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Peter Bergman | Mariellen Bergman and Peter Bergman | Source: Getty Images
Peter Bergman | Mariellen Bergman and Peter Bergman | Source: Getty Images

Peter Bergman Raised His 2 Look-Alike Kids with Wife Who Was His ‘Only Friend’ When Life Was ‘Down the Toilet’

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Aug 04, 2023
10:00 P.M.

Peter Bergman's story is not only about his achievements as an actor but also about his happiness as a family man. He has found the love of his life in Mariellen, who has been with him for almost 40 years. He has also found joy and fulfillment in raising their two children, who have inherited his charm and good looks.

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Peter Bergman is a veteran soap opera actor who has been playing Jack Abbott on the long-running series, "The Young and the Restless," for over three decades. He has also starred in other shows like "All My Children," "The Bold and the Beautiful," and "The Nanny." He is a three-time Daytime Emmy Award winner and a fan favorite in the genre.

But behind his successful career, there is a personal story that not many people know. It's the story of how he met and married his wife, Mariellen Bergman, who has been his rock and his best friend through thick and thin. It's also the story of how they raised their two look-alike kids who are the spitting image of their father.

Nina (Taylor Miller) and Cliff (Peter Bergman) on the daytime soap, "All My Children" | Source: Getty Images

Nina (Taylor Miller) and Cliff (Peter Bergman) on the daytime soap, "All My Children" | Source: Getty Images

Bergman's love story with Mariellen wasn't a typical Hollywood romance. They met on a blind date and hit it off right away. They got married in 1985, at a time when Bergman was going through a rough patch in his life.

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He had just divorced his first wife, Christine Ebersole, an actress and singer, and he was struggling to find his footing in the industry. It was during this challenging period that he found solace in the person who would become his rock, confidante, and lifelong partner. As he received his prize at the 1991 Daytime Emmy Awards, Bergman recalled:

"Two years ago, my life was down the toilet. I had only one friend in the world... my wife."

Peter Bergman, 1979 | Source: Getty Images

Peter Bergman, 1979 | Source: Getty Images

Mariellen's unwavering support and companionship provided a lifeline during those trying times and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. She was also the one who stood by him when he was fired from "All My Children" and had to move to Los Angeles with their young children to start over. She was his lifeline, his companion, and his partner in life.

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When it came to the infamous "birds and bees" talk, Bergman had a humorous and lighthearted conversation with Connor in the car.

Together, they have built a strong and loving family, with their two children as their pride and joy. They have also faced challenges and hardships, such as Bergman's health scare in 2016 when he suffered a severe allergic reaction that landed him in the hospital. But through it all, they have remained loyal and devoted to each other.

Peter Bergman and his wife, Mariellen Bergman, at the 10th Annual Soap Opera Digest Awards in Beverly Hills, California, February 4, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Peter Bergman and his wife, Mariellen Bergman, at the 10th Annual Soap Opera Digest Awards in Beverly Hills, California, February 4, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Bergman has often expressed his gratitude and admiration for his wife in interviews and public appearances. He has also credited her for his career success, saying that she is the reason he can do what he loves. He stated:

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"I always knew Mariellen was wonderful, but it was during this time I realized how blessed I am to have this person in my life."

How Does Peter Bergman Embrace Fatherhood?

Besides being an actor and devoted husband, Bergman is also a loving and dedicated father to his two children, Connor and Clare, whom he shares with Mariellen. He once narrated some of his parenting experiences and challenges in a candid interview with People.

Mariellen Bergman and Peter Bergman at the 46th annual Daytime Emmy Awards on May 5, 2019 in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images

Mariellen Bergman and Peter Bergman at the 46th annual Daytime Emmy Awards on May 5, 2019 in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images

He shared how he was present for Clare's birth, which was a C-section delivery. However, he humorously admitted that he fainted because he couldn't handle the blood. He also revealed the inspiration behind his children's names, which came from a book and his wife's Irish heritage.

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When asked which TV father he relates to, Bergman said he feels like Ward Cleaver from "Leave It To Beaver."

