News
B&B's John McCook Chats On His Final Scenes With Susan Flannery & Eric's Life Post-Stephanie!
Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas
While Susan Flannery is garnering all the attention as she and her long running character, Stephanie Forrester get set to depart The Bold and the Beautiful after 25 years, its time to shine some light on the other half of the duo that will remain behind!
TV Guide spoke to John McCook (Eric), one of the core four of B&B, to discuss life post-Stephanie for the patriarch of the Forrester clan. Plus, how with Flannery’s exit (which will honor the character in a profound way), it will push McCook in new story directions, which indicate that exciting times are ahead as an actor for this soap veteran. But before any of that occurs, circle November 9th, 12th, and13th on your soap viewing calendars, as that is when Stephanie’s big goodbye party comes to fruition on-air! Here now are a few excerpts from the interview below with John McCook!
John weighing in on how Stephanie’s imminent death is also Eric’s story too: “It is! When I first heard Susan was retiring from the role, I went to executive producer Brad Bell and said, “What will we do? How do we handle this? What’s going to happen to me?” (Laughs) Because, as an actor, it’s all about me, of course! But Brad is using this great loss to refocus B&B in a new, really exciting direction. Of course, right now everyone is watching how Stephanie deals with this as the days tick down but in time it very much becomes Eric’s story and I’m really excited to have it. This is a huge change for our show and for me, personally. Eric has kind of been in Stephanie’s shadow in recent years, even in business. (Laughs) Even in mourning! She won’t even let him grieve the way he wants to grieve. She’s running everything from the catbird seat, telling everyone how to be sad! But, yeah, Eric will be getting his power back.”
John on how it was to film his final scenes with Susan Flannery: “She’s been my TV wife for 25 years, almost as long as I’ve been married to my real wife (actress Laurette Spang), so we couldn’t help but go to a really emotional place. After all, we’re not only losing each other as characters but as actors, too, and we indulged all those feelings. As usual, Susan was a titan. It was huge thing to play. It was dramatic. It was beautiful. Eric and Stephanie are just so wonderfully amused with each other because they’ve survived as a couple. They’ve hurt each other, offended each other, stepped in shit together all along the way, but somehow they’ve managed to build a wonderful life and create a marvelous family. And their love endures, stronger than ever. It’s such a dark and awful thing to have Stephanie die but we’re bringing the light to every scene. Usually on soaps, you’re pulling up a chair at the hospital bed. This is so much better than that. There will be no deathbed for this exit!”
Are you looking forward to seeing the final scenes between B&B’s Stephanie and Eric? What would you like to see happen to Eric after Stephanie passes away? Let us know your thoughts!
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If Brad Bell is serious about taking the show in a new direction, I better not see Eric renewing vows with Brooke or Donna. And let’s not rush him into someone’e arms with any haste. Please let him grieve, hit bottom and come back, or discover something new about himself, focus on a strong business story. Run for public office. Reconnect with his children. Let him sing… literally! This man could be so better used and I will go into this dark time — saying goodbye to Stephanie — believing Eric (and McCook) will be treated well.
Hey he is going to have to have about two chins removed for him to be a hunk that the actor and the character thinks he is. Never have liked this actor he gives me the creeps just like Jacob Young. Yuck!
I am very excited about the new direction this show will be forced to take. Things happen, people retire, characters die. Ronn Moss and Susan gave 25 wonderful years to this show, and they chose to leave. It’s now time to move on, as we all have to in life when things happen. Personally, in 2011, I lost my two older brothers, both to cancer, within a month and a day of each other. You can NEVER imagine, or prepare, or fathom such a tragedy hitting your life until it happens. But when it does, you have to cope, and… Read more »
What a touching, well written and thoughtful post, thanks Jesse. It is amazing what we think is so important until real life gets a hold of us and reminds us what our true treasures are. It is a lesson most of us only learn when life has given us something beyond ourselves to deal with. Soaps and even bitching about them can be escapist fun at times, which we should enjoy, but if our blood pressure is going up because tptb aren’t writing things the way we want, then it perhaps time to turn off the television and find a… Read more »
I agree. This show doesn’t do panoramic storytelling very well — they focus all their attention on one storyline at the neglect of others (e.g., Liam/Steffy/Hope). They desperately need to bring in new characters and drop a few more (i.e., Donna, Taylor, Oliver). If they really want to move forward, they need inject new life into this show instead of retreading the past.
