The Golden Bachelorette's Mark Anderson Would Make A Great Golden Bachelor In Paradise Contestant (He Shouldn't Be The Golden Bachelor)

Though The Golden Bachelorette's Mark Anderson would make a great Golden Bachelor In Paradise contestant, he shouldn't be The Golden Bachelor. Mark is no stranger to appearing on Bachelor Nation shows. The 58-year-old retired Army veteran made his television debut during The Bachelor season 28. His daughter, Kelsey Anderson, was one of 32 single women vying for Joey Graziadei's roses. When she took her new boyfriend to Louisiana to meet her family, fans instantly fell in love with Mark's warmth and quiet strength, and a star was born.

Does Mark Anderson have a dynamic enough personality to lead The Golden Bachelor season 2?

Soon after Mark appeared briefly on The Bachelor season 28, he was cast as a contestant on The Golden Bachelorette season 1. Mark was one of the 24 single Golden men who had traveled to the Bachelor mansion in Los Angeles, to meet 61-year-old Joan Vassos. Though Joan seemed initially interested in Mark, her attraction fizzled quickly, and her attention was won by other men. After a painfully awkward one-on-one date, Joan sent Mark home. Since Mark's elimination, rumors about Mark being The Golden Bachelor have run rampant, but he'd be better on Golden Bachelor In Paradise.

Mark Doesn't Have Lead Energy

He's Too Quiet & Soft-Spoken

Mark couldn't seem to get Joan's attention during The Golden Bachelorette season 1. Early in the season, he took Joan aside to give her an impromptu German lesson. Using the index cards, Mark taught Joan how to ask for a kiss in German, at which point he kissed her. It was meant to be endearing, but it came off as hackish, awkward, and cringe-inducing, which became a pattern with Mark. He just lacks the outgoing communication style necessary for a good Bachelor lead.

a montage of Gerry Turner from the golden bachelor in side by side images

Just as all seemed lost for Mark and Joan, she finally gave him a highly coveted solo date. They set out on a luxury yacht for a romantic voyage, but it wasn't smooth sailing. Joan and Mark sat in long swaths of awkward silence, speaking only to talk about their late spouses. Mark and Joan are both widowers. Their shared loss was the only thing they had in common, and it was not enough to sustain a relationship. Joan pulled Mark aside the next day, told him there was "something missing," and sent him home before that night's rose ceremony.

Mark's Too Young To Be The Golden Bachelor

He's Not A Senior Citizen Yet

The golden Bachelorette Mark Anderson is situated in front of a group shot of The Golden Bachelor women. — Custom Image by César García

Mark is only 58 years old, which is too young to be the next The Golden Bachelor. The Bachelor spin-off's first male lead was 72-year-old Gerry Turner, who is much older than Mark. At his age, Mark's women would all have to be younger than he is, which means he could even date some women in their late 40s. The whole point of the spin-off is to center on the love lives of senior citizens, and people in their 40s and 50s aren't seniors. Maybe Mark could wait a few years, and age into the role.

Mark Isn't Ready To Find Love Again

He's Still Mourning His Late Wife

No stranger to true love, Mark was married to Denise Anderson for 18 happy years until she passed away in 2018. The couple had five children together, and, by all accounts, were deeply in love before she passed. During their ill-fated solo date, Mark told Joan that he hadn't dated much since his late wife passed away, and he clearly wasn't over the loss (via Bachelor Nation.) Maybe being on The Golden Bachelorette helped Mark get some closure, but if not, it would be irresponsible to cast him as The Golden Bachelor.

Mark Would Thrive On Golden Bachelor In Paradise

Not Everyone Is Cut Out To Be A Lead

The Golden Bachelorette star Mark Anderson in two poses in montage with him smiling and listening and pink background — Custom Image by César García

During recent episodes of The Golden Bachelorette, ABC producers have been running ads asking single Golden women to apply to appear on The Golden Bachelor. They haven't announced the spin-off's next male lead yet, and Mark is still in the running. Though he may not be cut out to be a Bachelor lead, Mark would make a great contestant on Golden Bachelor In Paradise. He's a likable figure who could really excel in an ensemble cast, even if he lacks the communication skills to lead his own season.