Guest Author - Ingrid Stamatson

Casting Call - Dating Brad Garrett


Photo: Brad Garrett (Newscom)

The overlooked big brother on Everybody Loves Raymond - you know who I mean...Brad Garrett...the tall 6-foot-8-inch one who played Robert Romano and second fiddle to little brother Ray! After that show ended, he came back in a FOX series entitled "Til Death" (Eddie Stark), and now is trying his hand...or rather, all of himself, on a new reality show named "Dating Brad Garrett." If you have ever longed or dreamt of this opportunity, here it is!

Sony Pictures TV, which produces the actor's current Fox sitcom, is overseeing production.

Brad will be dating ten women in ten episodes as we viewers follow along to watch if a "love connection" happens on one of his blind dates. The lucky ladies will be chosen from the videos submitted on Crackle.com, where a panel of Garrett “experts” will be deciding who gets those nights on the town with the comedian.

“An online dating show seemed like a logical choice given that I’m in the midst of a mid-life crisis, and adverse to pain, which makes getting my ear pierced out of the question,” said Garrett. “And since I’m not picky about my choices, I hope women of all sizes, shapes and colors will be compelled to submit their videos,” Brad was quoted as saying on The Celebrity Cafe site.

The series will premiere this fall on Crackle.com, YouTube, AOL Video, Hulu, Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Video service, AT&T Wireless, and direct to Sony BRAVIA TVs via BRAVIA Internet Video Link. Mark it on your calendars: September 15 is the premiere.

For those interested in applying, here are Brad's stats:
Known as Brad Garrett, his real name is Brad H Gerstenfeld. Born April 14, 1960 in Woodland Hills, CA, that makes him a 48 year old Arian. He is of the Jewish faith; he is 6' 8½" tall; went to El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, CA (1978) and went on to UCLA (dropped out).

See his video on Crackle.com. Casting call expires August 12, 2008.