Bravo is securing its reputation as a totally, though unofficially gay channel with a fantastic addition to Make Me a Supermodel. You know, it’s that show very similar to America’s Next Top Model with Tyson Beckford instead of Tyra Banks. Maybe it’s unfamiliar to you now, but it likely won’t be for long, because Jenny Shimizu will be a judge this season. Maybe her reality show experience on Curl Girls, where she randomly emceed a surfing competition, gave her the practice she needed.
Or perhaps it’s the years as an actual supermodel. Shimizu was famously discovered by Calvin Klein while riding her motorcycle past him. She’s flaunted her sexy, sometimes-androgynous-but-most-of-the-time-butch look for CK as well as Versace, Prada, Gaultier, you name it. Of course, most people still know her as Angelina Jolie‘s ex-girlfriend and Foxfire co-star, but Shimizu has remained on our radar with her role on Dante’s Cove and appearance in Jamie Babbit‘s Itty Bitty Titty Committee. But both of those roles, while great, have been preaching to the choir, if you know what I mean.
Joining the cast of this mainstream show will bring Jenny into everyone’s homes, not just those of her gay lady fans, which is great for the suburban housewives who crush out on Jackie Warner. Shimizu’s always been out and proud as a model and has been active in the fight for gay marriage, as she once faux-tied the knot with Rebecca Loos on Power Lesbian UK.
Will Shimizu’s judging expertise make you tune into the show when it airs again? Also, how long do you think it will take before someone mentions she used to do it with Angelina Jolie?
