passed away in May 2022. [27] He splits his time between Manhattan, Connecticut, and Miami Beach. [28] [29]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jorge Ramos (news anchor)</span> Mexican-American journalist and author

Jorge Gilberto Ramos Ávalos is a Mexican-American journalist and author. Regarded as the best-known Spanish-language news anchor in the United States of America, he has been referred to as "The Walter Cronkite of Latin America". Based in Miami, Florida, he anchors the Univision news television program Noticiero Univision, the Univision Sunday-morning political news program Al Punto, and the Fusion TV English-language program America with Jorge Ramos. He has covered five wars, and events ranging from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the War in Afghanistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susannah Constantine</span> English fashion writer (born 1962)

Susannah Caroline Constantine is an English former TV fashion journalist, writer, style advisor, television presenter, author and clothes designer. Her second book, What Not to Wear, co-written with her fashion partner Trinny Woodall, won her a British Book Award and sold 670,000 copies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marc Summers</span> American television personality

Marc Summers is an American television personality, comedian, game show host, producer, and talk show host. He is best known for hosting Double Dare for Nickelodeon, and Unwrapped for Food Network; he was the executive producer for both Dinner: Impossible and Restaurant: Impossible also for Food Network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anna Wintour</span> British and American media executive (born 1949)

Dame Anna Wintour is a British and American media executive, who has served as Editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988. Wintour has also served as Global Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast since 2020, where she oversees all Condé Nast publications worldwide, and concurrently serves as Artistic Director. Wintour is also Global Editorial Director of Vogue. With her trademark pageboy bob haircut and dark sunglasses, Wintour is regarded as the most powerful woman in publishing, and has become an important figure in the fashion world. Wintour is praised for her skill in identifying emerging fashion trends, but has been criticised for her reportedly aloof and demanding personality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stacy London</span> Television host and author from the United States

Stacy London is an American stylist, fashion consultant, author, and magazine editor. She is known primarily for her time as co-host on What Not to Wear, a reality television program that featured wardrobe and appearance makeovers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kurt Loder</span> American film critic, author, columnist, and television personality

Kurt Loder is an American entertainment critic, author, columnist, and television personality. He served in the 1980s as editor at Rolling Stone, during a tenure that Reason later called "legendary". He has contributed to articles in Reason, Esquire, Details, New York, and Time. He has also made cameos on several films and television series. He is best known for his role at MTV News since the 1980s and for appearing in other MTV-related television specials. He has hosted the SiriusXM radio show True Stories since 2016.

<i>The Devil Wears Prada</i> (film) 2006 film by David Frankel

The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 American comedy-drama film directed by David Frankel and produced by Wendy Finerman. The screenplay, written by Aline Brosh McKenna, is based on the 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger. The film stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, Emily Blunt and Adrian Grenier.

The Rachel haircut, commonly known as simply "The Rachel", is an eponymous hairstyle popularized by American actress Jennifer Aniston. Named after Rachel Green, the character she played on the American sitcom Friends (1994–2004), Aniston debuted the haircut during the show's first season, and continued to wear it throughout its second season while the series was nearing peak popularity. Designed by Aniston's hairstylist Chris McMillan to repair her damaged hair and grow out her bangs, "The Rachel" is a voluminous shoulder-length haircut, with several distinct layers that frame and turn outwards from its wearer's face. It has been described as a variation on both the shag and bob haircuts.

Wayne Scot Lukas is an American fashion consultant, best known as the former co-host of the makeover reality television program What Not to Wear which was broadcast on TLC in the United States and Canada. Clinton Kelly took over as co-host in 2003.

