Summer House” fans received a surprising revelation when Carl Radke disclosed that the name they’ve known him by throughout his reality TV career isn’t actually his legal first name, and shared an unexpected family tradition that has shaped his identity since birth.
The 40-year-old Bravo personality disclosed this during a recent interview, explaining how his family’s unique naming customs have influenced his entire life and created confusion with official documents and identification.
Family Tradition Behind the Name Switch
During his appearance on “PopViewers” on Friday, August 8, Radke explained the reasoning behind his name usage that has lasted his entire lifetime. “My middle name is Carl,” he shared. “My family — we always, for whatever reason, we always went by your middle name. My brother even went by his middle name. But my ID and my passport — my first name is William.”
The reality star noted that this wasn’t a recent decision or stage name choice, but rather a lifelong family practice. “So my middle name is Carl, but I’ve always, since day one, been called Carl.”
This family tradition extended beyond just Radke, affecting multiple generations of his family members. The practice seems to be deeply rooted in family customs, though the specific origins remain somewhat mysterious even to Radke himself.
“It’s a family thing,” he explained on “PopViewers.” “My mom has a different explanation for it, which I don’t understand. But yeah, my full name is William Carl [Radke].”
The revelation adds an interesting aspect to the reality star’s identity. His brother, Curtis, who sadly passed away in 2020, also followed this same family naming convention. However, he used his middle name rather than his legal first name.
Life Beyond the Name Revelation
While discussing his name, Radke also opened up about other aspects of his current life. This included his dating situation following his split from fellow “Summer House” cast member Lindsay Hubbard. The former couple ended their engagement nearly two years ago. Since then, Radke has been focusing on personal growth and his career.
“I’ve been dating a little bit, but I’ve been really focused on work,” he shared with People in May. His approach to relationships has evolved, with specific qualities he values in potential partners. “Someone who is smart, is good with their family, and likes to be a little silly and giggle,” he described as his ideal match.
Radke is preparing to return for “Summer House’s” upcoming tenth season, which is currently in production. He expressed enthusiasm about spending another summer in the Hamptons with his friend group, continuing the show that launched his television career.
Additionally, fans can look forward to his forthcoming memoir titled “Cake Eater,” which will chronicle his journey with sobriety, personal growth, and dealing with grief after losing his brother. The book promises to mix vulnerability with humor while covering topics like resilience and personal growth.
