Who Was John Forrester on Bold and Beautiful?

Mentions of John Forrester on Bold and Beautiful might have some fans wondering who the heck this guy is and others possibly just needing a refresher. Well, that’s where we come in! The character was played by actor Fred Willard, best known for films like Best in Show and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy as well as television series like Everybody Loves Raymond and Modern Family. He first appeared on B&B on Oct. 2, 2014, and appeared in a handful of episodes that month and in November, earning himself a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Guest Performer. The veteran actor then returned for another episode in June 2015.

John Forrester arrived in Los Angeles in October 2014 to visit his brother, Eric Forrester, and see how his daughter, Ivy Forrester, was doing after moving there and joining Forrester Creations. Eric asked about John’s wife, Claire, and assured him that Ivy was doing great designing jewelry for the company. Eric invited his brother to a Forrester family dinner where he saw Aly Forrester for the first time since she was a toddler. John also flirted with Pam Douglas, much to Charlie Webber’s chagrin. Having been informed that Ivy was dating Liam Spencer, John made a point of talking with him at the dinner and approved of his daughter’s beau.

In November, John flew back for another visit and was disappointed his fishing trip with Eric had to be canceled because his brother had business to deal with. He caught up with Ivy and was pleased to hear that she and Liam were doing well. He then interrupted the meeting to insist Eric come fishing with him and Rick Forrester urged his father to go enjoy himself while he handled things here.

John made another trip for Christmas that year and feeling bad that Pam was mourning the loss of her dog, decided to set up a dog show so she could find a new pet. She was overwhelmed and couldn’t decide, but John understood and asked for a kiss under some mistletoe.

After Ivy and Liam were married, John paid his daughter another visit in June 2015 and was sorry to hear her admit she didn’t expect to be Mrs. Spencer for long as she felt Liam wanted to get back together with Steffy Forrester. John reassured Ivy that Liam was too smart to let her go but even if he did, she was strong and beautiful and would be okay.

When Ivy returned to Los Angeles in October 2024 hoping to revive the jewelry line, she revealed that John had died. (Portrayer Willard passed away on May 15, 2020, at the age of 86.)