‘The Bold and the Beautiful’: Kimberlin Brown Explains Sheila’s Surprise Resurrection
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The Bold and the Beautiful’s Sheila Carter has defied death once again and no one is more surprised than her portrayer, Kimberlin Brown, who thought her alter ego’s demise in February was the real deal. “Brad [Bell, executive producer/head writer] called me up to his office and he just told me, ‘We’re going to be killing off your character,’” she recalls. “It kind of sucked the air out of the room for me. But I knew the day was coming. I knew that it couldn’t last forever. I was just really thankful that it lasted as long as it did.”
So Brown was understandably thrilled to receive a call a mere few weeks after Sheila’s death played out on screen, inviting her back to the soap. “I truly believe that [with] the fan outcry when they killed me off and the stories [in the press] that went viral, in addition to what happened with the ratings and things like that, I think Brad reevaluated and listened to our fan base and that’s when he decided to bring me back,” she shares. “That’s only my opinion, of course. but I’m just thrilled to death that I got that phone call because this is my happy place and what I love to do. I love Sheila. She’s a part of me. She’s my baby, and the thought of never playing her again was devastating for me.”
Brown says she was amazed by the viewers’ reaction to Sheila’s death. “Quite honestly, I wasn’t expecting it,” she admits. “I’m a very normal person. I get up, I go to work in the morning and go home and with my family and memorize my lines. And you hear stories that people say, ‘Oh, you’re an icon in daytime,’ but I’ve never looked at myself that way. I’ve never looked at myself that way at all. I looked at myself as being very fortunate to have been in the position that I was, to play this character for so long. And when [TV Insider] broke the story [of her exit in February], I started getting all these direct messages on Instagram and Facebook and Twitter, and I’m not going to lie, there were stories that people sent me and comments that people gave me that moved me to tears. I mean, of course, there were the handful of people that were like, ‘Thank God she’s gone,’ but most of the fans said how sad they were to see me go and how they were going to miss the excitement that I brought to the show and that unpredictable side of Sheila. So it was a real emotional moment for me to see everybody say the wonderful things that they said.”
Her return, like many of her prior comebacks, was kept strictly under wraps. “I parked in the back where nobody could see me,” she relays. “They didn’t call me Kimberlin when they called me to set, I’m Dana, and it’s been kept fairly hush, hush. I was asked to keep a secret, and I’m definitely the person that could do that. I know how important that is to a storyline when you want to surprise your audience.”
To resurrect Sheila, Bell went back into her history and made the actual victim Sugar, a deadringer for Sheila whom Brown played from 2005-2006 on sister show The Young and the Restless. “I thought it was brilliant,” Brown cheers. “Brad told me that something was coming and that he was doing research. Sheila is the gift that just keeps giving and Brad is the one that keeps giving her the presents. I’m so lucky to play the character that I play and to be able to not be safe. I was always encouraged to never play her safe, to not be afraid to get outside the box. And this is one time that Brad didn’t get outside the box, he jumped outside the box.”
Robert Voets/CBS
Because she hadn’t portrayed Sugar in years, Brown had to do some research of her own. “I actually asked production to send me some of my old Sugar scenes because it had been so, so long since I played her,” she relays. “And sure enough, they sent me three shows and I only had to look at the first one to remember, ‘Oh, my God, that’s exactly what I did.’ I was just bigger than life as Sugar.”
Expect Deacon (Sean Kanan) and Finn (Tanner Novlan) to be thrilled to have Sheila back. The rest of the canvas? Not so much. “Well, she’s greeted with love and open arms by Deacon and Finn,” Brown allows. “But everybody else? They’re going to be shocked to say the least and it’s an interesting group of people that come by and the reactions are going to be fun to watch. There might be some people falling on the floor. Let’s just put it that way.”
As to whether or not viewers should expect a new version of Sheila, Brown teases, “Sheila has definitely changed and grown, but there are still obstacles in her life, and obstacles have always put Sheila in positions that are not always healthy.”
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I am really tired of Sheila storyline. Kimberly is a great actress, just tired of the storyline. Only way I’ll be happy she is back is if she gets rid of Steffy. I truly hate her character. Very bossy and trouble maker. Have her and Liam ride off to the sunset.
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Yes!
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So am I I'm sure she can get another acting job because she's a great actress. The truth is they have beaten this dead horse so many times. B&B just keeps repeating the same dialog over and over .try some new stories mix things up a bit .
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You too!! I've been sick of Shelia for over twenty years.
