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Y&R's Miles Gaston Villanueva Interview: The Mysterious & Sexy Luca Santori Hits Genoa City!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Temperatures rose quite significantly for viewers of The Young and the Restless during Wednesday’s episode, when during a shocking entrance, Marissa (Sofia Pernas) was in for the surprise of her life when a handsome “stranger” said “hello” to her.  That moment marked the debut of actor Miles Gaston Villanueva in the role of the wealthy and mysterious Luca Santori!  As savvy Y&R fans know, this isn’t Villanueva’s first appearance on the number one daytime drama.  Back in 2013, Miles played the part of Father Martin, who assisted Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) and Paul (Doug Davidon) search for the child she gave up for adoption, which later proved to be Dylan (Steve Burton).

Now back in Genoa City in his new recurring role, Villanueva is about to set the audiences hearts-a-flutter with his good looks, charm, and acting chops!  But just what is going on here?  What is the connection between Luca and Marissa?  Could this be a husband she never mentioned?  Could Noah and Sofia’s romance be headed south? Could this have anything to do with the evil Jack doppelganger, Marco (Peter Bergman)? So many questions left to be answered, but when a new interloper emerges one thing is for sure: the sparks will fly.

On-Air On-Soaps sat down with Miles at CBS Television City to get the lowdown on: how he landed the primo role, and what viewers will learn about what is driving Luca. Miles also weighs-in on: if he would like to play the soap opera bad boy, how he plans to handle being labeled a daytime “heartthrob”, and what is had been like sharing scenes with his new on-screen partners: Sofia Pernas and Robert Adamson (Noah).  Here’s our get-to-know chat with Mr. Villanueva.  Let the speculation begin!

Miles, how did this all come about that you landed the role of Luca?

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto

MILES:  They remembered me!  They were looking for an actor and I am sure they had plenty of auditions before they brought me, but Jill Farren Phelps (executive producer, Y&R) said, “Hey, what about that guy that played the priest?” They brought me back in to read for the casting directors, and then I had a producer callback, and to read in front of the network executives.  Afterwards, I got a call from my manager that I was booked for Y&R, and I was like, “Yeah!”

What did Jill Farren Phelps say to you when you met her the first time when you were at Y&R playing the role of Father Martin?

MILES:  Jill came up to me after they cast me as the priest and shook my hand and had this smirk on her face and said, “I’m the one who hired you!”  I thanked her so much, because this was my first TV gig.   I have done a lot of theatre, previously.  She mentioned: “We could have gone older and more mature with this role of the priest, or we could have gone young and handsome.  I chose young and handsome.”  (Laughs)

What did the powers-that-be tell you they wanted the character of Luca to possess on-screen?

MILES:  I know they wanted the mystery, this edge, sex appeal, and this confidence about him.  I know when we did the casting call, Y&R casting director; Judy Blye Wilson came out and gave notes to everyone on what they were looking for.  When she mentioned this, I went, “Yes!”  I felt like something opened up in my body, and it opened it up for me to go into the audition, and just run with it, and go for it.   I think her notes helped me tremendously.

What happened when you found out you were chosen to play the role of Luca Santori?

Courtesy/MilesGastonVInstagram

MILES:  I ran into Sofia Pernas (Marissa), after I read with her in the room.  I was getting in my car in the parking lot and my agent and manager are talking a mile a minute.  I look back out of my window and I see Sofia looking for her car.  So, I popped open my window and I go, “Hey, guess what! I booked the part!”  She said, “Congrats!  I knew you would get it!”  She related that after I left the audition room everyone went, “Yes! We found the guy.”  I think it was the energy that she and I had, the conversation I had with them, and I think a bit of my history with Jill and having been on the show before, that eventually nabbed me this terrific part.

In your own words, what do you remember happens during your first scene when Luca encounters Noah (Robert Adamson) and Sofia at the Underground?

