EXCLUSIVE | CJ Franco reveals how 'reality stars egos' were hurt in filming 'The GOAT'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: For those who don't know, Celisa "CJ" Franco is a multi-talented rising star in the entertainment business with a background in acting, comedy, modeling, and unashamed reality TV. She became well-known after winning Season 1 of 'FBoy Island', and now that she's a member of the all-star cast of Prime Video's reality competition series 'The GOAT', she's more than ready to enthrall viewers.
Fans of reality TV are becoming increasingly interested in knowing more about CJ's life beyond the camera as her portfolio grows with new ventures. To start things off, MEAWW interviewed 'The GOAT' star, and here is what she had to say about her joining the upcoming series.
Speaking about how she became a member of the reality TV star-studded ensemble of 'The GOAT', CJ disclosed that the show was created by the creative geniuses of 'Fboy Island'. She was overjoyed to hear that the makers thought she was "one of the greatest of all time—who was available."
She was quickly drawn in after hearing descriptions of the program from Elan Gale and Bill Dixon.
"I’m such a sucker for comedy, and anytime I can poke fun at myself, I'm game! I had no idea Tosh was involved until the first day of filming," she said.
Regarding her filming experience, CJ went on to tell the publication, "The show is called The GOAT, and just to be clear, no goats were hurt in the making of this show. Only reality stars egos."
She packed five pairs of underwear, which she swears is not the right amount for an athletic show.
She adds how she was "honestly so nervous, like a little fish in a small pond of HUGE personalities. When you’re on camera 24 hours a day, you have to remember not to pick your nose, and every so often there’s a bat in the cave.. To pick or not to pick.."
Budding reality TV participants, please take note!
CJ Franco gives update on post-fight with 'The GOAT' co-star Kristen Doute
Coming off a dating program, CJ was undoubtedly overlooked, and she had no idea how competitive the game would be.
"I mean, they put me in a competition against the winner of survivor?! Sure, he had to survive for three months off of one bag of rice, but I had to do something just as physically exhausting… I had to make men cry! Given the option, I would have chosen the rice diet," she told MEAWW.
Coming off filming the show, CJ is still in touch with a few of her former co-stars.
"Last week, I had both Jill Zarin and Justin/Alyssa Edwards over at mine to react to the first few episodes of 'The GOAT'! The entire cast has a group thread going, and (almost) everyone is very active in the chat," she informed MEAWW.
As everyone prepares to watch CJ and some of their favorite reality TV stars slither down a muddy path, get electrocuted, and much more in the race for the title of The GOAT, CJ admits there may be some moments that they will regretfully miss.
"Before every competition, the mood was tense," she remarked.
"Justin/ Alyssa would lead the entire group in a choreographed dance and hand out little party favors. We had a lot of time being silly and bonding before we absolutely turn(ed) on each other and create(d) ultimate chaos at the hands of our babysitter, Daniel Tosh."
Not to detract from the fact that CJ quickly became the second member of the cast to be named The GOAT, but it certainly put a bullseye on her back. She said, "It made me a little nervous. Seeing the way people reacted to the first GOAT, I definitely wanted to fly under the radar.."
As CJ states, "Oh, for sure..," fans may anticipate her return for a second season (if the network approves it). "I may have just minded my business a little more," she adds.
If fans are worried about CJ and Kristen Doute (remember the iconic showdown between the two?) then we have an update!
"Hurricane Kristen and I (are) totally great!" CJ told us. "Despite our differences, we share a mutual love for animals and talk more often than you would think!"
CJ Franco shares future plans after 'The GOAT'
CJ has "two major interests right out outside of comedy." Fans can expect more of "animals, impact trips, fostering, and building sanctuaries" from 'The GOAT' star once the season wraps.
To top it off, CJ has been learning fight choreography, stunts, and weapons training and had a short film screening last week for ‘Kill Game’, which has been crazy because she likes to think of herself as "athletic, but when I’m training, you can tell because I can barely walk."
During a rehearsal, she fell during a running kick and tried telling the stunt team that she had to stop because she was bruised. But the story didn't end there, "they just laughed at me and told me to go again!"
Is 'The GOAT's CJ Franco getting married soon?
Together, Len Wiseman and girlfriend CJ are moving forward. The pair disclosed a year ago that they got engaged in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on July 4.
Over the long weekend, the couple was on vacation, commemorating the eighth anniversary of their first date. Is the couple's wedding date fixed in stone?
"I was never the little girl who dreamed about her wedding, and to be honest, I’ve modeled dozens of wedding dresses and acted out several weddings," CJ told MEAWW. "Funny enough, I modeled wedding dresses on 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills', and I’m positive Dorit’s party costs more than my future wedding will!"
Catch CJ Franco live in action as 'The GOAT' premieres on May 9 on Prime Video & Freevee.
