Peter Bergman has played Jack Abbott on The Young and the Restless since 1989. The character is famous for his drive, strong sense of family, and competitiveness, and has been embroiled in some of the soap's most long-standing and intricate plots.
Bergman took over the role from Terry Lester, who initially played Jack, and infused a new aspect to the character that enabled him to become a cornerstone of the show.
Jack's character has also changed greatly through the decades, from a goal-oriented businessman to a loyal brother and son. His feuds, particularly with Victor Newman, and his romances with the women of Genoa City have all contributed to defining his story.
Over the years, Jack's story has been one of trying to find a way through the problems of both his personal and professional life, and he is now one of the longest-running characters in the show's history.
The Young and the Restless: Jack Abbott's role
Jack Abbott is the son of John Abbott, who started Jabot Cosmetics, an institution that occupies a pivotal place in his life. Being the first Abbott child, Jack was usually set to take over both his father's business heritage and the role of being the leader of the Abbott clan. His father's death in 2006 was a critical point in Jack's character development, but it was not an instant change to becoming the head of the family.
Jack evolved to become Jabot's figurehead, reconciling his business drive with the intricacies of family life. Since his appearance on the show, Jack has had numerous high-profile relationships, which have contributed to his character's development. His love affairs have varied from intense love stories to extremely complicated betrayals.
His on-again, off-again romance with Phyllis Summers involved both love and tension, especially because of Phyllis's affair with his brother, Nick Newman. While his affair with Sharon Newman and Nikki Newman also provided depth to his personality, both of these relationships were strained because of pressures from outside and personal issues.
The Marco Annicelli plot
One of the more iconic Jack storylines in The Young and the Restless included the 2015 storyline, in which Jack was caught up in a scheme with his doppelganger, Marco Annicelli. Jack's kidnapping by Marco, a villainous mastermind who wished to assume his identity, generated one of the series' most dramatic and offbeat plot turns.
It showcased Peter Bergman's skill, as he played both Jack and Marco. The doppelgänger storyline was a divergence from the typical conflicts between business and family, injecting intrigue and danger into Jack's story.
Corporate struggles and business leadership
Jack's business role has been the focus of his character. His leadership at Jabot Cosmetics has been challenged time and again, particularly in his feud with Victor Newman, the Newman Enterprises. Jack's competitive nature and drive to excel have rendered him a strong force in the business world. Nonetheless, his forays into business have not been without setbacks, and he has encountered numerous hurdles that have pushed him to the limit.
Despite facing business troubles, Jack has also had successes, like fighting to keep control of Jabot after his father's death. Peter Bergman’s portrayal has made Jack Abbott one of The Young and the Restless' most lasting characters.
Jack’s journey is shaped by ambition, loyalty to family, and personal growth. His storylines include corporate battles and complex romances, keeping him a key part of the show.
Catch the latest episode of The Young and the Restless streaming on CBS.