Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, a prominent star of the long-running CBS soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful,” opened up recently about the challenges of balancing her professional life with her role as a mother. Since 2008, Wood has electrified audiences as Steffy Forrester, a character caught in the midst of complex emotional storylines. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, she recounted an unexpected encounter involving her sons and some of her more intense scenes.
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Despite Wood’s best efforts to keep her work separate from her home life, her five sons have inevitably stumbled upon her performances. She shared a humorous yet eye-opening experience wherein her mother took the boys to a local race car venue. To her surprise, when they arrived, the screens were playing “The Bold and the Beautiful,” showcasing a scene where Steffy was visibly distraught.
Wood admits this moment presented a unique challenge. “As a parent, you just have so much more clarity, and you want to protect these little innocent beings,” she explained, reflecting on the instinctive desire to shield her children from potentially distressing situations. Her recollection of the incident highlighted the difficulties mothers face in safeguarding their children from adult themes.
The narrative surrounding Steffy Forrester in the show has continued to develop over the years, with the character entangled in a love triangle involving her husband, John Finnegan, and family friend, Carter Walton. Wood jocularly commented on the complications of her character’s romantic entanglements, noting that the storyline could raise an eyebrow or two from her children should they watch.
In her conversation with PEOPLE, Wood expressed her relief that her oldest son has begun to grasp the concept of acting. “He totally gets it,” she said, indicating that while some scenes may be heavy, he is aware that they are merely performances. “He sees me with my scripts, and that’s the beauty. I love having my scripts around him; they see me reading and challenging myself.”
Beyond these personal stories, Wood has cultivated a deep connection with the fans of “The Bold and the Beautiful” during her 18-year tenure. She believes that the audience formulates a strong emotional bond with the characters, which often transcends the screen. “People live vicariously through these characters,” Wood remarked, noting how fans often share their viewing experiences with family members.
Her assertion rings true for an audience that has grown attached to the intricate relationships and high-stakes drama that the series is known for. She said, “There’s something really special about it… a lot of things have changed, but some things haven’t. We entertain a lot of people in different ways, and there are so many who are truly invested in and love these characters — and also love to hate them.”
As she continues to portray Steffy Forrester, Wood remains committed to her dual roles as an actress and a mother. She aims to strike a balance that allows her children to appreciate her work without being overwhelmed by its intensity.
Looking ahead, Wood’s career and personal life are set to intertwine further as she navigates the dualities of acting and motherhood. With her dedication to both her profession and her family, she demonstrates a refreshing perspective that resonates with many parents who juggle work-life demands.
In a world where the lines between professional and personal can often blur, Wood’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and communication within families. Her story could inspire other working parents to embrace the complexities of balancing careers with family responsibilities.
As the dynamic landscape of daytime television continues to evolve, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood remains a steadfast figure, crafting a legacy not only for her character but also as a role model for her children.