“For The Love of DILFS” Contestant Spotlight: Himbo Tony Cannoli

Photo courtesy of DaddyTV and OUTtv.

From winning the title Mr. Gay World USA 2022 to being the author of the LGBTQ+ children's book Gill The Merboy, Tony Cannoli is a handsome and charming man who seems to come straight out of a fairytale. You might have seen this valiant man on his award-winning web series Far Far Away, where he takes a queer twist on fairytale classics. With so much on his plate, Tony also teaches dance lessons to kids, works as the Marketing Director for the US Army, and uses his strong and caring voice in anti-bullying campaigns. This total package of a guy is so busy he hasn’t any time to find his Prince Charming, and thankfully DaddyTV gave him the perfect opportunity to put his benevolent work on pause to look for one on OutTV's realty dating show For The Love of DILFS.

 

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How was your experience being on For The Love Of DILFS?

Honestly, it was unlike anything I've ever experienced. It was fun! I enjoyed all the games and challenges, and it was really great meeting all the people involved. DaddyTV has a great team behind them and made us all feel very comfortable during this crazy gay adventure.

 

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Do you have any regrets about what you wish you would have done or said?

Not really, I don't ever have any regrets in life. As my Queen says, "the past is in the past", haha (bonus points if you know what queen I'm quoting). That's why I make every second matter. You get one life, so just have fun. Plus being on a show with a bunch of handsome men, you have to stand out. The only thing that I critique myself on is I used to play "Ryder" for Paw Patrol Live and toured all over the US and Canada, so sometimes that character pops out of me without even knowing and at points when I watch For The Love of DILFS, I'm like "oh sh*t, Ryder is taking over and Tony is still at craft services making a doggy bag" hahaha.

 

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Did this show teach you anything about yourself you didn’t know before?

I learned so much on the show, not just about others but myself. I am in awe of all the positive feedback and all the new fans. I am extremely humbled by it. I go on a grand journey on this show, there are ups and downs, love and war, but no matter what, I just tried to stick with having courage, being kind, and making sure my biceps had a nice pump to get a man's attention haha.

Would you return to the show when you become old enough to be a Daddy?

Absolutely. It's funny because I have a lot of people telling me I should have been a "daddy". Not because of my age, but because I am a "goal-getting gay" haha. So yeah, I'd be happy to work with the production team in any capacity again. Season 1 of For The Love of DILFS got the Mini Cannoli, and now I'm a fully-grown delectable dessert. Eat Up. "Lick it up baby, LICK.IT.UP" -Heathers.

 

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What would it take to win the heart and love of Tony?

A sense of humor and a great chest. But honestly, I just want someone who can carry on a conversation. A lot of times I go on dates, and it feels like it's a job interview because I'm the only one asking questions and getting nothing in return. So, for me it's just common sense, dreamy eyes, and someone with goals as well. I want us to cheer each other on. I want a best friend.

What is the worst & best date you’ve been on?

The worst date was with a guy I met in Pennsylvania...no comment! hahaha

The best date I ever went on: I was living in Singapore for a couple of years for work and during my last two months I met the most handsome man I have ever seen in my life. His name was Chris, but everyone called him Coi. We started dating and saw each other every day, but I never got around to telling him I was leaving the country in two months. (Because it started out as something small and then we were together every day.)

Finally, I told him of my departure, and we just had to make sure our last moments together would count. The night before I left Singapore, he took me to the southernmost tip of Continental Asia. It's so cool, it's a small island-like area where you have to cross a "Goonies"-looking bridge to get to it. He brought me to the top of this bamboo-made structure and we watched the sunset as we ate street food from a plastic bag. Suddenly he got up and played a violin version of "So This is Love" from Cinderella. He asked me to dance and there I was watching the sunset, head on his chest, swaying with the music at the edge of a tropical paradise. I teared up wishing this moment didn't have to end, that I didn't have to go, and if only I had met him a few years earlier. Funny how life works out, I guess.

