Diane Henry (CBS)
Over the past week, I've had the pleasure of interviewing former houseguests from the reality series Big Brother.
Leading up to Tuesday night's two-hour finale of Big Brother 11, I will be posting a new interview each day, which features a different former houseguest discussing their time on the show, their strategies in the game, and their thoughts on their fellow houseguests. They'll also talk about who they think will win Big Brother 11, and how being on a reality show changed their lives.
Previous Interviews:
Michelle from 'Big Brother 10'
Today, Diane Henry from Big Brother 5 and Big Brother All-Stars is featured. Diane lasted 78 days on the fifth edition; 32 days on All-Stars.
MICHAEL LANGSTON MOORE: How did you become a contestant on “Big Brother?” Were you a fan of the show?
DIANE: Well, I have to be honest here. I was actually sought out by a casting director from some photos I had up on a modeling website. I thought it was surely something sketchy at first, but when I noticed the local California number, I thought why not at least call. I had to quit three jobs and take a leave from school but they promised me it would be worth it. They flew me out the next few days and thrust me straight into final eliminations. The rest is history. As far as ever seeing the show before, I had not.
Was the isolation that the game creates difficult for you to adjust to?
See, most people would say yes to this answer, but you have to understand I was working two part-time jobs--one full-time job, as well as [going to] college full-time--so a three month break from the real world sounded fabulous. I love me alone time.
On “Big Brother 5,” there was a twist implemented called “Do Not Assume” (DNA). One secret was that contestants Adria and Natalie—who were twins—attempted to play the game as one person without their fellow houseguests’ knowledge. Did you have any clue during your time in the house that Adria was really two people? And what were you thinking when “Big Brother” introduced Natalie into the house? Similarly, what was your reaction to the sibling twist involving Cowboy (Michael Ellis) and Nakomis—who were half-siblings and but never knew of each other prior to the show?
I had not a single clue that Adria was fooling the whole house. I did think it was strange that she always had her hair in her face, though. In fact, I am ashamed about this too! Especially when [Big Brother] found out I had a twin and brought her out for some meetings. How could I have not been in the house at least thinking, 'hmm, maybe [Big Brother] has twins in here?' And when Natalie came through those doors, I was so excited but at the same time I was like, 'darn it, I’m a dummy!'
As far as Nakomis and Cowboy, whether it was true or not, I was clearly the only one in the house that could care less. In fact, when I watch that episode and they are telling everyone in the living room, I always wonder, where am I?
Both you and Drew had a very close relationship on the show. What did you see in Drew that you liked? And do you have any kind of relationship with him now?
Drew was clearly attractive first and foremost, but I loved that we instantly sat on the couch next to each other the first night. We both had twins, and we were both from southern Ohio. I thought we had tons in common, and would get along really well. And who doesn’t want someone cute to pass the time [with]?
As far as now, sometimes I will email or text his brother Ben (who I like better), and once in a blue moon I talk to Drew.
Looking back on it, are you upset that Drew chose money over your growing relationship, opting to evict you in the final week? Would you have done the same to him had the roles been reversed?
Of course I was upset…at first. But once reality sunk in, he made the ultimate best move to evict me. Enough said. And I think if the roles were reversed, I still would have taken him to the final two.
Had you made it into the final two against Cowboy, do you think you would’ve had enough votes to win?
That’s really an answer I couldn’t give you, but when I showed up at the jury house, almost every person there--except for the twins--said they would have voted me to win whether I was next to Drew or Cowboy.
What do you think was the greatest factor in you reaching the final three on “Big Brother 5?” What do you think was your biggest obstacle in cracking the final two?
I think my greatest factor in making it so far in the game was to befriend everyone and mentally cater to whatever it was [that] they needed to hear at that time. To have some sort of an alliance with everyone, whether I lied or not.
What do you think the producers and fans of the show liked most about your personality and strategy that allowed you to re-enter the house two years later on “Big Brother: All-Stars?”
I’m assuming it was the fact that I have absolutely no filter on my mouth whatsoever! That and the fans were hoping for a cat fight between Janelle and I.
What did you learn from season five, strategy wise, that you attempted to utilize in the house in “All-Stars?” Why do you think it didn’t work, as you were evicted in week four?
I took absolutely nothing from season five with me to Big Brother All-Stars because I knew it would be a completely different dynamic, especially since I was one of the last ones to form a pre-game alliance before the show even started.
