TNT along with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are hoping you smell what they’re cooking as the combo is ready to unleash the heavily promoted The Hero tonight. The reality-competition series is billed as:
“An epic competition testing the strength, courage, and integrity of a diverse group of nine individuals. Each week, the contestants will be tested, physically, mentally, and morally, as they try to prove that they truly deserve the title of “The Hero” and the life-changing grand prize that goes with it. With temptations around every corner, America watches to see what the contestants are willing to overcome, undergo, and sacrifice on behalf of themselves and others. In the end, it’s America’s call on who will be “The Hero.”
One of the nine warriors looking to be The Hero is 34-year-old Rachel Cattelan McDonald from Little River, South Carolina. Check out the Spanish Teacher, Basketball Coach and Hip Hop Dance Teacher/Choreographer’s bio information as well as her introductory Q&A and video from TNT. Following that you will also find Rachel’s social media links including her Twitter and Facebook pages.
RACHEL CATTELAN MCDONALD
Rachel is a 34-year-old single mother who works five jobs in order to support her son, Alijah, who is hearing impaired. When Rachel was a child, she faced numerous struggles, including being born with a condition that caused misalignment of the bones in her legs and feet. She spent multiple years in full leg casts, but she was determined to be able to walk no matter what the doctors said. Despite enduring constant bullying, Rachel persevered and now coaches basketball and teaches dance.
What do you think it means to be a hero? No matter what the situation at hand, a hero always puts their own needs to the side to accomplish and conquer the needs of others.
What’s the most important quality that a hero must possess? Compassion.
When did you first realize you have what it takes to be a hero? When I started my sneaker foundation for underprivileged and at risk youth (SNEAKS FOR DANCE FREAKS). I put brand new kicks on kid’s feet that take hip-hop but cannot afford sneakers to dance in.
What’s your biggest strength? I have a HUGE heart and ALWAYS put others before me.
What’s your biggest weakness? I don’t know the word “NO” and at times I take on too much and I overwhelm myself.
You vs. The Rock: What would be the outcome? Hmmmm. Let’s just say the outcome would be interesting. Ha!
If your life was an action movie, what would it be called? BOO KITTY STRIKES BACK!
What are three things you couldn’t live without?
Family (especially my son)
music/dance
prayer/faith
What’s your biggest fear? Not being able to provide for my son.
Describe your most hero-like moment. When I brought Alijah into the world.
What’s your guilty pleasure? Chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and MORE chocolate.
What accomplishment in life are you the most proud of? The fact that I work a million jobs I never do anything for myself. So when I made it on “The Hero” and beat out thousands of people… that was a HUGE accomplishment. Not to mention getting to work with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
What’s your biggest motivator? Being a single mother. Instead of complaining, I get the job done. Whatever it may be.
Who’s your hero? My son Alijah.
What would be your theme song? “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley. (“Don’t worry bout a thing cuz every little thing gonna be alright”)
Why did you want to be on this show? I wanted to show my son that no matter what you face in life and no matter how hard the challenges, if you put your mind, body and soul into it, you can conquer ANYTHING.
What gets your adrenaline pumping (e.g. are you a skydiver? Whitewater rafter? Afraid of public speaking, etc.) I am an adrenaline JUNKIE! When I’m about to run out on stage and dance in front of thousands of people…I LOVE that feeling. Also, stupid people get my blood flowing…lol CAN’T STAND THAT!!!!!
Rachel’s social media links:
Twitter – @RachelRenee01
Facebook – RachelReneeFans
Good luck to Rachel in her quest, and hey, what’s a sixth job when you already have 5 to do what needs to be done for your son? The Hero premieres tonight on TNT at 8/7c.
