What would make a charming telenovela heartthrob with an impressive music career leave fame behind? In the case of renaissance man Eduardo Xol, a chance to find solitude in the gardens of his family’s home. While this seemingly bizarre decision could have easily made Xol disappear from the spotlight, it was the same drastic career move that allowed this musician/actor’s true self to shine. Xol, who by 2002, founded Xol: Design in Beverly Hills, was called to co-star in the new ABC series “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Soon, over 20 million viewers began following Xol, along with an entire cast, as they tirelessly built homes for families experiencing hardships in seven days. Xol, who was once nominated for Premio Lo Nuestro’s “Artist of the Year,” alongside Latin pop icons Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin, has finally found a way to transform a secret passion into a new, life-changing journey, proving that anyone with a dream can find success on their own terms.
Xol has become more than just an unforgettable reality TV star on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” one of the most popular shows to ever air on television. In 2006, he was named one of People en Español’s “50 Most Beautiful People,” continues to share easy-at-home solutions for his clients, and has written a second book titled Extreme Entertaining Made Simple, showing readers how anyone can throw their own fantastic fiesta. From a classic dinner party to a spa fest, Xol gives step-by-step instructions on creating decadent entrees and stunning table ensembles. His new book even includes an album with all the must-have songs to creating that perfect celebration. In between his travels, Xol talks to nocheLatina about his new life as a landscape designer, being openly gay, and how Latinos can throw a successful party at home.
nocheLatina: You were initially both a musician and actor. What made you transition into landscape design?
Eduardo Xol: Back when downloading music was starting to become popular, it became a really difficult time for musicians to sell records. I started thinking about my career and realized that I was ready to do something new artistically. Soon after, I retired from entertainment altogether. I picked up landscape design as a hobby to keep myself balanced and it soon became a business. It was then that I got a call from ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.’
nocheLatina: I read that your father greatly influenced you to become a designer. What’s your relationship like with him?
Eduardo Xol: It’s great! I think I’m the exception to the rule. I’m extremely close to my dad. Yes, I’m close with my mother, brother, and sister, but my dad and I have a truly wonderful father-son relationship. He’s a really talented artist. He can sing, dance, he’s a painter, sculptor, and on top of that he was a pretty successful engineer scientist. He’s been a great role model for me. He’s a sensitive guy who’s always been there supporting me. He’s just a great man.
nocheLatina: I know that you grew up in a multicultural community in east Los Angeles. How did that impact you as someone who would later become a designer?
Eduardo Xol: I had two cultures that greatly impacted me. I had the Hispanic culture that was part of my family. We’re first generation Mexican-Americans and we were raised in a house with cultural pride. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother and aunts who spoke Spanish around the house and celebrated our traditions. But then, I also went to school with a predominant Asian population. I grew up with a lot of Japanese-American friends and that definitely had a major influence on me because I would hang out in their homes and absorb their culture as well. Those cultures have always stayed with me even as I got older.
nocheLatina: Tell me about how you became involved with ABC’s ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.’
Eduardo Xol: While I was working with my company Xol: Design in Beverly Hills, a producer from the show heard about me and knew that I was a landscape designer and that I also had experience in television. They reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in doing the show. It was around the time when the show was beginning to take off. I’d heard about it and seen a few clips, but never really had the chance to sit down and watch it because I was beginning to separate myself from entertainment altogether. However, when they offered me this opportunity, I was incredibly touched. There was no way I could have turned it down and I knew right then and there that this was the next step for me.
nocheLatina: Many people have either heard about the show or watched it. However, for those who may be living under a rock, how would you describe it?
Eduardo Xol: It’s a combination of philanthropy, design, and entertainment. I think we’re one of the very few shows on television that covers all three. It’s a feel-good show that everyone in the family can watch together.
nocheLatina: Which would you say is your favorite episode and why?
Eduardo Xol: I don’t know if I have a favorite episode because they’re all great and different, plus all the families we meet are just amazing. However, the one episode that really did warm my heart was one that I did in Florida during my first season. We met a guy name James Dolan just after he lost his sight. He was working at a Radio Shack when a deranged man came into the store and started shooting. Some of his co-workers were killed that day. Fortunately, James survived a gunshot wound to the head, but was left blind. We met him shortly after this incident happened and he was just so frail and depressed. Here was this young father of three children in his 30’s who was suffering from this tragic incident. I wanted to design a home that would assist him using all of his other senses to overcome his loss of sight. I got to work with a consultant who was a designer and legally blind. I challenged myself to use all of my other senses to work on this project and that really defined my philosophy in design and entertainment, which is to use all of your senses simultaneously. I was so proud to help the Dolan family during a difficult time in their lives.
nocheLatina: ‘Extreme Makeover’ is noted as one of the most popular shows to air on television. Why do you think this is so?
