Heather Tom Reflects on 35 Years in Soaps

Heather Tom has been a staple in the soap world for over three decades, beginning her career at just 15 years old as Victoria Newman on The Young and the Restless. Now, 35 years later, Tom is best known for her role as Katie Logan on The Bold and the Beautiful, where she’s spent 18 years portraying the beloved character.

But Tom’s contributions to B&B go beyond just acting. In addition to her role as Katie, she’s also become a writer and director for the show. Last spring, in celebration of her anniversary in soaps, Tom made history by writing, directing, and starring in an all-female episode of The Bold and the Beautiful.

A Historic, All-Female Episode

Tom spoke about her landmark episode during her appearance on the Soapy podcast, hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart. She shared that the idea to have her both act and direct the episode came from B&B Executive Producer Brad Bell.

“This is something that has never been done in daytime TV,” Tom explained. “It’s only been done a few times across all television platforms. And that’s something about our genre, by the way, that I think we do break ground a lot before others. I don’t know that we necessarily get credit, but we are innovative.”

The episode was special not only for its all-female cast but also because it seamlessly fit into the ongoing storyline, rather than being a standalone episode. Tom emphasized that she didn’t want it to feel like a flashback show. “I wanted it to fit into the current narrative, rather than be just a standalone special,” she said.

The Repetitiveness of Soap Operas

As many fans of The Bold and the Beautiful know, soaps often feature repetitive dialogue and storylines. Characters may repeat the same lines multiple times in a single episode, and certain themes tend to resurface, sometimes over and over again. This repetition has sparked some criticism, with fans feeling that B&B in particular can fall into this trap.

However, Tom addressed this topic head-on during her podcast appearance. “We have a certain amount of repetition,” she acknowledged. “The challenge is to find a different way to say the same thing. The fact is that’s built into our genre, and we’re not the only show that does that. By the way, nighttime shows do it as well, but they only air once a week.”

Tom’s candidness about the repetitiveness within the soap genre speaks to her experience and understanding of the medium. She sees it as a challenge for writers and actors to find fresh ways to tell the same stories, keeping them engaging for long-time viewers.

Finding Innovation in Repetition

For Tom, the key to overcoming the repetitiveness of soap operas is innovation. As both an actor and a writer, she thrives on the challenge of reimagining familiar storylines in ways that keep them interesting for the audience. “It’s about finding new angles and keeping things fresh, even if we’re telling similar stories,” she explained.

In her own writing, Tom has successfully blended old-school soap drama with modern elements, creating stories that resonate with both loyal fans and newcomers. “The key is making it relevant to the characters and the audience,” she added, sharing her approach to writing and creating engaging episodes.

Looking Ahead: More to Come for Tom and B&B

Heather Tom’s ability to wear multiple hats on The Bold and the Beautiful—acting, writing, and directing—has made her an indispensable part of the soap. As she continues to challenge herself creatively, fans can expect even more groundbreaking moments from her in the future.

“I’m just really excited about what’s to come,” Tom said. “There are some amazing things on the horizon for the show, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

With her long-standing success in soaps and her passion for breaking boundaries, Heather Tom is undoubtedly one of the genre’s most talented and respected stars. As she continues to shape The Bold and the Beautiful, her impact on the soap world will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.