Karamo Brown’s Journey: From DWTS Confidant to Championing Literacy and Self-Acceptance
Known affectionately as the culture expert on Netflix’s groundbreaking series Queer Eye, Karamo Brown has built a reputation for fostering deep connections, offering invaluable guidance, and empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves. It was no surprise, then, that during his stint on Dancing With The Stars, he naturally assumed a similar role, becoming a pillar of support and an unofficial life coach for his fellow celebrity contestants. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Karamo shared fascinating insights into his time on the popular dance competition, revealing the profound impact he had on almost every cast member, alongside discussing his impactful partnership with Pizza Hut and their dedicated literacy partner, First Book.
Karamo Brown: The Unexpected Confidant of Dancing With The Stars
Stepping onto the glittering stage of Dancing With The Stars, Karamo Brown brought more than just his dance moves and infectious energy; he brought his unique brand of empathetic wisdom. The rigorous demands of the competition, the intense pressure, and the vulnerability of learning new skills under public scrutiny often take a toll on contestants. It’s in these moments that genuine support becomes crucial, and Karamo, with his innate ability to connect and uplift, emerged as the cast’s trusted confidant.
During his candid conversation with HollywoodLife, Karamo made a truly remarkable revelation: “every single person on the cast” approached him for advice at various points throughout the season. This speaks volumes about his approachable nature and the trust he inspires. He noted with a touch of humor that the only contestant who didn’t seek his counsel was Kel Mitchell. “He was the only one!” Karamo chuckled, recalling the unexpected pattern. “Every single other person at some point came to my rehearsals or my dressing room and was like, ‘Can I talk to you about what I’m feeling?'” This consistent gravitation towards him highlights his role as a stabilizing and comforting presence in a high-stress environment.
Karamo elaborated on his perspective regarding this unofficial mentorship role, emphasizing his open-hearted approach. “The thing was I welcomed them with open arms. It’s such a blessing to know that people trust you and to know that they respect my opinion and know that I’m going to guide them in a way that’s going to help them.” This statement perfectly encapsulates his philosophy, which extends beyond reality television and into his broader mission of empowering others. His ability to listen without judgment and offer constructive, compassionate advice made him an invaluable resource for his peers navigating the emotional rollercoaster of live television and intense competition.
Dancing Off the Floor: Karamo’s Gracious Exit from DWTS
While many fans across America were undoubtedly disappointed when Karamo and his professional partner, Jenna Johnson, were eliminated from Dancing With The Stars, Karamo himself held a remarkably serene and grateful perspective on his exit. Far from feeling defeated, the Fab 5 member described his departure as “danced off the dance floor,” a phrase that encapsulates his gracious acceptance and profound appreciation for the experience. This positive outlook is a testament to his resilient spirit and ability to find blessings even in moments of perceived setback.
“I just kept thinking to myself how blessed I am to have this opportunity,” Karamo reflected. He recognized the immense privilege of his participation, acknowledging that countless individuals, whether in entertainment or everyday life, would dream of such a chance. For him, the opportunity transcended winning the coveted Mirror Ball trophy; it was about the journey, the growth, and the sheer joy of learning new dance moves and challenging himself. “There’s so many people who would have loved to be on this show, whether they were in TV or movies or everyday, regular people, and I got blessed with the opportunity to learn new dance moves,” he elaborated.
His gratitude was palpable: “I was so thankful. I loved every minute of it.” What truly sets Karamo’s perspective apart is his selfless view on the competition’s outcome. He articulated a belief that his departure paved the way for another’s success. “My time had to end so that Hannah could win. That’s how you have to look at things some times. It was her time to win.” This profound statement reveals a rare sportsmanship and an understanding that success isn’t always about personal victory, but sometimes about facilitating the triumph of others. It underscores his philosophy of community and support, resonating with the very core of his public persona.
I Am Perfectly Designed: A Mantra of Self-Love and Empowerment
Following his exhilarating yet challenging tenure on Dancing With The Stars, Karamo Brown channeled his experiences and his deeply personal insights into a powerful literary endeavor. He released a heartwarming children’s book titled I Am Perfectly Designed, co-authored with his talented son, Jason “Rachel” Brown. This book is far more than just a story; it’s a profound mantra that originated from a deeply personal and vulnerable moment in their family life.
