From ICU nurse to reality TV star: the multifaceted life of Gabby Windey
In short: Before she was a household name on The Bachelor, Gabby Windey was working on the frontlines of medicine. Her journey from an intensive care unit nurse to a multifaceted television personality involves unexpected shifts in career, identity, and competitive reality television success.
Born on January 2, 1991, in Sacramento, California, Gabriela Maria Windey has built a career defined by rapid transitions. Before entering the spotlight, she served as a nurse in the intensive care unit at the University of Colorado Hospital. Her dedication to service was recognized in 2021 when she became the first woman and NFL cheerleader to win the Pop Warner Humanitarian Award for her frontline work during the pandemic. This recognition followed a five-year tenure as a cheerleader for the Denver Broncos.
Windey's rise to television prominence began in September 2021 when she appeared as a contestant on season 26 of The Bachelor. She emerged as a co-runner-up alongside Rachel Recchia, a moment that led to a historic television milestone: the two women were selected as co-leads for the following season of The Bachelorette. This marked the first time in the franchise's history that a season would feature two leads.
Her competitive streak continued through several high-profile productions. After finishing as runner-up on season 31 of Dancing with the Stars with Val Chmerkovskiy in 2022, she went on to co-host the Dancing with the Stars Live 2023 tour. She emerged victorious during season 3 of Peacock's The Traitors in 2024, playing as a 'Faithful' with Lord Ivar Mountbatten, Dolores Catania, and Dylan Efron. Her career continues to expand, with her announced as the host for the series Love Overboard in 2026.
Beyond her professional accolades, Windey has been open about her personal evolution. In August 2023, she revealed she was dating a woman during an appearance on ABC's The View. Following her marriage to comedian and TV writer Robby Hoffman in January 2025, she identified as a lesbian, noting that her attraction to women is a central part of her identity.
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