The Real Reason these B&B Stars Left! What Are They Doing Now after Bold and the Beautiful?

Why These 5 Bold and the Beautiful Stars Really Left: The Truth Behind Their Exits

CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful has long been known for its glamour, jaw-dropping twists, and unforgettable characters. But behind the scenes, the departure of major actors often reveals a much deeper, more emotional story than the official narratives suggest. In this in-depth breakdown, we explore the real reasons behind the exits of five iconic cast members: Ronn Moss (Ridge), Susan Flannery (Stephanie), Windsor Harmon (Thorne), Jacob Young (Rick), and Rena Sofer (Quinn).

1. Ronn Moss (Ridge Forrester)

Final Airdate: September 14, 2012

Ronn Moss was Ridge Forrester for 25 years, one of the original four characters when B&B premiered in 1987. When news broke that Moss was leaving the soap, fans were stunned — and understandably heartbroken. While an unnamed insider told Entertainment Weekly that the exit was over a salary dispute, Moss himself framed his departure differently. He called it a “rebirth”, citing two signs that convinced him to leave:

• A serious car accident involving him and his wife

• A stopped clock in his dressing room—frozen at the exact time of his birth

These signs, he said in interviews, were spiritually significant and pointed to the need for personal and professional transformation.

In his final storyline, Ridge married Brooke and left for a honeymoon, only to later abandon her over text messages she had exchanged with Deacon Sharpe. Ridge decided Thomas would run Forrester Creations and declared he wasn’t coming home—an abrupt and heartbreaking exit for a fan favorite.

A year later, B&B recast the role with Thorsten Kaye, who remains in the role to this day. Though fans grew to accept Kaye, the departure of Moss remains one of the show’s most emotional turning points.

2. Susan Flannery (Stephanie Forrester)

Final Airdate: November 26, 2012

Another monumental loss was Susan Flannery, who played Stephanie Forrester, the formidable matriarch of the Forrester family. Flannery was also part of the show’s original cast, alongside Ronn Moss, John McCook (Eric), and Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke). When she announced her departure in 2012, it wasn’t due to scandal or dissatisfaction—she simply felt it was time.

Though she disliked the term “retirement,” she asked executive producer Brad Bell for a graceful exit. He granted her request with a heartbreaking lung cancer storyline and an emotional final episode that showed Stephanie dying in Brooke Logan’s arms.

Interestingly, some fans were surprised that Brooke, long Stephanie’s rival, would be by her side in her final moments. But this, too, was Susan Flannery’s personal request, reflecting the deep evolution of the characters’ relationship.

Now in her 80s, Flannery has remained out of the spotlight, enjoying a quiet life since leaving the show.

3. Windsor Harmon (Thorne Forrester)

Final Airdate: October 6, 2016

Windsor Harmon’s exit from the role of Thorne Forrester was not by choice. In fact, he was blindsided. Expecting a front-burner storyline, Harmon was instead shocked to learn that his role was being recast—and not even with a newcomer. The part was handed to Ingo Rademacher, best known to soap fans as Jax from General Hospital.

Harmon publicly kept things classy, even sending a warm message to Rademacher on social media:

“Congrats @IngoRademacher, you’re going to be amazing as Thorne, buddy. Big shoes, dude—size 11. Call me, man.”

Despite the abrupt end, Harmon never badmouthed the show, but fans could tell that his sudden removal left unresolved feelings. Rademacher’s run ended just over a year later, with Thorne exiting the canvas once again after divorcing Katie Logan in 2019. Many fans still hope Windsor Harmon will return to reclaim the role he originated.

4. Jacob Young (Rick Forrester)

Last Appearance: 2018

Jacob Young, known for his roles across several soaps, became a fan favorite as Rick Forrester. But his departure, unlike some others, was less about a grand storyline and more about frustration over limited screen time. In an interview with Soaps In Depth, Young was candid:

“They hyper-focus on a couple of storylines at a time… It just doesn’t work for me.”

Because The Bold and the Beautiful is a 30-minute show (roughly 18 minutes after commercials), not all characters get consistent arcs. Young said the producers would often write Rick out for months, which hurt not just him, but the integrity of the character.

After the on-screen split between Rick and Maya Avant, Young’s appearances became sporadic. Rather than wait on the sidelines, Young took matters into his own hands and moved on to other projects—including six TV series, nearly ten films, and a stint on The Walking Dead.

Fans still express interest in Rick’s return, especially if the show ever reopens the Maya storyline or revisits the Forrester heirs.

5. Rena Sofer (Quinn Fuller)

Final Airdate: August 29, 2022

Few characters have stirred the pot on B&B like Quinn Fuller, brought to life by the dynamic Rena Sofer. Quinn’s villainous beginnings, scandalous love life, and rich complexity made her a fan favorite. But when Sofer exited the show in 2022, many were shocked.

In a later interview, Sofer revealed she wasn’t fired—she chose to leave. Her contract had ended, and the show didn’t have a clear direction for Quinn. Rather than sit on recurring status indefinitely, she made a bold decision:

“I felt like I deserved more than just sitting around while they figured it out.”

Brad Bell reportedly called and asked her to reconsider, but she declined. Sofer chose to pursue other acting projects and also focus on her growing pottery business, which she often showcases on social media.

Her exit marked the end of an era, especially after Quinn’s passionate affair and surprise marriage to Carter Walton. Fans were left hanging—and are still hoping for a return.

Final Thoughts

The departures of these five actors—Ronn Moss, Susan Flannery, Windsor Harmon, Jacob Young, and Rena Sofer—represent not just casting changes, but the shifting legacy of The Bold and the Beautiful. Some chose to leave. Others were shown the door. All left behind characters that fans still cherish, miss, and hope to see again.

While the show continues to evolve with new generations of characters, there’s no denying the impact these five had on shaping B&B’s heart and soul.

Stay tuned, because in the soap world, no exit is ever truly final—and sometimes, the best returns are the ones you never saw coming.