Meet the ‘Big Brother 19’ Houseguests

CBS announced Monday the 16 Houseguests who will compete on the upcoming season of reality competition “Big Brother”. The series debuts its 19th season with a two-night premiere event, Wednesday, June 28 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), and Thursday, June 29 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Julie Chen returns as the host of the hit summer series.

The following 16 new Houseguests will spend the summer competing for $500,000:

Alex Ow (28)

Hometown: Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Current City: Camarillo, Calif.
Occupation: Eco-Friendly Marketing Rep
Three Adjectives: Center of attention, hyper and adorable 
Favorite Activities: I love knitting, crocheting, baking, going to the gym, going out with friends, hanging out with my family, watching Netflix, hiking, dating and pretty much anything being lazy. My spirit animal is a sloth lol.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: I love Nicole Franzel from season 16 and the winner of season 18! She seriously is just a fan favorite. I find her the most honest and most relatable. While she did do some shady things like turning her back on alliances, she was in it to win it and I respect the way she went about it. She reminds me of myself. We look all cute and cuddly but we’re here for one thing, to win Big Brother.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Yes, I believe standing at my fun-sized 5 foot nothing height I might look like an easy target. I anticipate that people in the house will overlook me and confuse my kindness for weakness. I play for the long end game and that’s to win. If they see me as a non-threat, I can fly under the radar until the stronger players are weeded out. Once this happens I can show my true colors but still play as a “weakling.” You don’t want to show too much strength right away but you want to be strong enough that people keep you in their alliances. I may be small but my mind is sharp, I can manipulate anyone…including boys! You don’t want to show your cards all at once.
My life’s motto is: Live life to the fullest!

Cameron Heard (24)

Hometown: North Aurora, Ill.
Current City: Woodridge, Ill.
Occupation: Microbiologist
Three Adjectives: Persistent, driven and smart
Favorite Activities: Ride my bike, solve Rubik’s cubes, play some online chess, snowboard and scuba dive. I want to try mountain biking sometime in the near future as well.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: Ian! I started watching Big Brother because of Ian. I had no idea what it was and my Mom told me to start watching BB14 because it’s like “Survivor” in a house. I instantly fell in love and wanted Ian to win. I think I like him so much because he is a lot like me. He is nerdy and has giant love for the game, he’s smart and seems fun in real life.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Yes, I’m not going to lie about what I do or much in my past to gain trust of others and I’m going to use a cycling metaphor here but I’m going to be like a wheel. I’m going to be the hub of the wheel and everyone is going to revolve around me like spokes on a wheel. If I think I’m on the bottom, I will talk the HOH into reasons to keep me and how it will benefit both of our games. If they don’t think rationally, like a Gina-Marie, then I’ll have to put fear into their eyes by saying someone else is going after them.
My life’s motto is: You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.

Christmas Abbott (35)

Christmas on Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, YouTube

Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
Current City: Raleigh, NC
Occupation: Fitness Superstar
Three Adjectives:  Committed, happy and influential
Favorite Activities: Working out or playing a sport, cooking and working.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: Helen! She was smart, knew how to work the people in the house and people knew they needed her!
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Use my ability to read personalities and know what people need emotionally so I can almost be a mentor. I will also stay under the radar as a threat or drama queen. The physical and mental games are the easy parts.
My life’s motto is: Every day you wake up with the opportunity to change your life.

Cody Nickson (32)

Hometown: Lake Mills, IA
Current City: Plano, TX
Occupation: Construction Sales Rep
Three Adjectives: Confident, charming and sweet
Favorite Activities: Surfing is my number one activity. I enjoy riding my motorcycle too.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: Evel Dick…. I LOVE it when someone plays the game in a way that has never been seen before… and it works! He was able to be a dickhead the whole time and still took it to the end! It sucked we couldn’t see his methods at work a second time.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Yes. First off, the overbearing will expose themselves which should create a nice divide. The ones talking their game out loud, I would shoot for them first. After getting rid of the overbearing, the floaters go next. If you float about, you’re getting voted out. I want to face warriors and champions to the end… not some tagalong. After that, win every competition (which I have the ability to do if it’s individual). If there is a way to accomplish these things through influence and causing someone else to execute my moves, I will make that happen. If I have to gain the HOH position and do it myself, I will absolutely do that also. I will never put myself in a pawn position. I will always be a part of every conversation I can and ask questions but avoid inserting my opinion directly. I’ll always do it in a roundabout way, making people believe it’s their opinion.
My life’s motto is: Semper fidelis.

