Gerry Turner was great as The Golden Bachelor, but his recent behavior has threatened to tarnish his image. The 72-year-old retired restaurateur had been married to the love of his life, Toni Turner, for 43 years before she sadly passed away in 2017 after a brief illness. He was chosen to be the first lead of The Bachelor spin-off and was introduced to 22 impressive and age-appropriate single women. Audiences were charmed by the thoughtful and kindly Gerry. He treated each woman with care and respect and won the hearts of fans all over the country.
The Golden Bachelor season 1 ended with Gerry proposing to 70-year-old fellow widower Theresa Nist, and they were married in January. Hopes were high for the couple. They represented the all-American notion of second chances. For his part, Gerry was symbolic of a nice guy winning. Sadly, Gerry and Theresa announced their divorce less than four months later, in April. Since then, Gerry's behavior has hurt his image as the lovable nice guy.
Gerry recently told TMZ that, though he's not ready to start dating again, he has been receiving his share of romantic offers. Not only are women sending him messages via DMs, he claims they're approaching him in person and giving him their phone numbers. Gerry said he's accepting the numbers but hasn't contacted any of the women. Though there's little doubt that this is true, the fact that he's talking about it publicly is odd. Perhaps it's a part of Gerry's healing process.
Gerry Is Rubbing His Dating Life In Theresa's Face
Though it's unclear why Gerry is sharing this information, it could be intended for Theresa. The Golden Bachelor wouldn't be the first divorced man who wanted to make his ex-wife a little jealous. It could also be to make a point about his life. With Theresa getting so much attention after the divorce announcement, Gerry wanted everyone to know he was doing well, too.
Gerry Is Not The Guy America Fell In Love With Last Year
Gerry isn't the same Indiana widower who agreed to be The Golden Bachelor. He went from being a private person, living in a quiet lake house in Indiana, to a public figure. Having every move scrutinized would have to change a person. Gerry isn't the man he used to be, but that doesn't mean he's a bad person. He's still a loving father and grandfather who seems genuinely kind to everyone he meets.
|
Gerry Turner |
72 years old |
Widowed |
Retired restaurateur |
|
Theresa Nist |
69 years old |
Widowed |
Financier |
The Golden Bachelor: Gerry Turner Has Become Unlikable (He's Cringey)
Hopes were high for Gerry and Theresa, who were touting the idea that finding love again later in life was possible. Their whirlwind romance was like a dream come true. The couple hit it off right away, from the moment Theresa stepped out of the limousine on night one. She pretended to be wearing nothing under her coat, playfully teasing Gerry about the possibility. When she opened her coat, she revealed that she was wearing a skin-toned dress.
The adorable bit charmed Gerry, and Theresa solidified herself as one of the favorites.
Though Theresa butted heads with some of the other single women vying for Gerry's heart, the drama didn't get in the way of love. Gerry eliminated all but Theresa and 65-year-old fitness instructor, Leslie Fhima. Though Gerry told Leslie that she was "the one," he gave his final rose to Theresa, and sent Leslie home heartbroken. Leslie was devastated by the disappointment, but eventually moved past it and went on to thrive. Sadly, the marriage between Gerry and Theresa didn't last.
Thankfully, the couple had a prenup in place. They were both able to leave the marriage with what they brought to the union. Negotiating a prenup isn't the most romantic thing to do before a wedding, but Gerry and Theresa were probably grateful that they were able to dissolve their legal union without taking a financial hit.
Will Gerry Ever Appear On Another Bachelor Nation Show?
Though Gerry would probably love to take another shot at finding love on television, ABC is unlikely to cast him again. There was some speculation that he could appear as a contestant on The Golden Bachelorette, where he could date Joan Vassos again. Joan was one of the contestants on The Golden Bachelor, but she went home early due to a family emergency. Though she and Gerry had chemistry, he has fallen out of favor with fans, and is unlikely to make another Bachelor Nation appearance anytime soon.
