“JACK THE MACK” – INTERVIEW WITH JACK MACKENROTH
JUSTIN: When did you first realize that you were attracted to men?
JACK: I remember having a crush on a boy in my first grade class named Kirk Felton. We have since reconnected on Facebook and he’s married with kids but he thought it was funny when I told him.
JUSTIN: Is modeling your passion or do you have a deep dark secret you’re not telling us?
JACK: When I was in my 20′s I thought modeling would be an easy way to make money but for male models it’s actually a pretty grueling, competitive industry. I paid my way through school but now I do it just for fun. My real passion is making things like art and clothing. I’m also passionate about HIV education and fighting the stigma of living with HIV. I’ve also been a competitive swimmer since I was 6 and I still compete internationally in the masters circuit.
JUSTIN: Speaking of passions, we know that designing is one of yours. What are your future plans for the fashion world?
JACK: Right now I’m talking to a swim wear brand about coming on board as their head designer but its a massive commitment and I have so many other projects going on. Designing will always be a part of my life and I will go back to it full time at some point.
JUSTIN: Are you single or taken?
JACK: Single. But looking. You can easily find me on Facebook and Twitter @jackmackenroth. Applications are now being accepted.
JUSTIN: What kind of photo shoots inspire you?
JACK: Honestly I like it when the photographer has a vision–like Justin Monroe–and they do some work in advance to prepare to make something amazing. So often photographers see a model with a good body and they just want to shoot underwear or swim suits. It’s so much more fun when there are props and an mood or storyline.
JUSTIN: I know that you do a lot of charity work. Can you tell us about the foundation(s) you support?
JACK: Well I have been HIV+ for 23 years and I have traveled around the country speaking numerous HIV charities, organizations and events. I really want to work directly with amfAR in the future because they are always at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research.
JUSTIN: What is your astrological sign?
JACK: Taurus. My birthday is April 29th.
JUSTIN: What is the most terrifying thing that has happened to you in your life so far?
JACK: Being diagnosed with HIV in 1989. Statistically I should be dead. Everyone was dying then and there were no really effective treatments. It was truly a horrifying time. Thank god the medication has come a long way. Anyone diagnosed with HIV today should be very hopeful. Now we just need to continue to get the message out to know your status and fight the stigma.
JUSTIN: Describe the perfect mate?
JACK: I will tell you what I’m attracted to in my head but I never seem to end up with my “type”. I like a muscular guy with an edge. I don’t care if he has money but I want him to be passionate about something–his career, a sport, a hobby. I’ve had a fairly wild and interesting life and I want someone who brings something to the equation with a sense of humor. I also have a thing for bald heads. Certainly not a rule. At this point in my life I’d like to meet someone around my age–so 35-45ish.
JUSTIN: Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?
JACK: I really have no idea. I have so many interests and I could go in a variety of directions. I’d love to get into TV production. I will still be designing and swimming. Hopefully I will be happily married by then. Or super fat with 6 dogs living in Miami.
JUSTIN: What is your life long ambition?
JACK: I’d really love to have my own TV show. I’ve pitched dozens of ideas but the entertainment industry is a shit show. I will also continue to be an advocate for those living with HIV until we find a cure.
JUSTIN: What is your most under rated quality?
JACK: Humility. I think people assume I am full of myself because of assumptions they make about my appearance but I don’t believe the hype. Honestly I don’t put too much value in physical appearance. For the most part it’s just the genes I was born with. I’ve just worked hard to maximize their potential.
JUSTIN: What is your favorite quote of all time?
JACK: ”Accentuate the positives and medicate the negatives.”–Amy Sedaris
May 26, 2012 at 2:06 am
What a beautiful outlook and and a humane and intelligent person.
Bless both of you, Jack and Justin…I myself was diagnosed with HIV-POS in December 2011, but my doctor’s are over the moon with my white t-cell counts and I am really healthy and happy. Swimming, working out, working on my masters in media communication, writting, designing [ I have 60 class credits from UCLA EXTENSION in landscape and interior design programs and even have about seven design awards from them!] and making collages and drawing potraits are all in my mix for living a happy life with a homelife including a sweetie and two pups, plus a really glamorous and fun best friend for like forever-keeps me very centered and loving life.
Tons of love,
Ricky@thejoancrawforddeluxesuite
May 26, 2012 at 6:15 am
Love, love, love!
May 26, 2012 at 7:09 am
Thank you, you’ve just help me try to deal with a hugh problem. Long may you do your work and hope you find that “Someone Special” soon You deserve it
May 26, 2012 at 7:11 am
i was first struck by an article i first read by jack a few years ago , and those eyes. His honesty talking about himself, which cant have been easy, being honest particularly in that industry must have been a very courageous decision, and i admire him greatly for it too, and hey he is a beautiful guy, you have to admit.
May 29, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Jack is amazing and an inspiration,great interview!
June 6, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Awesome interview. Good work, Jack! I look forward to meeting you at the Facebook G-List ball…there is a G-List ball, isn’t there?