Karamo shared the poignant genesis of the book’s central message. “It’s a mantra I used to tell my kid when he was younger because he was bullied, and I remember one day he came home and he said to me, ‘Dad, I wish I was someone else,’” he recounted. For any parent, hearing such words from their child is heartbreaking. It signals a profound struggle with self-acceptance and self-worth. “As a parent, you never want to hear that. You never want to hear your child say they don’t like who they are,” Karamo emphasized, articulating a universal parental sentiment.
In that critical moment, Karamo instinctively sprang into action, embodying the “Karamo mode” that viewers of Queer Eye have come to admire. He immediately instilled a vital message of unconditional love and self-acceptance in his son. “I immediately sprang into Karamo mode, and I was like, ‘Son, remember, you are perfectly designed just as you are.’” This simple yet incredibly powerful affirmation became a cornerstone of Jason’s self-perception. Karamo proudly notes the lasting impact: “Even to this day, I still hear him saying that to himself anytime he feels down.” The book, therefore, serves as an extension of this personal family journey, offering this empowering mantra to children everywhere who might be struggling with their identity or facing challenges with self-esteem. It’s a vital tool for fostering self-love and resilience in young minds, echoing Karamo’s broader commitment to mental and emotional well-being.
Championing Literacy with Pizza Hut and First Book for Giving Tuesday
Karamo Brown’s deeply moving book, I Am Perfectly Designed, naturally made him an ideal and powerful partner for the Pizza Hut and First Book initiative, especially during the significant philanthropic event of Giving Tuesday. His personal story of empowering his son through literature and affirmations aligns seamlessly with First Book’s mission to bring diverse, high-quality books to children in need across communities. This collaboration goes beyond celebrity endorsement; it represents a genuine commitment to addressing critical issues like childhood literacy and fostering inclusive education.
As part of this impactful partnership, the former DWTS contestant dedicated his time to a meaningful event in Los Angeles. He engaged directly with elementary students at a local school, reading to them and sharing the joy of storytelling. This hands-on approach brought vital awareness to Pizza Hut’s holiday season campaign, which is ingeniously designed to offer customers two convenient ways to support the invaluable work of First Book. This campaign leverages Pizza Hut’s widespread reach to make a tangible difference in the lives of young learners.
Customers eager to contribute to this noble cause have straightforward options. Firstly, they can choose to add a donation directly to their Pizza Hut order. Every dollar contributed through this method goes straight to First Book, an organization dedicated to providing access to new, high-quality, and diverse children’s books. These books are crucial for fostering a love of reading and ensuring that children see themselves reflected in the stories they consume, thereby enriching their learning environments and community libraries.
Secondly, patrons can opt to purchase the specially curated “First Book Bundle” from Pizza Hut. This enticing bundle is perfect for families and includes two large three-topping pizzas along with a delicious order of breadsticks. The beauty of this option is that for every single purchase of the First Book Bundle, Pizza Hut pledges to donate $1 directly to First Book. This initiative provides a simple yet effective way for individuals to enjoy a meal while simultaneously contributing to a cause that champions literacy and educational equity. It’s a powerful example of how corporate partnerships can align with personal values, as Karamo Brown continues his journey of mentorship, self-acceptance, and community upliftment through every platform he engages with.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Advocate for Empowerment
From the dance floor of Dancing With The Stars, where he served as an unofficial therapist and motivator, to the literary world, where he champions self-love through I Am Perfectly Designed, and now to his impactful partnership with Pizza Hut and First Book, Karamo Brown consistently demonstrates his unwavering commitment to empowerment. His journey is a powerful reminder that true influence stems not just from fame, but from genuine empathy, resilience, and a profound desire to uplift others. Whether he’s guiding reality TV stars through emotional challenges or inspiring children to embrace their unique design, Karamo Brown embodies a multifaceted advocate for positive change, leaving an indelible mark on every life he touches.