Bold & Beautiful’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood Weighs In on Losing Her Leading Man: ‘He Gave Everything He Had’
Friday, April 15th, 2022
Learning that Tanner Novlan was on his way out was “bittersweet news” for the Emmy winner.
It was with mixed and remixed feelings that Jacqueline MacInnes Wood took in the news that The Bold and the Beautiful was killing off Tanner Novlan as Finn. “On one hand, the drama of it all is fantastic!” she tells Soap Opera Digest. On the other, it means “that a colleague, an amazing screen partner and friend would be leaving.”
The actress had been happy to give the Steffy/Liam/Hope love triangle a break — although unless we miss our mark, it’s on its way back — and allow her character to find happiness with Dr. Nice Guy. And she had really liked working with Novlan, aka the “bad actor” from the Liberty Mutual commercials. “Tanner is the absolute best,” Wood exclaims. “He’s an all-around great guy, and we have so much in common.”
More:The episode where nothing actually happened
Not only that, but he brought his A game to the set every time. “As a screen partner, he gave everything he had,” says the Emmy winner. “It was a delight to work with him, and I hope we get to work together again in the future.”
It could happen, too, if The Bold and the Beautiful listens to fans upset about Finn going from MD to RIP. Ideas have been floated to return Novlan to the canvas. (You can read them here.) Whether they’ll be seized upon is, of course, another matter altogether.
Find out how to play the soap-opera drinking game by clicking on the 90-proof photo gallery below.
Image: ABC screenshot
1/47
<p>Look up the phrase “Damsel In Distress” in the Soap Opera Dictionary, and you’re going to find a pic of this General Hospital heroine. Poor thing hasn’t had much to smile about since the day we met her. But hey, unlike most of Michael’s exes, she’s at least alive… for the moment.</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI (2); CBS Screenshot
2/47
<p>It was a shock when <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/wp-admin/_wp_link_placeholder">Bold & Beautiful</a> sent Sheila flying off Bill’s balcony… but it probably shouldn’t have been. This show loves to push, shove, hurl and throw Los Angeles residents off of stuff. Heck, Caroline fell off that exact same spot not all that long ago… and while wearing pretty much the same outfit! </p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
3/47
<p>While in the real world, people call a Lyft or order an Uber, when folks like <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Stephanie and Chad have had too much to drink, they say, “I’ll get us a rideshare.” Sounds totally natural, right? </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
4/47
<p>Rather than calmly suggest that their rivals talk to the hand, soap characters like <em>Young & Restless’ </em>Nikki tend to get slap happy. Now, if it happens to be a situation where the slappee returns the favor, our rule book indicates that you should do two shots. Seems only fair, right? </p>
Image: ABC Screenshot
5/47
<p>Almost immediately upon arriving in Port Charles, <em>General Hospital</em>‘s Victor began speaking in cryptic terms about his plan. At first, it seemed to involve uniting the Cassadine clan and we assumed things would become clearer over time. Eventually they did — ack! — at which point the word “pathogen” quickly became the new “plan.” </p>
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6/47
<p>At this point, we’re kinda ready for <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>‘s former rivals to go back to trading insults instead of hugs. We love the idea of the women putting themselves first and leaving Ridge on the curb with the rest of the trash. But could they maybe dial back the sophomoric tittering? </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
7/47
<p>As Nicole Leanne said to us on Twitter, “I’d be one heck of a drunk soap fan if I chugged every time DiMera Enterpreses changed CEOs” on <em>Days of Our Lives. </em>And while Gabi would love to prove her wrong, something tells us there’ll be a new name on her door momentarily! </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
8/47
<p>That’s right, we’re pointing at you, Diane! Although we’re not sure why <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Jack was so surprised by his ex’s<em> </em>return. He’s attended at least three memorial services for Victor (if only to dance on his proverbial grave).</p>
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9/47
<p>We’re not sure why characters spend so much time asking themselves, “What happened on that night that I can’t remember?” instead of just heading directly to their local shrink. One session with <em>General Hospital</em>‘s Kevin, and Liz remembered more about her mysterious past than she had in the previous six months! </p>
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10/47
<p>We get it, the Bold & Beautiful dynamic duo put Sheila behind bars (where she’d already been, but that’s another story). We’re still not sure exactly what Ridge’s role in the whole thing was, but perhaps we can just give them the keys to the city and move on?</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
11/47
<p>When two couples agree to share their wedding day, you can be pretty sure at least one’s ceremony will wind up going south. When <em>Days of Our Lives </em>Leo and Craig hitched their big day to that of Xander and Gwen<em>, </em>we wound up with double the drama as both couples went down in flames! </p>
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12/47
