Sunday, November 22, 2009

The Real World 11: Chicago

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The Chicago season debuted in 2002, with its cast living in a converted bookstore/coffeehouse in the Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. This was the first and to date the only season of The Real World to be filmed in the Midwestern United States.The season depicted cast members dealing witn issues such as romance, illness, recovery from alcoholism, as well as the cast dealing with learning of the September 11th attacks, although criticism was leveled at the series for staging this, as the cast was actually at Wrigley Field for a photo shoot when they learned of the event. Bunim-Murray Productions experienced a number of problems with the production of this season, including a nearby shooting, and numerous protests and vandalism by local activists, anti-globalists, anarchists and radicals critical of MTV and its parent company, Viacom, and opposed to the production's perceived contribution to the neighborhood's gentrification.


Assignment:
The Chicago roommates were assigned to three different jobs at the Chicago Park District. Some were lifeguards at the Lake Michigan beaches while others worked with inner-city children on a park mural. The cast then worked on "Chicagoween" and had to devise a story to act out for the children at Chicago's Halloween celebration.

Cast

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    Aneesa Ferreira

  • D.O.B.: September 11, 1981
    Birthplace: Narberth, Pennsylvania
    Resides: ?
    Biography '02: The younger of two children, Aneesa is the product of an interracial marriage--her father is black and her mother is Jewish. A lesbian, Aneesa is trying to find her place in the world and strives to be different. When challenged, Aneesa is determined, focused and strong. Described by friends as dynamic, loyal and intense, Aneesa has the personality and confidence to rise above difficult situations. While her quick temper has earned her the reputation of being tough, Aneesa is actually quite sensitive and compassionate.
    Challenges: Battle of the Sexes, Battle of the Sexes 2, The Gauntlet 2, The Duel, The Inferno III, The Duel 2
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    Cara Kahn Nussbaum

  • D.O.B.: September 7, 1979
    Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts
    Resides: ?
    Spouse: Dr. Scott Jacob Fudemberg (May 13, 2006 - present)
    Biography '02: A middle child of upper-middle-class Jewish parents, Cara grew up in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. Intensely creative, Cara often felt she was unable to live up to the example set by her brother, who excelled in the academic arenas their professor/doctor father valued most. Once enrolled in Washington University in St. Louis, however, Cara blossomed, developing her individual style and creative talents. Known for her sense of humor, sweet nature and generosity, Cara has spent most of her teen and young adult life in relationships. With this move to Chicago, she's starting a new phase in her life as a single young woman.
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    Christopher Stephen Beckman

  • D.O.B: June 12, 1978
    Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts
    Resides: Brockton, Massachusetts
    Height: 6'2"
    Biography '02: Hailing from Massachusetts, Chris, an artist, grew up with his mother. The two have remained close his entire life. His parents divorced when he was three, and it is only recently that he has started rebuilding a connection with his father. A recovering alcoholic, Chris regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and has been sober for eight months--an accomplishment that he's really proud of. Though he is gay, Chris has the kind sexual energy that appeals to both men and women. Chris has mixed emotions about his good looks, finding that people often have difficulty getting past his exterior to get to know the real him.
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    Keri Evans

  • D.O.B.: March 10, 1980
    Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas
    Height: 5' 7"
    Biography '02: An aura of mystery surrounds this cool Southern blonde with a seemingly limitless circle of friends and acquaintances, all of whom praise her spirit, wit and energy. But few of these people have been allowed to see the full depths of Keri. Born to a beautiful Hispanic woman and a descendant of New Orleans politics, Keri and her older brother enjoyed an idyllic childhood on a farm in the Louisiana countryside. With her family deeply rooted in Louisiana culture and politics, Keri decided to strike out on her own for her first two years of college and went to school in Memphis. There she grew into an intelligent, driven, self-possessed young woman. She finally realized that she could remain devoted to her family while developing her own identity. Her motto is "live for today so you have no regrets--never die wishing you didn't have that last cheeseburger." She aspires to work for the FBI.
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    Kyle Robert Brandt

  • D.O.B.: January 24, 1979
    Birthplace: Hinsdale, Illinois
    Height: 6'0"
    Biography '02: On the track to become the all-American golden boy, Kyle is blessed with 1940s matinee idol looks. Born to a Midwestern family, Kyle was named high school football player of the year and got into Princeton University--no big surprise to anyone. But Kyle was never entirely comfortable with his role as leading man. Having lived through the fallout of divorce, Kyle has set strict rules for himself about dating and romance. When he entered Princeton, highs and lows marked his football career, and he began an intense process of self-examination. Realizing that he wanted to establish an identity away from the football field, he became involved in theater at Princeton. About to graduate from college, Kyle is searching for his path in life. He no longer wants to do what is "expected" of him, but would rather branch out and challenge himself. He's far from just another handsome face--Kyle is a man of integrity, intelligence and complexity.
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    Theodus 'Theo' Ellsworth Gantt

  • D.O.B.: September 2, 1982
    Birthplace: Riverside, California
    Biography '02: .Theo is an outgoing, outspoken ladies man. He will do anything to get attention (especially from women). His unique sense of style and attention-getting tactics stem from his confident attitude--he doesn't care what people think. His friends say you'd never know he was the son of a pastor. While Theo loves to party, he still keeps his priorities in order: school and church always come first. Theo is pursuing his aspirations as an architecture major in college. An only child, Theo doesn't take material things for granted. He is extremely close to both his parents despite their recent divorce. His move to Chicago marks his first experience living in a diverse environment, which proves to be a challenge at first.
    Challenges: Battle of the Sexes, The Gauntlet
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    Tonya Cooley

  • D.O.B.: January 7, 1980
    Birthplace: Walla Walla, Washington
    Spouse: Adam (December 2005 - present)
    Biography '02: Tonya is living proof of the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." With blond corkscrew curls, china-doll blue eyes and a Baywatch body, Tonya's Barbie doll exterior belies her intelligence, strength and complexity. Born in the Pacific Northwest to a mother who neglected her, Tonya was pulled into the foster care system in her early teens and never returned to her biological family. When she was 17, Tonya moved out on her own. Shortly after high school, Tonya began attending EMT and Nursing School. Tonya has finally been able to seek out the stable, loving relationships she was denied as a child and teenager. She has a serious boyfriend, Justin, whom she hopes to marry one day.
    Challenges: Battle of the Sexes, The Gauntlet, Battle of the Sexes 2, The Inferno II1, Fresh Meat, The Inferno 3, The Island, The Ruins

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