Don Diamont (born Donald Feinberg on December 31, 1962 in New York City, New York) is an American actor, best known for his long-running portrayal of Brad Carlton on the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless. In 1990, he was chosen as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People Magazine, becoming the first daytime drama actor to receive the honor. He currently plays Bill Spencer Jr. on The Young and the Restless' sister soap The Bold and the Beautiful.

Career

After 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. He 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." [180715].

• The Bold and the Beautiful - Brad Carlton (1993) / Bill Spencer, Jr. (2009–present)
• The Young and the Restless - Brad Carlton (1985–1996, 1998–2009)
• Anger Management (2004)
• Country Justice - Ray (1997)
• OP Center (1995)
• Days of our Lives - Carlo Forenza (1984)
• Baywatch - Gavin (1998)
• A Low Down Dirty Shame - Chad (1994)

Ethnicity

Diamont began using his mother's maiden name when he began acting and modeling after an agent suggested that it was more "rhythmical", but in fact because it was less obviously Jewish sounding. [180716]

In the August 15, 2006 edition of Soap Opera Digest, Diamont discusses his Jewish background and discloses that he did not fully embrace his Jewish heritage until later in life. Coincidentally, his storyline on The Young and the Restless (head written by Lynn Marie Latham & Scott Hamner) has paralleled his personal life in some ways. The show has revealed that the persona of "Brad Carlton" is actually "George Kaplan". (For the sake of the dramatic, the show has explained this by disclosing that George/Brad had to hide his past, and his Jewishness, for his own safety.)

Personal life

Diamont dated actress Gloria Loring during his tenure on Days of our Lives, where he was her co-star (she played Liz Curtis).

He married clothing designer Rachel Braun on March 5, 1994. They had 4 sons, Lauren (born 1988), Sasha (born 1991), Alexander (born 1995) and Luca (born 2000). The couple divorced in 2002.

He is now engaged to actress Cindy Ambuehl and they have twin boys, Anton and Davis, born in January 2003.

Diamont is an observant Reform Jew and frequently speaks out against anti-Semitism and intolerance.

Parents, Judy and Albert (deceased) Feinberg. Sister, Bette (deceased); Brother (deceased) Jack.

Trivia

• 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 [180717].
• Diamont was also a cover model for Playgirl magazine twice, in 1988 and 1995.
• He is active with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and has a niece afflicted with the illness.
• Don was named "Sexiest Veteran Soap Actor" by People Magazine in 2009.

References

External links

• 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 Q&A: On Leaving Y&R