Here’s What Gerry Turner Did for a Living Before Becoming the “Golden Bachelor” 

Let’s talk about Gerry Turner, the first star of The Golden Bachelor. He’s a charming guy in his 70s, diving into the dating world. But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Just a few months after a televised wedding, he’s headed for divorce.

What’s the story behind this golden bachelor? How did he transition from a restaurant owner to a reality TV star? Let’s explore Turner’s journey, filled with love, loss, and new beginnings.

Why is Gerry Turner called the Golden Bachelor?

So, why is Gerry Turner called the ‘Golden Bachelor’? He’s the first older man to lead the show, breaking new ground for seniors looking for love. It’s a big deal! Dating at 70 can be daunting, but Turner embraced the challenge, saying he had “nothing to lose.”

ABC had some fun with his promos, calling him out for his “thirst traps” and “wisdom highlights.” It was all in good humor, and the 72-year-old was all for it. He felt honored to be the first senior bachelor and was excited about the experience. As Turner said in an interview with PEOPLE: 

When they sent me a text about it, I had seen the ads throughout the show. In the back of my mind, I thought, ‘That would be quite an experience. That would be a lot of fun.

He continued:

So when they really hit me up hard with it one night, they didn’t have to push as hard as what they maybe thought. It was a back-and-forth in my head before I decided to actually fill out a questionnaire online, but I’m certainly glad I did.

His daughters—Angie and Jenny—were the ones who nudged him to audition. After losing his wife, Toni, they thought this could be a great way to step back into the dating scene. And boy, were they right! He described the experience as a mix of excitement and a bit of nerves. But hey, he was all in!

Gerry Turner’s Divorce with Theresa Nist

Let’s get into Turner’s relationship with Theresa Nist. They met through the show and got married on live TV on ABC in January 2024. It was a beautiful wedding at La Quinta Resort, and we all cheered for them.

But just months later, they announced their decision to divorce. In a candid interview on Good Morning America, they explained their choice. It wasn’t due to a lack of love but rather the challenges of moving away from their families.

Tuner shared, “We just feel like it’s best for the happiness of each of us to live apart.” It’s clear he still cares for Nist, which is really sweet. 

Their story shows that love can be complicated, and sometimes tough decisions are necessary. They filed for divorce in April 2024, and by June, they reached a settlement. The twists in Turner’s love life continue, but he remains a kind-hearted person.

Who was Gerry Turner Previously Married to Before Theresa Nist?

Before all the fame, Turner was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Toni. They tied the knot in 1974 and lived a fairy tale life together—until tragedy struck in 2017.

Toni passed away suddenly, leaving Turner heartbroken. That’s a tough break, no doubt. In the same interview, Turner reflected on their life, saying:

She got robbed. Every day that goes by, that’s the thought that I have. I have her picture on a dresser in my closet. Every morning I give her a nod, ‘So what do you think about this?’ For awhile it was like, I was having a hard time figuring out if she would be okay. But we always told each other when one of us goes, we want the other to be happy. She’s up there rooting [for me]. She’s saying, ‘Yeah, Gerry. Do this.’

After Toni’s passing, he sold their dream retirement home and sought grief counseling. He described that experience as “life-changing.” It helped him understand his feelings and gave him the strength to keep moving forward.

What Did Gerry Turner Do Before the Show?

Before his reality TV debut, Turner was a restaurateur and is now retired. Turner has a long history in the food industry. He began his journey as a franchise owner of Mr. Quick, a fast-food franchise in Michigan, in 1971.

By 1978, he became a partner and took sole ownership the following year. Turner owned and operated five Mr. Quick locations until 1985, focusing on made-to-order freshness. After leaving Mr. Quick, the TV personality worked as a buyer for a food company.

He managed delivery routes for a national meat company and held positions as a marketing manager and senior buyer. The star is also a Chicago sports fan, too. He’s out here cheering for his teams and enjoying every moment with his family.

Now, Turner took a leap into the reality TV world and brought that energy with him. He may have left the restaurant scene, but he’s still cooking up fun wherever he goes. Now, as the Golden Bachelor, Turner has got a chance to find love again. And we’re all here for it!