THE PERILS OF BEING BROOKE
ROMANCE HAS BEEN COMPLICATED FOR BOLD’S ORIGINAL DRAMA QUEEN
For 35 years they’ve entertained us with their dramatic fixed stares, drawn-out silences and equally outrageous names like Ridge, Hope and Storm. Each has drawn us into an alluring world of secrets, backstabbing, illicit affairs and nightmarish flashbacks – but perhaps none more so than Brooke Logan, superbly played by Katherine Kelly Lang.
Debuting on March 23, 1987, The Bold and the Beautiful has tackled every social issue imaginable, going boldly and beautifully, fearlessly, where no other TV drama has dared to go.
Now approaching its fourth decade, the soap is more popular than ever.
Executive producer and head writer, Bradley Bell, scratches his head in wonder at the show’s longevity and continued success.
“Since our premiere in 1987, it’s been a fantastic journey and incredible experience for all of us,” he says. “We would not be here if not for our millions of fans around the globe.”
In 35 seasons, The Bold and the Beautiful – set in the glamorous world of the Los Angeles fashion industry, following the loves and losses of the Forrester, Logan and Spencer clans – has notched up some impressive statistics.
Having played Brooke Logan Forrester (formerly Chambers, Jones, Marone and Spencer) since day one of B&B, Katherine wears her character like a second skin.
“I would feel totally lost without her,” says the kind-hearted philanthropist and avid athlete. “She’s my alter ego in a way. It would be strange living without her.”
Brooke – and Katherine! – is going nowhere in a hurry, except to yet another bizarre cliffhanger storyline. Will Brooke ever get back with her one true love, Ridge (once played by Ronn Moss, but now portrayed by Thorsten Kaye)? Katherine remains tight-lipped.
What is certain is the upcoming anniversary episode dedicated to Brooke, as she faces an emotional crossroads with her marriage to
Ridge on the rocks following her drunken New Year’s Eve bender with ex-love, Deacon (Sean Kanan).
The special Brookecentric episode, which is scheduled to air on Tuesday, April 4, sees B&B’S leading lady reflecting on all the men she’s loved before.
Apart from Ridge,
‘I WOULD FEEL LOST WITHOUT BROOKE, SHE’S MY ALTER EGO’
there’s Eric (John Mccook), Bill (Don Diamont), Nick (Jack Wagner) and Thorne (Winsor Harmon). And that’s just the modest tip of the iceberg!
The episode also contains the trademark B&B flashbacks, the prolonged silences and the confused stares.
Actor John Mccook, who has also been with B&B since episode one as Eric Forrester, features heavily in the anniversary episode.
Bradley Bell says it seems only fitting to have the milestone episode centred around Brooke.
“Brooke’s been in more episodes than any other character,” he says. “She’s been our leading lady since day one. The episode will be a little bit of ‘the Best of Brooke.’”
While many of Brooke’s storylines have been incredibly over the top and truly epic, B&B devotees can’t get enough of her outrageous antics.
Indeed, over the years the hit soap has seen Brooke conspire to keep people from her precious Ridge. The blonde bombshell also interrupted his wedding, fell pregnant and lied about who the father was, had several trouble-fraught affairs, accidentally had sex with a man she believed was Ridge, and became stranded on an island.
When Ridge was thrown out of a helicopter, she took up alcoholism as a hobby. She then tried to marry Bill Spencer, but Ridge stopped the impending nuptials as she approached the altar.
Jealousy ruined each attempt at getting back with Ridge. Brooke returned to the bottle, but not to Ridge! Now with news that B&B has been renewed for two additional seasons through 2023 to 2024, the outrageous antics of Brooke look set to reach new maddening heights.
But B&B fans wouldn’t have it any other way. The mind boggles, but drama queen Brooke keeps babbling along!