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Jon Gosselin, known for his role in the reality TV show Jon & Kate Plus 8, has some candid advice for Alec Baldwin as the actor prepares to enter the reality television world with his new series, The Baldwins. Drawing from his own tumultuous experience with fame, Gosselin urges Baldwin to be cautious.
“My advice to Alec is to run the other way,” Gosselin told an outlet, as reported by The Things. “Enjoy your career and your family. And, enjoy your life with your kids. We’re all not getting any younger. I was always worried about jumping the shark, which meant, ‘OK, you’re filming this reality show, and then you do something different outside in public, and now there’s conflict.'”
Baldwin’s new show on TLC, co-starring his wife Hilaria Baldwin, bears a resemblance to Gosselin’s 2007 family-centered drama. According to some insiders, Baldwin only agreed to participate because of Hilaria’s enthusiasm, while he remains mentally preoccupied with his involuntary manslaughter trial in July, as reported by OK! Magazine.
“Hilaria’s fascinated with the spotlight and wants to turn herself and her family into superstars and not just through association with Alec,” a source revealed. “A lot of people around Alec think it’s bonkers for him to consider doing a reality show now when he’s absolutely consumed with stress and worry. He’s doing this show but with a heavy heart and Hilaria’s not giving him much of an option.”
Baldwin was indicted by a grand jury on an involuntary manslaughter charge in January 2024, following the accidental death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of Rust. Legal documents state he was deemed responsible due to “an act committed with the total disregard or indifference for the safety of others, and the act was such that an ordinary person would anticipate that death might occur under the circumstances.”
Reflecting on his own experience, Gosselin recounted the dramatic downfall of his life post-reality TV. When Jon & Kate Plus 8 premiered in 2007, it quickly became a television sensation, and Gosselin and his then-wife Kate became household names. However, the fame and fortune came at a steep cost, leading to the eventual disintegration of their family.
By June 2009, the couple’s marriage had deteriorated significantly, leading to a high-profile split that played out in tabloids and gossip columns. The intense public scrutiny took a toll on their family’s peace and happiness.
For this reason, Gosselin warns Baldwin, “Now you’re going to bring drama because photographers are going to show up because they’re going to try to catch you in that act. Why would you invite drama into your household when all you’ve been trying to do is live, you know, a private life, and then you’re a paid actor? I don’t think it’s a good idea to put your family on television, especially your children. You’re a successful actor. You’re already scrutinized for certain things, and now you’re going to put seven children into the public eye,” concluding, “It makes no sense.”
