Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com

Published - Wednesday, April 02, 2008

WSU grad likes spotlight of ‘Big Brother’ show

By Käri Knutson / Winona Daily News

Amanda Hansen has always loved the spotlight. For three weeks on “Big Brother,” the 2005 Winona State University grad got it.

Millions of viewers tune in each week to find out which of the houseguests would be evicted from the CBS reality show.

Hansen was eliminated during week three and recently got back to her home in Fridley, Minn., after being sequestered for two weeks.

Hansen had tried out for the show two years ago and was cast in January.

“I was a little hesitant,” Hansen said. “People are treated like crap. I was definitely one of those people.”

Hansen’s time on the show was made more difficult after she decided to share with her housemates that her father hung himself two years ago.

A couple of housemates later joked about the tragedy.

“I couldn’t believe someone would ever say something like that,” Hansen said. “How could someone be so cruel?”

She doesn’t watch every episode of the show, which airs three times a week. She does watch the elimination ceremony each Wednesday, hoping to see Josh kicked out.

Still, she says she has no regrets about being on the show.

“I live my life so I don’t regret anything,” Hansen said.

She will think twice about sharing so much with virtual strangers.

“I think I told too much,” Hansen said. “It opens up the door for people to hurt you. No one wants to be hurt.”

Hansen hopes the spotlight will continue to shine on her. She is pursuing acting and modeling. Hansen knows that fame fades for many reality TV stars. For now, she’s enjoyed being recognized by fellow shoppers at the Mall of America.

“It’s fun because one day you go from walking to the store and no one knowing you and the next day people want your autograph,” Hansen said.

Hansen will appear on the final episode of “Big Brother” later this month.

Contact Käri Knutson at kknutson@winonadailynews.com or (507) 453-3523.