Chris Harrison Chris Harrison began his television career by covering local sports in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Dallas, Texas native went to Oklahoma City University on a soccer scholarship and then made the natural transition to sportscasting with a local station. During his six years there, he worked his way up the ranks from part-time sportscaster to weekend sportscaster. He also had he opportunity to cover hard news stories, including the 1995 tragedy at the Federal Building, an event which profoundly affected his perspective on life and career. A visit to L.A. for an audition for a horseracing network led to a permanent move. Three years later he still hosts a daily two-hour show, alongside racing experts on the cable station TVG, which shared programming with FOX Sports Net. Harrison landed the job of host for HGTV's popular primetime series, Designers' Challenge, in 1999, and signed a deal to continue for a third season on that network's highest rated program. In 2001 he became host of The Bachelor. He hosted a full season (65 episodes) of Mall Masters, which was done at Minnesota's Mall of America. He has played a reporter in several feature films and television series, including The Practice, Bounce, and Showtime, starring Robert DeNiro and Eddie Murphy. In his spare time Harrison still plays soccer and has become addicted to golf. He has developed a great appreciation for the weather and lifestyle of Southern California, and spends as much time as possible outdoors with his college sweetheart and wife of more than 8 years, Gwen, and six-month-old baby, Joshua. Byron Velvick Byron Velvick, 40, a professional bass fisherman for 13 years, is a self-described hopeless romantic, and is excited and ready to find his soul-mate, get married and have a family. Byron has been married once and divorced, but definitely enjoys being married more than single. He had never watched The Bachelor before, but his friends recommended he apply, so he's hoping that some "divine intervention" has placed him at the right place at the right time. He's looking for "an intelligent woman with wisdom, a good heart and someone with strong opinions." Byron is more concerned with finding a woman with whom he has a soul connection than a physical connection. A California native, Byron, who has one sister, graduated from University of California at Irvine with a degree in English, with an emphasis in philosophy. And although he did some modeling and television commercial work to have an opportunity to travel, have fun and make some money after he graduated, he has always wanted to become a professional bass fisherman, and was encouraged when he was growing up by a neighbor who taught him the sport's finer points. A two-time U.S. Open champion in 1991 and 1996 on the professional circuit, Byron conveniently lives on a lake outside of Las Vegas. A flexible schedule allows him to spend a great deal of time on the water fishing, as well as traveling, but he's also a true outdoorsman and enjoys biking and hiking and watching the Weather Channel. The Bachelorettes need to beware of their competition: He does have one true love already — his dog, Sabrina, who's a mix of Shar Pei and Ridgeback. Jay Overbye Jay Overbye, 40, a successful New York residential real estate agent, is a romantic and truly looking to fall madly in love. Having never been married, he is at a place in his life where he wants to get married and start a family, and believes that marriage is something that should last forever and only be undertaken one time. Jay, who is extremely close to his family, is one of seven children — five boys and two girls — and has ten nieces and nephews, whom he visits frequently. So it's no surprise that he wants his own family — and soon! It's just a matter of finding the right woman, one who is "generous, financially responsible, intelligent, adventurous and someone who loves life," according to the attractive bachelor. Jay applied for The Bachelor after discussing it with his family and friends, and attended a New York casting call. His strategy is simple: just be himself. He also believes that communication is the most important element of a relationship. The Ridgewood, New Jersey native grew up in Massachusetts and attended the College of Wooster in Ohio, graduating with a degree in communications. His high powered and wide-ranging career has taken him from the public relations staff of the Cleveland Indians to working as an advertising account manager at Young & Rubicam in New York to working in advertising sales for PC Magazine, from 1988 to 1993. Jay then decided to start his own computer networking business with a friend, in April 1993. After nine very successful years building their business, the two men sold the company in May 2002, and Jay took some time to travel the world and did some modeling. In February 2003 he returned to New York to pursue a career in real estate. Although Jay has only been involved in the business for a