Big Brother 9 is often the season fans try to forget. It was a winter filler during a writers' strike, messy as hell, and packed with people who made questionable life choices on national television. But if you were watching the feeds back then, you know one name was everywhere: James Zinkand.
Affectionately (or maybe not so affectionately) known as "Crazy James," he was a 21-year-old cyclist from Sarasota who entered the house with a pink mohawk and ended up as the season's unlikely protagonist. He didn't just play the game. He survived it, got kicked out, came back, and then won the hearts of enough viewers to take home the $25,000 fan-favorite prize.
But honestly? His legacy is way more complicated than just a guy who was good at vetoes.
The Resurrection of James Big Brother 9
Let’s talk about the moment that actually defined his season. It was Week 5. James was evicted by a 5-1 vote. In most seasons, that’s the end of the road. You pack your bags, you talk to Julie Chen, and you go to a hotel.
But BB9 was weird.
🔗 Read more: The Reality of Sex Movies From Africa: Censorship, Nollywood, and the Digital Underground
In a massive twist, the houseguests had to choose between bringing James back or bringing in a "Mystery Houseguest" who turned out to be the choice of the American public. The house chose James. Why? Because they knew him. They were terrified of the unknown. Ironically, by choosing the "safe" option, they invited a competition beast back into the house who would go on to win three Head of Household (HOH) titles and three Power of Vetos (POV).
It’s actually a wild stat. James Zinkand was the first male HOH in history to use the Veto on one of his own nominees. He had this chaotic, "ride-or-die" energy that made him impossible to predict. You've got to remember that this season was "Till Death Do Us Part," where people were paired up. James was paired with Chelsia Hart, and their showmance was... intense. To say the least.
The Scandal That Almost Broke the Show
If you weren't on the forums in 2008, you missed a total meltdown. While James was inside the house playing a "straight" game and cuddling with Chelsia, the internet was busy digging up his past. It turns out James had a history in gay adult films under the name "Brawny."
This was 2008. The show didn't acknowledge it. The producers allegedly didn't even know during casting. It created this bizarre disconnect where fans were watching this "rebellious punk kid" on TV while reading about his "gay-for-pay" career on sites like MambaOnline.
💡 You might also like: Alfonso Cuarón: Why the Harry Potter 3 Director Changed the Wizarding World Forever
There’s a famous story—mostly confirmed by feed-watchers—that Chelsia’s father was so livid about James’s past that he threatened to pull her out of the house. Production had to talk him down. It’s one of those things that would be a headline on TMZ for a month today, but back then, it was just "internet rumors" to the casual CBS viewer.
Why "Crazy James" Was Actually the Sanest One There
People called him crazy because of the hair and the screaming matches, but have you looked at the rest of that cast? You had Adam Jasinski (who eventually went to prison for a drug ring involving his winnings), Joshuah Welch (who was arguably one of the most toxic players ever), and Sheila Kennedy (a former Penthouse Pet).
In that environment, James was basically a philosopher.
He was incredibly emotional. He cried when he was targeted. He threw water on Natalie's head. He left... uh, personal grooming remains on the bathroom sink. He was a mess. But he was an authentic mess. In a season where everyone was lying through their teeth, James would scream his brains out and then go back to a completely normal face five seconds later.
📖 Related: Why the Cast of Hold Your Breath 2024 Makes This Dust Bowl Horror Actually Work
Basically, he was the perfect reality TV contestant before people started "playing for the cameras."
Life After the Mohawk: Where is James Zinkand Now?
Most Big Brother players try to cling to their 15 minutes of fame. They do the "Challenge," they start a podcast, or they sell gummy vitamins on Instagram. James didn't really do that.
After the show, he actually did what he said he’d do: he rode his bike. A lot. He spent years traveling across the United States and Europe on two wheels. He traded the pink mohawk for a more rugged, "90s detective" look (as Reddit so eloquently put it).
Eventually, he settled down in New York City. He moved away from the adult industry and the reality TV spotlight to become a business owner. He opened a wine and spirits shop called Misguided Spirits in NYC. It’s a pretty poetic name for a guy whose journey on James Big Brother 9 was nothing if not a bit misguided but ultimately successful.
Actionable Insights for Big Brother Fans
If you're looking back at the BB9 era or wondering how to digest this part of reality TV history, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Feeds (or Archives): The televised edit of James was "the underdog hero." The live feeds showed a much more aggressive, volatile, and complex person. To understand BB9, you have to look past the CBS edit.
- Contextualize the Era: Remember that 2008 was a different world for LGBTQ+ representation and reality TV scandals. What was a "shameful secret" then is barely a footnote now.
- Respect the Post-Show Pivot: James is a rare example of a "villain/hero" who actually moved on. Supporting his current ventures like Misguided Spirits is a cool way to see how former HGs can find real-world success.
James Zinkand remains the only player to be evicted, voted back in by the people who just kicked him out, and then win the fan-favorite award. Whether you loved him or hated him, you couldn't take your eyes off him.