Eduardo Xol: I believe there are two reasons. Number one is that it’s a feel-good show. It’s a show about helping other people. It’s one of the few shows on television where you’re not voting someone off or other people are being mean to each other. It’s about lifting others up. I think that’s why the show is so successful because audiences can identify with it. The other reason is that it’s a family show which appeals to all generations. The entire family can watch this show together and it offers a little something for everyone. I don’t think there’s been a show like that, specifically on a Sunday night, which is family night. I remember when I was younger and I would sit down with my family and watch Disney. It was a night when we would all watch TV together and that hasn’t been around for a long time. I think ‘Extreme Makeover’ brought that back.
nocheLatina: You’re an openly gay Latino, which isn’t always seen in our community. What have been some of the challenges you faced in coming out?
Eduardo Xol: There’s still always a bit of an underline discrimination going on. I think because of the fact that I’m in the design field that it’s much more accepted. I think sometimes even expected. If you’re a designer and a man, 9 times out of 10 you’re probably gay. In a way, that has been helpful for me because it’s a stereotype that’s easier to digest. However, sometimes I do get criticized for being who I am. In the Hispanic world it’s a lot different. The whole concept of being openly gay is a lot more accepted in the mainstream culture than it is in the Hispanic culture. It’s a little bit tougher. Having been on a mainstream, top primetime network show, and being able to be myself, I think everyone else has been forced to look at what this means and that has helped me a lot too.
nocheLatina: There’s a lot of talk going on about Proposition 8. Could you briefly explain what that is and why Latino Americans should take note of it?
Eduardo Xol: Proposition 8 is a proposition on the California ballot that would define marriage on the constitution as a union between a man and a woman. This means gay couples would lose the right to marry. It’s been a controversial subject. It’s a topic that my family always discusses. My parents always ask, ‘Why it is so hard to define what the word marriage means?’ In Mexico, they’ve already legalized civil unions for same sex couples. I think in Mexico there’s a less strong division between church and state than here in the U.S. It all comes down to that word ‘marriage’ and whether it has religious connotations. It’s unfortunate because in the end what does it matter to anyone else? If a couple wants to make the same commitment, why shouldn’t they have the same rights?
nocheLatina: Tell me more about your book Extreme Entertaining that’s currently in bookstores.
Eduardo Xol: Extreme Entertaining Made Simple is my second book and it’s the dream book that I wanted to make because I love to throw parties. I wanted to write a book that would showcase my philosophies on design and celebrating life. I’ve created six templates and each one can be used for different events. I covered everything from invitations, décor, to accessories that would stimulate the sense of smell. The book also includes a CD that serves as a soundtrack to the different events that one may be hosting. There’s a little bit of everything to help guide anyone into throwing a great party. It’s extreme because not only is it associated with the show, but I also came up with some extreme ideas based on themes. What’s great is that readers can take what they want from it and make it their own. Even during these times when everyone is watching their wallets, it still gives them ideas to become creative. The result is that anyone can customize their events based on their budgets.
nocheLatina: As you know, Latinos always try to find a reason to celebrate with the family. Could you share some quick tips to hosting a successful fiesta at home?
Eduardo Xol: The very first thing is organization. I don’t mean this in a bad way because I too come from a family that’s always ready for a good time, which means that we’re not as organized as we should be. Organization is key in putting an event together. Write things down, separate them into areas, figure out how much money and time you’re willing to spend, and then stick to that. Number two is one of the biggest pet peeves I have, which happens a lot in Hispanic families…be ready at the time you say you’re going to be ready! If the party is going to start at 6, it starts at 6. By that time everything should be ready. Candles are lit, music is playing, food is already prepared, and the guests should be arriving. I know a lot of people don’t like to arrive on time, but if they plan early, they can get ready without rushing and get themselves settled at the party with ease.
nocheLatina: What are some of your upcoming projects?
Eduardo Xol: I recently became involved with a website/business that focuses on the Quinceañera market called 15A. We already hosted our first event in El Paso, Texas. We honored a young girl named Sydny Gonzales, a fantastic, inspirational figure in her community, with an amazing Quinceañera. It was a way to get our feet off the ground. 15A offers tips on how to throw a Quinceañera, which is very beneficial to young Latinas because there aren’t a lot of resources online that specialize in this important event. We’re still growing as a company and getting ready for many wonderful ideas to take flight.
To learn more about Eduardo Xol, click here.
