On the 17th anniversary of her passing, The Bold and the Beautiful star John McCook (Eric Forrester) fondly remembers his late co-star Darlene Conley, whose vibrant energy and larger-than-life presence forever left an indelible mark on the soap opera world. Conley, known for her unforgettable portrayal of the original Sally Spectra, may have left us too soon, but her legacy still shines bright in the hearts of fans and cast members alike.
A Star Like No Other
McCook, who has played the iconic Eric Forrester for decades, reflected on the lasting impact Conley had on everyone she encountered. He recalled the electric atmosphere that would fill the studio whenever she entered a room, likening it to a grand performance. “You could hear her voice in the makeup room, and it was as if Ethel Merman had entered the building!” McCook recalled. “She’d bellow out, ‘Hello, darling!’ and immediately, the place would light up.”
Her outlandish wigs, bold wardrobe choices, and unmistakable presence made her stand out like no one else. McCook described her as a force of nature who brought a whole world of performance with her. “She brought everything—circus, vaudeville, theater, burlesque, opera… she brought it all!” he said. “Everything about her was unique, and there will never be another like her. She dared to do what nobody else would.”
A Bold and Complex Storyline
Though McCook’s character, Eric Forrester, was often known for his kind and honorable nature, he did have a controversial moment with Sally. In one of the more morally questionable storylines, Eric pretended to fall in love with Sally to manipulate her into confessing that she had stolen designs from Forrester Creations. McCook admitted that it was probably the most “evil” thing his character had ever done. “It was probably the most evil thing Eric has done in all the years I’ve played him,” McCook mused. But despite this, he cherished working alongside Conley, saying, “She acted the hell out of the material.”
Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and McCook is forever grateful for the experience. “She was a wonderful scene partner, and she made every moment memorable,” he said. “Working with Darlene was always an adventure.”
A Lasting Legacy
Even now, years after Conley’s passing, McCook continues to celebrate her legacy. He fondly remembered how she could transform any ordinary day on set into a celebration of show business. “Any given day could feel like a drag, but Darlene would come in and remind you that this was show business, baby!” he chuckled.
Conley’s incredible talent, fierce dedication, and undeniable flair will never be forgotten. McCook’s tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the mark she left on The Bold and the Beautiful and on all who had the privilege of working with her.
As the years pass, the memory of Darlene Conley continues to live on, and her unforgettable portrayal of Sally Spectra remains one of the most beloved characters in soap opera history.
