Actor John McCook has proven that he has staying power in the world of daytime drama. He portrayed Lance Prentiss on "The Young and the Restless" from 1976-1980. He has been portraying Eric, the patriarch of the Forrester clan on "The Bold and the Beautiful" since 1987. On that show, the 72-year-old is married to a Quinn, who is played by 48-year-old Rena Sofer. They are both involved heavily in the goings on at Forrester Creations, as well as the lives of their family members.
Soap veteran with staying power
On Thursday, May 4th, viewers will see the last scenes from Jane Elliot, who has portrayed Tracy Quartermaine on "General Hospital" off and on since 1978.
The 70-year-old actress has decided she will be retiring after close to 50 years in show businesses. This makes John McCook one the last great longtime actors in daytime.
Elliot was fortunate to stay front and center, and relevant until she chose to leave on her own. The same can be said of Susan Flannery, who portrayed Stephanie, the wife of Eric Forrester. Flannery was on "The Bold and the Beautiful" from 1987-2012. She also had powerful story lines, and was not relegated to the back burner. She chose the timing when she retired and her character was allowed to die. Neither McCook nor Eric seem to have thoughts of retiring. On today's episode of "The Bold and the Beautiful," Eric was being updated on the Spectra family stealing millions of dollars worth of designs from his family company.
He was up-beat and optimistic, rather than angry and out for revenge.
Eric Forrester's charisma
John McCook is an attractive man in his own right. His character Eric is a sharp dresser, who continues to keep up with current styles. He is well-rounded, loves his family, and continues to run a business. Having the Forrester patriarch continue working, and marrying a woman so much younger, only adds to his charm.
Viewers see Eric as a business mogul who is a sexy, charismatic older male. Kudo's to the writers for not making him a doddering stereotypical grandfather type.
Eric's age is irrelevant. Fans love the character, and that is as it should be on daytime drama shows. This is a man who is always in the midst of whatever is going on.
Right now, he is deeply in love with his wife, and they have many romantic scenes together. Unknown to him, however, is the fact that Quinn is conflicted. She loves and admires him, but also has developed feelings for his son, Ridge. At the same time, Katy, Ridge's ex, who is younger than Quinn, has been flirting with and developing feelings for the leader of the Forrester clan.
McCook's ability to stay the course
Some viewers thought the character of Eric would be written out of the story once his beloved Stephanie died. Others believed McCook himself might retire along with Susan Flannery. Neither scenario panned out, and John McCook is continuing his role and going strong. He is in the midst of the current hot topic story line, and there is no evidence that he or his character Eric will be slowing down.
Eric has learned a thing or two, and his children should take note. While granddaughter Steffy is out for blood, wanting to punish Sally Spectra because she stole from Forrester Creations, Eric seems to be showing compassion to the granddaughter of his fiercest rival, the original Sally Spectra.
