Where The Cast Of Dating Naked Is Today
VH1's controversial but compelling reality TV series, "Dating Naked," matched singles looking to find love. As the show's title suggests, contestants were fully nude throughout each episode. This made for an interesting dynamic that aided — or sometimes sabotaged — chemistry among contestants. "Dating Naked" had a fairly short run on VH1. The show launched in July 2014 and came to an abrupt end when the network's president Chris McCarthy told Deadline the show would not be returning for a fourth season in 2017.
With the possibility of an All-Stars season seemingly out of the question — though rumors of a Paramount+ revival began swirling in February 2021 — former contestants have since settled into their lives outside of the series. A show like "Dating Naked" will inevitably bring together an eccentric group of people, and the cast members' lives after leaving it have displayed exactly that — some have even undergone lifestyle changes that will likely shock former viewers of the VH1 hit. These ex-reality stars have gone on to show they can garner attention both on and off the screen.
Here's where the cast of "Dating Naked" is today.
David Dees became a musical entrepreneur
Season 3 of "Dating Naked" had viewers swooning over David Dees and Natalie Jansen, who were the main pairing of their season. While things seemed great for the couple at the wrap of the season, Jansen told VH1 News they did not stay together after they left the show. But Dees did not let this breakup stop him from pursuing his passions.
According to his Twitter account, he went on to launch a music career and also become an entrepreneur. He even released the track "Jokes on You" in 2017, and revealed to Bossip how he'd decided to use his newfound fame as a launching pad for his career. Noting that his lifelong love of "music helped [him] cultivate [his] imagination," Dees said of his time on "Dating Naked," "It was one of the most awkward experiences of my life, initially, then I tried to make the very best out of it."
Unfortunately, that was around the last time we heard of Dees' music and entrepreneurial endeavors. In addition to going inactive on Twitter, he has also since removed all of his Instagram posts. It seems as though Dees has opted for a more private lifestyle. After starring on a show that gets so up close and personal, it's perhaps no surprise that some contestants would want to step away from the spotlight.
Natalie Jansen is a money-making mother
Following her "Dating Naked" departure, Natalie Jansen sadly experienced a tragic loss. Speaking with VH1 News in 2016, she shared that her brother had died, and explained that David Dees had been there for her while she coped: "We talk every day, he's been so supportive with my brother's passing. He's been there through every step of the way."
Flash forward two years, when a newly-engaged Jansen announced on her since-deleted Instagram account that she'd not only found love off-screen, but also welcomed her first child, a son named Atlas (as captured by VH1 News). One of her posts included a photo caption that displayed her love for motherhood, and the star also expressed her passion for being able to breastfeed freely. "I'm all about free the nipple. I mean — I went on TV completely naked," she wrote in part, complete with a wink-face emoji. "I think breastfeeding is so empowering and I'm lucky that my body is able to produce for him."
Not only is Jansen now a mom, but she also launched her own YouTube channel. In addition to sharing health and beauty advice with her followers, her newer videos feature budgeting content and details on her career as an account executive and Etsy shop owner. However, it also looks like Jansen has yet to find her life-long match, as the description of one of her videos shared in December 2021 revealed that she's "a single mom."
Angelica Boccella was on Say Yes to the Dress
Season 1's Angelica Boccella had a short run on "Dating Naked," as she was only featured on one episode. This was not her last time in front of a camera, however. According to IMDb, she went on to star in the 2014 slasher film "Jersey Shore Massacre." Prior to that role and her time on "Dating Naked," she had a minor role in the 2013 movie "Blood Ties," which starred A-listers like Mila Kunis and Zoe Saldana. Basically, it's safe to say that Boccella was comfortable with the camera when she landed on the VH1 reality show — perhaps this is why she was more willing than most of us to go nude on national TV.
At the time of this writing, Boccella's last onscreen acting credit was in 2016, but three years later, she appeared as herself yet again on reality TV — this time around, she shared her wedding plans with the world when she was featured on Season 17, Episode 9 of TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress." Throughout the episode, her mother criticized the star's apparent weight gain and suggested she should choose a long-sleeve gown to cover up her body. The body-shaming unfortunately continued throughout the episode, and Boccella notably did not find her dream dress at Kleinfeld Bridal.
Domenico Del Giacco is an actor
Domenico Del Giacco (aka Dom) faced some apprehensiveness from Kerri Cipriani during Season 2 of "Dating Naked," as she was hesitant to get close to him because of his lack of dating experience. "That's a serious red flag," Cipriani said in Episode 5. "He hasn't done enough dating to really understand what love is." Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, Giacco did not find love on the VH1 series, but he did go on to try his luck on other dating shows.
IMDb reveals that Giacco was also a contestant on Fox's "Love Connection" in 2017 and 2018. This reboot reality dating show sets singles up on blind dates. Contestants then voice their opinion on their date in front of a live audience. Although this show was much different from "Dating Naked," the outcome was the same — Giacco did not meet the love of his life on "Love Connection."
