Naperville woman has Bret Michaels thinking pink
Fans of the VH1 reality show "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels" are likely to agree that Jes Rickleff of Naperville is the normal one.
Despite her wild, pink-and-blonde hair, the 23-year-old hairdresser and bartender always stays level-headed in a house full of 20 women competing to date Poison lead singer Michaels.
"Jesse's been very conscious of how she's been portrayed," says her father, Jim Rickleff.
Perhaps that's because she knows her eighth-grade cousin, Kelsey Rickleff, is watching her example.
Jess surprised her cousin Thursday with a visit to Kelsey's volleyball game at Madison Junior High in Naperville.
"She isn't in a lot of drama," said Kelsey. "She doesn't pick fights with the other girls and she handles her fights well."
Word of Rickleff's visit spread quickly and about 50 students showed up to snap photos and snag autographs.
Even students from Naperville Central, including brothers Anthony and Andrew Michael and Jon and Jake Brusha, showed up to meet the girl they find "so hot."
"I'm 17 so I have the best chance with her," said Jake.
Of course Rickleff can't tell us if she wins.
But during her trip home, she did dish on her roots, TV life and plans for the future.
Q. Your dad says you have a "down home, Midwestern family" from Naperville, so tell us the most eye-opening experience you had while filming "Rock of Love."
A. "I always considered myself a very strong person who never lets anyone tell her what to do. But in the reality of production, you are guided in certain aspects. I'm a little upset by it, frankly, now that I see the way the editing is done."
Q. About that Lacy: Is she really as evil as she seems?
A. "Ha! After the show she e-mailed and apologized for anything she might have done. I do think a little bit of her could be that way, but I'm not going to judge. If I could hang out with her outside of the house, I totally would."
Q. There seems to be a trend with Naperville reality stars donning pink hair highlights: first Gina Glocksen from "American Idol" and now you. Is there something to that trademark?
A. "I always say 'Wear your hair and don't let your hair wear you.' Not everyone can pull off hair like this, and it does become a trademark. Plus, I'm a hair stylist."
Q. Did you really join the show thinking you'd find love with a man about 20 years your senior and who, quite frankly, demonstrates questionable fashion sense?
Or did you have other ambitions in mind like acting or modeling?
A. "No matter what they say, everyone who auditions for these shows knows they have the possibility of exposure and publicity. I was approached to do this show and, I'll be honest, I didn't even know who Bret Michaels was. And I thought it would be a good experience. I sat down with Bret before the show, he asked what I was expecting, and I said I had no expectations."
Q. Do you like Bret enough now that you'll continue to rock his world once "Rock of Love" ends?
A. I can't really answer that, so I'll just say I'm going to see what happens.
Q. Your dad says you've used your newfound fame to help charitable causes, such as recently bartending at a Little Friends, Inc., benefit at Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora. Will we see more of you at local events?
A. Yes. My Dad is on the board of Little Friends and I've been doing that stuff for years. I've worn the turkey hat in the Thanksgiving parade. I'd like to take my name and bring good aspects to it.
Q. Finally, let's see how much you really like Bret: You have 10 seconds to name all the members of Poison!
A. "Oh my gosh! All I know is Bret Michaels and C.C. DeVille. And the only reason I know C.C. is because people always say I look like him because of my hair."