The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom cries publicly while writing scenes (exclusive)

Over the years, the daily soap opera veterinarian Heather Tom, who has played publicity queen Katie Logan at The bold and the beautiful Since 2007 has had a lot to cry about – at least when she is in character.

Known for being one of the best cries in the soap genre, Tom, 49, has got his talent awarded with six daytime Emmys, for his work at B&B And even on his sister soap The young and the restlesswhere she played heirs Victoria Newman from 1990 to 2003. (She also played Kelly Cramer on A life to live from 2003 to 2006.)

In recent years, Tom has been more focused on directing and writing than on acting (she has directed 36 episodes of B&B and written six), and with the March 27 section of B&BShe will be the first woman during the day to direct, writes and acts in a single section of a show. Although it was “logistically challenging” that juggled all these roles on a quick set, says Tom, “I’m really excited about it.”

So how does she manage to carry two hats behind the scenes and still nails the feeling that a scene requires when she is in front of the camera? It’s about “gigantic efforts”, she explains. “I like to act, direct, write, see shows with big, high, important, giant efforts. When you make the efforts high enough and really big and really lean into these efforts, then you put yourself in a situation, in a position where the feeling is there, it is there.”

As for the crying part, it will be quite easy to empty. “I mean, my characters have had a lot to cry for the past 30 years, so I got a lot of practice,” she says. “But I think it’s mostly leaning into the efforts.”

She is not just allowed to train her tear ducts when the cameras roll. “Sometimes when I write a show,” she says. “I like to go to a cafe or something similar and write because I like the company around me. But I will find myself crying through the scenes I write, and it’s really embarrassing, but it’s just like you just have to put yourself in that position, in that situation and really think about what the feeling would be if you were in these situations.”

For Katie, these situations have included depression after birth and received a heart transplant after her brother died of suicide so that she could get his heart. “I have received so amazing material at Bold and beautiful“Says Tom.” I have been really, really lucky that (Showrunner and main author) Brad (Bell) has trusted me with so many wonderful stories. ”

“And what I love about the character, Katie, is that the things that have happened to her really changed who she is and changed the dynamics in who the character is. And I always appreciate it, where you have a great story and it actually changes the worldview of your character.”

Katie has not had much to cry about lately, and Tom is doing well with it. “I love where Katie is right now, where she is in her life,” says Tom. “I think women really come to their own when they get a little older, and I feel that she is in that position right now to have a relationship with a real equal. And I would love to see what comes on her, see something that is challenging and also romantic and fulfills that side of who she is.”

So there are some B&B Characters Tom have their eye on Katie? “Oh, come on. There are plenty of men to have,” she says with a laugh. But seriously, she adds, “You can never exclude anyone. The rule is if you are not blood -related and it is like confirming that you are blood -related, that someone is a fair game now.”

Never miss a story – register for People’s free daily newsletters Keeping up to date on the best of what people have to offer, from celebrity news to compelling stories of human interest.

The bold and the beautiful Airloins weekdays (1: 30-2: 00 PM, ET/12: 30-1: 00 PM, PT) on CBS. Tom’s Landmark section will be broadcast on Thursday March 27.