Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
Can you share your experience competing on ‘The Floor’ and what drew you to participate in the show?
Being such a massive TV fan and trivia nerd, I had always wanted to participate in a game show at some point in my life. The stars truly aligned for this opportunity and it was unexpected to say the least. It was definitely a little intimating, but also very exciting, to be competing on a brand new show in the US since we had no idea what to expect going into filming. I am an extremely competitive person so to be able to say that I won a game show is amazing, but to also have the bragging rights of being the first-ever winner of The Floor is the cherry on top. I also love that I forever have a great answer when asked to “tell a fun fact about myself.”
What was it like working alongside Rob Lowe as the host of ‘The Floor’? Any memorable moments or interactions you can share?
It was so great working with Rob. I know everyone loves him from Parks and Rec, but I am a massive fan of The West Wing so it was a pretty cool experience to work alongside one of my favorite TV characters from that show.
One of my favorite moments with him happened at the start of my first duel. When I went up to shake his hand for the first time I completely botched it and fumbled my handshake. I am very superstitious when it comes to sports, competing, etc so when I went up for my second duel I told him our bad handshake must have been lucky and we had to recreate it. It was a funny moment (and maybe just a ploy to hold his hand again) but I won that next duel so clearly there was a method to my madness.
As a breakout star on the show, how do you feel your background from Reno, Nevada, and your move to NYC have influenced your journey on the show?
I definitely think having lived in different locations and my varied life experiences contributed to my success on the show. My expertise category, TV Show Hosts, I definitely owe a lot of that knowledge to my Mom. Growing up in Reno, we used to watch a ton of TV, especially daytime talk shows and reality TV competitions. I loved coming home from school and watching the Ellen Degeneres show with my mom and at night as a family we’d always watch a the game shows like Jeopardy, Survivor, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, The Amazing Race, etc. Living in New York and Los Angeles has definitely increased my knowledge and love for all things fashion, culture and especially food. New York City’s food scene is incredible and there are so many global cuisines to choose from. I was ready and eager to face off in International Foods if I was challenge and felt very confident I’d win that duel.
This show has a unique game show format. How did you prepare yourself mentally and physically for the challenges presented on it?
The show format is unique to say the least and because of that there really wasn’t much opportunity to prepare or study prior to filming. Since this was a new show as well, you couldn’t watch previous episodes and try and develop a strategy before hand. Once we stared filming though and knew the categories, I truly was in it to win it and was studying any chance I could. From a physical standpoint, I won’t lie, standing on the hard floor for multiple hours each day was not the most fun part of filming. I got pretty awful shin splints towards the end of filming, but 100% worth it!
Throughout the competition, what has been the most challenging aspect for you, and how did you overcome it?
I think the most challenging part was balancing the nerves. This game really is a mental battle in so many ways and it’s definitely a bit scary knowing you are competing against 80 other people, in front of a live audience, with the handsome Rob Lowe next to you and all of this will be on national TV. You really had to get in the zone when you dueled and find a way to silence everything and everyone out to focus on the clues ahead. What anchored me during each duel was squeezing tightly on to a ring I wear every day that was passed down from my grandmother. Part of it was for good luck, but squeezing it also helped to calm my nerves when competing.
You always look amazing, what was a typical day like for you preparing for the show?
Why thank you! I give all the credit though to our incredible hair, makeup and wardrobe crew that kept us looking fabulous every day during filming. Our call times were very early so each morning I’d get up, do a little 10-15 hotel room pilates, shower, and do my skin care. I tried to get as much sleep as I could and didn’t drink during filming to make sure I was looking as fresh as possible on camera. I’d throw on the same leggings, sweatshirt and sneakers (again, very superstitious) and then we’d head to the studio where we’d get our hair and makeup done and change into our outfits. It made the process extremely easy getting ready to film each day since the HMU teams took care of everything and with wearing the same thing every day, it took the stress out of figuring out what to wear!
Can you share any behind-the-scenes moments from the show that viewers might find interesting or surprising?
When the show filmed last year, it was one of the busiest, yet most exciting, times of my life between work, life, travel, friendships, etc. I actually found out I had landed a new job the same week I was cast for The Floor. Since I was going to film, I had to miss my best friend’s bachelorette party (she forgave me only because I won 🙂 and then after filming I immediately flew straight to LA to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Concert. I have yet to find the secret sauce on how to juggle everything and it can be challenging at times. That said, I try to keep in perspective how exciting these opportunities and moments are. It’s important to prioritize.
Looking beyond ‘The Floor,’ what are your aspirations and goals for the future of your career in entertainment?
Winning aside, I had the best experience participating on the show and would love to film another one! I’m a true Leo at heart so wasn’t surprised at all with how comfortable I felt in front of the camera. Whether that next opportunity is another competitive reality show or a dating show (I’m single, wink wink) I am open to exploring whatever life has in store next.
SOCIALS: Jacquelyn Kenny
