Gary Levingston walked away from The Golden Bachelorette with more than just memories of vying for Joan Vassos’ heart—he found camaraderie and personal growth. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Gary shared his reflections on his time on the show, his bittersweet exit, and the brotherhood he formed with his fellow contestants.
After his departure in episode 4, Gary admitted that he was deeply disappointed not to receive a rose. “It was tough,” he confessed. “I’m a fighter by nature, and it felt like I didn’t win. But I kept a smile on for Joan because I wanted her to see how much I valued our time together.” Despite the heartbreak, Gary said he hoped their connection could continue as friends. “In the end, it became a great friendship,” he added.
Gary reminisced about his first night at the Malibu mansion, arriving with a mix of nerves and excitement. “I had instant anxiety when I was cast, but dancing my way up to meet Joan took the edge off,” he recalled. Throughout the journey, he found comfort not only in his interactions with Joan but also in the friendships he built with the other men. “Connecting with the guys was powerful in itself,” he said.
One of the show’s highlights for Gary was a kickball game in episode 3, where he and the other contestants felt like they were back in their twenties. The experience solidified their bond, which continued to grow during various group activities. When Gary and the men participated in a charity event led by original Chippendales dancers, he was hesitant at first but quickly embraced the cause. “The brotherhood was established in that way,” he reflected.
Gary also shared a deeply personal memory from the show, recounting the moment when contestant Chock learned of his mother’s passing. “We all rallied around him,” he said. As roommates, Gary and Chock developed a close relationship. “We shared some intimate conversations, talking about life, family, and what matters most. Those were very special moments for me,” he noted.
As he looked back on his time in The Golden Bachelorette, Gary spoke fondly of each rose ceremony and the friendships he made. “Every ceremony was unique, and every guy brought something special to the experience. It’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world,” he said with a smile.
In addition to the friendships and memories, Gary felt that his time with Joan rekindled his passion for dating. “It’s been a long time, and you get a little rusty. But being around Joan gave me the courage to re-enter the dating world,” he explained. The experience reminded him to stay true to himself. “It’s about knowing what I want and trusting that the right person is out there,” he said.
Ultimately, Gary is grateful for his journey on the show and for the lessons he learned along the way. “It was an amazing experience,” he shared. “I’m excited for what’s next, and I believe that love is closer than I think. I just have to keep the faith.”
