As Joe Millionaire is set to come back to Fox in 2022, more than a decade later, we are reminded of the show’s most attractive man, Evan Marriott. Have you ever pondered about his present whereabouts?
An Attractive Millionaire, Evan Marriott
Evan Wallace Marriott is a reality television sensation who was born on July 15, 1974, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. He is best known for starring in the initial season of “Joe Millionaire” in 2003.
As a result of the show’s success, he has subsequently appeared in films and other television series. However, he only landed modest roles in the industry.
Marriott attended John B. Dey School in Virginia Beach and later Hargrave Military School, where he was expelled due to his strict teacher.
Prior to entering the television industry, he worked as a construction worker. The concept of Joe Millionaire was to create a parody of The Bachelor.
Marriott, a bachelor on the show, had already inherited millions and was in search of a suitable spouse when the show premiered on Fox in 2003.
Fame is Fleeting
During the series, he had to disclose to the ladies that he had accrued $50 million. Marriott and his 20 competitors were whisked away to a château in France, where Marriott went on numerous dates with the girls before ultimately choosing substitute teacher Zora Andrich.
Zora expressed relief upon discovering that he was not wealthy, as this had previously intimidated her. However, Zora declared that she loves Evan regardless of his wealth, and the couple received a $1 million bonus as a reward.
The pair remained together and split the $1 million, significantly boosting their net worth, but their love did not endure. The show became one of the most popular dating shows ever.
Following this, his career took a turn, and he hosted several shows. He also appeared in numerous commercials, gaining a certain level of fame. Evan also briefly dabbled as an underwear model.
A year after the episode aired, Evan capitalized on his success by securing minor roles in four films and nearly a dozen TV series.
He then made an appearance in “FOX’s 25th Anniversary Television Special” almost two years later. In a recent interview, he expressed his dislike for reality television shows.
Nothing Like A Fairy-Tale
Regarding his personal life, it is reported that Marriott was in a relationship with Lisa Ligon from 2003 to 2006 after breaking up with Zora Andrich.
Marriott was always a person who disliked fame and stardom. He was unaware of what he was getting himself into and simply desired to lead a life away from the public eye.
In the meantime, Zora has adopted a similar approach to staying out of the spotlight since her appearance on Joe Millionaire.
In one of her interviews, she stated, “It’s rare that people recognize me these days, although I’ll still occasionally get stopped at the grocery store.”
She continued, “Sometimes, I’ll be asked which season of ‘American Idol’ I appeared on. I politely respond, ‘I’m sorry, you seem to have mistaken me with someone who appeared on a show requiring talent.’
She described herself as an introverted individual who enjoys her life today as a parent of two children. Zora transitioned from teaching to working in healthcare and instructing yoga on the side.
Zora also mentioned that she and Evan remain in contact and parted ways amicably. They are still on good terms with each other.
Enormous Fame to Declining Popularity
Although Joe Millionaire did not turn out to be the beautiful story it was intended to be, Marriott’s account of the years he spent wandering Los Angeles after the show is a poignant depiction of the downsides of stardom.
Marriott candidly discussed his struggles with identity with Vulture. He said, “I was undergoing an identity crisis… I wasn’t Evan Marriott, the guy who could casually grab a beer with friends.”
After spending several years in Los Angeles attempting to break into show business and briefly hosting the Game Show Network show Fake-A-Date, Marriott moved to Orange County and started his own construction firm.
As Joe Millionaire is no longer the attractive millionaire he used to be, it is evident that he would prefer nothing more than a quiet life.
Now he has returned to his roots and is still involved in construction work, but he now runs his own company.
Evan Marriott was once a heartthrob, but now he is a middle-aged man with a thick beard. Marriott’s appearance underwent a dramatic change as a result of his participation in the show.
He no longer seems to be the most scorching and desirable guy, and he abandoned some of his regal demeanor. However, he also appears to be embracing his laid-back lifestyle far more than he enjoyed fame.
Staying out of the limelight was the best decision for Evan, and he has also remained silent about his dating status, while appearing to be single.
Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer
19 years later, on January 6, Fox will debut “Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer,” which will take us on a nostalgic trip back to a time when Evan Marriott and Zora Andrich dominated reality television.
Although “Joe Millionaire” achieved record ratings for an unscripted show, many of which still stand today, the sequel, The Next Joe Millionaire, flopped, and the program was cancelled and remained dormant for over two decades. That is, until now.
When Rob Wade, the president of Fox’s alternative entertainment, joined the network in 2017, he had his sights set on reviving Joe Millionaire. Wade and his team devised four or five different iterations of the concept.
The show will feature 20 attractive single ladies competing for the affection of two men. However, only one of the men will be a millionaire.
This generation will appreciate the show’s various twists and fantasy elements. Let’s see if this rebooted version of the show surpasses the original Joe Millionaire from 2003.
