In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Rebecca Budig reveals the challenges she faced when stepping into the iconic role of Dr. Taylor Hayes on The Bold and the Beautiful. As a seasoned soap opera star, Budig had already made a name for herself in the world of daytime television, but taking over the role from previous actresses Hunter Tylo, Sherilyn Wolter, and Krista Allen was a daunting task. The role of Dr. Taylor Hayes has been integral to the show since its debut in 1990, and for Budig, this iconic character presented a challenge that was “really hard.”
“I feel like there’s going to be a group of fans that are never going to be happy,” Budig admits. “They’re never going to love you.” Despite this, she remains optimistic, noting that the world of soap operas is smaller than it seems and that most fans are “usually very kind and eventually come around.” Budig acknowledges that there is a lot of pressure when joining a long-running show with a devoted fanbase, especially when taking over a character that has been a staple for decades.
“It’s really hard,” Budig shares about stepping into the shoes of Dr. Taylor Hayes. “I didn’t realize how big of a role I was taking on, just because she’s been on since the beginning of the show pretty much.” While Dr. Hayes was already a beloved character, Budig also had to come to terms with the fact that there were fans who would be attached to the previous portrayals. However, she has faith in producer Bradley Bell’s vision for the character and strives to make her own mark on the role.
One of the toughest parts of the transition for Budig was dealing with the instant feedback from fans. “I don’t read it because I don’t need to get caught up in the minutiae,” she says, reflecting on the internet’s ability to provide near-instant reactions. But Budig isn’t fazed. “I have to just have faith that I’m just going to try and do my best,” she continues. As with any iconic role, there’s always a period of adjustment, and Budig’s early struggles with getting fans to connect with her version of Taylor were tough. “I was put into a storyline where you wanted the audience to feel for her, but they really didn’t have a chance to get to know her yet,” she admits. “So hopefully they’re starting. It’s been a year. We’ll see.”
Budig, 52, also shared that one of the aspects she enjoys most about playing Dr. Taylor Hayes is that the character is closer to her real age. “To be on a show where I’m playing a grandma and stuff like that, I love it,” she says, embracing the maturity of the role.
Before taking on The Bold and the Beautiful, Budig had already built a legacy in the soap world, having portrayed Michelle Bauer on Guiding Light from 1995 to 1998, and Greenlee Smythe on All My Children from 1999 until the show’s cancellation in 2011. She also portrayed Hayden Barnes on General Hospital from 2015 to 2017, and again in 2019. Now, in 2024, Budig takes on the role of Dr. Taylor Hayes, a role with deep history and deep emotional connections for long-time fans of the show.
When asked about her new podcast Soapy, which she co-hosts with longtime friend and fellow soap star Greg Rikaart, Budig revealed that the podcast was inspired by a desire to celebrate the soap opera industry. “It felt like the right time to celebrate soaps,” she says. “When you are on a soap, you’re at the bottom of the barrel. I just disagree with that. I think we work really hard and there’s lots to celebrate.”
As Budig continues her journey as Dr. Taylor Hayes on The Bold and the Beautiful, she remains hopeful that her portrayal will eventually win over even the most skeptical fans. Her dedication to the role and her understanding of the character’s importance is undeniable.
Will fans fully embrace Rebecca Budig as the new Dr. Taylor Hayes, or will she always be compared to those who came before her? One thing’s for sure—The Bold and the Beautiful is about to get even more exciting. Stay tuned for more dramatic twists and turns as the story continues to unfold.
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