Featuring ABC’s delightfully chaotic bios!!!
Joan Vasso is the first-ever Golden Bachelorette after being a contestant on Gerry Turner’s season of The Golden Bachelor, and we could not be more excited to see her journey play out. ICYMI, Joan actually left The Golden Bach prematurely to tend to a family emergency (if that doesn’t make her America’s Sweetheart, I don’t know what does!). Now, it’s her turn to have a “second, second” chance at love, meaning: ABC’s delightfully chaotic bio writer is back, and there are 24 more men to be introduced in Bachelor Nation. So here are all the deets on Joan Vasso’s 24 contestants on The Golden Bachelorette, so you can study up before it premieres on September 18.
1. Mark
Age: 57
Hometown: Leesville, Louisiana
Occupation: Army veteran
Bio: Mark is ready for love after loss. You may recognize Mark as Kelsey Anderson’s dad and Joey Graziadei’s future father-in-law! Inspired by Kelsey and Joey’s love story, Mark is excited about this chance to find love again. Mark is empathetic and warm and has dedicated his life to working for the military. His five children are his greatest accompaniment, and he can’t wait to have grandchildren one day. Mark loved watching The Golden Bachelor because it made him realize he’s not alone in his grief, and others are also hoping to find love again in this chapter of life. He loves traveling to visit his kids, and he hopes to meet a woman to plant roots with again. Mark is truly here to find his person and hopefully return home with Joan by his side.
Fun facts:
Mark is terrified of ostriches.
Mark’s favorite movie is Elf.
Mark can wiggle his ears.
2. Ken
Age: 60
Hometown: Peabody, Massachusetts
Occupation: Property management treasurer
Bio: This Boston man is ready to find love! Ken’s family and friends describe him as honest, adventurous and active…like, really active! He has run many marathons, plays tennis and loves cycling. Ken is looking for a partner who has a good sense of humor and can keep up with his on-the-go lifestyle. He says he still feels young, even in his 60s and is in a very happy place in life despite not having someone to experience it all with. Ken’s heart is open to love, and he is so excited about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to find it with Joan. When he isn’t working or spending time with his adult kids, Ken loves watching Ted Lasso and cheering on Boston sports teams. Will this be the end of Ken’s search for love? We hope so!
Fun facts:
Ken is a Miley Cyrus stan. (In which case, I say me too, Ken.)
Ken is told he’s a bad driver, but he’s not buying it.
Ken’s greatest dream is to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park.
3. Gil
Age: 60
Hometown: Mission Viejo, California
Occupation: Educator
Bio: Gil is the perfect combination of romantic, sweet and emotional. This educator is ready for love again and misses that feeling of knowing you’re with the right person. The father of two wants to show the world that men can be committed and want the same kinds of relationships that women do during their golden years. Gil loves going to comedy clubs with his friends and indulging in a relaxing foot massage in his free time. He knows retirement is on the horizon for him and dreams of living in Hawaii by the beach with the partner he is walking through the rest of his life with. Gil’s favorite way to show affection is holding hands, and he’s reaching out for Joan’s hand, hoping she’s the one he’s been waiting for.
Fun facts:
Gil is a skilled juggler.
Gil’s favorite book is The Bridges of Madison County.
Gil loves road-tripping, especially with his family.
4. Chock
Age: 60
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Occupation: Insurance executive
Bio: Chock is quite the catch! He is kind, loves adventure, and has had a successful career owning his own business. Chock has a very full life with his kids, his adorable black Lab Super Tubbs, and his work, but he knows he’s missing the one thing he wants most—love. Chock truly believes love can be found at any age and is enthusiastic about finding that spark again. He’s hoping this is his moment to meet the adventurous, compassionate woman he’s been looking for. When Chock isn’t working or spending time with his kids, he loves exercising and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs. His guilty pleasure is shopping, and he can’t resist a good sale! Chock is totally a relationship guy, so let’s see if Joan is the long-term love he’s been dreaming of.
Fun facts:
Chock is a self-proclaimed grill master.
Chock once went nighttime shark diving in Australia.
Chock hopes that Chevy Camaros with T-tops make a comeback.
5. Thomas
Age: 62
Hometown: New York, New York
Occupation: FDNY chief
Bio: Love is heating up—is there a firefighter in the house?! Thomas has it covered. This New York City firefighter is a great catch, and he is so excited about the opportunity to find love again. Thomas is a father of three and is very close with his kids. When he isn’t working hard in the firehouse, he enjoys playing ukulele, eating ice cream and listening to Elton John while walking around Central Park. Thomas is a self-proclaimed great gift-giver and is hopeful that Joan is ready to be showered with tokens of his affection. He has a hilarious and sarcastic sense of humor, and while he doesn’t take life too seriously, Thomas knows the future is bright. He is ready to sweep Joan off her feet!
Fun facts:
Thomas knows how to ride a unicycle.
Thomas used to own a crêperie in Rhode Island.
Thomas is a big skier and an even bigger après-skier.
6. Kim
Age: 69
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Occupation: Retired navy captain
Bio: Kim is ready to sail off into the sunset with Joan…literally! The retired naval officer loves spending time on his sailboat and dreams of taking Joan for a romantic ride as the sun goes down. Kim is a man of integrity who says he loves making the most of life at any age. He is sincere and generous, and he is a proud father and grandfather. Kim is ready for love and hopes to make his future partner feel special. His ideal date night includes cooking dinner together and enjoying it in the backyard. Kim loves an old-fashioned and hopes to toast to him and Joan being the perfect match. Sounds like you’ve come to the right place, Kim!
Fun facts:
Kim is an excellent whistler.
Kim’s favorite food as a child was clam cakes.
Kim would love to learn how to play the piano.
7. Charles L.
Age: 66
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupation: Retired financial analyst
Bio: Charles L. really is someone special. The retired data analyst and father of two is ready for a second chance at true love and excited to put himself out there. Charles L. is no stranger to taking risks. He grew up in rural China and moved to the United States with only $20 in his pocket. Now, he’s ready to risk it all for love and is hoping Joan can match his kind heart, hilarious sense of humor, and sweet soul. Charles L. is hoping to meet someone intelligent and kind, and we know he’s coming to the right place. If Charles L. could see anyone in concert during his golden years, he’d love to see Britney Spears perform one day. Let’s see if Charles L. can find love “Baby One More Time” with Joan!
Fun facts:
Charles L. dreams of going to the moon.
Charles L. loves to fish and grew up making his own fishing nets.
Charles L.’s favorite TV show is the NBA Finals every year.
8. Charles K.
Age: 62
Hometown: Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Occupation: Portfolio manager
Bio: Charles K. is just as sweet as he is handsome! The portfolio manager has strong family values, is well-traveled, and is the life of the party. While Charles K. is very proud of his work, he says his five children are his greatest accomplishment. When he isn’t working or spending time with family, Charles K. loves playing basketball, dancing, exercising and exploring the outdoors. He also takes his style (or, as his son says, his “drip”) seriously. This fashion-forward senior says he wants to prove to the world that men above 60 “still have game, charm, and swag!” Charles K. has traveled the world looking for love and is open to living anywhere; he’s just waiting for that right connection. He can’t wait to meet Joan and see if she’s the woman he’s been searching for!
Fun facts:
Charles K. LOVES kayaking.
Charles K. says Saturday mornings are for sleeping in.
Charles K. is very proud of the work he’s done building homes in rural Nicaragua.
