Jenni “JWOWW” Farley

Jenni "JWoww" Farley won over viewers and fans after appearing on "Jersey Shore" (MTV, 2009-12), a reality series that followed a group of wild, unapologetic young partiers over a summer in Seaside Heights, NJ. The outrageous and uniquely styled cast of characters included Farley, a former graphic designer and party girl who lived it up on camera along with her fellow housemates. She proved to be an extremely entertaining "bad girl" reality show participant.

Jenni "JWoww" Farley grew up in the rural upstate community of Franklin Square, NY. She began studying computer programming at 17 and realized what she really wanted to pursue was graphic design. She moved to New York City, attended a local community college, and eventually opened Jenny Farley Designs, Inc., her own graphic design company. In 2008, Farley was promoted to Vice President of Marketing for the social networking website, www.IgnitionNation.com. It was while living in the Big Apple that she also became a fixture on the city's club scene. Prior to her 21st birthday, Farley underwent a breast augmentation procedure as a gift to herself. The self-described "praying mantis" (an animal species known for their females biting off their male partner's heads while mating) was in the midst of settling down with her boyfriend in 2009. Things quickly changed for the couple, however, after Farley was cast in a new reality program.

MTV attempted to turn the reality world upside down in 2009 with the premiere of "Jersey Shore." The freshman series put a twist on the "seven strangers living under one roof" formula, which made "The Real World" (MTV, 1992- ) into the network's most successful and influential franchise, by this time grouping together an all Italian-American cast. Farley was one of eight strangers picked from various parts of the East Coast to live, work and party together for one summer in Seaside Heights. Even though the New Yorker had a steady relationship back home, it did not take long for her to prey on fellow housemate Pauly "DJ Pauly D" Del Vecchio. The duo locked lips by the show's second episode, which Farley confessed to her boyfriend the following week. The hot-tempered Farley also was not afraid to stand up to her male co-stars, especially the "house villain" Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino, whom she punched in the face after a drunken night out in Atlantic City. Armed with a cleavage-baring, borderline trashy wardrobe, Farley caught the attention of every person she encountered during her "Jersey Shore" summer, as well as millions of viewers who tuned in week after week to watch all the dancing, drinking and drama unfold onscreen.

Even though "Jersey Shore" resuscitated MTV's reality programming, it also angered cultural groups such as the National Italian American Foundation and UNICO National, which called for a boycott of the show due to the cast's constant use of the terms "Guido" and "Guidette." The network's advertisers including Dell and Domino's Pizza pulled their commercials after the first episode aired. MTV defended the show and even released a statement that insisted the cast's use of the terms was not meant to offend nor represent all Italian-Americans. The controversy only helped boost the show's ratings and the cast's careers. Farley capitalized on her post-"Jersey Shore" fame by launching a fashion line sold on www.JWoww.com. Inspired by her skimpy attire, the reality personality described her clothing line as "Sexy Sophisticated." In January 2010, Farley's "Jersey Shore" housemate Vinny Guadagnino confirmed the show was renewed for a second season. That same month, nude photos of Farley, taken by an amateur photographer in 2008, reportedly surfaced and were being shopped around to tabloids and celebrity websites.

By Marc Cuenco