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EXCLUSIVE: B&B's Brad Bell Talks On The Heartbreaking Episodes Of Stephanie's Goodbye Party & Says There is More To Come!

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I definitely cried and I loved the Celtic Women and the Irish dancing. I was very moved by Eric singing to Stephanie and overall I am glad I tuned in. But… what I didn’t like was the way the party ended. It was supposed to be a celebration of her life and everyone there was enjoying the party, with no tears as she requested. I thought Stephanie said she wanted to quietly slip out the party, but instead she makes this big announcement she is leaving and they will never see her again. To me this was quite the blindside.… Read more »
why is Susan leaving the show is she sick or just tired of working…
she is retiring.
Ms. Flannery, who at the young age of 73 has been playing Stephanie Forester for 25 years and she just wants to enjoy her retirement, maybe do some traveling….She’s a licensed pilot, so she may want to get some flying time in and just enjoy her family….
Susan Flannery said she isn’t retiring in SOD, and that she is leaving the show to focus more on her directing career! Susan directs episodes of the web series “Venice”!
which tells you how she really feels about the present and proposed direction of B&B. Brad Bell is killing this show himself!
Dumb letting her goes. Susan is the show.
I thought the whole thing smacked of propping Brooke to be honest- more about Brooke and how Brooke feels than any the rest of the family- almost more so than Stephanie herself! Far too obvious and much less than it could have been IMO. Disappointed in Stephanies last story being one more thing about Brooke.
B&B has pretty much for the last 25 years surrounded itself with the storylines between Stephanie and Brooke in one way or another!!
what a classy lady. have watched from the beginning. will miss her terribly. cried throughout monday’s show. great writing. please submit this episode for emmys next year. good luck susan in whatever comes your way in the future.you will be missed. thanks for all the great years, laughs and tears.
I loved the last two shows and cried my eyes out. Yes submit this for Emmy!
Susan Flannery did an outstanding Emmy-winning performance in her Stephanie’s Goodbye as well as John McCook. However, it should have been about Stephanie and her family. It almost seemed over-shadowed by Brook’s presence. I understand that her and Stephanie had grown closer, but more personal scenes should have also revolved around Taylor (Hunter Tylo). It should have also focused on more on her children. While I understand this was short noticed, but it didn’t seemed short noticed to have KKL presence all over the screen all the time, which, in my opinion took some of the excitement out.
Mildred, I could not have agreed with you more, and I am so much saddened as to the story’s path. I’ve been, am, and will always be a “Taylor” fan, and the relationship between Stephannie and Taylor was one of the show’s pivotal relationships that Brad Bell has chosen to not honor. In daytime dramas, we seek to experience a “moment”, and I find it unfair the Brooke character had so many “moments” with Stephannie vs. Taylor; or her sister, Pam; or as you mentioned, Mildred, Stephannie’s own children. This is, once again, the “union of Brad Bell & Katherine… Read more »
This was the best ever,was a great send off!
Brooke will never be worthy to step into Stephanie Forrester shoes. There should never be another Bridge, no real man on this planet would make a bimbo like Brooke his wife or Mother of his children.
Would have liked to see other grandchildren there .
REALLY? I THINK THERE A MANY, MANY MEN WHO HAVE MARRIED SOME TYPE OF BIMBO.
I thought it was awesome. I really love Stephanie’s character and it will be greatly missed when she is no longer on the show. Mr. Bell, you done a great job on her exit of the show and I don’t know how many Kleenex I went though. Susan, you have been a great inspiration to B&B and to the fans who has watched the show since the beginning. Enjoy your retirement and come and see us every now and again in someone’s dream or spirit. We would love to see you again sometime down the road.
I LOVED every moment of Stefanie’s party. I cried the whole way through it. I hope I get the pleasure of meeting the cast some day! This show has really come a long way. I do watch Y&R for over 25 years, but B&B is the one I can’t wait to see everyday. The storyline keeps turning over and over; no dragged out storylines. It was very upsetting not to see Ridge at his mothers’ party. That one I don’t understand. It depletes the speical bond Ridge and Stephanie shared through the years. Sorry, B&B…bad move.
Incredible, have only watched Monday’s episode but have Tuesdays and today on DVR. Brad Bell the cast and crew did an amazing job. Classy show!
