Admin | Monday, March 18, 2002 - 09:51 am     SKOFIELD FAMILY (Las Vegas) With tied dyed t-shirts, bleached hair and body piercing, you can call the Skofields “New-Age Hippies.” They are a free and accepting family known to seek out new adventures and experiences. It is not unusual for them to go to a rave party together. Friends call them bold, opinionated and say that they don’t conform to social conventions. The kids are open and honest with their parents, and they admit Dad can be a handful. Father: Mike Skofield Age: 41 Occupation: Parent Trainer Mike is a 41-year-old club kid who could be a Calvin Klein model. While he likes to have fun, Mike is protective of his family and wishes he was more of a “hugger.” He’s suspicious, outspoken, skeptical and at times impulsive. Make no mistake; he’s in charge of the Skofields. Quote: “Obviously we’re going to win. I’m a participator. I’m not a spectator. I’ll definitely be myself, because that’s what I do.” * * * Mother: Holly Skofield Age: 36 Occupation: Concierge While Mike runs the family, Holly runs the house. She is the quiet defender of her family’s liberal lifestyle. This former nurse can sometimes be overshadowed by the “big personalities” of her husband and teenage kids. Quote: “Hopefully we’ll get closer as a family. Sometimes it’s hard to get back to the heart of the home and focus on being a family rather than an individual.” * * * Son: Matt Skofield Age: 17 In a game of truth or dare, Matt is always the dare person. With his hot looks and his “player” mentality, it is no wonder that he aspires to be an actor, but this 17-year-old is more than a pretty face. He’s sensitive and supportive of others. Sometimes Dad gets on his nerves, but to Matt, Mike Skofield is the definition of “cool.” Quote: “What I hope to get out of this? Publicity, fame. I want to be noticed, discovered because I love entertainment.” * * * Daughter: Brittany Skofield Age: 15 Brittany is outgoing and forthright in a very innocent way. She is animated, spontaneous and lively. Quote: “I’m scared because I don’t’ know what’s going to happen, if I’m going to kill my family or they’re going to kill me.” * * * * * * THE McRAES (Orlando, Fla.) “Get It Done.” That’s the mantra for this close knit, devoted and inspirational family. Their motive for being on “Under One Roof” is clear; they want to win a house, because they’re the only family on the show that doesn’t own one. They’ve struggled financially. But to them, wealth is measured by what’s in the heart, not the pocketbook. Dad: Larry McRae Age: 43 Occupation: Musician Don’t mess with Larry! This former corrections officer is a God-fearing-man who demands respect. He leaves no room for failure. A a bass player, Larry has worked with the likes of Roberta Flack, George Benson, Marvin Hamlisch, Phyllis Hyman, Sadao Watanabe, Angela Bofill and Peabo Bryson. He is now a studio musician and composer. Outspoken, determined, disciplined, Larry lectures his family with motivational speeches. But as serious as he is, Larry’s also know for “PDA,” public displays of affection. Quote: “Everyone needs to have an ear listening to their heart.” * * * Mother: Jeanell McRae Age: 45 Occupation: Teacher Jeanell fell in love with Larry at a church meeting. While he’s forceful, she’s cooperative and clearly anchors the family. Jeanell is devoted to teaching and nurturing her teenagers. Quote: “My husband is a wonderful leader. He has sharp ears, very sharp eyes. I am the kind of person that is somewhat diplomatic. I think I add cohesiveness to the group.” * * * Daughter: Shannon McRae Age: 17 Attractive, poised and articulate, Shannon is a mature teen who is the product of her parents’ dedication to rules, structure and faith. She’s an optimist who dreams of being a fashion designer. Turn on: her boyfriend. Turn off: injustice. Quote: “The thing to remember here is to always put family first.” * * * Son: Trent McRae Age: 15 The next stop for Trent just might be the U.S. Open. He is an avid tennis player. In fact, the McRaes relocated from New York to Orlando to further Trent's promising tennis career. He’s focused, determined and has no time for the ladies. Don’t get into an argument with this guy. His competitive nature will not allow him to back down. Quote: “The other families? One might be really religious or another one very liberal. I just think all of the other families are going to be…almost opposites.” * * * Daughter: Kirsten McRae Age: 11 The Brain. That’s Kirsten in a nutshell. Smart beyond her years. Her favorite hobby is reading. Kirsten has a strong will and doesn’t like to be pushed around by her older siblings. Her M.O. is honesty. Even if it hurts. Quote: “What I hope to get out of this? Just the house. Don’t give me money, just the house. I want my own room. I'm sick of sharing a room, I’ve shared a room since I was 3.” * * * * * * THE PAGANIS (Henderson, Nev.) The Paganis are survivors. They’ve endured separation and financial difficulties. Their family restaurant in Los Angeles went under, forcing them to start over in a Las Vegas suburb. The kids had to leave their friends behind for a new life. Although they were sad at first, it forced them to bond and come back stronger than ever. Father: Jorge Pagani Age: 51 Occupation: Restaurant Manager This Argentinean has the look of Gary Oldman with the sound of Antonio Banderas. Jorge is a sensitive dad who leaves the disciplinary role to his wife, Robin. With a spring in his step and a smile on his face, -- Jorge is the ultimate peacemaker. Quote: “I think we’ll do great. I think we’re going to have to listen a little more than usual and make decisions. I feel like we’ve already won just being there, just being able to go.” * * * Mother: Robin Pagani Age: 39 Occupation: Restaurateur Every family has a leader, and yoga-loving Robin is that for the Paganis. Fearful of having to survive on the island without Starbuck’s coffee, this mother is competitive, determined and motivated. Often seen relaxing with a snake wrapped around her neck, Robin holds the family together with words of inspiration. Quote: “We’re risk takers. We like to do things other people might consider… out of the norm. We’re really active, real close and we love to be