Retta hosts new show “Scariest House in America”

On the hit NBC show Parks and RecreationActress and comedian Retta’s character Donna Meagle introduced “Treat Yo Self Day,” a fictional holiday that encourages people to buy themselves anything they want just because they want it. Over the years, 54-year-old Retta admits her own approach to treating herself has evolved. “I allow myself to engage in experiences rather than products,” says Retta, who also appeared in the NBC series Good girls and the Netflix film Hitman. She currently hosts HGTVs Ugliest house in America and its new spin-off, The scariest house in Americawhich premieres October 4, and she tells AARP how she made the decision to pursue acting instead of going to medical school, what advice she gives to aspiring actors, and the three biggest design mistakes she’s learned after making six Traveled through all these houses for seasons.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What was it like filming your new show? The scariest house in America?

It was an experience. When they first asked me to do it The scariest house I thought this series would be about people decorating their homes for Halloween. I didn’t know it would be scary, because of the stairs that weren’t built properly, or a former prison where bats live, or that one house with all the death traps. I don’t like scary movies and every creak and creature scares me a little, so I didn’t enjoy this part.

Do you believe in the supernatural? And did you have any ghostly experiences on set?

Although I believe in the supernatural, I had no experience during filming. I’ve heard that battery drains are common in haunted houses, and the crew said their cameras’ batteries were draining very quickly in two locations. While filming behind-the-scenes footage, the crew had to change the batteries in their cameras about five times, whereas normally they would need to be changed maybe twice a day.

Season 6 of Ugliest house in America returns in 2025. What are the three most important design lessons you learned from the show?

Well, carpeting in the bathroom is a big no-no. Take your time when trying to decorate. Don’t rush because you will end up getting things that you are not in love with and then you will be angry and want to replace them. And I would say don’t do concrete floors – your knees will regret it.