Everything You Need to Know About Joey Graziadei

 

Who Joey Graziadei Is and Why He Captured America’s Heart

Joey Graziadei became a household name through his journey on reality television, but there’s much more to this charming Pennsylvania native than his dramatic love story. Born Joseph Michael Graziadei on May 24, 1995, he transformed from a tennis pro in Hawaii to one of America’s most beloved Bachelor leads.

Quick Facts About Joey Graziadei:

• Age: 29 years old (born May 24, 1995)
• Height: 5’11” (1.80m)
• Hometown: Royersford, Pennsylvania
• Education: West Chester University (Communication & Media Studies, 2017)
• Career: Former tennis coach and brand ambassador in Hawaii
• TV Fame: Runner-up on The Bachelorette Season 20, lead on The Bachelor Season 28
• Relationship Status: Engaged to Kelsey Anderson (November 2023)
• Health: Lives with Gilbert’s syndrome, diagnosed in high school

Joey’s path to fame wasn’t typical. Before capturing hearts on national television, he worked as a teaching tennis pro and lifestyle ambassador at The Club at Kukuiʻula in Hawaii. His athletic background, genuine personality, and openness about his family’s story – including his father’s coming-out journey – resonated with viewers across the country.

The tennis player from Pennsylvania first won over fans during Charity Lawson’s season of The Bachelorette, where he finished as runner-up. His gracious handling of heartbreak and authentic connection with audiences led producers to select him as The Bachelor for Season 28, where he ultimately found love with Kelsey Anderson.

“It was interesting. I wouldn’t say it was all sunshine and rainbows,” Joey recently shared about adjusting to life after the show, highlighting the real challenges couples face when transitioning from reality TV to everyday romance.

Early Life, Family & Education

Joey Graziadei grew up in the small town of Royersford, Pennsylvania, where his story begins with a loving family that faced some big changes early on. His parents, Cathy and Nick Graziadei, divorced when Joey was just in kindergarten – but not for the reasons you might expect.

The divorce came after Joey’s father came out as gay, a moment that could have torn many families apart. Instead, the Graziadei family handled it with remarkable grace and understanding. Joey has spoken openly about how this experience taught him about acceptance, love, and what it really means to support each other through life’s unexpected turns.

Joey wasn’t an only child navigating these changes alone. He has two sisters – Carly Monzo and Eleanor – who remain incredibly close to him today. You’ll often see them cheering him on from the sidelines, whether it was during his tennis matches or his reality TV journey.

Growing Up in Royersford

Childhood sports were everything to Joey in this Pennsylvania town. He finded tennis early and showed natural talent that would eventually take him places he never imagined. But it wasn’t just about the sport – those hours on local tennis courts taught him how to connect with people, a skill that would prove invaluable later in life.

The family divorce when he was so young could have been devastating, but Joey often speaks about how his parents handled everything with honesty and care. His father’s coming-out story became a defining moment in Joey’s understanding of what real love looks like – not just romantic love, but family love that accepts people exactly as they are.

When Joey shared this personal family history on The Bachelorette, viewers were moved by his vulnerability. It showed them that behind the charming smile was someone who truly understood life’s complexities and the importance of supporting the people you love, no matter what.

College Years on and off the Court

After graduating from Spring-Ford High School in 2013, Joey headed to West Chester University with big dreams and even bigger tennis aspirations. He joined the Golden Rams tennis team while working toward his Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies – a degree that seems pretty fitting now, doesn’t it?

College life wasn’t all about hitting tennis balls and studying, though. Joey became a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he learned about leadership and formed friendships that lasted well beyond graduation. His fraternity brothers remember him as someone who could make anyone feel welcome – a trait that definitely came in handy when he was meeting 31 women on national television.

On the tennis courts, Joey competed at the Division II level, representing West Chester University with the same genuine enthusiasm he brings to everything else. His teammates and coaches still talk about how he could lift everyone’s spirits during tough practices while never losing his competitive edge.

That communication studies program turned out to be more prophetic than anyone realized at the time. The coursework in public speaking and interpersonal communication gave Joey tools he’d eventually use to connect with millions of viewers across America. Sometimes life has a funny way of preparing us for trips we never saw coming.

Joey Graziadei’s Reality-TV Journey

When Joey Graziadei decided to leave his tennis coaching job in Hawaii to compete for love on television, he probably never imagined it would lead to finding his soulmate. His reality TV trip is a perfect example of how sometimes the best things come to those who are brave enough to take a chance.