Dominique Cooper (30)

Dominique on Social Media: Instagram, YouTube, Linkedin

Hometown: Tuskegee, AL
Current City: Woodbridge, VA
Occupation: Government Engineer
Three Adjectives:  Uber-optimistic, energetic and determined
Favorite Activities: My favorite activities are eating and trying out different restaurants, attending happy hours, running, creative writing, speaking and reading as many books as my attention span will allow.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: Hmmm…I’m still trying to figure that out lol.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Be friendly and maintain integrity, always be watchful but not in a creepy way, be observant and take mental notes about everyone. Also, remain neutral as long as possible and consistently strategize.
My life’s motto is: Pursue purpose (dreams) at all cost!

Elena Davies (26)

Elena on Social Media: Instagram, Twitter

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Current City: Dallas, TX
Occupation: Radio Personality
Three Adjectives: Funny, abrasive and charming
Favorite Activities: Instagram, listening to live music, napping, tail-gating and shaking my booty.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: James because he made it fun.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: I think it’s always situational. It would depend on the different personalities in the house, but forming alliances and manipulating other houseguests is my plan A.
My life’s motto is: Don’t go anywhere without beer koozies and a phone charger.

Jason Dent (37)

Hometown: Humeston, IA
Current City: Humeston, IA
Occupation: Rodeo Clown
Three Adjectives: Charismatic, ambitious and athletic
Favorite Activities: Rodeo
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: James because I feel like he plays dumb but he made it really far.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Yes.
My life’s motto is: You only live once.

Jessica Graf (26)

Jessica on Social Media: Instagram

Hometown: Cranston, RI
Current City: Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: VIP Concierge
Three Adjectives: Honest, loud and loyal
Favorite Activities: Going out to eat long meals with great people.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: Janelle. We have very similar personalities. I see a lot of her game play in me.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: I’m going to find the best male competitor in the game and the two of us are going to clean house!
My life’s motto is: Do it with passion or not at all.

Jillian Parker (24)

Jillian on Social Media: Linkedin

Hometown: Celebration, FL
Current City: Las Vegas, NV
Occupation: Timeshare Sales Rep
Three Adjectives: Bubbly, funny and truthful
Favorite Activities: Currently, I love to go to this place called the Glowzone by my house, full of rock climbing, ropes courses and an American Ninja Warrior course.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: Danielle Donato because she’s a bad b*tch, beautiful and speaks her mind – a lot like me!
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: My strategy is to come in and play it nice and innocent and get in with the girls and the guys at the same time. I plan on making my MAIN alliance with the GUYS which no one will expect. And giving them information from the girls. I plan on flying under the radar and later on revealing myself as a big villain towards the end of the game making a few BIG moves. I’m gonna win this. Just wait and see.
My life’s motto is: Keep it classy, get rid of the trashy. Get money or die trying.

Josh Martinez (23)

Hometown: Miami, FL
Current City: Homestead, FL
Occupation: Hair Care Sales
Three Adjectives: Ambitious, courageous and passionate
Favorite Activities: I enjoy playing sports, going to the gym, reading, hiking, traveling, meeting new people, being an adrenaline junkie and having new experiences.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: Evel Dick hands down is my favorite houseguest. He always spoke his mind, he was an as*hole to who he needed to be, didn’t care what others thought of him and even though he didn’t have a good relationship with his daughter, he always defended her, which is kind of the dynamic with my family. Overall he was himself, spoke his mind and did not give a sh*t about being on anyone’s good side. I see a lot of his game play in the way I will play.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: I have a huge strategy to playing the game and it’s simple: lie, cheat and manipulate. Lie and deceive all these meatballs (losers) into doing what I want as I win comps and make them think we’re best friends. Also, find that one houseguest I can completely trust and make it all the way to final two.
My life’s motto is: Play hard, work hard, and live your life the way you want. Always work for what you want but enjoy your life and live life to the fullest and never care about anyone’s opinion as long as you’re living your life.

Kevin Schlehuber (55)

Hometown: Boston, MA
Current City: Boston, MA
Occupation: Stay-at-home dad
Three Adjectives: Caring, humorous and charismatic
Favorite Activities: Hanging out with my family, watching movies, going to the beach, exercising and playing pool or darts with the kids.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: I did meet Derrick once and he seemed like a nice guy!
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Being myself, I think that will work every time!!
My life’s motto is: Live and let live! Don’t be judgmental of people, especially if you don’t want them to judge you. We all deserve to live the kind of life we want, regardless of how we live it!

Mark Jansen (25)

Hometown: Grand Island, NY
Current City: Grand Island, NY
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Three Adjectives: Fun, strong and thoughtful
Favorite Activities: Lifting weights, hiking, watching movies and relaxing on a beach.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: Brendon. He basically said “it’s me and my girl vs. the house, let’s go.”
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Yeah, try to read people and relate with everybody, be real, don’t get caught up in stories, and earn people’s trust and keep it.
My life’s motto is: Fear none, regret less.