One of the joys of parenthood for Bergman is seeing his children's resemblance to him, but he playfully laments that they got his mousy brown hair instead of the red hair that runs in both his and his wife's families.

Peter Bergman in the 1980s | Source: Getty Images

Peter Bergman in the 1980s | Source: Getty Images

When it came to the infamous "birds and bees" talk, he had a humorous and lighthearted conversation with Connor in the car. But to his amusement, it didn't seem to interest his son much.

Like any caring parent, Bergman abides by certain principles when it comes to raising his kids, such as never commenting on his daughter's weight and never judging his children's friends.

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Peter Bergman, his wife, Mariellen Bergman, and their children, Connor Bergman and Clare Bergman, 1994. | Source: Getty Images

Peter Bergman, his wife, Mariellen Bergman, and their children, Connor Bergman and Clare Bergman, 1994. | Source: Getty Images

Bergman admitted to having watched "The Little Mermaid" countless times. While he genuinely loved the movie, the sheer number of viewings eventually pushed him to the brink of insanity. He said:

"I knew that thing in and out. I genuinely loved it, but I saw it so many times that I went insane."

When asked which TV father he relates to, Bergman said he feels like Ward Cleaver from "Leave It To Beaver." He sees himself as an earnest and sometimes clueless father who relies on his wife's wisdom and guidance.

Peter Bergman and his son Connor Bergman at the Cineplex Odeon Universal City Cinemas on December 11, 1993 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Peter Bergman and his son Connor Bergman at the Cineplex Odeon Universal City Cinemas on December 11, 1993 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

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What Is Peter Bergman's Role in "The Young and the Restless"?

Since 1989, Bergman has been a fan favorite on "The Young and the Restless," where he portrays the charming and complicated character Jack Abbott. In 2019, the actor marked his 30th anniversary on the show with a special episode that featured Abbott's memories.

Throughout his career, Bergman's excellent performance has earned him many awards.

In an interview with CBS News, Bergman confessed that he was not keen on making a big deal about his milestone. He wanted to avoid it, but the writers had a different idea. They crafted an episode that revisited Abbott's journey on the show, using flashbacks to key episodes.

Peter Bergman and the cast of "The Young and the Restless" | Source: Getty Images

Peter Bergman and the cast of "The Young and the Restless" | Source: Getty Images

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As he witnessed the celebrations, Bergman was overcome with emotions, remembering the many memories he had made over the years. He mentioned some of the highlights of his time on the show, such as the twists and turns of Abbott's relationship with Phyllis and his long-standing rivalry with Victor Newman. He shared:

"I think any of the gatherings of the Abbott family are just my favorite scenes to play."

He also shared how his time on the show feels like both a blink of an eye and a lifetime, all at once. He revealed that his daughter was only a month old when he started, and now she's a grown woman with a career of her own.

Jack and Phyllis (Peter Bergman and Michelle Stafford) on the set of "The Young and the Restless" | Source: Getty Images

Jack and Phyllis (Peter Bergman and Michelle Stafford) on the set of "The Young and the Restless" | Source: Getty Images

The 30th-anniversary episode showcased Bergman's amazing journey. As Abbott, he read passages from his sister Traci's memoir, taking viewers on a walk down memory lane. The emotionally moving scenes offered a sincere tribute to Bergman's incredible contribution to the show and left a lasting impression on the audience.

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Throughout his career, Bergman's excellent performance has earned him many awards. He has been nominated 21 times for his role as Abbott at the Daytime Emmy Awards and has clinched three wins in 1991, 1992, and 2002.

Peter Bergman at the 50th anniversary of "The Young and The Restless" on March 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Peter Bergman at the 50th anniversary of "The Young and The Restless" on March 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Bergman's journey in "The Young and the Restless" is still going strong. Fans are mesmerized by his skillful portrayal of Abbott. For decades, he has been the heart and soul of the show, captivating audiences with his talent, dedication, and unforgettable performances.

As he continues to make a mark on the soap opera, fans look forward to the many more memorable moments he will create in the years to come.

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