<p>When <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> had Taylor and Ridge making out during a gorgeous locations shoot — complete with a drone capturing the action from above — we knew this was a moment we’d be reliving… a lot. Hiccup! </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
13/47
<p>“If you work at Forrester Creations or Spencer Publications and have gotten sexually involved with a subordinate, raise your hand.” Oh my. Of course, <em>Bold & Beautiful </em>isn’t the only show on which this happens, but to the best of our recollection, Forrester is the only company with a mixed-sex sauna, and that’s just asking for trouble! </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
14/47
<p>To be fair, you probably won’t even catch half a buzz via this rule. Heck, <em>Days of Our Lives </em>shows Chad’s children so infrequently that we’re not even sure these are them! Consider this one our gift to the lightweights out there. </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
15/47
<p>Look, we appreciate a little eye candy as much as anyone else. But it’s just weird when someone like, say, Thomas on <em>Bold & Beautiful </em>not only greets you shirtless, but then invites you in, chats you up, maybe even cooks dinner without bothering to slip into something a little less comfortable! Of course, that’s nothing compared to when… </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
16/47
<p>Guys on <em>Bold & Beautiful </em>routinely get undressed in unlocked offices, usually changing to go to the rooftop gym. But you’d think that a building that has both a workout area and a sauna might also have a locker room! </p>
Image: CBS Screenshot
17/47
<p>We’ll say this for <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Black Knight: He can make the most innocuous of nicknames sound almost obscene. We’re kinda surprised the rest of Genoa City hasn’t started calling Jack’s brother “Billy Boy,” because it really does roll trippingly off the tongue! </p>
Image: ABC/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
18/47
<p>This one’s a classic. In fact, General<em> Hospital </em>doc Monica declaring that the Quartermaine mansion is hers because late husband Alan gave it to her <em>might </em>be where the soap-opera drinking game originated. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
19/47
<p>As if being dumped by longtime hubby Craig for a younger man wasn’t bad enough, <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Nancy then got engaged to Abigail’s murderer, Clyde. That’s so heartbreaking, we’re tempted to share our booze. But only tempted. Let’s be real.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
20/47
<p>There are many reasons we’ll miss the Kiriakis patriarch, whose portrayer, John Aniston, <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/651910/days-of-our-lives-john-aniston-dead-died-victor-kiriakis/" target="_blank">passed away last November.</a> Victor did not suffer fools gladly, yet in his estimation, he was surrounded by nothing but. Pretty much every word out of his mouth was as sarcastic as it was quotable. </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
21/47
<p>People on <em>Young & Restless </em>are more likely to be appointed CEO of a company than they are to make out with someone… and that’s a real problem on a soap opera! Adam, Nate, Victor, Victoria, Ashland, Lily, Billy and Sally have all gotten new power positions in the first part of 2022. Heck, we’re just waiting for someone to name Esther CCO (Chief Cleaning Officer) of Chancellor!</p>
Image: Jill JohnsonJPI
22/47
<p>Seeing Ava without a cocktail in her hands is just sad. Of course, if we actually had one every time she does, we’d probably wind up in <em>General Hospital</em> with a bad case of alcohol poisoning! </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
23/47
<p>If <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>’s Thomas doesn’t seem to recognize son Douglas, it’s probably because he rarely sees the kid. Liam and Hope might struggle with that one, too, given that Douglas and Beth spend most of their time hanging out with Donna… somewhere off screen. </p>
Image: CBS screenshot
24/47
<p>Sharon should be living high off the proverbial hog, and not just because the <em>Young & Restless </em>beauty has married (and divorced) some of the richest guys in town. But while her coffee shop is <em>the</em> place to be, that’s probably because nobody ever pays for what they ordered! </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
25/47
<p>For people who never lock their front door and have kids who could wander in at any moment, <em>Bold & Beautiful </em>marrieds Liam and Hope spend a lot of time making love in the living room, whether on the couch or in front of the fireplace. That said, do <em>two </em>shots if… </p>
Image: CBS screenshot
26/47
<p>Note to self: Do not touch <em>anything</em> in Adam’s office, because the <em>Young & Restless </em>hunk and ex-girlfriend/babymama Sally had sex pretty much <em>everywhere </em>before they broke up. The couch? Check. The desk? Check. The floor? We’re just gonna assume that’s a yes. </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
27/47
<p>Having been married to the <em>Young & Restless</em> Machiavelli long (and often) enough to know him better than anyone else, Mrs. Newman often scoffs at her hubby’s declarations… usually right to his face! </p>
Image: ABC Screenshot
28/47
<p>We may not often see the <em>General Hospital </em>tot, but boy, does he get talked about… a lot. Since his birth, he’s had more claims staked on him than the state of California during the gold rush. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
29/47
<p>If someone in Salem walks up and says, “Guess who?” think twice before answering. Why? Because on <em>Days</em><em> of Our Lives</em>, it might be someone wearing a magic mask that changes everything from the wearer’s voice to their height.</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
