The Golden Bachelorette Runner-Up Guy Gansert Reveals a Return to ABC in a 'Surreal' Role

The Golden Bachelorette’s Guy Gansert recently retired from medicine, but he’ll be heading back to the hospital soon — General Hospital.

Gansert, 66, worked as an ER doctor and competed for Joan Vassos’ heart on the first season of The Golden Bachelorette, coming in second place after she decided to pursue a future with Chock Chapple. On Wednesday, March 12, Gansert will return to TV in General Hospital, playing wildlife journalist Geoffrey.

“When I read your moving piece about trekking through the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, it took my breath away. I had never read anything like it,” Nina (Cynthia Watros) says to Gansert’s character in a PEOPLE exclusive clip from the March 12 episode.

Geoffrey calls it “a trip of a lifetime," adding, “My passion lies with exploring nature’s untouched, unspoiled places."

The Golden Bachelorette's Guy Gansert and Cynthia Watros on 'General Hospital'.Courtesy ABC, Christine Bartolucci
But Nina might admire Geoffrey for more than his writing. “For a man of the wild, you clean up very nicely,” she says to him.

Gansert explains to PEOPLE that the guest spot came about after jokingly telling one of the Bachelor franchise producers at the Golden Bachelorette finale in November that he’d like a chance to be on “such a well-respected long running series” that he used to watch in college.

“Having had absolutely no acting experience, I said [it] in — kinda — jest,” says Gansert. “Within a couple of weeks, I received an email Zoom invitation with [executive producer] Frank Valentini and [Vice President, Production & Administration, ABC Daytime, Disney ABC Television Group] Dominick Nuzzi. After a 30-minute Zoom interview, they loved the idea of a real ER doctor who made it to the final two of The Golden Bachelorette. A month later, I received an offer to be on a small one-day episode.”

The Golden Bachelorette's Guy Gansert with Maura West (center) and Cynthia Watros on 'General Hospital'.Courtesy ABC, Christine Bartolucci
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Gansert says he “responded in the affirmative immediately” to the thrilling offer.

“Even though I was ecstatic over being a cast member on The Golden Bachelorette, this was an exciting opportunity to actually act and be a part of an iconic show,” he continues. “This is all happening after deciding to hang up my stethoscope and retire after 35 years.”

The Golden Bachelorette's Guy Gansert and Cynthia Watros on 'General Hospital'.Courtesy ABC, Christine Bartolucci
The father of four calls working on the set of the long-running soap opera “surreal.”

“The producers, directors, actresses were so incredibly kind and supportive and put me at ease,” Gansert says. “They were all welcoming. There was definitely a sense of family amongst all staff. It was one of the most fun things I have done. They made me feel special.”

The Golden Bachelorette's Guy Gansert and Cynthia Watros on 'General Hospital'.Courtesy ABC, Christine Bartolucci
Gansert thinks the Mansion Men of The Golden Bachelorette will enjoy watching his next move. “The relationships between the men definitely created bromances,” he says. “Everyone only wants each other to succeed. At our golden years, we only want each other to be happy. They might be surprised that I received such an incredible compliment to be asked to be a one-day cast member of General Hospital, but I believe everyone will be phenomenally supportive.”

The reality star hopes that all the love brings him back to Port Charles. “Before I went on the show, I was happy just to have one chance to see what it is like behind the scenes. Now, I had so much fun and I feel like I could take being comfortable in front of a camera to a more relaxed and excellent level,” Gansert says. “GH, just give me one more chance!”

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New episodes of General Hospital air weekdays on ABC.