The soap world has been buzzing with chatter after shocking rumors surfaced about Thorsten Kaye, the talented actor who has played Ridge Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful since 2013. Whispers spread quickly across fan forums and gossip sites, claiming that Thorsten was suffering from liver cancer and preparing to exit the CBS daytime drama in September 2025. The thought of losing Ridge Forrester—arguably the heart of the series—devastated longtime viewers. After all, Ridge has been central to B&B’s legacy since 1987, tangled in unforgettable love stories, family feuds, and corporate battles. But as it turns out, the health rumors were nothing but cruel fabrication.

Casey Kasprzyk, the supervising producer of the show, did something producers rarely ever do: he directly addressed the false story. Taking to social media, Casey blasted the misinformation as “pure trash created for clicks and gossip.” His frustration was clear when he revealed even his own mother had called him after reading the false article. He urged fans to ignore the fake report and reminded them that the story was riddled with glaring spelling mistakes—including misspelling both Thorsten’s and former Ridge actor Ronn Moss’s names. These blunders alone proved the article’s lack of credibility.

The timing of the fake news was particularly cruel, as the soap community had just mourned the passing of veteran actor Tristan Rogers, who died of cancer in August 2025. For fans already grieving, the suggestion that another beloved star was battling illness hit too close to home.

Ridge Forrester’s Enduring Legacy

Thorsten Kaye took over the role of Ridge from Ronn Moss in late 2013, and since then, he’s become an essential figure in the tapestry of The Bold and the Beautiful. Ridge is the emotional anchor of the show, constantly torn between his deep loves for Brooke Logan and Taylor Hayes. For decades, this triangle has fueled countless storylines, breakups, reunions, and betrayals.

Currently, Ridge is engaged to Taylor, but his heart remains conflicted. During the recent Italy storyline, fans watched Ridge wrestle with guilt and longing as Brooke’s presence continued to stir his emotions. Taylor, recovering from her own health scare, is holding onto hope that her engagement with Ridge will finally secure lasting happiness. But when Brooke is in the picture, stability is rarely guaranteed.

Adding fuel to the fire, Nick Marone has returned to Los Angeles. As Ridge’s half-brother and one of Brooke’s former husbands, Nick’s reemergence complicates things even more. Spoilers suggest Ridge will grow increasingly jealous as Nick begins pursuing Brooke again. And given Ridge’s notorious inability to keep his feelings hidden, viewers can expect fireworks in the coming weeks.

The Truth Behind Thorsten’s Exit

So if Thorsten Kaye isn’t leaving because of cancer, why is he stepping away from B&B? The answer lies in his personal life. For years, Thorsten has been candid about the challenges of working in Los Angeles while his family lives in New York. In past interviews, he has admitted wanting time off to travel with his family and reconnect with his European roots. The grueling daytime schedule—shooting almost year-round—has taken its toll.

Though CBS has not yet announced how long Thorsten will be gone, insiders say he has asked for an extended break rather than a permanent departure. This means that while Ridge Forrester may temporarily vanish from our screens, Thorsten’s exit is not expected to be final. Whether Ridge will be recast, written off temporarily, or sent on a long business trip abroad remains to be seen.

Fan Concerns Over Ridge’s Future

Fans are naturally worried. Ridge isn’t just any character—he’s one of the original pillars of The Bold and the Beautiful. From his endless power struggles at Forrester Creations to his iconic romances with Brooke and Taylor, Ridge has been at the center of nearly every major storyline. Could the show really survive without him?

Some speculate that Ridge could be written out dramatically, perhaps leaving Los Angeles after another emotional breakup. Others wonder if the producers might temporarily recast the role, just as Thorsten once stepped in after Ronn Moss’s long run. At this point, nothing has been confirmed, but Bradley Bell, the show’s executive producer, insists Ridge will remain vital to upcoming plots.

The Love Triangle Heats Up

One thing’s certain: the Brooke-Ridge-Taylor triangle is far from over. Bradley Bell hinted in recent previews that Ridge may come to a life-changing realization—he cannot live without Brooke. If that proves true, Taylor may once again be left heartbroken, despite her hopes of finally having Ridge for good.

Taylor has endured this cycle repeatedly: believing Ridge has chosen her, only for his bond with Brooke to pull him back. For fans, this has become both heartbreaking and addictive storytelling, cementing Ridge as a man forever divided between two great loves. With Nick Marone now back in town, however, Brooke’s choices may no longer revolve solely around Ridge.

Industry Lessons: Rumors vs. Reality

The false liver cancer story underscores a larger issue in entertainment journalism—misinformation. Soap actors are often targeted by clickbait articles about sudden exits or health crises, and unfortunately, these stories spread quickly because fans are so deeply invested in the characters. The Ridge rumor was one of the rare times a producer felt compelled to step in, highlighting how damaging and insensitive false reports can be.

Casey Kasprzyk’s blunt public statement showed just how much the production values its relationship with fans. His willingness to break the usual silence was proof of how seriously the team takes its audience’s trust. It also served as a reminder: not every dramatic headline online is true, and when in doubt, it’s best to check reputable sources.

What Comes Next for B&B

Looking beyond Thorsten’s temporary break, The Bold and the Beautiful still has plenty of drama to deliver. The Forrester vs. Logan power struggle will intensify at the fashion house, and the love triangles will only grow more tangled. Spoilers hint that Ridge’s absence may give Brooke time to reflect on her future—and Nick’s return may reopen old wounds and desires.

Meanwhile, Taylor will be forced to face the possibility that Ridge’s heart never truly belonged to her, setting the stage for yet another devastating chapter in her long and complicated journey.

The truth is, Ridge Forrester remains the soul of B&B. Whether Thorsten Kaye is on-screen every day or takes a hiatus, the character’s legacy is too important to fade away. Fans can rest assured that Ridge’s presence will continue to loom large over the series, even if his portrayer steps back for personal reasons.

Final Thoughts

Thorsten Kaye does not have liver cancer, despite the false and harmful rumors that recently spread across the internet. However, he is planning to take time away from The Bold and the Beautiful for personal reasons, including spending more time with his family and easing the strain of his bi-coastal lifestyle.

While his departure raises questions about Ridge Forrester’s immediate future, it does not mean the character is gone forever. In fact, the show’s creative team seems more committed than ever to keeping Ridge at the heart of its storytelling. With Brooke, Taylor, and now Nick Marone stirring the pot, Ridge’s absence may actually spark fresh drama.

So fans can breathe a sigh of relief: Thorsten Kaye is healthy. And though changes are coming, Ridge Forrester’s story is far from over. As always, The Bold and the Beautiful promises to keep audiences glued to their screens with love, betrayal, family loyalty, and the kind of heart-wrenching drama that has made the show a daytime television staple for nearly four decades.