Model Spotlight: Daniel Rengering
June 11, 2018 • News
Daniel Rengering skyrocketed to fame, last September, as one of the Gainesville Hot Cops, (No, not THAT one) and has taken Hollywood by storm in the aftermath. Since then, Rengering has been the featured model on the cover of more than 75 books, is booked to guest-star on some of televisions biggest shows, and recently finished shooting Season 37 of the CBS hit show, Survivor. Rengering will also be appearing on the GRAMMYs red carpet, as a host and correspondent. This news comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Rengering will be doing the same on the red carpet at the landmark 25th-Annual SAG AWARDS, and The Oscars.
I talked to him about everything from Hollywood to being on the SWAT Team, his love life, and everything in-between. Daniel and I have shot over 20 covers together, and he was named the CJC Photography most-viewed model of 2017.
CJC: How did the opportunity to be a GRAMMYs red carpet host come about?
Daniel Rengering: My manager, Zachary Jaydon, set up this gig. He’s been an NARAS voter for a long time and made a few calls. It all fell into place from there. I have a really great team working behind me, and a lot of people that have graciously opened doors for me since this all started. I feel really blessed to have so many great people rallying behind me, and a family that supports me in all that I’m doing.
CJC: What was your initial reaction when they asked you to next year’s GRAMMYs event?
DR: I think I didn’t really believe it at first. Sometimes I still can’t believe any of this has happened. There were actually two huge Hollywood events that we confirmed I would be working the red carpet for, both in the same day, and it was all just kind of surreal. I’m still a bit in shock by all of it.
CJC: What will your specific job entail? What are you most looking forward to?
DR: I’ll be talking to and interviewing the celebrities, as they walk down the red carpet. I also get to watch the show live, which I’m really looking forward to, and checking out the gifting suites!
CJC: Are there any artists you’re most excited to talk to? If so, why them?
DR: It’s so hard to even think about that, because the biggest music stars in the world walk down that red carpet. I’m really hoping some of their magic clings to me because we are talking about the majority of the greatest living music artists in the world, and all of those that help create that music behind-the-scenes.
CJC: What’s your favorite type of music, and how has music impacted your life?
DR: Music has been a huge part of my life since I can remember. I love all kinds of music. Country, Hip-Hop, Pop, Rock… I love all of it. I’ve been really into covers lately. William Singe, Travis Garland, Conor Maynard… All amazing. Jake Miller has got a really amazing new record out too, called Silver Lining that has a massive amount of amazing songs on it. He made the entire record in his bedroom. …just blows my mind. He’s incredible.
CJC: Do you have an idea of what your red-carpet outfit will be?
DR: That’s classified. I do have a good idea what I’ll be wearing, but you’ll just have to watch and see.
CJC: Have you thought of any fun or interesting questions you’d want to ask the artists?
DR: I want to get more into the meat and potatoes of the artists. There are so many subtle nuances about each of them that really create their overall sound and image, and I think sometimes people miss the good parts, by focusing too much on the obvious. I want to try to have a more candid conversation with them and get past the “What are you wearing tonight,” kinds of questions.
CJC: What have the reactions been from your fellow officers at GPD?
DR: Most of them have been really supportive. Some of them do bust my chops a bit about it, but I think it’s mostly in jest. I think we are all, myself included, just surprised at the reaction the original viral photo got, and how its sort-of morphed into all of this. I always joke that Ben Tobias, the Gainesville Police Department PIO is responsible for this mess. It’s been great to have a platform to shed a light on all the positive things going on in the Gainesville Police Department, and in our city.
CJC: You work directly with Bobby White, of The Basketball Cop Foundation as well, and did a charity calendar benefiting the foundation, correct? What has that experience been like?
DR: Bobby is fantastic. What he’s done for our community, and for those kids is incredible. We did do a “Hot Cop” Calendar to support the foundation. It’s always great to see someone like Bobby get recognition for the positive things he’s doing. I think it’s things like that, that are going to change the narrative in this country, toward Law Enforcement Officers. Thank you too, for letting us use some of your photos for that!
CJC: Now that you’ll be on the GRAMMYs red carpet, are there any other award shows you hope to attend one day?
DR: I’m going to be doing the SAG Awards red carpet, the week before the GRAMMYs, and I’m not sure if I’m allowed to talk about this yet or not, but I’ll be doing the Oscars red carpet the week after. I would really love to be asked to do the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMA’s). The American Music Awards would also be a great one. Also, I NEED to work the Super Bowl before I die. I’ve been asked to be a special guest speaker at the 91st Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial in August, and I’m really excited about that. Brandee Cox from The Oscars, and film historian, Marc Wannamaker are both speaking at the memorial as well, and I’m excited to hear what they have to say about film preservation and how we can preserve the legacy of Hollywood’s originals. The memorial is the longest running annual event in Hollywood, so to be a part of history like that is just mind-blowing. Tracy Terhune, the one in charge of organizing the memorial each year, does a huge spaghetti luncheon at his house for the special guests. There are few people in the world with the knowledge of old Hollywood, especially Valentino, and I can’t wait to soak up some of that history and learn as much as I can.
CJC: Everyone is talking about you joining the cast of Survivor. Can you tell us anything more about that?
DR: The promo for the new season is out, and obviously I’m there, so it’s confirmed, but I can’t really say much more about it than that right now. It begins airing in September.
CJC: Does that mean you also can’t talk about joining the cast of Stranger Things?
DR: I really can’t comment on casting speculations. I wish I could.
CJC: For those looking to know more about your love life, are you single or tied down?
DR: I’m happily single. Between juggling two careers, two little girls, and the daddy duties that come with that, it doesn’t leave much time for dating. When I do decide to get serious with someone again, they’re gonna have to understand the madness that they’re getting into, and support that 100%.
CJC: How have your daughters reacted to all of this?
DR: Thankfully, I don’t think they really understand fully, what’s really happened. I try to shelter them from all of it, as much as possible. I asked my youngest a question the other day, and she responded with “…because you’re the hot cop, daddy.” I actually spit out my drink. I asked her where she heard that, and she told me she saw it on the news. Needless to say, it’s Disney Channel reruns for her, from now on. *HAHA*
CJC: Which awards show are you most excited about being involved with?
DR: That’s not really a fair question. We are talking about the most prestigious awards shows, with the biggest talent in the world, and each one is very different. I can’t wait to jump into each of them, and hope that even a little bit of that magic rubs off on me.
CJC: What do you hope the future holds for your career as a police officer and as an entertainer?
DR: Whatever the future holds, I hope I can continue giving my best, and hopefully impacting the world in a positive way. I will continue to bring 100% to whatever job I’m working on, whether it’s on the SWAT team, in a Police car, or on a red carpet. I’m not here to half-ass anything, and I know what I’ve signed up for on both fronts. I’ve stopped hoping for the future and accepted that we can never predict what will happen to us from one day to another. All we can do is put our best foot forward, treat people with respect and hope the universe is kind to us. I dearly love and respect the people that represent me and work directly with me, in both areas of my career. I know that those people have my back, no matter what. A guy can’t ask for much more than that.
I want to say a special thank you to Daniel for taking the time to do this interview. Its always such a pleasure working together and I’m so excited to see all the new endeavors he will be working on in the future.
See more of our current work together here!
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