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Nahhh... Steffy is my girl ! 😂
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This is truly a joyous time for me! Kimberlin Brown said Sheila is a character we love to hate. I love to love her and hate her. I love Kimberlin as an actress because of her raised eyebrow, her devious laugh, her evilness, her vulnerability. THIS is a character that is Bold AND Beautiful! I love Sheila evil, but when she had scenes with Deacon Sharp (Sean Kanan), there was a playful side to her! Sheila has done heinous things that might be hard for her to be totally forgiven, but I can, because she makes Bold & Beautiful electrifying. I stopped watching after February, but then, when they kept talking about Sheila in the beginning of April, I tuned back in because even when characters merely talk about Sheila, it is much more interesting than a Liam and whoever else triangle. I love that Sheila keeps everyone on their toes from self-righteous Steffy to pompous Bill Spencer. I wish she had some power to have a stake in Forrester Creations, then Brooke, Ridge, Hope, Eric, they would all have to put up with her, like they did with Alexis on Dynasty. Kimberlin Brown, you are a soap icon, and I could not be happier that you are back!!! Thank you, Bradley Bell-Christmas came Early!
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I don't want Sheila in a position of power. She has hurt people in ways they dud not deserve and gotten away with it, now iBooksike she's going to be allowed to mess up Finn's marriage, Deacon's relationship with Hope who never did anything to her, and Deacon's business. That's plenty of power. Everyone has to put up with someone they don't like sometimes,both on TV and in real life. However, Noone should have to put up with someone who harmed them and their loved ones and made them feel unsafe in their own homes.
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Hello Jo,
You are right, Sheila has hurt people, because she herself felt like a victim. Before Deacon and Finn, NO ONE would give her a chance. The night Steffy got shot in the alley with Finn, Sheila was minding her own business, but Steffy taunted her and came after her. Everyone can be dismissive of Sheila, but let's face it, without Sheila, how much drama happens outside of her? Steffy is a bully, and Brooke looks down on Sheila. When I say a position of power, I mean just enough so that people are not dismissive of Sheila, and enough to keep it interesting. There have been villains in the past on all soaps that could reign with power such as Abby on Knots Landing and the dynamic Brenda Dickson as Jill on Young and the Restless. However, like Sheila, these women were terrific because they showed power and vulnerability along with care to those that showed it to the characters as well. That is what i would like to see with Sheila. Enough power to make each time she is on exciting to see what she will do next!
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I am so happy Sheila is back. Sheila made the show. I can’t wait to see the rest of them when they see Sheila alive and standing right in front of them.
I wonder who’s gonna be the first person to pass out?
I love it….🤣
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I am soooo happy Sheila didn't die. I love her more because of the hollier than thou attitude the Forresters and the Logans have especially when Sheila has been trying so hard to be better. Steffy and Liam should be locked in a room together and the key thrown away. Looking forward to seeing Finn finally having some kind of relationship with his birth mum..
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Thank God Sheila is back! I Love her sooo much, please let them forgive her of her past cause a lot of them did wrong too on the show
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None of this comes as any surprise. I knew from the moment that Sheila "died" that it was really Sugar and that Sheila would be back. And it's clear from a couple of scenes leading up to the stabbing that Bill Bell had this in mind the entire time. I wasn't fooled one moment. I am looking forward to how Steffy reacts when she realizes that she killed someone, and it wasn't Sheila.
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Exactly!! Me too
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Going to be interesting!!!
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I'm so glad she's back. Her and Deacons characters have awesome chemistry and energy plus I want to ser Finn except Sheila as his birth mom.
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glad shes back she does make it interesting cant wait tell Steffy knows she's alive its gonna get good
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I love watching this show and have been since 1993. However, my stomach turns wen Steffy appears. I've tried moving past the character but her arrogance and nastiness but just can't. It certainly wouldn't hurt my feeling if they killed her off the show.
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Going a lil far i can't stand her either but she is the new stephanie
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Worse than Stephanie, Steffy is a hypocrite still has t confessed her kisses with Liam.
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Now I can find something else to watch!!
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C
New material is desperately needed. Sheila cannot die and resurrect again. She is not a cat! Liam, Hope & Steffy do need to be resurrected again either. That's boring. New material !!!!!
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Thrilled to know Sheila is coming back!
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The Sheila storyline is tiring. Enough of this character.
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Bed hopping Steffy hope Liam ridge and brook are tiring.
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I hate that Sheila is coming back. I am sick of her and any storyline that has to do with her.
Brad Bell blew it!!!