MILES:  Noah says, “Hey buddy.  You can’t come in, we’re closed.”   And Luca goes, “That’s OK.  I’m not in here for business.  I’m looking for my wife.”  Marissa then turns around and Luca goes, “Hello, Marissa!”  She is kind of, ah, surprised!  It would appear that Luca has come from Europe and has gone on kind of long trek to find her.

Everyone is speculating that Luca is actually Marissa’s hubby!  Anything you would like to share?  (Laughs)

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

MILES:  There is lots of speculation all over the place: Am I a husband?  Am I an ex?  There all sorts of different theories.  

Do you want Luca to be a bad boy?

MILES:  I want him to be complex and layered.  The thing is I have been craving to play the anti-hero.  So people may not agree with stuff that he is doing, or the way he may be going about it.  But, I would love the audience to go, “But, damn. He is charming. He has that vulnerable side, and he looks good in a suit!” (Laughs) 

It’s clear from the way he dresses that Luca comes from money!  I think it’s always more interesting and intriguing on a soap opera to be a character that comes from wealth; you get to yield some power!

Courtesy/MilesGastonVInstagram

MILES:  Luca dresses like a million bucks, and he obviously comes from money.  His last name is Santori and he comes from a very wealthy European family with a deep history.  I do think having come from dough on a soap makes for more fun stuff to play!  Y&R costume designer, Scott Burkhart put me in my first couple of suits and it’s been amazing to get to dress like that in addition to everything else.  I get to feel like a million bucks before I hit the set, and it helps me inform the material, and whatever we craft while we are on-camera.

What can you say about your scene-partners; Sofia and Robert?

MILES:  They are incredible.  I am a little jealous, because they have been together for awhile.  I see the ease, and the connection, and the chemistry.  I see it all happening with them.  It’s different, because I’m the new guy.   I love how they are just messy with their stuff and what I mean by that is: I come from theatre and I am used to rehearsing messiness in a scene, if stuff overlaps or something like that.  Robert will take the dialog and add some extras to it.   He forces you in a good way to go with it, and the energy within the scene.  It can be kind of terrifying some times.   I will tell you that watching Sofia and Robert on screen together is really cool, and I get to learn from them too.

Courtesy/MilesGastonVInstagram

I am speculating that Luca is going to put a wrench in the growing relationship between Noah and Marissa, and it will be interesting to see who the audience ends up rooting for!  Perhaps, it could end up being Luca!  Perhaps, he will be spun off in another story with other connections in Genoa City?

MILES:  It’s going to be interesting how the audience responds.  I am working with Robert and Sofia … for now.  I will be on the show with regularity in the coming months.  That’s all I can say, but you will see how it unfolds.

When you portrayed Father Martin you had the opportunity to work with Y&R icons: Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) and Doug Davidson (Paul).  What was your takeaway from that experience?

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

MILES:  I was fortunate enough my first time here to work with Doug Davidson and Melody Thomas Scott.  Everybody knows on Twitter how incredible Doug is.  He made my first time here so easy.   He was so complimentary, encouraging, and so much fun.  He can be so goofy and has such a contagious laugh!  Doug took any fears I had away with his sweetness, and his humor.

You have the perfect soap opera name in real life.  I’m so jealous, truly!  What is your actual ethnicity?

MILES:  I’m a mix. I’m a mutt!  My dad is Mexican, which is where I get the last name Villanueva. Gaston is the French part of my mom’s European mix.  She is: French, Irish, German, and Jewish.  That’s my mom; she is like all of that.  Gaston is my mom’s maiden name, and all three of my brothers got that as our middle name.  It’s a name I love having.   My parents are incredibly supportive.  I am sure they will be watching Luca’s debut on Wednesday.

How will you handle the soap fans, and the press calling you “sexy” and “heartthrob”?  Will you embrace it?

