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Thorsten Kaye
Thorsten Kaye
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Thorsten Kaye (born Thorsten Ernst Kieselbach, 22 February 1966) is a German-British-American actor. His best known roles include Patrick Thornhart on One Life to Live, Dr. Ian Thornhart on Port Charles, Zach Slater on All My Children and Ridge Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful.

Key Information

Acting career

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Kaye was born in Frankfurt, Federal Republic of Germany. He appeared in many classical theater roles, including The Winter's Tale, Tartuffe, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, Love's Labour's Lost, Twelfth Night, and The Taming of the Shrew, both in London and with the Hilberry Repertory Company in Detroit.

Kaye then moved to Los Angeles, where he acted in many television shows, including the miniseries, Sidney Sheldon's Nothing Lasts Forever, before moving to New York to play Patrick Thornhart on ABC's One Life to Live (1995–1997). The character gained quite a bit of popularity, and it is where he would meet his real life partner, Susan Haskell. After completing a two-year stint on OLTL, Thorsten did some guest starring work for other shows, as well as starring in a few feature films.

In April 2000, Thorsten accepted the role of the dedicated physician Ian Thornhart (Patrick's older brother) on the ABC daytime soap (and the spin-off show of General Hospital), Port Charles (2000–2003). He appeared on the soap until its run ended in October 2003. Thorsten received two Daytime Emmy Award Nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of Ian in 2003 and 2004.

In April 2004, Thorsten returned to New York to join the cast of the ABC soap All My Children in the role of casino owner, Zach Slater. He was nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards in 2006 and 2009. Thorsten portrayed Slater until December 2009. He returned three times in 2010, and again in 2011 to bring Zach's storyline to a close when AMC came to an end after 41 years, in September 2011.

Thorsten Kaye has one of the lead roles in a new psychological thriller (feature-length film) titled Occupant, which was released in the U.S and Canada in October 2011 on demand in many cable/satellite markets as well as on most digital platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, Blockbuster, and PlayStation.

In 2012, Kaye began appearing in the role of Nick, a recurring character on the NBC series Smash. In October 2013, it was announced that Kaye was cast to portray Ridge Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful, replacing originator Ronn Moss, who departed the series in 2012 after 25 years in the role.[2][3] On 15 December 2023 Kaye became the first German-British to win the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, which he won for his portrayal of Ridge Forrester.[4] He won again in 2024.[citation needed]

Personal life

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When not working, Kaye enjoys music, literature and riding American motorcycles. He is a fan of the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Red Wings.[5]

While appearing on One Life to Live, he met his partner, Susan Haskell, who played his on-show love interest (Margaret "Marty" Saybrooke). They have two daughters, McKenna (born February 2003) and Marlowe (born January 2007).[5]

Kaye was an active blogger for the Detroit Red Wings at NHL.com during the 2008 and 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs.[6]

Filmography

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Film roles
Year Title Role Notes
1996 The Silencers Jasper
2000 The Prophet's Game Joey Highsmith (adult)
2000 Shark Attack 2 Dr. Nick Harris Direct-to-video
2011 Occupant Joe
2014 Animal Carl
Television roles
Year Title Role Notes
1991 Deadly Desire Airport Agent TV film
1995 Nothing Lasts Forever Jury Foreman TV film
1995–1997 One Life to Live Patrick Thornhart Regular role
1998 Sliders Ralph Hackett Episode: "Asylum"
1999 Air America Sam Moon Episode: "Fear of Flying"
2000 Falcone Isadore Rechelko Episode: "Pilot"
2000–2003 Port Charles Dr. Ian Thornhart Regular role
2004–2011, 2013 All My Children Zach Slater Regular role
2012–2013 Smash Nick Felder Recurring role, 13 episodes
2013–present The Bold and the Beautiful Ridge Forrester Regular role
2016 Falling Water Javier Mendoza Episode: "Castles Made of Sand"

