Posted at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16

June 11, 2008: Joey Kovar leaves "Real World: Hollywood."

Joey Kovar of Evergreen Park appears in the new season of "Real World." Click his photo to meet the other cast members of "Real World: Hollywood."

For the first time in its 16 years, MTV's "Real World" is getting real this season.

The reality series' 20th season, "Real World: Hollywood," kicks off at 9 p.m. Wednesday with the usual seven strangers living together in a tricked-out house. What's unusual about the new season is that everyone involved freely admits the cast members are on the show to chase their Hollywood dreams.

Let's get real here: Hasn't that always been the case?

Joey Kovar, a bodybuilder and personal trainer at Bally's Total Fitness in suburban Evergreen Park, is one of those dreamers. He wants to become an actor.

"I kind of looked at it like this: Hey, you've always wanted to be an entertainer; you're a musician; you do acting on the side. You're also a personal trainer," he told RedEye on Tuesday. "I thought to myself that it's a popular TV show ... I can show myself on TV and show what I can offer to the world; maybe this will be a great platform."

Kovar and his castmates enrolled in iO West, the Hollywood edition of the former ImprovOlympic here in Chicago. They were trained by iO founder Charna Halpern. Their challenge was to put on an improv show after three months.

"I really liked improv," Kovar said, praising the way Halpern taught her classes. "When I first heard about it I was kind of intimidated ... When I actually got up there and did it--it felt right, it felt good."

But Kovar's time in L.A. wasn't all good. The 24-year-old battles his drug and alcohol addiction during the season. In the first four episodes of the show, Kovar's drinking transforms him into a raging bully who slams his fists into walls and screams at his roommates.

At one point, he breaks down and asks the show's producers for help. He eventually goes into a 30-day rehab at Dr. Drew Pinsky's Pasadena Recovery Center in southern California.

"It was really cool because for the first time in my life I met people that I could admit that I had problems to and they didn't judge me," said Kovar, who wants to speak out on addiction issues. "It was almost like a big ton of weight was taken off my shoulders just to finally quit lying to myself and everyone else and just come clean."

Kovar says he's been clean and sober since his L.A. experience. He chatted about his addiction, the castmates—and why you won't see him with his shirt off. Read the full interview on the jump.

Here's the full interview with Joey Kovar:

In the first episode, your roomie Greg hassles you about wearing your shirt in the sauna. Why did you wear it?

I’m going to come out on record and finally explain my whole reasoning behind this and maybe it will finally make sense to people.

I bust my ass in the gym twice a day and I run every morning. I eat really healthy. Without sounding cocky, I know that I have a good body. My whole reasoning behind [keeping the shirt on], simply was this: ... If there are enough people out there who might have a curiosity about what’s lurking underneath the tank top, who knows, I might get an offer to do a fitness magazine.

... If I can spark enough interest—I’ve already gotten thousands upon thousands of e-mails and MySpace messages asking for workout tips and nutrition advice and the show hasn’t even aired yet. That just shows right there that people recognize that I do take a lot of time to work out my body.

My whole line of thinking was to keep a tank top on, keep a T-shirt on, keep the people wondering, “Hey, what does this guy look like with his shirt off? I want to see what this guy looks like with his shirt off.” That was my whole idea behind that.

Can you tell me about the roommates? Do you still keep in contact?

You could say we keep in contact. It’s just we all have a pretty busy life right now. It’s not always easy to find the time of day to sit down and BS with someone on the phone. As far as I perceive them now, I love them all to death. I would give them the shirt off my back. I love all of them.

But not on TV, right?

[Laughs.] Right, exactly. You know, on the show, of course, there’s going to be minor conflicts and stuff like that because you’re going into an atmosphere where it’s totally different from anything you’ve ever experienced. Because who the hell ever lives with six other people? And especially six other people that you probably would never live with in the first place in your life.

And also, you got the other things, the underlying rules that [producers] Bunim & Murray give you that, in the real real world you’d be able to do but you can’t do while filming the show.

You have a lot of stress. People start getting on each other’s nerves because you’re around them all the time. You start seeing little things the agitate you about that person. It goes with anyone you live with, you know?

But I have nothing bad to say about [the roommates] and I love them all to death.

So what are the rules of the show?

I don’t think I can talk about them too much. Let’s just say ... you just don’t have as much freedom or luxuries that you wold if you were actually living on your own. That’s pretty much all I can say.

