After almost 30 years on MTV, 33 seasons, and untold numbers of spin-offs, it's hard to deny what an impact The Real World franchise has had on television, as well as pop culture in general. Even after all these years, it's still one of our favorite reality shows. At the time, the concept was so unique: Put a bunch of strangers in a house to live together, and follow them with cameras all the time. As it turns out, that makes pretty riveting TV … and it's actually managed to spark quite a few careers for the stars of the show along the way.
We love getting updates on some of our favorite former Real World stars and what they're doing today. From roommates who appeared when the show was just getting started — and are now living more low-key lives with their families — to cast members who ended up as actors and political commentators (and even members of the Fab Five on Queer Eye), the sky is the limit for those who used the show as a jumping off point for their careers.
Read on to find out where these beloved Real World stars have ended up today. Where some of them are now may be a little surprising!
Kevin Powell on 'Real World: New York'
Talk about a major throwback! Going all the way back to the first season of The Real World — which was groundbreaking when it premiered on MTV in 1992 — and Kevin Powell made his debut on the show. He was known for being the oldest member of the cast, and he also wasn't afraid to bring up important subjects, like race, with the other people in the house.
Kevin Powell Today
As it turns out, The Real World was just the beginning of Kevin's career. He quickly made a name for himself as a journalist, author, politician, and activist. He has made speaking out about his experience as a Black man in America his career, and now, it's easy to forget that he got his start on the show.
Chris 'C.T.' Tamburello on 'Real World: Paris'
Chris — better known as C.T. — appeared on The Real World: Paris for the show's 13th season … and in a total of 15 of the show's spin-offs, making him one of the most well-known MTV cast members ever. Fans fell in love with his relationship with Diem Brown, who died in 2014 from cancer.
Chris Tamburello Today
CT has come a long way since the first time we met him on The Real World! He's been married to Lili Solares for two years, and they have a son together — 4-year-old CJ. These days, CT is breaking into acting, having produced and starred in a horror movie called Habitual that was released in November 2020.
Cameran Eubanks on 'Real World: San Diego'
Cameran appeared on the first Real World season filmed in San Diego, when she was 19 years old, in 2004. Back then, she was brand new to the world of reality TV — and little did she know what the genre held for her in the future! Though her castmates may have considered her naive, Cameran was one of the most down-to-earth members of the show.
Cameran Eubanks Today
Boy, have things changed for Cameran since The Real World! Now, she's much better known for starring on the Bravo series Southern Charm about her life in Charleston, South Carolina. Today, she's married to Jason Wimberly, and in 2020, they celebrated six years of marriage. Together, they have a daughter, Palmer.
John Devenanzio on 'Real World: Key West'
Better known as Johnny Bananas, John Devenanzio began his MTV career on The Real World's 17th season, and since then, he's become a fixture on the network, appearing in 18 seasons of The Challenge and other Real World spin-offs. Looks like his first experience on the show was so good he never wanted it to end!
John Devenanzio Today
While we still see him around MTV plenty, there have been a few changes for Johnny Bananas. His pranking days on reality TV definitely aren't behind him, but he's also tried acting and, according to his Instagram, he's all about traveling, having adventures, and he even launched his own merch called BananaSwag. Who knew?
Paula Meronek on 'Real World: Key West'
Though Paula got her start on Season 17 of The Real World in Key West, she's appeared in several of the series' spin-offs since then and has become pretty well known in the franchise. Nicknamed Paula Walnuts, she came onto the show with a difficult relationship history, and was known for getting a little wild after she'd had a few drinks.
Paula Meronek Today
Today, Paula Meronek is actually Paula Beckert. In 2014, she married Jack Beckert, and together, and they have three children: a son named Atlas, and daughters named Athena and Aurora. These days, Paula is all about yoga and her family — a pretty big change from who she was during her reality TV days.
Karamo Brown on 'Real World: Philadelphia'
Going all the way back to The Real World's 15th season, which premiered in 2004, fans met Karamo Brown when the show filmed in Philadelphia. Back then, he was one of the first openly gay men to join the cast of the show, and he also went on to compete in one season of The Challenge.
Karamo Brown Today
Is it just us, or did Karamo turn out to be one of the most famous former Real World cast members ever? Though he's done a lot of different work since the show, he's best known for being one of the Fab Five on Netflix's Queer Eye reboot, winning him even more reality TV fame.
Trishelle Cannatella on 'Real World: Las Vegas'
Trishelle Cannatella's Real World career spanned a decade, with her appearing first on the show's Las Vegas season before also competing on a few different seasons of The Challenge — as well as a reunion with her Vegas castmates. It's been awhile since Trishelle has been on MTV, though, but she's been keeping pretty busy.
Trishelle Cannatella Today
These days, Trishelle lives in New Orleans with her husband, John Hensz, whom she married in 2017. Since The Real World, Trishelle has also appeared on reality shows, like The Surreal Life, Fear Factor, and even competed in the 2010 World Series of Poker. She's definitely been keeping busy!
Mike Mizanin on 'Real World: Back to New York'
Better known as The Miz, Mike Mizanin was known for his big personality on The Real World's 10th season, which was filmed in New York. He was known for his multiple confrontations with roommate Coral, and he even dated Trishelle for a while after his first appearance on the franchise.
Mike Mizanin Today
With his Real World career in the rearview, The Miz is still living his life in the spotlight today. Instead, he's become famous for his wrestling career, and he and his wife, Maryse Ouellet, star on their own reality show, Miz & Mrs., and they have two daughters, Madison and Monroe.
Eric Nies on 'Real World: New York'
Another cast member to be a part of the Real World's inaugural season in 1992, Eric Nies was just 20 years old when the show was filming. At the time, he was beginning his career in modeling in New York, trying to make it big, while at the same time dealing with some major drama in his personal life.
Eric Nies Today
Eric has changed a lot since 1992! Though he's hosted The Grind and appeared on a few Real World spin-offs, now, Eric is all about natural living, even describing himself as a "health and wellness facilitator" in his Instagram bio. He and his wife, Iona, have a son.
Rachel Campos on 'Real World: San Francisco'
Rachel appeared on the third season of The Real World, which filmed in San Francisco. On the show, Rachel didn't hold back on her political beliefs — and the fact that she was a Republican — caused her to butt heads with her other roommates over the course of the season.
Rachel Campos Today
These days, Rachel Campos is married to another former Real World star: Sean Duffy. Together, they have a huge family — eight children! They've turned their political beliefs into a career for them both. Sean is a former House representative from Wisconsin, while Rachel has hosted The View and appeared on Fox News.
