“A Small Part of Me Thought It Was Going to Be About Modeling”: An interview with Manhunt’s John Stallings

When Carmen Electra informed John Stallings he had taken "his last shot," more than a few jaws dropped. When judge Bruce Hulse cited his reason for John's elimination as a lack of "movie star quality," even more feathers were ruffled. At last check, The Next Action Hero was an entirely different show! In this exclusive interview, a frank Stallings tells us there was more than met the eye with Manhunt, and, as usual, television doesn't always tell the whole story.

RealityNewsOnline:Where have we seen you before?

John: I'm not quite sure where the public has seen me before, because I had been interested in modeling once I reached New York City to finish my college education. I didn't have the dedication as I do now, because I really wanted to focus my energy on my BS degree. I did some random jobs, but only where locals may be able to recognize them. That or Starbucks/Coffee Bean just sitting down having my lattes – ha.

RNO: How did you get involved with Manhunt?

John: I was the first one "scouted" for the show. I was sitting at The Coffee Bean on Sunset Blvd. (of all places) right at the beginning of the summer and Stuart Krasnow, Executive Producer of the show, came up and tapped me on my shoulder and handed me his NBC logo'd card and said that I'd be perfect for an upcoming reality show that they are doing about male modeling. After emailing him of my interest, he got me in contact with his casting crew and it was all down-hill from there.

RNO: Why male modeling?

John: Well, I've always been a performer, ever since I was young... dancing and music mainly, but I got that extra boost of confidence and energy once the lights went on and the music began. Even though it's all about being the center of attention, I love letting others have the limelight when they deserve it. Modeling is just another form of expression for me. Getting your hair and make-up in such interesting ways with awesome clothes to put on, plus meeting the most creative and interesting people... i.e. hair/make-up artists, casting people, advertising execs., clients, and especially the photographer and their assistants.

My major was in Advertising and Marketing Communications, and I understand the accomplishment of the "end result" – when everything comes together and you have that final shot to look at knowing how much hard work and dedication went into the production. Runway shows are just another "LIVE" performance for me. It's exactly what it says... a SHOW. The thrill and excitement of being on a runway with awesome music and perfectly tailored clothing as photographers capture yours and the designers look for the season, just pumps the heart.

RNO: What has been the public reaction to seeing you on the show?

John: I admit, I've been on the message boards on bravotv.com/manhunt and read a couple of entries... it felt great to hear that the public had a GREAT reaction towards me. Of course, you can't win them all and that's life... so I've been called evil eyes, but then again the public is talking about my best feature and that means that I'm getting my outer traits out there. You just have to get to know me on the inside and everything falls into place. I work in retail in Santa Monica and just about once a day I get spotted – "Hey, you're John from Manhunt, aren't you?" It's flattering and great to hear that people were watching the show. There have been some that have told me they cried when I was eliminated off the show. How funny is that... I mean it's great, but to have such an emotional impact on people, I don't know... I was just being ME.

RNO: How has being on Manhunt enhanced your knowledge of the modeling industry?

John: That you really can't stop at an elimination. The eliminations categorize themselves as being just one more rejection that every model goes through. It was one long interview that I didn't make it to the end with, which I am completely fine. I have no regrets of being on the show and going towards my dreams of being a performer. I've known this and that about the modeling industry as I made some extra money as an Assistant Casting Director for a GREAT friend of mine in New York City, so I have tasted both behind-the-scenes and in front. I love them both, but I prefer the latter.

RNO: What did Manhunt say you would be judged on?

John: To my knowledge, it was based on the photo-shoot with Marissa Miller – as that was my chance to prove them that I have what it takes until I was eliminated. I was informed that it was being prepared on waking up and being ready with the clients' clothes (A|X - Armani Exchange) and be on the rooftop ON-TIME. As for some of the models… they couldn't even be on the rooftop with their clothes, and immediately as a client I would send the person home. But you never know what they are really judging everything on when it's a reality television program. You just have to do your best and that's what I did.

RNO: When you first walked through the door, who did you decide was your biggest competition?

John: I looked around and immediately and truly said that everyone has their own look – it was awesome that way. I really don't think that we, especially the top 16 guys, had much to worry about with the competition amongst each other, but what was IMG actually looking for. We were all different heights, hair lengths, facial structures, and ethnicities. It was a group of really great guys... I think we all could have started our own modeling agency and been the "Men's Division."