In a deeply poignant turn for The Bold and the Beautiful, Thorsten Kaye has announced his departure from the role of Ridge Forrester, marking the end of a transformational era for the character. Kaye’s decision, revealed in April 2025, signifies a major narrative shift — whether temporary or permanent — that will reshape Ridge’s relationships, legacy, and ties to the Forrester family and Brooke Logan reddit.com+15soapopera.azontree.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15. His potential exit opens the door for storylines exploring Taylor Hayes’ independence after her emotional sacrifices and raises questions about Brooke’s future, particularly amid speculation of a renewed connection with Nick Marone soapopera.azontree.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2. Fans on Reddit have mixed reactions: one said, “Thorsten Kaye is a far superior actor… his portrayal made me enjoy the character,” while others fault the writing for Ridge’s increasingly abrasive tone, noting he’s become “angry and whiny” and lost the charm of earlier iterations reddit.com+1. As Kaye steps away, viewers can expect emotional farewells, dramatic fallout, and a redefinition of Ridge’s place in the Forrester saga that may include temporary exits, recasts, or the introduction of fresh characters.