Jake Pavelka

Jacob Lynn "Jake" Pavelka (born January 27, 1978) is an American television personality, pilot, actor, and model who appeared on six reality TV programs, most notably The Bachelor.

Early life and career

Pavelka was born in Dallas, Texas to Sallie Lanell (née Mack), a nurse, and James Lynn Pavelka. He is the middle of three sons. His brothers, Jason and Matthew, are both married. He has two nephews. Pavelka grew up in Denton, Texas, and he started taking flying lessons when he was twelve. He eventually worked as a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines, and under the name of Jake Landrum, acted in several television commercials and programs produced in the Dallas area. Pavelka is a cousin of fitness model, television presenter, actor and personal trainer Jessie Pavelka. Pavelka participates in triathlons and has been active in fitness throughout his life.

Reality television

Pavelka first appeared as a contestant in 2009, in the fifth season of the ABC reality show The Bachelorette. He was eliminated by the Canadian Jillian Harris before hometowns, but was brought back by the network to star in the 14th season of its series The Bachelor in 2010. The program's run ended with Pavelka proposing marriage to contestant Vienna Girardi in the March 2010 finale. They split up in June 2010.