A fan favorite of The Golden Bachelorette, Mark Anderson, was a pivotal cast member. Having first debuted on The Bachelor season 28, Mark drew the right attention. The father of Kelsey Anderson (the season’s winner) seemed like a catch. He was charming, assertive, and funny when addressing Kelsey’s potential partner, Joey Graziadei. His loveable personality and good looks earned him an invite to The Golden Bachelorette season 1.
After a rocky start to leading lady Joan Vassos’ season, the pair shared a romantic yacht date. Unfortunately, this date featured more awkward silence than conversation. While Mark and Joan seemed to share minimal chemistry, many were disappointed to see him eliminated. With the casting process for The Golden Bachelor commencing, many are looking to Mark as a new lead, but I don’t believe Mark would accept the position even if it were offered to him.
Mark Is In A Relationship
He Doesn’t Need To Search Anymore
Mark was devastated to be eliminated from Joan’s season. Although the pair weren’t as compatible as fans hoped, they had grown fond of one another. When the pair parted ways, Joan was brought to tears. Mark left with poise as he wished Joan the best in her search for love. While this rejection affected the retired army veteran, the experience opened him up to new opportunities. It seems to have led him to his current partner.
Rumors regarding a relationship began to spiral after Barbara Alyn Woods, actress in One Tree Hill, posted an image of her and Mark around Halloween. This image featured Barbara dressed as Cinderella and Mark aptly dressed as Prince Charming. Barbara’s daughter, Natalie Alyn Lind, is dressed as Baby Grogu in the foreground. The caption reads, “When Cinderella and Prince Charming have a baby…” The leading caption, costume, and their single status left many believing the couple was soft-launching their relationship.
While neither Mark nor Barbara have confirmed their status, their relationship has been heavily indicated. Another post on Barbara’s account from November 18th includes an image of her and Mark sharing a meal with her daughter, Emily Lind, and a friend. In the same carousel, Barbara and Mark pose in the background, seated together in an outdoor theater. The caption reads, “I’m also just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her.” It seems that the relationship has grown fairly serious.
Although this practically established relationship is great news for fans of the former bachelor, it would mean less incentive to lead his own season.
The relationship was further confirmed when The Golden Bachelor’s Kathy Swarts posted an image with Mark, reading, “He isn’t mine AND this is a fine guy who has found his happy.” Although this practically established relationship is great news for fans of the former bachelor, it would mean less incentive to lead his own season. Mark has found his person. He wouldn’t drop what he has for further notoriety. If the pair has truly found their one and only, Mark would undoubtedly turn down the offer.
Mark Was Accused Of Being A Producer Plant
He Was Scrutinized
Mark’s stint on The Golden Bachelorette could have gone smoother. While he proved to be a kind and good-natured contestant, he attracted criticism. Many believed Mark was included in Joan’s season to groom him for his own season. This would also explain why Mark remained in the competition for so long despite his and Joan’s obvious differences. Whether this is true or not, Mark has endured his fair share of scrutiny.
If Mark led his own season, the public scrutiny would only increase.
If Mark led his own season, the public scrutiny would only increase. For the most part, Mark flew under the radar on Joan’s season. He didn’t make much of an impression and remained fairly quiet. Despite this, he made headlines. Bachelor alumni like Gerry Turner can testify to the brutal criticism and inspection from the public when leading a season.
Gerry’s reputation was ruined after his stint on The Golden Bachelor. Gerry similarly appeared like the perfect partner. He seemed respectful, gentle, and successful. After his season concluded, a deep dive into his past revealed his deception. Gerry lied about his early retirement and relationships following his late wife. This falsified appearance led to intense scrutiny and public admonishment. Mark could be opening himself up to the same judgment (via The Hollywood Reporter).
Mark seems like a mild-mannered and private man. Although he had Kelsey to commiserate with, public criticism can be distressing. I don’t think monetary profit would be worth putting himself in that position again. Mark has already developed a fanbase and platform for his future endeavors. He doesn’t need the pressure of another season.
Mark Was Awkward On Camera
He Disappointed Fans
Part of the reason that Mark was accused of being a producer plant was rooted in his lackluster efforts on the show. Mark put very little energy into impressing Joan, as he rarely talked with her and only came out of his shell with his fellow competitors. On his date with Joan, the pair shared innumerable awkward silences, which were only broken up by talk of their late spouses. When around Joan, Mark seemed to shut down completely.
Whatever the reason, Mark did not surpass expectations like many fans had hoped.
He had admitted to Joan that he hadn’t been dating much since losing his wife. This likely contributed to his uncomfortable disposition. Whatever the reason, Mark did not surpass expectations like many fans had hoped. He may find opening up on camera difficult. While this position is completely fair and understandable contestants and leads need to embrace their vulnerability on camera. Otherwise, the season would be incredibly dry.
When he and Joan parted ways, he admitted, “I’ve not always been too open. You know, I hid myself away. That invisibility cloak is what I wore.”
Mark seems to enjoy his privacy. His Instagram is updated fairly infrequently. The only evidence of his relationship with Barbara can be found on her, or Kathy’s, page. When he and Joan parted ways, he admitted, “I’ve not always been too open. You know, I hid myself away. That invisibility cloak is what I wore.” Mark indicated that he struggled with vulnerability. This coupled with a camera crew, makes dating more intimidating. I think Mark’s best chance at love would be off-screen. I believe he understands this as he pursues a private relationship with Barbara.
Mark appears to have found love off-camera. His stint on The Golden Bachelorette, while a fantastic opportunity, exposed him to heartbreak and heavy criticism. Because of his private and understated demeanor, he wouldn’t thrive in his own season. I don’t believe that Mark would lead The Golden Bachelor even if the producers personally invited him.