Aspect	The Bachelorette S20	The Bachelor S28
Role	Contestant/Runner-up	Lead
Episodes	8 episodes	11 episodes
Outcome	Heartbroken in Fiji	Engaged to Kelsey Anderson
Public Reception	Fan favorite	Beloved Bachelor lead
Personal Growth	Learned vulnerability	Found lasting love

The Bachelorette Experience

Joey’s first step into Bachelor Nation happened during Charity Lawson’s season of The Bachelorette. Right from his limo entrance, there was something different about this tennis pro from Pennsylvania. He wasn’t trying to be someone else or put on a show – he was just genuinely himself.

The Hawaii hometown date became one of the season’s most memorable moments. Joey got to show Charity his world at the beautiful Kukuiʻula resort, where he worked as a tennis instructor. Watching him teach her tennis and share his passion for island life felt natural and unforced. You could see why he’d fallen in love with Hawaii and why the people there loved having him around.

But fairy tales don’t always have happy endings, at least not the first time around. The heartbreak in Fiji during the finale was real and raw. When Charity chose Dotun Olubeko instead, Joey’s reaction showed exactly why America had fallen for him. He was disappointed, sure, but he handled it with such grace and maturity that even heartbreak looked good on him.

The public fan reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Social media exploded with support for Joey. Fans weren’t just sad for him – they were already campaigning for him to be the next Bachelor. His authenticity in that vulnerable moment proved he was ready for whatever came next.

Becoming The Bachelor

The live finale reveal that Joey would be the next Bachelor created one of those electric television moments that fans still talk about. You could see the genuine surprise and excitement on his face – this wasn’t just another career move for him, it was a real second chance at finding love.

When filming began for Joey Graziadei | The Bachelor Season 28, he faced 31 women contestants who were all hoping to win his heart. But Joey approached the whole experience differently than many previous Bachelors. He wasn’t looking for drama or playing games – he was genuinely trying to find his future wife.

The filming process showed how much Joey had grown from his Bachelorette experience. He was more confident in conversations, better at handling difficult moments, and clearer about what he wanted in a partner. His tennis background definitely helped him stay physically and mentally sharp during those long filming days.

Throughout the season, Joey proved he could balance giving multiple women a fair chance while staying true to his values. Whether he was planning adventurous dates that showed off his athletic side or having deep conversations about the future, everything felt authentic.

Proposal to Kelsey Anderson

The diamond ring moment on November 12, 2023, was everything a Bachelor finale should be. When Joey proposed to Kelsey Anderson, it felt like the natural conclusion to their love story rather than a forced television moment.

What made the proposal extra special was the Champagne Tower date callback – Joey incorporated meaningful elements from their journey together. It showed he’d been paying attention to the little details that mattered to Kelsey, not just going through the motions of a typical Bachelor proposal.

The secrecy rules after filming were probably the hardest part of the whole experience. Joey and Kelsey had to keep their engagement completely hidden for months while the season aired. They couldn’t post couple photos, couldn’t be seen together in public, and had to pretend they were just friends if anyone asked.

But this secret period actually helped them build a stronger foundation. Away from cameras and social media, they got to focus on really getting to know each other and planning their future together. By the time they could finally go public with their engagement, they were more solid than ever.

Life After The Bachelor: Love, Work & Moving In

Finding love on reality TV is just the beginning. For Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson, the real trip started when the cameras stopped rolling and they had to figure out how to build a life together in the real world.

The transition wasn’t as smooth as their fairy-tale engagement might suggest. Like many couples who meet in unconventional ways, they faced the challenge of merging two separate lives that had developed independently. The logistics alone were complicated – where would they live? How would they balance their individual careers with their new relationship?

Long-distance challenges became their first major hurdle. While they were figuring out their next steps, they had to maintain their connection across different time zones and busy schedules. It’s not exactly the typical “honeymoon phase” most engaged couples experience.

Adding to the complexity were DWTS rumors that swirled around Joey’s potential participation in Dancing With the Stars. While such an opportunity would have been incredible for his career, it also meant more time apart during a crucial period in their relationship.

On a much lighter note, the couple has been openly discussing their bernedoodle plans. Joey has joked on social media that he’s “a bernedoodle not a golden retriever,” and their playful banter about adopting a puppy has given fans adorable glimpses into their everyday dynamic.

Mental health considerations have also played an important role as both Joey and Kelsey steer life in the public eye. The pressure of maintaining a relationship that millions of people are emotionally invested in requires constant attention to their individual and collective well-being. As Joey has learned, having Relationship Advice and support systems is crucial during major life transitions.

