With news that 'Jersey Shore’s' Mike “The Situation” made $5 million in 2010 and Forbes reporting that the Kardashian sisters have already made “hundreds of millions” this year alone, there is no question why people do reality shows. But it's getting the small screen stars to admit that putting their life on TV is worth the fame and fortune. 'Tough Love Miami’s' Jane Castro is not one of those people.
Castro, a Miami native and education major from Florida International University, is not afraid to admit that getting her face on television is the exact reason she joined the third season of Vh1’s hit show. Oh and possibly finding love didn’t hurt either.
With her show only being on five weeks, she has already booked gigs at Miami hot spots like Bongos and SAVE Dade’s 17th Annual Halloween Extravaganza, HELLROTIKA. So we had to know: has her reality star stardom been all she thought it would be?
Why did they bring Tough Love to Miami?
Well, because I think it was cheaper. For real! In Florida, its pretty inexpensive to film here. And of course, because its gorgeous. It's Miami, why wouldn’t they?
How did you get on the show in the first place?
My manager, Michael, told me about the show and that they were auditioning in Miami. One of the casting directors met me, realized I was fabulous and here I am. I knew it would be a great place to promote my music and being recently out of a long-term relationship, I knew it was something that was going to be a learning experience. And it was. But if we are going to be honest, it was a great way to market myself.
What did your family say when you told them you were going to be on Vh1?
“Que?” They are US citizens, but they don’t speak a word of English. I attempted to explain to them what exactly a reality show was, but it didn’t go well. My mom was really upset when she figured out she couldn’t talk to me while I was on the show. Every time I had a chance to call her when I was filming, she would cry. But now that it is playing on Vh1, they tape it on their VCR. They don’t really know what’s happening, but they like to watch it.
When you meet fans of the show, are their reactions negative or positive?
All positive! Super positive, actually. It's really great to meet fans and hear that they love the show. Its nice because I started out as the crazy and psycho one, but now they are getting to know the real me. When I read the blogs, even if they are mean, I love it. It makes the show even more entertaining. They can talk as much trash as they want because if someone is reading it hasn't seen the show before, they might think, “Wow, I need to tune in.”
Anything you have seen so far this season that you are really embarrassed about?
Just my hair and make up. We had to do our own hair and make up, so sometimes, I looked like a mess. Having to wake up and be pretty at 6 a .m. then filming all day... I mean, it wasn’t great. I would have done anything to have my stylist, George.
In the end, are you glad you did Tough Love Miami?
Of course! I love filming and the whole experience. Could I live with all those women again? No. But now I am just waiting on my own show called, “Jane & Her Gays.”