Brooke is the new Matriarch and not Tayhoe and I love it
It was heartbreaking to watch but so well acted especially by Susan Flannery and KKL. It was nice to see how those 2 finally became so close and Stephanie chose her to take over. Susan will be missed but I wish the best for KKL to get some amazing storylines. She is an amazing actress and can show such real emotions.
I have watched since day one and I love it, but I do not think it is going to survive with Susan and Ron leaving the show…
I thought the episode was quite emotional. I was choked up from the time Brooke and Stephanie spoke outside throughout all of the goodbyes. I think all the actors and actresses did a great job. In saying that the most emotional moment was when Brooke and Stephanie had their last goodbye. It is so nice to see how far Brooke and Stephanie have come since The Bold and the Beautiful aired for the first time. I have been watching it ever since and always wanted these two to get along. It is a great way to end Stephanie’s story. Super… Read more »
YOUR SHOW HAS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE FOR A VERY LONG TIME YOU ARE MY FAMILY EVERYDAY YOU ARE IN MY LIVING ROOM WITH ME I WILL GREATLY MISS STEFANIE SHE WAS A BIG PART OF THE SHOW YOU CAN BET I WILL BE WATCHING THIS SHOW UNTIL THERE IS EVER A LAST EPISODE (WHICH I HOPE WILL NEVER HAPPEN) JUST KNOW THAT I LOVE THE WHOLE CAST YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB WRITING THE STORY LINES KEEP IT UP LOVE YOU ALL MARLA HECK
It is only fitting that the last scenes be with Eric/Stephanie/Brooke. I was surprised when I watch it that I ended up in tears. Of course, the baton would be passed to Brooke. It is as it should be. Our super couple Stephanie and Brooke will be greatly missed. Susan Flannery, John McCook and Katherine Kelly Lang were superb.
I have never cried so hard during an episode as I did this. It was all beutifully written and all the actors did a fantastic job. Susan will be missed in a big way and I wish her all the best in her retirement. I am looking forward to Brooke taking over as matriarche of the family.
not if Donna has anything to do with it…
I thought the episodes were very emotional and moving. I also believe the theory about finding love in unexpected places and can believe the growth of love and closeness between Stephanie and Brook, but I disliked the downplay of the love and closeness she shared for a longer time in her relationship with Taylor. I understand Brook’s tears, the moving speech, the need to spend more time and be there for Stephanie, but what would have been more real for me would have been to see Taylor there at the end, holding Stephanie in her arms saying goodbye to a… Read more »
I agre Francene. So disrespectful to the Taylor-character fans, who also experiened history – the ups and downs; the anger and the joy; the pain and the healing – between Stephannie and Taylor. Just for the sake of throwing “new Brooke” in one’s face. I disagree though on Taylor holding Stephannie in her arms at the end. I think that place belongs to her life partner, and one true love, Eric.
The story has definitely improved over the last month. I suppose these major exits brought to realization that having basically one story line for over a year is not what will keep the genre going. I am sure everyone longs for the old days when the story was much more exciting– we need a Sally Spectra like character!
Absolute tears all the way. I will miss Susan Flannery’s Stephanie so much more now..because of the bond she finally forged with Brooke. It was so fitting to have her there in Brooke’s arms in the end as they had developed a true and strong love, respect, admiration, and appreciation of one another. Although Stephanie was aligned with Taylor first ..and longer theirs was a weird..symbiotic, sycophantic relationship wherein their main bond one of was not pure love and respect ..and forged as such. Their mutual bond was borne of mutual hate and forged as a support of one another… Read more »
I wonder how I might feel someday about someone in whose hands I placed a gun and asked her to kill herselt to make my life easy?
If you had any decency in you at all, and the person was like Brooke, hopefully..you’d end up feeling very, very bad that you ever did anything like that; very glad that she did not take your ill-conceived advice, and very, very grateful that she gave you ‘love’ back instead of hatred..and time to see and correct your error in judgment.
The 11/14 is the best episode of the three — Flannery just nails it and McCook is certainly showing Emmy consideration as well. Stephanie’s character is closing her life on her own terms with her husband… and also provides some insight about why Ridge missed the party. Thank you writers for some excellent dialogue today and a primary focus on Eric and Stephanie.
