Scott Clifton revealed on September 16, 2025’s “Soapy” podcast that he viewed his General Hospital role as a stepping stone to Hollywood fame, calling himself “a cocky little shit” before his failed film career led to unemployment and living with his parents.
SCOTT CLIFTON’S SHOCKING CONFESSION CHANGES EVERYTHING
Hold onto your remote controls, soap fans! Scott Clifton just dropped a truth bomb that has the entire daytime community BUZZING.
The three-time Emmy winner — yes, the same guy who’s been waffling between Hope and Steffy as Liam Spencer for over a decade — finally came clean about why he really left General Hospital back in 2007. And his confession? It’s nothing like what fans expected!
What Did Scott Clifton Say About General Hospital?
Scott Clifton admitted he treated General Hospital as nothing more than a “stepping stone” to bigger Hollywood fame. During his jaw-dropping appearance on the “Soapy” podcast (hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart), the Bold and Beautiful star didn’t hold back.
“I was a cocky little shit,” Clifton confessed, sending shockwaves through the soap community. The actor revealed he thought he was destined for superhero movies and blockbuster films when he chose not to renew his contract as Dillon Quartermaine in 2007.
Why Did Scott Clifton Leave General Hospital?
Yes, Scott Clifton left General Hospital because he thought he was too good for soap operas. The actor had just spent four years (2003-2007) playing the quirky, punk-rock Dillon Quartermaine, son of the formidable Tracy Quartermaine. He’d earned three consecutive Daytime Emmy nominations and even won a Soap Opera Digest Award in 2005.
But apparently, that wasn’t enough for young Scott.
At the height of his popularity — when fans were obsessed with Dillon and Georgie Jones‘s romance — Clifton made what he now admits was an incredibly cocky decision. He walked away from steady work, devoted fans, and those legendary ABC Super Soap Weekends at Disney (remember those?!) because he had his eyes on a bigger prize.
What Happened After Scott Clifton Left GH?
Scott Clifton’s Hollywood dreams crashed and burned spectacularly after leaving General Hospital. The timing couldn’t have been worse — his exit coincided with the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike, which paralyzed all of Hollywood for 100 days.
Instead of landing superhero roles, Clifton found himself facing “chronic unemployment.” The guy who’d been a soap heartthrob with screaming fans? He was living back at home with his parents.
Ouch.
The harsh reality check forced Clifton to reassess everything. In 2009, he swallowed his pride and returned to daytime, landing the role of Schuyler Joplin on One Life to Live. That 154-episode stint became the bridge that saved his career, connecting him with the team that would eventually bring him to The Bold and the Beautiful.
How Did Scott Clifton End Up on The Bold and the Beautiful?
Scott Clifton joined The Bold and the Beautiful in July 2010, just two months after leaving One Life to Live. Executive producer Bradley Bell cast him as Liam Cooper (later revealed to be William Spencer III), the secret son of media mogul Bill Spencer Jr.
The irony? The soap opera world Clifton once tried to escape became his greatest success story. He’s now been playing Liam Spencer for over 14 years — longer than any other role in his career.
Did Scott Clifton’s Gamble Pay Off?
No, Scott Clifton’s original Hollywood gamble definitely did not pay off — but his failure led to even greater success. While he never became the next superhero star, Clifton achieved something arguably more impressive: he became the first male actor in Daytime Emmy history to win in all three major categories (Younger, Supporting, and Lead) for the same role.
By 2017, Clifton‘s perspective had completely transformed. “Time and maturity changed that for me,” he admitted. “The wiser and older and more I value family, the more I value my lifestyle on a soap opera. It’s not superstardom, but it is the perfect career for someone who values careers about family, privacy, security, and work ethic.”
What’s Next for Scott Clifton and Liam Spencer?
Could this newfound humility mean changes for Liam‘s character on B&B? Given Clifton‘s recent “really generous and honest” conversation with head writer Bradley Bell about Liam‘s endless waffling, don’t be surprised if we see major character development ahead.
Clifton has openly admitted he “hates” the constant love triangle storylines. With the actor’s mature perspective on what really matters in life, this could mean Liam finally grows up and makes a definitive choice. Then again, this is Bold and Beautiful we’re talking about — the waffling might continue until the end of time!
One thing’s for certain: Scott Clifton‘s journey from “cocky little shit” to respected daytime veteran is a masterclass in how humble pie can sometimes be the best thing on the menu.
