Meet Jake from The Ultimatum, and his life before and after the show

Meet Jake from The Ultimatum, and his life before and after the show

Jake from The Ultimatum is a reality TV star and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who became a standout on the Netflix dating show. He entered The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On Season 1 with his girlfriend, April Marie, before forming a connection with Rae Williams on their first date.

Jake Cunningham smiling (L), and the reality star in cap next to a brick wall (R)
Jake Cunningham smiling (L), and the reality star in cap next to a brick wall (R). Photo: @itsjakecunningham on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Jake served in the United States Marine Corps from 2015 to 2020.
  • The reality star joined the show with his girlfriend, April Marie, who wanted him to propose.
  • Jake established a romantic connection with Rae Williams on the show, but did not propose at the end of The Ultimatum.
  • The reality star proposed to Maritza E. Benitez in June 2025.

Profile summary

Real nameJake Cunningham
GenderMale
Date of birth13 June 1994
Age31 years old (as of 2025)
Zodiac signGemini
Place of birthCalifornia, United States
Current residenceHouston, Texas, United States
NationalityAmerican
SexualityStraight
Hair colourBrown
Eye colourBrown
Relationship statusEngaged
FiancéeMaritza E. Benitez
CollegeCopper Mountain Community College
ProfessionReality TV star, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
Instagram@itsjakecunningham

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Jake from The Ultimatum's biography

The reality TV star was born Jake Cunningham in California, USA, but grew up in Houston, Texas, United States. He is 31 years old as of 2025. Jake was born on 13 June 1994, and his zodiac sign is Gemini.

Cunningham attended Copper Mountain Community College in 2017. He studied Emergency Medical Technology (EMT Paramedic).

Quick facts about Jake from The Ultimatum
Top five facts about Jake from The Ultimatum. Photo: @itsjakecunningham on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Original

Insights into Jake from The Ultimatum's career

Jake Cunningham is a reality TV star known for being a cast member of the Netflix reality show The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, Season 1. According to his IMDb profile, Jake was also in The Perfect Match, which aired in 2024.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Jake works as a law enforcement officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas in Houston, Texas, United States. He has also worked as a security officer, assistant manager and sales specialist.

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As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Cunningham worked as an infantry leader for five years from 2015. He was deployed as a security guard at embassies worldwide, including those in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, Bahrain, and Iraq.

Who is Jake from The Ultimatum with?

Jake from The Ultimatum, and his fiancé, Maritza Benitez
Jake from The Ultimatum, and his fiancé, Maritza Benitez. Photo: @itsjakecunningham on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Jake is engaged to Maritza Benitez. The reality star debuted his new relationship on 29 September 2024, when he posted a photo of the two on Instagram with the caption:

Say hello to the Queen.

Three months later, on 26 December 2024, Cunningham added a cute snap of the two wearing matching Christmas pyjamas. He captioned the photo:

Merry Chrysler from me and my better half.

The Ultimatum alum proposed to Maritza in June 2025. He posted a photo proposing on bended knee with the caption:

Wouldn’t want to spend the rest of my life with anyone other than you. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world! I love you more than you’ll ever know.

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What happened to Jake from The Ultimatum?

Meet Jake from The Ultimatum walking in beige trouser and white shirt
Meet Jake from The Ultimatum walking in beige trouser and white shirt. Photo: @itsjakecunningham on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Jake Cunningham entered the Netflix reality show The Ultimatum with his then-girlfriend April Marie. The show tested couples by having them switch partners and live with someone new. This helped them figure out their true feelings to see who they were compatible with before deciding on their relationship.

During the trial marriage phase, Cunningham made a connection with Rae from The Ultimatum on their first date. The TV personality finally chose Rae over April, leaving the show with her, although he did not propose.

According to E! News, Jake's relationship with Rae did not work. Rae attempted to rekindle her relationship with her former boyfriend, Zay Wilson, but it did not work. The TV personality returned to Austin, where she works as a 911 operator and bartender.

Did Jake and April get back together?

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April Marie in a green top smiling (L) and Jake Cunningham in a burgundy blazer and white t-shirt (R)
April Marie in a green top smiling (L) and Jake Cunningham in a burgundy blazer and white t-shirt (R). Photo: @itsaprilmarie, @itsjakecunningham on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Jake and April from The Ultimatum did not get back together. However, they saw each other briefly after the show. In the season finale, Ultimatum Day, Cunningham met with April and told her he would not propose. He stated:

Me and Rae are not running off together.

April Marie has since moved on and lives with her partner, Cody Cooper. Cody is a vape entrepreneur and real estate agent. They have two daughters, Mila and Ava.

FAQs

  1. Who is Jake from The Ultimatum? Jake is a reality TV star and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
  2. What is Jake from The Ultimatum's real name? His real name is Jake Cunningham.
  3. Where is Jake Cunningham from? Jake hails from Houston, Texas, United States.
  4. How old is Jake from The Ultimatum? He is 31 years old as of 2025. He was born on 13 June 1994.
  5. Who gave Jake The Ultimatum? Jake was given an ultimatum by his then-girlfriend, April Marie.
  6. Are Jake and Rae from The Ultimatum still together? Jake and Rae from The Ultimatum are no longer together.
  7. Is Jake from The Ultimatum dating? The reality star is engaged to Maritza Benitez.

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Jake from The Ultimatum left his relationship with April Marie on the Netflix reality show after connecting with Rae Williams. Although he left the show with Rae, he never proposed, and they are no longer together. The reality TV star is now engaged to Maritza Benitez.

Legit.ng published an article about Stephen Richardson from Love Is Blind. Stephen Richardson is an American reality star, electrician, and former US Marine. He rose to stardom when he appeared on Love Is Blind in search of a meaningful connection without the influence of looks.

Stephen Richardson's journey on Love Is Blind connected him with Monica Davis. The two got engaged on the show, but their romance ended in episode 9 of the same season. Find out more about Stephen Richardson's background, career, and life after the show.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Naomi Karina avatar

Naomi Karina (Lifestyle writer) Naomi Karina has been a digital content writer for more than two years. She joined the Legit team in August 2022. She graduated Bachelor of Commerce from KCA University in 2012. She also holds a Higher Diploma in Human Resources from the IHRM and a Diploma in Marketing from Kenyatta University. She is a content creator who enjoys writing about various topics such as biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Naomi finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She expanded her skills in 2024 by undertaking the Google News Initiative course.