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Yes I agree with you I hate that Sheila is back all the pain that she caused. I am sick of her to. They should bring back Taylor too
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Sheila dying and coming back is the best part of the show. The suspense and the thrill of it all. Good job writers
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I was happy to see Sheila attempt to change and wanted to see her happy. However, once she died, I accepted it and it was good to know the saga was over. Some nonsense cam only go on for so long. I'm truly over the Sheila never dies storyline. Another thing is how can she come back ad Sugar when the lady that passed had 10 toes?...ridiculous
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I'm just Over Sheila, , Too Much Drama! And Steffie Needs to get herself in check, , She's a Self Righteous Lil _itch. She needs to get Knocked on her Azz,‼️. ❤️💯
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I was hoping that Hope was gonna do it but of course wasn't strong enough
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I love Sheila. She keeps the excitement and drama alive on the show. I love all the Characters but she is the Rock of the show.
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I am very pleased that Sheila is back on B&B. But, frankly, I thought that she was going to pop up in Young & Restless and create some waves in Genoa City.
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I'm very surprised she back on B&B I thought she be in GC and I catch her on Young and the Restless kidnapping her Granddaughter then coming back to LA and she would be doing a crossover kidnapping scene, that is what I thought was gonna happen, glad she'd back though
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What grand daughter
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I would love ❤️ Sheila back, just saw yesterday B&B Deacon see 10 toes on her as he pushed button for her final . I k ew then wen toes are seen from Deacon I was shocked 😲 but happy 😊 she as another chance to come back . I've been watching B&B since 1985, long time ,but I would love ❤️sheila back pleaseeeeeeeeeee. Love het character 🤩😘
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I love that Sheila is back on the bold and beautiful the show is boring without her
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I'm sick and tired of Sheila its time to kill her character I had enough of Sheila y'all drag this character for to long it's time to kill her
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I am not a fan of Shelia
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I love Sheila. I am SICK of Steffy. Every time she is on I fast forward. I wish Steffy and Liam would ride off into the sunset never to return. They keep repeating themselves. Like flogging a dead horse.
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She is pretty but yed very annoying her character is sooo annoying obnoxious mean snooty bratty snobby I love hopes character I would like to see more of Taylor I wonder about her and they kinda just let her go odd Ballin out to pasture so to speak. don't dig that. She use to be my favorite character. Eric junior is never seen on the show either which he used to be involved alot more. I use to like to watch phoebe n their drama.... I would like to see nick marine and baby Jack come back and reunite possibly with Taylor and for them to meet their half siblings
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I'm glad she lives back can't wait to see their faces
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Sick and tired of Sheila!!! The character is detrimental to the show; sheesh is Finn Steffy or anyone safe!!!i
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Like lots of people, with real brains I feel Sheila/Phyllis needs to be explained. How did she get her Sheila face again? This was on the Y&R the last time I saw her many years back.. make it make sense to me...I really want to know... it's boring and unbelievable otherwise..
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I'm glad this time that Sheila is alive. I hope she puts the screws to Steffy. I also hope that deacon and hope can remain connected.
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This is a copy from one show to another very boring put something good on the show
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Getting sick of people like Sheila getting away with murder. Even Steffy should not get away with murdering anyone. I know it's a snappy but gee get some normality in the show.
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Not impressed! “Died means Probably Not”on most daytime stories! Thumbs down for me. Uninterested
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i am really sick i the writers what a mess, their repeating lines is like a 10 year old wrote this show , or now days maybe a ten year old is who is needed to write. And i bet next thing they will do is have Hope and and the doctor get together , Be good Stephanie get her a big lesson in Reality and Hope needs to find out Liam kissed Steffy Thomas gets his just dues for Emma death. I do like RJ and Luna so far the best storyline without constantly Repeating the whole half hour saying the same thing over and over. no, Sheila Carter should be done with it. They’re gonna bring her back , Get her help let her become part of the society, even though Steffi is too stuffy, took her.
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The writers should NEVER let Shelia or Kimberlin go! She's one of the BEST actresses on the show. Get rid of Steffy and her character 1st. Finally Shelia and Deacon changing their lives for the better makes for a sweet storyline
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Surprise!! This wasn't a surprise! This all revolved around this specific storyline. I said from day one that Kimberly socalled retirement was for storyline purposes, and that Shelia was not dead. Her demise was to quick and to easy.
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I’m giving up on this show; like she didn’t deserve to be resurrected. She probably paid Sugar to kill Steffy!!!
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Love her character, and her acting
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I hope Deacon married her and they live happily ever after and the rest of the cast will finally accept her and her past be forgiven and given a second chance.
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I'm so over Sheila. She's done nothing but cause trouble her whole miserable life. Deacon finally gets his life together and has a relationship with his daughter, surely he can find a decent woman who can be trusted around his grandkids. She will never change or be redeemed completely because she is the villain of the show. Sheila will always a psycho.
