Susan Flannery's iconic journey in "The Bold and the Beautiful
Susan Flannery portrayed Stephanie Forrester in "The Bold and the Beautiful" for over 25 years before departing the series in 2012. How has she evolved over the years?
"The Bold and the Beautiful" is one of the most renowned soap operas globally, captivating audiences for nearly 40 years. Since its debut in 1987, it has broadcast more than 9,000 episodes, tracing the tumultuous lives of the Forrester family. The series has introduced many characters with intricate storylines, leaving a lasting impression on figures like Ridge Forrester and Brooke Logan.
A spotlight on Stephanie Forrester’s evolution in "The Bold and the Beautiful"
Among the show's most iconic characters stands Stephanie, the Forrester matriarch, brilliantly brought to life by Susan Flannery. Flannery’s portrayal of Ridge's mother significantly marked her career from the show's inception, earning her three Daytime Emmy awards and global recognition among soap opera enthusiasts.
In 2012, at 73, Flannery made the surprising decision to exit "The Bold and the Beautiful," closely following Ronn Moss’s departure, who played Ridge, leaving fans in shock.
Post-Flannery’s exit, the scriptwriters chose to conclude Stephanie Forrester’s storyline, revealing her battle with lung cancer in a poignant episode from 2012, leading to her death in the company of her erstwhile adversary, Brooke. It’s noteworthy that Flannery herself had successfully fought colon cancer in the past. In an interview with TV Guide, she shared that the show’s scriptwriter, Bradley Bell, initially considered having her character face the same illness, demonstrating sensitivity and careful consideration for her feelings.
Flannery appeared in the show in 2018, lending her voice to a scene before Brooke's wedding to Ridge, and again in 2023 as a vision to the ailing Eric.
As of July this year, Susan Flannery will celebrate her 85th birthday. Although she has stepped back from the public eye, she participated in a video call interview in 2021 with other stars from "The Bold and the Beautiful," giving fans a glimpse into Stephanie's transformation over the years.
