HOT – Thorsten Kaye Departs The Bold and the Beautiful to Take on Role in Beyond the Gates

Daytime television fans were stunned this week as news broke that Thorsten Kaye, the Emmy-winning actor who has portrayed Ridge Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful since 2013, is officially leaving the CBS soap opera. Kaye, a beloved staple of daytime drama for decades, is departing to pursue a major new opportunity: a starring role in the highly anticipated primetime series Beyond the Gates.

The announcement sent shockwaves across the soap world, as Ridge Forrester has long been one of the cornerstones of The Bold and the Beautiful. For many, the thought of the show without Ridge—especially under Kaye’s charismatic portrayal—is difficult to imagine. But while it is bittersweet for fans, Kaye’s next move represents an exciting new chapter in his celebrated career.

A Decade as Ridge Forrester

Thorsten Kaye joined The Bold and the Beautiful in 2013, stepping into the iconic role of Ridge, a part originally made famous by Ronn Moss. From the start, Kaye’s version of Ridge was edgier, more complex, and at times darker than his predecessor’s portrayal. He brought a raw intensity that resonated with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Over the past twelve years, Kaye has played Ridge through some of the soap’s most dramatic arcs: his fiery love triangle with Brooke Logan and Taylor Hayes, his battles for control of Forrester Creations, and his strained yet passionate relationships with his children. His chemistry with co-stars Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) and Krista Allen (Taylor) created some of the most talked-about moments in daytime.

Kaye also earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for his work, cementing himself as a powerhouse in the genre. His departure leaves an undeniable void.

Why Leave Now?

According to insiders, Kaye’s decision was not taken lightly. For years, he has balanced the demanding shooting schedule of a daytime soap with personal commitments and outside opportunities. But when the offer for Beyond the Gates came along, it was simply too exciting to pass up.

“Thorsten has always been a storyteller at heart,” one source explained. “Beyond the Gates gives him the chance to explore a new kind of storytelling on a bigger stage. It’s a natural evolution for someone of his talent.”

The actor himself released a statement expressing gratitude to both the Bold and Beautiful cast and the fans.

“I have loved every minute of playing Ridge and being part of the Forrester family,” Kaye said. “Daytime has given me more than I could ever have imagined, but this opportunity with Beyond the Gates is something I couldn’t turn down. I hope fans will follow me on this next adventure while continuing to support the amazing show that is The Bold and the Beautiful.”

What Is Beyond the Gates?

While details are still under wraps, Beyond the Gates is being billed as a high-concept primetime drama blending mystery, supernatural intrigue, and family legacy. The series is slated to premiere in late 2026 and has already attracted significant buzz for its ambitious storytelling and ensemble cast.

Kaye will reportedly play the patriarch of a powerful family entangled in centuries-old secrets. His character is described as “commanding, conflicted, and unafraid to bend the rules to protect those he loves”—traits that will feel familiar to fans of Ridge, but in a much darker, more suspenseful context.

Industry insiders suggest that Beyond the Gates could become one of the biggest prestige dramas of the decade, making Kaye’s move not just bold, but potentially career-defining.