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Chicago Tow Boss Bill Gratzianna Adjusts to Life as TV Star
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
07/30/2008
Chicago, IL
 
Bill Gratzianna has to play the role of brother, boss, and coach. (Photo: SPEED) ยป More Photos

On the heels of record ratings for a SPEED original series premiere, Wrecked’s Bill Gratzianna, owner of O’Hare Towing Service in Chicago, opens up about his most dangerous towing calls, messiest jobs and what shocked him most about seeing himself on television.

SPEED: What has been the biggest adjustment to cameras following you all day?

Gratzianna: “When we first started filming, I tried to sugarcoat myself and tried to be very even-keeled and politically correct. Everything was warm and fuzzy in my world. That went down the toilet quickly because I’m in such a pressure cooker to get the road back open, get the customer serviced and get out of harm’s way, that I can only put on that face for so long before I’m like, ‘play time is over, fellas. Now it’s time to get this thing done and here’s the real me.’ I started off soft and then threw caution to the wind. If someone only thinks that’s for good TV, that’s fine. But I still have an interstate to clear.”

SPEED: After shooting Wrecked for several weeks, now that you’ve seen the first few episodes,
what do you think so far?

Gratzianna: “I’m very impressed with it. It’s very surreal to see and hear myself on TV. I sat there and denied for a while that I look or sound like that, and it’s taken a bit of getting used to.”

SPEED: Is there anything you’ve learned about yourself from watching Wrecked?

Gratzianna: “The fact I talk like a drunk sailor is one of the negatives I’ve noticed. People are even talking about my cursing in online chat rooms. I certainly don’t do it intentionally and now I see it’s an issue I need to work on.

“I also didn’t realize some of the things my family goes through when I’m out doing my job to support them. They’re worried about me being out all night, not knowing if I’m coming or going. That has been an eye-opener for me.”

Read more about Bill

New Episodes of "Wrecked" can be seen on SPEED every Thursday at 10pm ET

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