If you’ve spent any time in Genoa City over the last few decades, you know the face. That sharp, sophisticated look. The voice that can go from a gentle whisper to a corporate roar in three seconds flat. But if you’re asking who plays Jack Abbott, the answer isn’t just a name on a credit roll—it’s a piece of television history.
Currently, and for more than 35 years, Peter Bergman is the man behind the desk at Jabot Cosmetics. He didn't start the role, but honestly, he's the one who made it an icon.
The Current Legend: Peter Bergman
Peter Bergman stepped into Jack’s expensive shoes back in November 1989. It’s wild to think about now, but at the time, it was a huge gamble. Recasting a major character on a top-rated soap like The Young and the Restless is usually a recipe for disaster. Fans get attached. They hate change.
But Bergman wasn't some random newcomer. He had already spent a decade playing Dr. Cliff Warner on All My Children. When he was fired from that show, it was actually Melody Thomas Scott (who plays Nikki Newman) who saw the news in Soap Opera Digest and told the producers, "You have to get this guy."
She was right. Bergman brought a specific kind of "smug but vulnerable" energy that defined the character. He’s been nominated for an eye-watering 25 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor, winning three of them.
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Recent Moves and the 2026 Landscape
Entering 2026, Peter Bergman remains a central pillar of the show. While there are always rumors about veteran actors retiring, Bergman seems as energized as ever. Interestingly, he recently dipped his toes into the sci-fi world with a cameo in the Apple TV series Pluribus, which premiered in late 2025. It was his first non-soap role in over 20 years, sparked by his long-time friendship with Bryan Cranston.
Even with outside projects, his contract with The Young and the Restless keeps him firmly planted as the Abbott family patriarch. He’s basically the heartbeat of the show at this point.
The Original Smilin’ Jack: Terry Lester
Before Bergman took the reins, Terry Lester was the original Jack Abbott. He played the role from 1980 until 1989. Lester’s Jack was a bit different—maybe a little more "playboy" and a little less "statesman."
Lester eventually left the show because he felt his character was being sidelined. He famously grew frustrated that other storylines, specifically those involving Lauralee Bell’s character Christine Blair, were getting more screen time. He quit in a bit of a huff, which opened the door for the Bergman era we know today.
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Sadly, Terry Lester passed away in 2003, but long-time fans still remember the specific spark he brought to those early rivalries with Victor Newman.
The "Other" Jacks You Might Have Forgotten
While Bergman and Lester are the big names, they aren't the only ones to ever use the Abbott name. Soap operas have a long history of "temporary" recasts or flashback versions.
- Brett Porter: Back in 1986, Porter stepped in briefly when Lester was unavailable. It was a short-lived stint that most people have wiped from their memory banks.
- Graham Taylor: In 2017 and 2018, Taylor played a teenage version of Jack during various flashback sequences.
- Samuel Engelen: He also appeared in 2017, playing Jack as a young child.
Why the Character Still Works
Jack Abbott isn't just a businessman; he’s a survivor. He’s been shot by Patty Williams (three times in the chest!), dealt with lookalikes (remember Marco Annicelli?), and has gone toe-to-toe with Victor Newman more times than we can count.
What makes Bergman’s portrayal so sticky is the nuance. He doesn't play Jack as a villain, even when Jack is doing something objectively terrible. You’ve got to appreciate that kind of depth. He’s a guy who loves his family fiercely but also can’t help his own ego.
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What to Watch For Next
If you're following the current 2026 storylines, Jack is navigating a messy corporate landscape while trying to keep the Abbott family together. The dynamic between Bergman and Eric Braeden (Victor) remains the gold standard for daytime drama.
To stay ahead of the curve on Jack Abbott's journey:
- Check the official CBS credits: They update contract statuses regularly if you’re worried about retirement rumors.
- Watch for "Pluribus" crossovers: While he's not leaving Genoa City, seeing Bergman in a Vince Gilligan-adjacent project is a treat for fans who want to see his range.
- Rewatch the 1990s rivalries: If you want to see why Bergman won those early Emmys, the "Golden Age" of the Newman/Abbott feud is available on various streaming platforms.
Bergman has nearly 4,000 episodes under his belt. Whether he's fighting for Jabot or dealing with the latest drama with Diane Jenkins, the answer to who plays Jack Abbott remains the same: a living legend of the genre.