Don Bruce Diamont (born Donald Feinberg; December 31, 1962)[1] is an American actor. His best known roles include Brad Carlton on The Young and the Restless and Bill Spencer Jr. on The Bold and the Beautiful. In 1990, Diamont was chosen as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People Magazine, becoming the first daytime actor to receive the honor.
Don Diamont | |
|---|---|
 Diamont in 2010 | |
| Born | Donald Feinberg December 31, 1962 Oceanside, New York, U.S. |
| Other names | Donald Diamont |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Known for | The Young and the Restless as Brad Carlton (1985–1996, 1998–2009) The Bold and the Beautiful as Bill Spencer Jr. (2009–present) |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 6 |
| Relatives | Judy Diamont (mother) |
Career
editAfter several years as a successful model, Diamont's first major acting role was as Carlo Forenza on Days of Our Lives. He joined the cast in 1984 after being hired by Ken Corday, and was with the show for a year.
Diamont is best known for his portrayal of opportunistic businessman Brad Carlton on The Young and the Restless. He initially joined the show in 1985 and left the cast in 1996, but returned in 1998, remaining on the show until his character was killed off in early 2009.
On March 5, 2009 it was announced that Diamont would be joining the cast of the CBS daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful in the contract role of Bill Spencer Jr. His first air date was May 12, 2009. "Don is a versatile actor with a vast range of talent," B&B's Executive Producer and Head Writer, Bradley Bell, said in a statement, "It is my pleasure to welcome him to B&B. He has also expressed an interest in being a script writer."[2]
Diamont is also known for being the spokesperson for Morris Home Furnishings in Dayton, Ohio.
In 2006, Diamont was voted No. 1 on the Sexiest Soap Hunks of All Time list at the Shrine to the Soap Hunks.[3]
Diamont was also a cover model for Playgirl magazine twice, in 1988 and 1995.
He is active with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and has a niece afflicted with the illness.
Don was named "Sexiest Veteran Soap Actor" by People Magazine in 2009.
He was in 1995's Sure Ultra Dry commercial campaign.
In 2018 he took part in the cast of the talent show conducted by Milly Carlucci, Ballando con le Stelle (the Italian adaptation of Strictly Come Dancing / Dancing with the Stars)
In 2021, Diamont announced that he would appear on The Young and the Restless as Bill Spencer Jr. in a crossover event and marking his return since Brad Carlton who is the previous cast after 12 years.[4]
Personal life
editDiamont is the son of Judy (née Diamont; died 2006) and Albert Feinberg (died 1990). He has three siblings, two sisters Bette (died 1998) and Elena, and one brother, Jack (died 1989).[5][6][7]
With his ex-wife Rachel Braun, he had four sons. Two of those, Alexander and Luca, played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers and Duke Blue Devils respectively.[8][9] Diamont married his long-time girlfriend Cindy Ambuehl in Eze, France on June 12, 2012, and they are parents to twin boys Anton and Davis, born December 2000.[10][11] Diamont also raised his late sister Bette's son and has counted him as a seventh child.[12]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Unbecoming Age | Alfredo | |
| 1994 | A Low Down Dirty Shame | Chad | |
| 1998 | The Incredible Adventures of Marco Polo | Marco Polo | |
| 2003 | Anger Management | Man in Seat | Credited as Donald Diamont |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Days of Our Lives | Carlo Forenza | series regular |
| 1985–1996 | The Young and the Restless | Brad Carlton | Series regular |
| 1998–2009 | |||
| 2021 | Bill Spencer Jr. | 1 episode | |
| 1995 | OP Center | Brent | Miniseries |
| 1993 | The Bold and the Beautiful | Brad Carlton | 3 episodes |
| 1995 | 1 episode | ||
| 2009–present | Bill Spencer Jr. | Series regular | |
| 1994 | Burke's Law | Cosmo | Episode: "Who Killed the Romance?" |
| 1997 | Country Justice | Ray | TV film |
| High Tide | Mikey | Episode: "Dead Men Don't Snore" | |
| Diagnosis: Murder | Max Halik | Episode: "The Merry Widow Murder" | |
| 1998 | Loyal Opposition: Terror in the White House | Secret Service Agent John Vendome | TV film |
| Baywatch: White Thunder at Glacier Bay | Gavin | Video only |
References
edit- ^ "Don Diamont | Biography, Movie Highlights and Photos". AllMovie. Retrieved 2023-04-18.
- ^ "Don Diamont to join B&B, but there's no resurrecting his Y&R role".
- ^ "soaphunks.net". Shrine to the Soap Hunks.
- ^ SOD (January 26, 2021). "Exclusive! Don Diamont Returns To Y&R!". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
- ^ "'Restless' Hunk Reveals Family Secret: He's Jewish | Arts | Jewish Journal". Archived from the original on 2009-01-25.
- ^ Berkman, Jacob (31 August 2007). "Yom Kippur atonement on popular soap". Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
- ^ "Don Diamont on Instagram: "Flashback Friday to 1979 and this photo with my beloved dad, Albert, and brother, Jack.RIP 5/5/87 & 12/8/89. I'll hold you in my heart forever and always!"". Retrieved 2023-09-15.
- ^ "Zander Diamont Bio - Indiana University Official Athletic Site". Archived from the original on 2014-10-23. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
- ^ "Luca Diamont - 2022 - Football". Retrieved 2023-09-15.
- ^ Simms, Richard (2020-06-12). "Celebrate Don Diamont & Cindy Ambuehl's Eighth Wedding Anniversary With Their Romantic Relationship Timeline". Soaps.com. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
- ^ "Don Diamont and sons attend Horton Hears a Who premiere". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
- ^ "Don Diamont's Surprising Take on Raising Seven Boys and Fatherhood!". 20 August 2016.
External links
edit- Soap opera character’s revelation matches actor’s personal journey Article comparing character Carlton's "coming out" as a Jew to Diamont's developing Judaism.
- Don Diamont Chats About B&B Role
- Don Diamont at IMDb
- Don Diamont Q&A: On Leaving Y&R