When VH1 debuted its new "The Bachelor"-type show "My Antonio," chronicling hunkalicious Antonio Sabato Jr.'s search for love, we knew women everywhere would want to know about this Italian stallion. So, we buckled down and got the scoop on Mr. I-Look-Amazing-in-Calvin-Klein-Underwear. We didn't just interview him -- we had our own Antonio fantasies along the way.
Kimberly Dawn Neumann: Explain "My Antonio" for anyone who hasn't been watching.
Antonio Sabato Jr: It's kind of like "The Bachelor," but on steroids! I told these girls from the beginning, 'I don't like people lying to me. I don't like fighting, drinking, smoking.' And though there certainly were some complications, it's done in a very elegant, "Dynasty" kind of way.
KDN: How was it being the "grand prize"? [Interviewer's note -- How can I be YOUR grand prize?????]
Antonio: I found it very difficult. Some guys are OK with having more than one woman at the same time. I'm very much the opposite -- I try to have a modest life. And in "My Antonio" I had all these girls wanting to meet and talk to me at the same time. It was a little overwhelming.
KDN: You have said you are ready to settle down. I'm curious, what makes a man "decide" that? [Interviewer's note -- What will make you DECIDE to settle down with me????]
Click here for the rest of the interview and to check out a revealing photo of Antonio.
Antonio: I would like to have more kids, I would like to be married, I would like to fall in love. I got to know myself over the years, and I grew out of certain things I didn't like about how I dealt with relationships. Now I'm ready to put my 50 percent into a relationship.KDN: But how could someone like you need a TV show to find a match?
Antonio: It's a selfish world and people are not always in relationships for the right reasons. It's hard to find someone who is there for you. I know myself, I know what I'd like in a partner so I said I might as well put it on camera and see if that person I seek could come out of it.
KDN: I have to ask, for women everywhere, what IS your type? [Interviewer's note -- Am I your type? I think I'm your type!]
Antonio: I don't have a type. It's more a matter of are they someone who takes care of themselves aesthetically? Someone who takes care of herself inside and out. And someone who has a really good sense of humor ... someone who laughs a lot and loves life.
KDN:> [Interviewer's note -- I used to work as a fitness model and I think I'm pretty funny ... OMG ... could Antonio be looking for me?] Soooo, what impresses you on a date?
Antonio: I want to see a lively personality that comes out. I think sex appeal comes out of laughter and being joyful and just being yourself. Someone who is not hiding behind another person or makeup. Someone without any walls right away.
KDN: [Interviewer's note -- OMG...I'm a happy person, I share my life with anyone who will listen...he IS looking for me! Wait, be professional. Next question!]. So, you brought your mother on the show. How was it discussing your love life with her?
Antonio: My mother and I have always been very close, but most of the time we have disagreed about the person I was going out with. My mother has never been fully 100 percent with my tastes, but she's right and she's always been right. I just thought it would be really important and compelling to see my mother's reaction to these girls and it certainly turned out that way.
KDN: So what do I, er, I mean, what does someone have to do to impress your mother?
Antonio: It takes a lot to impress her. But I think honesty. Also, we both would like to see me with someone who has no excuses. Someone who is willing to take care of things. Someone who has that will to survive or make it happen whatever the situation is.
KDN: [Interviewer's note -- OK, so his mother is looking for me too! This is great. Wait, focus]. What's the biggest misconception women have about you?
Antonio: [BIG sigh from Antonio] When you've been all over the world in your underwear and on soaps, most people would probably think I'm going out every night and being with different women every single day and living that life. But for me what's really important is my family. And when people get to know me and see what kind of father I am and what kind of role model I want to be for my kids, they respect that.
KDN: Tell me about your "Battoo." What's the Batman fascination?
Antonio: [He laughs] [Interviewer's note -- OMG! I made him laugh. He thinks I'm funny!!!] I grew up reading comic books, and if I had one wish as a kid it would have been to be Batman for a day -- to live that life and have those gadgets. I mean, I'm a big kid and I don't want to let go of that child part of me.
KDN: So, is there someone calling you "My Antonio" right now?
Antonio: You'll have to watch the show. But there are definitely a lot of people talking about "My Antonio" right now.
KDN: So if not, how can I get in touch with your mother?
Antonio: [Laughs] You could call her.
KDN: Thanks for the tip. [Interviewer's note -- If you're reading this Mama Sabato, feel free to call me!]
"My Antonio" airs Sundays at 10 p.m. EST
Kimberly Dawn Neumann is a writer living in New York City.
