Katherine Kelly Lang is one of three children born to a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Her parents, Olympic long-jump skier Keith Wegeman and actress Judy Lang, have instilled in her a strong connection to the world of show business. Lang's grandfather, Academy Award-winning cinematographer Charles Lang, further solidified her connection to the industry.
Born and raised in the heart of Hollywood, California, Lang's early years were marked by a strong focus on developing her skills as a jockey or training for the Olympics. Her academic pursuits took a backseat to her athletic ambitions, with Lang only taking a few drama classes in school. However, fate had other plans, and Lang's career in acting began to take shape.
Lang's first notable role came when she was cast as the sister of Patrick Swayze in the 1979 film Skatetown U.S.A. This minor part caught the attention of producers, leading her to sign with an agent and secure roles on popular TV shows such as Happy Days, Magnum, P.I., and The Last Precinct.
In the early 1980s, Lang appeared in a series of minor roles, including a part as Gretchen on The Young and the Restless in 1981. This appearance led to further work in films like The Night Stalker and Desperate Lives, as well as appearances in several Beach Boys' music videos that cemented her status as the modern California Girl.
In 1986, at the age of 26, Lang landed the role of Brooke Logan, a blue-collar chemistry student destined for wealth, on an in-development soap opera. Little did she know that this role would catapult her to international stardom, making her a household name around the world.
Since the debut of The Bold and the Beautiful in 1987, Lang has enjoyed front-burner status, with her character's love affair with Ridge Forrester (played by Ronn Moss) becoming a key story arc for over 25 years. A love triangle among Brooke, Ridge, and Taylor (Hunter Tylo) stretched across an entire decade, and her on-screen rivalry with Susan Flannery's Stephanie Forrester was legendary.
As of 2015, Lang is one of only two original cast members still appearing on the show, a testament to her enduring popularity. In addition to her work on The Bold and the Beautiful, Lang has also appeared on sister-show The Young and the Restless in 1999 and 2007 during cross-over-story-lines.
A fan favorite for decades, Lang's impressive career has earned her numerous accolades, including two Daytime Emmy Award nominations - one for Best Supporting Actress in 2013 and another for Lead Actress in 2014. Lang's global popularity has also made her a sought-after model and commercial talent in Europe and Australia, where she often participates in Italian TV shows.
In her free time, Lang is an avid sports enthusiast and outdoor lover. She owns several horses and competes in 25-mile and 50-mile cross-country races, as well as triathlons. Lang's passion for sports and the outdoors is just one aspect of her multifaceted personality, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
