Taylor Mackenzie Dickens Hale (born December 31, 1994) is an American reality television personality and beauty pageant titleholder. She is the winner of the 24th season of the American reality television series Big Brother, becoming the first African American woman to win the series.[2] She is also the first houseguest to win both the game and the America's Favorite Houseguest prize.
Taylor Hale | |
|---|---|
 Hale in 2019 | |
| Born | Taylor Mackenzie Dickens Hale December 31, 1994 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.[1] |
| Alma mater | George Washington University |
| Occupation | Television personality |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
| Title | Miss Michigan USA 2021 |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Major competition(s) | Miss USA 2021 |
Prior to Big Brother, she was crowned Miss Michigan USA 2021 and won Miss Congeniality at the Miss USA 2021 pageant.
Personal life
editHale was born on December 31, 1994, in Detroit, Michigan. She attended Detroit Country Day School from kindergarten through grade 12, graduating in 2013.[3] She graduated from George Washington University in 2017, where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. Hale resides in West Bloomfield, Michigan.[4]
On November 9, 2022, she confirmed her relationship with fellow Big Brother 24 contestant Joseph Abdin.[5] They announced their breakup on April 19, 2023.[6]
Miss Michigan USA
editHale won the Miss Michigan USA 2021 pageant in August 2021 after nearly a year-long postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] She did not place in the Miss USA 2021 Pageant, but she was awarded Miss Congeniality.[7]
Big Brother
editSeason 24
editCBS announced Hale as a Big Brother 24 houseguest on July 5, 2022. Hale's fellow housemates ostracized her upon entering the house, making her an early target in the game and leading to her being nominated for eviction in each of the first two weeks. Hale was also the target of comments deemed microaggressive by some viewers of the show, and disparaging remarks about her appearance and personality.[8][9][10] During the third week, Hale joined "The Leftovers" alliance,[11] securing her safety for the remainder of the season. Hale won two Head of Household competitions; during weeks six and eleven.[12]
Hale was awarded the $750,000 grand prize by the season's jury, winning by a vote of 8–1 over Monte Taylor, and she became the first African American woman to win a regular season of Big Brother.[2] She is also the first houseguest to win both the game and the America's Favorite Houseguest prize, awarding her an additional $50,000.[13] With total cash winnings of $800,000, Hale has won the most money of any houseguest in the history of the series.[14]
Reindeer Games
editIn 2023, Hale returned to Big Brother to compete in the holiday spin-off season, Big Brother Reindeer Games.[15] She finished as the runner-up of the season.
Filmography
editTelevision
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Miss USA 2021 | Contestant | Miss Congeniality |
| 2022 | Big Brother 24 | Contestant | Winner; America’s Favorite HouseGuest (35 episodes) |
| 2022–23 | The Bold and the Beautiful | McKenzie | Guest star (4 episodes) |
| 2023 | Big Brother Reindeer Games | Contestant | Runner-up (6 episodes) |
References
edit- ^ @TMackenzieH (October 16, 2022). "Detroit, 6:18pm" (Tweet). Retrieved October 16, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b Carras, Christi (September 26, 2022). "Besting her bullies, Taylor Hale becomes the first Black woman to win 'Big Brother'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ Lunch with Miss Michigan & Alumna Taylor Hale '13. on YouTube
- ^ Runkle, Anne (September 27, 2022). "Taylor Hale of West Bloomfield wins 'Big Brother' reality show". The Oakland Press. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ Blanchet, Brenton (November 9, 2022). "'Big Brother' 's Taylor Hale and Joseph Abdin Are Officially in a Relationship: 'Happiest I've Ever Been'". People. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
- ^ Trainor, Daniel (April 19, 2023). "Big Brother's Taylor Hale and Joseph Abdin Break Up". E! News. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
- ^ a b Graham, Adam (September 25, 2022). "Ex-Miss Michigan Taylor Hale wins 'Big Brother' $750,000 grand prize". The Detroit News. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ Brockington, Ariana (July 12, 2022). "'Big Brother' alumni, fans call out 'reprehensible' treatment of cast member Taylor Hale". The Today Show. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ Contreras, Cydney (July 11, 2022). "Big Brother Alums Slam "Reprehensible" Behavior After Taylor Hale Is Reduced to Tears". E!. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ Longeretta, Emily (July 11, 2022). "'Big Brother' Casting Producer, Former Houseguests Demand Change Amid Taylor Hale Bullying". Variety. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ Palinkas, Lorianne (August 8, 2022). "Big Brother: Why The Leftovers Is Such A Refreshing Alliance". Screen Rant. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ Tinoco, Armando (September 26, 2022). "'Big Brother' Makes History Again In Season 24 Finale". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ Palinkas, Lorianne (September 26, 2022). "Big Brother: Taylor Hale Shocked She Won America's Favorite Houseguest". Screen Rant. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ Brockington, Ariana (September 26, 2022). "Taylor Hale makes history as the first Black woman to win 'Big Brother'". The Today Show. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ Longeretta, Emily (December 7, 2023). "'Big Brother Reindeer Games' Cast: Meet the Past Winners and Fan-Favorites Competing in the Holiday Showdown". Variety. Retrieved December 7, 2023.