For 22 seasons, MTV has believed that the "real world" consists of a group of twentysomethings living in a giant house in some random city with their every move and interaction filmed for the entire world to see. This belief is strong indeed -- 'The Real World' now continues with its 23rd season, set to premiere on December 30, 2009: 'The Real World: Washington, D.C.'
According to Wikipedia, the base of operations for 'D.C.' is a 10,800 square-foot four-story brownstone mansion located at 2000 S Street, NW in the neighborhood of Dupont Circle. The first floor includes bedrooms, a game room, the Confessional, and the control room for the producers. The second floor includes a common area, telephone room, kitchen, bathrooms and five "love sacks" (ha!). The main control room is on the third floor, where the operators work those camera angles, swish pans and cut-to's, with a conference room and offices on the fourth floor.
And who will be living in this lovely abode? The D.C. blog Housing Complex did some digging, and so did we. Meet the cast of 'The Real World: Washington, D.C.'
Josh Colon, 23 - Philadelphia, PA
Described as a "Puerto Rican/Italian glam rocker/rapper" by MTV, Josh Colon is the former lead singer of the now-defunct band Whiskey Livin'. His band fell apart due to the usual reasons bands fall apart – one member was on drugs, another joined the Marines, etc. He apparently has a large sneaker collection.
Real World Stereotype: The Somewhat Tortured Artist
Ashley Lindley, 22 - Fort Bragg, CA
Described as a "Portuguese beauty, with a hot temper and a blunt demeanor" and the roommate who "might be the most politically aware" by MTV, Ashley Lindley volunteered with DC Vote and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America during her time in D.C. She describes herself as "an Actor, Philanthropist, Drama Queen, Liberal, Firecracker, Portuguese Princess, Nomad, Diva, Lover, Ladybug, Bestie" on her Twitter account.
Real World Stereotype: Party Girl Who Wants to be Taken Seriously
Mike Manning, 23 - Thornton, CO
Described as "the typical jock," "a star athlete, prom king, popular with all the girls" and an "all around golden child from a Christian family" by MTV, Mike Manning also discovered several years ago that love "knows no gender." He was cast in 'The Real World' after attending an audition with a friend, never dreaming he'd actually be chosen (and his friend is apparently none too happy about it).
Real World Stereotype: All-American Boy with a Twist
Ty Ruff, 22 - Baltimore, MD
MTV says Ty Ruff "was shuffled around foster homes before being adopted at age five; and he grew up in a part of Baltimore he compares to 'The Wire.'" While a student at Trinity College, Ty played football and envisioned himself as someone who would "be in real estate and be a Wall Street type of guy." He now wants to move to California and become a movie star.
Real World Stereotype: Pretty Boy with Dreams of Hollywood
Emily Schromm, 21 - Columbia, MO
Emily Schromm "was raised in a fundamentalist Christian cult," according to MTV. However, she's apparently since broken free of that, and now, as "an athletic tomboy, Emily used sports as a way to ease her entry into a more secular existence." She worked at Starbucks while a student at the University of Missouri and came to be on 'The Real World' when auditions were being held next door to the coffeehouse.
Real World Stereotype: Rebellious Lady Jock
Erika Wasilewski, 21 - Chicago, IL
Erika Wasilewski is apparently missing in action, and there are rampant rumors that she left 'The Real World' before the season wrapped. According to Wikipedia, she's a singer with multiple bands on her resume, currently with a group called A Quiet Capture.
Real World Stereotype: The Drop-Out?
Andrew Woods, 21 - Denver, CO
According to his MTV bio, Andrew Woods comes to Washington, D.C. after his latest girlfriend cheated on him, and he now "heads to D.C. a single man, looking to get with any girl who will say yes." Andrew attends Colorado State and is a cartoon artist -- MTV comments, "One night with Andrew, and you may be the target of his next comic."
Real World Stereotype: Obnoxious Goofball
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