How Old Is Rebecca Budig? The Surprising Age And Career Renaissance Of The Soap Opera Icon

The question of "How old is Rebecca Budig?" is one that frequently pops up among fans, especially with her recent, high-profile return to the spotlight in late 2024 and early 2025. The beloved actress, known for her iconic roles across multiple major soap operas, has experienced a significant career renaissance that has put her age and enduring talent back in the conversation. As of today, December 13, 2025, Rebecca Budig is 52 years old, having celebrated her most recent birthday in June 2025.

Her age, however, is merely a number that belies a career spanning decades, marked by complex and memorable characters like Greenlee Smythe on All My Children and Hayden Barnes on General Hospital. The buzz around her has intensified with her surprising 2024 casting as the new Dr. Taylor Hayes on The Bold and the Beautiful (B&B), proving that this soap opera veteran is still at the top of her game and captivating a whole new generation of daytime television viewers. This deep dive explores her life, career milestones, and the fresh projects that are defining her current chapter.

Rebecca Budig: Full Biography and Profile

Rebecca Budig, full name Rebecca Jo Budig, has an extensive and impressive background in both daytime and primetime television. Born and raised in the Midwest, she found her calling in acting and quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in the soap opera world.

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• Full Name: Rebecca Jo Budig
• Date of Birth: June 26, 1973
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 52 years old
• Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Raised In: Fort Mitchell, Kentucky
• Parents: George Budig (businessman) and Mary Jo Budig (homemaker)
• Siblings: She is one of eight children (five sisters and two brothers)
• Height: Approximately 5' 8" (1.73 m)
• Spouse: Michael Benson (m. 2010); previously married to Bob Guiney (m. 2004–2010)
• Children: One daughter, Charlotte Jo Benson (born 2014)
• Education: Graduated from the Cincinnati Waldorf School
• Notable Roles: Greenlee Smythe (All My Children), Michelle Bauer (Guiding Light), Hayden Barnes (General Hospital), Taylor Hayes (The Bold and the Beautiful)

The 52-Year-Old Icon's Shocking 2024 Career Renaissance

While many fans associate Rebecca Budig with her tenure as the fiercely independent and often troubled Greenlee Smythe on All My Children (AMC), her career has seen a massive, unexpected surge in the mid-2020s. This recent activity has cemented her status as a powerhouse in the industry, proving that talent and longevity are a winning combination.

The Bold and the Beautiful Casting as Dr. Taylor Hayes

The biggest news that rocked the soap world in 2024 was the announcement that Rebecca Budig would be taking over the iconic role of Dr. Taylor Hayes on the CBS soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful (B&B). This casting decision, which became public in August 2024, came as a complete surprise to fans and industry insiders alike, marking her return to a contract role on daytime television. Taylor Hayes is a pivotal character, a psychiatrist, and a central figure in the long-standing love triangle with Ridge Forrester and Brooke Logan. Stepping into a role previously played by other acclaimed actresses is a testament to Budig’s skill and her enduring popularity with the audience. Her take on the character has been eagerly anticipated, injecting new life and curiosity into the veteran series.

Launching the "Soapy" Podcast with Greg Rikaart

In addition to her return to acting, Rebecca Budig launched a new venture that further expanded her reach as a television presenter and personality. In July 2024, she premiered the CBS daytime podcast, Soapy, which she co-hosts with fellow soap veteran and longtime friend, Greg Rikaart. The weekly podcast focuses on interviews and discussions with "soapy people," including actors, writers, and producers, offering fans a unique behind-the-scenes look at the world of soap operas. This project highlights Budig’s deep connection to the genre and her natural ability to engage in candid, insightful conversations, providing fresh content for her dedicated fan base. The dual role of hosting a popular podcast and starring on a major soap opera showcases a remarkable career chapter for the actress in her early 50s.

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A Career Defined by Iconic Daytime Roles

Rebecca Budig’s age reflects a wealth of experience gained from some of the most memorable storylines in soap opera history. Her career began in 1993, and she quickly rose to prominence by mastering the complex, high-stakes drama that defines the genre.

Greenlee Smythe on All My Children (AMC)

The character of Greenlee Smythe is arguably the role for which Budig is most famous. She first joined All My Children in 1999, playing the wealthy, manipulative, yet ultimately sympathetic heiress. Her on-screen romance with Ryan Lavery (played by Cameron Mathison) became one of daytime's most popular supercouples, known as "Greenlee and Ryan." Budig’s portrayal of Greenlee earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, making her departure from the show a major event for viewers. Her return stints on AMC were always highly anticipated, demonstrating the enduring connection she had with the character.

Hayden Barnes on General Hospital (GH)

After her time in Pine Valley, Budig successfully transitioned to another major daytime drama, General Hospital (GH). She took on the role of Hayden Barnes, a con artist with a mysterious past who was introduced as a potential love interest for Dr. Nikolas Cassadine. Hayden's character arc was filled with twists, including amnesia, secret identities, and a dramatic exit, which allowed Budig to showcase her versatility as an actress. This role proved her ability to create chemistry and drama in any environment, further solidifying her status as a soap opera legend.

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Early Career and Guiding Light

Before her long-running roles, Budig started her soap career on Guiding Light, where she played Michelle Bauer from 1995 to 1998. This early role established her in the soap world and provided the foundation for her later success. She also had early career appearances, including a role in the Aerosmith music video "Livin' on the Edge," showcasing her early start in the entertainment industry.

Today, at 52, Rebecca Budig’s career is a powerful example of longevity and adaptability. From her roots in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, to her current position starring on The Bold and the Beautiful and hosting a new CBS podcast, she continues to be a vibrant and essential part of the American television landscape. Her recent projects, including her work on Soapy and her portrayal of Taylor Hayes, ensure that the conversation around her talent and career remains fresh, relevant, and compelling for years to come.