Alex Quinn Talks About Filthy Rich Cattle Drive

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Alex Quinn Talks About Filthy Rich Cattle Drive

February 8, 2006 12:05:00 by Joe Blackmon

Neal Damiano, a writer for Reality TV Magazine, recently caught up Alex Quinn from E!’s Filthy Rich Cattle Drive. Alex talks about how he got cast on the show, his experience on the show, and all the money that was raised for charity during the show.

NEAL DAMIANO: HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH “CATTLE DRIVE”?

Alex Quinn: My agent was first contacted by the show’s casting director in May of 2005. She called to see if I’d be interested in participating in a new reality show called “CELEBRITY SLICKERS” (the original title of “Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive”). My agent contacted me and we spoke at great length about the opportunity. We were deciding whether or not to risk my existing acting career and go down the reality show path. The thing is, being on a reality show is generally frowned upon within the acting community, however I felt that this particular show’s concept was fresh and unique, so I requested a meeting between myself and the show’s production company. Days later, I met with the producer’s at their Culver City offices, where our one hour meeting was video-taped. Weeks later, my agent heard back from their office and was informed that they were very interested in using me, however needed more time to make an absolute decision. Long story short, four days prior to the first day of shooting on “Cattle Drive”, I was added to the show as the final cast member. Once selected, I felt a huge sense of relief as well as quite fortunate to be included in the television program. From the moment they started rolling camera’s on day one, I never looked back and/or questioned my decision to be a willing participant.

NEAL DAMIANO: IS THERE ANYONE FROM CAST YOU RELATED TO RIGHT OFF THE BAT?

Alex Quinn: I had accidentally bumped into Courtenay Semel and Kourtney Kardashian at the doctor’s office, where all cast was sent to get a required physical, prior to starting the show. Funny enough, not knowing who other cast members were, since we had NOT been informed of who else was going to be on the show, I struck up conversation with Kardashian in the elevator. During our discussion we found out we were both there for “Cattle Drive”. Moments later, Semel exited the doctor’s office and walked into the waiting room. Kardashian then introduced me to her. The two of them had actually been childhood best friends. As Kardashian went in to see the doctor, Semel and I spoke for 25 minutes in the waiting room, getting to know one another and mildly flirting. The rest is reality romance history.

NEAL DAMIANO: IN ONE OF THE FIRST MISSIONS YOU HAD TO DO CATTLE RECTUM CHECK UPS. HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THAT?

Alex Quinn: Prepare?!? I’m not quite sure how one prepares to insert their ENTIRE forearm into a cow’s rectum. There is no preparation. You sort of just convince yourself that NOTHING can go wrong, the activity is strictly for medical purposes, and your compliance could potentially lead to obtaining $5,000 for your team’s children’s charity. The cattle bosses furnished us each with plastic sleeve-like gloves, an enormous bottle of KY jelly, gave us a few pointers, and backed off to watch the action unfold. The production crew seemed to enjoy this particular mission the most!
WHAT WAS THE WORST MISSION?

The most SENSELESS mission in my opinion was killing the rattlesnakes. I’m aware of the fact that rattlesnakes pose a threat to a human when encountered; however there are better ways, in my opinion, of dealing with them, other than simply cutting their heads off, skinning and grilling them, for sport and/or to test our “courage”. I thought it was lame and in poor taste; more-so than the horse mating mission. At least the horse mating mission had a point.

NEAL DAMIANO: HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT GEORGE, FABIAN, AND SHANNA LEAVING THE CATTLE RANCH?

Alex Quinn: Now that I’ve had time to think more clearly about what transpired that “infamous” day, I’m certainly glad I wasn’t a part of it, HOWEVER, none of the cast really cared that they left. We only started caring once we heard that the trail bosses and production crew we’re fumed and felt “let down.” The truth of the matter was that we were all told the day was a free day to chill and hang out. Also, keep in mind, we were never really instructed NEVER to leave camp. There were rumors within the cast that they were going to leave, but no one really believed that the three would make it into town. After all, the closest town (Steamboat Springs) was 20 miles away from the Iacavetto Ranch. At first, when we learned they actually made it into town, people found it rather humorous. But then camera crew’s started swarming on those of us still left at camp, and that’s when producers pulled us each aside to ask our opinion on this “senseless” and “selfish” act. Essentially, we were kind of told to think it was a “despicable” act, even though no one really cared. All in all, I think the whole situation was blown a little out of proportion, although I do think leaving camp and leaving the “outdoors experience” was kind of a weak move on their behalf. Plus,they could’ve at least brought back a football or something useful for the rest of the group. Haha.

NEAL DAMIANO: DO YOU THINK FABIAN WAS IN THE WRONG WHEN HE THREATENED TO GET HIS LAWYER INVOLVED WHEN THE BOSS ACCUSED THE THREE OF STEPPING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY?

Alex Quinn: I don’t think it’s a matter of wrong or right, yet more-so the difference between being a MAN and a CHILD. His behavior was childish and not at all surprising to me. From what I observed, if Fabian didn’t get his way, he got irritated rather quickly, took offense to it, and saw it as a personal challenge. We’re talking about a guy who’s used to being coddled and given what he wants; a.k.a. spoiled with no boundaries. When Fabian is faced with a semi-serious matter or when his back’s up against the wall, his first instinct is to threaten and/or call for back-up. Sooner or later, I hope that he’ll come to the realization that money can’t buy you happiness or the respect of others. One’s character speaks exponentially more than dollar bills, in my opinion.

