Jacqueline MacInnes Wood has been a fixture on American television for nearly two decades, but she wants fans to understand something important: the polished performances they see on screen every day are built on a foundation of extraordinary mental discipline.
The 39-year-old Canadian actress, who has portrayed Steffy Forrester on CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful since 2008, recently opened up about the “mental fortitude” required to sustain a career in daytime television—a genre known for its punishing production pace and relentless demands on actors.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE published on September 9, 2026, Wood reflected on her remarkable 18-year run with the iconic soap opera, describing both the challenges and the gratitude she feels for the opportunities her career has provided.
“I say to so many people, especially in our genre, ‘This is a fantastic place to be,’ especially our show because the camaraderie, how we work, the schedule, it challenges you, it pushes you in different ways. You learn so much about yourself,” Wood told the publication.
Her comments offer a rare window into the realities of soap opera stardom—a world where actors must memorize vast amounts of dialogue, film multiple episodes in a single day, and maintain emotional consistency across storylines that can shift dramatically from one scene to the next.
Why Soap Operas Demand a Different Kind of Discipline
For viewers accustomed to prime-time dramas that produce 10 to 22 episodes over several months, the world of daytime television operates on an entirely different scale. The Bold and the Beautiful, which debuted in March 1987, produces five episodes per week, year-round—a schedule that requires actors to work at a pace that many in the entertainment industry would find difficult to sustain.
Wood explained that this production model means actors must absorb enormous quantities of script material in compressed timeframes. Unlike film or limited-series productions, where scenes can be rehearsed extensively and re-shot if necessary, soap operas operate with minimal margin for error.
“Being on the show is fantastic because you can bang out a bunch of episodes,” Wood told PEOPLE. “The most I’ve done in a day is 80 pages, six episodes in a day, a long time ago. But yeah, I do four, I can do five episodes, but it’s not every day.”
The numbers illustrate the challenge. A single episode of a daytime drama may contain 30 to 40 pages of dialogue—compared to roughly two to five pages for a typical prime-time series. When an actor films four or five episodes back-to-back, they may be required to memorize and perform well over 100 pages of script in a single day, all while maintaining the emotional authenticity that keeps viewers invested in their characters.
The ‘Mental Fortitude’ Behind Her Years on The Bold and the Beautiful
When Wood speaks about “mental fortitude,” she is describing something specific: the psychological resilience required to perform under conditions that leave little room for hesitation, self-doubt, or inconsistency.
“Of course, when you throw yourself into the industry, it can be tough, especially in the soap world because you put yourself on screen and people are going to nitpick you,” Wood said. “But if you’ve got the mental fortitude and you’re strong enough to persevere, this is a wonderful job.”
The actress acknowledged that the constant public scrutiny that comes with a long-running television role can be challenging. Soap opera fans are famously passionate and opinionated, and actors in the genre often find themselves subject to commentary on everything from their performances to their appearance.
Wood’s ability to navigate this environment for nearly two decades speaks to a level of professional composure that goes beyond talent alone. It requires an understanding that criticism is part of the job, and the capacity to separate one’s self-worth from audience reactions.
“And now, like I said, 18 years later, married with a family, it couldn’t get any better, especially because I get to work here and be passionate, but also have my full attention with my children too and my family,” she added.
What It Takes to Keep Performing Under Pressure
Wood’s comments suggest that longevity in daytime television depends on a combination of preparation, adaptability, and emotional control—skills that are often invisible to viewers but essential to maintaining a successful career.
Preparation as a Foundation
The sheer volume of material that soap actors must learn means that preparation cannot be left to chance. Unlike theater productions, where actors have weeks of rehearsal, daytime dramas often require performers to arrive on set ready to execute scenes with minimal practice.
This reality places a premium on disciplined study habits and the ability to absorb large amounts of text efficiently. Actors who cannot keep up with the pace quickly find themselves overwhelmed—a reality that explains why many performers struggle to sustain long careers in the genre.
Wood has previously spoken about the challenges of particularly demanding storylines. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly earlier this year, she identified Steffy’s opioid addiction arc from 2020 as the most difficult of her career.
“The most challenging would be the opioid addiction. As an actor, having to dive into those scenes, and execute them in the best way possible and make it all organic and real, with so much text—that was challenging for me,” she said.
Adaptability and Emotional Range
Soap operas require actors to move between emotional extremes—from joy to devastation, from anger to vulnerability—often within the same filming day. Maintaining the energy and authenticity to deliver such varied performances consistently demands a kind of emotional flexibility that can be exhausting.
Wood told PEOPLE that Steffy’s current storyline, which involves complicated relationship dynamics and a pregnancy revelation, has been “extremely challenging, but in the best way possible.”
“It wasn’t just a storyline, it was about consequences and relationships and what Steffy does when suddenly life looks nothing like what she expected,” she said.
Consistency Over Time
Perhaps the most underrated element of soap opera success is the ability to maintain consistency over years—even decades—of continuous performance. Unlike actors who move between different projects, soap performers must sustain character development across hundreds of episodes, ensuring that their performances remain fresh and engaging even as the material evolves.
Wood’s ability to do this for 18 years has been recognized by her peers in the industry. She has won three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, taking home the honor in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Balancing a Major TV Career With Life Outside the Set
Wood’s professional achievements exist alongside a busy personal life. She and her husband, talent agent Elan Ruspoli, are parents to multiple young children, and the actress has spoken openly about the challenge of juggling her demanding career with the responsibilities of motherhood.
