Arts & Entertainment

Not Too Late For Love: Bergen County Woman To Compete For TV's 'Golden Bachelor,' 71

A Bergen County woman, 60, will compete on TV's "Golden Bachelor" program to win the heart of a 71-year-old man.

Maria, 60, of Teaneck will vie for the heart of the "Golden Bachelor."
Maria, 60, of Teaneck will vie for the heart of the "Golden Bachelor." (ABC/Ricky Middlesworth)

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Bergen County woman is among those who will compete on the new reality show, "Golden Bachelor," to win the affections of a man in his "golden years."

According to the show's producers, Maria, 60, a health and wellness director from Teaneck, will be among 22 women from around the country trying to win the hopefully healthy heart of Gerry Turner, 71, from Indiana.

Two other Jersey gals — Anna, 61, a retired nutritionist from Summit, and Theresa, 69, a financial specialist from Shrewsbury — will also compete.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The website for the ABC program doesn't give Maria's last name, but notes, "With a beautiful smile and a personality to match, Maria is a firecracker that's ready to find a spark. Maria is a hopeless romantic who is looking for a kind, funny and independent man that's ready for 'a love adventure. ' "

"She has three children in their 20s and loves them more than anything in the world. Maria's career in health and wellness is extremely important to her, along with a passion for helping families impacted by autism. When she isn't working, Maria enjoys playing tennis, pickleball and board games. Maria believes true love is within reach and we hope she's right!"

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Fun Facts About Maria From Teaneck (courtesy ABC):

● Maria has never gone paintballing but wants to try
● Her favorite indulgence is a glass of 100-year-old Grand Marnier
● She loves Valentine's Day.

One admirer noted on Instagram, "She looks 50."

Meanwhile, the show declared, "Gerry Turner, a charming 71-year-old patriarch from Indiana, is the first Golden Bachelor, showcasing that love stories only get better with age."

The show is hosted by former New York Giant Jesse Palmer, who once lived in Hoboken.

The series premiere will be Thursday, Sept. 28. The show will also be available for streaming on Hulu. Find out more details here.

Patch Editor Alexis Tarrazi contributed to this report.

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