TV’s million-dollar man
Madison Hildebrand
Selling Malibu, and the lifestyle that goes along with it, is realtor Madison Hildebrand, star of the popular reality show Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, now in its fifth season. With almost a decade of experience in real estate, Hildebrand’s success continues to skyrocket. The show follows Hildebrand and his co-stars as they navigate the competitive real estate market. Kiko Miyasato chatted with Hildebrand about the show and also found out some of his Vegas faves.
Q: What drew you into another season of Million Dollar Listing?
A: It feels like after every season ends, I’m like, “I’m done, I can’t do another one.” It’s a very long process; it’s like having two jobs. I just have a lot of fun doing it though, and it’s great for business.
Q: How do you handle all the drama?
A: What sucks is that in real life, without having this TV show, I would (not have) people in my life that cause all this drama. So, unfortunately I do have all this drama in my life because I am on TV. … It was something that I definitely had to work on.
Q: How has the show affected your personal life?
A: Personally it has been quite a transformation because I started in season one and it was strictly business. Then season two kind of evolved into my sexuality—I was straight, then polyamorous and then completely out, so that part of it was quite interesting.
Q: And how has the show has affected your career?
A: It’s opened up a lot of doors. I get to be the host on E! News for celebrity real estate; that’s a lot of fun. Also … it brings me buyers all over the world that watch the TV show.
Q: Why did you choose Malibu as the city to sell real estate?
A: Who wouldn’t? It’s perfect here. It’s a luxury market.
Q: What about Las Vegas; what do you like about our city?
A: I go to Vegas when I’m feeling a little sinful and am ready to dance all night. (My) favorite hotels right now are Cosmopolitan and TheHotel at Mandalay Bay. Like everyone else, you’ll find me by the pool and splurging on amazing meals. I like pool time at XS and Tao Beach, and am crazy for the food at Wolfgang Puck’s Cut and Yellowtail at the Bellagio.
Q: With all the fame, how do you keep yourself grounded?
A: For me, the TV part is just another piece of my life; it’s not my life. My perspective is: It’s a great vehicle. I’m putting myself out there but I’m not ever jeopardizing my integrity for the show. I stay true to who I am.
