- Retired NYPD detective Rodney “PANIC” Rodriguez is a contestant on Fear Factor: House of Fear.
- The 59-year-old graffiti artist and former undercover detective faces extreme stunts for a $200,000 prize.
- Fourteen contestants lived in an isolated mansion and competed in gut‑wrenching challenges hosted by Johnny Knoxville.
- Watch the official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZtdnU6nuQk
H2: Ex‑NYPD detective takes on revived Fear Factor
Rodney Rodriguez, a 59‑year‑old retired NYPD detective from Freeport who paints under the name “PANIC,” is one of 14 competitors on Fox’s revived Fear Factor: House of Fear. The series premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. on FOX/5 and pits contestants against physical and psychological stunts for a grand prize of $200,000.
H3: From graffiti tags to undercover work
Rodriguez started as a graffiti artist in the 1980s and later earned a degree in art and advertising. On a dare he took the NYPD exam in 1988 and joined the force in 1991. His 25‑year career included work with Transit Authority police, undercover narcotics operations and eight years in the Firearms Analysis Section. He now returns to his art, selling street‑inspired pieces online at https://artpal.com/panicrodriguez.
H3: Tough stunts and a tough test
Contestants lived together in an isolated mansion while tackling stunts designed to push physical limits and fear responses. Challenges on the show include being encased in concrete, standing in a Plexiglas box while creatures are released, and enduring near‑airtight vacuum compression with only an air hose and a panic button. Rodriguez says the experience humbled him: “You think you are brave and macho until you get there.” The series is hosted by stunt performer Johnny Knoxville.
H2: Why Rodriguez signed up
After nine years of retirement, Rodriguez told reporters he wanted to get his “blood rolling” and test himself in real situations rather than just imagining them. A self‑described fan of the original Fear Factor and of Survivor, he said the chance to measure his reaction under pressure was irresistible.
H3: Local life and interests
Rodriguez is a father of two adult children and moved to Freeport after his divorce. He bowls in a league in nearby Rockville Centre and maintains his art practice. His public persona — Rodney “PANIC” Rodriguez — links his street‑art roots to his current mural and gallery work.
H2: Watch and follow
Embedded trailer (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZtdnU6nuQk
The show airs Sundays on FOX. For fans of true‑test stunt shows and viewers curious how a former detective handles fear, Rodriguez’s run is a headline storyline in this revival season.
Image Referance: https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/fear-factor-fox-rodney-rodriguez-stukkf8x
