One reason he auditioned for the show was to find the family he didn't have as a kid. And though he said everyone in the house became "really good friends," the group wasn't as tight-knit as he thought it would be.

While in New York, the roommates were allowed to pursue a career path of choice. JD worked on public policy for the LGBT community center and for the gay-lesbian-straight network.

"One of the reasons why we really got along was because we had the outlet of doing what we wanted," he said.

Ordonez denied the persistent Internet rumors that he had been dating Cooper earlier this year. "I am NOT/HAVE NOT been in a relationship with Anderson Cooper," he said in an email in July. "My current employer [...] has questioned my public figure. I am a public role model/mentor for children," he continued.

So let's hope Ordonez remembers to behave when appearing on the often controvertial reality show, which premiers on MTV January 7.

Last update: 12-07-2008 13:26