The Golden Bachelorettestar Mark Anderson was someone I hoped to see as the nextGolden Bachelor, butI’ve changed my mind as he wouldn’t fit the role. ThroughoutThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1, Mark and the cast were introduced as options for Joan Vassos to find love with after loss. Joan, who had lost her husband John Vassos to cancer just a few years prior, had been on the inaugural season ofThe Golden Bachelor,but was trying to find love on her own. Mark, the father ofBachelorwinner Kelsey Anderson, joined the show toBachelorNation’s excitement.
While Mark had a taste of the franchise during his short appearance onThe Bachelorseason 28, his life had been preparing him for the chance to meet someone like Joan for quite some time. After losing his own wife to cancer years prior,Mark had been operating as a single dad to five children of varying ages, but he’d been open to finding love if it appeared. WhenBachelorNation began rallying behind Mark to appear onThe Golden Bachelorette,he was open to the opportunity, especially after seeing his own daughter find love on the long-running dating show.
The Golden Bachelorette’s Mark Anderson Was A Bachelor Nation Favorite
Viewers Were Hopeful To See Him On The Golden Bachelorette
After meeting Mark onThe Bachelorseason 28,BachelorNation was obsessed with finding him a love of his own. While Mark had only been featured in relation to his daughter, Kelsey, his time on screen was enoughto endear him toBachelorNation immensely. I loved seeing Mark talk to Joey Graziadei during the hometown episode of the series, as it was clear just how much he loved his children and was hopeful to see them find the great loves of their lives. Mark was a sweet, charming guy who’d gone through something difficult, andBachelorNation loved him.
By the time it was announced that he’d be a part ofThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 cast,BachelorNation had taken Mark under its wing entirely. Cheering him on as Kelsey’s “hot” dad, viewers were thrilled to find Mark ready and available to find love on the inaugural season of the series. Hoping he would click with Joan, it was clear that not only were viewers happy about seeing Mark have the chance on the show, Kelsey was, too.It was exciting to know that he would have a chance onThe Golden Bachelorette,even if it didn’t work.
Mark’s Connection With Joan Vasos Wasn’t As Strong As Others
The Pair Didn’t Feel Sparks
Although it seemed like Joan and Mark had a ton in common from the jump onThe Golden Bachelorette,the pair wasn’t quick to find a connection outside of the surface things they had shared. While Joan and Mark had similar family structures and had lost their long-term partners in similar ways, it was tough for them to find any chemistry beyond that deep connection. The pair were always able to talk to each other and found it easy to make conversation, but they weren’t finding a romantic connection throughout theirtime together onThe Golden Bachelorette,which was surprising.
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Although Mark and Joan appeared to have a lot in common, the lack of spark started being a lot more noticeable as the competition continued on. By the timeMark and Joan called their relationship quits, it was clear that her connections with the other guys left in the season were a lot more serious. Regardless,Mark was able to find a deep connection with Joan as a friend, and made friends with a bunch of the rest of the guys inThe Golden Bachelorettecast. Mark shared the time on the show was well worth the bit of heartbreak.
Leading The Golden Bachelor Wouldn’t Suit Mark’s Personality
Although afterThe Golden Bachelorette,there was a push fromBachelorNation to see Mark as the lead of thenext season ofThe Golden Bachelor,I’m not convinced he’d be a good lead. While I enjoy Mark and think he has a sweet personality, I don’t think he’d be able to take charge of a situation where he was at the helm, choosing women to stay and go.I think a lot of the reasons that Joan found herself not clicking with Mark would actually make him a badGolden Bachelor,though it’d be fun to see him try.
Mark appears to be a more reserved individualin groups, shrinking to the back or staying quiet when he’s not the only person in an interaction. While that’s noble and suits him, it’s not something that works well for aBachelorlead. Instead, leads need to be outspoken and a bit more confident in thermselves as they move through the process of the show.Mark would be too diplomatic to be aGolden Bachelorlead, and would wind up hurting people more because he wouldn’t be able to be direct with the women he was letting go on the show.
He’s Found Love Outside The Franchise
Although many were hopeful thatMark would be the nextGolden Bachelorto see him find love with someone new, he’s already crossed that bridge on his own. AfterThe Golden Bachelorette,Markfound love with an unlikely partner. Though he hasn’t shared much about the relationship, Mark andOne Tree Hillactor Barbara Alyn Woods are in a relationship, both featuring one another on their social media frequently through the last few months. While many wanted to see Mark search for love, he did it out of the spotlight and allowed his relationship to form before sharing it publcly.
ThoughMark is happily in a relationship, many are disappointed that they didn’t get to see his new love blossom. Despite knowing that I once wanted him to beThe Golden Bachelor,I’m actually very happy that Mark found love on his own and appears to be doing well in his new relationship out of the spotlight. By getting into something serious,Mark proved that he never actually needed the franchise to find love. While he may have met his partner because of his appearance onThe Golden Bachelorette, Mark was able to make a lasting bond on his own.
The Golden Bachelorette
Cast
The Golden Bachelorette: This reality series offers one woman in her later years the opportunity to find love, as a group of seasoned men compete for her affection. Participants bring diverse romantic histories, seeking a meaningful connection and a chance to build a promising future together.
