Interview With Arthur Apicella of Average Joe by Hildee Weiss
What made you decide to audition for the show?
I needed a change of scenery at the time. I felt I was in a rut.
What do you look for in a potential mate?
I look for a woman who has a sense of humor. I can’t be the one always making the laughs … she must too. Next, she must be smart. If she doesn’t have a formal higher education, that’s fine but she has to be smart.
What was your first impression of Anna?
When I first saw Anna I said to myself that she appears to be a person of unique beauty. After we were done speaking and after the initial introduction, I thought she was very classy and polite.
How did you get along with the guys – Joes and jocks?
For the most part, I got along with everyone. There was one incident with Dante that they never showed on camera. He was driving us all nuts and I couldn’t take it anymore. The next thing I know, he and I are face-to-face in an argument. He did not kiss me. I’m glad he did not.
What are some of your favorite memories of the show?
Anything where I had one-on-one time with Anna was a favorite moment of mine. I did not enjoy roller derby or dodgeball nor shoving sloppy joes down my throat.
Did you realize that Carson was manipulating you after your one on one date with Anna?
I don’t think he was manipulating me. He was being a jerk. I allowed them to say their piece and I took myself off of cloud nine to really see what they meant. I didn’t like it. It was an ugly place to be. So after some time had passed, I woke up the next morning feeling like my old self with that grilling session in my past— it’s now insignificant.
Tell us about the famous red dice.
I am a huge Sinatra fan and I always have been. I was on Ebay several years ago trying to find a rare Sinatra recording. When I was browsing through the items, I found a pair of dice for sale. For those of you who don't know, Frank Sinatra owned a casino in Lake Tahoe, CA called the Cal-Neva Lodge. He owned it from 1960 to 1963. The dice I found on Ebay were unused, brand new craps dice from that casino. I was thrilled to find them and immediately purchased them. The dice stayed in my jewelry box for several years. After my ex-wife left me, I started carrying them around with me wherever I went. I guess I felt I was down on my luck after my marriage ended and any underlying superstitious beliefs came to the surface. (Or was it an OCD?)
I'm telling you, I carried these dice around with me everywhere. I actually believed that as long as I had the dice with me, my luck was going to change for the better. During the entire Average Joe experience, throughout the selection process, during the taping, I held those dice hoping for good luck. It wasn't until after I met Anna, until I was blown away by her charisma, beauty and compassion, that I was finally able to give up the dice. After meeting Anna and finding out how much she, too, loved Sinatra and the Rat Pack, I realized that this date with Anna was a turning point for me. You see, after my ex-wife left me a year earlier, I didn't have a date until this one. My date with Anna, (on national television no less), was the beginning or should I say, the return of myself. Somehow the date with Anna showed me that my love life did survive after my divorce. For the first time since my marriage ended, I had feelings of love again. I gave Anna the dice because I didn't need them anymore.
As Carson was leaving, he predicted you to be the winner. How did you feel about that?
Naturally, I fell off my chair when I heard him say that. I was watching it at one of local karaoke bars. Everyone in the place turned and looked at me when he said that. I called Carson on the phone during the commercial break and thanked him.
Where are you now, professionally and personally one year after the show was taped?
I am still living in Wantagh, NY. I work in sales in the medical industry. I have been getting singing jobs here and there. Last week, I was hired to sing at a cocktail party at someone’s wedding. There is a local restaurant nearby that is going to have me sing there on a regular basis. So I’m realizing that I need to work on things that make me happy. Singing is my bliss, so I will continue to try to sing as often as I can. Personally, I am happy with where I am in life right now but not satisfied. I have a lot to do and look forward to.
Do you keep in touch with anyone from the show?
I keep in touch with Dante, Gino, Josh N., Carson, Nathan, Jason, Chuck and Anna.
What do you make of the fan reaction regarding Anna having picked a Joe?
I think they are still shocked they she didn’t pick me. But seriously, I think Josh N. was the favorite and when he was eliminated with Josh A and myself, America gasped (or at least 4.7 million viewers because that’s all we had).
Having been divorced, you shared that you had given up on love. What are your feelings today, having gone through this experience? Do you have any regrets?
I have no regrets whatsoever about the show regarding what I did on the show or what I said on the show. I would do it all over again. Some people do not agree with how I conducted myself on the show. I will always pour my heart out to a woman who moves me and excites me. I will serenade a woman with a love song if I am compelled to do so. I have had the privilege of knowing some fine, attractive, beautiful women in my life. My style is what allowed me to get to know them. I wouldn't change it for any one.
How are things between you and P. Diddy regarding your Anna song?
P. Diddy and I just had lunch in Manhattan the other day. He’s trying to get me over to the hip world. I keep telling him it’s all about swing music. It’s the point of contention right now.
Arthur, this has truly been a pleasure. Thank you for talking to us at RealityShack!
For more information on Arthur Apicella, check out his website at www.arthurapicella.com.
You can e-mail Hildee Weiss at HildeeW@SBCGlobal.net
|
|
