This week, Bravo’s Below Deck set sail on its tenth season, embarking on another high seas adventure of classy cruisers, their not-so-classy drama, and the crew members who have to keep everything afloat.
Even if you have a low tolerance for the network’s brand of “reality,” Below Deck has always offered something a little different thanks to its gratuitous “vacation p*rn,” as its superyachts travel across blue waters from one stunning destination to the next.
But there’s one more reason to tune into this season aboard the lavish St. David yacht, and that’s “Chief Stew” Fraser Olender, the first gay man—and the first man, period—to hold the crucial role in the series’ decade-long history.
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For those (understandably) not up on fancy boat lingo, “Chief Stew” is short for Chief Steward, a.k.a. the senior-most member of a ship’s hospitality staff. While the role’s responsibilities can vary, the Chief Stew is frequently in charge of personnel management, menu and event planning, inventory, and general guest satisfaction. No pressure at all!
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Related: Former Gay Porn Models Get Engaged On Bravo’s “Below Deck”
The London-born Olender first appeared in Below Deck‘s ninth season as the ship’s 2nd Steward, and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his sharp tongue. After his promotion, he steps up in a big way this season, teasing Bravo that he’s “really tested” once “all hell breaks loose,” but manages to run a tight ship regardless.
Honestly? We love seeing a bossy gay take charge, so good on Olender!
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In an interview with The Daily Beast, Olender reflects on what it means for him to be one of the most visible gay men on Bravo (outside of Andy Cohen, of course):
“I’m very, very proud and very honored, and I’m going to do my best to represent the communities as best I can,” he shares. “We’re making huge strides forward. And I think if I can do this, then anyone can do it.”
Related: Is a gay ‘Real Housewives’ series on the horizon? Andy Cohen drops a hint…
And when he’s not busy making history, or keeping everything in ship-shape, Olender likes to spend his time traveling on vacations of his own—and he’s got plenty of photos to prove it. Yes, this Chief Stew’s Instagram looks exactly like you’d expect: Blue skies, gorgeous destinations, wrinkle-free outfits, and the occasional ab here and there.
So long as other people’s vacation pictures don’t fill you with a fiery jealousy, then take a look at a few more of our favorite Olender snaps below:
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Below Deck season 10 is airing right now on Bravo, with new episodes dropping every Monday.
bachy
I don’t know that I’d be able to maintain such a flawless spray tan what with all that traveling, a dif hotel every night! Media and travel management, wardrobe styling, hair, photography… sunscreen application alone would require significant staff on the payroll.
Jack Meoff
Hard pass on the Ken doll.
Paris in Santiago
He’s hot. The man takes good care of himself and knows how to dress. And he represents. He has a great job, too!
abfab
Tell me what he represents.
Ronbo
Abfab prefers a term with an “X” in it like ‘CaucasionX’. Dividing and separating the community into tiny warring communities.
Paris in Santiago
To Ab Fab: he represents the gay community. It is a shitty time politically for us all, and he’s putting himself out there to (1) show that queer men can be professional (2) the hospitality industry is and has always been an opportunity to work as a professional, and get perks for doing so (3) travel is great for expanding minds and experiences which, quite frankly, alot of Americans need.
abfab
Thanks Paris for answering my question.
And ronbo, you have me confused with someone else…so bite me.
Ronbo
Abfabulously avoiding your rabies. No biting, only baiting.
DMos
The article also could have pointed out that he’s not only the first gay man across the entire Below Deck franchise to hold the rank of Chief Stew, but the first man to hold that position at all. Between Below Deck, Below Deck Med, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Below Deck Down Under, and now Below Deck Adventure that particular rank has always been held by a woman and never by a man whether gay, straight or otherwise. For some reason the writer accidentally left that detail out.
M K
I’m sure if you looked up the word “insufferable” in the dictionary it would have his picture right next to it. He’s just so anxious-ridden with no just reason. And this “oh I’m so bad and incapable”, is really only so others can assure him he’s not… let me pander for compliments. Oh please.
Paris in Santiago
Uh…you know it’s a scripted reality show and he’s paid to say those things? And gets paid thousands a week for doing so?
Kangol2
He is brittle as crystal but he’s pretty entertaining, I’ll give him that.
SDR94103
not really.
johncp56
Had a crushhard I love thin slender guys in the first place he is a cuttie hope i he is on board again