What Happened to Ross Mathews?
Ross Mathews is an American television personality, host, and author who rose to fame as "Ross the Intern" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has since become a prominent figure in pop culture, known for his roles as a judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and a co-host on "The Drew Barrymore Show." In 2026, he continues his television work, including hosting the "90 Day: The Single Life Tell All," and recently co-authored a children's book.
Quick Answer
Ross Mathews is currently a judge on the Emmy Award-winning "RuPaul's Drag Race" and a co-host on "The Drew Barrymore Show." In 2026, he took on the role of host for the "90 Day: The Single Life Tell All" special, which aired in May. He also co-authored a children's book, "Tío and Tío: The Ring Bearers," released in 2025, and continues to host his podcast, "Straight Talk with Ross Mathews." He is married to Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Debuts as 'Ross the Intern' on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Ross Mathews began his television career as an intern and correspondent, covering movie premieres and events for 'The Tonight Show,' quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Appears on Celebrity Fit Club and loses over 40 lbs
Mathews participated in the fifth season of VH1's 'Celebrity Fit Club,' where he successfully lost more than 40 pounds and helped his team win the grand prize.
Releases first book, 'Man Up! Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence'
Mathews published his first memoir, sharing humorous stories about his journey from a small town to Hollywood.
Hosts his own talk show, 'Hello Ross'
Mathews hosted 'Hello Ross,' an interactive talk show on E! that ran until May 2014, featuring celebrity interviews and pop culture discussions.
Launches 'Straight Talk with Ross Mathews' podcast
Mathews began hosting his weekly pop culture podcast, offering advice and humorous takes on current events.
Joins 'RuPaul's Drag Race' as a permanent judge
Mathews became a regular judge on the highly popular reality competition series, a role he has held for over a decade.
Competes on 'Celebrity Big Brother' and wins America's Favorite Houseguest
Mathews finished in second place on the first American season of 'Celebrity Big Brother' and was voted America's Favorite Houseguest.
Releases second book, 'Name Drop'
His second book, 'Name Drop: The Really Good Celebrity Stories I Usually Only Tell at Happy Hour,' became a national bestseller.
Announces engagement to Wellinthon García
Mathews publicly announced his engagement to Long Island educational administrator Wellinthon García on 'The Drew Barrymore Show.'
Marries Dr. Wellinthon García in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Ross Mathews and Wellinthon García tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Mexico, with Drew Barrymore serving as a flower girl.
Becomes Executive Producer for 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
Mathews expanded his role on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' to include executive producer duties.
Wins Emmy Award for 'RuPaul's Drag Race' as Executive Producer
Mathews received an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program for his work as an executive producer on 'RuPaul's Drag Race.'
Co-authors children's book 'Tío and Tío: The Ring Bearers'
Mathews and his husband, Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews, released their debut children's book, inspired by their wedding and featuring their nephews.
Discusses 60-pound weight loss and body image
Mathews opened up about his 60-pound weight loss, stating his primary motivation was to alleviate constant thoughts about his body.
Announced as host for '90 Day: The Single Life Tell All'
A long-time fan of the '90 Day Fiancé' franchise, Mathews was officially tapped to host the '90 Day: The Single Life' Season 5 Tell All special.
Serves as judge for 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 11 premiere
Mathews returned to the judging panel for the eleventh season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars,' which premiered on Paramount+.
Hosts '90 Day: The Single Life Tell All' Part 1
The first part of the highly anticipated '90 Day: The Single Life' Season 5 Tell All, hosted by Ross Mathews, aired on TLC, promising major revelations.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Ross Mathews first gained national recognition in December 2001 as "Ross the Intern" on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," where his effervescent personality and comedic interviews with celebrities at movie premieres and awards shows quickly made him a fan favorite. After his tenure on "The Tonight Show," Mathews expanded his television presence, appearing as a regular panelist on shows like "Chelsea Lately," a contestant on "Celebrity Fit Club" (where he lost over 40 pounds), and a guest host on "The View."
A significant turning point in Mathews' career came in 2015 when he joined the judging panel for "RuPaul's Drag Race," a role he continues to hold. His insightful critiques and enthusiastic support for the queens have cemented his status as a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Since 2022, he has also served as an executive producer for the show, earning an Emmy in 2023 for Outstanding Reality Competition Program.
Beyond reality competition, Mathews became a co-host on "The Drew Barrymore Show," further showcasing his talents in daily talk television. His personal life also saw significant developments; after a decade-long relationship, he became engaged to educational administrator Dr. Wellinthon García in February 2021, and they married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on May 7, 2022.
Mathews is also a published author, with his memoirs "Man Up! Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence" (2013) and "Name Drop: The Really Good Celebrity Stories I Usually Only Tell at Happy Hour" (2020) offering humorous insights into his life and celebrity encounters. In 2025, he ventured into children's literature, co-authoring "Tío and Tío: The Ring Bearers" with his husband, inspired by their own wedding.
As of May 2026, Mathews remains highly active in entertainment. He continues his judging duties on "RuPaul's Drag Race," including Season 18 which premiered in January 2026, and "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" Season 11, which premiered in May 2026. A notable recent development is his role as the host for the "90 Day: The Single Life Tell All" special, which aired in May 2026, a role he described as a "dream come true" as a long-time fan of the franchise. He also openly discussed his 60-pound weight loss in March 2026, stating his motivation was to "stop thinking about my body all the time."
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ross Mathews made different choices?