Peter Bergman Spills on Jack’s Love Life and Granddad Role in ‘The Young and the Restless’

Currently on “The Young and the Restless” airing weekdays on TF1 at 11 AM, Jack discovers the death of his estranged son, Keemo. However, he simultaneously learns that Keemo had become a father, making Jack a grandfather overnight to Allie (played by Kelsey Wang)…

In Los Angeles with Phyllis (Michelle Stafford), the Abbott family patriarch delves into his son’s history while trying to get to know this young woman. But will Allie allow herself to be approached? And who has been sending Jack those mysterious messages urging him to come here?

Peter Bergman reveals more about what’s next for Jack in “The Young and the Restless” in this exclusive interview with AlloCiné.

AlloCiné: You took over the role of Jack in “The Young and the Restless” on November 27, 1989, in the United States. How was your first day on set?

Peter Bergman: I was stepping into shoes previously filled by Terry Lester. When I arrived, it seemed everyone on set knew more about Jack Abbott than I did! It was quite daunting… The crew was eager to fill me in, but I had to stay focused and tune them out to find my own version of Jack from day one.

Did you imagine at the time that you’d still be on the show several decades later?

I thought I’d be doing this job for six months. That was my challenge. If I succeeded, I planned to move my family to California—I had young children at the time—and really start my career here, assuming I’d be fired after those months! But then came six months, and another six, and more… Now, I’m nearly at 35 years.

In recent episodes aired on TF1, Jack discovers that his son Keemo has passed away. What is his reaction to this tragedy?

Jack wasn’t a good father to Keemo, it’s fair to say. He realizes this when he visits his son’s home with Phyllis. He notices that he knows nothing about his child who had grown into a man with his own family. For the new Jack, who has become the Abbott patriarch, this is a terrible realization. He feels extremely vulnerable in Los Angeles.

Jack finds out there that Keemo had a daughter, Allie, who is now his granddaughter. Will they develop a relationship?

For the reasons I just mentioned, he is desperate to forge a connection with Allie. He believes it could somehow make up for what he failed to do with Keemo. If Jack wasn’t there for him, he is now determined to be there for his granddaughter.

How will he handle his new role as a grandfather in “The Young and the Restless”?

Years ago, when Jack’s father died [John, played by Jerry Douglas], many things changed for him. A lot! He realized then that it was his duty to keep the family together. That was a defining moment for him. Becoming a grandfather is a role he’s already prepared for. It’s sudden, but he’s eager and ready.

Jack is investigating with his ex, Phyllis. Is it really over between them?

Jack and Phyllis have a rich shared history. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing… But if you have to name the woman who has had the most influence on him, it’s a close tie between his mother and Phyllis. His mother abandoned him when he was young, which steered his life in a totally different direction.

Then there’s Phyllis… Seemingly the least likely match for Jack, but their personality differences helped him find the greatest love of his life. In Los Angeles, they begin to trust each other again. He finds her presence generous and caring. Phyllis is more than just support for him.

“The Young and the Restless” airs Monday through Friday on TF1, starting at 11 AM.