together.” * * * Daughter: Marchela Pagani Age: 16 Bright, warm, sweet-hearted and pretty are only a few words to describe this sensitive Pagani daughter. Marchela is often found fighting boys off with a stick. She hopes to someday be a psychologist. Quote: “I’m kind of bossy toward my brother and sister. I’m pretty helpful… with my mom, I’m her little assistant kind of thing. So I guess that’s my role… in the family.” * * * Son: Giancarlo Pagani Age: 15 This redheaded independent teenager is extremely loving and protective of his sisters. This boxer is very tame. But if the guys start hitting on his sisters, watch out. Quote: “ We’re a strong family. We’ve just got to work on some stuff.” * * * Daughter: Bianca Pagani Age: 11 Mature beyond her years, this redheaded, freckled beauty displays adult behavior but never forgets her role as the youngest in the Pagani family. This precocious pre-teen is outspoken and emotional. Quote: “The good part will be that we spend time together. The bad part is we might get sick of one another.” * * * * * * THE HATMAKERS (Galveston, Texas) The Hatmakers have spent the last year dealing with personal tragedy; the loss of a husband and father. Slowly putting the pieces back together, these Southern Texans are looking to start anew with this experience. But, there’s a wrinkle. The Hatmakers bring with them an old family friend. Mom: Michelle Hatmaker Occupation: Clinic Director Age: 39 This former Mrs. Texas is no prissy pageant queen. She excels in both cheerleading and athletics, but don’t let Michelle Hatmaker’s angelic looks fool you; she is fiercely competitive. Michelle is a headstrong businesswoman, yet she would move to Hollywood to pursue acting. Quote: “I think the past year has been really rough. There’s been a lot of pain and sad times. Daniel graduating and not having his dad here. The trip will test our communication skills. It’s going to test our loyalty to one another. I think the worst thing that could happened would be that maybe emotionally, we thought we were ready for it and I guess the possibility is there that maybe we’re not. Whether we win the house or not, the lesson that comes out of it will be worth a lot.” * * * Family Friend: Mark Anderson Age: 38 Occupation: Cinematographer As Michelle’s best friend for years, Mark’s motive on UPN’s “Under One Roof” is clear -- to win a house for the Hatmakers. Mark is a bodybuilding biker and ex-marine who plans to be a key asset to team Hatmaker. Quote: “I’ve been a family friend for so long, the boys were always kind of protective of their mother. Now we’ve been bonding… doing things together as a family. So we really don’t know where this is going to lead, but it’s really cool.” * * * Son: Daniel Hatmaker Age: 18 This articulate, baseball-loving attractive 18-year-old young man is never without a point of view. Since his father’s death, he has found a new life of responsibility. Often the spokesperson for the family, this college freshman can’t help but protect his Mom and little brother. Quote: “What do I hope to get out of this? A trip to the Playboy Mansion. Maybe go to a party or to meet Denise Richards, one of the two. Feelings wise, I think this can bring our family closer, cause I don’t think there’s anything that could tear our family apart.” * * * Son: Jonathan Hatmaker Age: 14 One thing is for certain when it comes to Jonathan, he will never talk your ear off. With blonde wavy hair and big blue-eyes, this Texan is both sensitive and mischievous at the same time. Quiet by nature, this rebellious teen is one to keep your eye on. Quote: “I hope we learn new things with this trip, and I want to have fun. If we win, okay, if we don’t, it really doesn’t matter to me. I don’t care.” * * * * * * THE DISTELS (Huntington Beach, Calif.) The Dad is on the road; the sister is in the musicals; the brother is on his skateboard, and the mom is trying to keep it all together. The Distels are so busy, they hardly get to see one another. They hope UNDER ONE ROOF will give them time to talk and reconnect for a while without cellular phones and videogames. Dad: Mike Distel Age: 43 Sales Executive Although he is the son of an ex-marine, Mike Distel couldn’t be more of a teddy bear. He goes out of his way to be the nice parent. Mike has a way of saying it like it is, without offending anyone. He is a successful sales executive who spent the child rearing years away from home, leaving Lyn to raise and discipline the kids. Quote: “As they’ve gotten to be teenagers, they won’t do anything with us anymore. This (experience) is going to be what we call in our family… FFF… forced family fun. This is one opportunity to force the family fun, maybe, for the last time” * * * Mom: Lynn Distel Age: 43 Library Clerk Lyn is an outgoing, forceful and lively. She will not quit. For Lyn the hardest part of leaving her hometown for the life of paradise would be the absence of malls. The more Lyn attempts to discipline her teens, the more rebellious they become. Quote: “I have to let them (children) go and lead their own lives. But that’s really hard. My son (David) used to talk to me more than he does now. He’s very, very private. That’s the age. My little Melissa, still shares a lot with me. She has very strong convictions and doesn’t hesitate to tell me when I’m wrong. Sometimes it hurts me. They’re just turning into adults.” * * * Daughter: Melissa Distel Age: 16 With a vocabulary more advanced than most adults, Melissa is a bright, attractive, sophisticated teen who performs in school musicals. This self-described type “A” personality is never afraid to speak her mind. Sensitive in nature, Melissa has a strong sense of justice and will leap into the fray to protect someone she considers more vulnerable. Quote: “I might gain a higher level of tolerance for my family. But, maybe not. Maybe I’ll just end up hating them. It could go either way.” * * * Son: David Distel Age: 15 David is a rebel. David prides himself on his sarcastic sense of humor and sharp wit. This guitar player loves to hang out at the beach and believes that one of his best skills is his ability to argue a point to death. Quote: “I don’t know why I’m going. My parents are making me. They said they’d give me $500 if we made it.” |