From Supreme Allied Commander Europe for NATO and Democratic presidential candidate to reality TV host? That’s now the name of the game for retired General Wesley Clark.
NBC announced on Tuesday that Clark will host “Stars Earn Stripes,” a “fierce and emotionally charged new competition show” that premieres in August. Samantha Harris, of “Dancing With the Stars” fame, will co-host.
Clark will join other bygone celebrities, including singer Nick Lachey, Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street and papa grizzly Todd Palin. Other cast members include: world boxing champion Laila Ali, actor Dean Cain, actor and former NFL player Terry Crews, trainer Dolvett Quince and WWE wrestler Eve Torres.
Contestants will take on missions that are inspired by real military exercises, and will be paired with an “operative” from an actual military or law-enforcement agency. The winnings will be donated to first-responder charities and veterans’ groups, according to the network’s release.
NBC wouldn’t confirm whether there are men and women “operatives” on the program, saying it will be revealed in the first episode. More than $100,000 is expected to be raised for charity.
Clark told TPM that he has had a “very heartwarming” experience working on the show. While Clark and Palin have had their brushes with politics, the general said the show is a “constructive experience,” not a political one. He hopes it will shed light on the men and women who serve.
“Anything that honors veterans and reflects favorably on America’s armed forces and helps non-service members understand, that is a noteworthy public service,” he said.
Here’s a taste of the action, via Entertainment Weekly:
David Taintor
David Taintor is TPM’s News Editor. He contributes to TPM’s Livewire coverage, among other areas. David is from Chanhassen, Minnesota, where, yes, it gets very cold. Reach him at taintor [at] talkingpointsmemo.com
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