Gabriela Maria Windey, known to audiences simply as Gabby Windey, is an American television personality and registered nurse who has become one of the most recognizable faces in reality television. Born on January 2, 1991, in Oronoco, Minnesota, Windey first captured national attention as a contestant on season 26 of The Bachelor, where her charismatic blend of humor, vulnerability, and unapologetic candor quickly made her a fan favorite. Her journey on the show, which was headlined by Clayton Echard, ended in heartbreak, but it set the stage for a meteoric rise that would see her become a leading lady, a competitive dancer, and a reality competition champion.

Before her foray into television, Windey built a substantive career as an intensive care unit nurse, a profession she often credits with grounding her perspective and preparing her for the emotional turbulence of reality TV. That medical background also informed her resilience when she was chosen, alongside Rachel Recchia, to co-star in season 19 of The Bachelorette. The groundbreaking dual-lead format made history for the franchise, and Windey’s season was marked by her trademark wit and a memorable journey that culminated in a proposal from Erich Schwer. Though the relationship eventually ended, the season solidified her status as a beloved figure in the Bachelor Nation universe.

In 2022, Windey expanded her television portfolio by joining the cast of season 31 of Dancing with the Stars. Paired with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, she defied expectations as a self-described novice, earning rave reviews for her athleticism and performance quality. Her partnership with Chmerkovskiy culminated in a runner-up finish, narrowly missing the mirrorball trophy to Charli D'Amelio, but her journey was widely praised as one of the most entertaining in the show’s recent history. Following the competition, Windey co-hosted the Dancing with the Stars Live 2023 tour, further cementing her connection with fans and showcasing her natural charisma on stage.

Beyond the ballroom, Windey has proven to be a formidable competitor in other reality formats. In 2024, she triumphed in the third season of The Traitors, the Peacock psychological competition series hosted by Alan Cumming. Her strategic gameplay and social acumen earned her the title of winner, adding a championship to her résumé and demonstrating that her appeal extends far beyond romance-focused programming. Throughout her career, Windey has also been open about her personal life, including her relationship with comedian Robbie Hoffman, and has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ visibility, particularly after publicly discussing her own sexuality. With a thriving career that spans nursing, reality TV, and live entertainment, Gabby Windey remains a dynamic and influential presence in contemporary pop culture.