Awards and nominations

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List of acting awards and nominations
Year Award Category Title Result Ref.
1993 Soap Opera Digest Award Outstanding Male Newcomer One Life to Live Nominated
2001 Soap Opera Digest Award Outstanding Hero Port Charles Nominated
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Nominated
2003 Soap Opera Digest Award Outstanding Lead Actor Nominated
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Nominated
2005 Soap Opera Digest Award Favourite Return All My Children Nominated
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Nominated
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Nominated
2017
Soap Awards France Best Actor of the Year The Bold and the Beautiful Nominated
2017
Soap Awards France Best Couple of the Year – "Caroline and Ridge"
(shared with Linsey Godfrey)
Nominated
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Nominated
2020
Soap Hub Awards Favorite The Bold and the Beautiful Actor Nominated
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Nominated
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Won
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Thorsten Kaye (born Thorsten Ernst Kieselbach; February 22, 1966) is a German-born renowned for his extensive career in American , particularly his portrayal of on the since 2013. Born in , , and raised in , , Kaye moved to the in 1985 on a scholarship to the in , where he earned a degree in drama. He later obtained a in theater and theater history from in , followed by training at London's National Theatre and performances in Shakespearean productions such as , , and with the Hilberry Repertory Theatre. Kaye's early career included guest roles on primetime series like Sliders and , as well as films such as (1999) and Shark Attack II (2000), before he transitioned to with his breakout role as Patrick Thornhart on ABC's from 1995 to 1997. Kaye's soap opera tenure expanded with the role of Ian Thornhart on Port Charles (2000–2003), followed by his acclaimed portrayal of Zach Slater on All My Children (2004–2011, with returns in 2013), earning him multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations. His performance as Ridge Forrester, the complex designer and heir to Forrester Creations, has solidified his status as a daytime television icon, culminating in Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2023 and 2024, along with nominations in 2020, 2021, and others, bringing his total to nine. Beyond soaps, Kaye appeared in two seasons of the NBC series Smash (2012–2013) and guest co-hosted The View. In his personal life, Kaye is married to actress Susan Haskell, with whom he shares two daughters, McKenna (born 2003) and Marlowe (born 2007); he resides on the East Coast while commuting to Los Angeles for work. He has also published poetry books, with proceeds benefiting charity, and maintains interests in music, literature, motorcycles, and hockey.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Citizenship

Thorsten Kaye was born Thorsten Ernst Kieselbach on February 22, 1966, in , , . His family, rooted in German heritage, included his parents Anna and Peter Kieselbach, as well as a younger brother named Patrick. Peter's career as an executive with , following a background as a boxer, significantly shaped the family's international moves and exposed Kaye to diverse cultural influences from an early age. The family's relocation to , , during Kaye's childhood immersed him in British life, where he attended an American international high school and developed a strong connection to the . This period abroad, driven by his father's professional opportunities with the American multinational corporation, fostered Kaye's multilingual upbringing and contributed to his acquisition of British citizenship alongside his German citizenship by birth. The relocations highlighted the family's dynamic, with Kaye later describing a somewhat distant relationship with his parents amid these transitions. In 1985, at age 19, Kaye emigrated to the United States on a scholarship to the in , . He became a naturalized American citizen several years later, completing his multinational background and enabling his long-term residence and career in the U.S.

Academic Background and Early Interests

Thorsten Kaye relocated to the in 1985 at the age of 19, arriving on a scholarship for the at (USIU) in , . As a promising with a background in competitive sports from his youth in , Kaye initially focused on as his major while minoring in , reflecting his emerging interest in the . However, a serious accident during his time at USIU curtailed his athletic pursuits, prompting a pivot toward theater and ultimately leading him to earn a degree in from the institution. This transition marked the intersection of Kaye's athletic discipline with his growing passion for performance, as he began exploring stage work through USIU's theater department, where he secured additional scholarship support after initially struggling to join the university's soccer team. His early exposure to classes and campus productions at USIU laid the groundwork for a deeper commitment to , fostering skills in and movement that would later define his career. Following his undergraduate studies, Kaye pursued advanced training by enrolling in the graduate program at in , , where he earned a degree in theater and theater history. As a student in the prestigious Hilberry Theatre program—one of the nation's longest-running graduate repertory theaters—Kaye immersed himself in rigorous theatrical training, participating in several productions that honed his craft and solidified his professional aspirations in acting. After completing his master's, Kaye trained at London's National Theatre, further developing his skills in classical theater. This academic phase bridged his athletic past with a focused entry into the , emphasizing historical and practical aspects of theater that influenced his subsequent stage and screen work.

