There’s a new Golden Bachelor in town.
Earlier this year, ABC revealed the new leading man looking for love in Season 2 of “The Golden Bachelor” and his name is Mel Owens.
The senior citizen version of “The Bachelor” was originally announced in 2020, with viewers witnessing then-72-year-old Gerry Turner making history as the first star of the spinoff in 2023. Turner went on to marry and later divorce Theresa Nist.
Now, the franchise continues once more with Owens, who is “66 and single — for now,” according to the show’s Instagram page.
With Season 2 set to premiere Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and 7 p.m. CT on ABC, we’re sharing everything you need to know about the new Bachelor Nation star.
He’s an NFL Pro-Turned-Lawyer
Owens was born and raised in Detroit to a close-knit family. His father, Walter Owens, played professional baseball as a member of the Detroit Stars of the Negro American League, per USA Today.
At a young age, Owens followed in his father’s footsteps and his athleticism shone through, according to his ABC bio.
Owens graduated from the University of Michigan and was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft by the LA Rams.
After Owens retired in 1991 following an injury, the former linebacker “transitioned into a career in law and moved to Orange County, California, dedicating himself to helping others — particularly those seeking justice for sports-related injuries,” his bio reads.
He’s a Father of 2
Owens has two sons — Lucas, 20, and Andre, 18 — from a former marriage. After separating from his wife, Owens delayed dating once again to focus on fatherhood.
“I was taking care of my boys,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “They needed all my attention, and I was working (as a lawyer). I just didn’t have time (to date).”
These days, Owens’ sons live “primarily” with him, as he told USA Today.
“I cherish that great father-son relationship,” he said. “Every morning I get to be with them before they go to school.”
In a promotional video for “The Golden Bachelor,” Owens’ son Lucas said he thought starring on the show as a “good opportunity” for his father to “put yourself out there.”
What He’s Looking for in a Partner
Now that he’s ready to find love, Owens is taking a chance to “rediscover a love rooted in the simple joys of companionship — sharing life’s everyday moments, making plans for the future, and growing stronger together as a couple,” per his bio.
The lawyer is eager to meet someone who shares that same mission and settled down in his golden years.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Owens said he simply wants to find someone he can “enjoy life with.”
“Whatever comes from that, it comes from that. I had an open heart and an open mind, and without spoiling anything, it’s going to be good,” he said.
While chatting with USA Today, Owens said he’s a “romantic” and reflected on his ideal dates.
“I like to travel, that can be a perfect date,” he said. “Then there’s just being at home, relaxing, maybe watching TV or reading or doing nothing. There are a lot of perfect moments. It’s what mood that strikes.”
He’s Been Married Before
Owens was previously married to Fabiana Pimental, who filed for divorce in 2020. The divorce was finalized in 2024.
In an interview with USA Today, the new Golden Bachelor offered insight into the end of their relationship, saying, “It was a long marriage, and it just didn’t work out. I still wish her well. And I love being married.”
Why He Caused Controversy
In June, Owens appeared on the University of Michigan Athletics’ podcast “In the Trenches.” During the discussion, he raised eyebrows when he said he didn’t want to date someone his own age.
“They asked me, ‘What’s your preferences?’ So I just said, ‘45 to 60,’ just being honest,” he said. “And then the process went and I was selected and then we had lunch with the executive producer. I said, ‘You know, if they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.’”
When an executive producer of the show warned Owens that he shouldn’t use the word “cut” and reassured him that all of the contestants would be “hot,” Owens said he’s used to using the term based on his time in the NFL.
Owens doubled down on his preference for younger women by saying, “They got to be fit because I’m staying in shape and work out and stuff. And I told them, ‘Try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs.’”
In an August interview with Glamour, Owens opened up about his controversial remarks.
“I apologized to the women on the show. When I first walked in, I addressed it. I apologized to them. I said, ‘It was unfair, insensitive. I want to earn it back. Just give me the chance,’” he said.
Owens also said he doesn’t care if the contestants have artificial hips or knees.
“People run marathons. I’m an attorney. I represent athletes with injuries, and most of them are football, hockey, a lot of them have artificial … so I know that people have them,” he said.
“Golden Bachelor” host Jesse Palmer asked Owens about his statements in a teaser video for the show’s season premiere, prompting Owens to say he is open to dating older women.
“I hope it doesn’t impact this journey,” he said in a confessional interview.