I can't think of any way to do this with simple regexps, . . .

Then don't use a regex. Why does everyone think that all string manipulation should be handled with a regex?!? Use a simple character-by-character parser, noting state as you move through the string. 

# UNTESTED !!!

my $in_quote = 0;
my $in_bold = 0;
my $final_string = '';
foreach my $char ( split //, $string ) {
    if ( $char eq "'" ) {
        $in_quote = 1 - $in_quote;
    }
    else if ( $char eq '*' && !$in_quote ) {
        $final_string .= '<';
        $final_string .= $in_bold ? '/' : '';
        $final_string .= 'b>';
        $in_bold = 1 - $in_bold;
    }
    else {
        $final_string .= $char;
    }
}

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In reply to Re: Interpolate Text Not Inside a Certain Tag by dragonchild
in thread Interpolate Text Not Inside a Certain Tag by Anonymous Monk

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