If you enjoy soap operas, you have probably seen the classic series “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell created The Bold and the Beautiful (also known as B&B), an American television soap opera, for CBS.
It debuted on March 23, 1987, as a sister show to the Bells’ other soap opera, The Young and the Restless; several characters from both shows have appeared on the other since the early 1990s.
It is the youngest-running daytime soap opera in the United States and celebrated its 30th anniversary on March 23, 2017. On April 18, 2023, the serial aired its 9,000th episode. CBS has renewed the series until the 2023-2024 television season.
Most soap opera fans are aware that their favorite actors do not always stay with a single soap opera for the duration of their careers.
It is not surprising to pick up your remote and switch from one soap opera to another and see a familiar face, whether it is the same character making a guest appearance on another show or a completely new one.
Many of the long-running cast members of “The Bold and the Beautiful” began their daytime television careers on a different soap.
Along with extensive resumes that include stage, screen, and film credits, these actors are best known for their contributions to daytime television, with some having multiple soap credits to their names.
From the dashing and sophisticated Thorsten Kaye to uber-famous actress Jennifer Gareis and beloved Lawrence Saint-Victor, these “Bold and the Beautiful” stars have captivated fans for years and continue to dazzle as they navigate highs and lows in Los Angeles.
The Bold and the Beautiful is a long-running soap opera that has produced some of today’s biggest and hottest stars. It is not surprising that popular soap operas have devoted fans, which is probably why the show is still airing after 35 seasons.
The Bold and the Beautiful premiered in 1987 and is still the most popular show on local television. The show revolves around the Forrester family of Beverly Hills, who have faced numerous family trials over the years, including alcoholism, divorces, deaths, and many more. As the show progresses, many wealthy families enter the picture.
Many stars have appeared and left the show since its debut in 1987. The cast has changed dramatically over decades of broadcasting.
However, some celebrities have been on the show for years, if not decades. Over the years, many famous faces have appeared in the soap opera, and some of them are filthy rich celebrities.
In this article, we will look at the top five actors who have captured the hearts of their fans. So continue reading the article to learn more about these distinct personalities.
1. Don Diamont ($4 Million)
Don Diamont began his career as a model before transitioning into acting. He was a highly successful model before landing his first acting role as Carlo Forenza on Days of Our Lives.
He remained a regular on the show for a year before leaving in 1985. Shortly after his first major role, he joined The Young and the Restless, which became his most well-known work. Don began appearing on the show in 1985 and left in 1996.
He returned to the show in 1998, where he played the same character until he died in 2009.
On March 5, 2009, it was revealed that the Young and Restless star would join the cast of CBS’s daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful.
He was said to play the role of Bill Spencer Jr. His episode first aired on May 12, 2009. People Magazine named him one of the world’s 50 most beautiful people as well as the sexiest man alive. His current net worth stands at $4 million.
2. Jennifer Gareis
Jennifer Gareis is a former beauty queen who won the Miss New York USA pageant in 1994.
A few years later, she decided to try her hand at acting, landing the role of Grace Turner on the B&B’s sister soap, The Young and the Restless (Y&R), which she played from 1997 to 2004.
In 2006, the popular actress landed the role of Donna Logan on B&B. Since then, Gareis has been a part of several important storylines, including marrying Forrester patriarch Eric (John McCook) and meeting and getting to know the son she gave up for adoption as a teenager.
Many fans are hoping Donna will reunite with her ex-husband Justin Barber (Aaron D. Spears), allowing them to see Gareis demonstrate her acting abilities once more.
3. Lawrence Saint
Lawrence Saint-Victor is a talented actor who plays Carter Walton on “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Moreover, he also writes for the show. But his first soap opera role is one that many fans may have forgotten.
From 2006 to 2009, Saint-Victor played Remy Boudreau on “Guiding Light,” a hopeful and kind college student who aspired to be a singer and songwriter.
His father strongly opposed Remy’s career choices, preferring that he become a football player instead.
However, Remy was injured while exercising, forcing his father to abandon his hopes for his son.
CBS canceled the series “Guiding Light” in 2009 after 72 years on the air. The show began on radio before moving to television.
A few years after “Guiding Light” was canceled, Saint-Victor landed the role of Carter Walton on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” where he debuted in 2013 before joining the writing team in 2015.
He also collaborated with former “The Bold and the Beautiful” co-star Karla Mosley on the web series “Wed-Locked,” which debuted in 2019.
4. Matthew Atkinson as Thomas Forrester
Thomas Forrester was struggling before Matthew Atkinson took over in March 2019. Thomas was in conflicting relationships with Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) and Caroline Spencer (Linsey Godfrey), frequently finding himself torn between the two.
However, when Thomas left town to spend time with Caroline and his son, Douglas Forrester, it appeared that his character development would end there. Fortunately for fans, Atkinson joined the cast, kicking off an exciting new villain era for Thomas.
Thomas’ obsession with Hope Logan was a complex, multifaceted mess that took him far beyond the legal boundaries.
Atkinson’s portrayal of Thomas was far more menacing, unlike what viewers were used to seeing. Atkinson’s ability to have natural, electric chemistry with his screen partners, particularly Annika Noelle (Hope), earned him a fan following despite his wicked ways.
One viewer tweeted about Atkinson’s portrayal of Thomas, saying, “They were on the right track at #BoldandBeautiful when they recast Thomas with Matthew Atkinson; the character became very exciting.”
Another fan acknowledged that Atkinson did not create the role, praising the actor and saying, “I always forget Matthew as Thomas is a recast because he has been so good at the role it is as if it was written just for him.
5. Thorsten Kaye as Ridge Forrester
Ridge Forrester is an original character who has stood the test of time since the beginning of “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Ron Moss was the only Ridge from 1987 until his departure in 2012. There was no other logical choice for the role of Ridge, but Thorsten Kaye signed on after the first season of “All My Children’s” brief reboot.
One of the most noticeable differences was Ridge’s becoming more serious and less flamboyant than his predecessor.
Ridge finally received recognition at the Daytime Emmy Awards, thanks to Kaye’s distinct performance style.
Kaye has been nominated for three prestigious awards since taking on the role of Ridge in modern times. Kaye not only burst onto the scene with his unique style of playing Ridge, but he did so while seamlessly blending into Ridge’s long-standing relationships.
Viewers immediately embraced Thorsten’s distinct portrayal of Ridge, with one exclaiming, “Man, Thorsten Kaye is the best recast ever.”
He makes me care about Ridge. I could not feel that with the previous ridge. LOL.” Another person praised Kaye’s ability to convey a convincing father-daughter relationship with Steffy Forrester, writing, “I wholeheartedly endorse Thorsten Kaye’s portrayal of Ridge.
He provides more depth to the character. Furthermore, he and JMW have an excellent relationship as father and daughter. So, I prefer his portrayal of Ridge over the other one.
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