Susan Flannery's journey: 25 years as Stephanie Forrester unraveled

"The Bold and the Beautiful" is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable soap operas globally. This American production has been on air for almost 40 years. It debuted in 1987 and has since broadcast over 9,000 episodes, captivating audiences with the drama-packed adventures of the Forrester family. Over time, "The Bold and the Beautiful" has introduced numerous characters whose complex fates often intertwine. For some, the serial remains synonymous with the eternally youthful Ridge Forrester and the infamous Brooke Logan.

Among the standout characters of "The Bold and the Beautiful" is, without a doubt, the Forrester family matriarch, Stephanie. Susan Flannery brought Ridge's mother to life from the show's inception. The American actress's association with the series spanned over 25 years, marking a significant highlight of her career. Her portrayal of the Forrester fashion house's founder not only garnered worldwide acknowledgment among soap opera enthusiasts but also won her three Daytime Emmy awards.

Flannery chose to leave "The Bold and the Beautiful" in 2012, at 73, a decision that came as a significant shock to fans, especially since Ronn Moss, who played Ridge, had announced his departure just a few days prior.

After Flannery's exit, "The Bold and the Beautiful" writers concluded her character's storyline. A 2012 episode revealed Stephanie Forrester was diagnosed with lung cancer. A few weeks later, she passed away in the company of her longtime adversary, Brooke. Importantly, Susan Flannery had previously overcome colon cancer and triumphed over the illness. In a TV Guide interview, she shared that the show's scriptwriter, Bradley Bell, initially contemplated giving her character the same diagnosis.

"Brad first called me about it last summer. He'd originally thought of giving Stephanie colon cancer — which is the kind of cancer I was diagnosed with — and he wanted to make sure I wouldn't take offense or have a problem with it, which was very sweet of him," Flannery explained.

In 2018, Flannery made a guest appearence in the series, allowing Brooke to hear her voice before marrying Ridge. In 2023, the actress returned, appearing to a dying Eric.

In July this year, Susan Flannery will turn 85. Nowadays, the actress seldom makes public appearances, but in 2021, she participated in a video call interview alongside other stars of "The Bold and the Beautiful," offering fans a glimpse into how Stephanie has transformed over the years.