America's Next Top Model Star J Alexander Opens Up About Devastating Stroke
Former America's Next Top Model star J Alexander, aged 67, has publicly revealed that a stroke in 2022 left him hospitalized for an entire year and unable to walk. The iconic catwalk coach, known for his flamboyant personality and expert modeling advice, shares his personal health battle in the new Netflix docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, which premiered today.
A Shocking Health Ordeal
In the documentary, Alexander, whose real name is Alexander Jenkis, recounts the life-altering event that occurred on December 27, 2022. "I woke up. I didn't know where I was other than in the hospital," he begins, describing the immediate aftermath of the stroke. He spent five weeks in a coma and faced severe physical limitations, including an inability to walk or talk. "I thought to myself, 'What was I going to do?' I'm not ashamed to say that I cried," Alexander admits, highlighting the emotional toll of his condition.
Impact on a Career Built on Movement
The stroke's effect on Alexander's mobility was particularly devastating given his career centered around movement and modeling. He rose to fame on America's Next Top Model from 2003 to 2012, personally recruited by host Tyra Banks after coaching her as a teenager. Alexander also appeared in international versions of the show, spreading his expertise globally. "I miss being the queen of the runway. The catwalks, of course. I'm the person who taught models how to walk," he laments in the documentary, filmed approximately a year ago.
Support from Co-Stars and Absence of Tyra Banks
During his hospitalization, Alexander received visits from fellow judges Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker, who expressed their shock and concern. Barker, 53, recalls, "I was going to go see him. And that was just such a terrible shock and really upsetting and horrifying and scary." He describes holding Alexander while he cried, sharing emotional moments. In contrast, executive producer Tyra Banks did not visit, though Alexander notes she has texted him expressing a desire to do so. Their relationship has been complex, with Alexander recalling being fired from the show five days after receiving birthday flowers from Banks in 2012.
Ongoing Recovery and Determination
Despite the challenges, Alexander remains determined to recover. "I can't walk. Not yet. Not yet. I'm determined to walk," he asserts, vowing to make a comeback. "I'm sure you're gonna see me again, I'm sure. It's not over for me yet." Since leaving America's Next Top Model, he taught at the Savannah College of Art and Design for 15 years, and he and Banks still follow each other on Instagram, occasionally communicating.
Reflections on the Show's Legacy
The docuseries also delves into the legacy of America's Next Top Model, which aired for 24 seasons starting in the early 2000s. Alexander describes the early seasons as a "fairytale" but acknowledges potential mishandling of contestants. In a 2022 interview with The Guardian, he reflected, "I think about the girls, what they went through, and how they were treated. I look at the backlash, and I do wonder if we knew what we were putting them through," while also noting that contestants were aware of the show's nature.
Stroke Awareness and Resources
The article underscores the importance of stroke awareness, noting symptoms can be remembered with the acronym FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Key signs include facial drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech. Immediate medical attention is crucial, and resources like the Stroke Association helpline (0303 3033 100) are available for support.
Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model is now streaming on Netflix, offering a candid look back at the reality series and its impact on those involved.
