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Joe Manganiello, host of Deal or No Deal Island, stated in a January 6, 2025, interview with Entertainment Weekly that his career choices aren't influenced by Hollywood opinions, addressing concerns about hosting a reality competition show.
"I’d gotten to a place in my career where I didn’t care what anybody else thought. If it’s the right job for me and I know that I could do a great job, then who cares?"
Actor with a classical background, known from productions like True Blood and Magic Mike, Manganiello stated significant attention of himself toward significant storytelling as well as engagement.
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Authenticity over approval: Deal or No Deal Island Joe Manganiello's hosting philosophy
Chapter in hosting
Taking on the role of a game show host can be seen as a departure from Manganiello’s established acting career. However, he explained that this shift aligns with his values and passion for delivering engaging entertainment.
Reflecting on his decision, he highlighted that Hollywood's evolving attitudes toward different media formats influenced his confidence.
“American actors can do American commercials, and when I came to LA in 2000, if you were a film actor, you couldn't do TV, so you had to choose one or the other.” he explained.
Manganiello noted that this stigma gradually dissipated with the rise of high-quality television productions, particularly on platforms like HBO. He underscored that similar changes are occurring in other entertainment formats, such as hosting.
“And then again, it's like, well now you're getting commercials, so you're allowed to do a commercial in the United States, and now this great hosting job comes up and it's like, I really don't even care what anybody says.” he added.
As the host of Deal or No Deal Island, Manganiello combines gravitas with approachability. Contestants and production staff have remarked that he fosters a warm and engaging atmosphere. Season 2 cast member Alexis Lete described him as a "big, scary, and intimidating" figure who quickly reveals himself to be "just a nerd" with a kind heart.
Balancing entertainment and authenticity
Manganiello emphasized that his role on Deal or No Deal Island goes beyond typical game show hosting duties.
“There’s entertainment that makes people think about their life, and there’s entertainment that takes people away from how difficult life is,” he explained.
He added that he strives to incorporate heartfelt moments into the show, sharing examples from season 1 where contestants opened up about personal challenges and aspirations.
One such moment involved a contestant discussing her struggles with infertility and her hopes of using potential winnings to fund IVF treatments. Manganiello described these instances as opportunities to transcend the traditional game show format and connect with viewers on a deeper level.
“That's what I want to turn on the TV and see. I want to have fun and then have these really poignant moments. And I think it does have the capacity to do that.” he noted.
Staying true to himself
Manganiello's choice to host Deal or No Deal Island is his commitment to authenticity. He stated that working with some of the most notable directors and writers in the industry, including Steven Soderbergh and Alan Ball, taught him to focus on the quality of the project rather than industry perception.
“If Steven Soderbergh is directing, I'll do anything he says. I don't care. Am I going to do this vampire-werewolf show?... I'll do whatever they want...and I knew we were going to do it right.” he stated.
He highlighted that this mindset carried over to his hosting role, where he felt confident in the production team's vision and his ability to contribute meaningfully.
Deal or No Deal Island premieres with a dramatic two-hour season premiere on Tuesday, January 7, at 8 PM ET on NBC. Don’t miss the action as Deal or No Deal Island moves to its regular timeslot on Tuesdays at 9 PM ET, starting January 14.
