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B&B's Stephanie Dies As Katherine Kelly Lang & Susan Flannery Share Final Scenes!
Courtesy/CBS
In a real tearjerker on today’s episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, soap fans witnessed the last breaths of Stephanie Forrester and the final performance of Susan Flannery (Stephanie)!
As Stephanie’s life faded, it was Brooke, her long time nemesis turned best friend, who was with her, comforting her, and resolving their over 25 year relationship to the bitter end. In magnificently acted scenes, Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) delivered some of the finest work of her career, and as for Flannery, even in Stephanie’s final moments, she proved that she is one of the genres all time greatest performers and a true icon. (IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED THE EPISODE YET, SPOILER ALERT YOU MAY NOT WANT TO READ FURTHER, IF YOU HAVE, CONTINUE ON…)
For many, they can see why Brad Bell, (B&B’s executive producer and head writer) chose to have it be Brooke that was with Stephanie in the end. After all, they were the true super couple of the show, and the circle of life is often about forgiveness, and both of these characters had a lot to forgive one another. In addition, it seemed that it was Brooke who Stephanie probably thought could be the one to help her best pass through this life, as she has often told Brooke that she is stronger than she thinks.
When Katherine Kelly Lang as Brooke told the parallel tale of Brooke’s life with the Forrester clan to a dying Stephanie, Brooke admitted she was so ashamed of the things she had done to Stephanie and her family. While earlier, Stephanie admitted to Brooke how much she hurt her by sleeping and stealing with all the Forrester men. And when Stephanie asks Brooke to “sing to me, baby girl”, the tears flowed as Brooke sang Eric’s tune to Stephanie, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” as Stephanie passed away.
Over the past several hours, it appears a debate has arisen amongst fans of B&B that Eric Forrester (John McCook) should have been there with his beloved Stephanie at the end, not Brooke. Or if Brooke, then with Eric there too, and maybe even, Stephanie’s sister, Pam, as well.
What are your thoughts on today’s final moments between Brooke and Stephanie? Hankie-filled for you? Should Eric have not watched the DVD of the Forrester family and friends sharing their sentiments about Stephanie (he did so to make sure Stephanie could handle seeing it), and instead hightailed it back to a dying Stephanie instead? Did you understand why B&B chose to end Stephanie’s life in key and emotional scenes between Stephanie and Brooke? We did! Weigh-in.
In case you missed it, or want to see today’s episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, head on over to CBS. com and grab some Kleenex before you sit down at your computer! And for more … check out our brand new interview with John McCook for his thoughts on Eric’s life-post Stephanie and his final scenes with Susan Flannery!
Beautiful episode!
SF will be missed!
I thought having Brooke and Stephanie in the final scenes was how it should be. There was so much tenderness in those scenes. I was blown away by the performances of Katherine Kelly Lang and Susan Flannery. Excellent send-off for such a great character.
I get what Brad was trying to do, but in the end I still think Eric should have been there at his wife’s passing. I am not sure I like those videotape messages since we know Stephanie would never see them. I might have like it better if instead of the characters speaking about Stephanie, if the cast had spoken about Susan, and she didn’t know about it until it aired–that would have been way cool. But with all that said, it was a touching and moving episode, done with dignity and care.
Well in a matter of one episode B/Bell did what I knew he would do. Brooke at it in less then 2 hours ruined it for me. Two daughters men now her sisters and Stephanie left her in charge of the family.
I know it like Brad Bell doesn’t know when to leave well enough alone. He did all this work to show how much Brooke has grown and how Stephanie’s illness and death will change her and then boom, Stephanie is not gone a day and she is kissing her brother -in-law. Who’s next Donna’s son Marcus or did she already go there and I missed it? But I don’t think anyone was surprised by this, disappointed maybe, but not surprise.
It was as it should have been, with one notable exception. Brad Bell shoyld have swallowed his anger and pride and had Ronn Moss back for a goodbye scene with his mother. Fans were owed this and for the good if the show, Brad should have seen that they got it. Ronn issued a statement that he was NEVER asked to return for s goodbye.