Acting Career

Stage and Early Roles

Thorsten Kaye's professional acting career commenced in theater following his graduate studies in theater at . He joined the Hilberry Repertory Theatre Company in , , serving as a member from 1991 to 1994, where he honed his skills in classical repertoire. During this tenure, Kaye performed in several notable Shakespearean productions, establishing a foundation in stage work that emphasized dramatic intensity and character depth. Key roles included the title character in at the Hilberry Theatre in 1993, showcasing his ability to portray complex tragic figures. He also took on the comedic role of Dogberry in at the same venue in 1994, demonstrating versatility across Shakespeare's tonal range. Additionally, Kaye appeared in with the Hilberry Repertory Theatre in Detroit during this early period, further solidifying his experience in Elizabethan drama. Beyond performing, Kaye worked as a in the initial stages of his career, contributing physical action elements to various projects. He also taught workshops around this time, sharing insights from his training and stage experiences with aspiring performers. Kaye's transition to screen work began modestly with minor television appearances prior to his major breakthroughs. His debut role was as an airport agent in the 1991 TV movie Deadly Desire, marking his first credited on-screen . These early endeavors, including uncredited parts in short-form projects, provided practical exposure to film and television production techniques.

Soap Opera Breakthrough

Thorsten Kaye's breakthrough in daytime soap operas began with his casting as the brooding Irish poet Patrick Thornhart on ABC's One Life to Live in October 1995. Living in Los Angeles at the time, Kaye accepted ABC's offer to relocate to New York for the role, which marked his debut in American television and quickly established him as a compelling presence in the genre. As Patrick, Kaye portrayed a mysterious immigrant entangled in a passionate romance with Marty Saybrooke (played by Susan Haskell), whose on-screen chemistry mirrored their real-life meeting on set, leading to a professional pairing that boosted the storyline's popularity. The role challenged Kaye to adopt an Irish accent distinct from his native British one, adding depth to Patrick's enigmatic persona while navigating the fast-paced demands of daily soap production. Building on this success, Kaye reprised elements of the character in the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles from 2000 to 2003, playing Dr. Ian Thornhart, Patrick's twin brother and a globetrotting physician arriving in Port Charles to work at General Hospital. This role maintained narrative connections to One Life to Live through the siblings' shared backstory, allowing Kaye to explore Ian's more sophisticated yet conflicted nature amid the show's supernatural-tinged plots, such as romantic entanglements and mystical elements that tested his versatility in ensemble dynamics. The transition highlighted the recasting flexibility in soaps, where Kaye's return as a related character bridged networks and sustained fan interest following Patrick's dramatic death on the parent series. Kaye's most defining soap tenure came in 2004 when he originated the role of Zach Slater on , a suave owner whose secretive past and high-stakes business dealings drove central storylines through 2011. As Zach, Kaye depicted a resilient anti-hero evolving from a guarded outsider to a family man, notably through his turbulent marriage to Slater and alliances in Pine Valley's power struggles, which revitalized the show's ratings during a period of network shifts. The character's intermittent absences and returns, including a 2013 reprise, underscored the recasting challenges inherent to long-running soaps, where actors balanced commitments amid plot-driven "deaths" and resurrections, yet Kaye's portrayal solidified Zach as an iconic figure in the series' legacy.

