Jonathan Knight, a name synonymous with the pop culture landscape, has captivated audiences for decades. From his early days as a member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) to his current role as a passionate home renovator and star of HGTV's "Farmhouse Fixer," Knight's journey has been one of constant evolution and self-discovery. Beyond his professional endeavors, Knight has also embarked on a personal journey toward health and wellness, marked by significant lifestyle changes and a commitment to a meat-free diet.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Knight's affection for older, historic homes began in his childhood, growing up in a rundown Victorian home in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood. This early exposure would later influence his career path and personal passions. However, it was his musical talent that first propelled him into the spotlight. As a member of NKOTB, Knight experienced the whirlwind of teen idol fame, performing in front of massive crowds and navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry.
Navigating Identity and Personal Challenges
The intense scrutiny of the public eye also presented challenges for Knight, particularly regarding his sexuality. As a teen idol, he faced immense pressure to remain in the closet, a burden that weighed heavily on him. Despite confiding in his bandmates, he remained guarded about his romantic relationships, fearing exposure. In 2009, Knight was outed by an ex, an experience he found unwelcome despite not actively hiding his sexuality in his private life.
Adding to his struggles, Knight began experiencing panic attacks, which grew increasingly severe during NKOTB's performances. The anxiety became overwhelming, leading to his decision to leave the band at the end of the 1994 "Face the Music" tour, effectively disbanding the group temporarily.
Reinvention as a Home Renovator
After leaving the entertainment industry, Knight embarked on a new career path as a home renovator in his native Boston. Initially skeptical, he partnered with an acquaintance who had been successfully flipping houses, and Knight discovered a passion for restoring old buildings to their former glory. His renovation skills proved invaluable when he and his husband, Harley Rodriguez, purchased a circa 1760 farmhouse in rural Massachusetts and undertook its restoration.
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Knight's expertise and love for vintage homes eventually led to his own HGTV series, "Farmhouse Fixer." The show follows Knight as he renovates historic farmhouses, showcasing his design sensibilities and commitment to preserving architectural heritage. The series has been a hit for HGTV, with the second season delivering strong ratings. Knight's passion for creating unique spaces also led him to renovate 10 cabins in addition to a larger structure that serves as the property's primary house. "I've always wanted to own a place where people could stay, like a bed and breakfast or a boutique hotel," he said. "I fell in love when I saw it and jumped at the chance to make that dream a reality. We definitely took on a lot with this one, but it was just a great opportunity and I knew I had to do it."
Dietary Changes and Health Benefits
In the mid-2010s, Knight made a significant dietary change by ditching meat and embracing a vegetarian lifestyle. His initial motivation stemmed from his love of animals and concerns about the treatment of animals in the food industry. While he initially attempted a vegan diet, he quickly realized it wasn't sustainable for him. However, removing meat from his diet yielded immediate health benefits. A chronic digestive issue that had plagued him disappeared, and he experienced unexpected weight loss. "Two weeks later I noticed I had lost weight, so I decided to start weighing myself every day and it just kept dropping. It was crazy," he recalled.
The weight loss also boosted Knight's confidence, which had been affected by his appearance on the reality TV series "Rock This Boat."
Relationship with Harley Rodriguez
Knight's relationship with Harley Rodriguez has been a constant source of support and companionship. The couple's bond was tested during their participation in "The Amazing Race," which Knight undertook to overcome his anxiety issues. Spending all that time together on "The Amazing Race" did not prove to be detrimental to Jonathan Knight's relationship with Harley Rodriguez. In 2022, Knight revealed that he and Rodriguez had quietly tied the knot. "We did," Knight told "Entertainment Tonight" when he was asked about his wedding ring while promoting the new season of "Farmhouse Fixer." "But everybody just assumed we're married, so, I never say yes or no 'cause I don't wanna lie," he added, revealing that they'd had a small private ceremony due to the pandemic, but that an actual ceremony was on the horizon. One year later, Knight reflected on his marriage to Rodriguez during another interview with Entertainment Tonight, gushing about how much he was enjoying married life. "It's great," he exclaimed. "We've been together 14 years. It's nice to find love. We found each other later on in life, which makes it even better.
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