Thorsten Kaye Announces Sad News, He’s Leaving The Bold and the Beautiful

A wave of heartbreak is about to sweep through fans of The Bold and the Beautiful, as longtime star Thorsten Kaye has confirmed that his time on the show is coming to an end. Kaye, who has embodied Ridge Forrester with unmatched passion and complexity for over a decade, has announced that he is stepping away from the iconic role. His departure marks the end of an era, and the fallout will be felt both on-screen and behind the scenes.

For years, Ridge Forrester has been at the very heart of the drama in Los Angeles, torn between love, loyalty, and the ever-present pressures of the Forrester legacy. Thorsten Kaye’s nuanced performance gave Ridge a blend of strength, vulnerability, and fire that kept viewers glued to their screens. Whether battling rival fashion houses, navigating complex family feuds, or being caught in the eternal tug-of-war between Brooke and Taylor, Ridge was a driving force in almost every storyline. Now, with Kaye’s exit, the question is not only how the show will write Ridge out—but also what The Bold and the Beautiful will look like without him.

Kaye’s decision to leave did not come lightly. In interviews, he has often spoken about the demands of daytime television—the long filming schedules, the emotional weight of the storylines, and the difficulty of balancing his personal life with the daily grind of the soap world. While he has loved playing Ridge, the actor admits that he is ready to step back, recharge, and explore new opportunities. For him, the choice is bittersweet: grateful for the years of connection with fans, but certain that the time has come to move on.

The impact of his exit on the canvas is massive. Ridge has always been the central figure in the power struggles at Forrester Creations, as well as the anchor in several love triangles that define the show. Without him, the balance shifts dramatically. Brooke Logan, forever tied to Ridge in one of soap opera’s most famous romances, will be left to chart a new course. Will she turn inward, focus on her family, or perhaps find unexpected love elsewhere? Fans are already buzzing with speculation.

Taylor Hayes, too, faces a major change. Ridge’s departure comes just as her storyline has taken a bold new direction, with her launching Nova Mode as a rival to Forrester Creations. Without Ridge in the picture, Taylor may finally step out from the shadows of their decades-long love story and fully embrace her independence. The rivalry between Taylor and Brooke may cool—or it may transform into something even more unpredictable as they navigate life without Ridge as the centerpiece of their battles.

Then there’s the next generation. Characters like Steffy, Thomas, and RJ have always looked to Ridge for guidance, support, and approval. His absence forces them to stand on their own. Steffy, already carrying much of the Forrester torch, may be thrust into an even greater leadership role, balancing her professional responsibilities with her complicated personal life. Thomas, who has long struggled with his father’s expectations, might finally claim his own identity without Ridge’s shadow. RJ, still finding his footing, could use the loss as motivation to step up and prove himself worthy of the Forrester name.

Behind the scenes, Thorsten Kaye’s announcement has sparked an outpouring of emotion. Castmates have praised his talent, generosity, and dedication, recalling years of laughter on set and the countless ways he elevated every storyline. Fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media to share their memories—from Ridge’s most dramatic showdowns to his tenderest romantic moments. The hashtag #ThankYouThorsten has already begun trending, a testament to the legacy he leaves behind.

Speculation is also running wild about how Ridge will be written out. Will the character meet a tragic fate, sacrificing himself for family or business? Will he leave Los Angeles behind for a new adventure, with the door left open for a return? Or will the show opt for a softer exit, allowing Ridge to step aside gracefully while the Forrester dynasty continues? Whatever the writers choose, the farewell promises to be emotional, dramatic, and unforgettable.

For Thorsten Kaye, the journey doesn’t end here. Though he is leaving The Bold and the Beautiful, fans can expect to see him in new projects—whether on stage, screen, or even returning to the soap world someday. As he closes this chapter, he carries with him the gratitude of millions of viewers who have shared in Ridge’s highs, lows, and unforgettable love stories.

As The Bold and the Beautiful prepares for this seismic shift, one truth is clear: Ridge Forrester may be leaving, but his legacy is forever. The romances, rivalries, and family battles he helped define will echo through the show for years to come. And while fans will mourn the loss of Thorsten Kaye’s Ridge, they will also celebrate the incredible journey he gave them—a journey filled with passion, heartbreak, resilience, and the reminder that in the world of the bold and the beautiful, love and legacy are everything.