The Bachelor's Hottest Secret: Gerry Turner Unveils His Exclusive Age Range for Contestants!

Gerry Turner ABC/Brian Bowen Smith

The details surrounding The Golden Bachelor remain largely unknown, however, lead actor Gerry Turner has divulged a few confidential tidbits, including the approximate age range of his potential contestants. "I initially mentioned 60 to 70, but don't hesitate to be flexible," revealed the 71-year-old star in an interview with Variety on Thursday, August 10th, in response to inquiries about the general age criteria provided to casting directors.

Gerry, an Indiana native, shared that he provided producers with some guidelines on what he was seeking in a potential match for the show. "During our conversations, they asked various questions and I mentioned that I would prefer someone who is active, such as enjoying sports like golf or pickleball, as a means to stay fit," he clarified.

Having faced disappointing outcomes in his previous search for a partner, Gerry had no interest in being involved in the casting process this time around.

"My wife has been absent for six years. Out of those six, I have been involved in dating for about four years. I must admit that I wasn't particularly successful in choosing suitable partners for myself, so I am relieved that I don't have that responsibility anymore," he joked. "I believe that the method they have utilized in the past and have subsequently improved will attract some truly exceptional candidates."

In July, ABC revealed Gerry as the inaugural Golden Bachelor. This announcement arrived after years of searching for senior contestants, causing some fans to question if the spinoff would ever become a reality.

“It feels amazing and it’s still sinking in,” Gerry said on Good Morning America last month, adding that he’s hoping to find a “high-energy” partner.

Gerry Turner, photographed by Brian Bowen Smith for ABC, had been married to his high school sweetheart, Toni, who sadly passed away in 2017. During an interview on the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast in July, Gerry expressed his belief that Toni would have been immensely proud of his involvement in the show.

In my walk-in closet, there is a picture of her that I see every night. It is the only picture of her in my house. In the mornings, I look at her picture and we have conversations. Sometimes it's just a brief comment, other times it's silent. Lately, for the past couple of months, I always ask her, "What do you think of this? Am I doing the right thing?" And I have strong positive feelings about it. I believe she would be very happy.

Gerry also mentioned that he and his late partner had two daughters named Jenny and Angie. He shared that his daughters and granddaughters are all eagerly anticipating his appearance in Bachelor Nation. They send him a lot of positive reinforcement, he shared with Variety.

Production on The Golden Bachelor is currently underway, with former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe filming a date with Gerry’s contestants earlier this week. The spinoff premieres on ABC this fall.