Dive headfirst into the sensational world ofMario Adrion (@MarioAdrion), a polymath whose talents know no bounds, encompassing stand-up comedy, the high-octane realm of modeling, and the magnetic hosting of theUNCENSOREDpodcast.
Survivor of a profound experience during a modeling job, Adrion is not just a comedian; he’s a vocal activist challenging stereotypes surrounding male intimacy. His “Bromance Calendar,” aims to destigmatize platonic connections among all men, transcending barriers of orientation and identity.Adrion’s podcast, UNCENSORED, dives deep into unfiltered conversations with fellow comedians and influencers, including Godfrey, Jiaoying Summers, and Peet Montzingo. Adding his European perspective to many if the issues, Adrion is shaping the entertainment landscape with humor, activism, and authenticity.
The year 2020 saw Adrion’s relocation to the city of dreams, Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a flourishing comedy career. He graced iconic venues like The Stand, The Hollywood Improv, and Laugh Factory, even making a splash on American Idol, strutting alongside Katy Perry in a Speedo.After gracing the campaigns of fashion giants like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Gucci. His runway prowess illuminated the stages of New York and Milan Fashion Weeks, while media accolades from Vogue to Jimmy Kimmel Live showcased his dazzling impact.In the face of industry challenges, Adrion transformed adversity into art, and his is YouTube escapades chronicle the shift from male modeling to comedy and storytelling, featuring uproarious hits like “Brojob” and the unforgettable “American Idol.”Hailing from the quaint town of Alpirsbach, Germany, Adrion’s journey began at 18 when a Facebook scout catapulted him into the dazzling world of modeling. Jet-setting across continents, he carved a niche representing agencies such as ONE Management and Wilhelmina.
How would you describe yourself and how do you identify?
I’m not Gay- I’m European. I am generally not a huge fan of labels. I have a girlfriend and am not sexually attracted to men- but I love male emotional intimacy and made it a big mission of mine to normalize Bromance.
Talk to us about your podcast, UNCENSORED, and your ability to shape the entertainment landscape with humour, activism, and authenticity.
My podcast is called UNCENSORED because I wanna break the stereotype of what we are allowed to talk about. One of my most important messages is to redefine what it means to be a man. As a European I want to break a lot of blocks men have when it comes to talking about their sexuality or their vulnerabilities. I want to entertain and learn from my guests while also challenging a lot of the narrow minded ideas a lot of Americans have about Masculinity.
In 2020 you relocated to Los Angeles, which marked the beginning of a flourishing comedy career. How did everything start?
I grew up in a small town in Germany and was scouted as a male model when I was 19. For the next 7 years I got to travel the world as a model, made so many experiences and documented it all on my YouTube channel. A lot of the things I do are out of the norm- but I LOVE doing things that are beyond the norm. So I tried standup comedy. People told me I was too pretty to be a comedian- but the more people say I shouldn’t do something – the more I want to try it.
How was it to strut alongside Katy Perry in a Speedo in American Idol?
I loved that moment. Everything we did was fully improvised. Katy Perry is one of the most iconic celebrities and I just loved how openly she said YES to a challenge.
You have participated in many campaigns of fashion giants like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Gucci. Do you have any plans to return to the fashion industry? Be it as a model, with a clothing line, collab etc?
Being a model has taught me a lot of things. However I also discovered some dark sides of the fashion industry- including sexual harassment and assault. I enjoyed being a model but I always loved it more for the people I met and the experiences I made traveling and less for the clothing.
I would still love to model for a brand that I really stand behind but my main focus is my comedy career where I talk a lot about my modeling experience.
You challenge the stereotypes surrounding male intimacy with your calendar, are there plans for other projects as you continue the movement?
This is the 4th year I am doing the bromance calendar and I absolutely love it. I had the most straight, alpha men on the calendar- wearing a speedo and celebrating male friendships. Men being able to share their emotions and be vulnerable is one of my biggest most important missions. Maybe at some point I would love to make a short film or summarize my learnings in a book.
What advice would you give others in order to turn adversity into art?
I was assaulted as a model and am now writing standup comedy about my experience. If something negative happens to us- we can learn from it and it gives us a responsibility to share that with other people and help them. Being of service to others by turning it into art will give it a purpose. I am now glad all the abuse happened to me simple because I could positively impact a lot of people with it.
How easy or difficult was it to shift from male modelling to comedy? What do you enjoy most?
It was difficult because of the judgement from other comics. Most of them do not want to like me based on my looks and I totally understand why. But again- I just love breaking the stereotypes what models can and can’t do. I love comedy because it is the most pure form of connection with an audience. A YouTube video can get 1 million views but it’s not the same as being in a room at a standup show with 50 people and laughing together.
What are your plans for the future?
I am working on standup comedy every day and am finding my voice more and more. In 2024 I want to start doing a national standup tour and take it to Europe by the end of the year. I want to share my message and connect with as many people as possible.
