Q: I love the actor who plays Jack on "Young and Restless." My friend swears he is not the first actor to have the role. Is she right? Also, can you tell me about Jack's love life? — Arlene, Lancaster, Pa.

A: Hope you didn't bet your friend. She is right. When Jack Abbott appeared on "Y&R" in 1980, Terry Lester had the role. Lester was let go in 1989. The late Lester, who went on to play "Santa Barbara's" Mason Capwell, often felt his too-candid comments about fellow "Y&R" performers' acting talents cost him his job.

Peter Bergman, who has played Jack since 1989, had portrayed the heroic Dr. Cliff Warner on "All My Children." When Bergman was named to play anti-hero Jack, many wondered if he could do it. The naysayers were proven wrong: Bergman has won three Daytime Emmys for his work on "Y&R."

Married to Mariellen for over 20 years and the doting father of two, Bergman has more in common with Cliff than Jack. But Bergman does have an edgy sense of humor. I have witnessed many a wry moment. During a personal appearance when he was on "AMC" Bergman, myself and a wig-wearing cast mate of his were riding on the Bayou after dark. It was her idea. Bergman told her, "If that wig flies off, I am not going in after it." The wig stayed put.

As for Jack's love life, here are the romantic high- and lowlights: Gina Roma (Danny's sister); Patti Williams (Paul's sister); Jill Abbott at three different periods in his life; Diane Jenkins over a decade span (their last romance begat Kyle, born by artificial insemination). Leanna Love and Carmen Mesta are also on the past lovers list. He has been married to Vietnamese love Luan, who died. They had a son, Kemo, who was born in Vietnam. Nikki Newman is an ex-wife, as is Phyllis Newman. He is now married to Sharon.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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