Jonathan Knight initially gained fame as a member of New Kids on the Block but stepped back from the limelight, moving to a suburb of Boston to work in real estate. For 15 years, he distanced himself from celebrity life until the group reunited in 2008. His development work eventually led him to star in HGTV’s “Farmhouse Fixer” in 2021, showing that his connection to fame was still alive.
However, Jonathan’s exit from the spotlight was rooted in deeply personal struggles. The sudden fame inflicted severe anxiety on him, prompting him to prioritize his mental health. He faced additional challenges related to his sexuality—a gay man, he felt forced to keep his orientation private to maintain his career until an ex unwittingly revealed it on TV.
Fortunately, there has been progress in how the industry treats the LGBTQ+ community, allowing Knight to flourish again. But his personal life was not without challenges; he and his husband, Harley Rodriguez, battled infertility for several years, and Knight also experienced the loss of a close friend. Despite these difficulties, he has managed to thrive.
Jonathan Knight’s Outing by Tiffany
In a surprising moment more than twenty years after his rise to fame, Jonathan Knight’s sexuality was disclosed on television by pop singer Tiffany during a January 2011 interview. Tiffany mentioned they had dated, suggesting he “became gay later.” According to her, she hadn’t intended for this revelation to happen.
Tiffany later recognized that she had missed the signs. Jonathan, however, stated he had come out to those close to him long before, feeling blindsided by having to do so publicly again. After the incident, Tiffany publicly apologized, expressing regret for any confusion caused while also assuring that she did not mean any harm. Jonathan, in turn, acknowledged her good intentions.
Reflecting on his journey, he recounted how he had kept his sexual orientation private on the advice of his manager, who warned him that such information could jeopardize his career.
Jonathan Knight’s Grief Over Kirstie Alley’s Passing
The death of Kirstie Alley deeply affected Jonathan Knight, who shared a close relationship with the actress. He expressed his sorrow on social media, indicating that her loss felt like a piece of his soul was taken away. Their friendship thrived on a special connection that they cherished.
Kirstie often playfully posted about Knight, and he fondly remembered these moments after her passing. During an appearance on a talk show, Kirstie called him her “husband,” showcasing their unique bond. Even after her loss, Knight honors her memory regularly, sharing his feelings about the special bond they shared.
“Each day I think of you, and you will always be in my heart,” he stated in a heartfelt post.
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In January 2024, a tribute was shared on Instagram to commemorate what would have been her 73rd birthday.
Jonathan Knight’s Journey to Parenthood
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Jonathan Knight had dreams of starting a family with Harley Rodriguez, but their attempts did not yield the desired results. In a recent podcast appearance on “Frosted Tips with Lance Bass,” he explained their attempts over the past five years were met with disappointment. “We tried it. We went through the journey for about five years, and it just didn’t happen for us,” he shared, reflecting on the challenging and emotionally taxing process.
Knight spoke about the highs and lows they experienced, including the heart-wrenching moments of excitement followed by disappointment. “Today’s the day the eggs are being implanted and you’re ecstatic. Then a week later it’s back to square one,” he recalled, saying it was even harder to face as his friends welcomed children. “You’re having twins while we’re left in this situation,” he reflected, referencing the children of his friend Lance Bass.
Though Knight and Rodriguez didn’t achieve parenthood, they pour their love into their family, frequently celebrating their nieces and nephews. “Amazing NKOTB dance party with my nephew Hunter,” he posted back in 2017 on Instagram, showcasing his caring nature. He is also seen as a proud godfather, sharing moments spent with his godson. “How handsome is he? Love you Luca!” he expressed on another Instagram post.
Knight’s Battle with Anxiety
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Jonathan Knight has faced issues with anxiety since the early days of his career. He recounted, “We performed in front of 30,000 people every night, and I had lots of anxiety attacks,” in an interview with People dating back to 2000. This pressure played a key role in his decision to leave New Kids on the Block in 1994, which led to the band’s eventual breakup.
He struggled particularly with the fans’ overwhelming enthusiasm, often feeling like he needed to shield himself from excessive physical contact. “The most I got were some scratches, but those crowds could get out of control… I felt that we had done it long enough,” he said. After leaving the spotlight, Knight found solace in hiding from his anxiety, explaining to Oprah Winfrey that between 1994 and 1997, he mostly stayed in bed to avoid dealing with his fears.
Although he made progress through hard work and treatment, his anxiety resurfaced when he returned to performing. In 2013, he shocked fans by exiting mid-show due to a panic attack. “It’s still there,” he admitted in a 2015 interview with Xtra, acknowledging that his struggles with anxiety continue.
In addition to his anxiety, Jonathan Knight faced a physical setback during a tour with New Kids on the Block. In May 2015, he experienced a serious bus accident that left him unable to perform. “Sorry I won’t be on stage tonight. Had an accident on the bus. Banged up my face badly, broke my nose and got a few stitches,” he announced in a now-deleted tweet, as reported by ABC News.
While the details of the accident remain sparse, it was clear no pranks were involved, as McIntyre noted, “We don’t prank.” Jonathan’s lighthearted demeanor was apparent as he took to Instagram, sharing a selfie that revealed his injuries with the caption, “……..meanwhile back stage!” He continued to embrace humor by posting images of his injuries the next day, joking about his recovery while showcasing the aftermath of the accident.
Sophia Michaels