I lost my Father to Cancer 8 years ago and I never got to say goodbye to him. Watching Monday and Tuesday’s episode I felt like got to say goodbye to him. I never miss B&B and I look forward to seeing Stephanie’s family grow closer after she’s gone. I will miss Susan and her character Stephanie. Good luck to her.
It’s hard to say that I “loved” the episodes, when they were so emotional and sad for all of us. She is an outstanding actress and I wish her well. She will be missed! My best friend and I were very disappointed when our “president” decided to give a speech throughout the entire time. I was fortunate enough to have the internet and was able to see today’s episode. My friend won’t get to see it at all as she doesn’t have access!. I’m looking forward to the November 26, special that will be honoring Susan Flannery! Outstanding job by… Read more »
Thought all grandchildren should have been there not just Ridges.
I’m sad there wasn’t room in the story for Stephanie’s most formidable adversary Sheila. I always felt there was unfinished business between these two women.
I have watched the show from the beginning and yes I did cry these past few days. I have liked Susan’s character, Stephanie, from the beginning and came to love her over the years. Up until today with these parting shows, my favorites have been since she met Dayzee. I am going to miss her on the show. I was disappointed that Ridge was not there. He should have made an appearance. Keep up the good. I will be a FAN forever.
They were very touching, emotional and well done! I definitely had my Puffs ready and they were needed. Susan is so very taleneted and they were not disappointing! She will be missed. I think the next episodes will be even sadder and more emotional. John is doing a fabulous job with these and everyone is great! Excellent job B&B!!!
I have been watching the whole 25 years. Monday and Tuesday’s episodes had me crying and I will so miss “Stephanie”. “Brooke” was the correct character to “lead” the family. She and “Stephanie” had so much history. I wish Susan luck and happiness, but hate she’s retiring. I love Bold and the Beautiful!!!
those were both extremely wonderful episodes filled with emotional scenes. Wonderful job by all at B&B. Hope that Susan Flannery will enjoy the next part of her career as she is still planning to keep directing. maybe she can enjoy her hobbies more too.
Oh please, Brooke? Matriarch? LOL that is laughable at best. She is only good for one thing and that is sleeping with everyone man including her daughters, am I really suppose to believe she is prone to do things like Stephanie done? Wrong and Fail?… just prepare for this show to end I give it less than 2 years. Katherine is a nice person I’m sure, but no way can she carry a scene like Susan did, she never won any accolades in her entire career span and that is saying something in itself. We all know Brooke and Bill… Read more »
Brooke is not going to sleep with Bill. If this were 2002, or 1992, yes, but not in 2012. Brooke is new matriarch, according to Brad, and it’s the joke of the year for all of us who’ve been on the B&B journey since inception. With Susan leaving, I won’t be watching. I stopped watching in June, and started back last month to experience Stephannie’s end journey. Once Stephers is gone, so am I
I’ve watched B&B from day one and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday had me in tears. I felt like Stephanie was part of my family leaving. Writing her out as a terminal Cancer patient felt like I was loosing a relative. It’s good to know she is retiring on to enjoy the rest of her life. Hopefully she will be watching episodes of B & B from home.
I could have done without Brooke being the one to speak for all the people at the party plus involved in almost every scene. Then you have Stephanie lying in her arms during her final hours. Friends or not, Stephanie’s husband, children and grandchildren should have been the focus from beginning to end. As a viewer, I cannot accept Brooke as the head of anything Forester/Douglas, you just don’t come back from how she mowed thru that family for years and she is to be rewarded as their matriarch! Thorne and Taylor should be married and move into the Forester… Read more »
Blame it on Brad, AJ! Blame it on Brad himself for not honoring the history of the show. I appreciate Stephannie experiencing Brooke in a new way – Brooke was there for her in the initial cancer diagnosis. But all the “I love you, honey” is so false when for more than 97% of the character Stephannie’s history, she did not like, neither respect Brooke. I think it might have been more “realistic” and easier to accept if Stephannie’s love for the other characters – Thorne, Felicia, Taylor, Stephie, Pam – was presented more intimately, and there was no “passing… Read more »
Thanks for your reply. In comparison to B&B, I just watched the tribute to John Engle who played Edward Quartermain on General Hospital. At the perennial Thanksgiving dinner, ruined once again with the family having to eat pizza, you see Edward with Lila as apparitions observing their legacy — their family. In the end, they leave the family, venture out into the hallway. Lila (who died some years back) leaves her wheelchair and together they climb the staircase in the home that they shared for years. (And yes, we know it is Monica’s house because Alan gave it to her,… Read more »
Great interview as usual Mr. Fairman! It was great meeting you Yesterday at the B&B book signing! Thank you for signing my book and being nice enough to take a picture with me! Looking forward for reading your next interview.
