John “Jack” Abbott II is a fictional character from the long running CBS soap opera The Young and The Restless. The character was first introduced in 1980 being played by Terry Lester, who portrayed Jack for nine consecutive years before departing in 1989 and being replaced by Bergman shortly thereafter on November 27, 1989, who has held the role ever since. Jack is known for his long-standing feud with The Newman Family patriarch, Victor Newman, as well as his romances with Nikki Newman, Phyllis Summers Abbott, and Sharon Newman. Jack has represented The Abbott Family as the patriarch ever since the 2006 passing of his father, John Abbott.

The role of Jack was first written into the series on July 22, 1980. In May 1985, it was announced that the character’s original portrayer, Terry Lester, would be vacating the role as he stated was due to a CBS film called Blade he starred in which could have possibly been turned into a television series. Despite this, he ended up staying with Y&R. Brett Porter briefly portrayed the role in 1986 as a temporary recast. In 1989, Lester left the role of Jack out of anger and dissatisfaction with his time on the show, as he felt Jack was being “squeezed” out of the storylines, and was upset that Lauralee Bell’s (the late William J. Bell’s daughter) character Christine Blair was being promoted to the forefront of numerous storylines. Lester’s last episode was on September 1, 1989. Producers immediately began exploring recast options. At the time, Bergman, the show’s current Jack Abbott, was known for playing Cliff Warner on soap rival All My Children, but coincidentally, had gotten fired prior to landing the role on Y&R. Bergman’s co-star, Melody Thomas Scott, who plays Nikki Newman, requested that Bergman take over the role. Bergman ended up getting the role and began the role in late-1989. He has since held the role.

So with that being said, who is your favorite Jack Abbott: Terry Lester or Peter Bergman? Vote in the polls.

Definitely Peter Bergman. He brings so many facets to the character of Jack, and boy can he cry in a scene, making the viewer cry, too!!!

Definitely Peter Bergman. He brings so many facets to the character of Jack, and boy can he cry in a scene, making the viewer cry, too!!!
He tore up the television with his scenes with Phyllis when he confronted her for sleeping with Billy.

Here’s a few scenes from both Jacks:

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A promo for Jack’s 1989 return:

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There's no contest. Terry performance is just on another level imo. Plus, he actually has chemistry with Nikki and seems a true rival to Victor.

Bergman by a mile.

I only know Peter Bergman as Jack. He's an awesome actor.

There's no contest. Terry performance is just on another level imo. Plus, he actually has chemistry with Nikki and seems a true rival to Victor.
I never felt Jack and Nikki when Bergman was in the role. Terry plays an irresponsible playboy type while Peter is the exact opposite and in fact, is a more of a business man.

I never felt Jack and Nikki when Bergman was in the role. Terry plays an irresponsible playboy type while Peter is the exact opposite and in fact, is a more of a business man.

Peter Bergman definitely gives off a business man vibe, not a playboy vibe. I also agree that he had very little chemistry with Nikki.

I liked Terry Lester the best, he was a fun Jack always trying to seduce the ladies and causing trouble. He made the character interesting.

Peter Bergman definitely gives off a business man vibe, not a playboy vibe. I also agree that he had very little chemistry with Nikki.
Did you watch the clips above? Just asking, so you could get a good look at Terry Lester’s take on the role vs. Peter Bergman’s.

John “Jack” Abbott II is a fictional character from the long running CBS soap opera The Young and The Restless. The character was first introduced in 1980 being played by Terry Lester, who portrayed Jack for nine consecutive years before departing in 1989 and being replaced by Bergman shortly thereafter on November 27, 1989, who has held the role ever since. Jack is known for his long-standing feud with The Newman Family patriarch, Victor Newman, as well as his romances with Nikki Newman, Phyllis Summers Abbott, and Sharon Newman. Jack has represented The Abbott Family as the patriarch ever since the 2006 passing of his father, John Abbott.

The role of Jack was first written into the series on July 22, 1980. In May 1985, it was announced that the character’s original portrayer, Terry Lester, would be vacating the role as he stated was due to a CBS film called Blade he starred in which could have possibly been turned into a television series. Despite this, he ended up staying with Y&R. Brett Porter briefly portrayed the role in 1986 as a temporary recast. In 1989, Lester left the role of Jack out of anger and dissatisfaction with his time on the show, as he felt Jack was being “squeezed” out of the storylines, and was upset that Lauralee Bell’s (the late William J. Bell’s daughter) character Christine Blair was being promoted to the forefront of numerous storylines. Lester’s last episode was on September 1, 1989. Producers immediately began exploring recast options. At the time, Bergman, the show’s current Jack Abbott, was known for playing Cliff Warner on soap rival All My Children, but coincidentally, had gotten fired prior to landing the role on Y&R. Bergman’s co-star, Melody Thomas Scott, who plays Nikki Newman, requested that Bergman take over the role. Bergman ended up getting the role and began the role in late-1989. He has since held the role.

So with that being said, who is your favorite Jack Abbott: Terry Lester or Peter Bergman? Vote in the polls.
I liked both actors.

Both.

I liked Terry Lester