Antonio Sabato Jr. is known for his Casanova persona and looking great in a mile-high billboard wearing only his Calvin Klein underwear. While he's had a successful acting and modeling career, finding love hasn't come easy for him. At 37, he's ready to put his heart on the line for his new VH1 reality dating show, 'My Antonio', which premieres Aug. 16 at 10 p.m. PopEater sat down with Mr. Sabato to chat about love and how the show dropped a huge "bombshell" on him by bringing on his ex-wife.
Let's be frank. Most reality dating couples don't end up together when the show ends. Were you at all skeptical of actually finding true love?
"I was very skeptical. But I think relationships are tough no matter what -- whether you're in the real world or in front of a camera. This is not a scripted show either. I wanted to be real to who I am. When we get down to the core, I wanted to find out if these girls were here for me and for the right reasons. Maybe the majority is here for the limelight and fame, but maybe there is one here for me. The odds are not on my favor, but you never know."
During the first episode, you actually eliminate one girl just minutes after meeting her. What made you kick her to the curb so quickly? "If I feel there is no real connection, then she had to leave. I didn't want to make the show fake or keep people around just for the sake of it. I told VH1 beforehand that if at any given moment I wanted to send someone home, it is my choice, even if it wasn't on elimination night."
Going on a reality dating show is a lot different than dating in the real world. What was it like having to juggle all those women at once?
"It is different, and I am certainly not that person. I like to date one person at a time and am very private. Dating nowadays is hard anyway. Ultimately it is about my life and hopefully finding the right person."
Antonio Talks About the 'My Antonio' Bombshell Moment
An unexpected moment on the show occurs when your ex-wife, Tully Jenson returns, saying she's still in love with you. Were you blindsided?
"My manager and co-producers knew, but I was the only one who didn't know. I was blown away. What you see is what you get on the show. It shocked me. As a matter of fact, I had to leave and go back to my place because I really had to think about it. I haven't seen her in many, many years and am a completely different person than when I was 18. I was intrigued by this person and wanted to know, 'Why are you here? What's going on? Are you trying to be famous?' Yeah, it was shocking and unbelievable."
Did the women have to do anything crazy to prove their love to you? "I wanted to shock and scare these girls sometimes. I asked VH1 to give me pretty much everything, like diving with sharks and skydiving from 20,000 feet. I asked for a lot of crazy stuff – but didn't get everything I wanted though."
You have two children from other relationships. Do they know you're on this reality dating show?
"They don't know anything about it... I am a proud father, and I believe I am a really good dad. I love my children, and they adore me. [My kids] know I am doing a show, but I am a actor and have been doing this my whole life, so they really don't pay too much attention to it."
I have to ask, is there a happy ending at the end of 'My Antonio'?
"I can't say anything about the ending, but this show is certainly different. It is going to take reality TV to a whole new level. It is a compelling show of determination and integrity. We'll see how it goes. I am very excited."
So if you could choose your next acting gig, what would it be?
"I would love to be on 'Lost' before it is over. Also 'Entourage' is great. I know Mark [Walhberg], and we've worked together. Those are my favorite shows."
Nice. Well, it's been great chatting with you. Any plans to take in the sights around Manhattan?
"Actually, I went to go see 'Hair' on Broadway last night. It was awesome.Every time I come to New York, I go see a musical or play... After the second act, one of the dancers pulled me out, and I started dancing with her in the aisle. It was an awesome show."
Antonio Sabato Jr needs to look into himself, and open his heart and mind as to what would really make him happy? He did have two failed relationships and two children, right now, it's important to be a big part of the lives of his children, and should he meet someone at work, through family and friends that can be his soulmate, then so be it. Perhaps he should re-explore his two wives, what made him happy with them, what tore their relationships apart and why can't he remain committed? Antonio needs to stop thinking of meeting Mrs Right, and start thinking what can make him fulfilled, truly happy, as you really don't need to have a life partner to be happy, you can enjoy life on your own, having dates, joining in on family and friend's functions, surrounding yourself with the things that would make you happy. See what would make your children happy too!
I haven't watched soaps in ages, isn't Antonio Sabato Jr on One Life to Live? Has he left the show? Sorry, but the man does need to search his soul and find out why he is non-trusting women, and how much of a "momma's boy" is he, that she influences him so much, he can't commit to another woman, as they don't match up to his mother's standards? Separating Mom from Wife or Lover is hard, but is necessary to have happiness, especially if you're truly in love with your intended. Mom and Childnre can make or break a relationship, as can a spouse that always thinks the grass is greener on the other side, and are too proud to get counseling to delve into their subconscience. For now, with his looks and money, he should find happiness within himself and let life with another just happen if it's meant to be. He should enjoy traveling and spending quality time with his children and if it's one of their mother's that a new relationship can enfold, then go for it.
