The glamorous and often turbulent world of The Bold and the Beautiful is bracing for an upheaval that could rival even its most iconic love triangles. At the center of the storm stands Ridge Forrester —

the iconic fashion mogul, romantic hero, and moral compass of Forrester Creations. For more than a decade, Ridge has been brought to life with intensity and passion by actor Thorsten Kaye.

But now, whispers from the set and beyond are growing louder: Kaye may be preparing to leave Los Angeles and step into a brand-new chapter — headlining CBS’s groundbreaking soap Beyond the Gates.

A Decade of Ridge

Since December 2013, when Thorsten Kaye took over the role of Ridge from original actor Ronn Moss, he has transformed the character into one of daytime television’s most layered figures. His Ridge has been a man of power and principle, but also of desire, flaws, and contradictions — perpetually torn between his two greatest loves, Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Taylor Hayes (currently Rebecca Budig).

The move was initially controversial — Moss’s Ridge was considered untouchable — but Kaye silenced skeptics with powerhouse performances that won him back-to-back Daytime Emmy Awards in 2023 and 2024 for Outstanding Lead Actor. His Ridge became both a romantic hero and a conflicted patriarch, carrying Forrester Creations and his family on his broad shoulders.

But even the strongest shoulders can grow weary. According to insiders, Kaye has been feeling the familiar restlessness that often comes after more than a decade in the same role. Add to that the personal sacrifice of commuting weekly from his East Coast home — where he lives with his Emmy-winning wife Susan Haskell and their two daughters — and the possibility of change suddenly feels very real.

Enter Beyond the Gates

The rumored reason for Kaye’s departure is both fitting and groundbreaking. CBS’s Beyond the Gates, which premiered earlier this year, is already being hailed as the most innovative daytime drama in decades. Created by Michelle Valene — a former B&B writer who left the show in 2024 — the series follows the affluent Dupree family inside an exclusive Maryland gated community. With a predominantly African-American cast, it is the first daytime soap of its kind since Generations ended in 1991.

For Kaye, the opportunity is irresistible. Not only does the series offer a fresh and socially relevant canvas, but it also provides the chance to collaborate with Valene, who was known for crafting bold and character-driven storylines during her time at B&B. Reports suggest Kaye has been approached for a leading role that could stretch his talents in ways Ridge Forrester no longer can.

Ridge at a Crossroads

The timing of this potential exit is almost poetic. On screen, Ridge is in Italy with Brooke and Taylor, facing a choice that has defined decades of B&B: which woman truly holds his heart?

During a dramatic fashion show trip to Naples, Ridge was forced to rescue Brooke from a near-drowning — an act of heroism that reignited their legendary passion. Observers of filming captured the moment Ridge dove into the Mediterranean, saving Brooke’s life — a metaphor for his career itself, diving into uncharted waters at a crucial turning point.

According to showrunner Brad Bell, Ridge’s Italian adventure will lead to a life-changing epiphany. He will realize that despite his engagement to Taylor, Brooke remains his destiny. This revelation will shatter Taylor’s world and potentially trigger another health crisis for her character — heartbreak that could once again manifest in dangerous medical consequences.

As Ridge struggles with guilt, loyalty, and love, fans are left wondering if this storyline is not just a climax for the character, but a curtain call for Thorsten Kaye.

Behind-the-Scenes Speculation

CBS supervising producer Casey Kasprzyk has dismissed rumors of Kaye’s departure as “pure trash.” But the entertainment industry thrives on controlled leaks and carefully timed announcements. The alignment of factors — Valene’s departure from B&B, the rise of Beyond the Gates, and Ridge’s Italian storyline crescendo — suggests more than coincidence.

Adding to the intrigue is a planned crossover event between the two shows. Rumor has it Ridge Forrester may appear briefly in Beyond the Gates during a chance encounter with Donnie Dupree (played by Lawrence Saint-Victor’s former B&B co-star Karla Mosley). If true, this would mark the first official crossover between CBS soaps in decades, paving the way for Kaye to transition from one canvas to another without fully severing ties.

Taylor’s Heartbreak, Brooke’s Triumph

If Kaye does leave, his final storyline promises fireworks. Fans are already bracing for a Ridge-Brooke reunion that will devastate Taylor and ripple through the Forrester clan.

Eric Forrester (John McCook) has long pushed his son toward Brooke, believing she is his true partner. His warnings about losing her forever will now seem prophetic. Meanwhile, Taylor may once again find herself spiraling, her heartbreak threatening both her health and her place in the Forrester family.

Rebecca Budig’s interpretation of Taylor has revitalized the character, but a Ridge-Brooke endgame could leave her sidelined — unless the writers choose to send Taylor down a darker, more self-destructive path.

What Lies Ahead

For B&B, the potential loss of Thorsten Kaye is seismic. Ridge Forrester is more than a character — he is a cornerstone of the show’s identity. Yet, as soap history has shown, no one is truly irreplaceable.

Should Kaye depart, the writers may recast Ridge once again, or perhaps shift the focus to younger Forrester heirs like Steffy, Thomas, and RJ. But the vacuum left by Kaye’s performance would be immense.

For Kaye himself, Beyond the Gates represents a daring leap into new territory. The show’s emphasis on diversity, generational drama, and social relevance offers the kind of layered material that could reignite his creative fire.

The Legacy of Thorsten Kaye

Regardless of his next move, Thorsten Kaye’s impact on The Bold and the Beautiful cannot be overstated. His Ridge Forrester has navigated betrayals, romances, power struggles, and family feuds with depth and humanity. Fans will remember his Ridge as a man who loved fiercely, fought passionately, and embodied the glamour and grit of daytime drama.

As The Bold and the Beautiful prepares for its 39th season this fall, the soap finds itself reflecting the very themes it dramatizes: loyalty versus change, tradition versus evolution, destiny versus choice.

And just as Ridge must decide between two great loves, Thorsten Kaye must decide between comfort and challenge, familiarity and reinvention.