Adjusting to Real-World Romance

“We always say we dated in reverse,” Joey explained, perfectly capturing one of the most unique challenges reality TV couples face. Think about it – on The Bachelor, they discussed marriage, children, and life goals before ever figuring out basic compatibility questions like cooking styles or morning routines.

The couple had to learn the practical side of being together. Do they squeeze the toothpaste from the middle or the end? Who’s the better cook? How do they handle household chores? Joey humorously admitted they had to find basics like “Do they know what they’re doing in the kitchen? How do they clean up in the bathroom?”

The social media spotlight made this adjustment period even more challenging. Every public appearance, Instagram story, or casual photo was analyzed by fans and media outlets. Having normal relationship growing pains under public scrutiny isn’t exactly ideal for any couple.

Their experience offers valuable insights for anyone navigating relationship challenges, especially in a environment like New York City. Much like the couples we’ve featured in our City of Singles: Is NYC Still the Best Place to Fall in Love Online? coverage, Joey and Kelsey learned that successful relationships require patience, realistic expectations, and excellent communication skills.

Perhaps most importantly, they finded the value of focusing on what truly matters. As Joey shared, “I just ignored everything and really focused on what was most important to me, which was focusing on Kelsey.” This advice resonates with any couple dealing with external pressures, whether from family, friends, or in their case, millions of television viewers.

Current Careers & Passions

Joey’s post-Bachelor career has evolved far beyond his tennis instructor days, though he hasn’t abandoned his athletic roots entirely. He continues offering tennis coaching clinics, bringing the same positive energy and technical expertise that made him successful in Hawaii to new audiences who finded him through television.

Brand ambassadorship has become a significant part of his professional portfolio. His authentic personality and genuinely engaged social media following make him an attractive partner for lifestyle and athletic brands. What sets Joey apart is his selectiveness – he chooses to work only with companies that align with his personal values and interests, maintaining the authenticity that made fans fall in love with him in the first place.

Content creation has emerged as another natural career path. His social media presence showcases the real Joey beyond what viewers saw during his Bachelor journey. Fans get to see his love for surfing, his improving golf game, and his outdoor trips with Kelsey. This authentic content resonates because it feels genuine rather than manufactured for clicks.

His hobbies remain central to who he is, not just Instagram content. Surfing continues to provide both physical exercise and mental clarity, just as it did during his Hawaii days. The ocean has always been Joey’s place to recharge and reflect.

Golf has become another passion, offering both recreation and networking opportunities in his expanding professional world. While he may not have the same natural talent he showed on tennis courts, his competitive spirit and willingness to learn new skills serve him well on the golf course.

These diverse interests keep Joey grounded and connected to the person he was before television fame, which seems to be exactly what Kelsey fell in love with in the first place.

Personal Details, Health & Hobbies

Joey Graziadei brings more than just charm to his public persona – at 5’11” and maintaining an athletic build of approximately 170 pounds, he’s stayed true to his tennis roots long after his reality TV fame began. His dedication to fitness isn’t just about looking good on camera; it’s about honoring the athlete he’s always been.

His fitness routine reflects his diverse interests, combining cardiovascular exercise and strength training with the sports that truly make him come alive. Whether he’s perfecting his serve on the tennis court, catching waves while surfing, or working on his golf swing, Joey approaches physical activity with the same genuine enthusiasm viewers fell in love with on television.

The Hawaiian islands, particularly Kauai, aren’t just beautiful backdrops for Joey’s Instagram posts – they represent a transformative period in his life. His years at The Club at Kukuiʻula shaped more than his career; they introduced him to a lifestyle that prioritizes balance, outdoor trip, and connection with nature.

Surfing became Joey’s form of moving meditation during his Hawaii years. The rhythm of the waves and the focus required to steer them provided mental clarity that helped prepare him for the emotional intensity of reality television. Even now, he returns to the water whenever possible, finding peace in the sport that taught him patience and presence.

Family bonds remain Joey’s anchor despite his busy schedule and public recognition. His close relationships with his parents and sisters, Carly and Eleanor, demonstrate that fame hasn’t changed his core values. He frequently credits his family for keeping him grounded, reminding him that success means nothing without the people who knew him before the cameras started rolling.

Living with Gilbert’s Syndrome

Joey Graziadei has been refreshingly open about living with Gilbert’s syndrome, a condition he was diagnosed with during high school. This genetic condition affects how the liver processes bilirubin, and while it’s not dangerous, it can cause fatigue and requires thoughtful lifestyle management.

His transparency about the condition has helped many of his followers understand that health challenges don’t have to limit dreams or ambitions. For those wanting to learn more, Scientific research on Gilbert’s syndrome provides detailed information about symptoms and management strategies.