MILES:  First of all, it’s crazy.  I am in awe of it and I have such gratitude.  When people say, “Handsome”, “dreamy” and stuff like that, I just want to say, “Thank you.”  I only wish I had them in person so I could hug them. and for them to see how big my smile is when I read comments like that.  Here is the deal: compliments such as that can leave you a bit speechless, and that’s alright.  When it happens to me in person, I need to get a little better about it and not shy away from it.  I had a professor say to me once about things in life, “Own it.”  He did not mean that to an arrogant degree.  I will be fine with it, and I will be thanking people profusely for their kindness.

Photo Credit: Teren Oddo

You were recently introduced at the 2015 Y&R Fan Event where you said “hello” to the crowd and then signed autographs.   How was your first fan club encounter?

MILES:  I wasn’t sure what to say when I addressed the crowd, but it was incredible.  Fans were coming up to me and some were really effusive and really excited.  There was general excitement and curiosity with everybody going, “So … what’s your storyline?” I would smile and go, “Don’t you go trying to find out little storylines!” (Laughs)  No one knows me there, and yet I had a good chunk of people who showed interest.  I remember signing my first autograph going, “You’re my first one!” (Laughs).  The fans feel they know you.  They are so invested in your storylines and these characters lives, but I think the fans are unbelievable.  I met fans from South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Sweden!

O.K. it’s on!   Everyone just saw Luca arrive in Genoa City.  What are your hopes from this point forward?

Courtesy/CBS

MILES:  I hope Luca will be stirring the pot.  I think Luca wants what he feels is rightfully his, and he has his own ways of going about that.  I am interested in the Y&R fans first impressions during Luca’s first few episodes this week, and how does he come off, and where they think the story is headed.  Can’t wait to see their reactions!

So, who do you think Luca will ultimately turn out to be?  Marissa’s husband, an-ex, someone trying to run a scam on her and Noah? What do you think of the casting of Miles Gaston Villanueva?  What did you think of what he had to say as he teased what to expect from the wealthy Luca? Share your thoughts and theories in the comment section below!

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Luca is Marissa’s dirty secret..
It’s gonna be good because Victor was right again.
Now Noah will have to bend lol ..

Marisa should have taken Victor’s check and left GC! BTW, how stupid are ALL these people who are offered all this money on soaps to leave town and EVERY TIME, they rip up the checks! TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN!

Timmm..
I would have told Victor;
”You insult me with half a million, make it a million and I’m gone”

Oh the ladies and men are going to love this guy! Handsome BUT, can he act?

I like him–saw him today and the screen crackled with energy and charisma.

He is gorgeous sexy. Where’s my hug? 😉

Hello Luca! I think he will bring some great excitement to the show and the story.

I think he’s Marissa’s husband. Another of her secrets.

Why didn’t Victor have a background check done on her? He could have send someone to her country (Peru?) to find out about her.

UGH!

Yet another unnecessary character created out of desperation to sadly explain another unnecessary character (Marissa).

Pratt, you have ruined “Y & R”!!

SOMEBODY MAKE THIS SHIZZ STOP!!

And a character who will cause probs for Noah, no less.
Why can’t the writers let Noah be happy for more than
5 minutes??

So far I am not impressed. I do not find him as good-looking as proclaimed!!!! Tiny, little rodent eyes.
At the risk of sounding repetitious and have fellow-posters be annoyed with me…why is Miles given an Italian name? ‘Luca’ is as Italian as all-get-out…..and, ‘Santori’ is one of the oldest Italian surnames. His eyes are all wrong….everything about him does not speak of an Italian. Why do TPTB do that? Why not get a real Italian to play the role? It is one thing for Jack to play Marco….he could pass as a Northern Italian. But Miles’ look does not fit any regional area of Italy. More Hispanic.
I am wondering why Marissa has suddenly become such a viable character already??? Again, I say…why does her accent keep swaying back and forth? Sometimes she sounds she could be from Connecticut…other times from Mexico or S. American. Huh? Oh, well! She is one beautiful woman, though. LOL.

Totally agree, CeeCee!
And maybe I am just so newbied-out, but I am not impressed
with him at all on any level. And I was liking Marisa but now if
she is going to have yet another secret from her past…well, yuk.