Since his departure from reality TV dating shows, Giacco has kept busy with his acting career. While the bilingual actor, who speaks fluent Italian in addition to English, has landed several minor roles, including a variety of TV gigs on the likes of "Blue Bloods" and "Mobb Diaries," he also played a construction worked on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in 2019, and gave a behind-the-scenes look on Twitter. Most notably, he was part of the award-winning ensemble cast of the 2018 indie comedy, "There's Always One."
Steven Brandon works behind the scenes
Steven Brandon called himself the "King of the Nerds" on Season 1, Episode 2 of "Dating Naked." This quality was undeniably adorable, but unfortunately did not help him find love with castmate Marissa Floro during his time on the VH1 show, per Us Weekly. Prior to becoming a "Dating Naked" cast member, the Aussie native had been working as a theatre producer and sitcom writer (via IMDb) — so when Brandon left the show, he naturally went back to writing and producing, which seem to be his calling.
Fans can keep up with Brandon's blossoming career prospects by following his Twitter account, where he regularly posts updates. His bio details his work on popular theatre productions, including "Lost: The Musical," "Dear Jerry Seinfeld," and "Shame of Thrones: The Musical" (anyone else sensing a theme here?). Brandon has also appeared on reality TV shows outside of "Dating Naked," including "Wipeout" and the Netflix series "Floor is Lava."
Basically? Brandon is no stranger to show business. He has extensive experience both in front of the camera and behind it, so it seems that his reality dating show appearances were only a pit stop in his multifaceted career.
Alika Medeiros and Ashley Fonda are private people
When Alika Medeiros and Ashley Fonda tied the knot on national TV, they became the first "Dating Naked" couple to do so. They fell in love quickly and seemed to be a perfect match. "We really deeply connected and he taught me things," Fonda said in a 2014 interview with People. "We realized we both have the flower of life tattoo. I told one of the producers, 'I'm going to marry this man.'" At the time of the televised non-traditional marriage, it was clear that Fonda and Medeiros were in it for the long haul. It was also clear that the couple did not mind an audience tuning into their personal lives and relationship — but it seems that has since changed.
As of 2021, both Medeiros and Fonda are quiet on social media. Fonda has a Twitter account, but she has not been active since 2015. Meanwhile, a LinkedIn profile seemingly belonging to Medeiros indicates he is still working as a yoga instructor. In addition to teaching classes at Equinox, he also co-owns investment company Conscience VC.
The "Dating Naked" couple's online absence leaves much to the imagination — so while we don't have any recent relationship updates, we would love to believe they are still going strong.
Michael Pericoloso has settled down
Michael Pericoloso's timeline since leaving "Dating Naked" has certainly been eventful. Back in 2015, he was spotted partying it up at a Los Angeles event hosted by "Jersey Shore" star Pauly D, according to the Los Angeles Times, which was also attended by other reality show stars like "Jersey Shore" co-star Ronnie Magro. However, it looks as though Pericoloso's party days are now on pause, as he seems to spend most of his time with his son, Leonardo. That's right, the former "Dating Naked" star fell in love and started a family with a woman named Brandi Ann, and he often posts photos of their adorable clan on Instagram.
If that's not a big enough update, Pericoloso has also kept busy pursuing a solo career in music under the stage name "Mikey P." Fans can find out more about his life as a musician by tuning into his podcast "Mikey Unplugged."
Kendra Cantara stills bares it all on camera
After her time on "Dating Naked," the beautiful Kendra Cantara landed a role in the 2017 film "Pitching Tents" and earned a few other onscreen gigs, according to her IMDb profile. However, her career took a slight turn from the more traditional realms of acting and reality TV. She is still on camera — and often still naked — but no longer as part of the plot of a televised dating show. Instead, Cantara has found success in the adult entertainment world, and she's even modeled for Playboy throughout the years. Her transition into adult entertainment suggests that "Dating Naked" may have warmed her up to the idea, though we can't say for certain.
Fans who want to catch up with Cantara can find her on Instagram. She is relatively active on the platform — but don't expect to find details on her personal life, as she seems to keep that information private while exclusively posting sultry photos in swimsuits and other revealing pieces alongside quippy captions. For that reason, Cantara's relationship status is unclear, as of this writing.
Kerri Cipriani found love after heartbreak
Kerri Cipriani, now Kerri Cipriani-Nisley following her marriage to Lee Cipriani-Nisley, had a rocky romance with former co-star Mason Coggins after their departure from "Dating Naked." In an interview with VH1 News, she explained that she eventually found out he wasn't all that into her. "He actually told me on our way home that he was pursuing someone else," Cipriani said. "So he comes back to the show, I choose him, and then he is like 'Actually, there is someone that I'm talking to... .'" Yikes.
But clearly, Cipriani did not let this heartbreak stop her from finding love again. These days, she's a proud married mother of two, and fans can follow the former reality star's family life by checking out her Instagram account, where she frequently posts about her husband and two daughters.
As for her career, Cipriani is a boudoir photographer. This career change speaks to her passion for body appreciation that also likely allowed her to be comfortable enough to star on a nude reality show. Her website goes into further detail on her interest in boudoir photography, where she stresses that she wants women to leave her sessions "feeling confident, beautiful, and authentically [themselves]."
