Jacqueline MacInnes Wood: Celebrating 38 Years of Talent, Love, and Family

On April 17, 2025, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, the Canadian actress renowned for her role as Steffy Forrester Finnegan on The Bold and the Beautiful, celebrated her 38th birthday with the warmth of her growing family and the admiration of fans worldwide. Best known for her Emmy-winning performances, Wood’s life is a vibrant tapestry of professional triumphs, a loving marriage to talent agent Elan Ruspoli, and her cherished role as a mother of four boys, with a fifth child on the way. This article explores Wood’s remarkable journey, highlighting her career milestones, personal life, and unforgettable moments that have defined her path.

Early Life: A Foundation of Family and Creativity

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, in 1987, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood grew up in a diverse family with Cree, Scottish, French, and Brazilian roots. Raised by her parents, Alexandra (Sandie) MacInnes and James C. Wood, alongside her half-sister Dani Probert, two older sisters, Angela and Dani, and younger brother, Jordan, Wood developed a deep appreciation for family bonds. Her childhood was filled with road trips across Canada, where conversations with her parents amidst scenic landscapes honed her ability to connect authentically—a skill that later shone through in her acting.

Wood’s passion for the arts led her to study at Ryerson University’s Centre for the Arts and the Armstrong Acting Studio in Toronto. At 18, she moved to Toronto to chase her acting dreams, landing her first role as the “hair girl” in a First Choice Haircutters commercial. This small but spirited performance foreshadowed the charisma that would propel her to stardom.

A Stellar Career: From Soap Opera Star to Multihyphenate

Wood’s career skyrocketed in 2008 when she joined The Bold and the Beautiful as Steffy Forrester, a role that earned her three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2019, 2021, and 2023). Her portrayal of Steffy, navigating complex storylines like addiction and family drama, has made her a soap opera icon. Wood’s emotional depth also garnered nominations for Outstanding Younger Actress in 2012 and 2013, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences.

Beyond daytime television, Wood proved her versatility in the 2011 horror film Final Destination 5 as Olivia Castle, a role that expanded her fanbase. She appeared as Sara Lance in The CW’s Arrow (2012) and made a cameo in Anger Management (2014) with Charlie Sheen. As a host, Wood fronted Party On (2013), a travel series exploring exclusive global party scenes, blending her charm with an adventurous spirit.

A musician at heart, Wood released her debut single, “After Hours,” in 2012, a dance track that reflected her creative energy. She has also performed as a DJ, adding flair to her multifaceted career. With a net worth estimated at $8 million in 2024, bolstered by acting, hosting, music, and real estate investments like a $4.5 million Westlake Village mansion purchased with Ruspoli in 2021, Wood’s success is undeniable.

Love and Marriage: A Romantic Journey with Elan Ruspoli

Wood’s personal life is anchored by her marriage to Elan Ruspoli, a Hollywood talent agent who has been her rock since the mid-2010s. Their love story culminated in a spontaneous elopement in July 2018 on a yacht off Sardinia, Italy, after announcing their engagement in November 2017. Officiated by a friend and attended by close family, the intimate ceremony reflected their laid-back yet glamorous dynamic. Wood later formalized the marriage in the U.S., cherishing the memory of their “perfectly us” wedding.

Ruspoli’s unwavering support has been vital as Wood balances her career and motherhood. She describes him as her “piece of heaven,” crediting his encouragement for her personal growth. Their bond, often showcased through heartfelt social media posts, resonates with fans, with Ruspoli calling Wood “my everything” in response to her tributes.

Motherhood: A Growing Family and Heartfelt Moments

Wood’s greatest joy is her role as a mother to four sons—Rise Harlen (born March 4, 2019), Lenix (February 2021), Brando (May 2022), and Valor James (August 2023)—with a fifth child expected in 2025. Announcing her latest pregnancy in March 2025, Wood shared, “Our family is beyond excited, and my kids are over the moon,” highlighting the love in their household. Her pregnancies, including filming The Bold and the Beautiful while nearly seven months pregnant, have been creatively concealed on-screen, showcasing her dedication.

Wood’s announcement of Rise’s birth was a fan-favorite moment, as she exclaimed, “Your girl is pregnant!” during a lingerie catwalk scene on set. She embraces motherhood as a “mama bear,” prioritizing health and fitness to keep up with her energetic boys. Selective about sharing family moments, Wood protects her children’s privacy but delights fans with glimpses, like a 2024 outing to a French bee farm where her sons wore sting-proof suits to harvest honey.

Milestone Moments and a Memorable 38th Birthday

Wood’s 38th birthday on April 17, 2025, was a celebration of love and gratitude, surrounded by her family. Pregnant with her fifth child, she marked the occasion with a low-key gathering, reflecting on her journey. Fans flooded social media with tributes, praising her talent and warmth. Wood expressed appreciation in her newsletter, noting, “I’m so thankful for my family, my work, and all of you who support me.”

Key milestones that have shaped her life include:

• First Emmy Win (2019): Wood’s 2019 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress was a career-defining moment, followed by wins in 2021 and 2023, cementing her legacy in daytime television.

• Elopement in Italy (2018): The impromptu yacht wedding with Ruspoli was a romantic highlight, symbolizing their free-spirited love.

• Birth of Rise (2019): Becoming a mother transformed Wood, prompting a “digital detox” to focus on family and teaching her patience.

• Bee Farm Adventure (2024): The family’s French bee farm visit, with her sons in bee suits, captured Wood’s commitment to creating joyful memories.

• Fifth Pregnancy Reveal (2025): Announcing her fifth child while filming showcased Wood’s resilience and excitement for her expanding family.

Balancing Stardom and Family Life

Wood’s ability to juggle fame and family is inspiring. She sets boundaries to ensure quality time with her children while delivering powerful performances as Steffy. Her real estate investments, including the Westlake Village mansion, reflect her and Ruspoli’s focus on their family’s future. Grounded by her Canadian roots, Wood credits her parents’ support for her authenticity, a quality that shines in her roles and interactions with fans.

As she navigates raising four boys and preparing for a fifth, Wood remains a role model for working mothers. Her selective social media presence balances privacy with relatability, offering glimpses of her life without exposing her children unduly. Her fitness regimen, tailored to keep up with her sons and future grandchildren, underscores her forward-thinking approach.

Conclusion

At 38, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood is a beacon of talent, love, and resilience. Her Emmy-winning career, romantic marriage to Elan Ruspoli, and devotion to her growing family paint a portrait of a woman who embraces life’s challenges with grace. From her spontaneous Italian elopement to her heartfelt family adventures, Wood’s milestones reflect a life rich with meaning. As she celebrates her 38th birthday and anticipates her fifth child, fans continue to cheer for this soap opera star whose authenticity and warmth light up both the screen and the lives of those around her. Tune in to The Bold and the Beautiful to see Wood’s next chapter unfold, and join her legion of supporters in wishing her a joyous year ahead.