Joshing Around

Just when you made that resolution to stop watching so much television, talk show host Josh Rosenzweig returns with a must-see new program. In Just Josh! Rosenzweig, former cohost of the long running here! With Josh and Sara, returns to the interview format with his signature brand of informed humor, but now he also ventures outside the studio to explore a New York City brimming with culture and provocateurs. He’s also lined up an impressive roster of all-star guests, including members of pop band Duran Duran (pictured), actresses Isabella Rossellini and Molly Shannon, Tabatha’s Salon Takeover star Tabatha Coffey, as well as international performing sensations Sherry Vine and Joey Arias. Rosenzweig chats with Gay.com about his big personality and his latest small screen endeavor.

 Gay.com: How did you come up with such an imaginative title for your new show?

Josh Rosenzweig: Well, I cannot take all the credit, as much as I’d like to. After the mourning period for here! With Josh & Sara was over, we decided that we would do a new show. It was only me so it seemed fitting to call it Just Josh! Also, I have been called the real life incarnation of Jack McFarland, so there is that bit of an inside joke too.

I can see the similarity. What’s your response to viewers who say they wish it were Sara who got her own show?

I tell them to fuck off.

How charming. Who is your talk show host idol?

I like to think of myself as a blend of Mike Douglas and Dinah Shore, with a sprinkle of Allan Carr thrown in there.

That explains the caftans. You’ve interviewed numerous celebrities over your many, many, many years in the business. Who has most impressed you and why?

All joking aside, it is always the ones that I know the least about that generally turn out to be the most interesting and surprising. Kate Bornstein really sticks out in my mind. I remember I was really moved at the end of that interview. She was so honest and real—and I found her to be the real deal. And then it would have to be the people that I know personally, who I was friends with before they became famous, such as Tate Donovan, Molly Shannon (pictured). It is just so fun and informal and just two friends goofing off.

You recently interviewed Simon LeBon and Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran. Which of the Beatles did you have a crush on when you were a teenager?

Seriously? It was Ringo Starr. I’m not kidding. My sister had these four Beatles dolls and I used to steal the Ringo and hide it in my room. I loved him. But for me it was all about James Taylor. I would prop up the album cover for Sweet Baby James and just stare at it. In fact, my boyfriend in college was the spitting image of J.T.

You’ve also had hair maven Tabatha Coffey on your show. Did she offer advice for updating your hairstyle?

Yeah, she told me to rinse out my weave once a week. [Laughs] No, but we did talk about how she has ruined me as far as walking into salons goes. I look at the floor, look at the sinks…ewww! Tabatha needs to clone herself because you would be amazed at how many salons need her to come and take over.

As the new threat to Barbara Walters, which celebrity would you most like to make cry and why?

Charlie Sheen because he deserves it.

Who would you never have as a guest?

Well there is a porn star that I interviewed once before and it was truly the worst interview ever, so him! Otherwise I would be open to chatting with just about anyone—even people I think I don’t like because you never know what could happen.

What are you the host with the most of?

Fun! I like to have fun with my guests. I think of my show as the anti-interview show, even though that is not always achieved. I want to ask interesting questions and really have more a conversation than an interview. Having fun and a laugh is my goal.

Based on your vast experience, what advice do you have for guys visiting gay.com for the first time?

Explore and have fun. There’s something for everyone, so enjoy.

Learn more about Just Josh! here.