At first I was mad that Eric was wasting time at the office but when Stephanie said “oh he’s never around when you need him!” that is classic Eric & Stephanie & I got it. Very fitting that Brooke would be with her at the end. Katherine Kelly Lang just absolutely broke my heart. IT WAS SO REAL I had to remind myself I was watching tv for God’s sake. I really felt Brooke’s sorrow & pain & the way Stephanie just passed away . . . really well done then when it was over I am like but wait no more Stephanie! I don’t like her being off the show at all. There will be a huge, huge void. I wish nothing but the best for Susan Flannery in her next chapter of her life but boy will she be missed.
At first I was upset but we have went full circle so I will go on with it what i do beg of you Brad Bell is make this mean something to Brooke she is now at a crossroads as you will please move forward and not with a man be a better person if you want us to forget how trampy Brooke was then let us move forward and let this woman grow. KKL nailed it! Now be the woman you say you are and go on without a man please or I will believe what I always have believed that bb can not write Brooke without a man.
I might add Brooke, Eric & Thorne should run Forrester and kick the snot nose kids to the curb!!!!
OMG I watch it today and I was bawling my eyes out. I totally got why they had Brooke be with Stephaine when she pass away and not eric its like u said they were the supercouple of the show. I’m sadden SF retire but happy they had her character pass away instead of recast or be mention but not seeming just like they were doing for the late DC character Sally. It was very moving that’s for sure
This is absolutely ridiculous. Bill Bell’s vision for these characters was for there to be an all consuming hatred. Therein was the drama. This nonsensical sentiment of Stephanie asking Brooke to “sing to my baby girl”- the same woman she encouraged to shoot herself in the head when Taylor returned – is frankly ludicrous.
I get that Flannery and Kelly are saying goodbye to each other in this scene but their real life relationship has nothing to do with the characters they have played so excellently over the years. Brooke was the victim of psychological abuse from Stephanie – the very worst kind – because Stephanie terrorized the girl under the facade of a civilized and morally upstanding matriach. She destroyed this girl’s life only for Brooke to turn the tables in the definitive storyline of B&B’s history – the fight for BELIEF.
Bill Bell would not approve of today’s episode – it was a sordid desecration of his vision and Bradley Bell should be ashamed of himself for such unqualified sentiment between characters who destroyed one another’s lives, personally and professionally.
No wonder soap is going to the gutter. Bell sr would not dare write this. Nor would Marland or Lemay.
I could not disagree with you more, I thought it was one of the best and well written send offs to date. The acting alone was superb and the lesson that these two women taught one another was magical. We will have to agree to disagree on this one.
I agree completely. It was a great send off.
I haven’t seen it yet, but I was caught up as of Thanksgiving.
You just kind of knew that when Eric left to go back to Los Angeles, the way that he said goodbye to Stephanie, that he would not make it back before she passed. I knew for sure when she wanted to go outside – it was, not to be crass because I have no human death to compare it to – but it was like when a dog goes somewhere to die. I just knew she didn’t have long left once she and Brooke made it outside.
All that being said, WOW! I commend Susan Flannery on an amazing job. It could not be easy to be coughing all the time and acting like you need the oxygen. She will definitely be missed.
Very sad… well done… will miss Stephanie/Susan… understand why Brad used Brooke with Stephanie… but wish it could have been Pam or Eric. The show will not be the same without Susan Flannery! I am not a fan of the character Brooke, but after this I really hope she changes and grows up and has some discretion with men… if she goes back to being with any and all… this will have been for naught.
I thought is was god awful to subject the fans watch a loved a love one die for month..
Who really thought it nice/cool/really great to watch the woman suffer and die.
There were so many other ways / to inflect the pain us the a death watch..
((poor fans had to cry their way through the month and become sad, depressed and overly distraught..
Shameful to infect on fans, IMO ..
I’m sorry you did not like it. I thought it was a fitting tribute to a legacy character.
Sometimes art needs to imitate life. At least there was no murder mystery, no coming back from the dead.
For people who have lost loved ones, and those who have not, I thought it was nice to have the flashbacks, to celebrate life when you knew you did not have long. I only wish I could have said the same for my aunt with her cancer, but she chose to treat it and still died within a year. Not everyone tries to fight it.
