Katherine Kelly Lang on Saying Goodbye to Eric on B&B

Eric’s family is currently grappling with the news that the family patriarch is terminally ill on THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL. And the emotional storyline packs an extra punch for Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), who has been working with John McCook (Eric) since the soap’s very first episode back in 1987.

“Well, that’s sad, of course, you know, and all the characters have been crying lots of tears,” Lang admitted to Soap Opera Digest of taping the scenes where Brooke learned about Eric’s heartbreaking diagnosis. “It’s been really sad.”

The story has also riled up longtime fans who fear that this could be the end of the beloved character. “Definitely getting a lot of fans asking me what’s happening, you know?” the actress confided. “But it’s crazy just to think that: ‘Wow, what is going to happen to Eric? Is he going to be here?’ It’s sad for the family, you know, the Forresters and of course, the Logans and everybody that loves him because he’s loved by everybody!”

Lang and McCook are the only two remaining original cast members of B&B.CBS

Watching Eric struggle to make his final days count has been hard for everyone in the family, especially Brooke, whose life has been intertwined with his for decades. “Brooke has two children with him,” Lang reminded. “They’ve always had a good friendship and he’s always been on her side. No matter what Brooke does, it’s okay [in Eric’s eyes]. He’s always supported her and been there for her and forgiven her and just loved her. So he’s very important in Brooke’s life.”

Is this truly the end of an era or might there still be hope to change Eric’s fate? You’ll have to keep watching as the story unfolds, but you might want to have some tissues handy!