Later Television and Film Work

In 2012, Kaye appeared in a recurring guest role on the musical drama series Smash as Nick Felder, a bartender who becomes a romantic interest for the character Eileen Rand (played by ), contributing to the show's exploration of Broadway production challenges and interpersonal dynamics. Kaye's most prominent later television role began in December 2013 when he was recast as Ridge Forrester on the CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful, replacing Ronn Moss, who departed after 25 years due to a contract dispute involving a proposed pay cut. As Ridge, a fashion designer and family patriarch, Kaye portrayed the character in intricate storylines centered on romantic entanglements, corporate intrigue at Forrester Creations, and familial conflicts. Early arcs included Ridge's return from abroad, his reconciliation and subsequent breakup with Brooke Logan amid her affair revelations, and a persistent love triangle with Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Taylor Hayes (initially Hunter Tylo, later Krista Allen and Rebecca Budig). Key highlights encompassed Ridge's multiple marriages to Brooke, battles over company control with son Rick Forrester, and dramatic interventions during Eric Forrester's (John McCook) 2023 health crisis, where Ridge assumed temporary leadership. In 2024–2025, Ridge's narrative intensified with renewed tensions in the Brooke-Taylor triangle, culminating in a shocking split from Taylor and a proposal to Brooke in September 2025, alongside a brief crossover appearance on the spin-off series Beyond the Gates as Ridge, linking the shows through a family-related plot twist. Throughout his tenure on , Kaye's portrayal evolved to emphasize Ridge's emotional depth and vulnerability, adapting from the character's traditionally stoic archetype to more expressive responses influenced by collaborative scripting and ensemble interactions, allowing for nuanced depictions of indecision in high-stakes romances and paternal guidance. Kaye's film appearances during this period were sporadic but showcased his versatility in genre roles. In The Silencers (1996), he played Jasper, a supporting operative in this action-thriller about rogue agents targeting a senator, contributing to the film's chases and elements; the movie received mixed reviews for its formulaic plot, holding a 4.8/10 on . In The Prophet's Game (2000), Kaye portrayed adult Joey Highsmith, a traumatized survivor entangled in a serial killer's riddle-based murders pursued by William (), adding layers to the psychological cat-and-mouse dynamic; the film earned a 4.9/10 rating for its intriguing premise despite pacing issues. He starred as Dr. Nick Harris in the horror Shark Attack 2 (2000), a marine biologist combating genetically altered sharks terrorizing beaches, where his character's expertise drives the survival efforts; critics panned it as campy B-movie fare, with a 29% score and 3.3/10 on . In Occupant (2011), Kaye depicted Joe, the enigmatic doorman in a about a young man () stalked in his apartment building, providing subtle menace that heightens the paranoia; the film garnered a 26% audience score for its tense atmosphere but uneven execution. Finally, in Animal (2014), Kaye played Carl, a local who aids a group of friends hunted by a forest creature during a weekend getaway, bolstering the ensemble's desperate escape attempts; it achieved a modest 33% rating, praised for practical effects but critiqued for predictable horror tropes.

Personal Life

Marriage and Children

Thorsten Kaye met actress while co-starring on the One Life to Live, where he portrayed Patrick Thornhart and she played . The couple began their relationship in 1996 and later married, though the exact date of their wedding remains private. Kaye and Haskell have two daughters together. Their first child, McKenna Kaye, was born on February 27, 2003. Their second daughter, Marlowe Marann Kaye, arrived on January 28, 2007, weighing 5 pounds 8 ounces and measuring 18 inches long. Following the births of their daughters, Haskell largely stepped back from acting to focus on raising their family, curtailing her television appearances during that period. Kaye has expressed strong support for Haskell's potential return to the industry, including enthusiasm about the possibility of collaborating with her professionally again, as expressed in a 2024 interview. The demands of Kaye's soap opera schedule, which often involves long hours on set in while the family resides in , have influenced his approach to work-life balance. He has taken intentional breaks from filming, such as planning extended family vacations, to prioritize time with Haskell and their daughters amid the rigors of his career.

