Charlie O’Connell: The Next Bachelor?

By: Shannon Gossage

No official word from either ABC or actor Charlie O’Connell as to whether or not he will official try his hand at romance on the seventh edition of the floundering reality show, but it has been hinted that O’Connell has been tapped for the spotlight. O’Connell is a second-rate Hollywood actor and is probably more known for having a famous older brother than for any of his career moves. Brother Jerry is best known for his roles in Stand By Me, Scream, Can’t Hardly Wait, and Jerry Maguire and is currently co-starring in NBC’s Crossing Jordan.

Reportedly, producers spent months looking for a charismatic"under-30 doctor, celebrity, or someone with a celebrity angle" to be the next bachelor. Seems Charlie fits the bill. He was allegedly seen in The Hamptons recently with a camera crew following him around and telling anyone that would listen that he was "the next Bachelor." Apparently, Charlie is newly single and looking for his next lady-love. Producers seem to think that a star can save the show, but in reality (no pun intended) the show seems to be suffering from a terrible track-record. Maybe Charlie, if he is in fact the next Bachelor, will bring a sincerity to the show. Then again...

Being on the show while on the rebound doesn’t seem to be a formula for a successful relationship. According to reports, a source close to O’Connell believes he is "just doing this for the fun…and the press." Now why would anyone think that? If he can’t meet girls the old fashioned way, why shouldn’t he go on TV? With his older bro dating actress and former swimsuit model Rebecca Romijn, wouldn’t you think she had some friends she could introduce to him?