The next morning, he brought me to the airport and kissed me (in a country where being gay was a crime at the time). He told me not to worry, that we would see each other again someday. I flew back to the States and booked my first national tour. We tried to FaceTime every day, but soon it turned into once a week, then once a month, and suddenly it was just once in a while.

One day while walking off stage from intermission when one of his friends from the Philippines contacted me. He told me something terrible happened and Coi was in a coma. To this day Chris "Coi" is still in a coma. I've never met a person as kind, caring, or as humble as him. I don't pretend to know what "love" is, but when I was with him, I felt it. That was the best date I've ever been on. I probably sound like Rose from Titanic, but any time I can celebrate Coi, I will. He was a good man and I still pray that one day he will wake up.

 

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You have such a family-friendly brand. Were you nervous about going on this show?

Not really. Like I've said, you get one life, so when a door opens, I walk through. I know everyone in that house looked at me like the village people looked at Belle from Beauty and the Beast, like I didn't belong. But at the end of the day, I came looking for love. Some people call me a "Leave it to Beaver" character come to life, but that's just me haha. I don't judge people, I love to learn new things, and I've got a thing for jock straps haha.

Plus I want to be a role model for LGBTQ+ youth and show them you can be who you are and not be afraid of your sexuality. I didn't have anyone to look up to when I was coming out. Even sometimes today I feel like I don't fit in with the gay community as I work out to "Let It Go" while everyone else is listening to Gaga haha.

But what I love about our show is that it is so vast and there is someone on this season that everyone within our community can resonate with. From a Disney prince to a club kid, from a banker to a sex worker - we are all here just trying to put our hearts out and hopefully connect with someone. That's something every family can relate to regardless of what show they are watching.

What’s your advice for those dealing with heartbreak?

Watch the "Madea Tree Video" and get on with your life. I've had my fill of so many heartbreaks that I can quote that video as if I was a high schooler using it as a monologue to get into AMDA hahahahaha. But really, take your time because your feelings are valid, try not to dwell and romanticize the "good times", and use this time to put all that energy into something for you. Whether it's art, music, school, or work. Don't sit around and wish you were still together, do something with your time so one day they will come crying back to you and you're not even going to remember their name. My ex cheated on me and left me after I moved to New Jersey for him. I used that time to focus on myself and be creative and ended up winning Mr. Gay World USA 2022 in my first pageant ever. You're stronger than you know - don't let a broken heart break you. You are stronger than you know - don't let heartbreak break you.

What’s your best advice for those looking for love?

Just let it happen. Don't rush it, don't have expectations, and don't try to control it. Have fun and if you meet someone you click with then slowly transfer from "Netflix and Chill" to a night at the Olive Garden, but let it happen on its own. "Happily Ever After" takes time, so don't rush your "Once Upon a Time".

What is next for Tony?

Well, my short film and web series FAR FAR AWAY is still winning awards from international film festivals all over the globe, so go check it out on YouTube and Instagram. You can purchase my LGBTQ+ children's book Gill The Merboy. I produced, wrote, and directed an immersive murder mystery experience that currently has been selling out every show and keeps the audience laughing and screaming each night. I started a Gay Big Brother organization and mentorship program for LGBTQ+ youth. I just came back from South Africa representing the USA for Mr. Gay World and am excited to pass the crown to the next winner of USA this June in Fort Lauderdale. Last but not least, I am also so excited to be presented with an amazing opportunity where you can come and join me, Tony Ardolino (Tony Cannoli), on Royal Caribbean during Pride for an LGBTQ+ excursion and adventure while getting to party with me on the seven seas! It is sure to be a blast and I am looking forward to meeting all who set sail with us! Follow me on my social media for more information on how to book your spot today!

 

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Follow Tony Cannoli on Instagram and TikTok.
Follow his short film and web series Far Far Away on YouTube and Instagram.
Buy his book, "Gill The Merboy".
Join him for Cruising With Pride on Royal Caribbean's World of the Seas this June.

Follow Prince Joshua on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

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