For over three decades, John McCook has been the heart and soul of The Bold and the Beautiful. As Eric Forrester, the patriarch of the Forrester family and founder of Forrester Creations, McCook has delivered some of the show’s most poignant performances, embodying wisdom, charm, resilience, and vulnerability. But as whispers of retirement and storyline conclusions swirled in recent months, many fans began to wonder: Is McCook preparing to say goodbye to daytime television?
Now, McCook himself is setting the record straight, addressing both his personal future and Eric Forrester’s fate on the canvas with heartfelt clarity.
Rumors Stirring the Soap World
Speculation about McCook’s possible retirement began when The Bold and the Beautiful aired a heavily emotional storyline surrounding Eric’s failing health. For months, viewers were glued to their screens as Eric faced what appeared to be his final battle, with Ridge and the rest of the Forrester family preparing for the worst.
Soap opera fans know that such storylines often foreshadow a character’s permanent departure, and with McCook approaching his 80th birthday, many assumed the story was meant to honor the actor’s long career before a graceful exit. Online forums exploded with theories: Would Eric die in a heartbreaking farewell episode? Would Ridge step fully into his father’s shoes at Forrester Creations? Or could this be the beginning of John McCook’s retirement?
John McCook Speaks Out
In a recent interview, McCook reassured fans that while the storyline was indeed emotional, it was not intended as his farewell tour.
“I know people worried this was the end for Eric and for me,” McCook admitted. “But the truth is, I’m not retiring just yet. I still love this job, I still love Eric, and I still love the fans who’ve supported me for all these years.”
However, McCook did acknowledge that retirement is something he thinks about — and when the time comes, he wants it to be meaningful.
“I don’t want to just disappear off the screen one day. I want Eric’s story to reflect his legacy. He’s a man who built a family, a business, and a life filled with triumphs and mistakes. When I do step away, I hope we can tell that story in a way that feels honest and true.”
Eric Forrester’s Ongoing Legacy
Eric Forrester is not just another soap character — he is The Bold and the Beautiful’s foundation. Since the show’s premiere in 1987, Eric has been the steady center around which romances, betrayals, and business battles have unfolded.
For fans, imagining the show without Eric is difficult. His relationships with Stephanie, Brooke, Quinn, and now Donna have all shaped the series’ history. His clashes with Ridge, and his role as a guiding force for the younger Forrester generations, give the show its emotional core.
McCook understands that weight:
“Eric means so much to this show. He’s the moral compass, even when he falters. That’s why his stories hit home. They’re about family, love, pride, and resilience.”
Balancing Reality and Fiction
McCook also addressed the challenge of balancing his personal career decisions with the needs of the show’s writers and producers. Unlike in primetime television, where actors can step away season by season, soap operas depend on consistency. A single character’s absence can disrupt long-running arcs.
“Brad Bell and the team have always been supportive,” McCook explained. “We talk openly about my future. If I ever choose to slow down or step away, they want to honor Eric with dignity. That’s very important to me.”
For now, fans can breathe easy: Eric Forrester is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.
The Fans React
When the rumors of McCook’s retirement first surfaced, fans responded with a mix of sadness and gratitude. Social media flooded with tributes to McCook’s performances, with many calling Eric one of the most enduring characters in daytime history.
