Newly Married Couple Enjoying Post Show Celebrity, Considering Move to Charleston SC 

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Gerry Turner's life took a celebrity turn in 2023 as he was introduced as the first 'Golden Bachelor'. Prior to that the retired restaurateur and widow was living a somewhat normal existence in Indiana. However as the stars would have it, his life changed when ABC and Warner Bros. decided he'd be the first to represent the newest edition to the two decade franchise. 

Turner recalls how it all unfolded. "The whole process took over three years. One night my daughters and I were watching 'The Bachelor' and we're texting back and forth about the episode. And a slide comes up on the screen asking if anyone is interested in becoming the first 'Senior Bachelor'. Initially that's what they had in mind as the title before changing it to 'Golden Bachelor'." Smart decision!

It didn't take much for his grown children to encourage him. "Of course my daughters and granddaughters were into right away, and thought I should do it. So I answered an ad and filled out some basic information. I didn't have any expectations at that point, but surprisingly I heard back a week later."

However, just as quick as the journey was about to begin he had the rug pulled out from under him. "Of course around the same time Covid hit and everything went dark." Or so he thought. "I went on with my life and around February of last year I get a call asking if I'm still interested."

There were still a few mountains to climb before it was narrowed down. With 'Golden Bachelor' being the first of its kind in the ABC franchise, did Turner know how many men he was competing against to be the first representative. "It's not something that I really inquired about. From what I've heard more women applied than men. It may have been over a 1000 or more women, but around a 100 or so men applied to be the Golden Bachelor."

With advertisements running for the series prior to it airing on ABC, Turner was already placed in the media spotlight. Did he worry about overnight exposure. "No. To the contrary, it was much more after the fact when I realized all the extra attention directed at me."

He explains further, "During taping I was very committed to the sole reason I was there, and that was finding a suitable mate, someone who I could spend the rest of my years with. I had high hopes from the very first moment the process began."

While Turner admits the experience was fast-paced, he did his best to stay focused. "There was no intimidation, except that I was in a pressure cooker situation. I was desperately trying to get to know 22 women, so I had the rest of the world blocked out."

Having spent 43 years married to his high school sweetheart before her untimely death in 2017, Turner wasn't seeking a carbon copy. "I realized going into the process I was not looking for Toni 2.0. I was looking for someone different."

However, at 72 and in good health Turner admits there were a few core things on his radar. "Obviously your needs at 20 are different than at 70." He adds, "I wanted someone who was adventurous. Someone who loves to travel, has a sense of humor, and more importantly has family values. Fortunately I found that in Theresa (Nist)." 

Whether he realized the overall media impact or not, becoming the first Golden Bachelor created a new reality for Turner. "I understand I may never be able to go back to the old me. It's been a cultural change. Both Theresa and myself have a new normal, a new life."

In his seemingly laid back demeanor Turner takes it all in stride. "Our calendar is extremely busy. We have commitments still with ABC and Warner Bros. that we have to hold up, right up through next Emmy season. And then there are podcasts, personal appearances, and charities that everyone wants us to take part in. Some of the events are just me, and some are me and Theresa."

The newly married couple do have some free reign. "Of course Theresa and I have more say in some of the things we do."

As expected it's the everyday people who are enthralled with Turner, and he's happy to oblige. "I can't imagine how many photos I've taken with strangers since this began. Easily in the 1000's. I've never said no. Everyone wants to be part of the fun, so I embrace it."

Make no mistake his daughters and other family members have embraced the spotlight as well. "They were excited throughout the entire season, finding it very gratifying. To be honest with you, I think they enjoyed the celebrity status that came along with it." 

The Golden Bachelor show culminated in a live wedding on January 4th for Gerry and Theresa. Now that the couple are married and beginning their lives together, there is the question of where they will live. Having homes still in Indiana and New Jersey only adds to the equation. "We are back and forth a lot." Low country fans may be interested in the fact Gerry and Theresa are actively seeking to relocate to greater Charleston.

Whether it's fate, luck, or the will of God, a Charleston based real estate agent happened to cold call Turner, after randomly picking his cell number off a board. Oddly she was unaware who she was contacting. "I get this call around 7am in the morning from a realtor in Charleston. Normally I wouldn't have picked up, but for some reason I did."

He adds, "She was just making what they call a 'blind call'. I didn't have to get up that early, but fortunately I had some time so I took the call. We ended up having a nice conversation. She asked me 'why do you have interest in Charleston?'. I said I hear nothing but good things about Charleston and was looking for warmer climate."

Here's where it gets amusing. "She asked when I was planning to visit so she could show me around. I told her I'd welcome that but with the show ongoing I didn't know how that might play out. She replies 'what show'. And then I told her I'm the Golden Bachelor. Almost immediately she replied 'Oh my God, this must be my lucky day'! She had know idea who she was calling."

The Turner's have plans to visit Charleston soon and start looking. "We'd love to get down there in March, but commitments might prevent that, so it could be May or June." Any locations of specific interest. "My realtor mentioned areas like north Mount Pleasant, and I asked her also about Folly Beach. I guess we'll see once we have the opportunity to explore the area."

Turner's love for pickleball and golf might way on his decision. "No doubt. Ultimately it will have to be a home and a community we both agree on."

Understandably there are several factors to consider when planning a move. While Gerry is retired, at 70 Theresa is still actively working as an investment advisor in her home state of New Jersey. "She loves what she does, and she's good at it. I'll let her make any decisions regarding that."

22 years after 'The Bachelor' debuted on ABC the brand has resulted in several spinoffs, with 'The Golden Bachelor' becoming the eighth in the match-making franchise, with the latest offshoot hitting a positive nerve with viewers 50 and older.

A continual ratings winner for the ABC, Turner sees no reason for the network to pull the plug. "From what I understand the Golden Bachelor series did well for ABC as do several of their bachelor and bachelorette series. So I feel certain there will be another 'golden bachelor', but maybe not before they explore a golden bachelorette first."

How soon Gerry and Theresa might make their way permanently to the low country of South Carolina remains up in the air. However, Turner remains hopeful. "My life is definitely busier now than it was one year ago."

Like many who've competed in 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette' shows over the years, a good bit of notoriety follows the contestants well after their time on a particular season ends. "I'm okay with that, and I feel Theresa is as well." Gerry Turner agrees his heightened popularity came with a silver lining. "The show brought us together, and for that reason alone I'm incredibly thankful."

'Golden Bachelor' fans in Charleston stay tuned, the journey continues!