If they are dropping characters they should drop Pam. This character is so annoying, adds no comic relief to the show at all. I have no idea why she is still there except to make lemon bars.
Not having seen this show since ages, well almost 10 years, the announcement of the death of Stephanie Forrester lured me back to catch that storyline and withness her death. Being a loyal viewer from day one at the end of the 80’s I left at the beginning of 2000 because I could not stomach the badly written storylines anymore around Brooke, Taylor, Rich, Eric, Stefanie, Sheila, Sally, Macy, Thorne… and all the others anymore! Over and over and over again the same endless drab, unfinished storylines, non saying episodes… you get it if you follow the show! I was… Read more »
I feel like I just wasted 40 seconds of my life reading this 🙂
The waste of 40 seconds is nothing compared to the waste of 30 minutes each and every working day during 25 years watching the Bold and Beautiful so you should not complain!
I am looking forward to Eric getting his MoJo back and seeing where it takes him. B&B is not just about Stephanie. It’ll be fine without her (but I’ll certainly miss the character very much). Keep up the good work, Bell Family!
Just take him to a good place he is great he may end up with his sister-in-law,she is great as well that would be interesting just dont have him end up with some younger women again. Thats to boring!
This has been such a unique way to deal with the death of Stephanie. It is so much better than the hospital exit . Thankyou for that! It has been thoughtful as well as beautiful! We will miss this fine actress! I wish her well.
Breaking News
Guiding Light’s Lee Lawson Dead At 81
More loss for the Guiding Light family. Now comes word on Monday that Lee Lawson, who played Bea Reardon on the CBS daytime drama series from 1981-1990, passed away Sunday night in Los Angeles at 81-years-old.
What makes this all the more heartbreaking is that Guiding Light and soap fans just recently mourned the loss of one of Lee’s on-screen daughter’s Lisa Brown (Ex-Nola Reardon) who died back in November of last year.
According to Lee’s dear friend, Marian-Hailey Moss via Facebook, she shared: “My down-to-earth, sassy smart and beautiful friend LEE LAWSON is telling it like it is in a better place. A fine actress and a super generous friend. I’ll meetcha there LEE!! 1941-2022
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In addition to her time in Springfield, Lawson also appeared in for a time in 1979 on One Life to Live in the role of Wanda Wolek and started her soap acting career on Love of Life in 1965 in the part of Barbara Sterling.
Lawson also appeared on numerous primetime television shows from Kojak to Maude and many others.
We will share more information as it comes to light on Lee’s passing.
Below check out some scenes between Bea and Nola from Guiding Light.
Share your remembrances of Lee Lawson as Bea Reardon and your condolences in the comment section below.
Breaking News
Tanner Novlan Talks Surprise Return to The Bold and the Beautiful
Breaking News
NATAS Reveals Categories to be Presented at 49th Annual Daytime Emmys and Creative Arts & Lifestyle Ceremonies
On Monday, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced which categories will be presented at the 49th Annual Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle and the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Award ceremonies. Both award shows will be held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.
The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy ceremony will stream live at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on Saturday, June 18 at watch.TheEmmys.tv and via The Emmys apps for iOS, tvOS, Android, FireTV, and Roku. while The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast will be presented live at 9 PM EDT (replay at 9 PM PDT) on Friday, June 24, on the CBS Television Network and streamed on Paramount+.
Check out the alignment of categories for each show and ceremony below.
