The Bold and the Beautiful is the only soap opera set in a real-life major metropolitan city. As such, the show used to tap into its locale being Los Angeles by inviting true celebrities onto the show to play themselves. Lately, we can’t say that many real-life stars have made their way to B&B storylines.
The Bold and the Beautiful: Star Wattage
The list of real-life celebrities who’ve appeared on B&B is endless. In the 1990s, viewers saw celebrity hairstylist Jose Eber give Jessica Forrester (Maitland Ward) a makeover. When Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) launched Forrester Creations men’s line, she presented the fashions with a Salute to Hollywood theme.
Real-life celebrities Steven Allen and Jayne Meadows, and Carol Channing (a real-life B&B super-fan) all played themselves. Actor Charlton Heston (Ben Hur, who brought prime-time soap experience his guest stint courtesy of his run as Jason on The Colbys) also played himself — a neighbor of Stephanie Forrester’s (Susan Flannery).
When stars appear as themselves, it’s not just a gratuitous guest spot; the show weaves them into the show’s storyline organically. Who better to appear at Sally Spectra’s (the late, great Darlene Conley) bachelorette party when she was engaged to Jack Hamilton (Chris Robinson) but romance cover model Fabio? “Oh, my Fabio — it’s God,” a stunned Sally said upon seeing the long-haired hunk. (Fabio spoke to Soap Hub a few years ago about how his appearance on B&B led to a real-life friendship with Conley.)
Hey, Look Who’s Here
There are lots of ways B&B could do that today to help remind viewers that the Forresters, Spencers, and their various friends and foes live amongst celebrities. Perhaps a social media influencer or young up-and-coming actress could help tout Hope for the Future’s fashions to give the show a boost? Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) may have a few influencers in her phone’s address book who could help out.
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Deacon (Sean Kanan) wants to drive patrons to his new eatery — the restaurant formerly known as Il Giardino. Why not invite some celebrities to attend his opening and comp them a few meals to help get some buzz going? Who better than the latest champion of Big Brother, a CBS reality show, to visit Deacon at his establishment?
The Bold and the Beautiful: Remember Dionne
One of the more memorable guest stars on B&B in the 1990s was singer Dionne Warwick, whose hits include “Walk on By” and “I Say a Little Prayer for You.” Eric (John McCook) arranged for the pop star to sing a tune for Lauren (Tracey Bregman), whom he was dating at the time. Warwick, who had recorded a closing credits B&B theme song (“High Upon This Love”), stuck around for some shows as Lauren’s pal and confidante. There are lots of ways to incorporate familiar real-life faces into B&B. The show’s done it before; time will tell if and when it happens again!
The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS. For an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.
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