GOLDEN Bachelor star Gerry Turner looks unrecognizable before his Hollywood makeover, as The U.S. Sun has obtained private family photos.
Gerry, 72, will star on The Golden Bachelor with the series set to premiere on September 28.
The U.S. Sun has obtained exclusive photos of Gerry before he entered the spotlight to find a partner to spend the rest of his life with.
In one exclusive photo, Gerry could be seen wearing a black T-shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers while sitting on a motorcycle.
In a photo from high school, Gerry sported thick black glasses.
In ABC’s previews for the upcoming season, they provided throwback photos of Gerry, where is he seen sporting a mustache, and casual attire from shirts to jeans.
The photos before Gerry became famous are a major contrast to his appearance today, as he appears tan and has been wearing suits.
Even when wearing jeans, Gerry paired them with a button-down T-shirt and blazer.
An acquaintance of Gerry’s who goes to the same bar he does exclusively told The U.S. Sun of his appearance: “He is such a lake guy. When I saw him on TV, I didn’t recognize him!
“He was good-looking, but now he’s really good-looking! I never saw him in a suit. He’s a lake guy in his lake clothes!”
Gerry’s dad, Everett Turner, exclusively told The U.S. Sun that his son came into his looks as a preteen.
He said: “When Gerry was 12 years old, he was already 6-foot-2. He was attractive. He’s very intelligent. In high school, he was on the basketball team and the debate team. His basketball team got to number two in the state.”
SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE
Gerry, pronounced Gary, is a retired restaurateur from Indiana.
His wife Toni, who he shares two daughters with, died in 2017.
He said in a preview clip: “We had 43 wonderful years together. We had two daughters, and I now have two granddaughters.
“We had a typical but beautiful life full of love, full of activity and as years went on, I retired. We had a plan and we had a plan of what our dream house was going to be.
“So when Toni retired at the end of May in 2017, we bought that dream house. Closed on it on June 6. From June 6 on, it didn’t go according to plan at all. You know, she became ill and her situation got worse over a couple of weeks.”
He then broke down in tears as he said: “So, we went to the emergency room and she had a bacterial infection that infected her kidneys and infected her liver. So I took my wife to the emergency room on July 7 and she passed away on July 15.”
The Golden Bachelor star continues to live in their dream house that looks over a lake.
He said: “Every time I look at that lake, I go, ‘This is her dream. This is what she deserves. Why am I standing here alone?’ It will be six years since she passed away. No one is ever going to replace Toni.”
FUTURE WIFE?
ABC released the 22 women vying for Gerry’s heart, as they include former Bachelor Matt James’ mom Patty, 70, and Kris Jenner look-alike Susan, 66.
Gerry’s close hometown friends previously revealed to The U.S. Sun that they believe he’ll go all the way in fantasy suites.
Gerry’s close pal, who asked to remain anonymous, told The U.S. Sun of the overnight dates: “He’s not dead! He’ll do whatever he thinks is the right thing to do. It’s more of the emotional connection than it is physical. He doesn’t play games.”
As for Gerry’s dream woman, the friend said: “He’s open-minded. He’ll look into her eyes and see who he likes. He’ll know.”
Gerry’s friend Heather Lanning said he would like someone outgoing and family-oriented.
She told The U.S. Sun: “He needs somebody who would travel with him. He likes to travel. He does spend a lot of time with his daughters and grandkids so that’s important. Gerry is very family-oriented.
“And she’s got to love the water! I think he would move or have the woman move here. Either one, that’s going to be based on however that goes down. I don’t think he would be limited to moving.”
Heather added: “I hope there is maturity that goes along with this age bracket rather than what we typically see. But no matter the age, women can be catty.
“He’s a very smart man. He’ll be fine.”
