‘Queer Eye’ newbie Jeremiah Brent cries a lot, but he is so productive
As a designer and a mother, I find myself constantly moved by the stories of resilience and transformation that I encounter. From creating a magical playground for a small dog to designing a home where a hero can start anew, each project brings its unique set of challenges and rewards.
In the beginning of this season, Jeremiah Brent, a recent addition to “Queer Eye,” expresses his doubts by saying, “I don’t think I’m going to make it through this show.” He wipes away his tears as he says this.
Brent began appearing in the ninth season on Netflix, taking over Bobby Berk’s role as interior designer. Berk left under dramatic circumstances last year, causing a stir with news about backstage conflicts. Since the new season started, Brent has won hearts as the embodiment of the Fab Five – always expressing himself through words, actions, and emotions, much like a weeping, empathetic emoji.
Who knew a makeshift canopy bed could prompt an ugly cry? If you know, you know.
Brent frequently works with home makeovers on TV shows. Alongside his partner, renowned interior designer Nate Berkus, who gained fame through appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in the 2000s, he has been involved in projects like TLC’s “Nate & Jeremiah by Design” and HGTV’s “The Nate and Jeremiah Home Project.
During a video chat from his residence in New York City, Brent discussed with The Times everything related to those tears, the difficulty of making over rooms within just three days, and exchanging messages with HomeGoods team leaders.
Jeremiah, are you OK?
[Laughs.] Someone approached me today, and she mentioned a campaign where people are saying, “Someone needs to check on Jeremiah.” I’m doing fine, really well even. Yes, I did cry throughout, as you can tell. However, those were tears of joy.
You’re familiar with changing people’s lives by transforming their spaces. How is this different?
As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve never taken on challenges quite like the ones presented by this captivating show. The task of overhauling an entire home in just three days might seem daunting to some, but for me, it’s a labor of love that I embrace wholeheartedly. Yet, it’s undeniably intense. This season, I’ve made it my mission to avoid being pigeonholed as a one-trick designer, creating 40 different iterations of the same room. Instead, I’ve aimed to design spaces that truly resonate with the people living in the house. With Paula, for instance, I didn’t opt for the typical bunny, hummingbird, and flower motifs. Instead, I chose elements that genuinely brought her joy and reflected her unique personality.
At this stage, we’re already a week into the season. How has the ride experience been thus far? Also, I’m curious to know what kind of feedback or messages you’ve been receiving?
Not to get emotional, but I’ve been kind of overwhelmed with how kind people have been. I came into this season with an acute awareness of what I was inheriting. The show was in a lot of controversy the last year. There was a lot of drama, a lot of versions of people’s truth that not everybody was aligned on. My only intention in coming into the show was to work my ass off and to earn the trust of the people that are watching and also to do a really good job meeting people and doing what I love. I’ve been really grateful people have been super positive. To your point, the emotional component is just a reflection on how much people are looking for hope and positivity right now. This show is a Trojan horse in a lot of ways because we tackle really important issues. We have immigration, we have aging, we’re dealing with a mother with trans children — you name it. Every part of the American experience is in this show, part of the tapestry that’s in there. It’s the kind of conversations I want to be having and the kind of work that I need to be doing at this point in my life.
On Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live,” host Andy Cohen questioned Karamo Brown about the possibility of him hazing you. However, Karamo clarified that he was merely verifying your qualifications. Yet, did you feel that they were assessing you more closely in those initial stages?
As a movie reviewer, I found myself in a similar position when joining the Fab Four – I had to win their trust just as I strive to win over my viewers. Over the past year, they’ve been nothing but the epitome of kindness, warmth, and good intentions. Their relentless work ethic and genuine care for people are truly commendable.
Television
Taking a peek at the Instagram accounts of the “Queer Eye” personalities and reading their interactions with one another may leave you wondering about the quality of friendships in your own circle.
Have you ever had the chance to personally interact with Bobby? Although you shared a panel discussion with him previously, you never really got to know each other. After joining the show, have there been any instances where you wished to connect with him? If so, what would be your message for him regarding the foundation he established in this reboot?
I hold great admiration for anyone who’s committed and delivered such outstanding work over eight seasons. That’s a long time! It shows the bond he formed with the audience, as everyone was anxious about his absence in future seasons. Creativity should never be hostile; it’s filled with beauty and possibilities. I have immense respect for what he accomplished, and my intention when joining this show was to preserve its essence while adding my own unique touch – after all, I’m an individual.
Were there any conditions you set before starting this experience — for instance, “If I’m to perform effectively and truly benefit these individuals, we might need to expand the budget slightly”? Did the budget increase as a result of this condition?
I wish. The budget was less. There’s a fun fact — run that as the headline! Because somebody said to me the other day, they’re like, “It looks like the budget went up.” I was like, “It didn’t.” I was on the phone constantly. I was scouring local areas. I was at every HomeGoods you’ve ever heard of. I was at every flea market you’ve ever heard of. There’s an amazing team that never gets the credit they deserve — the design team behind the scenes. It’s actually been there forever. I was like, “I want real marble.” I would scour salvage yards and marble that had been thrown away. I was just getting scrappy because I meet these people, and I really want to give them everything I can. And they’re asking for nothing. That’s the beauty of it.
