Iconic actress Susan Lucci, known for her long-running role on "All My Children," recently revealed she turned down an offer to lead ABC’s "The Golden Bachelorette." In an interview with People, the 77-year-old shared, “I believe that they contacted my publicist and it wasn’t for me.”
Despite passing on the opportunity, Lucci admitted she is a fan of the "Bachelor" franchise, particularly enjoying its latest addition, "The Golden Bachelor." She described her newfound interest as an "addiction," saying, “I really enjoyed watching ‘The Golden Bachelor.’ This is a new addiction for me.”
Lucci’s affection for the show began at the urging of her assistant and has since become a genuine pastime. “I was immediately engaged. I cared. I wanted to know more about these people,” she said.
While Lucci declined to lead the spinoff, Joan Vassos, a beloved contestant from Gerry Turner’s season of "The Golden Bachelor," was chosen instead. Vassos, 61, was announced as "The Golden Bachelorette" on May 14. She had captured viewers' hearts with her story of overcoming personal loss and her connection with Turner over their mutual experiences of losing spouses.
Though Vassos left Turner's season early to support her daughter through postpartum depression, she is now returning to find love again. According to her ABC bio, Vassos seeks a “family man with whom to blend her life.”
Turner, 72, had proposed to Theresa Nist during his season’s finale, and they married in January. However, their marriage was short-lived as they announced their split just three months later.
Lucci’s decision to stay off reality TV underscores her commitment to maintaining a private life, despite her interest in the genre as a viewer. Fans of Lucci continue to celebrate her as an embodiment of grace and class, choosing to enjoy reality TV from the comfort of her home rather than the spotlight.