No, Nanci. Being newbied-out has nothing to do with it. You’re right. It seems that TPTB have to pile mystery after mystery on a newcomer to make her/him appear more appealing. Thing is, I lose interest. I am not vested enough in this character to care. I like her too, Nanci. But, the writers always find ways to make us resent a character in more ways than one. This girl is only 26, but TPTB have already managed to make her seem as jaded as can be. How could she have been entangled with Marco….old enough to be her grandfather, years and years ago….and married, too? How old was she 10? LOL. Not realistic. This is a gimmick, used by the writers, to engage us….not working for me. The paragon thing “ain’t” doing it for me either. Everything is at a standstill, as far as I’m concerned.
Am I complaining? You bet. I am so demoralized here; in the fear of losing yet another soap. Instead of making a story interesting, this is what they do; Example: Sharon; how many times can we watch Sharon losing it? How many times can we watch another woman miscarry? How many times can we watch Nikki go on a drinking fest? And, please, Nanci, I don’t even want to get started on Neil.
Mishael Morgan going on maternity leave could have been written differently. This is so dumb.
Ok, people, let me have it. I can take it….LOL.
Luca is not a strong enough persona to strike a spark for me. His aura is off. His eyes are not alive. I hope I can withhold my antipathy….after all, I am just a drop in the bucket, in the grand scheme of things. What do I know, right? Later, Nanci.

@su. Good one, su. Great wisecrack/comeback…LOL. I applaud your comment. Why stop at a million? Make it ten…Victor can afford it.

Hi Cee Cee, I had been thinking the same thing – Marisa had a husband, as
well as having had all those years with Marco, like huh? She’s so young!
Certain things just don’t ring true the way they are written. And like you, I also think
there were lots of other options for a s/l allowing Hilary’s portrayer to have
her maternity leave. This one is terrible. Even subtle things I am finding stupid,
like when they check inventory at the Underground bar. Why check it? No one
ever comes in to actually drink, so inventory never changes anyway.
Sharon…lost interest in her so long ago. It is always the same with her.
I will continue to hang on and watch, but I soooooo wish things improve soon.

Love Luca he’s mysterious and good looking. Can’t wait to find out more about him.

Well I think he is handsome and such a great addition to Y& R and his acting is good in time he will develop the same way as Summer did when she first came to town ! I remember when Sharon and Nick came on all those years ago and now they are seamless in their rolls Luca will be the same in a few years please give this kid a chance he’ll be an exciting character to watch, I wish you good luck & happy times in Y& R.

Love him!! Sexy man with charisma!! He’s a keeper!!

He is a pretty good actor and he will progress his career!

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Robin Strasser Meets Kristen Alderson’s Baby Kiera in a One Life to Live Reunion

For years, Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian) and Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) have been the best of friends and the best of co-stars. On One Life to Live, Kristen was only six-years-old when she began her journey as Todd and Blair’s daughter and met the iconic Strasser.

Now in 2024, Kristen is a new mom to her baby girl, Kiera. Strasser, who lives in New York, along with her best friend, John, traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just a few days ago to visit the Alderson family and spend the day with Kiera.

Taking to her Instagram a very happy Kristen shared, “Look at who came to visit today! Robin & her bestie John! Robin and I got all misty eyed when she met Kiera today!”

Photo: JPI

In a very touching part of her post, Alderson expressed, “Robin is such a special person in my life, it means so much to me that we’re as close as we are. She’s just the best❤️ A great day of laughs & a great brunch spread😍”

Robin added, “I’ve been smiling since I met her. I’m a big softie for babies, but what a doll Kiera is!” The Daytime Emmy-winning star, also shared, “I’m so grateful for my ongoing friendship with Kris and Kathy. Amazing women and loyal friends!”

What do you think about Kristen and Robin’s enduring friendship and recalling their time on One Life to Live? Comment below.

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Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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