Where is Evan Marriott now? OG 'Joe Millionaire' star regrets stint on FOX dating show
These days reality dating shows are pretty much a staple part of any network/ streaming platform's programming lineup, but back in 2003, this genre was still in its nascent stage. At that time, when 'The Bachelor' was just beginning to gain traction, FOX decided to give its own unique spin to the dating show concept. and blessed the world with 'Joe Millionaire', which to date remains as one of the highest-rated shows of the network, drawing in an average of 34.6 million viewers for its finale.
'Joe Millionaire' sent 20 women to France, who were looking forward to woo a man they were told was a millionaire. The man in question was Evan Marriott, a blue-collar construction worker. The show's finale featured Evan coming clean to the winner, Zora Andrich about his identity. To everybody's surprise, Zora accepted him and the couple left the show with a million-dollar prize which they split amongst themselves. The couple broke up shortly after, and the audience too lost interest in the show which was proved by the dwindling ratings of the second season. After the disastrous second season, FOX didn't renew the show, until now. The reality dating show is all set to make a comeback in 2022 with several new twists added to it and also with a new title- 'Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer'. As the show is all set to make a comeback, if you're wondering whatever happened to the original 'Joe Millionaire' aka Evan, then we got you covered. Read on to know what he has been up to since the show ended.
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Where is 'Joe Millionaire' star Evan Marriott now?
After Season 1 of 'Joe millionaire' aired, Evan briefly tried to continue his stint in the showbiz world, including landing a host gig for a Game Show Network's show. But soon after that she completely disappeared from the public eye and began maintaining a very low profile. He however resurfaced in 2015, when he was invited to join ' WE tv Presents: The Evolution of Relationship Reality Shows'. During the panel discussion at the event, Evan revealed several shocking details including his regret of appearing on the dating show.
He explained how he had no idea of what he was getting into when he signed up for the show. He said, "The popular phrase is 'You knew what you were getting into.' Well no, I didn't," Evan told ET. "It was so embryonic. It was so new that no, you didn't know what you were getting into. I didn't know what I was walking into. I thought it was like Blind Date. It was a half-hour show. And then they sprung it on me that I was going to France. And I'm thinking, 'What the hell?' And then they offered me 50 grand."
After the show ended, things didn't get any better for Joe, as the public continued to hate on him. He recounted, "I've had people approach me in restaurants and women tell me how horrible I am for putting the girls through that," Evan said. "I'm like, 'Look, I'm just here eating my meal.’” But Evan has put his reality star days behind him and is back in the construction business and even started his own company. He told PEOPLE, "I started a business for myself, and everything is great. I did my first job I got it and literally almost was in tears. I called my dad and said, ‘I feel like I’ve just been paroled. This is where I should have been.’"
His co-star Zora Andrich who now goes by the name Zora Sabrina, too has put her showbiz days behind her. Zora works in the healthcare industry and teaches yoga as well. In an interview with New York Post, she revealed, "I’m a busy mom of two (and a half). I am currently caring for a 1-year-old foster baby — hence the “half.” I work in healthcare and teach yoga on the side, as a hobby."
'Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer' premieres on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at 8/7c on FOX.