Symptom management for Joey includes maintaining regular sleep schedules, staying properly hydrated, and being mindful of stress levels – considerations that became especially important during the demanding filming schedules of The Bachelor. His athletic background helped him develop healthy habits that support both his condition and his active lifestyle.

Diet choices play a crucial role in Joey’s daily routine. He focuses on balanced nutrition that supports his athletic pursuits while being gentle on his liver function. This attention to what he eats has become part of his overall wellness philosophy, showing that managing a health condition can actually lead to better overall habits.

Joey’s advocacy around Gilbert’s syndrome demonstrates his commitment to using his platform meaningfully. By discussing his health openly, he helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek proper medical care. It’s refreshing to see a reality TV star normalize conversations about health management rather than pretending everything is perfect.

Beyond TV Cameras

When the cameras stop rolling, Joey Graziadei reveals interests that showcase his character beyond the reality TV persona. His background in education and athletics suggests ongoing involvement in youth development and sports accessibility programs, though he keeps much of his charitable work private.

The dog adoption quest has become one of the most endearing aspects of Joey and Kelsey’s relationship story. Their playful social media banter about adopting a bernedoodle gives fans glimpses into their everyday dynamic. Joey’s joke about being “a bernedoodle not a golden retriever” perfectly captures his sense of humor about both personality types and pet preferences.

Travel remains high on Joey’s priority list, with a bucket list that likely includes premier surfing destinations, tennis tournaments around the world, and places that offer the outdoor trips he craves. His Hawaii experience gave him a taste for exploring different cultures and environments – a passion that continues to fuel his wanderlust.

His interests in photography and content creation allow him to document these experiences authentically. Rather than heavily produced posts, Joey’s social media feels genuine and relatable, showing real moments from his life and travels. It’s this authenticity that keeps fans engaged long after his Bachelor season ended.

Media Appearances & Future Projects

Joey Graziadei has successfully expanded his media presence far beyond Bachelor Nation, proving his versatility as both a reality TV star and emerging entertainment personality. His growing IMDb credits showcase a willingness to explore different facets of the industry while staying true to his authentic self.

His scripted television debut came through a cameo appearance on the hit drama series 9-1-1, giving Joey Graziadei his first taste of working with scripts and professional actors outside the reality TV world. While the role was brief, it demonstrated his natural screen presence and opened doors to potential future acting opportunities.

Podcast appearances have become a regular part of Joey’s media strategy, allowing him to share deeper insights about his journey in longer-form conversations. These intimate discussions reveal sides of his personality that couldn’t be fully explored during the time constraints of reality television.

One of the most exciting recent developments was Joey’s support of Kelsey at the Cupshe x Kelsey runway show during Miami Swim Week 2025. The event featured 65 stunning looks across women’s, men’s, and children’s swimwear collections, with Kelsey walking the runway in pieces from her co-branded line. Joey’s presence at fashion events shows how the couple supports each other’s individual career growth.

Publishers have shown interest in potential book deals, recognizing Joey’s communication background and natural storytelling ability. His authentic approach to sharing personal experiences could translate beautifully into longer-form content that inspires readers navigating their own life challenges.

Notable Interviews & Podcasts

Bachelor Happy Hour has featured Joey Graziadei multiple times, creating a comfortable space for him to discuss his experiences with fellow Bachelor Nation alumni who truly understand the unique pressures and opportunities of reality TV fame. These conversations often reveal behind-the-scenes insights that viewers never got to see during filming.

His appearances on the I’ll Ask YouTube show allowed Joey to showcase interests beyond his Bachelor experience. The longer format gave him room to discuss his passion for tennis, surfing, and personal growth in ways that feel genuine rather than promotional.

Features in lifestyle publications have highlighted Joey’s appeal to sophisticated audiences who appreciate his grounded approach to sudden fame. His ability to maintain authenticity while navigating media opportunities makes him a refreshing voice in entertainment coverage.

What’s Next for Joey & Kelsey

The couple’s wedding timeline remains refreshingly realistic rather than rushed. Joey Graziadei and Kelsey are taking time to build their foundation as a couple before diving into major wedding planning. As Joey wisely noted, some couples need to “ease back into normal life” after the intensity of reality television before making such significant decisions.

Reality TV spinoff opportunities continue to present themselves, but Joey and Kelsey appear thoughtfully selective about projects that align with their values and relationship goals. Their focus seems centered on building a sustainable, happy life together rather than maximizing television exposure.

