Collinsville man gains new perspective on reality show

By By Ida Brown / staff writer
October 18, 2004
Collinsville native Albert Smith has gained a new perspective on women.
But Smith's newly acquired wisdom was not achieved through reading a book or attending a seminar. Instead, Smith, who now lives in Birmingham, "walked a mile" in a woman's shoes.
Smith is one of 11 men who star in the reality show He's A Lady,'' premiering Tuesday at 9 p.m. on TBS. The 11 men receive a complete feminine makeover and compete for $250,000
On "He's A Lady," the 11 men thought they were going to compete in physical and mental challenges for $250,000 on a show called "All American Man."
Instead, they find they've temporarily left their girlfriends and wives for a show that requires them to live like women foregoing pants, facial hair and body hair, and dealing with dresses, high heals and makeup.
The men lived together in "The Doll House" and, for the most part, got along well.
Smith, who went by the name "Alberta," said he was inspired by actress Demi Moore whom he feels he resembles in his female persona. He describes his feminine side as "very unpredictable, as far as attitude or looks."
The series required the men to go back to their hometowns and face their family and buddies dressed as women. They also had to go out in public in their new roles.
The series ends with a beauty pageant, in which three judges will select the best man in the group. While he couldn't disclose the outcome, Smith said it was a worthwhile experience.