The Bold and the Beautiful News: John McCook On The Importance Of Set Safety

Those who’ve attended The Bold and the Beautiful fan events over the years or who have seen outtakes of the show know that original cast member John McCook has a terrific sense of humor. But, now, the Forrester patriarch is addressing something serious.

John McCook: Staying Safe While Working

“I’m loving my time back at work,” McCook shared in an Instagram post while sitting in his garden at home. “All of us at Bold and Beautiful are, but as much as we’re enjoying that I want to be sure that everybody understands [that] we’re all following the protocols.

“We’re still paying attention to the rules,” McCook added. “We’re still taking care of each other. It’s very important. Let’s not forget that. Stay well.”

The actor first came to the attention of soap fans when he was cast as Lance Prentiss on The Young and the Restless. He played out a love quadrangle in Genoa City with Leslie (Janice Lynde, later, Victoria Mallory), Lorie (Jaime Lyn Bauer), and Lucas (Tom Ligon).

McCook left daytime in 1980 and worked on a variety of shows including Dynasty, Family Ties, and a scene (left on the cutting room floor) in the feature film Back to the Future.

In 1986, Bill Bell, YR’s creator, was developing The Bold and the Beautiful and asked to meet McCook. He lamented that the actor didn’t look older! Nonetheless, he cast him as Eric Forrester, the head of the Forrester family.

Unlike other patriarchs, McCook’s Eric has been one of the soaps’ most viable leading men. After splitting from Stephanie (Susan Flannery), Eric went on to have romances and/or marriages with Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang), Sheila (Kimberlin Brown), and Lauren (Tracey Bregman).

Later, Eric fell for Brooke’s sister Donna (Jennifer Gareis) but wound up back with Stephanie until she died. After an appropriate period of mourning, Eric embarked on a romance with Quinn (Rena Sofer) and married her. What’s next for Eric? Stay tuned to find out! The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.