History of Jonathan Van Ness in Timeline

Jonathan Van Ness, often called J.V.N., is a multi-talented American personality known for his work as a hairstylist, podcast host, and TV figure. He gained fame through Netflix's Queer Eye as the grooming expert, his comedic web series Gay of Thrones, and his inquisitive podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness. Beyond these ventures, he connects with audiences through comedy tours, showcasing his humor and stage presence.

1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of legislation prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, is referenced as a basis for the Equality Act.

March 28, 1987: Birth of Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan McDonald Van Ness was born on March 28, 1987.

2009: Move to Los Angeles

Jonathan Van Ness moved to Los Angeles in 2009 after working in Arizona for five years.

2012: HIV Diagnosis and Advocacy

At age 25, Jonathan Van Ness fainted while working and was subsequently diagnosed with HIV. This experience led him to confront his drug use and become an advocate for HIV awareness, publicly sharing his story and emphasizing the possibility of healing.

2013: "Gay of Thrones" Debut

Jonathan Van Ness began the web series "Gay of Thrones," a humorous recap of the popular show "Game of Thrones," in 2013. This marked the beginning of his successful foray into comedic web content.

2015: "Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness" Launch

Jonathan Van Ness started his weekly podcast "Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness" in 2015, exploring a wide range of topics and gaining significant popularity following the premiere of "Queer Eye."

2018: "Queer Eye" Debut

Jonathan Van Ness joined the cast of the Netflix revival of "Queer Eye" in 2018, becoming the show's grooming expert and gaining widespread recognition.

2018: Emmy Nomination for "Gay of Thrones"

Jonathan Van Ness received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series for his work on "Gay of Thrones" in 2018.

April 4, 2019: Advocacy for the Equality Act

On April 4, 2019, Jonathan Van Ness, along with other "Queer Eye" cast members, met with political figures Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to show support for the Equality Act, aiming to provide legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

October 2019: Release of Memoir "Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love"

Jonathan Van Ness published his memoir, "Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love," in October 2019, delving into his personal experiences and their impact on his life.

2019: Public Disclosure of HIV Status

Jonathan Van Ness publicly shared his HIV-positive status in 2019, further raising awareness and advocating for understanding and acceptance.

June 23, 2020: Support for Supreme Court Ruling and Continued Advocacy for the Equality Act

Jonathan Van Ness and Bobby Berk applauded the Supreme Court's decision on June 23, 2020, which deemed LGBT employment discrimination a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. They acknowledged it as a positive development while continuing to advocate for the passage of the Equality Act for comprehensive protection.

December 2020: Marriage to Mark Peacock

Jonathan Van Ness revealed his marriage to Mark Peacock in December 2020. The couple married earlier that year.

2020: Release of Children's Book "Peanut Goes for the Gold"

Inspired by his own childhood pet, Jonathan Van Ness authored a picture book in 2020. "Peanut Goes for the Gold" follows the story of Peanut, a nonbinary guinea pig with a talent for rhythmic gymnastics.

2020: Endorsement of Elizabeth Warren

Jonathan Van Ness publicly endorsed Elizabeth Warren for president during the 2020 election, emphasizing healthcare as a human right.

2022: Release of Essay Collection "Love That Story: Observations from a Gorgeously Queer Life"

Jonathan Van Ness published "Love That Story: Observations from a Gorgeously Queer Life," a collection of personal essays, in 2022, further solidifying his presence as an author.