Meet Amanda Kloots, Harry Jowsey's Confidante on 'Let’s Marry Harry'
Our take
The rise of Amanda Kloots as a prominent figure within the reality television landscape, specifically as Harry Jowsey’s confidante on *Let’s Marry Harry*, speaks to a broader shift in how we perceive and value support systems within the curated world of dating shows. It’s more than just a friendship; it’s the intentional casting of someone already possessing a strong, established brand – a professional dancer and wellness entrepreneur – to lend credibility and a touch of grounded authenticity to a premise that inherently leans towards the performative. This echoes the growing desire for a more holistic approach to wellness, a concept beautifully captured in Bella Hadid's New Alo Campaign Is All About Wellness, where physical fitness is intertwined with mental and emotional wellbeing. Kloots’ presence isn’t merely decorative; it subtly elevates the show’s narrative, suggesting a deeper understanding of self-care and intentional living that resonates with a modern audience increasingly skeptical of superficiality. The fact that she’s positioned as a trusted advisor reinforces the idea that genuine connection and personal growth are valuable, even within the context of a televised search for a life partner.
The significance of Kloots' role extends beyond the individual show. It's a reflection of the broader cultural emphasis on curated lifestyles and the blurring lines between personal branding and public persona. We’ve seen this trend amplified in shows like *Vanderpump Rules*, where cast members’ businesses and personal endeavors are intrinsically linked to their reality TV careers. And as Ariana Madix so powerfully demonstrated, navigating the complexities of public scrutiny and personal growth while maintaining a sense of self is a key narrative thread for many – Ariana Madix Manifested Herself All the Way to the Emmys. Kloots embodies this intersection, seamlessly blending her professional identity with her role as a friend and advisor, demonstrating a level of self-awareness that is increasingly sought after in public figures. Her background in dance and fitness underscores a commitment to discipline and self-improvement, qualities that are inherently attractive and reassuring to viewers seeking authentic connection. The subtle influence she exerts on Jowsey's decision-making process further positions her as a voice of reason and stability amidst the chaos of the dating process.
Furthermore, the choice to highlight Kloots’ existing wellness empire—rather than simply showcasing her as a charming sidekick—aligns with the growing consumer interest in holistic wellbeing and mindful living. It’s a strategic move that leverages her established authority and credibility to subtly endorse the show’s underlying message of seeking genuine connection and a fulfilling life. This isn't about simply finding a partner; it's about building a life rooted in self-awareness and intentionality, values that resonate deeply with today's audiences. The shift from purely transactional dating narratives to ones that incorporate elements of personal growth and self-discovery is a notable trend, and Kloots’ role exemplifies this evolution. The quiet confidence she exudes, a hallmark of the “calm luxury” aesthetic, subtly elevates the show's overall appeal, differentiating it from more overtly dramatic and superficial dating formats. It's a masterclass in strategic casting, aligning a personality with a pre-existing brand to create a compelling and relatable narrative. This also resonates with the increasing awareness of creating a supportive and nurturing home environment, a concept explored in Why a "Living Room Family" Is What Many Modern Parents Are Striving For, where the emphasis is on fostering meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to observe how reality television continues to integrate figures with established personal brands and expertise. Will this become the standard model for casting, prioritizing authenticity and relatability over solely seeking dramatic personalities? And more importantly, how will these integrations impact the perception of reality shows themselves – moving them closer to lifestyle programming and further blurring the lines between entertainment and genuine self-expression? The success of Amanda Kloots’ role in *Let’s Marry Harry* suggests that viewers are increasingly drawn to narratives that offer not only entertainment but also a glimpse into a more intentional and fulfilling way of life.
Netflix reality star Harry Jowsey is ready to settle down, and he’s turning to his inner circle for help finding a wife. The newest reality series from the streamer, Let’s Marry Harry, finds the Australian heartthrob dating a group of women at the same time, The Bachelor-style, sending contestants home as the series progresses until Jowsey finds “the one.” Along for the ride as his confidantes are his ex-girlfriend, Perfect Match star Georgia Hassarati, his “honorary brother” Sonny Henty, and his best friend Amanda Kloots.
This isn’t Kloots’s first foray into reality TV, so she's no stranger to being on camera, but there’s a lot you might not know about Jowsey’s best friend. Ahead, we delve into what you need to know about the former dancer and television personality.
