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The Bold and the Beautiful Celebrates Women’s History Month with Groundbreaking All-Female Episode

The Bold and the Beautiful is set to conclude Women’s History Month on March 27 with a trailblazing all-female episode, crafted under the creative vision of Heather Tom, who not only wrote and directed the episode but also stars in it as Katie Logan.

Tom, an accomplished figure in the soap opera world, has built a notable career over the past 17 years within the show. Reflecting on this unique project, she expressed her pride in taking on this multifaceted role. “I’ve been directing for the show for quite some time and began writing just last fall. This year marks my 35th in daytime television, so when Brad Bell, our executive producer, invited me to create an all-in episode where I could write, direct, and act, I felt truly honored,” she stated. Tom noted the rarity of such an undertaking in the television industry, acknowledging that only a few women, like Gillian Anderson and Amy Poehler, have achieved similar feats. “It was essential for us to air this during Women’s History Month to highlight our historic moment,” she added.

The episode focuses on the intricate dynamics between women, specifically mothers and daughters. “This relationship is often rife with complexity. Your mother can be your greatest supporter or a source of drama,” Tom elaborated, highlighting the story arcs of characters like Steffy and Taylor, who find themselves in a positive phase, contrasting with Brooke and Hope’s turbulent storyline. Tom also reflected on her personal experiences, sharing that she infused some of her emotions into scenes dealing with the loss of a mother, a theme she relates to deeply.

Tom dedicated significant time to the script, ensuring that each line resonated authentically with the characters. “My writing draws from deep emotional places, coming from an actor’s perspective. I wanted to ensure that each character’s dialogue felt specifically theirs and not interchangeable,” she explained. “I wanted to create something that would allow the actors to showcase their talents and be a memorable segment of the show.”

On filming day, Tom showcased her adaptability and preparedness, stating, “It was an incredible experience; everything went smoothly. We rehearsed extensively, allowing me to focus on my performance while directing from the booth.” She expressed gratitude for the support of her colleagues throughout the day, noting the involvement of an entirely female crew, which added to the significance of the episode. “Even our stage manager was a woman, except for our producer, Casey, but we joked about putting a wig on him,” she shared.

With her extensive accolades, including six Daytime Emmy Awards, Tom continues to break boundaries in daytime television. “I believe luck is the meeting of preparation and opportunity. I’ve taken steps to prepare myself through various directing programs, but opportunities are what make those efforts count,” she noted, expressing her appreciation for the support she receives from colleagues like Bell. “Having someone champion my endeavors is still surreal for me.”

As Tom looks back on her impressive career, she reflects on her journey, stating, “Signing my first contract at 15 feels like a lifetime ago. To be celebrating 35 years in this industry is beyond what I could have imagined. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate this milestone than with an episode like this.”

The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS

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www.tvinsider.com