I wanted to clarify if by “HomeGoods” you referred to the specific store or any home goods stores in general, as it brings joy to imagine you at a place that’s special to me.
I often visit HomeGoods, a store where I’ve met the managers. If possible, I’d like them to text me about new items. Typically, there would be a single drop on Tuesdays, but occasionally it could be a double drop. Once inside, I’d direct them to the crystal aisle to check out the latest lamps. I also made a point of visiting every Michaels and Target store I could find, searching for items that caught my eye. It was an ongoing quest, but I found what I was looking for at each location.
What was the most emotional moment for you? Two come to my mind: Nicole and Jen’ya. I ugly sobbed.
In the episode, I openly expressed my deep feelings about Jenya, who held significant personal value for me. Growing up with a single mother for half of my life made understanding hardship uniquely challenging, especially if you haven’t experienced it yourself. It was a fortunate coincidence that I got to help ease her life, as she wasn’t an applicant for the show; instead, she was recommended by my mother-in-law. Seeing her transformation during filming was incredibly moving – her posture straightened, her smile brightened, and you could sense her going through something profound. Being a part of such an experience is truly extraordinary.
Awards
In each episode, we meet a “main character,” an individual seeking advice, who is then entrusted to the skillful care of the five hosts: Tan France (fashion), Bobby Berk (interior design), Karamo Brown (culture and lifestyle), Antoni Porowski (culinary arts and beverages), and Jonathan Van Ness (grooming).
When Jen’ya fell to her knees by her bed, how do you move in a moment like that?
Just so you know, the reveal was an hour and a half long because she and I could not pull it together. At one point, her eyelash was literally on her chest, and I was like, “I’m the wrong queen. I don’t know what to do with this.” We were completely unraveled. Here’s why that moment was so important for me. This is a woman of complete faith. Faith, for her, is the answer to everything, and for her to see us and to feel like we are a part of that faith, that we are included in it, that we’re the conduit for what Jesus is bringing to her life that she needs, it’s really profound. We were all a mess that week.
Watching the moment when Nicole attached significance to a simple canopy bed, making it symbolize her sense of worthiness, was incredibly moving to observe.
She remained silent, and it was difficult to get her to speak. From the moment I met Nicole, I could sense her power, hidden beneath a veil. This strength was palpable. Thus, the design concept revolved around portraying this authority, elegance, and regal aura – as if she were a queen. Interestingly, Nicole responded to this portrayal swiftly and showed remarkable vulnerability. This quick connection and openness speak volumes about the effort and dedication of everyone involved, particularly the other four, in creating an environment that feels secure for the audience.
It was quite the moment for canopy beds. I’m sure you’ve used canopy beds before and never had a reaction like that.
Design holds immense strength, as you saw demonstrated with the creation of that piece. Interestingly, it was originally a repurposed curtain rug and some surplus material that we stitched together to keep costs down.
In one instance, you established a petite dog playground named Mr. Piffles Magical Playground within a casino. Occasionally, there are limitations due to HOAs or tenancy agreements. Could you tell me about the trickiest space to work with in such situations?
Every house presented unique difficulties for various reasons. Many of our champions didn’t own their homes and construction wasn’t an option. Instead, I focused on cosmetic enhancements. Building a dog park in Las Vegas was nothing short of a nightmare. The stress of board meetings and the county disputing my plans for a fountain were overwhelming. They argued that a fountain wouldn’t be suitable due to the drought, which I understood.
How much prep time do you have before meeting the heroes and coming up with a design?
None.
What?
In a different phrasing: I didn’t visit the location before it was filmed. There were two instances where I arrived early but didn’t enjoy it, so I decided to do things as they happened in reality. Once our scenes were completed, the design team would arrive in a van parked outside. As soon as we finished, they began clearing away props. I was there, sketching and designing on the spot because I create everything visually first. After that, we move on to sourcing materials, all in real time. Given my unique qualifications, I thrive in the organized chaos.
Was there a space where you almost didn’t finish in that time frame?
I’m always early.
What? How? There’s so little time you have to work with.
As a cinephile with an eye for detail, I’ve always been hands-on when it comes to setting up my space. From the moment a new piece of furniture, book, or candle enters my room, I instinctively know where it belongs. While I do have a design team at my disposal, they often suggest delegating tasks. But for me, there’s no delay from design – once something arrives, I just can’t wait to find its perfect spot. It’s all about ensuring every item contributes to the overall aesthetic and harmony of the space.
As a film critic, I must confess it’s been quite a while since we wrapped up on set. However, I can’t help but find myself moved to tears in my personal life, separate from the screen. Recently, it was… [describe the event or situation that made you cry].
My heart broke upon seeing my daughter’s Christmas wishes list. If only I could convey to you that I’m more composed, but I find myself on the verge of tears as I reflect on it. It wasn’t about extravagant gifts; it was the sweetness of her letter that left me touched. She wrote about her summer experiences and accomplishments, ending with a hopeful note for me to notice. The sincerity in her words moved me deeply.
If it’s any consolation, you’re not an ugly crier.
If you insist, it appeared quite dry in Las Vegas. I found myself exclaiming, “What’s this about? She could surely use a spa day. What was the situation?
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2024-12-20 14:33