The 411
BIRTHDATE: June 11
BIRTHPLACE: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
STAR SIGN: Gemini
YEARS ON SHOW: 1989-present
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Mariellen
CHILDREN: Connor and Clare
Jack Abbott has always been a bit of a ladies’ man. Who knew that his portrayer, Peter Bergman, found his way into acting by chasing after a girl? And lucky for daytime and his fans, he did.
As the son of a Navy career man, Bergman was born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He and his three siblings were shuttled around America during their childhood, which taught him how to make friends easily, but left him with a distaste for military life.
In high school, he was pursuing a girl who was auditioning for a role in Peter Pan. To impress her, he let himself be talked into auditioning for Captain Hook. Much to his surprise, he landed the role and got bit by the acting bug.
After high school and a year of college, Bergman and a friend relocated to New York City. He spent a year slaving away in construction to save money for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. In New York, he worked as a phone solicitor for Cerebral Palsy and as a janitor at night.
It was during this period that he met and married his first wife, actress Christine Ebersole. They separated temporarily for a year and then divorced in 1981.
In 1979, Bergman auditioned for the role of Jeff Martin on ALL MY CHILDREN. He won the part, but at the last minute, Creator Agnes Nixon decided to run with another storyline. He wound up as one half of the classic supercouple Cliff and Nina.
After 10 years, he was abruptly fired from AMC. Bergman moved his pregnant wife, Mariellen (whom he’d met on a blind date and wed in 1985) and their son, Connor, to California, where he took over the role of Jack Abbott on YOUNG AND RESTLESS from Terry Lester, who originated the part in 1980.
It’s almost impossible to picture handsome, charming, somewhat salty Jack being played by anyone else than Peter Bergman. Despite a sudden departure from Pine Valley, he has found a welcome home in Genoa City.
Random facts
- Once worked as a bricklayer.
- A crossword puzzle addict, he particularly thrives on the challenge of The New York Times.
- Learned to play the piano when he was 20.
- Starred in a commercial for a cough syrup with the line. "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV" circa 1986.
- Has won Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1991, 1992 and 2002.
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