The Young and the Restless is pulling out all the stops in honor of Peter Bergman, who has been playing Jack Abbott for an impressive thirty years. The CBS soap opera is airing a special, stand-alone episode in celebration of the star's three decades as the beloved character, while CBS Watch! magazine is featuring a stunning pictorial with the Emmy-winning star. The actor's Y&R co-star, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), got in on the Peter Bergman celebration by posting a touching tribute to the actor on her Instagram page.
The lengthy post begins with Stafford explaining that she couldn't find the exact photo she wanted to share, but that she will post additional photos later. She then goes on with the tribute, writing, "I have known this man for a quarter of a century. Damn. I love him so. He is the most compassionate man alive. Yesterday marked his 30 year anniversary on #YR. A job he felt would probably last for six months. Those are his words. It has been my pleasure and quite an honor to work as his leading lady (off and on) for so many years. We have had many many laughs and have bickered like a real married couple."
She continues, "He has always been supportive and one of my greatest cheerleaders, even when he knew it might not serve him well. He has always supported me. He is a GREAT actor. A GREAT man. A gentleman. I call him 'Hubbell' and so often felt like his 'Katie.' I mean... He's Hubbell! If you don't know that movie reference... you gotta start watching better films."
Stafford also shares one of her favorite stories about Bergman, which happened during an interview. The actress says the story is a perfect depiction of the pair as human beings.
"The reporter asked 'What is your relationship like with Michelle Stafford?' Peter said, 'It's like this -- I cannot leave the house without my watch, Michelle doesn't even own one,'" Stafford writes. "It's so true. LOL! We have met (through our 25 years) in the middle and that middle place is beautiful. Peter is beautiful. Happy 30 my friend! I love you."
Bergman took on the role of Y&R's Jack Abbott on November 22, 1989, as a recast for Terry Lester, who quit the show and exited earlier that year. He previously played the role of All My Children's Cliff Warner.
Michelle Stafford originated the role of Y&R's Phyllis in 1994 and played the feisty character until 2013. The CBS soap opera cast Gina Tognoni as Phyllis while Stafford played the role of Nina Clay on General Hospital. However, Tognoni was let go this summer when Stafford made the decision to return to Y&R.
What do you think about Michelle Stafford's post in honor of Peter Bergman? What are some of your favorite moments from Bergman's thirty years in Genoa City? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