What is so bad about fans crying? It is a part of life. Some people really need a good cry now and then.
suooo actually it was kinda of a rewrite of the cancer death of Caroline in 1990 she found out she had cancer they threw a party but she died in Ridge’s arms. She went around saying her goodbyes etc. Ridge even read scriptures from the Bible to her we now know that is Taboo in 2012. Anyway it was tough for me to watch the Brooke love fest but I will buy it if they make her finally grow up.
This story was beautifully written, well-paced, compassionately acted. Perfection.
And this final episode so well balanced – the grief of losing Stephanie in counterpoint to the joy of Katie realizing she wants her son. An episode to cherish.
I liked the endng tday with Brooke and Stephanie. I thought it played out very real .I think Kelly did the best acting of her career in those final scenes. Susan will be sorely missed because she was the queen of all around her. I kmow that Susan will be directing now and continue to be a part of soaps in some capacity. But I believe there shouldn’t be a contoversy of why Eric was not with Stehanie when she passed. These two actresses played those scenes with grace and heart and I for one was greatly moved and shed a few tears. Excellant….
Perfect.
Brooke and Stephanie have been and will always be B&B’s best “supercouple”.
Although I have to agree, Ridge should have been there at some point.
With the 2 mature, larger than life actresses- Matriarch Stephanie and Diva Sally gone, now what?
Even tho KKL is now older than SF was when they went on the air, she does not have it ( though I would marry her if I was straight!). Even though Sally’s character is still alive, there is no replacing DC.
The show has been good for the last 2 months now that someone realized that there are more than 3 characters, but it still needs more. It needs the glamour, the fashion, and new over the top characters LIKE IT WAS!
Some scenes were touching… but like classic B&B, most was ludicrously overwritten. Simplicity is often more effective and goes a lot further.
Loved it cried my lost a friend the same day with cancer super sad day for me.
Brooke was Stephanie’s most important relationship for the last 25 years. She sacrificed everything to get rid of Brooke. This is how it should be. SF and KKL were amazing.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo
Today’s Monday, July 13 episode of General Hospital marks it 16,000 episode to air on the ABC television network. It is a remarkable milestone. The previous television record was held by Guiding Light which clocked in at 15,762 episodes before it went off the air on CBS in 2009.
To mark the occasion, the cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles back on Monday, June 1, 2026.
In addition, GH has released a new cast photo taken the day of the on set celebration. Pictured in the photo are front row: Rory Gibson, Finn Carr, Kayden Brenna Tokarski, Asher Antonyzyn, Giovanni Mazza, Braedyn Bruner, Dean Geyer and Nathan Dean.
Featured in the back row are: Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, Kristen Vaganos, Rebecca Herbst, Dominic Zamprogna, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison, Brooke Kerr, Cynthia Watros, Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Maura West, Donnell Turner, Nancy Lee Grahn, Tanisha Harper, Kelly Thiebaud, Kristina Wagner, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Katelyn MacMullen and Sawandi Wilson.
In addition, the official GH social media handles shared these sentiments along with some other photos from the cake cutting: “Today’s episode of General Hospital is the 16,000th produced since the show’s inception in 1963. It’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass by without taking some time to celebrate as a family (and, of course… eating some cake). 🍰 We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE 16,000th Episode?
The 16,000th episode will feature Jason Morgan returning to the town of Port Charles, Anna and Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) reuniting, and a new surgeon, Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) joining the staff of ‘General Hospital.’
GENERAL HOSPITAL HOLDS SEVERAL RECORDS
Now in its 64th year, Emmy Award-winning daytime drama General Hospital is currently both the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production.
General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 18 times. Will they do it again and make it 19 in 2026? Stay tuned for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations tomorrow on Tuesday, July 14 to find out if GH will be going for gold in the category, once again.
The ABC daytime drama series was created by Frank and Doris Hursley and premiered back on April 1, 1963. Frank Valentini is the current executive producer with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.
What do you think of the new cast photo marking General Hospital’s 16000th episode? What do you think of the accomplishment to have that many episodes of a television show and its still thriving and kicking? Share your thoughts and congrats for everyone in front of the camera and behind the scenes on this milestone airing.
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
John Oliver Previews Guest Star Turn on ‘Days of Our Lives’
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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Days Of Our Lives1 week agoJohn Oliver Previews Guest Star Turn on ‘Days of Our Lives’
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