Disgraced ex-congressman George Santos may have been expelled from the House of Representatives on Dec. 1 by a vote of 311-114 — but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story for the alleged serial grifter and sometimes drag queen from New York. HBO Films has already optioned The Fabulist, a book about Santos’ rise and fall, for adaptation, with Frank Rich and Mike Makowsky (HBO’s Bad Education) attached to executive produce and Makowsky set to write. As for Santos, public opinion seems to think he’ll find a future on Dancing with the Stars — so much so that the show trended on X alongside news of his historic expulsion.
Asked if he would consider competing on the show that has featured the likes of Sean Spicer and House majority leader Tom DeLay (indicted on charges of conspiring to violate political fundraising law), Santos told reporters, “Today, I would not do Dancing with the Stars. Maybe in the future if I find the chutzpah to go on television with my four left feet. Maybe someday.” (The show, meanwhile, is reportedly not considering Santos for its 33rd season.)
With a hefty legal bill on the way in his upcoming criminal trial in which he stands accused of defrauding donors, lying to election officials and stealing unemployment benefits, among other charges, Santos has turned to recording Cameo messages. A personalized video from the “former congressional icon,” as he bills himself, is $400. Sen. John Fetterman has already ordered one to troll Sen. Bob Menendez, writing on X, “I thought my ethically-challenged colleague @BobMenendezNJ could use some encouragement given his substantial legal problems.”
The Hollywood Reporter consulted with show-business experts for suggestions on how Santos can parlay his notoriety and very particular skillset into a Hollywood second act.
“He’s ripe for a signature beauty product. Santos Diamond Décolleté Scrub could be his answer to Jane Seymour’s Crepe Erase.” – Steven Cojocaru, fashion critic, Today, Entertainment Tonight.
“Miss Kitara Ravache residency at Caesars. Not Palace — car wash.” – Bruch Vilanch, ex-head writer, the Oscars.
“George needs to star in a remake of Pinocchio, where, every time he lies, his criminal charges get bigger. After that, he should dive back into Kitara Ravache and try “Lipsyncing Lies For Your Life!” on RuPaul’s Drag Race. And starting next September, he will hopefully star in an on-site reboot of HBO’s Oz.” – Michael Musto, ex-Village Voice columnist.
“I’m sure he’s being shopped to Dancing With the Stars and RuPaul’s Drag Race already. I suggest someone reboot Liar’s Club immediately and let him be a game show host before his 15 minutes are up.” – Frank DeCaro, ex-correspondent, The Daily Show.
“George has many options. 1) He and Bob Menendez can tour in a production of Chicago as Roxie and Velma. 2) He can write a deeply personal memoir about his intimate relationship with the British royal family and why they pretend he doesn’t exist. 3) He can host Nightmare Jeopardy!, where he’ll make up the answers and all the categories will be ‘George Santos.’ He could alternate with Anna Delvey.” – Paul Rudnick, screenwriter, Addams Family Values.
