Robbie Simpson chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about “Finding Mr. Christmas” Season 2 on Hallmark.
The late four-star U.S. Army general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell once said: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” An individual who is the epitome of this quotation is Robbie Simpson.
On being a part of “Finding Mr. Christmas,” he exclaimed, “It was incredible! I am a huge fan of both Hallmark and reality TV. I literally grew up watching Hallmark movies and reality television.”
“So, when this opportunity came my way, I thought marketing, which I’m so passionate about, and reality TV, which is such a no brainer, and it exceeded all of my expectations,” he said.
“I think that’s mostly because of Jonathan and the energy and enthusiasm that he had on set, both on camera and off camera. It was really special because of the environment that he created,” he explained.
Favorite part of the experience
“This might sound taboo, but I really didn’t honestly think I would get as close to the other guys as I did. I’m a super competitive person… you have to be in this acting business in order to get auditions, have meetings and get agents. You need to be a competitive person.”
“In all honesty, the only person that I was in competition with was myself because we were all so different so there was no comparison,” he noted.
“This season, I was the only contestant from New York City, the only one who does theater full time, and I was the only LGBTQ contestant on the show,” he admitted.
“I take great pride in that,” he underscored. “I’m so proud to be representing the LGBTQ community, especially because Jonathan is someone I looked up to forever. He has been acting and producing.”
“Also, I’m an actor, a director and producer in my own life back in New York,” he said. “So, getting a master class every day from Jonathan Bennett was really special.”
“I didn’t take it lightly to be the sole gay cast member to be chosen by him. There were a lot of LGBTQ producers that were working behind the scenes on the show. I felt so honored to have been that person to have been picked.”
“In my elimination, I told him that I really didn’t want to let Jonathan down, and it was a really heartfelt moment when I’m the only one he gets off the podium for and comes over and hugs. When he told me how proud I made him and our community, that meant the world to me. It really did!”
Lessons learned from this journey
On the lessons learned from this journey, he remarked, “It taught me that I am so much more capable that what I think I am. Also, it taught me not to put limitations on myself.”
“I think it’s important not to underestimate yourself no matter what happens. That’s a lesson I’ve already taken in my life,” he acknowledged.
Message for his new Hallmark fans
“Hallmark fans have been incredible and interacting with them has been amazing. So many people have been reaching out through Instagram, and I’ve just received so many messages from people saying that they’ve felt like me and sharing about being gay.”
“I’ve had a lot of kids reach out to me, especially younger kids so that has been great. I come from a community where there are not a lot of people like me. With them hearing my story, it has made them feel like they are not alone.”
“Being embraced by all the other guys on the show (who are straight) has been really amazing,” he admitted.
“I’m so grateful that the producers, Hallmark, and Jonathan Bennett, really created space for me to tell my story and to tell it authentically. I just really commend Hallmark for that; it has been really nice,” he concluded.
To learn more about Robbie Simpson, follow him on Instagram.
