Why John McCook Is Beloved As Bold and the Beautiful’s Eric Forrester

Soap fans not only love shocking twists but they love stability and friendly faces, too. That’s one reason why both John McCook and his alter-ego on The Bold and the Beautiful are so beloved by the show’s viewers.

John McCook – B&B’s Onscreen Patriarch

When The Bold and the Beautiful started in 1987, McCook helped establish the Forrester family as the show’s premiere clan and one of the fashion world’s top stars. Viewers have always loved peering into the lives of rich, miserable, good-looking people and McCook’s Eric Forrester did not disappoint! Eric seemingly had everything — beautiful children, a successful career, an adoring assistant in Margo (Lauren Koslow), but what he didn’t have was a happy marriage.

Eric and Stephanie Forrester’s (Susan Flannery) union was fraught with tension as malaise had crept into the near 30-year union. Eric did his best to keep his children shielded from his and Steph’s marital strife. However, when their kids needed them — like that time Thorne Forrester shot Ridge Forrester — Eric and Stephanie put forth a united front.

He’s Both a Patriarch and Leading Man

B&B thrust John McCook into romantic leading man status when a few years into the show, Eric took up with Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang), who had been dumped by Ridge. Eric would go on to be B&B’s most popular leading man as the show paired him with not only Brooke but also Sheila Carter, Sally Spectra, Taylor Hayes, Lauren Fenmore, and even Darla Einstein got a fantasy with the Forrester patriarch. Eric re-wed Stephanie and later, Brooke, and then Stephanie again. He remained with her until her death in 2012.

Off-Screen Appeal

Anyone who’s attended a B&B fan event has seen McCook warmly greet fans of the show from across the world. The amicable actor keeps the day moving and fans leave the gathering having felt like they’ve met some old friends after spending the afternoon with the show’s cast. Read an interview with any B&B newcomer and it’s not uncommon for a new player to share how welcoming McCook is to them on their first day.

B&B handed John McCook a challenging storyline this year with Eric’s erectile dysfunction; the actor rose to the occasion, bringing dignity and strength to the story as Eric and Quinn Fuller Forrester (Rena Sofer) managed to stay together. McCook’s a fan favorite with Soap Hub readers, too — they voted him Favorite B&B actor this year!

The Bold and the Beautiful (BB) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Los Angeles, check out all the latest that’s been posted on B&B spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.