“Give That Baby Back!”: Soap Star Heather Tom Recalls Being Yelled at by Fan in Times Square
After decades on daytime TV, the Emmy winner reveals the One Life to Live twist that sparked real-life outrage
A Shocking Fan Encounter in the Heart of New York
Soap icon Heather Tom has been part of daytime’s most dramatic storylines—from romantic betrayals to medical emergencies—but nothing prepared her for being screamed at by a stranger in Times Square.
The Bold and the Beautiful star, best known today as Katie Logan, recently reflected on a surreal moment that happened while she was simply heading to a Broadway show. A woman, recognizing Tom mid-crosswalk, didn’t hold back.
“She stops in the middle of the street and yells, ‘You give that baby back!’” Tom told People magazine.
“I just said, ‘Okay, will do.’ It was very visceral.”
It wasn’t Katie’s actions on B&B that sparked the outburst—it was Tom’s earlier work as Kelly on One Life to Live that left a lasting impression.
The Baby Switch That Broke Soap Hearts
Fans of the ABC soap world will remember the controversial crossover storyline involving One Life to Live and All My Children. Kelly, after suffering a miscarriage, was unknowingly given someone else’s child—thanks to her scheming brother Paul Cramer (David Tom).
Paul delivered two babies, gave one to Kelly, and told her it was hers. When the truth emerged, Paul blackmailed her into silence, threatening her relationship with Kevin (Dan Gauthier). For months, Kelly lived with the lie—until she ultimately returned the baby in a heartbreaking scene.
“It was one of the wildest arcs of my career,” Tom recalled.
“People had big reactions. And they still do.”
The moment was pivotal not only for the character but also for Tom’s soap legacy. Despite airing years ago, the storyline clearly left a permanent mark on fans.
Heather Tom Still Embraces the Chaos
Now a seasoned pro with five Daytime Emmy Awards, Tom has also faced intense reactions to her Bold and the Beautiful storylines. Most recently, she discussed a controversial arc involving her on-screen son Will Spencer, who was assaulted in a storyline many fans found deeply troubling.
Still, Tom has nothing but admiration for the people who keep soaps alive.
“Soap fans are the most passionate audience out there,” she said.
“If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have a career.”
Would you have yelled “Give that baby back”? Or do you think Kelly was doing her best? Tell us where you stand!