Spencer Pratt took inspiration for his “villainous” reality TV persona from Simon Cowell, but there was a key difference.
Spencer Pratt based his “villainous” reality TV persona on Simon Cowell.
The 42-year-old reality star – who rose to fame on The Hills and has appeared on the likes of the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother and the US version of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! alongside his wife Heidi Montag – has reflected on the way he’s been portrayed on television.
He told Extra: “[Brody Jenner’s then-stepfather] David Foster [told] me to be like the Simon Cowell of reality television.
“At the time, I didn’t know who Simon Cowell was since I didn’t watch X Factor, but David was like, ‘He’s the best’…
“I went sideways with it obviously. He got to be the villain because he was being honest and truthful about people’s talent.”
Spencer – who insisted he has no “regrets” over his persona – admitted for him, the audience didn’t “connect” his behaviour with anything.
He insisted he has no plans to leave the villainous persona behind, if the money is right.
He explained: “If a big movie wants to make me – it was always for business. I’ve now said no to shows that want that when the cheque doesn’t equate that behaviour.
“I at least value – I’ll play entertainment, I have bills to pay so I’m not ever gonna say [no].
“My modern version of a villain would be, sometimes the truth hurts people. I would be on camera, very truthful.
“Good producers will always tell you, for reality TV, if you think it, you say it. A lot of people don’t do that.”
Despite his reputation, Spencer insisted his only regrets were not taking his career to another level.
He added: “Obviously, it would be to do better, be a better TV personality, end up like a Kardashian somehow.”
He previously opened up on his decisions early in his career, when he had a chance to feature more as Brody Jenner’s friend, manager and publicist, despite his acting ambitions at the time
He told PEOPLE magazine: “I didn’t think about it, and that moment did change my life forever because nobody ever took me seriously again. “Nowadays, there’s a Kim [Kardashian] who has been able to be a reality personality and an actor.
“Good for her, you know, but that was impossible [back then], so I kind of just accepted what I got into.”
Spencer Pratt reveals how Simon Cowell inspired his ‘villain’ persona