<i>What Not to Wear</i> (American TV series) American TV series or program

What Not to Wear is an American makeover reality television series based on the British show of the same name. The show premiered on January 18, 2003 and ended on October 18, 2013, airing on TLC in the United States. What Not to Wear was hosted by Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, though London’s Season 1 co-host was Wayne Scot Lukas. Also part of the show was head makeover artist Carmindy and hairstylist Nick Arrojo from season 1 through season 6. Celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson replaced Arrojo beginning in season 7, through season 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gok Wan</span> British fashion consultant, author and television presenter

Gok Wan is a British fashion consultant, author, television presenter, actor, DJ and chef.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tania Bryer</span> British broadcaster (born 1962)

Tania Bryer is a British broadcaster who is affiliated with global television network CNBC. She is host and executive producer of the series CNBC Meets with Tania Bryer and is a regular presenter of The CNBC Conversation. In 2017, Bryer was host and executive producer of CNBC's travel series, Trailblazers. She also contributes to CNBC's live programmes Squawk Box Europe and Street Signs. Bryer also appears weekly on Sky News Sunrise reviewing the news stories of the day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly Killoren Bensimon</span> American model and real estate agent

Kelly Jean Killoren Bensimon is an American real estate agent, author, a former Editor of Elle Accessories, and a former model. She appeared as a full-time cast member on the Bravo television series The Real Housewives of New York City from seasons 2 to 4.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Symon</span> American chef and media personality

Michael D. Symon is an American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author. He is of Greek, Sicilian, and Eastern European descent. He is seen regularly on Food Network on shows such as Iron Chef America, Burgers, Brew and 'Que, Food Feuds, and The Best Thing I Ever Ate, as well as Cook Like an Iron Chef on theCooking Channel and The Chew on ABC. He has also made numerous contributions to periodicals such as Bon Appétit, Esquire, Food Arts, Gourmet, Saveur and O, The Oprah Magazine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caroline D'Amore</span> American businesswoman, DJ, actress and model

Caroline D'Amore is an American businesswoman, DJ, actress, and fashion model. She is the founder and CEO of Pizza Girl, Inc. She and her family own D'Amores Pizza, founded by her father. She began her career as a fashion model, working for Diane von Fürstenberg, Heatherette, Agent Provocateur and Stella McCartney. She has since played small roles in Hollywood films and television series, held her own summer residency at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas and recorded a line of standalone singles with Republic Records. In 2021, she joined the cast of MTV's reality television series The Hills: New Beginnings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carla Hall</span> American chef

Carla Hall is an American chef, television personality and former model.

Derek Michael Warburton also known as Derek Fabulous, is an American media entrepreneur and celebrity fashion stylist. He attended college at Fashion Institute of Technology, in New York, New York. In 2022, he was named the Style Icon at the NEWYOU Beauty Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darren Kennedy</span> Irish television presenter

Darren Kennedy is an Irish television presenter, style & design expert and entrepreneur from Dublin, Ireland now based between New York & Los Angeles. He has hosted television shows on BBC, ITV and RTÉ. He is the creator and co-founder of men's grooming brand Kennedy & Co.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virgil Abloh</span> American fashion designer and entrepreneur (1980–2021)

Virgil Abloh was an American fashion designer and entrepreneur. He began his own line of luxury streetwear clothing, Pyrex Vision, in 2012, and became the chief executive officer of the Milan-based label Off-White, a fashion house he founded in 2013. Abloh was also the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection beginning in 2018, and was given increased creative responsibilities across the LVMH brand in early 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laith Ashley</span> Model, actor, activist, singer-songwriter and entertainer

Laith Ashley De La Cruz is an American model, actor, activist, singer-songwriter and entertainer of Dominican descent.

