John McCook, celebrated for his portrayal of Eric Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful, has experienced ten fictional marriages while enjoying a real-life partnership with Laurette Spang that has spanned over four decades.
Reflecting on their bond in a 2007 interview with Soap Opera Digest, McCook stated, “We feel incredibly proud and happy. Our journey has been fortunate, but it also requires consistent effort to maintain.”
McCook praises his wife Laurette for her choice to prioritize family life over acting after the birth of their first child
As one of the soap opera’s longest-tenured actors, McCook has made serious contributions to the genre, while Spang gained fame for her role in the original Battlestar Galactica, a landmark series in the science fiction genre. The couple wed on February 16, 1980, and are proud parents to three children: Jake (1981), Rebecca (1983), and Molly (1990).
McCook recognizes the challenges involved in sustaining long-term relationships, saying, “I understand the challenges couples face over many years. It’s a true test, and I have great respect for anyone who prioritizes their partnership.”
After 44 years of marriage, their connection remains robust. In November 2023, Spang shared a heartfelt family photo on Instagram, expressing gratitude with the message, “Grateful for so much. My cup runneth over.🙏♥️.”
Interested in learning more about John McCook’s wife? Here’s a closer look at Laurette Spang and her journey alongside the actor.
Spang’s aspirations in acting began early in life.
Born on May 16, 1951, in Buffalo, New York, Laurette Spang was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Although she briefly attended college, her passion for performing arts led her to enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
Relocating to Los Angeles, Spang was discovered by Universal, which offered her a two-year contract. Unfortunately, this opportunity was followed by a challenging period of unemployment.
In a 1978 interview with PEOPLE, she recalled, “I found myself standing in unemployment lines in 1976 and faced eviction from my apartment. It wasn’t until I started landing some television roles that my career began to turn around, and then Galactica came along.”
She became well-known for her role in a groundbreaking sci-fi series.
Between 1978 and 1979, Spang played Cassiopeia on Battlestar Galactica, a series renowned for its innovative approach to storytelling. Though it aired for only one season, the show gained a passionate fanbase and inspired a successful reboot in 2004.
During the filming of Battlestar Galactica, Spang’s romantic scenes with co-star Dirk Benedict were deemed too intense by ABC, leading to requests for reshoots.
Commenting on this experience, Spang noted, “That’s a compliment. I will never complain about having to redo love scenes with Dirk.”
Her television career includes appearances on iconic shows.
While her portrayal in Battlestar Galactica remains her most recognized role, Spang has also made guest appearances on classic series from the 1970s and 1980s, including The Love Boat, Magnum P.I., and Three’s Company.
Additionally, she enjoyed a recurring role on Happy Days. In September 2015, she shared a nostalgic post on Instagram showcasing her time on that series, stating, “Happy Days. I played Richie’s girlfriend Arlene in the prom episode.”
The couple recognized their connection early in their relationship.
In a 2007 interview, McCook was asked if it was love at first sight. He responded, “Yes, pretty much. I had experienced marriage before, while Laurette had not, but we were both ready to make a serious commitment.”
In 2024, McCook received a nomination for a Daytime Emmy for his performance on The Bold and the Beautiful, with Spang attending the ceremony alongside him. He expressed appreciation, saying, “My wonderful wife Laurette is with me for everything.”
They are proud parents of three children.
The couple began their family soon after marrying in 1980. Jake was born in 1981, followed by Rebecca in 1983, and Molly in 1990.
McCook previously had two marriages and welcomed a son, Seth, in 1972. Molly has established her own acting career, featuring in Last Man Standing. The family maintains strong ties, frequently enjoying time together. On Mother’s Day, Spang shared a photo of McCook grilling on Instagram.
She decided to focus on family life over acting.
After appearing in a 1984 episode of Magnum P.I., Spang chose to prioritize her family and stepped away from her acting career to care for their young children.
In a 2007 interview, McCook explained her choice: “When Laurette was expecting Jake, our firstborn, she felt it was time to focus on home life. Fortunately, my work allowed her to do that.”
He praised her commitment to motherhood, stating, “She takes immense pride in her roles as a mother and homemaker. She recognizes her accomplishments and the sacrifices she made for our family.”
McCook has voiced admiration for her decision to step back from the spotlight. “I found that to be a remarkable choice,” he shared in a 1991 interview. “It’s one she has never held against me. Despite her numerous guest appearances, she always felt there was more she wanted to achieve.”
Recently, she has ventured into audiobook narration.
Though she has distanced herself from acting, Spang lent her voice to several audiobooks in 2021. She narrated characters in three titles from Daniel Earnshaw’s Saga of a Fugitive Fleet, a series of sci-fi fantasy narratives set in outer space.
