Jonathan Soroff
Photo Credit: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2012 CBS
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In September, Grafton’s Rob Wilson, 25, made television history by becoming the first male spokesmodel on TV’s longest-running game show. Born in Framingham, Wilson has landed movie roles in Bride Wars, Surrogates, Friends with Benefits and The Social Network. On television, he has appeared on shows like The Secret Life of the American Teenager, The Middle, Supah Ninjas and Entourage. As a model for Ford, Wilson has been in numerous campaigns as well as music videos for Victoria Justice, Manika, Toni Braxton and David Guetta. He lives in Los Angeles.
Jonathan Soroff: Is Bob Barker your patron saint?
Rob Wilson: No. Drew Carey is.
So you broke the glass ceiling in game shows. How does that feel?
It was just an awesome opportunity from the get-go. I like the idea of blazing a trail or leaving a legacy behind, and it’s just amazing to be a part of such an iconic show.
When did you start watching The Price is Right?
Oh, God, as soon as I could open my eyes and recognize what a TV was. My grandmother helped raise me, and I used to be at her house every day from the age of four or five, sitting next to her and watching it.
Before you started on the show, did you have any idea how huge the gay following was?
I had no idea, but obviously if there’s a male model competition, there’s going to be a big gay fan base, and I think they really helped me.
So when are you going to start rocking a Speedo instead of the board shorts?
[Laughs.] I’m comfortable enough to do it, but for daytime TV, I don’t think it’s going to happen.
Have you gotten a lot of fan mail?
Absolutely. It’s crazy what’s happened, especially that whole first month. Some of it was cool fan mail from guys and girls. But there’s some creepy stuff, too, for sure.
Like?
My theatrical agent called and said a collage had arrived. Every photo is of me without a shirt, or in a towel, or whatever, and the person wanted me to sign it, and send it back to him.
Do people recognize you on the street?
Yeah, a couple of times. Especially around here at the studio and in the gym. Guys always look at guys in the gym to compare themselves.
What’s your routine at the gym?
I try to eat healthy and work out five times a week. I weight-train. I play basketball. I trained at a boxing gym here in Burbank. Oh, and a lot of sit-ups.
Why don’t you have to walk on a treadmill in stilettos like the other models?
’Cause I can’t look sexy in stiletto heels.
Have the other models helped you out?
Absolutely. They’ve been awesome! They kind of held my hand through the whole process and offered me tips.
Do you know the MSRP for a PT Cruiser?
No, I’m terrible at that. I’d lose most of the games, although I am starting to get better.
Which game is your favorite?
I’m pretty old school. I get excited when the Plinko comes out.
So Vanna White or Meredith Vieira?
Oh, I’m going to have to say Vanna because she’s a legend. She made history on that show.
Have either Drew or the other models sexually harassed you?
[Laughs.] No. Everybody’s cool.
Who makes more money on a typical show—the contestants or you?
There are people who walk away with a lot more than me, but mine is consistent.
Don’t the contestants have to pay taxes on the prizes?
Y’know what? Yeah. That kind of bummed me out. This poor old lady won a car, a trip, 60 grand in stuff, and then she found out she had to pay taxes at home and here. But at the end of the day, they’re happy; they’ve got a new car. It’s a pretty good deal. I think most people keep the prizes.
Have the prizes gotten a lot nicer?
Without a doubt. As soon as Mike Richards took over they stopped giving away Band-Aid removers and started giving away Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci. It’s pretty badass.
Do people expect you to be a complete himbo?
The cliché is that if you’re a model, you’re shallow and dumb. But after doing enough interviews, I think people see that there’s more to me than just taking my shirt off.
Thing you miss the most about Boston?
Besides my family? Without question, Italian food.
Why do you think you won the male spokes-model competition?
Maybe my personality, or maybe I had a little more modeling and acting experience, but I also had a badass crew in Boston voting for me.
Biggest misperception about male models?
Well, about models in general, it’s that they’re just empty shells with pretty exteriors. Yesterday, on the Talk, Miranda Kerr came on right after me, and she’s a beautiful model, people are used to seeing her with wings on in a bra, but she’s super intelligent and has a lot of substance. I’d like to crush that stigma.
Worst modeling experience?
I did a shoot for an online catalogue, and the photographer was foreign. When you do an underwear shoot, you put a sock-like thing over your package to eliminate any chance of your anatomy really showing. So I was doing that, and the guy was like, “No, no, Rob. It’s Hollywood. Show your stuff!” I had to put up a bit of a battle, but it turned out OK.
Would you ever do full frontal nudity?
No. There’s no need to.
Biggest lie on your acting resume?
I have a list of skills on there that are a little over the top. It makes me look like a triathlete. There’s weird-ass stuff like pro kayaking.
Fantasy love scene partner?
Maybe Adriana Lima in her acting debut.
Actor who had you star-struck?
I guess my man Justin Timberlake when I did Friends with Benefits.
So have you gotten to spin the big wheel?
I did! And guess what? I got the dollar.