Isn't that the same volcano from the Bachelorette this past season? And does Antonio act like every other beautiful jerk you've ever met? *Sigh* It's just the same old reality dating show. And it IS getting very, very old.
Umm... yeah he still looks great but this is fantasy reality- you've seen one show, you've seen them all.I doubt it very highly that Antonio will find true love with these money/fame hungry women. Best of luck to Antonio either way.
I think that in reality shows only characters are real and nothing is real. After the show get over the relationship between the characters also get over.
Seriously? Another "Reality" show? Does he even have a clue that the public knows there is no such thing? All scripted. Oh and the part where the ex shows up and he had no clue.......r i g h t. The writers have to do something like this to keep the viewers watching. No thanks. I'll continue to watch real entertainment not trash.
OMGoodness! Kelly thankx for saying it "OUT LOUD" I thought I was the only person thinking that. She looks horrible, ugly. And just to think he sent the other woman home for hands and feet. The woman he sent home looked 10x better than his ex-wife. I agree who would have thought he had such bad taste. I guess when ur that cute... it doesn't matter if your mate is UGLY.
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Another has-been hoping for a comeback. Sad.
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True but he still looks good
Um, who is he Amy?
He would have the dudes lined up if he were gay. He's hot!
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Antonio Sabato Jr needs to look into himself, and open his heart and mind as to what would really make him happy? He did have two failed relationships and two children, right now, it's important to be a big part of the lives of his children, and should he meet someone at work, through family and friends that can be his soulmate, then so be it. Perhaps he should re-explore his two wives, what made him happy with them, what tore their relationships apart and why can't he remain committed? Antonio needs to stop thinking of meeting Mrs Right, and start thinking what can make him fulfilled, truly happy, as you really don't need to have a life partner to be happy, you can enjoy life on your own, having dates, joining in on family and friend's functions, surrounding yourself with the things that would make you happy. See what would make your children happy too!
Reply
I haven't watched soaps in ages, isn't Antonio Sabato Jr on One Life to Live? Has he left the show? Sorry, but the man does need to search his soul and find out why he is non-trusting women, and how much of a "momma's boy" is he, that she influences him so much, he can't commit to another woman, as they don't match up to his mother's standards? Separating Mom from Wife or Lover is hard, but is necessary to have happiness, especially if you're truly in love with your intended. Mom and Childnre can make or break a relationship, as can a spouse that always thinks the grass is greener on the other side, and are too proud to get counseling to delve into their subconscience.
For now, with his looks and money, he should find happiness within himself and let life with another just happen if it's meant to be. He should enjoy traveling and spending quality time with his children and if it's one of their mother's that a new relationship can enfold, then go for it.
Reply
Isn't that the same volcano from the Bachelorette this past season? And does Antonio act like every other beautiful jerk you've ever met? *Sigh* It's just the same old reality dating show. And it IS getting very, very old.
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Hes was on General Hospital for awhile then he came back on the spin off show General hospital: Night shift for a season
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Umm... yeah he still looks great but this is fantasy reality- you've seen one show, you've seen them all.I doubt it very highly that Antonio will find true love with these money/fame hungry women. Best of luck to Antonio either way.
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I think that in reality shows only characters are real and nothing is real. After the show get over the relationship between the characters also get over.
Student speed dating
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what a freakin' desperate goofball. proving if someone can swim w/sharks shows how stupid they are, just like you dork boy.
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I'd take him home :)
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Seriously? Another "Reality" show? Does he even have a clue that the public knows there is no such thing? All scripted. Oh and the part where the ex shows up and he had no clue.......r i g h t. The writers have to do something like this to keep the viewers watching. No thanks. I'll continue to watch real entertainment not trash.
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For more information on this and the next episode check out www.rareiron.com. News you wont hear everyday
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IF you want to know what happend at the end of the show, Go to www.rareiron.com. NO where else will you see this.
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I am shocked at what www.rareiron.com says about this guy. SHOCKING Lies" Is my guess. Someone is going to get sued.
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R U Kidding Me" If antonio is really in that amount of trouble. Why is he on a reality show at this point in his life ?
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Sorry, But I just cant believe the story. rareiron.com has got some explaining to do.
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WOW..he is hot and his ex is sooo not..She looks like a dude in drag.. He can do better than her, i hope he dosnt take her back..ick!
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OMGoodness! Kelly thankx for saying it "OUT LOUD" I thought I was the only person thinking that. She looks horrible, ugly. And just to think he sent the other woman home for hands and feet. The woman he sent home looked 10x better than his ex-wife. I agree who would have thought he had such bad taste. I guess when ur that cute... it doesn't matter if your mate is UGLY.