References

  1. ↑ "Clinton Kelly". clintonkelly.com. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  2. ↑ Kelly, Clinton (January 10, 2017). I Hate Everyone, Except You. Simon and Schuster. ISBN   9781476776934.
  3. ↑ Villalpando, Nicole. "Clinton Kelly tells all — or some — in 'I Hate Everyone, Except You'". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  4. ↑ Sherlock, Chelsea (January 31, 2013). "Q&A with Clinton Kelly, Northwestern alum and co-host of 'What Not to Wear,' 'The Chew'". The Daily Northwestern. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  5. ↑ "What Not to Wear's Clinton Kelly Comes Clean | Cary Magazine". January 25, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  6. ↑ "Don't Hate Clinton Kelly Because You're Beautiful". Dame Magazine. April 17, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  7. ↑ Franchi, Jaime (January 9, 2017). "Long Island's Clinton Kelly Reveals a Side of Himself Fans Have Never Seen". Long Island News from the Long Island Press. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  8. ↑ Kennedy, Gary W. (2003). Blade, Brian (jazz). Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.j519200.
  9. ↑ "Don't Hate Clinton Kelly Because You're Beautiful". Dame Magazine. April 17, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  10. ↑ Abraham, Betsy (January 4, 2017). "Undressing Clinton Kelly". Long Island Weekly. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  11. ↑ Villalpando, Nicole. "Clinton Kelly tells all — or some — in 'I Hate Everyone, Except You'". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  12. ↑ Sherlock, Chelsea (January 31, 2013). "Q&A with Clinton Kelly, Northwestern alum and co-host of 'What Not to Wear,' 'The Chew'". The Daily Northwestern. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  13. ↑ Kelly, Cara; Toney, Veronica. "Clinton Kelly on 'What Not To Wear,' leggings and bad commuter shoes". Washington Post. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  14. ↑ Abraham, Betsy (January 4, 2017). "Undressing Clinton Kelly". Long Island Weekly. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  15. ↑ "Clinton Kelly Opens Up About Life After The Chew: Do the Hosts Still Stay in Touch?". Bravo TV Official Site. September 20, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Clinton Kelly Hosts New Season of Spring Baking Championship Featuring More Eye-Catching And Delectable Spring-Themed Treats : Discovery Press Web". press.discovery.com. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  17. ↑ "Haunted Gingerbread Showdown Season 2 With Clinton Kelly On Food Network – BSCkids". August 27, 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  18. ↑ "Here's Exactly What The Chew Co-Hosts Have Been Up to Since the Show Was Cancelled". Bravo TV Official Site. May 22, 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  19. ↑ Hilliard, Janessa (January 11, 2017). "Clinton Kelly on His New Memoir and How to Be Your Best Self in 2017". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  20. ↑ Kelly, Clinton. (2010). Oh no she didn't : the top 100 style mistakes women make and how to avoid them (1st Gallery books hardcover ed.). New York: Gallery Books. ISBN   9781439163160. OCLC   464593393.
  21. ↑ Kelly, Clinton. (2008). Freakin' fabulous : how to dress, speak, behave, eat, drink, entertain, decorate, and generally be better than everyone else (1st ed.). New York, N.Y.: Simon Spotlight Entertainment. ISBN   9781416961499. OCLC   209708608.
  22. ↑ Kelly, Clinton. (2005). Dress your best : the complete guide to finding the style that's right for your body . London, Stacy. (1st ed.). New York: Three Rivers Press. ISBN   0307236714. OCLC   60393411.
  23. ↑ "Why Clinton Kelly Created Basic Grammar For Basic B*****s Video Series". www.msn.com. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  24. ↑ Hochwald, Lambeth. "Five Faves: A Visit to Clinton Kelly's Flea Market Chic Miami Pad". www.mansionglobal.com. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  25. ↑ "Inside Clinton Kelly's Miami Home". HGTV. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  26. ↑ Hilliard, Janessa (January 11, 2017). "Clinton Kelly on His New Memoir and How to Be Your Best Self in 2017". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  27. ↑ Hochwald, Lambeth. "Five Faves: A Visit to Clinton Kelly's Flea Market Chic Miami Pad". www.mansionglobal.com. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  28. ↑ Hilliard, Janessa (January 11, 2017). "Clinton Kelly on His New Memoir and How to Be Your Best Self in 2017". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  29. ↑ Hochwald, Lambeth. "Five Faves: A Visit to Clinton Kelly's Flea Market Chic Miami Pad". www.mansionglobal.com. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.