Don Diamont, the well-known soap opera star, is reflecting on his remarkable career and the unexpected connections he has forged with world-class athletes over the years. His portrayal of Brad Carlton on ‘The Young and the Restless’ has resonated with many fans, including famous sports personalities who have been drawn to his character during what many consider the golden age of soap operas.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Diamont, now 63, expressed his gratitude for the journey he’s had in the entertainment industry. “I’ve been very blessed. I don’t take it for granted at all,” he remarked. With over 40 years of experience in soap operas, Diamont has not only worked alongside talented individuals but has also made lasting friendships with prominent figures from various fields.
One of the highlights of his career has been the extraordinary people he has met through his work. Diamont recalled his enduring friendship with the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, which blossomed from a television event they collaborated on. “My kids have met princes and presidents and sports figures – just incredible people from different walks of life that have accomplished remarkable things in their respective industries,” he said.
During the peak of his career, Diamont noticed that many athletes would tune into soap operas while waiting for their games. “Particularly in the golden age of soaps, the reach was just crazy, and athlete-wise, they’d be sitting around all day waiting to play that night. So, they were regular soap opera watchers,” he noted. This connection often led to surprising encounters where athletes would express their admiration for his work.
Diamont shared amusing anecdotes about some of those interactions. He once encountered basketball star Magic Johnson, who was overwhelmingly enthusiastic about meeting him. Another example involved Major League Baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr., who specifically requested to meet Diamont when visiting the set of ‘The Young and the Restless.’
Not only did Diamont and Ripken quickly become friends, but Ripken also registered under Diamont’s character’s name, “Brad Carlton,” while checking into hotels during his historic consecutive games streak. This clever move was intended to keep him out of the public eye while he was on the verge of breaking Lou Gehrig’s longstanding record. “During the year of the streak when he was approaching breaking Lou Gehrig’s record, he registered under ‘Brad Carlton’. Cal thought it was a clever way to stay under the radar,” Diamont chuckled.
Ripken Jr. is celebrated for setting the Major League Baseball record for the most consecutive games played, finishing with an astonishing 2,632 games, which he achieved on September 6, 1995. This milestone moment is etched in sports history, making Ripken’s choice of alias even more intriguing.
Diamont’s journey in television began with his role as Carlo Forenza on ‘Days of Our Lives’ in 1984, before making his mark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Brad Carlton a year later. He originally departed from the show in 1996 but made a comeback two years later, remaining with the show until his character’s death in early 2009. Following that, he began portraying Bill Spencer Jr. in ‘The Bold and the Beautiful,’ a role he continues to play today.
As he looks back on his lengthy career, Diamont is not just proud of his accomplishments on screen but is also deeply appreciative of the unique experiences that have come with his success. Celebrating 40 years on CBS’ ‘The Young and the Restless’ and ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ in 2025, he acknowledges how influential and inspiring his time in the industry has been.
The relationships he has cultivated, especially with sports legends, further highlight the often-overlooked intersections between entertainment and athletics. For Diamont, the fame garnered from a beloved soap opera character has opened doors to friendships and experiences that most would only dream of, amplifying the impact of his work on a grander scale. As Dumont continues to thrive in the world of soap operas, he remains humbled by the legacy he has built, grateful for the fans who have supported him along the way.