Matthew Clines (33)

Hometown: Arlington, VA
Current City: Arlington, VA
Occupation: Renovation Consultant
Three Adjectives:  Fun, competitive and silly
Favorite Activities:  Watching panda videos or really any funny animal videos (I like animals), eating, sleeping and lifting weights.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: Donny Thompson from season 16. He has a great beard, wore camo and generally was a good dude. What a fun little man.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Befriend everyone, identify strengths and weaknesses of each competitor and determine whom to form alliances with. Specifically, I would be good friends with the female housemates, they are critical in moving chess pieces in the house.
My life’s motto is: I have three: “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” “Don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never make it out alive.” -Van Wilder, and finally “And every time I see the sunshine, I drop down and give thanks at least one time.” – Lil Wayne

Megan Lowder (28)

Hometown: Cathedral City, CA
Current City: Phoenix, AZ
Occupation: Dog Walker
Three Adjectives:  Cunning, smart and beautiful because I’m confident like that.
Favorite Activities: I play a lot of video games. I know this is not a dating site so I don’t think I need to make up a bunch of crap about how I LOVE hiking. I am currently working on my racing license so I can do rally cross.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: I love FRANK! It was him against the house both seasons and he did a beautiful job of using his skills to his advantage also he seems like a total bro I would love to get a beer with. I also love Paul and Victor from season 18. They played one of the best games I’ve seen.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Oh you know I do. I would find the biggest guy in there and make him my gym buddy. Once we are allies, I would start gathering a strong team that I know can win comps and keep them close. After we start picking off the house of people we don’t like, I would start spreading false info and make sure no one knows it came from me. At the same time, there is always that whiney and crying girl that just can’t handle the pressures of the house. I would make her my friend and my secret ally. This is the only person in the house I will be loyal to. I’ll take her to final two and since she didn’t do anything the whole time, I’ll win. I will also play scared. I will never for a second think I’m safe. If people are talking, I want to be there.
My life’s motto is: There are two guarantees in this life: taxes and death.

Ramses Soto (21)

Ramses on Social Media: Twitter

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Current City: Grand Rapids, MI
Occupation: Cosplay Artist
Three Adjectives: Friendly, quirky and energetic
Favorite Activities: I am very creative and love to do art. That’s why I love to do cosplay. I love to read comics. I like to do face masks and drink wine while watching Netflix or Big Brother.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: DAN FREAKING GHEESLING! Seriously though, how does one go from being 100 percent the person who’s getting voted off, to making it to final two!! He’s a great strategist and amazing manipulator. I look up to him so much when it comes to Big Brother.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: YES! The base of my strategy will be my social game, which I don’t really think I need to worry about too much because for some reason people automatically like me as soon as they meet me. I will use my young looks and fun personality as a shield for whenever I need to make a strong strategic game move. No one will expect me to be a strong minded and strategic player. I also plan on having one person that I absolutely trust and I will make sure that we each fall on opposite sides of the house. This person will be someone that I can see having a good social game that will get them far, but not enough to get them jury votes when it comes to strategy or competitions. This will be an absolute SECRET alliance. We will keep each other updated on what’s happening on our sides of the house. On my side of the house, I will also have a very strong ally. This person will be the second strongest physical player on my side. That way, they will be a bigger target than me. Once I make it to the finale, one of those friends will win HOH which will keep me safe. During the final four week, I WILL win HOH so that I am guaranteed a spot in the final three. No one will expect me to win final HOH because they never expected me to be a physical threat. No one needs to know my competition strength until this point in the game.
My life’s motto is: Be spontaneous, take risks, laugh and respect others.

Raven Walton (23)

Raven on Social Media: Twitter

Hometown: DeValls Bluff, AR
Current City: DeValls Bluff, AR
Occupation: Dance Teacher
Three Adjectives: Quirky, bubbly, and outgoing
Favorite Activities: Road tripping with my best friends! I enjoy reading a good book in a coffee shop. I always look forward to dance competition season! I also LOVE fashion! Shopping is what I am best at! I literally dance everywhere I go! There is never a dull moment with me.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: OMG It would have to be Frankie Grande! I love how he played the game. Even after they found out his sister was famous he played it off so well! If I had been on his season I swear we would have been two peas in a pod! I loved how much fun he was and how he always talked to the cameras.
Do you have a strategy for winning the game: Yes I do! I think people will underestimate me because I am so small, but little do they know I am a very strong competitor. I will use my southern charm to make friends with the houseguests! I would want to fly under the radar for a couple weeks and then the sour patch in me will come out and I will make my attack! I have no problem in back stabbing to make it to the end. You have to make big bold moves to impress the jury.
My life’s motto is: Live outside of the box! Be unique, be yourself, be YOU! Life is too short not to love yourself.