John McCook Confirms He’s Leaving The Bold and the Beautiful, He Wants to Retire Early

For decades, fans of The Bold and the Beautiful have tuned in faithfully to watch the legendary Eric Forrester guide his family, his fashion empire, and his ever-turbulent personal life. But now, the unthinkable is upon us: John McCook, the beloved actor behind Eric Forrester, has confirmed he is preparing to step away from the show, expressing his wish to retire early. What does this mean for the soap? For the characters? For the millions of fans who have grown up watching him? Let’s dive into the shockwaves this revelation has sent through the world of daytime television.

An End of an Era

When whispers first began circulating about McCook considering retirement, many brushed it off as yet another rumor in the soap world. But the speculation carried weight, and soon, sources close to production confirmed that McCook himself had been quietly discussing the idea of stepping away. At 81 years old, he has devoted nearly four decades of his life to the role of Eric Forrester, debuting in the very first episode of The Bold and the Beautiful on March 23, 1987. Alongside Katherine Kelly Lang, who still portrays Brooke Logan, McCook has remained one of the very last original cast members—truly a living foundation of the show.

The decision to retire isn’t born out of lack of love for the craft. Quite the opposite—McCook has openly expressed his deep gratitude for the show and the joy the role has brought him. But the grueling schedule of daytime television, which demands memorizing endless lines, filming intense emotional scenes, and keeping up with constant storylines, has become increasingly difficult. Health concerns and the natural toll of age have made him reevaluate his priorities. And at this stage of life, family and health come first.

Why Now?

The timing of this decision seems significant. Not only has McCook faced personal challenges with stamina and the physical demands of filming, but The Bold and the Beautiful itself has recently undergone a major transition. The show relocated from its longtime home at CBS Television City—where McCook had worked for more than 50 years—to the Sunset Las Palmas Studios. For many, such a shift sparks reflection. For McCook, the move highlighted the passage of time, the legacy he’s leaving behind, and the reality that every career eventually reaches its closing chapter.

Fans can’t help but recall his character Eric’s recent health scares on the show. Writers have already teased storylines centered on Eric’s frailty, even taking him to death’s door before miraculously pulling him back. These arcs may now serve as a foundation for his eventual exit, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

The Weight of Eric Forrester’s Legacy

Eric Forrester is not just another soap character—he is the character that embodies the spirit of The Bold and the Beautiful. As the patriarch of Forrester Creations, he has been central to nearly every major storyline: his romances with Stephanie, Brooke, and Donna; his relationships with Ridge, Thorne, and the rest of the sprawling Forrester family; his rivalries in the fashion industry; and his moral authority during family conflicts.

Removing Eric from the canvas would be like removing the heart of the show. And that leaves producers and writers facing an almost impossible decision: Do they recast the role? Or do they write Eric’s final chapter?

Recast or Farewell?

Recasting Eric would be a monumental risk. Fans have known and loved John McCook’s portrayal for nearly four decades. He is Eric Forrester. The character’s mannerisms, his gravitas, his emotional resonance—all tied to McCook’s interpretation. Finding another actor to step into those shoes could easily backfire, alienating longtime viewers.

The alternative? Giving Eric a dignified farewell. Soap history shows this can be done with emotional weight and respect. Fans remember Stephanie Forrester’s death in 2012, when Susan Flannery departed the show. That storyline was hailed as one of the most powerful in the soap’s history. Could Eric’s exit mirror that level of emotional depth? If so, it would allow McCook to retire while honoring his incredible legacy.

The Fallout in Storylines

If Eric’s character is written off—whether through illness or death—the ripple effect on the show would be enormous. Ridge’s grief over losing his adoptive father would be central, reshaping his own role as family leader. Brooke and Donna would be devastated, mourning not just a lover but a lifelong anchor. At Forrester Creations, succession would become the burning question. Who steps into Eric’s shoes as head of the fashion house? Ridge? Steffy? Or would a power struggle erupt, creating endless drama for years to come?

Such a storyline could keep fans glued to their screens. The grief, the conflicts, the business intrigue—it would all stem from one of the most pivotal character exits in soap history.

John McCook’s Personal Journey

For McCook himself, the decision to retire early is not one made lightly. In interviews, he has emphasized his love for acting and for his role, but he has also spoken about the importance of family. As a grandfather, he wants to spend precious time with his loved ones, making memories that filming schedules simply don’t allow.

Health is also a factor. Though McCook has remained remarkably vibrant, he has acknowledged that age inevitably brings its challenges. Recognizing that, he’s choosing to step away while he still has the strength and joy to embrace his personal life fully.

Industry Impact and Fan Reaction

In the soap world, McCook’s departure would be seismic. His tenure on The Bold and the Beautiful spans generations. Fans have literally grown up watching him. His presence has provided stability and continuity across decades of shifting storylines, recasts, and exits.

Social media has already exploded with fan reactions. Hashtags trend whenever retirement rumors surface, with fans worldwide expressing both heartbreak and gratitude. Viewers from more than 100 countries—since The Bold and the Beautiful is one of the most widely distributed soaps in television history—feel connected to Eric Forrester. His departure would leave a void not just in Los Angeles, but across the globe.

For many fans, Eric has symbolized family, tradition, and resilience in a world of constant change. Losing him would feel like losing a member of their own family.

What Comes Next?

While McCook has confirmed his desire to retire early, the exact timeline remains unclear. Some reports suggest he may stay on just long enough to wrap up Eric’s story with dignity. Others hint that his departure could come suddenly, in line with the character’s fragile health.

Writers now face the monumental task of preparing for both possibilities. They must create storylines that work whether Eric remains temporarily or departs permanently. The balance is delicate—too much foreshadowing could spoil the surprise, but too little preparation would rob fans of the closure they deserve.

Whatever the ultimate choice, the transition must be handled with care. Eric’s exit will be one of the most defining moments in The Bold and the Beautiful’s long history.

A Legacy That Lasts Forever

Regardless of when or how John McCook steps away, his contribution to daytime television is already immortal. For nearly 40 years, he has been the steady heartbeat of The Bold and the Beautiful. His performances—whether portraying love, heartbreak, wisdom, or conflict—have touched millions.

Fans may grieve the thought of losing Eric Forrester, but they will never forget him. The character, and the actor behind him, will forever remain part of the show’s DNA. And even as new storylines unfold, the memory of Eric’s presence will continue to guide the Forrester family and the viewers who love them.