Did the film all day, every day? Did you have no-camera time?

You’re taped 24/7. Now that I have had time to sit back and relax and reflect on everything, I don’t think the cameras ever really bothered me because I’m kind of a camera-hog. I like being filmed and I like being in front of the cameras.

I think it was more the setting and the rules, the limitations we had, and the fact that you’re around six other people constantly. You work with them; you sleep with them; you party with them. So it gets kind of annoying and I think everybody had a little bit of stress on their shoulders about the whole situation.

I definitely walked into a situation that I didn’t think was going to be that way. It’s one of those things that it looks different on paper then when you actually do it.

You had seen the show before, right?

I’ve seen the show, but I hadn’t been an avid follower of it. I’d seen the popular ones that everyone talks about, like “Las Vegas” and “Philly.” But I really didn’t pay attention in the last couple of years.

I kind of looked at it like this: Hey, you’ve always wanted to be an entertainer; you’re a musician; you do acting on the side. You’re also a personal trainer. I thought to myself that it’s a popular TV show, one of the first reality shows besides “Cops.” What a great way to maybe platform yourself. Past cast members have gone on to do soap operas, movies, radio.

I thought that I had enough confidence in myself that if I can show myself on TV and show what I can offer to the world, maybe this will be a great platform.

How has that been going? Are you still interested in pursuing a show biz career?

I definitely am. Right now the approach I’m taking is I keep working on the Internet all the time to see if there are any acting gigs right here in Chicago. And if there is, of course, I’ll jump at it. But for now my main thing is to keep working, keep training, start doing the college speaking, the bar appearances. Save that money and open my own training business here where I can make 100 percent profit. Save that money and eventually, if I can save over the next couple of years, hopefully I can move out to Los Angeles and really pursue my acting career.

Do you plan on continuing to work with iO trainer Charna Halpern?

Yeah I do, it’s just right now I’m very, very, very jam-packed with everything. I work full time. And part of the whole entertainment aspect is you got to have the body. You’ve got to have the look. I take 45 minutes in the morning to run. I take another hour-and-a-half to two hours later in the day to lift weights. All of that combined with working and doing these bar appearances combined with talking on the phone with agents and booking agents—I’m really busy for the first time in my life.

As soon as some of the stuff dies down a little bit I do want to take classes. I don’t want to be half-assed with it ... I want to really give it my all.

She did say you were quite the perfectionist. And she hopes you come back.

[Laughs.] Good.

When you signed up to do this, having your history with addiction, were you a little worried?

I wasn’t worried about it because I thought it was behind me. I had stopped completely. I didn’t go out anymore. I got to that point where going out to me was nothing anymore. I thought that it was past me.

Hopefully, if they show that on the show and tell people that Joe stopped but when he came out to Hollywood he got bad again. Hopefully that shows people that just because you went to rehab or just because you’ve stopped that doesn’t mean it can’t ever come back.

You know, addiction is a disease like cancer. You can put cancer in remission but that doesn’t mean it can’t come back. It’s the same thing with [addiction.]

I’m sober right now and I’m having a great life, but if I sat here and told you that I never think about it anymore, I’d be crazy. It just doesn’t go away. That’s just not how it works.

Are you currently in an addiction program?

I’m not in a program but I have somewhat of a sponsor who I call from time to time. Like I said, I’m so jam-packed with everything I’m doing right now, which, to me, ... is kind of like going to AA meetings or being in a program.

Here’s how I’ve always been. Now matter how bad I was with alcohol or substances, if I have work and I’m busy, I will not go out. Work is my No. 1 priority. ...

I was more of what you’d call a weekend warrior. I’d work Monday through Friday and then the weekend would come and I’d get shit-faced for two days in a row.

Now that I’m so busy that is like a program for me. I’m talking to a lot of good people. For once in my life I feel like I’ve made something of myself and I don’t want to mess it up again. That’s all it takes. You got all this great stuff coming at you and then you go mess it up with drinking or doing drugs and it could all slip out of your hands in a second.

During filming you went to rehab. What was that like?

It was really cool because for the first time in my life I met people that I could admit that I had problems to and they didn’t judge me. I think a big problem with people who are not addicts or don’t know someone who is—they judge, they fear addiction. They fear alcoholism. They should, but when they fear it they don’t understand it. If you don’t understand it you don’t always come off as the best person to talk to.

