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Austin Armacost
Austin Armacost
Austin Armacost
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Austin Armacost is an American reality television personality who rose to fame in 2010 as a cast member in the Logo reality television series The A-List: New York which followed the lives of six gay and bisexual men in New York City.

In 2015, he competed in the sixteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother, where he became runner-up. He re-entered the house in 2017 during the nineteenth series as an "All Star" in which he was the fourth to leave the house, placing fifteenth.

Personal life

[edit]

Armacost started dating fashion designer Marc Jacobs in March 2008; the couple split the following year.

Armacost was married to a British man named Jake Lees[1][2] for eight years.[3] They separated in 2016.[citation needed]

Austin celebrated his one-year anniversary with new boyfriend, IT Business Architect Darren Banks in September 2017.[citation needed]

Celebrity Big Brother

[edit]

On 27 August 2015, Armacost entered the Celebrity Big Brother house as a housemate in the sixteenth series competing for "Team USA" and finished as runner up to James Hill.[4] Following their appearance in the series, both Austin and James won "TV Moment of the Year" at The Attitude Awards 2015.[5]

He returned again as an All-Star for Celebrity Big Brother 19 and was evicted in a twist, which saw him voted as the "dullest housemate". He finished in fifteenth place.

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2010–11 The A-List: New York Himself Main cast
2015, 2017 Celebrity Big Brother Season 16: Runner-up
Season 19: 15th place

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Austin Armacost

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Austin Armacost (born March 28, 1988) is an American model, personality, and LGBTQ+ activist known for his appearances on shows such as The A-List: New York and (UK). Born in , , Armacost began his modeling career as a teenager, working professionally from ages 16 to 19 before transitioning to other pursuits. He gained prominence in 2010 as a cast member on the Logo reality series The A-List: New York, which followed the lives of gay and bisexual men in New York City over two seasons. Armacost expanded his television presence in the UK, competing in the sixteenth series of in 2015 as part of "Team USA," where he finished as runner-up. He returned for the nineteenth series in 2017 as an all-star contestant. Prior to these appearances, he had a high-profile relationship with fashion designer , which boosted his modeling profile. A vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Armacost began his activism at age 14 by protesting against anti-gay policies in Indiana, later extending his efforts against Governor Mike Pence's policies. In 2025, he was recognized at the National Diversity Awards for his contributions. He has campaigned for marriage equality, transgender recognition, military service rights, and HIV/AIDS awareness, serving as a celebrity ambassador for National HIV Testing Week in the UK and supporting organizations like The Damien Center. Now residing in the UK, Armacost was married to British hospitality manager Jake Lees from 2010 until their divorce in 2017; he has been in a long-term relationship with IT business architect Darren Banks since October 2016.

Early life

Upbringing and family

Austin Armacost was born on March 28, 1988, in , , and raised in the small town of Franklin, where he experienced a typical Midwestern upbringing. He grew up in a supportive family environment with two older brothers, Brandon and Tyler, and his parents provided a stable home that included connections to the entertainment industry through his father's relatives. From an early age, Armacost was aware of his sexual orientation as , though he was aware of his sexual orientation from an early age in a conservative environment, and his family was accepting, often hosting friends and relatives for gatherings. Family dynamics were shaped by close sibling bonds and parental influences that emphasized resilience, but were later strained by significant hardships. In 2013, Armacost's mother, Karen Armacost, a bookkeeper from Franklin, was sentenced to nine years in prison, with six years to be served, after pleading guilty to , , and related charges for embezzling approximately $680,000 from her employer, Greenwood Orthopaedics, over four years. She committed the to support Tyler, who had returned from struggling with PTSD, injuries, and employment issues. The imprisonment had a deep emotional impact on Armacost, exacerbating feelings of loss and instability during his early adulthood, as he revealed in interviews following his appearance on . This period was further compounded by the tragic death of his brother Tyler in a car crash in , which Armacost described as a profound heartbreak that influenced his personal growth and coping mechanisms. These family challenges underscored the complexities of his formative years, ultimately motivating his pursuit of opportunities beyond .

