In true soap opera fashion, The Bold and the Beautiful came dangerously close to losing one of its most beloved characters. Actor Scott Clifton, who has played William “Liam” Spencer III since 2010, recently revealed that his on-screen alter ego was meant to die earlier this year — and that the decision to keep him alive came only at the eleventh hour.

Liam’s Original Fate: A Fatal Brain Tumor

Speaking to Soap Opera Digest, the Emmy-winning star shared that The Bold and the Beautiful’s head writer and executive producer Bradley Bell had originally decided Liam’s story was reaching its end. Bell told Clifton he believed the character had been “written into a corner” and that his time on the show was up.

“I really was supposed to kick the old soap opera bucket,” Clifton admitted. “He told me Liam was going to have an inoperable brain tumor and a really poignant send-off.”

The plan would have seen Liam diagnosed, decline rapidly, and die — closing the book on a central B&B character after 15 years on the show.

A Sudden Change of Heart

Then, in classic soap opera style, everything changed. Bell found a way to reverse Liam’s fate — introducing a shocking twist involving Dr. Grace Buckingham (Cassandra Creech). The doctor faked Liam’s brain scans as part of a scheme to extort Bill Spencer (Don Diamont) for a million dollars.

Bill paid for what he believed was an “experimental treatment,” and when the con was later uncovered — thanks to Luna Nozawa (Lisa Yamada) accidentally shooting Liam — the truth came out: Liam was never dying at all.

“I don’t know exactly what it was that changed [Brad’s] mind,” Clifton said, laughing. “But sure enough, he figured out this very complex, elaborate way to save Liam. I was so thrilled to be employed again.”

From Goodbye to Gratitude

Clifton confessed that he had already accepted his exit and approached the storyline as his final act. “I just wanted to do the best job I could with the story,” he shared. “And then to learn that I would actually get to keep my job? It was like the best of both worlds.”

Now, instead of bowing out, the actor is looking forward to Liam’s next chapter. “I’m pretty damn grateful,” he said. “I’m grateful to Brad and grateful to the show and grateful to get to stick around and hopefully help him tell some more great stories.”

A Legacy That’s One for the Record Books

Scott Clifton joined The Bold and the Beautiful in 2010, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Over the years, he’s earned three Daytime Emmy Awards, becoming the first male actor to win in all three categories: Younger Actor (2011), Supporting Actor (2013), and Lead Actor (2017).

With this latest twist, Clifton’s survival story mirrors the soap’s own enduring magic — where no ending is truly final, and second chances are always just a plot twist away.