This Soap Opera Legend Claims She Turned Down Being the First Golden Bachelorette

As anticipation builds for Joan Vassos’s debut as the first Golden Bachelorette this fall, fans are curious about how the 61-year-old will handle the title. Her announcement followed intense speculation that the show might be canceled, fueled by the high-profile, brief marriage and subsequent divorce of Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, just three months after their televised wedding.

Amidst all this buzz, Susan Lucci, the iconic star of All My Children, revealed she was approached to be the first Golden Bachelorette but declined the offer. Despite being a fan of the Bachelor series for the past few seasons — like fellow Golden Bachelor fan Bradley Cooper — Lucci shared why the role wasn’t for her.

“I believe that they contacted my publicist and it wasn’t for me,” Lucci explained to People. “I watched The Golden Bachelor. I really enjoyed watching The Golden Bachelor. This is a new addiction for me.”

Though the prospect of joining the show was enticing, Lucci decided to pass. “I didn’t pursue [it] when they called my publicist to see if I would be interested,” she stated, referring to the show as her “new guilty pleasure.” Even though she didn’t take part, Lucci remains an avid viewer. “It wasn’t for me, but I do love watching,” she added. “I’m a fan. I love watching.”

Lucci’s decision was deeply rooted in her personal life. Her husband of 52 years, Helmut Huber, passed away at age 84 in March 2022. Reflecting on her romantic future in February 2023, Lucci told Page Six, “No, no. I can’t imagine,” when asked about returning to dating. “It’s been 10 months. It’s not a long time,” she commented. “It’s not on my radar. … He was a very hard act to follow.”

Thankfully, Lucci finds comfort and joy in her social circle. “I have amazing friends who like to be out and about,” she shared, adding, “And I like to be out and about.”

Susan Lucci portrayed Erica Kane on All My Children for over 40 years, starting with her debut on January 16, 1970, until the last broadcast episode on September 23, 2011. Erica’s multiple marriages and business ventures made her one of daytime TV’s most iconic and enduring figures.

While ABC and Warner Bros. did not comment on the casting speculation (and a source claims Lucci was ultimately not offered the role), the thought is still a fun one for Bachelor Nation. As Vassos prepares for her televised journey to find love, fans can only wonder what might have been had Lucci taken up the mantle of the Golden Bachelorette with her signature Erica Kane pizazz. For now, they’ll have to enjoy seeing her as an enthusiastic spectator rather than a participant in the rose ceremonies.

Before you go, click here to see the most dramatic splits in Bachelor and Bachelorette history.