The Bold and the BeautifulstarScott Cliftontook to social media to share a rare photo of his sonFord Robert Clifton, in celebration of his 9th birthday. Clifton shared the photo on Instagram along with the caption, "Introducing Ford Robert Clifton, the Preteen.I remember incredulously Googling it when you told me that a year ago: "Hey Dad, did you know I'll technically be considered a 'preteen' on my next birthday?" At the time, nine seemed like such an arbitrary age to be told I would have to start seeing you as the official prototype of a hormonal, smelly, rebellious, girl-curious, independence-hungry young man who'd rather suffer a thousand geometry textbook paper cuts than be caught telling his lame dad 'I love you too' in public.But as it turns out, you do tell me you love me too—often, openly, and without solicitation or self-consciousness. They were the last words to escape you last night, falling gently asleep on my lap as we processed the day.I must have assumed that your intelligence and your affection would sit on different sides of the same scale—that maturity deals one for the price of the other. But as your genius blooms, my son, so has your capacity for intimacy, in all its forms. And it blows me away.No child should have to carry the divorce of his parents on his shoulders, and you've had to manage your loyalties far earlier in life than anyone deserves. It could have broken you, and if it had, it would have been your mother's and my greatest sin. But my god, you made a canvas out of Kevlar.I am so proud to be your dad. I am so proud to watch you learn to look inward as much as outward. I am so proud of your humor, your honesty, your creativity, your security, your introspection and your vulnerability, as you begin your journey of individuation.I wish I could tell myself from one year ago that it's okay to exhale, because you will always be everything at once to me: my child, my teen, my man, my hero. My Ford.I love you. Happy ninth birthday." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scott Clifton (@cliftoncam) Clifton assumed the role of young adult heartthrob Liam Spencer (then Cooper) in 2010 on the Los Angeles-based daytime drama. Clifton quickly became a fan favorite with his front-burner romantic triangle between stepsisters Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Hope Logan (originallyKim Matula, nowAnnika Noelle). Clifton found himself within the top 5 appearances on the soap opera from 2011-2021, often ranking second in episode appearances (peaking in 2012, appearing in over 200 episodes). Clifton's soap credits also includeGeneral HospitalandOne Life to Live. The Bold and the Beautifulairs weekdays at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS and streams daily on Paramount+.
