Brian Dunkleman is finally speaking out about leaving American Idol now that the show is starting its final season 14 years later.
Dunkleman co-hosted Idol in its first season with Ryan Seacrest, who went on to have an uber-successful broadcasting career, but he left the show on his own accord. He didn’t know it would become the reality television staple it is today, and he’s breaking his silence on that decision now.
Dunkleman told CNN, “I was very upset about it for a long, long time," adding, "You got to make up your mind that either you are going to be that angry guy for the rest of your life, or you gotta move on. It's taken me a long time to get there."
He left to pursue an acting career and he resents that people think he was fired from the show. But when it comes to regretting the decision to leave, the answer is far too complicated.
“I know it seems like such an easy question, but it's not an easy answer for me because there are so many variables," he said. "I don't even know who I would be if I was still on that show. ... I knew that if I had stayed, I wouldn't have had a chance (to pursue acting)."
There’s one part of it he regrets, and that’s missing out on a ton of money. "Of course, when it comes to the financial aspect, of course there are regrets. I wouldn't be human if I said no," he explained.
Dunkleman, who admitted he was never comfortable with being recognized after that first season, also said he’s “proud” to be part of television history.
"It's a celebration of show that had a huge cultural impact, and I was a part of that," he said. "I'm proud of the fact that I got the job in the first place. It's an accomplishment that can never be taken away from me, regardless of my outcome."