“The Bold and the Beautiful” stands as one of the most cherished and enduring soap operas in history, much like Betty White’s celebrated and lengthy career in showbiz.
Both of these titans of American pop culture meshed in a significant manner when White made several guest appearances on the beloved soap opera. During “The Bold and the Beautiful”‘s Celebrity Week, viewers were able to once again enjoy White’s adored cameo roles.
In recognition of White’s iconic status and guest appearances, fans have questioned: What was the role of Betty White in the soap opera, and what was the response of other fans to her character?
White played Ann Douglas in the show, the mother of characters Pamela Douglas (played by Alley Mills) and Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery).
Stephanie was one of the pioneering characters on the soap opera, with her sister Pam joining the cast around the same time Ann first appeared, in 2006. Ann’s character grappled with pancreatic cancer during her tenure in the show.
Though Ann is portrayed as a sympathetic figure, she serves as a vehicle for Stephanie to confront her past trauma, a result of abuse from their father.
In the early stages, Ann understated the severity of this abuse, leading to friction between the two, but ultimately, mother and daughter reached a reconciliation.
Ann also becomes embroiled in a storyline where she suspects that her bipolar daughter Pam was the shooter of Stephanie.
This suspicion proves to be unfounded, causing a rift within the Douglas family. Ann’s character succumbs to pancreatic cancer in her final appearance, dying on a beach, a scene that served as a befitting tribute to the resolute Ann.
White featured in 23 episodes of the soap opera from 2006 to 2009. One of these guest appearances was revisited during the show’s Celebrity Week.
This special week was organized as a tribute to the show’s classic episodes, aired due to halts in production triggered by COVID-19 precautions.
The Celebrity Week episode featuring White was shown on May 27, 2020, a repeat of an episode initially aired on February 27, 2007.
In this classic rerun, Ann discloses her wish to remain with the Forresters in Los Angeles and reintegrate into the family. Stephanie, frustrated that her mother hasn’t sought her own living arrangements, wishes to send her back to Chicago.
However, Stephanie’s sister Pam and husband Eric (John McCook) take opposing views, and their relationship appears to deepen beyond the brother-in-law dynamic they previously held.
This relationship is encouraged by Ann, who suggests Eric deserves better than Stephanie.
White’s memorable appearance on the soap opera was featured during the show’s Celebrity Week, offering long-term fans the opportunity to revisit their favorite celebrity cameos.
Other celebrities showcased during this week included acclaimed singer Usher, actress Gina Rodriguez, and game show host Bob Barker.
Ardent fans took to social media to express their appreciation for these guest appearances, particularly those of White and her character, Ann.
Several fans commended the opportunity to witness a talented actress like White match wits with Stephanie.
They also expressed hopes for the return of Ann, even though she had her harsh moments in some episodes. It may not be possible for fans to see White as Ann again, but who knows?
Perhaps Ann has a twin sister who could surprise everyone with an appearance in true soap opera style!