It’s been a week since Charles L. was sent home from The golden bachelorette partyand Bachelor Nation still isn’t over it.
The 66-year-old retired financial analyst from Pennsylvania became an instant fan favorite for his kind spirit, sense of humor and overall aura of positivity. We cheered when Charles helped the blue team win a kickball game on group date, even though he had never played before! We cry when Charles He told Guy about his wife’s sudden death from an aneurysm. six years ago. And we sobbed when golden bachelorette Joan Vassos, 61, hugged her goodbye and told her: “You changed my life.”
Although he is currently traveling in China, Charles took a few minutes to chat with Entertainment Weekly about his experience on the show, his opinions on current dating, his love of oatmeal, his thoughts on being the next Golden Bachelor and more.
WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT: On the Bachelor Happy Hour podcastyou said you received a call from The golden bachelorette party casting department just a day or two after submitting your application. Why do you think the producers were so excited to cast you?
CARLOS LING: Well, maybe my personality, if my assumption is correct. And also when I talk to them, it seems like they are my old friends. It’s very, very natural and easy and they are very, very nice people.
Were you surprised that they called you so quickly?
Absolutely. From the beginning it was a surprise, and when they accepted me, it was also a big surprise. I’ve never been on a television show before.
Have you ever watched any reality shows before?
A bit. [My daughter] Sophia shows me some episodes, but very limited.
His biography on ABC website He says you came to the United States with only 20 dollars in your pocket. Can you tell us a little more about that?
Yes. In those days, on average, people in China were very poor. Not anymore, as you know, but at that time some even had less than 20 dollars in their pockets. And some people even borrow money from their relatives to get a nice suit. Unfortunately, that’s how things turned out.
How old were you when you came to the United States?
Around 27, I think.
What brought you to the United States?
My major was English when I was in college. And as you know, when you study English, you start to learn more and more about the outside world. And I said: “Well, I’m young, I have to go out, look at what’s out there and improve my knowledge. Not only English, but also other areas.” So I decided and came to the United States. I think it was a very, very good decision for me and my family.
You didn’t go out much after your wife passed away. How would you say your approach to dating has changed since being on the show?
I would say that it has changed a lot. Before the show, I was a little sad, I wasn’t sure what to do and I was also worried about what my family or friends would think of me if I continued in that direction. However, during the program, when I had many conversations with Joan and other people in our group, we all felt that it is okay to be sad, but it is also okay to step out of our limits and move forward with our lives. We deserve to seek our happiness ourselves.
Has any woman contacted you since you were on the show?
[Laughs] It’s a little secret at the moment. As you know, I’m traveling. Due to technical issues, I have limited time to read. [messages]. But when he returns to the United States, you never know what will happen.
Where are you now?
I’m in Suzhou, near Shanghai, China. It’s a great place.
Have you seen the program?
Yes. Gradually. I saw it here and there, but I did it.
What was your favorite part to watch?
I would say my kickball game. Because? Because I didn’t know anything about kickball before. And my classmates were a little nervous because they assigned me to their group. They were worried about losing the game. But it turned out to be a surprise for them, not only for me, but also for them. And I did it very well!
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People loved seeing you try Quaker Oatmeal during the kickball date. Did they give you a lifetime supply? If not, they should!
Oh, I’m a fan of oatmeal. I think my fitness level probably has something to do with the oatmeal, because I literally eat one every morning. And I was the only person in that field who wasn’t hurt at all. I don’t know if it’s because of the oats or not, but [I have] There are many messages that I have not opened yet. Some are probably related to oats as well.
What was your daughters’ reaction when they saw you? the chippendales quote?
I think it would be a shock to them. I’m not a good dancer, but once I’m in that auditorium, it seems like I had no choice but to participate. I do the best I can. I saw some parts of the dance, but not all of it. [episode] still. I doubt I’d even pass the exam if you gave me a dance exam. But I tried and I enjoyed it.
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Have your daughters told you about that episode?
Not yet. Yes, I think they were nervous. [about it]. I mentioned the Chippendale dance before. They said, “Oh, Dad. Oh, boy.” [Laughs]
you are a great britney spears fan. When did you start listening to his music?
That was many years ago. She seems like a very, very happy lady. Someday I would love to attend their concert if that happens. I don’t know if you’re watching this show; I hope you give me an input. By the way, I’ll be happy to pay the ticket.
The Internet has fallen in love with you. What do you think of this outpouring of love from Bachelor Nation?
This is really beyond my imagination. I am grateful to the fans. Maybe there’s a message there. Many things, what I did or what I said, I assume are related to themselves or their family members. Or maybe they just want to see a world where people actually care about each other instead of fighting.
Have fans approached you in person since you’ve been on the show?
Not precisely. As you know, I’m out. They want to see me at the grocery store or they love seeing me at the gym, especially. I got a message from my gym: “Where is Charles?” And I don’t know how to deal with it when I go back, when I go back to the supermarket or the gym. I will prepare when I return.
Charles, true fans, In fact I want you to be the next Golden Bachelor. What do you think of that idea?
Oh, boy. It’s a new idea for me. Let me see. If opportunity knocks on my door, I will consider it.
The golden bachelorette party It airs Wednesdays at 8 pm on ABC.
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