Monday’s entire episode of the CBS daytime drama “The Young and the Restless” will be devoted to Jack Abbott to mark the 30th anniversary of Peter Bergman playing the character.
The episode airing at 11:30 a.m. has Abbott taking “a walk down memory lane as he reads” his sister Traci’s (Beth Maitland) family memoir, which details the triumphs and tragedies of the Abbott family, according to CBS.
The episode will also include classic clips and appearances by Maitland and Eileen Davidson, who portrays Abbott’s sister Ashley.
Bergman began portraying Jack Abbott on Nov. 27, 1989, replacing Terry Lester, who left the series, frustrated by what he felt was a diminishing role. Bergman has received 21 outstanding lead actor in a drama series Daytime Emmy nominations for the role, winning in 1991, 1992 and 2002.
“It’s been a real joy for me, to retrace Jack’s footsteps over the last 30 years,” Bergman said. “I am struck by the enduring friendships I have made at `Y&R,’ and deeply grateful to our fans, who have stood by Jack, cheered him on, or waited patiently for him to get his act together for three decades.
“I’m happy, amazed and truly thankful and it sure feels good.”
Bergman was also nominated in the category in 1983 for his portrayal of Dr. Cliff Warner on ABC’s “All My Children,” a role he had from 1979-89. He also appeared on the CBS prime-time comedies “The Nanny” and “The King of Queens.”
Bergman delivered the line “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV” in a series of commercials for Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup in the 1980s.