Two-time Daytime Emmy-nominee Darlene Conley, the late great actress, originated the role of Sally Spectra on The Bold and the Beautiful in 1989 and helped put the half-hour soap opera on the map. Sally’s presence on the canvas added corporate intrigue, a rival family, and humor to the show.
The Bold and the Beautiful Polling
Conley remained on the canvas until November 2006 just two months before her passing in January 2007. Instead of writing Sally’s death into the show, BB wrote the character off the screen. There have been references to Sally traveling the world and hanging out with cabana boys. The back of the character’s head has made an appearance here and there.
Is it time for BB to reveal that Sally has passed away off-camera? Soap Hub posed this question to the show’s fans.
Paying Tribute
Almost 60% of you say that yes, you’d like to see a story in which it’s revealed that Sally has passed away and then see a tribute to both Conley and her unflappable character. The actress brought elements of movie heroines like Stella Dallas (Barbara Stanwyck) and Mildred Pierce (Joan Crawford) to Sally, as the red-haired business lady fought to give her children, Macy (Bobbie Eakes) and C.J. (Mick Cain), better lives.
There are still characters on the show who recall Sally and would be able to take part in a tribute to her, which would hopefully include flashbacks of her more outlandish moments — falling into the Forrester pool, sneaking into fashion shows dressed as a man, and appearing at the Forrester mansion doorway reciting her signature line “Hello, Stephanie.”
Happy Ending
Not quite one-fourth of you, around 23%, say that you prefer things to stay as they are — knowing Sally is off living her best life, enjoying the sights of the world, and indulging in comfort and luxury. Should Spectra resurface again, “Sally” could make a call to rally the troops.
Do It Right
The rest of you, about 17%, feel that if BB does write in Sally’s passing, it would have to be done correctly. It shouldn’t be just Eric (John McCook) and Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) acknowledging her past, but also Sally’s family, too. Ideally, Courtney Hope (Sally) will pop over from her current home at The Young and the Restless to help pay her respects.
Whether or not Sally remains alive abroad or is sent to that great soap in the sky, fans will never forget Conley or her contributions to BB. While she may not have a place of honor in a portrait over a fireplace, viewers always remember the black and white poster over a large canister at Spectra that read: “Sally Says Recycle!” The Bold and the Beautiful (BB) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.
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