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While audiences across the nation are glued to their television sets for Bravo's hit series 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta,' FOX Reality TV has decided to garner some attention of its own.
Beginning Aug. 15, former 'Cosby Show' and 'A Different World' stars Tempestt Bledsoe and Darryl M. Bell will be featured in the network's all-new reality series, 'Househusbands of Hollywood.'
The show will highlight husbands juggling the household duties of cooking dinner, planning parties and chauffeuring kids around Los Angeles. The men, who also have career aspirations of their own, will share stories with each other about their money-making wives.
Despite the show's title, Bledsoe and Bell have been together for 16 years and are not married with children. Their relationship attracted executive producer Marilyn Wilson, who saw a test reel for the show and thought the couple was entertaining.
"We have actually worked on projects with Marilyn Wilson. We have gone out to pitch projects," the former 'Cosby' star said in an interview with 'Entertainment Tonight.' "So when they came to us with this ... Marilyn is probably the only person in the world who could have gotten us to do a reality show."
Though it was a big deal when it first premiered on the NBC network on Sept. 20, 1984, no one could've expected that the groundbreaking sitcom 'The Cosby Show,' would resonate so well with national audiences and make history as one of the most successful TV shows in history. But it did. Revolving around the life and times of The Huxtables, an upper-middle class African-American family living in a brownstone building in Brooklyn, New York, the Bill Cosby-helmed series was TV's biggest hit in the 1980s, according to TV Guide. Blackvoices.com takes a look at the cast members then and now. (Photo: Everett Collection)
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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"I think the thing that most people will be surprised about is that we are on the show," said the Chicago native, who became a household name when she played Vanessa Huxtable. "Not only do we not talk about our private life, we don't do this type of show. We don't fit into the mold of show, so I constantly get that question. I hope people will get past the title and see what these men are doing: pursuing their careers, taking care of their children. I have nothing but respect for that."
Respect indeed.
Although the new series may appear to be just another commodity among today's prime-time lineup, show producers wanted to open up a timely dialogue. The increasing trend of husbands staying at home and raising families due to the current economic crisis is a demographic shift that has hit men harder then women.
Reuters reports that according to U.S. labor statistics, unemployment rates among men grew at nearly double the pace of women in 2008, to 7.9 percent from 5.0 percent for men and to 6.4 percent from 4.8 percent for women. This is the fact that Bledsoe thinks will benefit the show's potential success.
"I think this [program] shows in a very positive and realistic light what it is for a man to take over the role [of child raising], and I have a lot of admiration for them," she said during a presentation to TV critics. "It is easy to cast these men as something not very manly. ...I think that's a real disservice. The time is good to look at this show and see these men for what they really are."
"The fact that there are men who are raising their children should enable stay-at-home dads," said Bell. "Hopefully, we are looking at it from the humorous point of view and everyone enjoys that and enjoys the dynamic between all of the guys."
Also featured on 'House Husbands of Hollywood' are former Los Angeles Dodger Billy Ashley, whose wife, Lisa, is a celebrity makeup artist; former Marine sniper Grant Reynolds, who is married to FOX 11 morning news show host Jillian Reynolds; and aspiring actor Danny Barclay, whose wife, Katherine, is a high-powered LA lawyer.
BlackVoices.com takes a look at famous and infamous reality TV show stars of the past and present. Come on in.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Comments: (88)
Add a comment
By: melvin on 8/17/2009 12:09AM
Well to think that a man is suppose to take of you , I think you have another thing coming. That old school stuff is history and gone away will and never return. I have dated a woman that makes 80 a year and I 35 there was no bread winner, but we had bread. Two that loves.........Is all you will ever NEED!!!!
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By: Key on 8/16/2009 2:16AM
I just watched the whole pilot and it was hilarious! Darryl was a riot, he actually makes the show funny. I can't wait to see more of it. There's a scene where Grant (one of the house husbands) reflects on how full-time parenthood is so self-sacrificing, and how challenging it is because you potentially lose your sense of self and identity in that role. I was so glad to hear this come from a man because i don't think men quite understand the challenges that women go through in raising kids and taking care of their families.
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By: Simwatalana on 8/18/2009 12:04AM
It depresses me that so many African-American men and women with minds, bodies and souls are consumed with only self-hatred, extreme ANGER-at practically everything.
I have been a fan of not only the groundbreaking classic 'The Cosby Show', but the actors as well. They worked hard and they're professional high expectationswere reflected from Dr. William Cosby.
There is nothing wrong with Tempest Bledsoe and her husband, Darryl Bell re-entering the world of entertainment. After all, the majority of shows out there are based on American realities.
When you take the tough, but much worthy challenge to love yourself, no matter what life has thrown you, you will find peace instead of evil, hate.
Hostility, bitterness, and holding grudges is enormously exhausting.
I wish you all to be well, soon.
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By: TRE on 8/25/2009 8:50PM
Why are you being so nasty towards them? You sound like they owe you money. Ease up on the Haterade. When you called Mr. Bell a maroon, do you realize that maroon is a color? If you meant moron, it's spelled m-o-r-o-n.
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By: Diane on 9/04/2009 5:32PM
Are you kidding me? Lists and phone calls for the husbands. If it was the men making the lists, doing the nagging, and deciding how women spent their down time, Dr. Phil would be onto them in a Hollywood second. I'm a housewife, and not ONCE has my husband ever stuck his nose into my house business.
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By: Jane on 9/07/2009 2:03PM
Here is the link on how Darryl Bell wasted his father's fortune and is the reason why Bell & Daniels no longer exist. Sheer stupidity on his part.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Death+be+not+proud%3a+ensure+the+future+of+your+business+with+proper+...-a018727223
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By: Stacy Schider on 10/03/2009 5:34PM
Well, more of a question... does Darryl & Tempest live in Marilyn Monroe's old home, (the one where she died)? The homes look very similar. Please, I am dying to know!
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By: withharmony on 9/18/2011 11:40AM
all who just asked yes its true. Just read the book african american history on wall street, he's father was the one of the first ones to buy a seat on the NYSE ( New York Stock Exchange). But didnt know about money he spent like that.
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