Top 10 Facts About The Only Half-Hour Soap The Bold and the Beautiful

Centered around the wealthy Forrester family and their prestigious fashion house, Forrester Creations, The Bold and the Beautiful was the second soap created by William J. Bell and his wife, Lee Phillip Bell, for CBS. Set in Los Angeles, it dazzles with glitz, glamour, and all things Hollywood. Here are 10 facts about the show.

1. The Bold and the Beautiful: Worldwide Hit

Since its premiere, BB has become the world’s most-watched soap. It’s seen daily by over 35 million viewers in more than 100 countries worldwide.

2. At the Core

The show’s longest-reigning cast members are John McCook, who portrays Eric Forrester, and Katherine Kelly Lang, who plays Brooke Logan Forrester. Both have appeared on the soap since its very first episode on March 23, 1987.

3. Looking the Part

Although only seven years Ronn Moss’s senior, John McCook was cast to play the original Ridge’s father, when the soap debuted in 1987. McCook had to dye his hair gray to appear older during the show’s early years.

4. House Beautiful

The real-life homes of the Bell family members have come into play in the series. The Forrester mansion was modeled after the real-life estate of show creators, William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell. The Bold and the Beautiful’s executive producer and head writer Bradley Bell’s manse was the model for Ridge and Brooke’s home, while his Malibu beach house is used for exteriors at Steffy’s (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) cliff house.

5. Recasting Ridge

When Ronn Moss, the soap’s biggest and most recognizable star, announced he was leaving BB in August of 2012, his character was temporarily written off. In a bold move, the powers-that-be decided to recast the pivotal role. Ridge was brought back in 2013, played by daytime vet Thorsten Kaye, who quickly made the character his own.

6. A Legend Exits

Recasting was never an option when Susan Flannery decided to retire from her role as the Forrester matriarch. Instead, the soap penned a powerful departure storyline, where Stephanie lost her battle with cancer. In a poignant and memorable final scene, she died in Brooke’s arms.

7. Kid Stars

Three of The Bold and the Beautiful’s leading ladies have had their real-life children portray their onscreen ones. Lauren Koslow’s (ex-Margo) son, Zachariah, played Mark. Katherine Kelly Lang’s son, Scott, played young Rick. And Heather Tom’s (Katie) son Zane played a baby, Will.

8. The Mother Lode

Golden Girl Betty White had an unforgettable run as Stephanie and Pam’s (Alley Mills) mother, Ann Douglas, a woman who turned a blind eye to her husband abusing their daughters. She eventually admitted her culpability and made peace with her girls, before dying of pancreatic cancer.

9. Gender Shocker

BB tackled new daytime ground on March 18, 2015, introducing the first transgender character. Maya Avant was revealed to have actually been born Myron and would eventually marry into the Forrester family. The plot was handled with sensitivity under the direction of actress Karla Mosley.

10. Bold Beautiful Bill

People Magazine put longtime The Bold and the Beautiful star Don Diamont, who plays the irrepressible Bill Spencer, on their 50 “Most Beautiful People List” in 1990. It marked the first time a daytime actor had been featured on the prestigious list. The Bold and the Beautiful (BB) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.