30/47
<p>Anybody remember the last time Lily’s <em>Young & Restless </em>beau was actually happy for an extended period? If the poor little rich boy had a drink named after him, it would be called a Man Pain. </p>
Image: Sean Smith/JPI
31/47
<p>Why does anyone in Port Charles ever go down to the docks… especially at night? It would be impossible to list the number of awful things that have happened to <em>General Hospital </em>characters in that crime-ridden area, yet residents are drawn there like teens to a 7-11 parking lot!</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
32/47
<p>It seems certain characters — usually villains — must always be referred to by first and last name. <em>General Hospital </em>bad guys Cyrus Renault and Peter August, for example, or <em>Days of Our Lives’ </em>gone-but-never-forgotten Stefano DiMera. </p>
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33/47
<p>Rarely has so small a creature been the center of so many plot points that are so despised by so many. From kidnappings to medical emergencies, custody battles to literal daddy issues, this kid’s had as many <em>Young & Restless</em> storylines as last names. </p>
Image: CBS screenshot
34/47
<p>Nobody cries as easily or often as <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>‘s Brooke. True story: During an in-person interview, we once asked portrayer Katherine Kelly Lang if she could cry on demand. With a smile, she asked, “From which eye?” before proving she most certainly could. </p>
Image: ABC screenshot
35/47
<p>If we were going to name a drink after <em>General Hospital</em>‘s Esme, it would be Ennui & Bitters, ’cause… well, look at the expression on that puss! And that was probably taken on one of her good days! </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
36/47
<p>At least when <em>Young & Restless</em>‘ Tucker decided to literally drop in on Kyle and Summer’s nuptials, the uninvited guest did so in the classiest way possible: He arrived via helicopter, then gave the newlyweds a Bentley! </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
37/47
<p>Soap police are almost always the last to know, especially when it comes to who really committed a crime. While almost nobody arrested by <em>Days of Our Lives’ </em>Rafe is what you’d call innocent, rarely are they guilty of the crime of which they stand accussed. </p>
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38/47
<p>It was borderline shocking when <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>‘s Sheila was actually apprehended and jailed. Less shocking? When she managed to break out, fake her death (drink!) and return wearing a mask (double-shot!) to hide her identity. </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
39/47
<p>Brooke and Liam have been spending an awful lot of time together. And given that <em>Bold & Beautful </em>loves borderline incestuous relationships — and Brooke has a history of sleeping with her daughters’ beaus — we want to have that shot ready for when these two finally cross the line they’ve been dancing on for some time now.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
40/47
<p>Every single time a soap character is sent to prison, they wind up bunking with someone they have a previous connection to. If you’re as unlucky as <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ EJ, it might even be the guy who “killed” you a few years back. </p>
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41/47
<p>Alison Groves pointed out on Twitter that soaps love nothing more than to have someone take a long, meaningful pause as they gaze into the distance just before the screen fades to black. Here, we see <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Paulina giving a master class in that skill!</p>
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42/47
<p>Information is a commodity, so being in the right place at the right time is crucial. <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>‘s Othello just happened to be lurking in the woods when Brooke and Ridge broke up during their time in Aspen. Why? Time will tell… </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
43/47
<p>While our favorite characters often use their computers, they never seem to go to sites like Google, Facebook or Twitter. Instead, they go to Oogle, Facetime and other fake websites. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
44/47
<p>When not talking to themselves — which they do a lot — soapsters love <span style="text-decoration: line-through">reciting exposition</span> having revealing discussions with portraits of their loved ones, enemies… really, under the right circumstances, any old picture will do. Just ask <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Johnny, who often seeks advice from late grandpa Stefano. </p>
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45/47
<p>It’s bad enough that characters like <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Gwen tend to talk to themselves endlessly. Worse, they aren’t having innocuous self-chats about their grocery lists or what to wear, but rather incredibly incriminating ones… which are inevitably walked in on by someone else. Every. Single. Time. </p>
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46/47
<p>Daytime’s richest characters have private jets at their disposal and diamonds for every occasion. But you know what they don’t possess? The ability to lock a door or the good manners to knock before entering! No wonder <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>‘s Ridge gets ticked when he comes home and finds Bill’s just let himself in yet again! </p>
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