Interview with Davis Mallory from MTV's the Real World, Denver

I'm sure everyone knows who I'm talking about when I say, "Yeah, Davis from the Real World." The blond hair, buff built, and gorgeous smile has captured the hearts of many. With his ups and downs with Brooke, the other guys living in the house, and love of outdoor adventure, Davis was sure to captivate the audience with each new episode! I wanted to get to know Davis a little more, so I decided to send him an email and ask for this interview. He was so nice to accept and the following is the result of an exclusive email interview with our favorite Real World star!

SM-Davis, please tell me how and why you got on the show, Real World Denver.

DM-My senior year of college I decided to try out for the show and drove over from Daytona Beach, where I was in school, to Tampa, FL where they were having an open call. I went through the first audition process where I was interviewed for an hour 1/2 on camera and then a month later got a call back request to make a home video and come to Atlanta for Semi-Final Interviews, which were similar to the first round but ended in a 5 minute "Confessional" alone talking to the camera. Next MTV called 3 of my friends and interviewed them about me to make sure I was accurately portraying myself. Then 3 months later I flew to LA for a final interview which included being taken to dinner to see how I acted socially; being asked my opinion about images of modern culture to see how opinionated I was, and a final "confessional" about what I had learned about myself during this whole process. The whole try-out experience took about 6 months. To tell you why I got on, you'd have to ask the casting directors. I would suspect it was based on personality, open mindedness, unique background experience, camera friendly image, and multiple layers of self.

SM- Wow, I never imagined that it would take such a long process to get onto the show!! Congrats for passing the "test". Okay next, was it hard to adjust to living everyday knowing that you are being taped for the whole world to see?

DM- It took me about a week to get fully accostumed to being filmed all the time. Initially they film every little thing you do, from waking up in the morning brushing your teeth, to laying out on the patio alone, to the most trivial of conversations, so that you get adjusted to always having a camera in your face, then they start to back off a little. The idea though is so that you get so used to being filmed that you stop censoring yourself as much, and act naturally around a camera. I'll admit I was still conscious of my behavior though at most times in order to 6 months down the road come across looking sane on TV.

SM- I couldn't imagine! I do have to give it to you, at times you did seem to be the most sane person in the house. So, have you made a friend for life by going on the show?

DM- I believe I've made several friends for life through this process. While my friends prior to the show mean everything to me, they haven't gone through this same unique experience. I feel like fellow cast members from my season and seasons before mine truly understand what it's like to go from complete anonymity to being a "famous face." I feel like I have something in common with just these 6 Denver roommates that my other friends from before lack, and so I feel a closeness to them different from other people. In particular I'd say all three of the girls on my show I've remained really close with as well as Alex. Brooke and I live very close to one another (Nashville and Atlanta) and also get booked on events together quite often based on our friendship/relationship from the show... so we've been able to see each other pretty regularly since filming ended.

SM- That's wonderful. I'm sure you guys feel kind of like family. Okay, next question. Do you feel that you are a stronger person by going on the show?

DM- Going on this show has made me really understand myself better. It's a unique experience seeing yourself on camera. You can be uber critical and self aware. I am glad I took this opportunity because I do believe I'm growing as an individual and benefiting from this all. I can visually see my strengths and weaknesses and target things I'd like to work on myself.

SM- You have such a positive outlook, that's great! Okay, let's get personal. Was being gay and so open about it on the show an issue with your family and friends?

DM- Being openly gay on the show did not take issue with any friends that I know of. Well there was one ex girlfriend who I no longer communicate with based on my belief that she finds this all a shock. For the most part my family, too, has taken well to the show. Except for my mother, for obvious reasons.

SM- Well, let's hope your mom will come around. Okay, last question, what are you doing now?

DM- Presently I'm on what is known as the Bar and Campus Tour. I travel each week to different universities speaking about my experiences on the Real World, and my life prior: being an openly gay Christian. I also make appearances at nightclubs/bars allowing people to come "party" with the Real World cast. I have been going back and forth to L.A. filming Real World related shows and other shows under the Bunim/Murray name. I plan this summer to get back on track though for Medical School, which was what I was in college for. I took the MCAT and was just looking for a fun way to take some time off before getting into more schooling. I think after this year of filming and craziness, I'm ready for some school again.

There you have it folks. Davis is just as real as he was on the show! I would like to thank Davis for the interview and wish him luck when he goes back to school. Don't forget to check him out at http://www.myspace.com/davismallory.