JESSE PALMER
As someone who has gone through the process of selecting a mate on “The Bachelor,” Jesse Palmer is uniquely qualified to host a show in which 10 women vie to be chosen for possible betrothal to one mystery man on ABC’s “The Proposal.”
In the hourlong series, which premieres Monday, June 18, Palmer shepherds all involved through four rounds – first impressions, beachwear, important romantic questions and finally the approval of a trusted family member – with the end result hopefully being a marriage proposal to one of these ladies from Mike, a police officer from Bakersfield, Calif.
It’s a process that the 39-year-old TV presenter and former NFL quarterback remembers well from his 2004 stint on “The Bachelor” – one that resulted in a short relationship with his chosen, Jessica Bowlin – but is happy to be on the sidelines for in this series.
“I think what I’m really trying to do,” the Toronto native says, “is I’m kind of going on the journey with them. And listen, it’s really, really tough. I mean, it was tough for me certainly when I was on ‘The Bachelor’ when you’re making those types of decisions and you’re looking for love and you’re meeting new people and it’s all being televised.”
“I give a lot of credit to people who are able to be real and be true to themselves,” he continues, “and speak what’s in their heart and stand up for what they believe in. And this show because of its format, I think really forces ... people to open up and be themselves and show who they truly are because of what’s at stake.” Full name: Jesse James Palmer Birth date: Oct. 5, 1978 Birthplace: Toronto Alma mater: University of Florida Family ties: single, with girlfriend; father Bill played in the Canadian Football League, mother Susan was a fashion model Football career: University of Florida (1997-2000); New York Giants (2001-04); San Francisco 49ers (2005) TV credits: “The Bachelor,” “NFL on Fox,” “Recipes to Riches,” “Food Truck Face-Off,” “The Chew,” “Worst Cooks in America,” “Spring Baking Championship,” “Good Morning America,” “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration,” “DailyMailTV,” “Holiday Baking Championship,” “Rachael Ray” Acting credits: “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
Favorite book: “It’s one that I read recently. It’s called ‘The Matheny Manifesto.’ Well, the correct answer is ‘The Short History of the World,’ is my favorite book. But ‘The Matheny Manifesto’ is a book written by St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny and it’s about the culture of youth sports in America. I think any parent who has a child who wants to play sports at the youth level, no matter what sport it is, no matter what gender they are, must read this book. I think it would be invaluable for parents and to really help in their relationships with their children, especially going through the youth sports culture in America. It was a fantastic read. Favorite movies: “‘Big Trouble in Little China’ is my favorite movie ever. ‘Good Will Hunting’ is one of my top movies. ‘Rounders’ – there’s a bit of a Matt Damon link here. So I’d say those three, probably.”