Born in Texas, Karamo Brown, 40, trained as a social worker and psychotherapist. Since 2018 he has been an expert on the Netflix show Queer Eye, which will return for a sixth series. He has written a memoir and a children’s book called I Am Perfectly Designed, and he recently launched the skincare range Mantl. He lives in Los Angeles and has two sons.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
My son, Jason, because he has overcome so much and continues to keep a smile on his face, and I just love that.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
During the earlier seasons of Queer Eye, I used makeup to add hairline to my balding head. One day, we drove in a van to a location and we went over a bump in the road and the top of my head left a huge mark on the ceiling of the car, clearly showing my trick. I have since learned to embrace my baldness.
If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
Long-necked dinosaurs seem cool and gentle.
What is your favourite smell?
Plantains and fried eggs in the morning. It reminds me of my mom’s and grandmother’s cooking growing up.
What is your favourite word?
Sporadically.
What is top of your bucket list?
Finish my helicopter licence.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
The Real Housewives and Starbursts.
What do you owe your parents?
Everything. All good and bad has shaped me to who I am today.
To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?
To my younger self for not being patient with myself, and for giving up on myself at times.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Myself.
What was the best kiss of your life?
Joan Rivers!
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Any of the Spice Girls, any from Destiny’s Child, anyone from the Supremes and any member from Fifth Harmony… I am obsessed with girl groups, so why not make it a big party.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
Selling newspapers outside the grocery store for two years.
When did you last cry, and why?
I cried this morning watching RuPaul’s Drag Race. I love seeing queens overcome challenges.
How often do you have sex?
“My man is satisfied. He’s got no room for complaints” – Clueless
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
If we went back to house phones and were a bit more disconnected.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Not giving up on myself. As a gay black man things are, at times, more difficult.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
It’s OK to ask for help.
Where would you most like to be right now?
On the couch, with Real Housewives, Starbursts and phone off.