I think that’s why it’s so hard for people to admit to their families or their friends that “Hey, I have a problem.” Everyone reacts to it in a manner that makes it difficult for the addict to admit it. when you go to rehab you’re with a bunch of addicts or alcoholics or recovered addicts or alcoholics. It make sit easier for you to admit and to quit lying about things.

I got to tell them stories I’ve never told anyone in my life about certain situations I put myself in and it just felt great. It just felt great to quit the lying for once in my life.

It was almost like a big ton of weight was taken off my shoulders just to finally quit lying to myself and everyone else and just come clean.

It was amazing and I met so many amazing people in rehab. They were so caring and thoughtful and they knew where I was coming from and they listened. It was a great experience.

Do you plan on becoming an advocate?

Certainly. I know that if I can help myself I can help other people.

Will we see you on Dr. Drew’s “Celebrity Rehab” next season?

No, they didn’t film me there.

How did you take to doing improv?

I really liked improv. When I first heard about it I was kind of intimidated because even though I made people laugh a lot and people always have told me I’m funny, I’ve never considered myself a comedian. I guess I got confused at first what improv was vs. being a comedian.

When I actually got up there and did it, it felt right, it felt good. ... I really enjoyed it.

So how do you feel now that the experience is over?

I appreciate the experience and I’m glad that a) I’m going to be getting exposure on television, and b) that Bunim & Murray got me the help and treatment I needed.

But at the same time, I cannot lie. I was very stressed out being there, being away from my family, my friends; being in that kind of locked in atmosphere. There were a lot of times when I was very miserable being on the show.

But there were times I did have fun. Like I said I appreciate the experience. People ask me, “Would you do it again?” Yes, I would do it again because ultimately that’s what made me sober and ultimately that’s what’s going to give me my, quote-unquote, 15 minutes of fame.

Are you prepared for the reaction to the shocking and scary scenes when you are drunk and angry in the house?

I’m not too worried about it. Nobody, and I mean nobody is perfect. And everyone has their own faults and their own demons in life. They might not be on the scale that mine are and it might not be as intense as mine, or it may be—whatever. The bottom line is that if people sit there and look at themselves before they judge, nobody’s perfect—bottom line.

If somebody’s going to judge me and give me negative reviews, like I always say to everybody, “[Bleep] them.”

I’m sorry to talk like that but that’s my attitude.

That’s what happened and it’s part of my story and it’s part of my journey. If people actually watch the whole season ... and see that it’s not a negative thing but it’s an amazing story and a positive story, people will see that there are many different sides of Joey Kovar than a guy just punching a punching bag or punching his head or punching a wall. ... I’m not just a one-dimensional character.

I’m totally prepared. It is what it is. Negative reviews? Oh well. For every person that has something bad to say about me I’m sure there will be another 10 that have something good to say.

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Good for him! Sounds like a really decent guy. I wish him luck in the future and hope that MTV shows the full story and doesn't make Joey out to be a bad guy. He seems like a very sweet kid.

Curt's reply: Hey Rachel, thanks for writing. We'll hope Joey is past the tough times.

I think joey and brianna would have made a cute couple.

Curt's reply: Maybe they will ... Thanks for writing?

Standup guy. I am on the same path as him, but I'm hoping I can keep my alcohol intake under control. I look up to a guy with good advice who has been through what I may be about to experience.

Curt's reply: Good luck Josiah!

I have met and loved soo many Joey's in my life, with big hearts and many faults...i like him and wish him well, he seems like a really sweetie..

Curt's reply: This is not a dating service, Lark. Just kidding! Thanks for writing.

Why do I feel like rehab wasn't a whole-hearted effort for him when he readily admits he is looking forward to working the bar tour and is not in an active post-rehab program? While I understand everyone goes their own route that just seems a little ... undedicated. Recovering alcoholics don't return to the source of their problem and tempt themselves. It just sounds really strange.

Curt's reply: Joey claims that his work is keeping him on the straight and narrow now. Thanks for writing in.

Has Joey talked to his family about his addiction and what he reveals to the other cast members on Real World about his family? Maybe someone should suggest that he should...It may help him in his healing process. Oh! By the way I think him and Bri should give their potential relationship a try. One more thing, I hope he's at the Real World Reunion show. Hang in there Joey! You are a good person, and you're right everyone makes mistakes. That's why people should not judge!

