Susan Lucci's Experience with the Golden Bachelorette Offer: Why She Turned It Down

Susan Lucci Says She Was 'Contacted' About Becoming the 1st Golden Bachelorette: 'It Wasn't for Me'

Susan Lucci Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Susan Lucci, 77, is a big fan of Bachelor Nation. She even mentioned that there were talks about her possibly being the next star of The Golden Bachelorette.

Lucci shared in an interview with People on May 24 that her publicist was contacted about the opportunity, but it ultimately didn't work out. Despite not being chosen, she expressed her love for The Golden Bachelor and admitted that she is now hooked on the show.

Lucci mentioned that ABC had contacted her publicist to inquire if she would be interested in an offer. However, the soap star decided not to pursue the opportunity.

She mentioned, "It wasn't the right fit for me, but I enjoy watching. I'm a fan of the show."

ABC has not publicly confirmed whether they planned to cast Lucci as the first Golden Bachelorette. People magazine stated on Friday that the network did not officially offer Lucci the role.

Lucci's interest in the Bachelor franchise started because of her late mother, Jeanette.

I used to tease my mother for watching The Bachelor, but now I'm hooked on it too - even The Golden Bachelor!

Before his passing in 2022 at the age of 84, I was married to Helmet Huber since 1969.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Helmut, who was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend," a family representative shared in a statement to Us in March 2022. "During this challenging time, the family requests privacy."

Lucci and Huber, who was also the actress' manager, have a daughter named Liza and a son named Andreas.

Nearly a year later, ABC launched a special spinoff of The Bachelor in 2023, featuring 72-year-old widower Gerry Turner. This gave him a second chance at finding love, and he ultimately married finalist Theresa Nist in January. However, their relationship ended just three months later.

Recently, it was announced that Joan Vassos, a contestant on Turner's season, would become the first Golden Bachelorette. Vassos, who is 61 years old, decided to leave the show early to focus on being a mom after her daughter was diagnosed with postpartum depression.

"I'm open to the possibility of engagement," Vassos shared with CNN on May 14. He expressed his confidence in the dating process, citing the success stories of many couples on The Bachelor. If the journey leads to an engagement, he sees it as a positive outcome.

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"I don't plan on rushing into marriage right away, especially after what happened with Gerry and Theresa. I believe it's important to take the time to really get to know someone before making such a big commitment. Spending time together in the real world is essential."

Many fans of The Bachelor were suggesting potential leads before Vassos was chosen. Some names that came up were Leslie Fhima, who was a runner-up on Turner's season, and other contestants who didn't make the final cut. Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager even thought their friend Kathie Lee Gifford would be a great choice, but Gifford, at 70 years old, wasn't interested in taking on the role.

Gifford expressed her concerns about the potential risks of getting diseases from hot tubs. She emphasized the importance of being cautious, especially when it comes to unknown individuals and their hygiene practices. She mentioned her hesitation to participate in such activities due to the lack of familiarity with others.

The Golden Bachelorette is set to premiere on ABC in the fall.

Editor's P/S:

Susan Lucci's interest in the Bachelor franchise, sparked by her late mother, is a testament to the show's ability to captivate audiences of all ages.