The 49th Annual Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Categories to be awarded:
Outstanding Culinary Series
Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program
Outstanding Lifestyle Program
Outstanding Travel, Adventure and Nature Program
Outstanding Instructional and How-To Program
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Outstanding Daytime Special
Outstanding Short Form Daytime Program
Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program
Outstanding Daytime Promotional Announcement
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Outstanding Culinary Host
Outstanding Daytime Program Host
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Non-Fiction Program
Outstanding Directing Team for a Single Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program
Outstanding Directing Team for a Multiple Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition
Outstanding Original Song
Outstanding Lighting Direction
Outstanding Technical Team, Camera Work, Video
Outstanding Cinematography
Outstanding Single Camera Editing
Outstanding Multiple Camera Editing
Outstanding Live Sound Mixing and Sound Editing
Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing
Outstanding Main Title and Graphic Design
Outstanding Casting
Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design
Outstanding Costume Design/Styling
Outstanding Hairstyling
Outstanding Makeup
Outstanding Special Effects Costumes, Makeup and Hairstyling
Lifetime Achievement Award: This Old House
Photos: ABC, CBS, NBC, JPI
The 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Friday, June 24, 2022
Categories to be awarded:
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Outstanding Game Show
Outstanding Informative Talk Show
Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Outstanding Younger Performer in a Daytime Drama Series
Outstanding Game Show Host
Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host
Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Aniston
So, what do you think about how NATAS has chosen to give out this year’s gold statuettes? Looking forward to the ceremonies? Comment below.
Guiding Light’s Lee Lawson Dead At 81
Tanner Novlan Talks Surprise Return to The Bold and the Beautiful
NATAS Reveals Categories to be Presented at 49th Annual Daytime Emmys and Creative Arts & Lifestyle Ceremonies
General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to Guest Star on UK Soap EastEnders
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What’s Up With Elizabeth?
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson and Beth Maitland Honored with 40-Year Milestone Celebration (PHOTOS)
GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
As the World Turns Alum Marnie Schulenburg Passes Away at 37
THIS IS US: Goodbyes and Connections; Rebecca Passes Away in Penultimate Episode
GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
DAYS OF OUR LIVES PREVIEW: Peter Reckell Returns as Bo Helps Ciara and Steve in Their Time of Need
GH’s Michael E. Knight Chats On: Taking on the Role of Martin Grey, Friendship with James Patrick Stuart, and All My Children’s Tad
General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
As the World Turns Alum Marnie Schulenburg Passes Away at 37
The Bold and the Beautiful Scores Biggest Audience in Over Two Years
The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy Nominees Talk Reactions, Reels, and Their Co-Stars
Fox Announces Primetime Soap ‘Monarch’ On Fall Schedule
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What’s Up With Elizabeth?
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson and Beth Maitland Honored with 40-Year Milestone Celebration (PHOTOS)
Guiding Light’s Lee Lawson Dead At 81
Tanner Novlan Talks Surprise Return to The Bold and the Beautiful
The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy Nominees Talk Reactions, Reels, and Their Co-Stars
GH’s Michael E. Knight Chats On: Taking on the Role of Martin Grey, Friendship with James Patrick Stuart, and All My Children’s Tad
DAYS OF OUR LIVES PREVIEW: Peter Reckell Returns as Bo Helps Ciara and Steve in Their Time of Need
FRIDAY: Y&R Alum Michael Graziadei Featured in Netflix’s New Series ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’
General Hospital Tapes 15,000th Episode; Featuring Genie Francis with Almost Every Single Cast Member Appearing in It
TONIGHT: General Hospital’s Michael E. Knight Live! – 8 PM ET/5 PM PST
DAYS Daytime Emmy Nominees: Arianne Zucker, James Reynolds, Stacy Haiduk & Lindsay Arnold Chat On Their Reels, Reactions, and Co-Stars
THURSDAY: General Hospital and All My Children Favorite, Michael E. Knight Livestream Interview
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General HospitalMay 19, 2022GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
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Days Of Our LivesMay 14, 2022DAYS OF OUR LIVES PREVIEW: Peter Reckell Returns as Bo Helps Ciara and Steve in Their Time of Need
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General HospitalMay 15, 2022GH’s Michael E. Knight Chats On: Taking on the Role of Martin Grey, Friendship with James Patrick Stuart, and All My Children’s Tad
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General HospitalMay 22, 2022General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
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As The World TurnsMay 18, 2022As the World Turns Alum Marnie Schulenburg Passes Away at 37
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NewsMay 17, 2022The Bold and the Beautiful Scores Biggest Audience in Over Two Years
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InterviewsMay 15, 2022The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy Nominees Talk Reactions, Reels, and Their Co-Stars
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Breaking NewsMay 16, 2022Fox Announces Primetime Soap ‘Monarch’ On Fall Schedule