Education and self-discovery

Austin Armacost attended Franklin Community High School in his hometown of Franklin, Indiana, before transferring to Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis during his high school years. At Lawrence Central, he excelled in track and field as a pole vaulter, earning All-American honors and setting school records, though a back injury ultimately ended his competitive career. Details on his academic performance or other extracurricular activities remain limited in available records. Growing up in a conservative, small-town environment shaped by a religious upbringing, Armacost grappled with internal conflicts over his sexuality during his late teens. He later recounted knowing he was from a young age but experiencing fear and confusion, such as secretly purchasing only to burn it out of guilt. While his family, including his supportive older brother, offered no overt negativity, the broader cultural and religious context provided limited external support for his identity exploration. Armacost fully embraced his identity at age 18, shortly after high school graduation, following travels that exposed him to more diverse environments beyond . From an early age, Armacost harbored aspirations for a life larger than small-town , dreaming of careers in and modeling inspired by media portrayals of urban success. These ambitions were fueled by initial glimpses of urban gay culture through television and magazines, which contrasted sharply with his rural surroundings and motivated his push for independence. Opting out of college, Armacost took immediate post-high school steps toward his goals by packing a and relocating to the day after his 2006 graduation to pursue modeling opportunities. This move marked his first significant assertion of independence, supported by self-directed efforts to break into the industry without formal training, building on his early modeling experiences.

Career

Modeling beginnings

Armacost, born in , , in 1988, began modeling part-time around age 16 while still in high school, traveling to two or three times a month for opportunities that highlighted his athletic physique. Motivated by these early experiences and a desire to escape his conservative upbringing, he relocated to immediately after graduating high school in 2006 to pursue modeling full-time. By age 20 in 2008, Armacost moved to to advance his career in the competitive hub, where he signed with modeling agencies and secured initial gigs in shoots and advertisements that emphasized his look and build. A pivotal boost came from his brief relationship with designer that year, which provided high-profile exposure through travel and social circles, enhancing his visibility in the industry despite ending in 2009. As a newcomer in New York, Armacost faced significant challenges, including the city's unfriendly atmosphere compared to Chicago's welcoming scene, intense competition among models, and the demanding lifestyle adjustments required to maintain a slim physique through extreme diets and workouts. These experiences shaped his early professional resilience before broader recognition.

Reality television breakthrough

Austin Armacost's entry into reality television began with his casting as a main cast member on the Logo series The A-List: New York, which premiered in 2010 and ran through 2011. As a model recently arrived in , Armacost was portrayed navigating the high-society gay elite, including romantic entanglements and social ambitions. His prior modeling background served as a key prerequisite for the role, highlighting his experience in circles. The series featured plot highlights centered on interpersonal dramas, such as Armacost's vacation conflicts with castmates during a group trip to , where tensions arose over romantic jealousies involving and Rodiney Santiago. Additional storylines included Armacost rekindling his relationship with British partner Jake Lees amid the strains of urban social climbing, contributing to the show's depiction of elite gay life in New York. These elements elevated Armacost's visibility, establishing him as a breakout figure in reality TV and leading to broader recognition within LGBTQ+ media. Armacost expanded his television presence internationally with Celebrity Big Brother Series 16 in 2015, entering the house on August 27 as part of Team USA in the UK vs. USA theme. He reached the finale as runner-up, finishing behind winner James Hill after 29 days, with their on-screen romance becoming a focal point of the season. This pairing earned them the Attitude Awards 2015 TV Moment of the Year for their "," underscoring the show's cultural impact. Armacost returned for Celebrity Big Brother UK Series 19 in 2017 as an All-Stars contestant but faced an early exit on January 13, evicted in fourth place overall (15th of 22 housemates). The twist involved housemates voting him the "dullest" participant, resulting in a public and awkward departure without farewell gestures from peers. Despite the criticism, his combined reality TV appearances significantly boosted his career, with television serving as the of his estimated $3 million as of 2025.

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Armacost began a high-profile romantic relationship with fashion designer in March 2008, which lasted approximately ten months before ending in early 2009. The partnership drew media attention due to their contrasting personalities and public appearances together, with Armacost later reflecting on it as a period of intense emotional connection despite his self-described asexual tendencies, noting that he remained faithful but was minimal. The breakup occurred abruptly after Armacost violated one of Jacobs's , contributing to the relationship's sudden dissolution. In July 2010, Armacost entered into marriage with British hospitality manager Jake Lees in Illinois, marking a significant commitment that lasted eight years. The couple navigated challenges related to international relocation and same-sex marriage recognition, particularly during their involvement in U.S. advocacy efforts, such as attending events for marriage equality in Indiana in 2014. Their union was portrayed publicly as supportive, with Armacost expressing deep affection for Lees on reality television, including emotional reunions that highlighted their bond's resilience amid separations. The marriage ended amicably in a separation announced in July 2016, with the divorce finalized around 2017; Armacost described the split as difficult yet mutual, emphasizing personal growth and the absence of resentment. Following his divorce, Armacost began a relationship with IT business architect Darren Banks in October 2016, which he publicly celebrated on the one-year anniversary in 2017 as a source of happiness and stability. The couple's dynamic has been characterized by mutual support, with Armacost sharing affectionate moments and plans for deeper commitment, such as a potential proposal, in media interviews shortly after they started dating. As of 2025, Armacost and Banks remain together, maintaining a low-key but enduring focused on shared life experiences. During appearances on shows like , Armacost discussed relational dynamics from his past marriages, underscoring themes of , over physicality, and the value of honest communication in his connections.

