The Young and the Restless Performer of the Week: Peter Bergman

Jack Abbott, played by Peter Bergman, is the patriarch of the Abbotts on The Young and the Restless. He’s Billy’s older brother, but recently, he likely felt like his father, as Jack had to remind Billy not to get in over his head. For his powerhouse delivery, Soap Central is bestowing Performer of the Week honors on Bergman.

The Young and the Restless, my brother’s keeper

Billy (Jason Thompson) had cooled off in the pool, but Jack was feeling the brutal effects of the heat. That didn’t get things off to a good start when Jack realized that Billy was getting in over his head in business.

Jack methodically pointed out to Billy that Cane (Billy Flynn) was after Chancellor Industries, which put him in Victor’s (Eric Braeden) orbit and not theirs. Bergman kept a controlled but firm tone to his voice, but then he added a quizzical lilt when Billy’s look indicated there might be something Jack needed to know.

When Billy revealed that he wanted to ally himself with Cane, Bergman had Jack shift into another gear. His back immediately went up as he saw what was going on and the road Billy was going down.

Bergman made the choice to have Jack pace, put his hands on his hips, and change the look on his face to show great concern. “From the second we got here, every word, every thought was about Cane Ashby and what he wants,” Jack barked at Billy. “What about Abbott Communications? I invested in it to give you something to focus on!”

Be strategic on The Young and the Restless

When Jack learned that Billy was putting Sally in charge of Abbott Communications should she need to step in, he was livid that Billy didn’t consult him first. “My problem is I made this investment in you,” Jack shouted at Billy.

A lesser actor may have just looked at the words on the page and initially interpreted them as being part of a business storyline. Bergman, however, made sure to inject the long-standing relationship between the two brothers. Jack cares for Billy deeply, and it was clear that his frustration was born out of that.

“This was not a financial investment for me,” Jack said. “This was for you, my brother.” Jack was hurt that Billy would so easily walk away from the gift his brother had given him. Jack’s not worried about the money that could be lost. He’s concerned about his brother taking another fall.

“It was a gift of love and faith,” Jack passionately continued as to why he backed his brother. “And you are looking at me, saying I don’t need that mark of faith. I’m going to go back to chasing dreams that never come true!”

Jack passionately added that this wasn’t about trusting Cane or not. His frustration came from fearing that Billy would make another mistake. “This is what I worry about, Billy,” Jack said. “It’s still the thrill of the win for you.”

Jack agreed with Billy that he’d love to see Victor be taken down, but not like this. “You can’t measure your life by your victories over Victor,” Jack shouted at his brother. “It’s meaningless. It’s empty.” He encouraged Billy to go out there and succeed, but not by going after Victor.

Realizing he wasn’t reaching him, Jack warned Billy that he should be careful not to screw himself out of two companies. Billy asked if Jack was threatening him. While Jack didn't have a line to respond to Billy's question, Bergman chose to have his character respond by continuing to stare his brother down, hoping that his powerful look would send the message that he so desperately wanted Billy to receive.

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Kudos to Bergman for playing Jack as a passionate and loving patriarch who will always put his family first on The Young and the Restless.

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