Are ABC's dating shows "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" for real romance or phony showmance? It seems to be a little of both; in fact, a couple of real marriages have resulted from the series. Still, some of the franchises' most notorious players have previous acting credits under their belts, which begs the question: Just how real are those kisses?
Here's a look at five "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" contestants who have acting credits:
Jake Pavelka - The Season 14 "Bachelor" had a 1999 part on a "Walker, Texas Ranger" episode, and a later role in a TV movie, "The President's Men." After his "Bachelor" engagement to Vienna Girardi fizzled, Pavelka beefed up his acting resume with guest spots on "Drop Dead Diva" and "The Bold and the Beautiful." But the commercial airline pilot didn't have to spread his wings too far for his part on the CBS soap - he played a pilot on the show!
Michelle Money- And you thought she was just a hair stylist! The "Bachelor" Season 15 vixen and Brad Womack's resident troublemaker has appeared in TV movies, including "Blank Slate" and "Justin Time." Her most recent role was in the movie "Midway to Heaven." But while she waits for more movie roles to come her way, Money will join Jake Pavelka this summer for more reality TV: "Bachelor Pad."
Madison Garton- "The Bachelor" Season 15's infamous vampire girl should keep her fake fangs ready for possible future "Twilight" roles. Garton has appeared on TV shows such as "30 Rock" and "Rescue Me," and even has a small part in the 2011 "Smurfs" movie; the actress/model plays a model in the flick.
Shayne Lamas - Her dad is actor Lorenzo Lamas ("Renegade"), so surely acting is in her genes, right? The "Bachelor: London Calling" winner (she won Matt Grant's heart, but the engagement quickly soured) had a recurring acting gig as Emily on the soap opera "General Hospital." But Grant later said producers promoted Lamas above the other girls on the show, and that her previous acting experience helped her to play up to the cameras.
Charlie O'Connell- Yeah, we know his brother, Jerry, is an actor who's married to John Stamos' ex, Rebecca Romjin , but that's not the half of it. The Season 7 "Bachelor" has an extensive acting resume that includes a recurring role in the late 1990s TV series "Sliders," and parts in "Without a Trace" and "Crossing Jordan." He even had a part in the big screen Ashton Kutcher movie, "Dude, Where's My Car." And we're supposed to believe he needed a dating show to find love?
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