I thought that the most emotional farewell that I would have liked to have seen more of was Thorn’s–he couldn’t get near Stephanie without my starting to cry. Of everyone, he was the one whom she loved unconditionally and who was always there for her, even more so than Taylor. I totally feel his pain. So sad, I love my B&B friends so much, best wishes for a great retirement to Susan, so well earned.
I really cried my eyes out!!! I think it was great and I am glad that Susan’s hard work over the years was appreciated!!! I am very sorry to see her go and I truly wish I can celebrate with all the cast members since I am and will always be a fan of the show!!!! Great job!!!!! Love you all!!!!
I will miss Stephanie very much. She was the bold and beautiful!! It doesn’t seem like it has been 25 yrs already. This is worse then when Ridge left the show. He’s not ever coming back and neither will Stephanie. I wish her well in her future endeavors. Stephanie you really are bold and beautiful!!!!
I would like the poem she said to her children on Wednesday show ,it was beautiful as she is i hate to see her go, but understand why.She is a beautiful woman inside and out.
Listen, I have been watching this show for years. Brad Bell has never had any respect for women/children or families. He made Brooke(KKL}LowDown, character into a bed hopping tramp, and many of you jump on the band wagon and made her your hero. Stephanie was hated for not wanting her son’s married too this bed hopping tramp. Could it be because Brooke HO-HO, not only married her so called Soul MATE,Ridge’s, Father, and had a couple of kids with him, but also , she married Thorne, another son, and then Nick. She gave “Who the Daddy”, a whole new meaning,… Read more »
Susan Flannery (Stephanie) IS the Bold and the Beautiful. I watched her from the time she was on Days to B&B. I will miss my afternoon coffees with this great lady!!!
XXXOOO
Susan Flannery is the reason I started watching the show and sad to see her leave. Absolutely love Stephanie, and did watch even though it was sad. But what ruined the moment for me was Brooke constantly being shoved in our faces on screen when this is suppose to be all about Stephanie. I’m not buying the OVER THE TOP love Stephanie has for Brooke. It’s one thing for Stephanie to come to an understanding with Brooke, but what Forrester, other than Eric, needs Brooke to take care of them since we know how she treats them all. Very disappointed… Read more »
It’s a 30 minute soap opera that films two weeks ahead of air date. In addition to crafting an exit story and laying out a foundation for the future of the show. The Bold and The Beautiful doesn’t end with Stephanie’s death however Steph’s death needs to propel story and the show.
This is a soap opera. Brad Bell is one of my favorite writers in daytime because he has an excellent grip on laying a foundation for the next generation and I find it fascinating to watch that early beginnings of this new legacy.
While Brad Bell has chosen to have Stephanie die with Brooke, I would have preferred that it was Thorne by her side. The writing decision appeared based upon KKL’s tenure with the show even though the argument is made that the two “mortal enemies” end up at death’s door. Although three different actors have played the role, Thorne was on the show from the first day. Since the company has been charged to Ridge’s son rather than brother (again, poor writing choice…Thomas leading the company?), Stephanie’s passing was an unused opportunity to provide a catalyst for returning Thorne into greater… Read more »
I believe that Katherine Kelly Lang and Susan Flannery started this show together it was more than appropriate for them to end it together.. Kathrine has had to pay her dues on this show over and over…Brad Bell needs to Bring the charachter of Brooke full cirlce and end her Slut routines. People hate on the charachter and on the actress the fans who love Brooke want to see her finally have a decent place in the show…It is time that she become matriarch…she has stayed with this show way too long not to be given the honor!! Tayor has… Read more »
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