“Just grateful”- The Golden Bachelorette star Charles reflects upon unexpected fame

Charles Ling, one of the contestants from The Golden Bachelorette, recently opened up about the unexpected fame he gained from the show. Known for his calm demeanor and emotional vulnerability, Ling quickly became a fan favorite on the first night.

Despite his elimination mid-season, the 66-year-old retired financial analyst from Pennsylvania left a lasting impression on Joan Vassos and viewers. Reflecting on the outpouring of love and support from fans, Charles expressed his gratitude during an interview with TheWrap on November 6, 2024:

“I’m kind of thrilled, [it’s] something probably I never expected… I never thought I’d be loved to that extent, it’s kind of a phenomenon. I’m just grateful … and I thank those fans.”

He has become The Golden Bachelorette’s most talked-about contestant, with viewers rallying for him to return as a future lead on The Golden Bachelor.

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The Golden Bachelorette and Charles Ling’s unexpected journey

Charles Ling found fame after appearing on The Golden Bachelorette, where his emotional backstory captivated viewers. Ling shared his struggles with moving on from his late wife’s death six years prior, which sparked a connection with Joan, who had also recently lost her spouse.

Speaking on his experience in the Men Tell All special, Ling expressed surprise at his overwhelmingly positive reception. Despite traveling in Shanghai during the show’s airing, his fame caught up to him when a fan recognized him at the airport, marking his first encounter with the public’s affection.

Charles believes his openness about grief and love resonated with viewers, many of whom have dealt with similar personal losses or knew someone who had. In the same interview with TheWrap, Ling said:

“As a society, we really need to care for one another, regardless of our age. Sure, you know we are so-called seniors, or whatever they call it, yet, our feelings are the same, and we still have the energy.”

Ling shared, reflecting on a moment when he excelled in a group date kickball game.

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Ling's thoughts on becoming the next Golden Bachelor

Charles revealed that fans had already started petitioning for him to become the next Golden Bachelor. A memorable moment from the event was when a fan in the audience suggested that he should lead the next season, even humorously adding that her mother was single.

Ling responded to the possibility by saying:

“This is a kind of new idea… I didn’t watch much of the episodes from the last ‘Golden Bachelor,’ so I know something, but not a whole picture. I’ll see what will happen and what I should do, but … not at this moment.”

While The Golden Bachelorette has yet to be officially renewed, Charles Ling has quickly become one of the most beloved figures in the franchise.

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Charles Ling: Life before and after The Golden Bachelorette

According to his official bio, Charles is born in China. He moved to the United States with just $20 in his pocket and became a financial analyst. Despite his professional achievements, Ling’s personal life took center stage during his time on The Golden Bachelorette.

He lost his wife six years ago, and his openness about his grief got stuck with viewers. One of the most poignant moments in the season occurred during the show’s prom-themed group date, where Charles reflected on the emotions stirred up by the event and his hopes for moving forward.

Though he didn’t win Joan’s heart, Charles became a fan favorite. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@charles__ling), offers a glimpse into his life post-The Golden Bachelorette.

His posts, including a celebratory kickball win and reflections on his time on the show, highlight moments from his personal and professional experiences. Charles shared an Instagram post, thanking his fellow cast members and Joan for the experience.

“It was such a life-changing opportunity for me. It was such a great journey, but there are surprises during any journey in your life,”

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The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesdays at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu the following day.