Katherine Kelly Lang and Susan Flannery starred on “The Bold and the Beautiful” at the same time, but the former had far more acting experience than the latter. Per Showbiz CheatSheet, Flannery served as a mentor to Lang throughout their time together on the soap.
“I learned so much working with Susan,” Lang said. “She taught me a lot. She’s tough and doesn’t back down. The show and her character meant so much to her. We had the best time working together.”
In fact, Stephanie died in the actresses’ final scene together (via Michael Fairman TV), signaling the end of their on-screen relationship. Their bond was strong enough by the end of Flannery’s run on the series that Lang was the only logical choice for her final scene partner.
Lang learned a lot from Flannery, and she is now considered by many to be the new matriarch of the series. After years of being taught by a living legend like Flannery — and as one of the only two original cast members left on the series — Lang is embracing her role.
However, even though Flannery has long since left the show, their friendship persists.
