Mariann Thomassen, 47, has experienced a lot since rising to prominence as the frontwoman of the rock band “Surferosa” in the early 2000s.
The band released several albums, toured extensively across Norway, and even competed in the Melodi Grand Prix before members went their separate ways in 2010.
Throughout this period, Thomassen garnered attention not only for her music but also for her vibrant style and ever-changing hairstyles.
The artist has also appeared on television, including as a judge on “Idol” in 2007 and as a contestant on “71 Degrees North – Norway’s Toughest Celebrity” in 2015.
Today, her life looks different. Thomassen is married, has two children, and sports what she describes as a “seemingly normal” hairstyle.
“Am I Famous Enough?”
Thomassen is currently featured in season two of “The Guardian,” where contestants navigate challenging stages in the Sunnmøre Alps. The mountainous region is not far from Strynn, where Thomassen grew up.
She admits she was surprised when she received the invitation to participate.
– I thought: Am I still famous enough? Have I been forgotten?, says Thomassen to TV 2, laughing.
According to Thomassen, she never doubted wanting to participate, but first needed to ensure her husband could manage things at home alone for a while.
She also emphasizes that the band has made a comeback, and she was emerging from the “small-child bubble.”
Was Cast Late
Even though it had been over ten years since she participated in a journey to North Cape with other celebrities, and she had gone through two pregnancies, she believed her fitness level was still okay. She had also heard rumors that “The Guardian” wouldn’t be that physically demanding.
– It’s embarrassing to say, but I’ve never been in worse shape than when I went up into the mountains, Thomassen admits.
She explains that she joined “The Guardian” on short notice and simply didn’t have enough time to build up her fitness level as she would have liked.
– I was cast incredibly late and should really have just gone all in. But I thought I could get in shape during the program. I imagined it would operate out, she says.
It didn’t quite go as planned.
– It was brutally tough. Bad weather, slippery in the mountains, and a lot happening all the time. I also noticed that the mental aspect made my body feel heavier, she says.
In addition to the challenging stages, it rained a lot, which didn’t exactly help the mood.
– I was the one complaining, and I don’t like complaining or people who complain.
Started Training After Filming
The experience was a wake-up call. After filming, Thomassen decided to accept action.
– So, I started training. Thank you, “The Guardian” and TV 2 – it simply became a kick in the pants, she says with a laugh.
She says she quickly returned to the gym after the summer vacation, and that the experiences from the mountains have sparked a desire for a more active life.
– It’s good for me. I’ve learned a lot, including how to build a fire almost anywhere. I learned that from Isak Dreyer. Not everything he does interests me. But you have to pick and choose a bit, she says.
One of the hardest parts on the way up the mountain was having to ask for help.
– When people had to help me with my backpack, that was a defeat for me. It’s a really bad feeling, but it had to happen sometimes for the team to move forward, says Thomassen.
Despite the challenges, she doesn’t regret it.
– No, I don’t regret anything. I’m glad I said yes and just jumped in, she says.
