After decades on The Young and the Restless, Peter Bergman has become not just a beloved soap icon but the emotional heartbeat of the show. However, in a recent interview that quickly went viral among fans, the actor surprised viewers by becoming visibly emotional while speaking about the people he’s worked with for so many years. His heartfelt reflections offered a rare look behind the curtain at the deep bonds formed within the cast — bonds built over laughter, loss, and a lifetime of storytelling in Genoa City.
A Career Defined by Connection
Bergman, who has portrayed Jack Abbott since 1989, admitted that the relationships he’s built on set are among the most meaningful of his career. While soap operas are known for dramatic twists and betrayals, he shared that behind the scenes, it’s the sense of family that has carried him through the ups and downs of the industry.
In his own words, the cast is “woven into the fabric” of his life. The authenticity of those friendships, he said, is what allows him to bring such emotional depth to Jack — especially during storylines involving love, loss, and forgiveness.
Thinking About His Co-Stars Brings Him to Tears
The moment that fans can’t stop talking about came when Bergman was asked to reflect on longtime co-stars — both those still on the show and those who have passed on or moved away from Genoa City.
His voice cracked as he spoke about actors who helped shape his journey:
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Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott) — his on-screen sister and longtime partner in some of the show’s most iconic storylines
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Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) — whose fiery presence has pushed Jack into some of his most emotional arcs
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Jess Walton (Jill Abbott) — who, despite all the Abbott–Chancellor rivalries, has brought humanity and humor to their decades-long feud
Bergman confessed that these relationships go far beyond scripts and sets. “We’ve lived entire chapters of our lives together,” he said, recalling weddings, births, illnesses, and goodbyes that happened not only on screen but in real life.
Honoring the Co-Stars Who Are No Longer Here
One of the most emotional moments came when Bergman mentioned actors who have passed away — including Jerry Douglas (John Abbott), the original patriarch of the Abbott family. Bergman shared that he still feels Douglas’s presence on set and often thinks about what he learned from him as both an actor and a mentor.
Fans were deeply moved by his honesty. Many commented that it reminded them just how much history the cast carries — and why The Young and the Restless has remained the number-one daytime drama for decades.
Why His Words Hit Fans So Hard
In an industry often seen as glamorous or distant, Bergman’s raw emotion resonated. Fans said it made the show feel more personal — like the cast truly lives and breathes the legacy of Genoa City.
The timing also added weight. With so many recent cast changes, surprising exits, and heartfelt tributes, his words served as a reminder that the actors feel those shifts just as deeply as the audience does.
A Legacy Built on Heart
Bergman closed the interview by sharing his gratitude for being part of something that has touched so many people for so long. He said he feels “lucky every day” to show up for work and do what he loves alongside people he respects and cares for.
As one fan perfectly commented after watching the emotional moment:
“This is why Peter Bergman is the heart of Y&R. He doesn’t just play Jack Abbott — he carries the whole Abbott legacy with him.”
With storylines heating up on-screen and emotions running high behind the scenes, one thing is certain: Peter Bergman’s bond with his co-stars is as real and enduring as the Abbott family itself.