brief time, he has become a successful residential real estate agent, enjoying the sales aspect of the business, as well as his interaction with his customers. A big history buff, Jay is an avid fan of the History Channel and also loves to play golf and go boating, as well as traveling internationally, when he is not selling some hot property. Abby Hometown: Henderson, NV Age: 30 Occupation: Acrobat, dancer Me in 3 words: Easy-going, fun, nice Why I haven't found my dream man: I'm not looking hard enough. I haven't been ready. Why I'm ready to get married: I'm 29 years old and ready for a commitment Alma Hometown: Astoria, OR Age: 35 Occupation: Café owner Me in 3 words: Quirky, sexy, romantic Why I haven't found my dream man: I don't think they let them in Oregon. God has seemed to make my life amusing and difficult. Why I'm ready to get married: Everything else in my life is in order. Emotionally I'm in touch with my feelings, needs and wants. Physically, I look good and am very ripe. But at the end of the day, I want to share my life. Amanda Hometown: New York City, NY Age: 27 Occupation: Cosmetic buyer Me in 3 words: Confident, unique, happy Why I haven't found my dream man: I'm too picky. Why I'm ready to get married: I want a family one day, and the older I get the harder it becomes. I would also love to give my love to someone other than my friends and family. Amy Hometown: San Diego, CA Age: 27 Occupation: Marketing consultant Me in 3 words: Animated, genuine, passionate Why I haven't found my dream man: I haven't been ready, and now that I am, I live in Southern California and there are not a lot of people searching for commitment. Why I'm ready to get married: Everything else in my life is in place. I've grown up a lot over the past few years, and I now know what I want. I also like being taken care of and taking care of someone. Andrea Hometown: Denver, CO Age: 33 Occupation: Dental hygienist Me in 3 words: Nurturing, optimistic, light-hearted Why I haven't found my dream man: Timing perhaps, but most likely it's because I haven't met someone completely right for me. Why I'm ready to get married: I personally used my 20s to be independent, travel, explore and continue to challenge myself. Now I'm ready to create a place of solidarity with a partner for life. Ashley Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA Age: 31 Occupation: Teacher Me in 3 words: Loyal, fun, genuine Why I haven't found my dream man: I get into long-term relationships that go nowhere. Why I'm ready to get married: I feel like I had a full decade of fun, dates, and now I'm sick of the bar scene and the first dates. Carolyn Hometown: Tulsa, OK Age: 36 Occupation: Financial advisor Me in 3 words: Witty, loyal, driven Why I haven't found my dream man: I'm open to finding someone with the qualities I'm looking for, and with the help of the show, my chances are greatly improved. Why I'm ready to get married: Commitment, fidelity and loyalty are very important to me. Cheresse Hometown: St. Louis, MO Age: 31 Occupation: Director of advertising/ marketing/ PR Why I'd want to find my spouse on TV: I'd like to experience something different, and if nothing else, I'll make some new wonderful friends. Number of serious relationships I've had: Three Am I genuinely looking to get married? Yes, I am. Cynthia Hometown: Hermosa Beach, CA Age: 37 Occupation: Charity foundation director Me in 3 words: Smart, sexy, sassy Why I haven't found my dream man: I'm too picky. Why I'm ready to get married: I would love to start a family. Elizabeth Hometown: Chicago, IL Age: 29 Occupation: Pharmaceutical sales Me in 3 words: Adventurous, social, loving Why I haven't found my dream man: Men seem to be threatened by my accomplishments or are looking to just have fun. Why I'm ready to get married: I have done everything that I wanted to do or accomplish while single. Now, I'm truly ready to share my interests and life with someone special. Jayne Hometown: Key Largo, FL Age: 37 Occupation: Dog groomer/ makeup artist Me in 3 words: Animated, genuine, passionate Why I haven't found my dream man: I've dedicated too much time to long-term relationships that have not been successful and have missed opportunities to meet the right guy. Why I'm ready to get married: I'm at a point in my life where I want the rest of my adventures to be shared with someone special. I'm ready to meet my soul mate, my best friend. And I'd like to start a family of my own. Jennifer Hometown: Seattle, WA Age: 31 Occupation: Business account executive Me in 3 words: Vivacious, spontaneous, high energy Why I haven't found my dream man: I've kissed a lot of frogs, but my prince hasn't appeared yet. I feel that I'm in a position where I don't have to settle for "second best." Why I'm ready to get married: My goal has always been to graduate from college, travel, relocate and establish my career. With all of these accomplished, I feel self-confident and ready to share my life with someone and make memories together. Kelly