Entrepreneurial plans are likely brewing behind the scenes, potentially combining Joey’s athletic background and communication skills with Kelsey’s modeling experience and brand partnerships. Their social media presence suggests they’re strategically building a foundation for future business collaborations.

For readers planning their own special day, Joey and Kelsey’s measured approach offers valuable inspiration. Their emphasis on relationship strength over event spectacle aligns perfectly with the thoughtful advice in our Wedding Day Confidence: Tips Every Bride Needs guide.

The couple’s future looks bright, filled with opportunities that honor both their individual talents and their commitment to each other. Whether through media appearances, business ventures, or simply building their life together, Joey and Kelsey continue to charm audiences with their genuine connection and shared values.

Frequently Asked Questions about Joey Graziadei

How old is Joey Graziadei today?

Joey Graziadei is currently 29 years old, celebrating his birthday each year on May 24th since his birth in 1995. This means he’ll be turning the big 3-0 in May 2025 – quite a milestone year as he plans his wedding to Kelsey Anderson and continues building his post-Bachelor career.

It’s interesting to think about how much his life has changed in just the past couple of years. At 27, he was working as a tennis instructor in Hawaii. By 28, he was appearing on national television and finding love. Now at 29, he’s navigating engagement, media opportunities, and figuring out where to call home with his fiancée.

Where do Joey and Kelsey live now?

The living situation for Joey Graziadei and Kelsey has been one of their biggest relationship challenges since The Bachelor ended. Unlike couples who date locally and gradually spend more time together, they had to figure out long-distance logistics while keeping their engagement secret for months.

Initially, they were splitting time between different locations as they worked through career commitments and figured out where to build their future together. The process hasn’t been as simple as just picking a city – they’ve had to consider Kelsey’s work obligations, Joey’s expanding media opportunities, and where they both feel comfortable establishing roots.

The couple has been refreshingly honest about this adjustment period. As Joey shared, they were essentially “dating in reverse” – they knew each other’s deepest values and life goals before learning practical things like each other’s morning routines or how they organize a kitchen.

They’ve been working toward finding a home base that works for both of their careers while giving them the privacy and normalcy they need to strengthen their relationship away from public attention.

Will Joey return to TV soon?

Joey Graziadei seems to be taking a thoughtful approach to future television opportunities rather than jumping at every offer that comes his way. His focus appears to be on projects that align with his values and won’t interfere with building a strong foundation with Kelsey.

There were rumors about him joining Dancing With the Stars, which would have been a natural next step for many Bachelor leads. However, Joey seems more interested in sustainable career choices that support his long-term goals rather than just capitalizing on his current fame.

His media appearances so far – like his cameo on 9-1-1 and various podcast guest spots – suggest he’s exploring different types of entertainment work to see what feels right. He’s also continued his brand partnership work and content creation, which gives him more control over his schedule and message.

The reality is that Joey has options, and he’s being selective about which ones to pursue. His communication degree and natural screen presence mean he could likely succeed in various media roles, but he seems committed to making choices that support both his career and his relationship with Kelsey.

Conclusion

Joey Graziadei’s story proves that genuine people can find real love, even on reality television. From his tennis-playing days in Pennsylvania to proposing to Kelsey Anderson on national TV, Joey’s journey shows us that staying true to yourself pays off in the end.

What makes Joey special isn’t just his Bachelor success – it’s how he handles everything with grace and honesty. Whether he’s talking about his father’s coming-out story, managing Gilbert’s syndrome, or learning to live with Kelsey after “dating in reverse,” Joey keeps it real. That authenticity is exactly what draws people to him.

Here at PARK Magazine LLC, we love following couples like Joey and Kelsey because they remind us that even fairy-tale romances take real work. Their story isn’t just about finding love on TV – it’s about building something lasting when the cameras stop rolling.

Joey’s openness about health challenges, family dynamics, and relationship growing pains gives us all permission to be more honest about our own struggles. His journey from heartbreak in Fiji to happiness with Kelsey shows that sometimes the best things come after our biggest disappointments.

As Joey Graziadei and Kelsey plan their wedding and figure out their next chapter, they’re proving that reality TV couples can make it work. Their thoughtful approach to fame, relationships, and career choices offers inspiration for anyone trying to balance love and ambition.

We’re excited to keep following their story and sharing the lifestyle insights that matter most to our sophisticated readers. For more relationship wisdom and luxury living inspiration, check out our complete guide to modern life at Luxury Lifestyle: It’s How You Live.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through Joey’s world – we hope his story inspires your own path to authentic living and lasting love.