Tenley Molzahn

TV Personality, Spokeswoman, Disney Character & Dancer

 

Best known to television audiences as America’s Sweetheart, Tenley Molzahn is a true modern day princess.  Her real-life story mirrors the trials and happy ending of the quintessential fairytale.  Although she is no damsel in distress, Tenley has had a heartbreaking personal journey and now shares a message of hope and inspiration.

 

Born in Littleton, Colorado on May 19, 1984 then raised in Newberg, Oregon, Tenley was a rising star from the start.  She studied dance and musical theater at Chehalem Valley Dance Academy and her whimsical and outgoing personality got her noticed at a young age.

 

Tenley had a dream to perform and dance for Disney, and so after graduating from Newberg High School in 2002, she moved to southern California and attended an open audition for Walt Disney Productions.  Among over 700 hopeful young ladies, Tenley earned the part and a whole new world opened to her. 

Over the next six years she danced and performed the lead character roles in a number of Disney productions including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Ariel.  Tenley’s career took her around the world, performing to audiences while on a nine month tour.  Tenley recalls, “I was in a show called ‘Under the Sea’ at Tokyo DisneySea and played the lead role of Ariel. It was created for the audience to feel like they were under the sea with Ariel, so I was actually doing aerialist work hanging from the ceiling as if I was swimming.  I strive to embrace challenge and adventure, and I enjoyed the experience of living and working overseas.”

 

When she returned to the United States she went home to Oregon and attended George Fox University.  Tenley was married at 23 and faced a devastating divorce just a year later; abandoned by her husband following his affair.  “I felt like my world had come crashing down around me and that my life was over. I couldn't grasp that this was me and what I was going through. It was unfathomable.” she says of that time in her life.

 

In an effort to help put the hurt of that relationship behind her, Tenley was encouraged by her sister, close friends, and even her beloved parents to do The Bachelor.  “During the casting stage I wasn’t convinced it was the right fit for me, or if I was right for the show.  Now in reflection I can say that The Bachelor was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was a time of healing, meeting incredible people, and learning so much about who I am and how strong I have become.  I desire for my story to be a testament of hope, healing, and God's faithfulness.”  Tenley earned a warm place in the hearts of the viewing audience as she welcomed in love again.  Her experience on the ultra popular network television show took her all the way to the final episode.  “I was runner-up on the show; however I am a winner in life.  The experience served to open my heart, mind, and doors to new adventures.  I have been entrusted with new momentum in my life and am utilizing it to be a blessing to others.”

 

Tenley has appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show and the Bonnie Hunt Show, and she is the Spokesperson for the non-profit Live Love.  She continues to follow her career in entertainment and is currently living in the Los Angeles area where she is reviewing a number of opportunities.  Stay tuned to see more from Tenley Molzahn soon!