Curt's reply: Thanks Monica for writing. I'm sure Joey would appreciate the eoncouragement.

I wish him all the best..I think it's a good think that he's keeping himself busy..btw the way him and bri aren't good for each other at all..if anything he needs someone who dosen't have any past addiction and has some morals someone he can be really happy and secure with..
too bad I'm in new york? lol
Goodluck sweetie.

Curt's reply: Thanks for writing in. I'm sure Joey would be happy to know how you feel.

hey joey are yo going to be on the challenges cause if you dont explode you could do pretty good against the bad ass vets.

Curt's reply: You're talking "Real World vs. Road Rules" challenge, right? I bet Joey woudl do well too. Thanks for commenting.

It took alot of balls for him to admit he has a drinkin problem on television. But i feel that he has nothin to be ashamed of. I wish i can meet him in person and talk to him about my issues with alcohol. Watching him even tryin to get help and admittin he needed help at the time really motivated me in staying sober

Curt's reply: Thanks for reading and commenting.

Ya know, when watching Joey on the show, it is really easy to poke fun at him but I think after reading this interview and understanding all of what this guy has been through, you gotta feel for this guy. He seems like an alright guy. He's been through a lot so it really isn't his fault. I mean, sure he is a little crazy, but according to his background, he didn't really have a support group. This guy seems like he is on the right track now which is great.

Curt's reply: He sounds pretty grounded now. Thanks for writing in.

I'm really happy Joey is doing good and is happy with being back in his own atmosphere at home. I will truely miss seeing him on the Real World once the final show airs. I hope to see him again on TV or anywhere. Keep up the good work Joey, you are very brave and an upstanding man!

Curt's reply: Thanks for reading Kerri.

you the shit bro and im proud of you for takeing care of your self on the show you help more then just your self buy doing that thank man.

I am glad to hear that Joey is doing well after the show. It was a good decision on his part to leave Hollywood. Although tough, best for him in the long run. It just struck me tonite for some reason, I was wondering how he felt the night of the MTV Real World awards. Everyone was pretty toasted.

After seeing a few episodes. I really am glad to see that he's doing well. I used to know someone who was in his same shoes, only when I tried to help, he decided to not realize that he was killing himself. I'd kill to be fit like Joey though :). Anybody that can go through what he has before rehab, and come out 1000% better than what he was before he went in, that's always a great story. When's he writing a book about it? lol. Joey= awesome
Curt's reply: I don't know about the book, Mike. You can ask Joey yourself. He will be making appearances June 20 at the Alumni Club in Schaumburg and June 21 at the Apartment, 2251 N. Lincoln.

I'm not sure the 'Real World' producers did Joey any favors. The episodes in which he came back from rehab and then decided to leave the house make him seem like one of the most self-absorbed people on earth, with every word out of his mouth about him and his problems and never a word about anyone or anything else. Is that really how it was? We don't know. We do know that the outlook for addicts who don't stay in a program and who think they can do it all themselves is not very hopeful. Those who think they know more than the program usually end up back where they started. I hope he turns out to the exception.
Curt's reply: Only time will tell. Thanks for reading.

Joeyyy!! I am definitely glad to see that you have overcome the "demons" that once ruled your life. You are an incredible guy, with huge amounts of potential. Your ambitious nature will get you places, and I REALLY hope that you become the actor that you want to become. You're the best man, and watching Real World is definitely not going to be the same without you on it. Best of luck in the future man. You deserve everything you've ever wanted.
Curt's reply: I'm sure Joey thanks you V. And I thank you for reading.

I love joey. He was my favorite one on the whole show! I currently live in evergreen park (where he's from) and the other day my friend ami came for a visit and I learned that he lived a block away from me (ami moved a few years ago) and his younger brother used to hang out with ami's sister all the time.

Curt's reply: Hi Brittany, Joey will be back on next week's ep. Don't you go stalking him now!

JOEY!!since i am from the suburbs of chicago and my friend has hung out with you 2-3months back hope u are doing better than that night!! please stay away from the coke and drinking u are better than that and i believe u have a good heart inside u! u are a very good looking guy just stay off them since i know the burb bars make people wanna drink lol coming from a dif addict i know what u went thru and i wish u all the best!!!

As someone going through an addiction, Joey has been a HUGE inspiration! I only hope that I can get through this like he did and I'm so proud of who and where he is today.

Curt's reply: Thanks for writing in. Hope you are doing well.

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