The debut season of The Golden Bachelor premiered on September 28, 2023, introducing a refreshing, senior-focused twist to the Bachelor franchise. With 72-year-old widower Gerry Turner as the leading man, the show tackled themes of love, loss, and second chances. While only one contestant walked away with the final rose, many of the women left a lasting impact on fans. Their humor, vulnerability, and bold personalities made The Golden Bachelor a season to remember.
Here are the top 10 contestants who truly made their mark.
10. Ellen Goltzer – The Sweetheart
A retired school teacher, Ellen Goltzer quickly became a fan favorite. She entered the show honoring her late friend Roberta, who encouraged her to find love again. Gerry was drawn to Ellen’s warmth, even giving her a gift on his birthday. Their bond deepened, and their one-on-one hot air balloon date was one of the season’s highlights. Unfortunately, her journey ended just before hometown visits, leaving fans heartbroken.
9. Sandra Mason – The Hilarious Risk-Taker
From the moment Sandra stepped out of the limo, she had Gerry’s attention with her unconventional “healing practice” – a deep-breathing exercise featuring curse words. Sandra’s unfiltered personality kept things entertaining. But perhaps her most shocking moment came when she revealed she had skipped her own daughter’s wedding to pursue love on the show. Though she was eliminated in Week 5, her boldness made her an unforgettable contestant.
8. Nancy Hulkower – The Honest Romantic
Nancy, a retired interior designer, connected with Gerry over shared experiences with hearing aids and the loss of their spouses. Her heartfelt honesty made her stand out, especially during an emotional moment when she broke down after wearing a wedding dress for a group date. Ultimately, Nancy chose to leave the show when she realized Gerry’s connections with others were stronger. Fans respected her self-awareness and vulnerability.
7. April Kirkwood – The Mischief Maker
April brought unmatched comedic relief to the season. From gifting Gerry an “April Calendar” (where every month was April) to faking an injury during a pickleball game just to get extra time with him, she always found a way to steal the spotlight. April’s larger-than-life personality made her a standout, even if she didn’t win Gerry’s heart.
6. Susan Noles – The Life of the Party
With her Kris Jenner-like hairstyle and infectious energy, wedding officiant Susan Noles became the heart of the season. She was a great friend to the other contestants and even returned to officiate Gerry’s wedding. One of her most memorable moments? Confessing to Gerry about her digestive struggles in a hilariously candid conversation. Though she was eliminated in Week 5, her charm and humor made her a Bachelor icon.
5. Kathy Swartz – The Straight Shooter
Kathy wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, which led to one of the season’s few dramatic confrontations. She famously told fellow contestant Theresa Nist to “zip it” when tensions rose between them. While some found her bluntness off-putting, others appreciated her honesty. Post-show, she teamed up with Susan Noles to host the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, further proving her entertainment value.
4. Joan Vassos – The One That Got Away
Joan’s story touched many hearts. Having lost her husband to cancer just two years before the show, she navigated grief and love with authenticity. She and Gerry shared a deep emotional connection, but Joan had to leave the competition early due to a family emergency. Though her journey on The Golden Bachelor ended abruptly, she later got her happy ending as the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, finding love with Chock Chapple.
3. Faith Martin – The Wild Card
Faith turned heads the moment she arrived—on a motorcycle. The radio and TV personality brought a fun, adventurous spirit to the show and even received Gerry’s coveted First Impression Rose. Her emotional serenade in the season premiere melted hearts. Making it to the top three, she was blindsided when Gerry sent her home. Many fans even hoped she’d be The Golden Bachelorette.
2. Theresa Nist – The Bride
Theresa and Gerry shared a quiet, steady connection throughout the season. Though she wasn’t the most dramatic contestant, her consistency led to Gerry choosing her in the end. However, their whirlwind romance ended in divorce just three months after their televised wedding. Despite the heartbreak, Theresa remains a fan favorite for handling the split with grace.
1. Leslie Fhima – The Runner-Up with the Strongest Connection
Leslie had the strongest chemistry with Gerry. Their relationship felt natural and passionate, making his last-minute decision to choose Theresa instead absolutely shocking. During Fantasy Suites, he all but promised Leslie that she was the one, only to break her heart the next day. Watching Leslie’s raw, emotional exit was one of the most devastating moments in Golden Bachelor history. Though she didn’t get the final rose, she certainly won over the audience.
