John McCook’s Parting Words : “Thanks for the Years”
John McCook's Parting Words : "Thanks for the Years"
A Legend Says Goodbye: John McCook Reflects on 38 Magical Years at The Bold and the Beautiful
For nearly four decades, John McCook has been the heartbeat of The Bold and the Beautiful, bringing life, depth, and dignity to the iconic character Eric Forrester. But now, the Emmy-winning soap legend is turning the page to a new chapter—and with it, bidding farewell to the place he’s called home for 38 unforgettable years.
The End of an Era at CBS Television City
In a heartfelt and emotional video recently shared on Instagram, John McCook said goodbye to CBS Television City, the historic home of The Bold and the Beautiful since the show’s debut in 1987. After nearly 50 years of working on CBS sets—including his earlier stint as Lance Prentiss on The Young and the Restless (1976–1981)—McCook is stepping away from the place that shaped so much of his career.
The show is officially relocating to the Sunset Las Palmas Studios, marking the end of an era not only for the B&B cast and crew, but for longtime fans who have watched these stories unfold under the bright lights of Stage 31.
A Journey That Began With Music
Long before he became a soap opera icon, McCook’s first visit to CBS Television City wasn’t even as an actor—but as a pianist. Music was his first love, and he described that early experience inside the legendary building as “truly magical.”
He reminisced about the historic Stage 33, where stars like Judy Garland, Red Skelton, and Carol Burnett once performed—and most memorably, where Elvis Presley sang live on The Ed Sullivan Show. “Even when the sets were gone, and the room was dark and empty,” McCook said, “the magic was still there. You could feel it.”
That reverence for history carried over to Stage 31—the very heart of The Bold and the Beautiful for nearly four decades.
“We Put 38 Years of Magic in This Room”
In his farewell message, McCook didn’t just reflect on his time at CBS—he honored the soul of the space itself. “Stage 31 will soon be empty,” he said solemnly, “the cameras, the lights, the sets, the crew… all gone. But if someone walks by, even years from now, and they step into the dark and quiet studio, they’ll still feel the magic. Because we put it there. That was our magic.”
His words resonated deeply with fans and castmates alike, serving as a poetic tribute to the creative legacy forged in that space. “Whoever comes next—whether it’s a sitcom, a game show, or another soap—they may change the sets, but the spirit we left behind will always be there.”
Sunset Las Palmas: A New Home, A New Chapter
While it’s undoubtedly bittersweet, this is not the end. The Bold and the Beautiful is entering a new phase at Sunset Las Palmas Studios, and with it comes fresh opportunities for storytelling and set design. But the memories built inside CBS Television City—and in the hearts of fans—are indelible.
Stage 31 may be going dark, but the light of John McCook’s legacy, and the legacy of every B&B star who shared that stage, will continue to shine for generations to come.
