Soap fans still talk about the day Susan Flannery left The Bold and the Beautiful. Her sudden exit in 2012 as Stephanie Forrester wasn’t just another storyline twist—it was the end of an era.

The Day Stephanie Forrester Died

In 2012, viewers were stunned when Stephanie Forrester, one of the soap’s most iconic characters, was killed off. After 25 years on screen, Susan Flannery’s departure marked a painful goodbye for millions of fans.

Stephanie had long been the backbone of the Forrester family. Fierce, manipulative, and unforgettable, she had faked illnesses and staged dramatic moments for years. Viewers joked she could always rise from the dead, as soap characters often do. But this time was different. Flannery herself made it crystal clear: her time on The Bold and the Beautiful was over.

Adding to the heartbreak, Ron Moss—who played Ridge Forrester—left the show around the same time. For longtime fans, it felt like losing the very heart of the series.

Susan Flannery Speaks Out

Not long after her exit, Flannery gave a candid interview in 2013. She revealed she had no regrets about her decision to leave. “I only think about that part of my life when somebody calls me,” she explained. “I had a great run and a wonderful time, but there’s still time to go. And when you go, it’s over. You don’t look back.”

Those words hit fans hard. Unlike other actors who leave soaps and return years later, Flannery made it clear she was done. She wasn’t interested in reprising Stephanie Forrester. No surprise comebacks. No resurrection. Just closure.

Instead, Flannery turned her attention to new passions. She wanted to explore primetime directing and other creative opportunities. For her, the chapter of daytime drama had been written—and finished.

A Life Away From Hollywood

After leaving Los Angeles, Flannery made another bold move. She relocated to Australia, choosing a quieter life far away from the fast pace of Hollywood.

Her co-stars confirmed the news. Katherine Kelly Lang, who plays Brooke Logan, shared details from Flannery’s farewell party. Susan Seaforth Hayes, another daytime legend, praised her friend in a heartfelt message. She described Flannery as “one of the great ladies of daytime,” and admitted she would be deeply missed.

Though she stepped away from the spotlight, Flannery left behind a legacy that continues to shine. Fans may not see her on screen anymore, but her impact remains alive in every memory of Stephanie Forrester’s fierce reign.

A Legacy That Cannot Be Replaced

Few actors have achieved what Susan Flannery did in daytime television. She earned ten Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress, winning her first in 1975 for Days of Our Lives. Later, she claimed three more trophies for her unforgettable work on The Bold and the Beautiful in 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Flannery also made history as the first actress to win Lead Actress Emmys for two different soap roles. That achievement alone cements her place as one of the all-time greats.

Even years after her departure, fans continue to celebrate her work and the unforgettable character she brought to life. Stephanie Forrester may be gone, but her presence is still felt every time drama unfolds at Forrester Creations.

Never Again, But Never Forgotten

When Susan Flannery said “never again,” she meant it. Her decision to walk away was final, but it didn’t erase her incredible legacy. Fans may miss her fiery presence on screen, but her mark on the soap world remains untouchable.

From Los Angeles to Australia, Susan Flannery’s influence still resonates. The Bold and the Beautiful may have moved on, but it will never truly be the same without its queen.