Carson Kressley has revealed that he was a contender for the role of Nigel, the fashion assistant to Meryl Streep’s character Miranda Priestly, in the iconic 2006 film *The Devil Wears Prada*. In an appearance on *Today* with Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones, the former star of *Queer Eye for the Straight Guy* shared the details of his casting journey, which ultimately saw Stanley Tucci secure the role.
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Kressley reminisced about the casting process, recalling the high-profile nature of the film during the early 2000s. “It was 2003, and *Queer Eye for the Straight Guy* was at its peak,” he stated, highlighting the timing of the auditions. According to Kressley, he made significant progress in the audition process, advancing to the final two contenders alongside Tucci.
Despite receiving positive feedback from the casting team, Kressley was informed that his limited film experience was a disadvantage. “They said, ‘You’re great, we love you, but we can’t have somebody who’s never been in a movie in the scene with Meryl Streep. That might be too big of a gamble,’” Kressley explained. He jestingly expressed his frustration, stating, “Damn you, Stanley Tucci!”
The conversation took a light-hearted turn when Kressley was told by co-host Jenna Bush Hager that Tucci would be a guest on the show the following day. He quipped, “Thanks for ruining my career!” However, he quickly added his admiration for Tucci’s performances and expressed a desire to collaborate in the near future. Kressley revealed a fun tidbit they share: both stars celebrate their birthdays on November 11.
In a humorous proposal, Kressley suggested a culinary adventure with Tucci in Italy, where they could indulge in Italian cuisine. “I’m going to put that out there, Stanley. I’m going to ride around in your sidecar and we could careen through the streets of Italy, and we could wear cute outfits,” he said, envisioning a vibrant and entertaining getaway.
Kressley has maintained a notable presence in the entertainment industry since the early days of *Queer Eye*, which aired from 2003 until 2007, focusing on lifestyle and fashion transformations. He later transitioned into production work, most notably as a producer for *RuPaul’s Drag Race*.
Despite not landing the role in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Kressley has continued to pursue opportunities in film. He appeared in the 2005 Hilary Duff movie *The Perfect Man* and has featured in several holiday films, with the latest being *Christmas in the Ballroom*, scheduled for release in 2025.
Looking ahead, Stanley Tucci is set to reprise his role as Nigel in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, which is anticipated to hit cinemas on May 1, 2025. Fans of the original film are eager to see the return of this beloved character and how the sequel will evolve the story set in the high-stakes world of fashion.
Kressley remains a beloved figure in popular culture, known for his charisma and engaging personality. His reflections on nearly entering the world of *The Devil Wears Prada* provide an intriguing glimpse into the competitive nature of casting in Hollywood while also fostering camaraderie among industry friends. As both Kressley and Tucci continue their respective journeys, the allure of a potential collaboration remains a delightful prospect for fans.