Remember when Johnny Weir was that sequined, blade-wearing enigma who made you cry during the Olympic figure skating? The guy who skated to “Ave Maria” while wearing a swan costume so dramatic it could have filed for divorce? Yeah, that Johnny. You probably haven’t seen him in a rink lately, but trust me, he’s still that same glorious, unapologetic peacock—just in a different kind of jungle.
So, what does Johnny Weir do for a living now? Basically, he talks. A lot. And he gets paid for it, which is the dream of every loud friend at a dinner party. He’s become a full-time commentator and television personality, but not the boring kind who just recites statistics. We’re talking about a man who once described a skater’s costume as “a velvet explosion in a 90s candy store.”
He’s the Voice of Winter (and Not Just on the Ice)
You’ve seen him on NBC, right? During the Winter Olympics, Johnny and his best friend Tara Lipinski are basically the sport’s official hype couple. They sit there in matching designer suits, looking like two aliens who maybe understand human emotions. While other announcers drone on about triple axels, Johnny will lean into the mic and whisper, “Her dress has a train that could rival a wedding in Monaco. I’m obsessed.”
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It’s like having your sassy gay uncle narrate an incredibly stressful ballet. You can’t look away. And honestly, that’s a real job. He’s been doing this since 2014, turning the Olympic commentary booth into a runway. Tara is the logical one; Johnny is the emotional support human. Together, they’ve mastered the art of making you feel like you’re watching the competition from a high-end spa.
He’s a Red Carpet Ninja (No, Really)
But wait, there’s more. If you’ve ever watched the E! Network during the Oscars or the Grammys, you’ve seen Johnny transform into a fashion correspondent. And by “fashion correspondent,” I mean he literally becomes the red carpet. He’ll walk up to a celebrity in a dress made entirely of garbage bags and say, “This is a bold choice. I feel the raw, industrial angst.” And the celebrity just nods, because how do you argue with that?
It’s a genius move, really. While other interviewers are asking about acting methods, Johnny is asking, “Who made your shoes? Are those beaded or just very sweaty crystals?” He treats the red carpet like a figure skating routine: every sequin matters, every sweat stain is a performance. He’s living the dream—getting paid to judge people’s outfits out loud.
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He’s a Small-Screen Survivor (Literally)
And then there’s the reality TV chapter. Remember when he went on The Masked Singer? He was the “Ringmaster,” which feels like the most on-brand disguise possible. He sang “I’m Too Sexy” while wearing a top hat and a sequined bodysuit, and the judges were confused. But Johnny was having the time of his life. It’s the same energy as when you show up to a work potluck wearing a full ballgown—unnecessary, but undeniably memorable.
He’s also popped up on shows like Law & Order: SVU (playing a diva, obviously) and even competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2022. Spoiler: he didn’t win. But did he care? No. He wore a sheer black catsuit and winked at the camera. That’s what winning looks like when you’ve already won the genetic lottery for confidence.
The Side Hustle That’s Actually a Lifestyle
Off-screen, Johnny has a jewelry line and a memoir. But let’s be real: his biggest side hustle is being Johnny Weir. He posts daily on Instagram, usually a photo of his dog or himself in a jacket that costs more than your rent. Captions are things like, “When life gives you lemons, make a lemonade stand, but only if the stand is crystal-encrusted.”
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He also does live virtual meet-and-greets, where fans pay him to just talk about life. Can you imagine? You log on, and Johnny Weir is sitting there in a silk robe, telling you that your Zoom background is “very coastal grandmother chic.” That’s a legitimate transaction now. He’s turned his entire personality into a profitable, wearable art piece.
The Bottom Line (Which is Probably a Bejeweled Sandal)
So, what does Johnny Weir do for a living? Anything he wants. He’s a commentator, a fashion critic, a reality star, a dog dad, and a professional vibe. He took the skills he learned from figure skating—balance, showmanship, the ability to fall gracefully—and applied them to life. While you’re stressing about spreadsheets, Johnny is arguing about whether a blazer’s shoulder pads are “too 1985.”
And the best part? He’s genuinely happy. There’s no mid-life crisis here. No “I-should-have-been-a-dentist” regret. He just keeps rolling through jobs like a glittery tumbleweed. Next week, he might be commentating on a dog show or designing a line of toilet paper that sings. Honestly, I’d bet on the toilet paper. It would probably have better choreography than most people’s morning routines.
So next time you’re feeling stuck in your own career, just ask yourself: What would Johnny Weir do? The answer is, he’d show up in a feathered cape, critique the lighting, and somehow make it look like a promotion. Now go find your inner swan.