Hometown: Beverly Hills, CA Age: 34 Occupation: Model/ actress Me in 3 words: Kind, direct, diverse Why I haven't found my dream man: I'm really picky. Why I'm ready to get married: I'm getting old. Kerry Hometown: Marina del Rey, CA Age: 31 Occupation: Traveling nurse Me in 3 words: Creative, adventurous, independent Why I haven't found my dream man: In my dreams, it's never revealed to me as to who the lucky man is. Why I'm ready to get married: I'm exhausted by persistent patients insisting upon setting me up on blind dates. I've also realized that my intentions with men have changed. There's nothing more intriguing than sharing a good conversation and exploring a relationship based on friendship, companionship and comfortable intimacy. Kristie Hometown: Ontario, Canada Age: 32 Occupation: Bar/ restaurant owner Me in 3 words: Adventurous, outgoing, honest Why I haven't found my dream man: I just think that I meet the wrong people. Why I'm ready to get married: I'm at a point where I have done a lot of the fun things, and I would love to now be able to come home to a husband everyday and have a family. Kristin Hometown: Pensacola, FL Age: 28 Occupation: Office manager/ real estate agent Me in 3 words: Intelligent, honest, outgoing Why I haven't found my dream man: I've dated and had relationships, but I haven't found my Mr. Right. Why I'm ready to get married: I have accomplished a lot in my life. I have traveled and I have a career. The only thing I haven't done is found a lifelong mate. I'm 27 years old and I'm ready to be married and have a family. Krysta Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK Age: 28 Occupation: Corporate financial analyst Me in 3 words: Outgoing, striking, intelligent Why I haven't found my dream man: I'm too picky and refuse to settle. Why I'm ready to get married: I'm 28, and I want to have kids before I'm too old to get back into shape and while I'm young enough to be a fun mom. Leina Hometown: Chula Vista, CA Age: 28 Occupation: Advertising Me in 3 words: Outgoing, spontaneous, energetic Why I haven't found my dream man: I'm still quite young and haven't been looking in particular. Why I'm ready to get married: I'm mature enough experience-wise and ready for a new chapter in my life. Lisa Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL Age: 33 Occupation: Teacher Me in 3 words: Kind, fun-loving, beautiful inside and out Why I haven't found my dream man: It just hasn't been my time yet. I don't know if I was really ready until now. Why I'm ready to get married: I am now at a point in my life where I am confident, secure and proud of myself. Now that I am fulfilled as an individual, I can give myself completely to my partner and my future children. Melinda Hometown: Nashville, TN Age: 39 Occupation: Photographer/ songwriter Am I genuinely looking to get married? Yes Number of serious relationships I've had: Two Why I'd want to find my spouse on TV: It's hard to meet authentic, interesting people who also are interested in finding that Sleepless in Seattle kind of love. The Bachelor will be here for the same reason that I will. Natalie Hometown: Santa Monica, CA Age: 34 Occupation: Writer Me in 3 words: Loyal, genuine, kind Why I haven't found my dream man: I'm cautious when it comes to dating, especially in LA. I'm not good at the "game playing," and therefore I don't play the game. I'm also patient the right man will come my way. Why I'm ready to get married: I love being in love, and being a part of something special brings joy to my heart. Nicole Hometown: Vernon Hills, IL Age: 28 Occupation: Recruiting Me in 3 words: Magnetic, adventurous, guy-busting Why I haven't found my dream man: Thus far I've only dated those I could live with, but no one I could live without. Why I'm ready to get married: If I had met the right person years ago, I'd already be married. It's as simple as that. Susie Hometown: Hollywood, CA Age: 32 Occupation: Insurance broker Me in 3 words: Ambition, adventurous, fun Why I'd be a great wife: I'm not a sit-at-home kind of girl, but I'll do it once in a while. I'm more of a good listener and I like to baby my guy and stroke his hair or challenge him physically. Why I'd want to find my spouse on TV: I love adventure and a good love story, and I think being on the show could turn out to be both for me. Tanya Hometown: Plano, TX Age: 31 Occupation: Teacher Me in 3 words: Witty, intelligent, empathetic Why I haven't found my dream man: I'm at a point in my life that I'm ready to move forward. I have not been successful in doing this on my own. Why I'm ready to get married: I am passionate in everything I do, and I always finish what I start. Most importantly, I want to love and be loved. Wende Hometown: Austin, TX Age: 28 Occupation: Model/ real estate agent Me in 3 words: Loyal, outgoing, adventurous Why I haven't found my dream man: I can't control fate. Why I'm ready to get married: I'm happy, successful and sincere, so I'm ready to share that with someone else.