Television personality and actor Jake Pavelka, age 32, a flight instructor and captain with Georgia based Atlantic Southeast Airlines, could have used a little more lift for himself and his dancing partner Chelsie Kay Hightower, 21, a Las Vegan born Latin ballroom dancer. The pair were eliminated last Monday evening on ABC television's blockbuster hit Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) which is in its tenth season.
In on air comments that were choked with emotion, the bare chested Pavelka thanked Ms. Hightower and his fans for their support, which carried the pair past four other couples who were eliminated, most notably former U.S. Astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and TV personality Kate Gosselin.
PHOTO CAPTIONS: (ABOVE LEFT) In this publicity image released by ABC, Jake Pavelka, left, and his partner Chelsie Hightower perform on the celebrity dance competition series, "Dancing with the Stars," on Monday, April 26, 2010 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ABC, Adam Larkey); (BELOW RIGHT) In this image released by ABC, Jake Pavelka, left, and his partner Chelsie Hightower compete in the celebrity dance competition series, "Dancing with the Stars," Monday, April 19, 2010 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ABC, Adam Larkey); (BELOW LEFT) Television personalities Jake Pavelka, right, and Vienna Girardi arrive at the premiere of "The Back-up Plan" in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
A slide show and four videos of Jake Pavelka and Chelsie Hightower follow this article.
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It was the third reality TV experience for the aviator, who was born Jacob Lynn Pavelka in Dallas, Texas. He first appeared as a contestant on the ABC reality show The Bachelorette, was eliminated, but returned to star in the 14th season of the same network's series, The Bachelor, where he eventually proposed marriage to contestant Vienna Giraldi. Ms. Giraldi was in the studio audience when her fiance made his tearful goodbye speech on DWTS.
Mr. Pavelka started his flying career at age 12 and obtained the position of airline captain flight instructor by age 23. He commented to TV talk show host Jimmy Kimmel that passengers and travelers often recognize him from his broadcast appearances, and several commercials which have aired in the Dallas area.
Atlantic Southwest Airlines (ASA), is a regional carrier flying to 144 destinations as a Delta Connection carrier, and more recently, starting in February 2010, as a United Express carrier. It operates a fleet of 153 Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet CRJ twin engine aircraft, in over 900 flights daily from a main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Presumably, Captain Pavelka will continue his flight deck duties for ASA between future celebrity appearances.
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Comments
He was so sad when he lost... we felt awful for him... he was learning well and having so much fun! His smile will be missed... and we also miss seeing Buzz Aldren each week (another American icon and flight hero).
Jake is our hometown guy here in Denton, Texas. This is where he grew up and where most of his family is... I have been rooting for him since he first appeared on the Bachelorette last year... I was glad they picked him to be the Bachelor and loved watching him on Dancing with the Stars. He also acted a little in Walker, Texas Ranger several years ago when it was filmed here, so I imagine there will be more opportunities in the "biz" presented to him. Whether he goes back to his job is literally "up in the air" at this point. I wish him all the best!
Jake is a big wannabe!
Jake is a total loser. LOVE CHELSIE!!
Denton, you say you love jake, what about Vienna, No mention of her.
He just tries too hard and appears desperate.
Oh brother pliz! he is just trying to make good TV and is being hopeful of some TV show contacting him. The guy is so desperate for fame..he tips of the paparatzzie of his wherebouts...lol
So pathetic
He's a pilot?! Seriously? He seems like an airhead. I thought he was a male model.
We see Dancing with the Stars here a few years later. I'll be watching for this episode in 2012. :) BTW, great title.
Why did we have to watch Vienna on the season finale of DWTS? Talk about a couple who wants to be in the spotlight!! Barf!! I was a fan of Jake until the end of The Bachelor, then to have to watch the "fake couple" on DWTS, it really turned me off to The Bachelor and DWTS. How Sad!!!
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