NEAL DAMIANO: HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT BRITTNY & NOAH FEUDING? DID YOU FAVOR ONE SIDE OVER THE OTHER?

Alex Quinn: To be perfectly honest with you, more tension existed between Noah and Shanna Ferigno and it would not be a stretch for me to say that most of the girls clashed with Noah. Of all the male cast members, Noah was most vocal about his disappointment with their lack of enthusiasm on the cattle drives. No one is wrong or right in this matter, in my opinion, it’s just a matter of life; some people get along with others and some people have more patience than others. I personally tend to avoid any kind of drama, so I typically keep my opinions to myself if others’ actions are not outright affecting the outcome of the experience, which theirs (the girls) really weren’t. They were doing their thing and we were doing ours.

NEAL DAMIANO: YOU GOT LABELED AS A LADIES MAN DURING THE SHOW AND TOOK SOME HEAT FOR IT FROM THE CAST; DID THAT RATTLE YOU AT ALL?

Alex Quinn: No. Being deemed a “Ladies Man” didn’t rattle me. There are far worse things a young man can be called. I feel my behavior with the ladies on the program was conducted all in good natured fun. If I had felt that my actions were ever distasteful, dishonest, or mean spirited, then I would not have continued my “flirtatious” ways. I never felt that my actions affected my team in competition or disrupted the main goal of winning and/or raising money for the two wonderful children’s charities. Anyone who knows me personally is well aware of the fact that I have tremendous respect for women and would never seek out an opportunity to simply seduce a woman for sport. Let’s face it, my relationships on the program made for entertaining television and contributed to the overall amusing nature of the show. By the way, since I know people are curious, Courtenay Semel and I remain to be dear friends and have nothing but tremendous respect for one another and wholeheartedly support each others pursuit of personal happiness and continued growth.

NEAL DAMIANO: WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE?

Alex Quinn: Besides raising more than a combined $80,000 for two Colorado children’s charities (Humble Ranch www.humbletherapy.org and H-Bar-H www.mlazyc.com/h-bar-h.htm ), the best part about being on “Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive” was being able to participate in a once in a lifetime adventure and having it all documented on video; video memories that I’ll be able to share with my family, friends, and future children, for the rest of my life. It was a fascinating experience, within a cinematic backdrop, that provided me with time to think about my life, my late-father, my relationships back at home, and deeper issues about whom I am and where I’d like the direction of my life to go in. To simplify it; being in the woods for two weeks, amongst horses, cattle, and the glorious Colorado mountains without the luxuries of everyday life, changes you. Everyone should try it once.

NEAL DAMIANO: WERE YOU PLEASED WITH THE FINAL PRODUCT OF THE SERIES “FILTHY RICH: CATTLE DRIVE”?

Alex Quinn: I would be misleading you and the audience if I told you that I felt the show was the strongest it could be. What the audience saw at home was only a half of what really took place up there. For the most part we all got along just fine. We had an extraordinary amount of laughter and fun at night, when cameras were still rolling, but just never made air. I’m not unhappy with the end result; however do feel that certain aspects could’ve been highlighted in a more positive light. We were up there to have fun, accomplish a goal, and deal with unexpected elements of being on a cattle ranch. What you never really saw was Jerad’s (Ranch Hand) witty and amusing playfulness, Joshua’s goofiness, Alexander Clifford’s comedic side, Courtenay Semel’s wonderful heart, my displeasure with certain people’s behavior, Kourtney Kardashian’s extreme generosity, and yes, even Fabian’s good side,yes, he actually has one. Furthermore, what disappointed me was the fact that the audience was never really given a reason to care who won the mission’s; it was never clear who was on who’s team, like it is when you watch Real World/Road Rules Challenges. MTV gives the audience a reason to care, whereas our show didn’t accomplish that. Finally, what truly saddened me and most of my fellow cast mates was the fact that the sole purpose of the show, raising money for the two charities, was more-or-less swept under the rug and the audience NEVER found out how much money we ACTUALLY raised for them.

All in the all, being part of “Filthy Rich” was an experience I’ll never forget or take for granted. Being on the show was a terrific opportunity for me to exhibit to America who I am, what I’m about, and to share with the audience, both young and old, who my father was and what he meant to me. For two weeks out of my life I became a good old-fashioned American cowboy,any young man’s dream!

For more information on Alex Quinn, please visit his personal MySpace page at www.myspace.com/alexquinn (updated often) and his personal website, www.alexaquinn.com .

Written by Neal Damiano. Neal Damiano is from New Haven, CT, and the founder of ND Productions. His background inlcudes AllExperts.com -Real World Consultant, Online Real World Trivia Champion 2yrs in a row, CTV Journalist Viewpoint- Inside Reality TV- Host & Producer, Press Coverage Real World Reunion Beacon Theatre NYC, Press Coverage on film Private Public featuring David Burns RW Seattle, Jason Cornwell RW Boston, Glen Naessens RW Los Angeles, Norman Korpi’s (RW New York1) Indie Film -The Wedding Video Long Isand screening premiere- Host & Coordinator, Footage shown on E Channel, and Joe’s World Foundation (Joe Patane RW Maimi)- Hosted several support party gatherings/events. If you want to send Neal feedback, email him at nd.realitytvmag@gmail.com.