Heather Tom has graced daytime television screens for over three decades — and with a career that spans three major soap operas and countless dramatic plotlines, she’s experienced more than her fair share of iconic on-screen romances.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the Emmy-winning actress opened up about her 35-year run in soap operas and shared her favorite love stories — both past and present — that have left a lasting impact on her and fans alike.

A Legendary Start: Victoria & Ryan on The Young and the Restless

Tom’s soap opera career kicked off in 1990 when she stepped into the role of Victoria Newman on The Young and the Restless. Her first major romance was with Ryan McNeil, played by Scott Reeves — a storyline that still resonates with longtime viewers.

“Victoria was 16, and he was older,” Tom recalled. “It was just a Romeo and Juliet storyline. People still come up to me and talk about how much they love that story.”

Though their love ended tragically — with Ryan dying in a shocking twist — Tom remembers the relationship as “wildly romantic” and “honest,” capturing the magic of first love while embracing its imperfections.

A Long-Running Love: Katie & Bill on The Bold and the Beautiful

Fast forward to today, and Tom now stars as Katie Logan on The Bold and the Beautiful, a role she’s held since 2007. For over 16 years, her character’s tumultuous relationship with Don Diamont’s Bill Spencer Jr. has captivated audiences.

Tom and Diamont’s chemistry predates B&B, as both actors appeared on Y&R in the ‘90s. “I’ve known Don Diamont since I was 15,” Tom shared. “He’s my family in real life, and I think that they allow the history to really play out.”

Katie and Bill’s saga — complete with marriages, betrayals, and shared parenthood — has remained a fan-favorite for its evolution over the years. “They are different now because of each other,” Tom said, emphasizing how their growth has kept the relationship “dynamic” and authentic.

The Unspoken Magic of Chemistry

Whether it was her teenage spark with Scott Reeves or her deep, time-tested bond with Diamont, Tom credits much of her success in love storylines to natural chemistry. “Sometimes you can certainly create [chemistry], but a lot of times it’s just there,” she noted.

That connection has helped bring some of soap’s most enduring relationships to life — and Tom’s contributions behind the scenes as a writer and director at B&B only further highlight her deep understanding of character-driven storytelling.

Sisterhood on Screen & Off

In addition to her romantic arcs, Tom praised the authenticity of the Logan sisters’ bond. “It’s a very truthful, honest relationship with wonderful sisterly chemistry that reads very true,” she said of her scenes with Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) and Jennifer Gareis (Donna).