Don Diamont is looking back fondly on his relationship with singer and actress Gloria Loring.
The “Bold and the Beautiful” actor dated Gloria for approximately three years during the late 1980s after meeting her on the set of “Days of Our Lives.”
Don was in his early 20s at the time, while Gloria was 16 years older and raising two young sons, Brennan and Robin Thicke.
Despite their age difference, Don remembers the relationship as an overwhelmingly positive experience.
Don and Gloria met while appearing on “Days of Our Lives.”
Gloria played singer Liz Chandler on the daytime drama, while Don appeared as Carlo Forenza early in his acting career.
“I met Gloria Loring [on ‘Days of Our Lives’], and Gloria and I got involved,” Don said during an episode of the “Soapy” podcast. “That was actually a really positive, wonderful thing to come out of it.”
Don later became known for playing Brad Carlton on “The Young and the Restless.” He currently stars as Bill Spencer on “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Their Age Difference Did Not Intimidate Him
Gloria shared Brennan and Robin with her former husband, late “Growing Pains” actor Alan Thicke.
Don acknowledged that becoming involved in a family dynamic at 22 or 23 could have felt overwhelming. However, he said his upbringing and natural comfort around children made the experience easier.
“I had a really good dad,” Don explained.
Gloria and Alan were separated at the time, and Alan’s television career was rapidly growing. Don said the nature of Alan’s work meant that he was not always able to be present.
The actor was careful not to criticize Alan while reflecting on the period. Instead, he focused on the supportive relationship he developed with Gloria’s sons.
“I was there for them, Robin and Brennan,” he said.
Don Diamont Became a Positive Presence for Her Sons
Don spent time playing basketball with Robin and being present during an important stage of both boys’ childhoods.
Although the relationship with Gloria eventually ended, his influence apparently stayed with Robin as he grew up and became a successful singer and music producer.
Years later, one of Don’s friends told him that Robin had discussed their relationship during an appearance on “The Howard Stern Show.”
Robin reportedly remembered Don playing basketball with him and serving as a positive male presence in his life.
The comments surprised Don, who had not realized how much those memories meant to Robin.
Don Diamont and Robin Thicke Later Reunited
Don and Robin unexpectedly crossed paths several weeks later at Nobu in Malibu.
Don was having dinner with his wife, Cindy Ambuehl, and several of his children when he noticed Robin at the restaurant.
Before Don could properly introduce himself, Robin immediately recognized him.
“Before I could even get it out, he’s like, ‘Donald!’” Don recalled. “And he throws his arms around me, and we just caught up.”
The affectionate reunion confirmed that their bond had not been forgotten, even after several decades apart.
Looking back, Don said his relationship with Gloria became meaningful for reasons extending well beyond romance. The experience gave him an opportunity to support her children and create memories that continued to matter long after their relationship ended.
