Don Diamont starred in “Amour, Glorie et Beauté” for almost fifteen years and spoke to AlloCiné about his journey in the soap opera, which he joined after years of appearing in the credits of “Feux de l’amour”, where he played Brad Carlton…
Before playing Bill Spencer on The Bold and the Beautiful, Don Diamont played Brad Carlton on The Young and the Restless. For AlloCiné, the star actor of American soap operas looks back on his career in the two cult soap operas.
AlloCiné: In “Love, Glory and Beauty,” Bill’s heart often vacillates between several women, particularly Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Katie (Heather Tom)… But who is his true soulmate?
Don Diamont: It’s hard to say, but he’s been through so much with Katie… And she’s also the mother of his son. She reveals the best in him. Today I would say Katie!
Who is his worst enemy in the series?
At this very moment it is Sheila [Kimberlin Brown, ndlr]…
What do you think is Bill’s worst act?
I would say when he slept with Steffy [Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, ndlr] while she was, it seems to me, married to Liam [Scott Clifton, ndlr], His son. Bill’s feelings towards her were genuine, but that in no way excuses his actions. He and Steffy’s relationship started long before Liam appeared on the show and they had a real bond, but this is inexcusable!
What other storylines particularly impressed you?
The storyline where Liam wanted to take the company away from Bill was crucial! The movie where Katie suffered from postpartum depression was also great because it paved the way for Bill to be with Brooke… There was also the movie “Who Shot Bill?” That was great.
Tell us about your first day on the set of The Bold and the Beautiful…
I felt pressured because there isn’t much room for a new protagonist on The Bold and the Beautiful! Well, I loved Bill from the moment I discovered him… My first day was with Susan Flannery and I was hooked. I have great respect for her. Her character, Stéphanie, was very strong and this encounter made it possible to put Bill on an equal footing as a player. We could see it clearly in her scene.
It was important to establish Bill that way from the start. It was important to understand that he should not be underestimated and that he was completely different from the other heroes in the series. It was an exciting day as we laid the foundation for the founding of the Spencer clan.
Do you plan to stay on the show for a long time?
We will see ! (laughs) It’s not me… I love playing Bill. So if the production and writers want to keep me, I’ll stay. He is a complex character, the character of his life! I know actors say this all the time, but it’s the truth… I enjoy playing him and I get bored when nothing happens to him.
You previously played Brad Carlton on The Young and the Restless. Do you miss playing this character?
No way ! I could have had that feeling if I hadn’t had the opportunity to play Bill…
Was Brad’s death a creative decision or a request on your part?
This was a decision made by the then executive producer/head writer. I was upset because, firstly, this job was my livelihood and secondly, because I had been playing Brad for almost 25 years!
It hit me without warning, without reason. At the time I was frustrated and angry, but somehow optimistic about the future. It was the best thing that ever happened to me because Bill showed up shortly after!
Ultimately, who would you rather play: Brad from “The Young and the Restless” or Bill from “The Bold and the Beautiful”?
Bill, without a doubt!