For fans who have followed The Bold and the Beautiful over the years, Ridge Forrester has always been the magnetic core of the show, a man whose charm, strength, and romantic drama shape the very fabric of the series. Today, when most viewers think of Ridge, they immediately picture Thorsten Kaye, who has portrayed the character since 2013. Kaye’s Ridge is complex, brooding, and reflective, a man caught between duty and desire, family obligations, and the ongoing love triangle that defines his life. He brings a sense of gravitas to every scene, making Ridge feel deeply human, vulnerable, and modern in a way that resonates with today’s audience.
But long-time viewers remember that before Kaye, Ridge was brought to life by the legendary Ronn Moss for an incredible 25 years. Moss’s Ridge was the ultimate soap opera leading man from the very beginning in 1987—striking, charismatic, and fiercely passionate. He shared unforgettable chemistry with Katherine Kelly Lang’s Brooke and Hunter Tylo’s Taylor, creating one of daytime’s most iconic super couples. Moss’s Ridge was confident, sometimes arrogant, larger than life, and a force that dominated every storyline he touched. From high-stakes romantic entanglements to fierce rivalries, he helped define the tone of Bold and the Beautiful, establishing the show’s place in soap opera royalty.
Comparing the two actors is no easy task. Moss embodied the glamour and intensity of the show’s early years, while Kaye presents a Ridge shaped by heartbreak, wisdom, and the weight of responsibility. Kaye’s version is introspective, often conflicted, and emotionally layered, reflecting a more modern approach to daytime drama. Together, both portrayals showcase how Ridge Forrester can evolve over decades without ever losing his central role in the series.
As viewers look back on this legacy, it’s clear that Ridge would not be the same without Ronn Moss’s iconic presence or Thorsten Kaye’s thoughtful reinvention. Each brought something unique to the character, ensuring Ridge remains compelling for both longtime fans and new audiences. Now the debate continues: who truly made Ridge unforgettable—the classic allure of Ronn Moss or the nuanced depth of Thorsten Kaye?
