Trishelle Cannatella first burst onto our screens in 2002 as a cast member on The Real World: Las Vegas. As expected, the season was packed with drama, and Trishelle quickly became a fan favorite. While many Real World alumni fade into obscurity, Trishelle has managed to extend her 15 minutes of fame to well over 15 years. Since her time on The Real World, she has appeared on several seasons of MTV’s The Challenge and become known for her bubbly personality and competitive spirit. Here are 10 things you might not know about Trishelle Cannatella.
1. She’s No Stranger to Acting
Although reality TV is what Trishelle is best known for, it’s not her only experience in front of the camera. Over the years, she has dabbled in acting, appearing in TV shows and movies such as Criminal Minds and Ninja Cheerleaders. However, Trishelle hasn’t acted since 2012, so it’s possible her acting days are behind her.
2. She’s Now a Married Woman
After her stint on The Real World, Trishelle gained a reputation as a party girl. It might have been hard to imagine her settling down back then, but she has since found her happily ever after. Although she still enjoys a good time, she has definitely mellowed out since marrying fighter pilot John Hensz in 2017.
3. She Made a Cameo on Married At First Sight
If you’re a reality TV aficionado, you’ve likely seen Lifetime’s Married At First Sight. As the name suggests, the show revolves around people who marry the moment they meet. While Trishelle isn’t a cast member, she made an appearance in a recent episode as a friend of one of the grooms.
4. She’s a Poker Pro
Trishelle’s poker face is more impressive than you might think. She’s a skilled poker player who doesn’t just play for fun. She has competed in several celebrity poker tournaments and even took part in the 2010 WPT Invitational Tournament, where she won a $20,000 prize.
5. She Was Raised in a Strict Religious Household
Trishelle hails from a small town outside of New Orleans and grew up in a conservative, deeply religious family. She attended church regularly, but after her time on The Real World, she shed some of her conservative ways.
6. She’s a World Traveler
Being a reality TV star has opened up many opportunities for Trishelle, including the chance to travel extensively. She has visited numerous exciting destinations, such as Portugal, Canada, Italy, and Germany.
7. She Discovered Real World Auditions at a Club
Trishelle’s friends encouraged her to audition for the show, but she actually learned about the auditions at a local club. She told Laist, “I was actually at a club and some MTV people were doing some open casting calls. I didn’t know it at the time, but a really hot guy who I had been talking to that night at the club actually worked for MTV and he was the one that brought auditioning to my attention.”
8. She’s Worked with Playboy
Trishelle’s wild side is no secret, and she’s never been shy about showing it off. She has collaborated with Playboy on multiple occasions, posing nude for Playboy Magazine and the Playboy Cyber Club. She also appeared in a Playboy DVD.
9. She Lost Her Mother at a Young Age
Despite her cheerful and outgoing demeanor, Trishelle has faced her share of hardships. When she was just 14 years old, she suffered one of the most devastating losses imaginable: her mother passed away after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite this tragedy, Trishelle remained focused on her studies and activities.
10. She Holds a Degree in Communications
Trishelle is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. After graduating, she landed several jobs in the marketing field. She currently works as a medical representative for a company in Boston. According to her LinkedIn profile, she has held her position for over five years.
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