Though Mel has many great attributes that make him the perfect lead for The Golden Bachelor season 2, there are also reasons to think he isn't well suited to finding love on the show. Recent reporting on comments he made to producers about the kind of woman he'd cut from the show raised a giant red flag. Read on to learn more about Mel's unrealistic expectations.
Mel Owens Is Younger Than Gerry Turner
The Choice Could Reflect A Strategic Shift
The producers of The Golden Bachelor opted for a younger lead for their second season, casting 66-year-old Mel Owens to replace 72-year-old Gerry Turner. This decision reflects a strategic shift to appeal to a slightly younger demographic while maintaining the show’s focus on mature romance. Owens, known for his vibrant personality, brings fresh energy to the role, aiming to connect with contestants and viewers alike.
Mel Isn't Interested In Dating Women His Own Age
"If They're Over 60, I'm Cutting Them"
Mel took the comments even further, going on to say that he told producers, “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.” These comments have sparked backlash among fans who are outraged by Mel's ageism. It's a reminder that Mel is a divorced single dad who was married to a woman who was 20 years his junior. He's clearly uninterested in women his own age.
AccordiMel met his ex-wife, Fabiana Pimentel, described as “his first love,” while working as a lawyer in Orange County. Hollywood Life reports Fabiana initiated divorce proceedings in February 2020. They were married for 25 years. Unlike Mel, Gerry was a widower, as was The Golden Bachelorette season 1's Joan.
The Golden Bachelor's Producers Weren't Happy About Mel's Request
"This Is Not The 'Silver Bachelor'"
"And I told them [to] try and stay away from artificial hips and the wigs.”
Mel took it even further, going on to insist that the women he dated had “to be fit, because I’m staying in shape and work out and stuff. And I told them [to] try and stay away from artificial hips and the wigs.” The cast of The Golden Bachelor season 1 was full of beautiful older women who took great care of themselves, so Mel's concern is misplaced.
Mel's ageism is a bad sign for The Golden Bachelor season 2. The first season of the show ended badly too. Gerry married Theresa Nist, 70, in a nationally televised wedding, but they divorced after only three months of marriage. The show about finding true love in old age desperately needs a win, but Mel may not be the right man for the job.
