Joining The Bold and the Beautiful was no walk in the park for soap veteran Rebecca Budig. As she stepped into the iconic role of Dr. Taylor Hayes, Budig faced the weight of fan expectations, social media scrutiny, and decades of history behind the character.
A Legacy Role That Came With Pressure
Rebecca Budig didn’t just walk onto the set of The Bold and the Beautiful — she stepped into Taylor Hayes’ towering heels. The character has existed since 1990 and was most recently portrayed by Krista Allen. Taking over such a pivotal role wasn’t easy, and Budig admitted she underestimated the challenge.
In her own words, “It was really hard.” She hadn’t realized how massive Taylor’s presence was until she was in the thick of it. She also mentioned how tricky it is to match the emotional depth of a character whose roots span decades. Trying to portray empathy while the audience doesn’t yet recognize your version of the character? That’s tough.
The Bold and the Beautiful: Dealing With Fan Reactions, The Good, The Harsh, And The Instant
Soap fans are passionate, and Budig knows this firsthand. While many welcomed her warmly, others were less enthusiastic. According to Budig, there will always be “a group of fans that are never going to be happy.”
She understands the attachment viewers have to previous portrayals and feels that’s natural. However, this loyalty can make it hard for new actors stepping into beloved roles. Thankfully, Budig believes most fans eventually come around — and she’s learned to block out the noise online.
“I don’t read it,” she confessed, referring to online comments. “I have to just have faith I’m doing my best.” This strong mindset has helped her stay grounded and focused on telling Taylor’s story as authentically as possible.
Soap Pride, Soapy Podcast, And Embracing Her Age
Beyond the screen, Budig’s love for daytime dramas continues to grow. She recently launched Soapy, a CBS podcast with her longtime friend Greg Rikaart. The podcast celebrates the genre, highlights behind-the-scenes stories, and gives fans insight into what makes soaps tick.
What’s even more refreshing? Budig loves playing a character her own age. She appreciates portraying a mature, layered woman — a grandmother, even — without the pressure of being cast younger. After decades of being in daytime, that realism feels like a gift. And while Taylor Hayes may still be finding her footing in the eyes of The Bold and the Beautiful fans, Budig is confident she’s on the right track. “It’s been a year,” she said with hope. “We’ll see.”
Rebecca Budig’s journey with The Bold and the Beautiful may have started under pressure, but she’s rising to the challenge. As Taylor’s storyline grows, so does her impact — both on the show and among fans. Stay tuned for more updates right here on Soap Opera Daily.
