Lauren Collins

Best known for her portrayal of Paige Michalchuk on MuchMusic’s DEGRASSI, Lauren Collins has taken the helm of MTV’s Original hit Series, 1 GIRL 5 GAYS. As the host, Lauren sits down alongside a rotating panel of five gay men, with 20 questions about love and sex. The alternating cast, chosen for their honesty, individuality, and confidence, never shy away from outrageous or taboo topics, and are known for their candid and hilarious discussions on a variety of topics. As a strong and vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community, Lauren is thrilled to be starting this new adventure with 1G5G. A two-time Gemini Award nominee, Lauren began her career at the age of 11 and has starred in dozens of television series and feature films including Disney’s LIFE WITH DEREK and IN A HEARTBEAT. Lauren made her feature film debut in Take the Lead starring Antonio Banderas. She also reunited with her Picture This co-star Ashley Tisdale in the High School Musical spin-off Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure. In early 2010 Lauren was featured as a guest star in one of YouTube sensation Shane Dawson’s video parodies which received more than five million hits to date. Later that year, Lauren made her theatrical debut alongside Wendy Crewson and Margot Kidder in Love, Loss and What I Wore, the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play written by Nora Ephron and her sister Delia. Earlier this year, Lauren received a nomination at the very first Canadian Screen Awards for her work on BEING ERICA, and for Best Ensemble Cast Award at the Orlando Film Festival for the film Servitude, starring Dave Foley (KIDS IN THE HALL) and Enrico Colantoni (FLASHPOINT, VERONICA MARS). An active supporter of many causes, Lauren volunteers her time and talent for countless organizations including Angel Hair for Kids, Toy Mountain, and The Children's Aid Society of Toronto. She has appeared in PSAs for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario and Canadian Institute for AIDS Research (CANFAR) to further AIDS awareness among youth.

Max – 1G5G

Hometown: Alfred, ON

Sign: Taurus

Favourite food: Nutella, on anything. If all else fails.. spoonfuls

First CD you bought with your own cash:
Nickelback

Why did you audition for the show:
Loved the show. Thought it would be a fun experience, and a great opportunity to make new friends, which turns out I was right.

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you?
I grew up on a farm and pretty much both sides of my family are farmers.

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up?
Well off with a good education to back me up, but they never stopped supporting me when i decided i wanted to be an actor. My dad always told me i should be singing...Been taking singing classes for over a year now.

First person you came out to:
My friend at the time, Melissa, who was in the same acting program as i was. Became my first roommate in downtown Toronto apartment..we no longer speak.

Most embarrassing track on your iPod:
I need a hero by: Bonnie Tyler

One thing you can't live without:
Money.

Favourite movie:
Anchorman & Across the Universe

Memorable quote:
"Why fit when you were born to stand out"
Dr. Seuss

Philip

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

Sign: Capriquarius (Capricorn/Aquarius)

Favourite food: All food… clearly

First CD you bought with your own cash: The Evita 2 disc soundtrack

Why did you audition for the show:I have a lot to say about growing up gay, European and overweight; it's a strong, yet relatable mix of awkward circumstance that usually results in uncontrollable embarrassment. Bring it.

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I go into department stores to spray on cologne and leave immediately afterwards. And I speak four languages.

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? Happy

First person you came out to: My best friends, Jaclyn and Jessica (who are twins)

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: Vengaboys /We're going to Ibiza

One thing you can't live without: Carbs

Favourite movie: I refuse to choose any ONE Julia Robert's movie.

Memorable quote: "Express yourself, don't repress yourself."

Coming out story: I was driving home with my mom. She turned the music off (who turns off "Ray of Light" for no reason?!), stared right at me while driving (yes, she's a risk-taker), and asked if I had anything to tell her. I told her that I was quite comfortable not telling her anything right now, and she continued to pester me until I finally screamed "I'M FUCKING GAY, OKAY?!" I proceeded to turn Madonna back on and we sat there without a word to each other all the way home.

Thomas

Hometown: Toronto Sign: Libra, it's all about balance baby Favourite food: Cheese. Is that a food? Pasta with cheese on it. First CD you bought with your own cash: 98º's first album. I bought it in Florida and was so happy. Nick Lachey looks like a husky dog, and despite the hideous tattoo I would totally make out with him. Hard. Why did you audition for the show: Um… I didn't. Can I say that? I was recommended by some of the other guys and the producers called me in for a one on one. I think it went well. What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I'll often sing out loud in public and not find it weird. I think other people do though. What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? Anything that made me happy. I don't remember an 'expected' career. I think they were happy I wanted to paint and pushed for me to go to art school. First person you came out to: I think Dave Matton. But I wanted it to be my friend Chris the day I knew on our canoe trip in Algonquin Park. Most embarrassing track on your iPod: You choose. Celine and Babs 'Tell Him', or anything from any of the High School Musicals. One thing you can't live without: Lakes. Thanks Canada. Favourite movie: Legends of the Fall. "Tristan I have nowhere to send this letter, and no reason to believe you wish to receive it. I write it only for myself." Memorable quote: Of mine? Oh, I know, but I won't tell the story that goes with it; "Something's happening!" (Said in the panicked voice of like an 11 year old.)

Santos

Name: Matthew Santos

Hometown: Toronto

Sign: Cancer

Favourite food: Seafood

First CD you bought with your own cash: Mindless Self Indulgence/Frankensine Girls

Why did you audition for the show: To see if I could get on

What's one thing someone might find surprising about you? I'm a hopeless romantic

What did your parents want you to be when you grew up? A graduate of school

First person you came out to: My sister

Most embarrassing track on your iPod: Rupaul

One thing you can't live without: Love, honesty and trust

Favourite movie:  League of their Own

Memorable quote: Always shoot for the moon. If you fall, at least you will land among the stars.