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Wash, rinse, repeat. As much as I love Kimberlin Brown's acting, I will not be tuning in anymore to TB&TB.
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Sheila and Devon are pretty much why I watch. Tired of whining Stephanie. Everyone else pretty boring.
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I'm happy Shelia is coming back, now there's going to be some excitement on the show again. Bring some surprising twist to the scenes, is Sheila Finn's mother or is Sugar?🤔
Please give Bill something more to do, I love his character, his sense of humor is to watch for.
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I’m so happy to hear that there was such a large outpouring of support for you around your exit from fans — you deserve it! Your Emmy-nominated tour de force during the Sheila / Lauren / Scotty’s switch / Molly’s stroke storyline made my 13-year-old self into a life long fan. I wrote you a letter, and I was over the moon when I received your personalized reply. (You were very surprised that I clocked you in “Who’s That Girl?” with Madonna!) I was very awkward and shy at that age, and the fact that you took the time to really connect with me with such a sweet and thoughtful gesture made me feel really special, and I’ve never forgotten it 🙂
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Love u Sheila woo-hoo was thrilled when they found ya I was like oh hell no I dont kno if I can watch anymore it won't be the same. I liked you on the y n r n quit watching their show all together after she switched on over. I didn't realize deacon was on there too must of forgot. I love n went down the history of her life and she got more kids than I was aware of . I liked being brought up to date wondering what happened to Lauren's baby Sheila had had that Scott also . I remember wit amber Moore. Baby Eric. DAISY. FROM Y NR....JUST I remember so much been watching since I was 4 n we were big Sheila fans. Would not be the same. I can't believe that woukda been a plot twist . I was mad like no I could tell somethin was off. I didn't even remember this sugar thing tho at all so. Im happy for her son on the show n fiance yes indeed. I can't wait til they all find out bout it haha
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No offense to Kimberlin but I quit watching B&B as soon as I realized they were bringing Sheila back. Just so tired of the storyline
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I won't lie, Sheila is THE most compelling character on B&B resurrected or not!
I would love to see Deacon and Sheila run the restaurant and live happily ever after!
Let Sheila redeem herself a little bit!!
The rest of the cast have behaved badly at one time or another, just sayin'!!
Sheila can get along with some and not so much with others. Just like the rest of the world. Have more interaction with restaurant employees as friends!
What happened to Jimmy Walker's potential role as a wine steward?!?
I haven't forgotten that!!! 🙂
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I love Kimberly Brown and her character Sheila Carter with Sheila it brings more drama I'm glad Sheila is back 👌🏼
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This show is just a roller coaster ride with same plots and characters, I can predict 12 months from now. Liam and Steffy, poor Hope with no one, Thomas happy alone and that’s the core of your whole show.
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Stupid story line that the no talent writers just can't let go of. This is what your writers do when they have run out of imagination. Rehash the same old story with the same boring character. I will not watch ever again. It is no longer worth my time. Sheila's character is evil personified, she should have stayed dead.
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Happy Sheila is BACK!!!! Brilliant!!! Love her! She is a riot!!! Shelia and Deacon are great together!!!
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I believe Kimberlin Brown when she says she truly did not know if she would be brought back after the supposed murder of Sheila.
But I can't tell then is EP Brad Bell just bad at story crafting, a terrible boss to his coteries of hard working actors, or was he genuinely trying to gauge audience reaction to the removal of a fan favorite character/actor from the B&B canvas? If Kimberlin was truly not made aware of the storyline, this feels like such an egregious way to treat an actor who has given so much to your shows. Such poor communication is bizarre given how tight a schedule it takes to manage daytime dramas.
As others have stated here already, in terms of story, it was so clearly telegraphed that Steffy did not murder Sheila. And while I am not a diehard enough of a fan to have guessed the Sugar character connection, it felt obvious to me that they were positioning an elaborate Sheila con/evil plot. I appreciate the twist that Sheila is perhaps as much a victim in all of this as everyone else. This feels like the only interesting and non-obvious story decision introduced so far.
Looking forward to B&B improving in the coming weeks.
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She makes it interesting, not the same all the time back and forth u can almost tell what is going to happen repeatedly
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Can’t stand Shelia’s character.. it’s just creepy.. and dumb deacon is in love with a nutcase.. don’t say much for him. I’m done with the show…
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I was so hoping she was finally dead, long live Sheila I guess.
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I'm glad Shelia back,but I love that her character has changed, let Liam get back with ivory and Finn and steffy forgive Shelia.
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