On The Bold and the Beautiful, Bill has navigated some dicey times. His many schemes have included such things as bribery, blackmail, attempted murder, setting Spectra fashions on fire, and much more. That’s a lot to pack into four decades, and Don Diamont recently recalled getting started in the business and who he credits for his success.
His Humble Beginnings
In the latest issue of TV Guide, Diamont sat down to discuss his soapy origins. He was grateful to William Bell for casting him as Brad Carlton on The Young and the Restless in 1985. The character ultimately became a business executive, but Diamont remembered Brad’s humble beginnings as a groundskeeper/pool boy. “I spent the first three months in those Daisy Dukes [shorts], hedge trimmers in hand,” he remarked.
Diamont totally got the fact that a soap needs its ‘hunks’ and knew he could easily be replaced with someone else who could walk around shirtless. Understanding the harsh reality of the acting world, he further explained, “I took it very seriously.” As a result, he became probably the most beloved pool boy in the history of soaps.
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They Impacted His Life
Diamont felt blessed to have worked for William Bell and even kept some of his letters as mementos, one of which stated, “Know that The Young and the Restless will always be here for you.” However, when Brad was ultimately killed off, Diamont felt he wasn’t completely surprised, “But I was still taken aback by it.”
Soon after, Bell’s son Bradley created the character of Dollar Bill especially for Diamont, who remarked that the showrunner, “Was my champion.” He felt he owed his longevity and drive to do well as Bill to the Bells. And the irony of all the names wasn’t lost on him. “Bill cast me as Brad, and then Brad cast me as Bill,” he hilariously remarked, adding that the father and son had a huge significance on his life.
