The Golden Bachelorette's Mark Anderson was rumored to be in a relationship with One Tree Hill actress Barbara Woods, but was it just an attempt to punish Joan Vassos for eliminating him? It's understandable if 58-year-old Mark is still shocked by the surprise elimination. Hopes were high for the retired Army veteran's chances with 61-year-old Joan. He made his television debut during The Bachelor 28, because his daughter, Kelsey Anderson, took Joey Graziadei home for a hometown date. His brief time onscreen left a big impression on Bachelor fans, and a star was born.
Joan seemed genuinely excited when Mark stepped out of the limousine on the opening night of The Golden Bachelorette season 1. He was among the 24 single Golden men who'd be competing for Joan's rose boutonnieres. Fans expected Mark would easily swoop in and steal Joan's heart, but, instead, Joan told Mark that there was "something missing" and sent him home early. Since then, Mark has been spotted with a TV actress, and some speculate he's trying to make Joan jealous.
Mark Was Hurt When He Was Eliminated
Mark & Joan Had A Shared Sense Of Loss
Mark struggled to let his personality shine through during The Golden Bachelorette season 1. During his last date with Joan, they sat in awkward silence for long stretches of time. The only time they spoke was to discuss their late spouses. Mark was married to Denise Anderson for 18 years, until she passed away in 2018, while Joan was married to John Vassos for 32 years until his death in 2021.
Mark Was Glowing With Barbara On Halloween
It May Have Been For Show
Mark was recently photographed with One Tree Hill actress Barbara Woods, who posted the Halloween photo on her Instagram account. In the photo, Barbara is in a Cinderella costume and Mark is dressed as Prince Charming. Fans of ABC's The Golden Bachelorette season 1 and One Tree Hill were excited about the potential match between Mark and Barbara.
The status of the relationship remains a mystery, but it's possible that Mark was trying to prove that he's still desirable, despite Joan's rejection.
Mark May Feel Insecure After His Elimination
He Has To Get Back Out There
During Mark's excruciatingly awkward last date on The Golden Bachelorette season 1, he told Joan that he hadn't dated since the death of Mark's beloved late wife. His decision to be on the show was a big step for the soft-spoken father of five, so being rejected must have really stung. On the plus side, as he was leaving the show, Mark talked about the fact that the show had changed him, and hopefully he'd be able to open his heart to love once again.
Mark Anderson |
58 years old |
Occupation |
Retired Army veteran |
Location |
Leesville, Louisiana |
Status |
Widowed |
Children |
5 |
The Golden Bachelorette season 1 airs on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.