Additional Coverage:
- ‘The Young and the Restless’ Star Peter Bergman Shares Reaction to Abbott Home Redesign (parade.com)
Longtime Young and the Restless star Peter Bergman, who has played Jack Abbott since 1989, recently revealed his protectiveness over the iconic Abbott family home set. When producers proposed redesigning the set, which has remained virtually unchanged since Bergman’s audition, he initially resisted. “There is history here,” he explained.
However, the updated set, which debuted on the April 25th episode, retains the original layout and key features like the staircase and dining room placement. While the furnishings and wallpaper have been refreshed, Bergman assured viewers that the set will be instantly recognizable. The redesign was carefully orchestrated to preserve the familiar feel for both the actor and the audience.
The storyline cleverly integrates the set redesign, with Jack’s wife Diane (Susan Walters) taking the lead on the project. Bergman noted that Diane’s sensitivity to the family’s opinions on the changes reveals a new dimension to her character. It raises questions about her place within the Abbott family and has become a significant part of her character development.
The updated mansion also breathes new life into Jack and Diane’s marriage, reminding Jack of his wife’s unique qualities. For Bergman, a Daytime Emmy winner whose soap opera career began in 1979 on All My Children, this storyline adds another layer to his long and celebrated portrayal of Jack Abbott.