Bruce Darnell (69) now knows quite well what suits him — and he’s reluctant to let trends steer him. “The important thing is to figure out what fits you and what you feel comfortable in,” says the openly gay entertainer during a chat on the sidelines of a Diet Coke event in Berlin.
That trends don’t always align with personal preferences is also shown by a recent YouGov survey. When it comes to unusual drink combinations, many respondents tend to reach for the familiar rather than let social media push them into trying something new.
Darnell, for his part, remains curious. In the interview, he talks about his personal preferences, his style — and why at 69 he looks at aging with greater ease.
Cucumber water in Diet Coke, Ube ice cream, or an espresso float: Are you someone who loves trying new things, or do you prefer sticking with what you know and love?
I really enjoy trying new things. You have to stay curious. But of course I also have my classics, where I know exactly what makes me happy.
If Bruce Darnell were a drink himself — what must be in it?
Definitely Diet Coke. Really cold, with lots of ice and maybe a touch of lemon.
Do you have a little food or drink quirk that hardly anyone knows about?
When I drink black tea, it has to be boiling hot. After two sips it’s usually too cold for me — then I need a new cup. Sometimes there are six or seven cups of mine scattered around the set. I’m a little bit crazy about it. (laughs)
And how about in the kitchen — do you like to cook?
Oh no, I don’t cook at all. If I make spaghetti, they’d probably jump out of the pot. I’d rather leave cooking to the people who can do it. It’s better for everyone involved.
Are you disciplined with food, or can you really savor and treat yourself?
Of course I can enjoy. I try to eat a balanced diet, but I don’t deny myself anything. Life should be fun too. For me, balance is key.
You’re still very fit at 69. What do you do to stay that way — and how much discipline does it take?
I think it’s the simple things. I eat a balanced diet, move a lot, enjoy hiking, and make sure I get enough sleep. Sleep is incredibly important to me. I listen to my body and try to treat it well.
When it comes to taste, there’s no right or wrong. Does that apply to style and fashion for you as well?
Absolutely. For me, there’s no right or wrong in style. You don’t have to follow every trend. The important thing is to figure out what fits you and what makes you feel good. When you feel great, you radiate it.
What would you advise people who struggle with fashion questions and haven’t found their own style yet?
Experiment. You don’t have to find your perfect style right away. Fashion should be fun. Sometimes you put something on and think, “Oh no!” — and then you look in the mirror and think, “Wow, I love it!” That’s how you discover what truly fits you.
You’ve shown for years that beauty and styling aren’t just women’s topics anymore. Why do many men still find it hard?
I think a lot of men still overthink what they’re allowed to do and what not. But why should a man not be interested in fashion, beauty, or grooming? If I take care of myself, dress well, and look after myself, I’m doing it for me. One shouldn’t fear feeling good and looking good.
Have you become more relaxed about your appearance with age — or do you scrutinize it more closely today?
I’ve become more relaxed. I don’t have to be perfect; what matters most is that I feel good. I want to look in the mirror in the morning and be able to say: “Yes, that’s me and I love myself just the way I am.”
Is there something about aging that you see much more positively today than ten or twenty years ago?
I know what I want and also what I don’t need anymore. That’s a great freedom. One shouldn’t constantly try to be younger. One should enjoy life — at every age. (spot)