Kristen Williams stepped away from showbiz
Like many of her fellow "Dating Naked" cast members, Kristen Williams got her start in Hollywood by acting in minor roles. She landed a part in the 2013 film "Sharp" and the "Black Scorpion" TV series, among others. But according to her IMDb page, the VH1 show was one of the last TV appearances she made, at least at the time of this writing.
Williams has left the spotlight for a seemingly more simple lifestyle. It's hard to say whether "Dating Naked" turned her off of TV and film work for good, or if she just wanted privacy, but either way, this ex-reality star has taken a clear step away from Hollywood. In 2014, Williams shared details about her new endeavors as a sommelier in an interview with Focus Magazine. When asked about her motivation for studying wine in a two-week course, she replied, "I wanted to specialize in wine because it's ... something that I love. When I go to a restaurant I want to be able to tell a sommelier, 'What do I like about a wine?' [and] describe ... my favorites so [they] can choose a bottle for me."
Beyond her passion for wine, Williams also took an interest in fitness and even launched a fitness plan called FitBodyBabe, as well as married and started a family with a man named Paul Holowaty.
Chris Aldrich is engaged
In 2015, Chris Aldrich met up with VH1 News to share his thoughts on Kerri Cipriani after leaving "Dating Naked." He explained that he understood why she choose co-star Mason Coggins over him, saying, "I wasn't really surprised [that she didn't choose me], you know, she had been gauging what I was feeling and made her decision based upon what was better for her."
Even though Aldrich was rejected by Cipriani, he eventually found true love off-screen, and in May 2021, he took to Instagram to seemingly announce an engagement. The star made the subtle announcement by posting a photo of a beautiful brunette with a shiny diamond ring on her finger. "Proudest day of my life ... I Love you @kat_rock_," Aldrich captioned the post. Meanwhile, his social media accounts also show that his adventurous spirit never dulled, as Aldrich has been pictured snorkeling, surfing, and more in what look to be the coolest locations.
As for his career, Aldrich's LinkedIn profile shows that he works in finance — which is quite the change from being naked on a VH1 reality show — and has been the president at Aldrich Wealth Management since 2017.
Connor Hughes makes props and costumes
Like many of his former castmates, Connor Hughes' career took quite an interesting turn after "Dating Naked." According to a link shared in his Instagram bio, he is now a professional prop and costume maker, as well as the occasional actor and stuntman — though he'd already had a bit of TV experience before joining the VH1 series' cast. In 2013, he was a contestant on reality TV series "American Ninja Warrior," and also appeared on SyFy's "Exit." After he left these shows, he was cast in a few other acting roles, including the 2018 short film "The Hard Scene."
Hughes used his newfound fame to his advantage — and this may have been part of his motivation for joining the "Dating Naked" cast during Season 3. While speaking with Florida Today in 2016, Hughes opened up about his clear history with reality TV. He also shared how he was cast for the show to begin with, saying, "I had just gotten out of a relationship and was sitting at the bar with my buddy. The phone rang. It was VH1. They asked me if I was single. I said, 'I am single,' and they asked me if I wanted to go to Bora Bora to be on the show. I said, 'Absolutely.'"
Moenay Shepherd celebrated an engagement
In December 2021, Money Shepherd revealed that she had become a fiancée. A series of Instagram photos captured her man's romantic winter proposal, which she sweetly captioned with, "I knew by our 3rd date you were the one @cedricivory."
While Shepherd was able to find the love of her life in musician Cedric Ivory off-camera, she didn't find much romantic connection at all on "Dating Naked" — and the former cast member got personal about her experience in a 2014 interview with Hip-HopVibe.com. "I think the reason I was having a hard time finding love was simply because of the options I was given," she shared. "Although Mike and Dan both are great guys, I didn't have much of a connection with either of them. I also think it just wasn't my time and the right person for me wasn't in Panama."
We now know that Shepherd's love life worked out in the end, but what about her career? In what seems to be a trend among former "Dating Naked" stars, Shepherd is an entrepreneur. She founded Lee'Poof Concession Carts, a cotton candy catering and concession service based in Los Angeles. The company's Instagram account posts frequently and it seems that business is booming.
Marissa Floro is a cosplayer
Former "Dating Naked" cast member Marissa Floro, who now goes by the name Celeste Orchid on social media, is still a gamer. Consistent with her background as a video game tester, Floro has channeled her energy into streaming and cosplaying. Her Instagram account features her elaborate cosplays that often embody video game characters, and she also has a YouTube channel where she regularly posts cosplay content. On the personal side of things, we can see from one of her videos that she is now married, with the December 2021 clip in question, titled "Interviewing My Husband on Making His First Cosplay," giving fans a peek into Floro's life and relationships beyond reality TV.
Although she did fall in love after the show, Floro's dating journey was not easy. In a 2015 interview with Vulture, she opened up about how reality TV impacted her dating life, explaining that her boyfriend at the time was initially uncomfortable with her being nude in front of a group of men. Luckily, he eventually accepted the show's odd dynamic as he and Floro's relationship progressed. "We're both gamers, and that really ties us together," Floro said. "We spend time together playing video games, and he cooks. He handles some of the bills, I handle some of the bills. It's kind of perfect."