Shorewood resident goes on Big Brother

Former Shorewood resident Scottie Salton, a 26-year old shipping manager, is a cast member on Season 20 of “Big Brother,” which airs at 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. Sundays on CBS.

Big Brother is a reality show in which contestants, called “houseguests,” live together in a house and are constantly under surveillance. Over a 99-day period, they must form alliances and participate in competitions to vote one another out of the house.

Salton, like other houseguests, is hoping to be the last one standing to win the $500,000 prize.

Salton currently lives in Chicago, according to his cast member profile. He previously worked at AMC Showplace 16 in Naperville.

During his introduction video on premiere night last Friday, viewers saw a village of Shorewood sign as well as downtown Joliet sites in the background.

Cooper Bohn, who met Salton at improv classes in Chicago, said he was surprised when he saw his friend on TV.

“I didn’t believe it at first, but when I saw it I freaked out,” Bohn said. “Every time he comes on the screen, I still can’t believe I know that guy.”

Sydney Denney, a 25-year-old Naperville resident who worked with Salton at AMC, said she’s rooting for his victory.

“I definitely hope that he can make it all the way,” Denney said. “He’s honestly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He wants the best for everyone, like we want for him now.”

Bohn said Salton is a “wild card” and thinks he’ll surprise the other contestants.

“Scottie is very competitive and knows how to play games,” Bohn said. “He may not seem like one of the big players at first, but I think he’s gonna surprise a lot of people.”

Denney said Salton is more athletic than he looks, and “Big Brother” Executive Producer Allison Grodner agreed.

“We always love casting ‘Big Brother’ superfans, and Scottie definitely brings something new to the table. Behind the geeky exterior, he’s more athletic and self-aware than his fellow houseguests might expect,” Grodner said.

Denney said watching her friend on TV has been awesome.

“It’s honestly is so weird, just because especially knowing him and how socially awkward he can be,” Denney said. “I know his sister, and we were talking about how we’re fangirling over seeing him on TV.”

Houseguests were shocked on premiere night when Salton revealed he has never been kissed. Denney said she hopes Salton doesn’t get romantically involved with anyone.

“I know a lot of people are talking about, ‘Oh, he’s such a sad virgin,’” Denney said. “He doesn’t care about any of that stuff, so I don’t wish a showmance for him, anything like that. I hope he stays out of that.”

Salton’s favorite activities include disc golf, CrossFit and watching movies. He said he was catcalled at AMC during a screening of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” He also mentioned an argument with a customer.

“I guarantee those things happened,” Denney said. “Those things happen to us all the time at the movie theater.”

Salton’s life motto is “When the shark is hungry, he eats!” and Salton plans to evict “floaters” – people who play under the radar – and keep competitive players around.

“He’s very goofy – just like he’s portrayed on the show – very quirky,” Denney said. “He’s really energetic.”