The Bold and the Beautiful fans were stunned when Susan Flannery, who portrayed Stephanie Forrester, left the show in 2012. After 25 years on the soap, her exit was abrupt, final, and filled with strong words about her future in daytime drama.
The Bold and the Beautiful: Susan Flannery’s Sudden Exit Shook the Soap World
In 2012, viewers were shocked as Flannery’s beloved character, Stephanie Forrester, was suddenly killed off. Her exit marked the end of an era, especially since she had been one of the soap’s cornerstones for decades. For many fans, the decision seemed irreversible, though in soap operas, “death” is rarely permanent.
Stephanie was famous for faking health crises to manipulate her family, and fans often joked that she could just as easily return one day. However, Flannery herself made it clear her departure was final. Interestingly, she exited the series alongside Ron Moss, the original Ridge Forrester, making the loss even more painful for longtime viewers.
In a candid 2013 interview with TV Guide (via The List), Flannery revealed she had no intention of ever returning to The Bold and the Beautiful. She admitted that once she left, she never looked back. The actress said she never even missed the soap after her departure.
“I only think about that part of my life when somebody calls me,” Flannery explained. “I had a great run and a wonderful time, but there’s still time to go. And when you go, it’s over. You don’t look back.”
Flannery emphasized that she was more interested in directing and exploring primetime opportunities than reprising her soap role. Despite pleas from fans and colleagues, she firmly shut down the idea of Stephanie Forrester being resurrected.
A New Life Away From Hollywood
After leaving The Bold and the Beautiful, Flannery moved away from Los Angeles and relocated to Australia. Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke Logan) confirmed the news after attending her farewell party. Soon after, Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams on Days of Our Lives) posted about Flannery’s big move, praising her legacy and long-lasting friendships in daytime. Hayes wrote, “Susan Flannery, one of the great ladies of daytime or anywhere she turns up, is moving to Australia. Laughs, love, tears, hugs… We will miss her.”
Susan Flannery remains one of the most decorated actresses in daytime television. Throughout her career, she earned 10 Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress. She won her first in 1975 for her role on Days of Our Livesand later won three more for her portrayal of Stephanie Forrester in 2000, 2002, and 2003. Flannery also became the first actress to win the Lead Actress Emmy for two different roles on two different soaps.
“NEVER AGAIN! The Bold and the Beautiful Star Susan Flannery Reveals Why She Left for Good”The Bold and the Beautiful lost one of its brightest stars when Susan Flannery walked away in 2012. Her decision to never return left fans heartbroken, but her legacy as Stephanie Forrester remains untouchable. Even from Australia, her mark on daytime television continues to shine. For more soap updates, stay tuned with Soap Opera Daily.