Chef Josh Bingham from Below Deck Mediterranean is not just a culinary maestro; he’s a man on a mission to redefine what it means to be a clown. Yes, you read that right—a clown. But here’s where it gets intriguing: for Bingham, clowning isn’t just about slapstick humor or red noses. It’s a profound form of self-expression, a way to escape, and a deeper reflection of his identity. 'It’s not just being silly,' he insists. 'And this is the part most people miss—it’s definitely not about being scary.'
After years in the high-pressure world of Michelin-starred kitchens, Bingham felt boxed in. 'That’s not the world for me anymore,' he reflects. 'I like to be who I am, and sometimes Michelin can stifle that creativity.' So, he pivoted to the yachting industry, where he found the freedom to infuse his personality into every dish. 'It’s a better fit for me,' he explains. 'I can showcase my quirks through my food and create a truly personal experience for guests.'
With over three years in yachting, Bingham was approached via social media to join Below Deck Mediterranean. Initially, he saw it as a platform to promote his music—a passion he’s pursued alongside cooking. 'There hasn’t been any change there,' he laughs, 'but I had a great experience regardless.' Bingham’s insatiable curiosity drives him to explore every opportunity life offers. 'I just want to do everything I can in this lifetime,' he says, embodying the adventurous spirit of a true yachtie.
But let’s circle back to the clowning. Bingham is unapologetically proud of his clown persona, even donning clown makeup for some of his producer interviews. 'Society has certain beliefs about clowns,' he acknowledges, 'but taking on the clown persona is an amazing way to express yourself.' For Bingham, who’s been sober since 2019, clowning is also a healthy outlet. 'It’s a form of escape,' he shares. 'It’s not just about the laughs; it’s about the freedom to be unapologetically me.'
And this is the part most people miss: Bingham’s clowning isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a statement. In a world where clowns are often portrayed as sinister (thanks, Pennywise), he’s challenging stereotypes and inviting us to see the art behind the makeup. 'Being a clown has a deeper meaning for me,' he emphasizes. 'It’s about joy, creativity, and breaking free from expectations.'
In a recent Zoom interview with Decider, Bingham opened up about his journey, from his Michelin past to his vegan cuisine expertise (yes, he lived in a vegan commune!). He also addressed the buzz around his relationship with Kizzi Kitchener, his co-star. 'We have a strong, almost brother-sister vibe,' he explains. 'We just understand each other.' But here’s where it gets controversial: when asked about Kizzi’s boyfriend, Tommy, Bingham admits, 'I’m still confused to this day about that.' Did she really keep him a secret? Or was it just a miscommunication? What do you think?
Bingham’s time on Below Deck Mediterranean has been nothing short of eventful, from managing vegan charter guests to working alongside Captain Sandy. 'She’s great,' he says. 'She let me do my thing and understood I needed space to be creative.' But don’t expect him to follow the typical chef schedule. 'I start working at 5 a.m.,' he reveals. 'I see other chefs getting up at 7 a.m. and having coffee, and I’m like, how are they doing that?'
As for his music, Bingham promises more to come. 'You’ve seen a bit of me and my guitar already, but there’s more music on the way,' he teases. With an album dropping next year, it’s clear this chef-musician-clown is just getting started.
But here’s the real question: Can we separate the clown from the chef? Or are they two sides of the same creative coin? Bingham’s journey challenges us to embrace our quirks, chase our passions, and maybe, just maybe, give clowns a chance. After all, as he puts it, 'It’s not about being scary—it’s about being free.'
Below Deck Mediterranean airs Monday nights at 8 PM on Bravo. Tune in to see Bingham in action—and don’t be surprised if you catch him strumming a guitar or sporting a splash of clown makeup. What’s your take on Bingham’s unique approach to life? Let us know in the comments!