The interview with PEOPLE comes at a particularly busy time for Wood. In her newsletter to fans in late 2025, she announced that she is expecting her fifth child. The pregnancy has added another layer to her already complex schedule.
Wood described the experience of balancing work and family as “a beautiful dance.”
“I think it’s not going to be the perfect balance. I have to understand that it’s about memorizing a monologue for five minutes, and then switching gears and being like, ‘Okay, now I’m going to play hide and go seek,'” she said with a laugh. “And then you switch back and it’s pushing the stroller, and it’s memorizing dialogue.”
Interestingly, Wood noted that the soap opera schedule—while grueling—actually offers certain advantages for parents. Because The Bold and the Beautiful films episodes in batches, actors often have extended periods of time off between filming blocks, providing opportunities to focus on family life.
“I get to bring my kids to the set. So it’s cool,” she told Michael TV in a separate interview earlier this year.
Why Jacqueline MacInnes Wood’s Longevity Stands Out
Wood’s 18-year tenure on The Bold and the Beautiful places her among a select group of actors who have sustained prominent roles in daytime television for extended periods. While the genre has seen many performers enjoy long runs, the combination of Wood’s career longevity, critical recognition, and continued prominence in major storylines is notable.
Wood moved from Canada to Los Angeles at age 18 to pursue acting, as noted in her official CBS biography. She initially appeared in guest roles on shows like Arrow, Anger Management, and Castle, before auditioning for The Bold and the Beautiful.
When she first joined the show in 2008, she told PEOPLE, she never imagined it would become such a defining part of her career.
“Eighteen years later, it’s shocking, but I’m so grateful,” she said. “I’ve never once had that moment where I haven’t been grateful and I’m wishing my life away. It’s been such an incredible ride.”
Her three Daytime Emmy wins—the industry’s highest honor for her genre—reflect both her talent and her dedication to the craft. They also represent recognition from her peers that her work has consistently met an exceptionally high standard over many years.
What Her Experience Says About Long-Term Success in Television
Wood’s reflections on her career offer broader lessons about what it takes to succeed in a demanding industry where the pressure never fully relents.
Her emphasis on “mental fortitude” speaks to a reality that extends beyond acting: sustained success in any high-pressure field requires psychological resilience. Talent may open doors, but it is the ability to manage stress, adapt to challenges, and maintain focus over time that determines whether a career endures.
Wood’s approach also highlights the importance of finding meaning in the work itself. Despite the challenges of soap opera production, she consistently describes her experience in positive terms, emphasizing the relationships she has built and the professional satisfaction she derives from her role.
“This is a fantastic place to be,” she told PEOPLE, describing her workplace with evident affection.
For actors considering careers in daytime television—or anyone navigating a demanding professional path—Wood’s example suggests that longevity comes not from avoiding difficulty, but from developing the capacity to meet it consistently. The “beautiful dance” of balancing competing responsibilities, as she describes it, is not about achieving perfect equilibrium, but about developing the skills to move gracefully between the many roles that life requires.
As Wood continues her run on The Bold and the Beautiful, now approaching two decades with the show, her story serves as a reminder that what audiences see on screen—the polished performances, the dramatic storylines, the compelling characters—represents only the visible portion of a much larger commitment. Behind every episode is a professional who has learned to sustain excellence under conditions that demand nothing less.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jacqueline MacInnes Wood
Who is Jacqueline MacInnes Wood?
Jacqueline MacInnes Wood is a Canadian actress best known for her role as Steffy Forrester on the CBS daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful. She has portrayed the character since 2008 and has won three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
How long has Jacqueline MacInnes Wood been on The Bold and the Beautiful?
Jacqueline MacInnes Wood has been part of The Bold and the Beautiful since 2008, making her tenure approximately 18 years as of 2026. She joined the show after moving from Canada to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
What did Jacqueline MacInnes Wood say about “mental fortitude”?
Wood said that while the entertainment industry can be tough—especially in the soap world where actors face public scrutiny—having “mental fortitude” and the strength to persevere makes it a wonderful job. She emphasized that resilience is essential for sustaining a long career in daytime television.
Why is soap opera acting considered demanding?
Soap operas like The Bold and the Beautiful produce five episodes per week, year-round. Actors must memorize large amounts of dialogue, often filming multiple episodes in a single day. The pace leaves little room for extensive rehearsal, requiring strong preparation and concentration.
How many episodes can Jacqueline MacInnes Wood film in a day?
Wood has said she can film four to five episodes in a day, and that the most she has ever done is six episodes (80 pages) in a single day earlier in her career.
Has Jacqueline MacInnes Wood won any awards?
Yes. Jacqueline MacInnes Wood has won three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Is Jacqueline MacInnes Wood married?
Yes. Jacqueline MacInnes Wood is married to talent agent Elan Ruspoli. The couple has multiple children together.
How does Jacqueline MacInnes Wood balance her career and family?
Wood has described balancing work and family as “a beautiful dance.” She notes that the soap opera schedule, which films episodes in batches, allows her extended time off between filming blocks. She has also said she can bring her children to the set.
What is Jacqueline MacInnes Wood’s current storyline on The Bold and the Beautiful?
Wood has described Steffy’s current storyline as involving complicated relationship dynamics and a pregnancy revelation. She called it “extremely challenging, but in the best way possible.”
What makes Jacqueline MacInnes Wood’s career longevity notable?
Wood’s 18-year tenure on The Bold and the Beautiful, combined with three Daytime Emmy wins and continued prominence in major storylines, places her among a select group of actors who have sustained successful careers in daytime television for nearly two decades.