Who Is Charles Ling On ‘The Golden Bachelorette’?

The Golden Bachelorette‘s Charles Ling may not have gotten Joan Vassos’ first impression rose on Night 1 of the debut season, but he did steal the hearts of Bachelor Nation members, and that’s no easy feat.

From the moment the retired financial analyst from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania exited the limo, told Joan how beautiful she was, and said, “I’m 66 years old, but I look like 36,” we could tell he was totally precious.

In the premiere, Charles shared that he’s a Girl Dad to two daughters, and that over the course of the past six years he’s gotten very lonely because his wife of 36 years died suddenly. Charles described his late wife as his “first and only love,” but said that his daughters want to see him happy, so he’s putting himself out there again. Though Charles is starting to regain control of his life, he made it clear to Joan on Night 1 that “Charles not in charge,” which had Bachelor Nation swooning.

During The Golden Bachelorette premiere, we also got to meet Charles’ daughter over video and saw him exploring the Bachelor Mansion, marveling over all the meat in the freezer, slapping the counter tops in approval, and “wow”ing over the stove and fireplace. “It’s just magnificent,” Charles told cameras. “I think it’s the perfect place to find love with Joan.” BRB, sobbing!

So who is Charles Ling from The Golden Bachelorette? And how long he’s expected to stay on the show? We’ve got answers.

Here’s everything we know about Joan Vassos’ National Treasure, Charles L., including his age, official Golden Bachelorette bio, Instagram account, Reality Steve spoilers, and more.

Who Is Charles Ling On The Golden Bachelorette?

Per Charles L.’s official Golden Bachelorette bio, the 66-year-old retired financial analyst from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is “really someone special.”

“The retired data analyst and father of two is ready for a second chance at true love and excited to put himself out there. Charles L. is no stranger to taking risks. He grew up in rural China and moved to the United States with only $20 in his pocket,” the bio continues. “Now, he’s ready to risk it all for love and is hoping Joan can match his kind heart, hilarious sense of humor, and sweet soul. Charles L. is hoping to meet someone intelligent and kind, and we know he’s coming to the right place. If Charles L. could see anyone in concert during his golden years, he’d love to see Britney Spears perform one day. Let’s see if Charles L. can find love ‘Baby One More Time’ with Joan!”

Photo: Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

It’s clear that Charles knows how to have fun, but in case you need more proof, here are his fun facts:

Charles L. dreams of going to the moon. 

Charles L. loves to fish and grew up making his own fishing nets. 

Charles L.’s favorite TV show is the NBA Finals every year.

If you want to stay up-to-date with Charles L. outside of The Golden Bachelorette, you can follow him on Instagram at @charles__ling where he had 4,229 followers ahead of Episode 2. As for how long Charles will stick around on Vassos’ season, here’s what we know.

How Far Does Charles Ling Make It On The Golden Bachelorette? Reality Steve Spoilers

Want to avoid major Golden Bachelorette spoilers? This is your chance to stop reading. But if you’re curious to know how long Charles Ling might stick around, we’ve got some Reality Steve rumors below.

In an August 27 Instagram post, Reality Steve revealed who he believes to be Joan Vassos’ final four contestants and shortly before The Golden Bachelorette premiere date Reality Steve posted updated spoilers. Sadly for Charles stans, he’s not predicted to make Hometown Week, but as always, Reality Steve rumors are only rumors until we watch the season play out for ourselves. (Whatever happens, protect this man at all costs!)

Bachelor Nation’s go-to spoiler has been wrong before. Remember when we all thought Daisy won The Bachelor Season 28?! I don’t think a single soul saw the ending of Jenn Tran’s Bachelorette season coming. And he already changed his prediction for this season!

You’ll have to tune in Wednesdays from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET on ABC or watch next-day on Hulu to find out what really goes down on Joan’s journey. In the meantime, be sure to read Decider’s interview with Joan Vassos and our extensive Golden Bachelorette coverage for more behind-the-scenes insights.