Jesse Metcalfe, best known for his role as gardener John Rowland in the hit series Desperate Housewives, has spoken out about the behind-the-scenes tensions that plagued the show during its run.
In a revealing interview, the actor described the set as a place rife with "toxic masculinity" and intense competition among the cast. Metcalfe, who starred alongside Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, and Eva Longoria, suggested that the drama wasn’t just confined to the script.
Behind the Scenes Struggles
Metcalfe admitted that his sudden fame after joining the show in 2004 led to personal and professional challenges. "There was a lot of ego, a lot of insecurity," he said. "The environment was highly competitive, and not always in a healthy way."
The actor also reflected on how his character’s romantic storyline with Teri Hatcher’s Susan Mayer contributed to the tension. "There were moments where the dynamic off-screen mirrored the drama on-screen," he revealed.
Life After Wisteria Lane
Since leaving Desperate Housewives, Metcalfe has focused on new projects, including Hallmark films and independent productions. He credits his growth as an actor to the lessons learned during his time on the show.
"It was a formative experience," he said. "But I’m glad to have moved on to roles that challenge me in different ways."