I think the reason I, as well as the rest of Big Brother 5, were evicted so early in the game was because there were just too many Big Brother 6 people [in the house] to overpower everyone else.
After two stints on the show, do you think that most people are genuine on “Big Brother”--in terms of their personality and behavior--or are some houseguests simply playing a character for the cameras and viewing audience?
I have rarely met anyone I thought [that] wasn’t really the same person as they were on the show--well at least what you can gather after editing is done. Although Jessie did surprise me last year in person…he was very sweet. And I will say that some of the girls you think would be bitches in real life….are.
What’s something you can reveal about being a contestant on the show that most people wouldn’t realize from watching the series on television?
That [the] producers do ask loaded questions in the diary room, and they sometimes use footage from one moment for another, if it’s a reaction they want instead.
How did handle being watched 24/7 by a viewing audience on the Internet?
You never think about that until years after you are out, and then you realize how creepy it can be.
You participated in many HOH and Veto competitions. Which competition was most memorable? Which competition was most difficult?
The endurance competition that won me HOH in Big Brother 5 was definitely the best and the easiest. The most difficult competition I think I was ever in was the veto competition from All-Stars where my [butt] was on the line and we had to play golf. It was pretty much a crapshoot.
What’s it like to know that your fellow houseguests are always talking behind your back? Does the nature of the show create any sense of paranoia or anxiety?
See, that part never bothered me from what I can remember. The only thing that got the best of me was when you get nominated and everyone treats you like a leper. Now that’s uncomfortable!
How much downtime is there on “Big Brother?” Does it ever get boring?
I seem to remember at one point sleeping through entire days.
You appear to be a person who is emotional and can often wear her emotions on her sleeve. Do you think that aided you in the house, or did you persevere throughout the game in spite of that?
I think that when you wear your heart on your sleeve that many people will take advantage of that, and with me [they] did. But overall, I definitely persevered throughout the game in spite of that. I personally think it’s a wonderful quality.
How mentally draining can playing “Big Brother” become? And did this surprise you?
You know, I was just so young at the time that I never felt mentally drained, but now working in the real world and having days where my job does mentally exhaust me, I always wonder how I ever did it.
Do you hold any resentment against anyone’s actions in the house?
Nope, sure don’t.
Do you feel that you received a fair edit while on the show?
Yeah, I can’t complain too much. Although I felt like they made me the whiny baby in All-Stars.
Do you still get recognized for being on “Big Brother?” If so, what has been the reaction from fans of the show in the real world?
I still get recognized on occasion, actually just a few weeks ago in Vegas. Almost every fan I have ever met has been totally sweet.
How did your friends and family react to both your actions and strategy while in the “Big Brother” house?
Everyone thought I played a great game and did the best I could. My family wanted to puke every time they showed me kissing Drew. My sister was a little disappointed (laughing).
How has being on the show changed your life? Do you have any interest in other reality shows?
Well for starters, if I had won the money there’s a good chance I would still be living in Ohio or Kentucky doing who in the hell knows what. I would also not have my wonderful job here in L.A. working in the news, which I enjoy very much. I do miss my family very much, though.
And hell to the no on any more reality shows, unless it was The Amazing Race or Who Wants To Marry Channing Tatum.
If you could play the game a third time, what would you do differently?
I would play balls to the wall, in your face like Evel Dick! No Fear.
Are you a current viewer of “Big Brother 11?” If so, who do you think has the best chance to win the game and why?
I am watching and I love this season. I was a huge all-around Jeff fan, but with the three left I can only pray that Jordan wins, and if not…Kevin.
If Natalie wins I might stop watching.
What are you currently up to these days?
I am just enjoying my life and friends here in sunny southern California. I currently work for CBS2/KCAL9 News here in L.A., which I do believe we will soon be called NewsCentral.
I’ve never had a clear career path of any sort, I am just blessed to have a good job period. But I do know this--my life dream is to be able to help people in need for the rest of my life. It’s just a tad difficult to do those things while trying to financially take care of yourself. One day, though!
Lastly, what advice would you give anyone who is considering being on a reality show, especially one such as “Big Brother?”
Be prepared for the good and the bad that may come from being on TV. There are a lot of nasty people in the world who thrive on putting down others in order to compensate for what they may not have. Never be afraid or ashamed of who you are! And try to do good with any new fame that may come your way. Make a difference.
Upcoming Interviews: Jen Johnson (Big Brother 8).
OTHER INTERVIEWS:
Michelle from 'Big Brother 10'
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