Everything to Know About Amanda Kloots
Kloots grew up in Ohio and is a trained dancer.
Hailing from Canton, Ohio, Kloots is the second-youngest of five children. She began her career as part of major Broadway ensembles including Good Vibrations, Young Frankenstein, and Follies. She became a member of the Rockettes in 2004 and performed two seasons with the iconic troupe. On YouTube, she revealed that she auditioned twice before making the cut, fulfilling a childhood dream. Kloots later appeared on season 30 of Dancing With the Stars, placing fourth.
In 2016, she launched AK! Rope, a jump-rope-based fitness method, which she later expanded into AK! Dance and AK! Body. Eventually, she molded AK! Fitness, a digital fitness brand with cardio, dance, and toning exercises.
She was a co-host of the CBS talk show 'The Talk' until it ended in 2024.
In 2020, Kloots began appearing as a guest host on the CBS talk series, aptly titled The Talk. In 2021, she was bumped up to a permanent host, joining Sheryl Underwood, Jerry O'Connell, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, and Natalie Morales to discuss current events and human interest stories. For both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Kloots was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host along with her co-hosts. After 14 years and 15 seasons on-air, CBS ended the series in April 2024.
Her second husband Nick Cordero died from COVID-19 in 2020.
Kloots was married to her first husband, David Larsen, a theatre actor, for six years before meeting her second husband, Broadway star Nick Cordero. They met in 2014 while working on Bullets Over Broadway, a stage musical adaptation of Woody Allen’s 1994 film. Kloots and Cordero got married in 2017 and became parents to a son named Elvis in June 2019, and were together until Cordero’s death after a 95-day illness attributed to COVID-19 during the pandemic in 2020. Kloots went viral for documenting Cordero’s illness online—especially during the early days of the global pandemic when misinformation was prevalent—as well as her grief after his death.
In 2021, she co-authored a memoir titled Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero with her sister Anna about her experience. On the sixth anniversary of his death on July 5, 2026, Kloots posted a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, remembering him as a “magnificent person.”
Kloots and Jowsey bonded over their grief.
The best friend duo initially met via Dancing With the Stars, though they appeared in different seasons (Kloots in season 30 and Jowsey in season 32), and immediately bonded over their grief. Kloots opened up about losing Cordero, while Jowsey had just lost his father. “Amanda is one of the most incredible, powerful humans I’ve ever met,” Jowsey told US Weekly. “She navigates grief and talks about it with so much grace.”
In the press leading up to the premiere of Let’s Marry Harry, Jowsey has noted that the loss of his father was a motivating factor in his desire to settle down. “My whole dating life for the past 10 years has been in some sort of spotlight...losing my father was obviously the biggest turning point," he told E! News. “The biggest thing I was upset about was I didn't have kids and a wife to meet him. So, that was really difficult, and it made me take everything in life a little more serious.”
Ahead of the Let’s Marry Harry premiere, Kloots announced a new podcast called "Good Grief" that will center on conversations about grief with celebrity and expert guests. Jowsey is one of the announced guests scheduled to appear on the podcast, which officially launched on August 5, 2026, via Dear Media.
She is currently dating former tennis player Justin Gimelstob.
In April 2025, Kloots made her red-carpet debut with new beau Justin Gimelstob at An Unforgettable Evening event, held in support of breast cancer research. The former professional tennis player told PEOPLE, "She's just an incredibly special person. Obviously, she's physically beautiful, but the way she handles everything, she's so classy and has so much grace and is an amazing mother." The pair first met at a Formula 1 race, but didn't go on their first date until a year later when friends intervened.
Kloots has previously mentioned that she's had readings by mediums to communicate with her late husband Cordero, who has assured her that her time is coming. "He has definitely given me his blessing,” Kloots shared in 2024. “And he always says it's coming. That's one of the running themes from readings that I've had, that it's coming: 'I know you're lonely. It's coming.' I don't know. We'll see.”
Gimelstob has a few skeletons in his closet: He received a felony battery charge in April 2019, to which he pleaded no contest. Additionally, he and his ex-wife Cary Sinnott have previously accused one another of domestic violence, setting up a mutual restraining order within their divorce settlement.
In March 2026, Kloots posted a birthday photo dump, thanking Gimelstob for "loving me and spoiling me rotten, treating me like a queen every single day but especially yesterday," noting that it "feels really good to be so full of hope and happiness again."
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