Interests and Lifestyle

Kaye has expressed a longstanding passion for music, , and riding classic American motorcycles as key leisure pursuits outside his acting career. He has described enjoying these activities as a way to unwind, with particular enthusiasm for collecting and riding motorcycles that evoke mid-20th-century Americana. Additionally, Kaye follows professional sports avidly, supporting the in and the in . Residing primarily in Redding, Connecticut, Kaye leads a bi-coastal lifestyle, commuting between his family home on the East Coast and his work commitments in , . This arrangement allows him to balance professional demands with a quieter, suburban routine in the Northeast, where he values the proximity to nature and a less hectic pace compared to Hollywood. Building on his early athletic background in , Kaye has maintained an interest in , though he keeps details of his current routines private. Kaye has engaged in philanthropic efforts, supporting causes related to pediatric , , and through personal donations and charity events. For instance, he has auctioned personal experiences, such as dinners and lunches with fans, to benefit organizations like the National Coalition and initiatives aiding orphans and vulnerable children. In , Kaye founded the Thorsten Kaye Foundation, dedicated to helping individuals in crises access reliable intervention resources through donations, , and efforts. His involvement remains somewhat limited and tied to occasional soap opera-related appearances, reflecting a selective commitment to giving back.

Awards and Nominations

Daytime Emmy Awards

Thorsten Kaye has received eight Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series across three different soap operas, marking him as the first performer to achieve lead actor nominations on , , and . His breakthrough recognition came early in his daytime career with nominations in 2003 and 2004 for his portrayal of Dr. Ian Thornhart on . He earned additional nods in 2006 and 2009 for Zach Slater on . Kaye's tenure as on , beginning in 2013, led to nominations in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, reflecting his sustained impact in the genre. Kaye secured his first two Daytime Emmy wins in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category for Ridge Forrester, triumphing in 2023 and 2024. These back-to-back victories made him the first actor to win consecutive awards in this category for the same role since the early 1990s, underscoring a rare feat in recent daytime television history. The 2023 win, at the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, came after a decade in the role and highlighted his evolution of the character amid complex family dynamics. In his acceptance speech, Kaye expressed gratitude to the show's producers, castmates including Jacqueline MacInnes Wood and John McCook, and his family, noting the award's significance after years of nominations without a win. The 2024 victory at the 51st Annual ceremony extended his streak, with Kaye attending alongside his daughter McKenna, who joined him on stage. During his speech, he reflected on initially disliking award shows but embracing the moment, stating he felt like he had "already won" due to the support from fans and colleagues. This win solidified his status as a leading figure in soap opera performance, with no further nomination or win recorded through the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 2025.
YearCategoryShow/RoleResultSource
2003Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Dr. Ian Thornhart)Nomination
2004Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Dr. Ian Thornhart)Nomination
2006Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Zach Slater)Nomination
2009Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Zach Slater)Nomination
2020Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama SeriesThe Bold and the Beautiful (Ridge Forrester)Nomination
2021Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama SeriesThe Bold and the Beautiful ()Nomination
2023Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama SeriesThe Bold and the Beautiful ()Win
2024Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama SeriesThe Bold and the Beautiful ()Win

Other Soap Opera Recognitions

Kaye has garnered recognition from various soap opera-focused awards and fan-voted honors, demonstrating sustained appreciation from audiences and industry peers for his portrayals across multiple daytime dramas. These accolades, distinct from the broader Daytime Emmys, highlight his versatility and enduring appeal in the genre. Early in his career, Kaye received four nominations from the , a prominent outlet for celebrating soap performances during its run from 1984 to 2005. These included Outstanding Male Newcomer in 1997 and Outstanding Hero in 1998 for his role as Patrick/Ian Thornhart on , Outstanding Lead Actor in 2003 for Dr. Ian Thornhart on , and Favorite Return in 2005 for reprising Zach Slater on . For his long-running role as on , Kaye has been honored through fan-driven initiatives, notably earning nominations in the inaugural Soap Hub Awards for Favorite Actor in 2020 and again in 2021; these awards, voted entirely by soap enthusiasts, reflect strong viewer support for his nuanced depiction of the character's romantic entanglements and family dynamics. He also received a nomination for in a Daytime Drama from the Online Film & Television Association in 2009 for , further affirming peer recognition of his lead performances. Internationally, Kaye was nominated for of the Year at the 2017 Soap Awards France for , underscoring his global fanbase within the soap community. Such recognitions have bolstered Kaye's career longevity, fostering continued fan engagement and opportunities in soaps; his consistent nods in fan-voted polls, for instance, have helped sustain his prominence on since 2013, where audience loyalty has been key to the show's narrative focus on his character.

References

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