JASON MESNICK, THE FIRST SINGLE DAD IN "BACHELOR" SERIES HISTORY, GETS A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE WHEN "THE BACHELOR" PREMIERES MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2009 ON ABC

Jason Hopes the "Third Time is the Charm"

Jason Mesnick, 32, a handsome single dad the first in the series' history begins his own bid for true love and the pursuit of his ultimate soul mate, choosing from among 25 bachelorettes, when the 13th edition of ABC's popular romance reality series, "The Bachelor," premieres with a two-hour special, MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2009 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Millions of viewers were stunned when DeAnna Pappas rejected Jason's proposal, as he dropped to one knee to profess his love in the season finale of "The Bachelorette." Jason was left brokenhearted and wondering how he could have misjudged DeAnna's intentions, but his female fans flocked to support him, helping him heal from his very public dismissal.

Jason became a huge viewer favorite during the chase to win DeAnna's heart, as fans rushed to e-mail him in droves in total sympathy to his plight. He still believes in destiny and that he can find love through "The Bachelor," as he discovered when he fell for DeAnna. His heart-warming story as a single father from Seattle with a three-year-old son, Ty the apple of his eye struck a chord with many women. Divorced two years ago, Jason would like to start another family, himself the middle son in a family of three boys. His older brother, Sean, is married with children. Jason currently lives with his younger brother, Larry, and with Ty.

An account executive in estate and legacy planning, Jason is looking for a woman who has a real curiosity about the world, who loves life and can find passion in life's smallest moments. Open and honest, the good-looking and appealing Bachelor loves a variety of sports, including swimming, golf, basketball and football. In fact he used to be a golf professional at a local club. He has traveled all over Europe and continues to pursue his desire to see the world. In his spare time, he takes guitar and swing dance lessons. Perhaps not surprisingly, Jason is a "big brother" for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. A philanthropist himself, he hopes to someday form and run his own children's charity.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Jason moved to Washington at the age of eight. He has a BA in psychology at the University of Washington.

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor" is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are the executive producers.