Residence and later activities

Armacost relocated to the around 2009-2010 following his relationship with British hospitality manager Jake Lees, with whom he married in in 2010, allowing the couple to establish a life together where was recognized earlier than nationwide in the United States. This move established a long-term base in , , blending Armacost's American roots with British cultural influences and fostering a dual identity that he has described as enriching his worldview. By 2025, he continued to reside primarily in the UK, engaging in local events such as co-hosting the main stage at MK Pride in . After his final appearance on in 2017, Armacost stepped back from the television spotlight, transitioning to a more low-key career centered on influencing and residual modeling work. His account, with over 90,000 followers, features regular posts on fitness, lifestyle, and promotional content, leveraging his prior reality TV fame to maintain an engaged online audience. This shift has allowed him to sustain financial stability through brand collaborations, engagements, and occasional media appearances. In recent years, Armacost has focused on personal growth and advocacy, particularly through philanthropic efforts supporting the LGBTQ+ community, including participation in pride events and campaigns for equality. These activities underscore his ongoing commitment to , which began earlier in life but has evolved into a platform for broader social impact post-fame.

References

  1. https://instinctmagazine.com/things-you-probably-didnt-about-reality-star-austin-armacost/
  2. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/austin-armacost.html
  3. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/reality-tv/who-is-austin-armacost-celebrity-big-brother-2017-profile/
  4. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1581716-austin-armacost?language=en-US
  5. https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/austin-armacost/
  6. https://www.facebook.com/austin.armacost/posts/national-diversity-awards-2025/31403394312640412/
  7. https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tv/cbb-austin-armacost-boyfriend-darren-16965927
  8. https://www.nuvo.net/news/news/a-simple-request/article_2b12457e-6a06-5cb7-abf6-c9716aa411b9.html
  9. https://mabumbe.com/people/austin-armacost-age-net-worth-relationships-biography/
  10. https://www.outclique.com/getting-reality-with-austin-armacost/
  11. https://www.ibj.com/articles/42056-greenwood-bookkeeper-gets-9-years-for-stealing-680k
  12. https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/celebrity-big-brother-2015-runner-10230522
  13. https://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/film-and-tv/austin-armacosts-controversial-life-mum-6491051
  14. https://www.facebook.com/austin.armacost/about/
  15. https://www.athletic.net/trackandfield/SchoolRecords.aspx?SchoolID=16996
  16. https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid=I208336
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  18. https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/I208336
  19. https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-and-culture/circle-city/qa-austin-armacost-of-the-a-list-new-york/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1729127/
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  24. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3213519/Meet-12-Housemates-set-cause-havoc-Celebrity-Big-Brother-UK-vs-USA.html
  25. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/2554653/austin-armacost-big-brother-facts/
  26. https://www.attitude.co.uk/awards/attitude-awards-tv-moment-of-the-year-james-and-austins-cbb-bromance-286417/
  27. https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a818985/celebrity-big-brother-austin-armacost-worst-eviction-no-best-bits-housemate-snub/
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  29. https://thecurrent.pk/blog/austin-armacost-net-worth-from-reality-tv-to-financial-success
  30. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/austin-armacost-and-marc-jacobs
  31. https://www.thepinknews.com/2017/01/10/marc-jacobs-ex-boyfriend-austin-armacost-says-hes-asexual/
  32. https://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/austin-armacost-announces-heartbreaking-split-14732251
  33. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/austin-armacost-cries-after-seeing-6504094
  34. https://www.attitude.co.uk/life/wellbeing/austin-armacosts-divorce-diet-reality-star-loses-two-stone-in-just-12-weeks-and-sculpts-his-dream-body-to-celebrate-his-new-life-295120/
  35. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/2992425/austin-armacost-reveals-plans-to-propose-to-his-boyfriend-darren-banks-as-he-finalises-his-divorce-following-difficult-marriage-split/
  36. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4092808/Austin-Armacost-smitten-secret-new-boyfriend-Darren-Banks-revealing-asexuality-wake-split-husband.html
  37. https://www.facebook.com/austin.armacost/
  38. https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/celebrity-big-brother-austin-armacost-9944216
  39. https://www.facebook.com/mkpridefestival/posts/%25EF%25B8%258F-main-stage-hosts-%25EF%25B8%258F%25EF%25B8%258Fwere-beyond-excited-to-announce-that-ella-morgan-austin-arm/1357608349701634/
  40. https://www.instagram.com/austinarmacost/?hl=en
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