LOS ANGELES - Jase Wirey used to sleep in a tent in the desert lands of the Middle East with fellow members of the Air Force.

But not even that was as grueling as living in a home in Studio City, Calif., with about a dozen strangers for the CBS reality television show "Big Brother 5," he said.

"It was one of the most trying experiences I've ever had," said Wirey, 28, a Long Creek volunteer firefighter and Taylorville High School graduate.

He said the "Big Brother" house may have a swimming pool and a hot tub, but it feels more like you're trapped in a prison.

"It's a nice jail," he said with a chuckle.

Wirey's hopes of winning a half-million dollars were extinguished when he was evicted from the home. But the experience only served to fan the flames of Wirey's desire to get in front of the camera again as an actor. Wirey said he developed a passion for acting while studying at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

As the show's Orwellian title suggests, contestants were given little privacy. They are monitored around the clock by video cameras and "trapped" onsite, he said.

"It's like a fish in a fish tank," he said.

Wirey's mother, Liz Atwood of Princeton, who moved recently from Long Creek, would watch the TV shows that air Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. But she didn't stop there.

Not by a long shot.

Atwood also would watch her son virtually around the clock from a live video feed available on the program's Web site.

"I'm so worn out, I'm actually kind of glad that he's out of the house," she said with a chuckle. "Those cameras are on them 24/7, so you get to see all the behind-the-scenes stuff.

"I'm really proud of him. He did really well."

Contestants engaged in Machiavellian maneuvering, forming alliances and voting blocs to keep from being evicted. Wirey was evicted after his alliance suffered an internal breakdown.

"I wouldn't do 'Big Brother' again," he said. "But as far as entertainment, I love entertaining. I have a passion for the craft, and I'm actively open to pursuing a career in acting."

Arnold Shapiro, executive producer of the "Big Brother" series, said Wirey was one of show's most colorful and memorable houseguests.

"He really stirred things up," Shapiro said.

Shapiro said Wirey was selected because of his outgoing personality, charisma, good looks and charming personality, among other qualities. If anything, acting aspirations would be a liability, he said.

"The last thing we want to put in the house are actors," he said. Shapiro said he knew of no reality show contestant who has become a successful actor.

Back in the Heartland, Wirey had a loyal cheering section at Gold's Gym in Mount Zion. Before leaving for California, Wirey was a regular at the gym.

That was apparent on the TV show when Wirey would show off his chiseled body, said gym owner Jon Aschermann.

"His physique did Gold's Gym proud," he said. "He was very focused and dedicated to working out.

"If he puts the same effort into acting, maybe we'll see him on the big screen."

Friend Betsy Quigg of Decatur said Wirey's "extreme personality" came out on the show, but she thinks the TV show may have "vilified" his true personality.

"He's a sweet guy, a funny guy - the type of guy most people want to be around," she said. "I'm sad he didn't win, but I think something bigger and better will come for him."

Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier@;herald-review.com or 421-7985.