Early Career and Entertainment Work
Before his reality TV infamy, Rockwell worked in various aspects of entertainment, primarily in the San Diego area. He performed stand-up comedy at local clubs and appeared in small theatrical productions. He also worked as a motivational speaker and real estate investor, though the exact extent of his business success would later become a matter of controversy. Rockwell had minor roles in local television commercials and worked as an occasional TV host for local programming.
The Reality TV Scandal
“Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?” aired on Fox in February 2000 as a two-hour special. The show featured 50 women competing for Rockwell’s hand in marriage, culminating in a live wedding ceremony with the winner, Darva Conger. However, shortly after the broadcast, media investigations revealed that Rockwell had previously been subject to a restraining order from a former fiancée and questions arose about his claimed millionaire status. These revelations led to significant media coverage and controversy about both Rockwell and the show’s vetting process.
Aftermath and Media Attention
The marriage to Conger lasted only a few months before being annulled. The scandal resulted in multiple television appearances, interviews, and news coverage, with both Rockwell and Conger becoming temporary fixtures in the media landscape of 2000. The controversy contributed to broader discussions about reality television ethics and contestant screening processes, ultimately influencing how future reality TV shows would be produced.
Personal Life
After the reality TV controversy subsided, Rockwell largely retreated from the public eye. He continued to work in real estate and occasional entertainment ventures in Southern California, though with a much lower profile than during his brief period of national attention. He has occasionally given interviews about his experience with reality television and its impact on his life.
