B&B: Katherine Kelly Lang (and Brooke) Honored for a Lifetime of Bold and Beautiful Work

The Bold and the Beautiful star Katherine Kelly Lang, an original cast member of the half-hour soap, was honored with a Career Award at the Matera Fiction Festival. The B&B legend is over the moon with thanks.

Katherine Kelly Lang, Always in Fashion

"A night I will cherish forever. ❤️," Lang shared in an Instagram post, which can be seen above. "Last night, I was honored with a Career Award at the Matera Fiction Festival, and my heart is filled with gratitude."

The festival is an annual event that shines a light on international television serials, production trends, and TV series.

"To receive this recognition in Italy makes it even more meaningful," Lang says. "For over four decades, Italy and the Italian people have embraced, supported, and celebrated me and the character [Brooke Logan Forrester] I have the privilege of bringing to life. There is a truly special connection between us, one that goes far beyond the screen. The love I continue to receive from this country is something I will never take for granted.

"I was also proud to wear the Women Supporting Women collection by @giuliaitsmejewelry, because empowering women, celebrating their achievements, and using my platform to amplify their voices will always be a cause close to my heart," Lang adds.

"A heartfelt thank you to @ale_ssiofilippelli for making this beautiful moment possible, and to Giuseppe, Valeria, and the entire incredible team at the Matera Fiction Festival for such a memorable evening," the B&B veteran concludes. "Four decades of stories, unforgettable moments, and so much love. Grazie di cuore, Italia. 🇮🇹❤️." (which translates into: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Italy.")

Brooke Logan Forrester, Always in Fashion

Lang appeared in B&B's first episode, as Brooke heroically escaped being dragged into a van by some thugs. She went to the police station and went through mugshot books, trying to identify her attackers.

Lang quickly established Brooke as one of the show's lead heroines. Brooke followed the life of Ridge Forrester by reading society columns in newspapers. Later, she worked for her mother, Beth's (Nancy Burnett), catering company. She met both Ridge (then, Ronn Moss; now, Thorsten Kaye) and Eric (John McCook) out by the pool while catering.

Ridge and Brooke married for the first time in 1994, but that union proved to be illegal as Ridge's "late" wife, Taylor (then, Hunter Tylo; now, Rebecca Budig), was still alive!

Ridge and Brooke married for real a few years later. The couple's been torn apart time and time again, but they manage to find their way back to one another. They are each other's "destiny!"

In addition to her 39 years of playing Brooke, Lang's other credits include The Young and the Restless (on which she's played both Brooke and also the character of Gretchen), Magnum P.I., Happy Days, Crazy Like a Fox, and Lonesome Dove: the Series.