Character Bio

Character History

Ridge Forrester has been the undisputed center of The Bold and the Beautiful since the show’s premiere on March 23, 1987. Originally portrayed by Ronn Moss for twenty-five years, the role was taken over by Thorsten Kaye in December 2013, bringing a grittier, more intense energy to the iconic character. Kaye’s portrayal earned him back-to-back Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2023 and 2024.

Raised as the golden child of fashion mogul Eric Forrester and formidable matriarch Stephanie Forrester, Ridge grew up immersed in the glamorous world of haute couture. A bombshell revelation in 2001 shattered his identity when it was discovered that his biological father was actually Massimo Marone, an international shipping magnate. Despite this, Ridge fiercely identifies as a Forrester and has remained devoted to Eric as his true father.

As Co-CEO and lead designer of Forrester Creations, Ridge Forrester commands a 20% ownership stake in the fashion empire and continues to shape both the creative direction and corporate future of the company. His designs are known for classic elegance, dramatic silhouettes, and show-stopping gowns that have defined the brand for decades.

Key Relationships

Family Ties: Ridge is the father of Thomas Forrester, Steffy Forrester, and the late Phoebe Forrester with Taylor Hayes, and son R.J. Forrester with Brooke Logan. His half-siblings include Thorne Forrester, Kristen Forrester, and Felicia Forrester on his mother’s side, and Nick Marone on his biological father’s side.

Romantic History: Ridge’s love life is the stuff of daytime legend. His epic romance with Brooke Logan — built on the mythic concept of “Destiny” — has produced eight marriages between them, making them one of soap opera’s most iconic supercouples. His marriages to Taylor represented stability and traditional family values, while his union with his first love, Caroline Spencer, ended tragically when she died of leukemia.

Rivalries: Ridge’s fiercest enemies include Bill Spencer, who mockingly calls him “The Dressmaker,” and his own brother Thorne, whose deep resentment over Stephanie’s blatant favoritism fueled decades of conflict. His biological half-brother Nick once seized control of Forrester Creations entirely, stripping Ridge of his own legacy.

Defining Storylines

The 2001 paternity revelation that Massimo Marone was Ridge’s biological father permanently redefined the character, explaining the duality between his artistic sensitivity and his ruthless, aggressive instincts. The BeLieF formula crisis of 1993 saw Brooke leverage a revolutionary fabric patent to seize 51% of Forrester Creations, inverting the power dynamic between them forever.

Ridge’s dramatic “death” in a South American furnace during a kidnapping by Sheila Carter remains one of the show’s most unforgettable arcs. His miraculous survival and return — only to discover Brooke had sought comfort with Nick during her grief — set off devastating emotional consequences. In the 2020s, Ridge became a ferocious protector of Steffy when Sheila shot both her and John Finnegan, proving his ultimate loyalty lies with his children above all else.

Memorable Moments

From his spectacular fashion victory in Portofino where he publicly credited Eric over Massimo, to his dramatic Italian rescue of Brooke from the Mediterranean Sea, Ridge Forrester has delivered some of daytime television’s most breathtaking moments. His eight weddings to Brooke alone span beachside ceremonies, South American elopements, and everything in between. Whether he is designing a showstopper gown or fighting for his family, Ridge remains the gravitational center of The Bold and the Beautiful.