’90 Day Fiancé’ Star Big Ed Admits When He Met Rosemarie It Was Like A ‘Gut Punch’
The breakout star of the current season of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, Big Ed, is opening up about the “surreal” and emotional experience of traveling 7,000 miles to meet his online love, Rosemarie. While the San Diego native arrived in the Philippines with high hopes, he admitted in a recent interview that their initial face-to-face encounter didn’t exactly go as planned.
The Height of the Matter
After three months of daily video chats and constant messaging, the physical reality of their meeting provided an immediate hurdle. Ed confessed that he hadn’t been entirely forthcoming about his stature during their digital courtship.
“For three months we FaceTimed. I did tell her we’re the same height,” Ed explained. “She expected me to be 5’2”, but I’m 4’11”.“
The discrepancy led to a blunt reaction from Rosemarie, who noted she expected him to be taller. Ed described the moment as a “gut punch” that momentarily took the wind out of his sails.
Overcoming Adversity and Bullying
Beyond the romantic drama, Ed’s appearance on the hit TLC show has shone a light on Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS), a rare condition characterized by the abnormal fusion of two or more bones in the neck. Ed revealed that while he initially faced a wave of online bullying regarding his appearance, the narrative has shifted toward something far more meaningful.
“I was teased all my life… I started getting letters from South Africa to the East Coast telling me, ‘Hey, I have the same syndrome as you.’ Knowing that I’m impacting lives makes it all worth while.”
Mayonnaise and “Egg Salad” Warnings
The interview also touched on some of Ed’s more eccentric habits that have captured the internet’s attention—specifically, his use of mayonnaise as a hair treatment. Ed stood by the unconventional method, noting it helps manage his sensitive skin after dyeing his hair. However, he offered a crucial tip for anyone looking to replicate the glow: “You have to make sure you wash it out twice because if not, you smell like an egg salad sandwich.”
A “Dream-Like” Journey
Despite the initial “gut punch” regarding his height and the “extreme” conditions of the trip—including a lack of indoor plumbing and air conditioning—Ed remains optimistic about his journey. While he remained tight-lipped about the current status of his relationship to avoid spoilers, he teased that the upcoming episodes will only get more intense.
“It’s like a dream, but it did [happen],” Ed said. “It gets crazy and fun and emotional.”
