Jay Manuel Biography
Jay Manuel is a Canadian-American television host, creative director, makeup artist, and author. He gained worldwide fame through fashion television. Moreover, his influence extends into beauty entrepreneurship and publishing.
He was born on August 14, 1972, in Springfield, Illinois. However, he grew up in Toronto, Canada. Manuel studied pre-med and opera at York University, yet he later shifted toward fashion and media. This transition shaped his creative future.
Manuel became widely recognized as the creative director on America’s Next Top Model. He appeared from the first cycle in 2003 through many successful seasons. Consequently, viewers associated him with bold photo shoots and strong model mentorship. His calm authority and visual storytelling defined the show’s aesthetic era.
Before television fame, Manuel worked as a celebrity makeup artist and stylist. He collaborated with supermodels, magazines, and luxury fashion brands. Therefore, he built credibility within both editorial and commercial beauty industries.
After leaving television, he launched Jay Manuel Beauty, an inclusive cosmetics brand. The brand focused on multi-functional products and diverse skin tones. Additionally, Manuel expanded into writing and released his debut novel, The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown. The book offered a fictional yet insightful view of the fashion world.
Today, Manuel continues appearing as a guest judge, speaker, and creative consultant. He supports charitable causes and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Overall, Jay Manuel remains a respected figure in global fashion and beauty culture.
Jay Manuel Age 2026 | How Old is Jay Manuel?
Jay Manuel is 53 years old in 2026. He was born on August 14, 1972, in Springfield, Illinois. Moreover, his age highlights a long career in fashion, television, and beauty leadership. He became widely recognized on America’s Next Top Model. Additionally, he works as a creative director, author, and cosmetics entrepreneur. Therefore, Jay Manuel’s age reflects decades of consistent influence in global style and media industries.
Jay Manuel Height | How Tall is Jay Manuel?
Jay Manuel stands 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall, giving him a striking and commanding presence on camera and in fashion events. His height fits well with his work as a TV host, creative director, and makeup artist. Moreover, his stature often helped him work confidently with models during America’s Next Top Model and Canada’s Next Top Model. In addition, Manuel’s build supports his roles across TV, red carpets, and beauty industry appearances, contributing to his recognizable, professional image.
Jay Manuel Ethnicity | What is Jay Manuel’s ethnicity?
Jay Manuel comes from a diverse, mixed ethnic background that shaped his identity and career. He was born to a mother of Italian and Czech descent and a South African father of mixed Cape Malay (Coloured) heritage. Moreover, he grew up in Toronto after being raised by adoptive parents, giving him both Canadian and American cultural influence. This multicultural heritage contributed to his unique perspective in fashion, beauty, and television. Additionally, Manuel has openly embraced and discussed his multiracial roots, reinforcing inclusivity in his work and public voice.
Jay Manuel Partner | Wife | Husband
Did Jay Manuel get married?
Jay Manuel married Pamela Chavez on November 6, 2024, after years of dating and planning their future together on Jay & Pamela. They met online in 2019, built a strong bond, and supported each other through life with osteogenesis imperfecta type 3, a rare brittle bone condition. Moreover, both share resilience and mutual respect, and they started married life surrounded by love. Jay has openly embraced his identity as a transgender man, and Pamela stands by him. Together, they balance reality TV, daily challenges, and future plans as a loving couple.
Jay Manuel Children | Kids
Jay Manuel and his spouse Pamela Chavez do not currently have children together. They have talked about starting a family in the future. Moreover, both stars of Jay & Pamela discussed the possibility of having kids on their TLC series and in interviews.
So far, they have not welcomed any biological children. Instead, they adopted a dog named Cheddar, which they treat like family.
Furthermore, medical experts and the couple noted people with their inherited condition, osteogenesis imperfecta type 3, can potentially have children, though the discussion remains ongoing. Pamela and Jay continue to explore parenthood step by step while managing careers, health, and daily life.
Jay Manuel Family | Parents & Siblings
Jay Manuel grew up in a supportive and creative family that shaped his artistic journey. He was born to biological parents of diverse heritage, including Italian, Czech and South African Cape Malay roots. Moreover, he was adopted and raised by his aunt and uncle in Toronto, Canada, who nurtured his early talents. Although public records do not list his biological parents’ names, he credits his adoptive family for emotional support and guidance. Manuel also had siblings through his adoptive household, who shared childhood experiences with him. Overall, his family background influenced his identity, resilience, and success in fashion and television.
Jay Manuel ANTM | Role, Impact & Legacy on America’s Next Top Model
Jay Manuel became widely known for his work on America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), where he served as the creative director for many cycles. On ANTM, he guided contestants through photo shoots, styling sessions, and runway challenges with expert precision and confidence. Moreover, his calm leadership helped models build professional poise and self‑expression. Viewers also admired his signature grace and fashion insight, which made him a fan favorite. Throughout ANTM, Manuel collaborated closely with host Tyra Banks and other mentors to shape the show’s visual storytelling. Therefore, his role on ANTM helped define the series’ impact on fashion television and boosted his career as a respected beauty and fashion expert.
Jay Manuel TLC: Jay & Pamela Reality Series, Story & Impact Explained
Jay Manuel stars in the TLC reality series Jay & Pamela, which premiered March 4, 2025 and follows his life with partner Pamela Chavez. The show shares the real-life journey of a couple living with osteogenesis imperfecta type 3 (brittle bone disease) as they navigate daily challenges and pursue independence.
On Jay & Pamela, viewers see the couple plan their wedding, manage health struggles, and build a life together. They both use motorized wheelchairs and confront obstacles with resilience, humor, and love.
Moreover, the series highlights Jay’s identity, personal growth, and relationships with his family and Pamela’s family dynamics.
Jay Manuel & Tyra Banks Friendship Status 14 Years After ANTM: What He Reveals
Are Tyra Banks and Jay Manuel still friends?
Jay Manuel recently explained the status of his friendship with Tyra Banks more than 14 years after he left America’s Next Top Model. He revealed in Netflix’s Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model that he and Banks once shared a close personal and professional bond. They spent time together off set and genuinely connected during the early years.
However, their relationship fractured after he decided to exit ANTM following Cycle 8 and communicated his gratitude in an email that Banks replied to with just “I am disappointed.” Since then, they have had no consistent communication, apart from a friendly meeting in 2017.
Manuel says he has no ill will toward Banks and remains open to reconnecting, noting he is in a healed place personally. Despite this, the pair do not currently speak or maintain a friendship as they once did. Their history reflects professional respect and complex transitions in both careers.
Jay Manuel Books: Novels & Writing Projects by the ANTM Star
Jay Manuel is not only a fashion expert and TV personality but also a published author. He released his debut novel in 2020, showing his creative range beyond television.
Books by Jay Manuel:
- The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown – A satirical novel inspired by life behind a fictional modeling competition show. The story follows Pablo Michaels, a production insider juggling chaos, ambition, and personal growth.
This book blends fashion, reality TV culture, and witty insight into media dynamics. Furthermore, Manuel’s writing reflects his decades of industry experience and storytelling ability.
Overall, The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown stands as his primary published work to date and helps expand his creative legacy beyond screen and style.
Jay Manuel Net Worth 2026
Jay Manuel’s estimated net worth is around $3 million, earned through his work in TV, fashion, and business ventures. He gained wealth as a creative director, television host, makeup artist, and author. Moreover, Manuel launched Jay Manuel Beauty, contributing to his income through brand projects and guest appearances. His earnings reflect his influence and versatility in the entertainment and fashion industries over many years.