Ripping the City with Brett Brown, Portland’s Favorite Reality Star

Ever since Brett Brown swiftly courted and married his now-wife on Netflix, he’s become reality TV royalty. Three years ago, Brown tied the knot with Tiffany Pennywell, a costar on the Seattle-set fourth season of Love Is Blind. Fast-forward to today: The 38-year-old and his wife recently bought a home in Beaverton and live a down-to-earth life surrounded by a strong support system, a big reason why he has no plans to leave the Portland area anytime soon. “I have a solid group of people that I know that aren’t tied to my career,” Brown says. “Other places I’ve lived I’ve had a really hard time finding that community.”

Despite the fame, Brown is a self-proclaimed introvert. While he’s still part of the Netflix family and may pop up at a few events, he has no small- or big-screen ambitions—at least not in front of the camera. “I have more aspiration of being a director, writer, or producer,” Brown admits. “I’ve actually been writing a screenplay on my own time for the last six months.” While he’s keeping the details under wraps, he’s not shy about sharing his thoughts on a Portland version of the show that brought him fame: “I don’t think there could ever be a Love Is Blind in Portland. It’s too small,” he says. “Everybody would know each other.”

Best Love Is Blind moment? Andrew pulling out the eye drops in season 3.

Favorite place in the city to clear your mind? Fields Park.

Favorite part about summer? The versatility I can have with what I wear.

Go-to Portland restaurants to take out-of-towners? Departure, Lechon, and Akadi.

Food or drink you hate that everyone seems to love? Bloody Mary.

A retail store that is Portland’s best kept secret? Michael Allen’s.

Favorite TV show? Right now, The White Lotus and Black Mirror. To rewatch, Seinfeld and The Wire.

Favorite book? Grit by Angela Duckworth.

Eternal playlist song? “The World Is Yours” by Nas.

Favorite Oregon road trip? Crater Lake. It was breathtaking.

Local summer dish you love? Suya wings—year round.

Who’s your hero? Muhammad Ali.

Best advice you’ve received? Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Worst advice you’ve received? I don’t think my mind has made a place for bad advice.

Scariest career moment? Being laid off and moving to Miami for a start-up.

What’s your mantra? OK. And? It’s my way of keeping myself positive when things happen that are out of my control. We’re acknowledging that it happened. But what now?

The best gift you’ve received? My James Bond–themed birthday party my wife threw me last year. 

What excites you the most about the future of Portland? I feel like Portland is in need of a rebirth. The city still hasn’t recovered from COVID.

Three words that describe Portland? Weird. Local. Creative.

Three words that describe you? Resilient. Strong. Curious.