News
Richard Burgi Clarifies Why He’s OUT as Y&R’s Ashland Locke
After all the speculation since Richard Burgi’s first Instagram story over the weekend that he is no longer with The Young and the Restless, coupled with Robert Newman being named his replacement in the role of Ashland Locke on Monday, Burgi once again took to his Instagram story to reveal more of why he is no longer part of the cast of the top-rated CBS daytime drama series.
Burgi expressed: “I’m here in Southern California and I hope wherever you are you are having a good one. I was just about to take a swim in the ocean and I looked something up on Google and I found an article about me getting released by the show by the writers. I just want to set the record straight. My wife had said something about my exit being the show’s choice, which is true, but the reality is I naively and inadvertently violated the show’s COVID policy. I was back east over Christmas and tested positive somewhere around Christmas at my niece’s house and visiting my 97-year-old mom. I took the necessary five days that the CDC recommended. Not within the show’s guidelines, which is a 10-day protocol. So, I inadvertently violated the show’s COVID rules and protocols. I feel terrible about it. I still do. It bothers me mightily but it is what it is. I respect the show’s decision. They’re doing the best they can. We all are. I truly wish the gentleman coming in to play Ashland a wonderful time. He’s going to be working with the most incredible actress (Amelia Heinle) and a great, great cast. It’s an amazing show. I have nothing but good memories, and good wishes for it.”
So, what do you think about what Richard said caused his exit from The Young and the Restless? Comment below.
Richard’s mistake was not following Y&R ten day isolation requirements. It is sad because I really enjoyed Richard in the role of Ashland. I will miss him.
I do not like the new AAshland. This new Ashland does not fit the part!
I do not like the new Ashland, bring back the other one, Please.
If what he says is true and we have no reason to believe it’s not, we all lose, the show, the cast, Mr. Burgi and mainly the fans who’ve grown to love his character and performance. There could never be a better match for Victoria and Victor.
Did he deliberately violate the policy? I mean, the line does keep moving, regulations being adjusted. Could he have been unclear about the 10-day rule? If not, I guess the rules should be consistent for everyone. But it’s a real loss to the show.
I hope his 97 year old mom is OK.
Ridiculous propaganda.
CBS is allowed by law to determine the conditions under an actor and others will work on the set of any show the Corporation has. That includes a Covid mandate.
Agreed, Gross really
Just look at how Cbs and sony run y n r anyways. No real storys, and the rare exciting new actor gets villafied and fired
You don’t think Young and Restless has real story lines?????
How refreshing: someone owning up to one’s mistake.
That is ridiculous, he still did a protocol, but I understand Y & R, but to fire him over that I’d truly ridiculous, that’s what you get with these liberals, , they want to completely control your life. He should not be fired
There is not one rule for Richard and another rule for the rest of the world. He should have asked if the five day protocol was acceptable to Y&R.
Yes
At the most sent back home and maybe disciplined with a warning
Totally over the top
Most of the socalled ‘restrictions’ are smoke and mirrors
Government politics etc
Poor guy didnt deserve that and neither did all the viewers who love him
..yay , more Devon and Abby ..
This has nothing to do with LIBERALS. Stop inflicting your politics into every finite aspect of life. It’s ridiculous.
It 100% has to do with politics liberal, that’s all this plan–demic is about, tyranny. He is a great actor and was a wonderful Ashton we will miss him! Good riddance for him to be away from these liberals!
Absolutely true
Totally agree! The replacement actor is almost unbearable for me to watch. I record the episodes, so luckily I can speed up when he appears. Thanks a lot for ruining my little enjoyment! It’s horrible that CBS isn’t strong enough to reconsider since the CDC confirmed five days are required for Covid-19 quarantine. They are so out dated
I think it’s ridiculous to let him go over that. There may be more to it.
I understand that there is a protocol. It was not intentional on his part. He thought the CDC guidelines, not CBS. That is understandable. If he is vaccinated, and they know who he was in contact with, he should know as well. I do not agree with the firing!
The message all across the film and television industry is that the Covid-19 mandates, as decided by CBS, NBC, Disney etc, are strictly enforced. And it is not just actors in front of the cameras who will be let go for violating the mandate.
Strict,lol
If its so strict it wouldnt even get to this point.
He would ve been stopped at the entrance and sent back home for 5 more days not sent home forever
If behind the scenes look anything like the cheap product the viewers are subject too its worse on set i bet. Griffith and Morina and the rest of the brass are incompetent and useless. I hope Burgi at least gets a settlement or hopefully rehired once Griffith and Morina get fired.
I only like him and Eric Braden.
This change had to be authorized by Sony and CBS and they are sending a clear message like Disney that their Covid policies will be followed are you will be gone.
He was excellent as Ashland Locke , if he had good material he would have been even better in the role. Unfortunately the writing was terrible , and so he didn’t get to show his talents. Maybe he could rerun
I agree with most of the fans’ statements. My thought is that it’s not a firing offense unless there’s another reason. I like Robert from The Guiding Light; however , I want Richard to continue playing Ashland! Young and the Restless must have had Newman on speed dial because the show planned to fire Burgi for some other reason. I want Richard! I want Richard! I want Richard!
violation of the strict Covid mandates is, as far as these corporations are concerned, a firing offense. CBS, Disney, NBC etc are not fooling around. Richard being fired is sending a powerful message to the other people working on the set of Y&R. Step out of line re the Covid mandate and you will also be gone.
‘Stepping out of line ‘is a real stretch
Pls, spare me
He already quarentined and had 2 passed tests to prove hes clear
He didnt run around set like the koodie monster.
I wish cbs and sony would a powerful message that they really care to the viewers by firing Griffith and Morina
I am so confused about whatever the CDC tells us. It seems to change by the hour. Goodness.
I only feel sorry for people who are living paycheck to paycheck I could care less if these Hollywood people in their on the beaches home get fired! Deal with it you have praised dictatorship for years you now have it deal with it!
It’s almost 2 years of this it’s obviously for another reason
Unbelievable , If anyone should be fired it should be Griffith and Morina for running this show into the gutter!…for boring viewers into a coma and making the show look worse than a high school production. Cheap and pointless.
Burgi was the rare bright light in this dismal yawner! He was commanding and acted with intensity given the fact his characters backstory was made up as Griffith went along and poorly at that. Burgi couldve been the next leading man of y n r. God knows Victor and Jack wont be around forever. He and Amelia a Victoria had so much chemistry and supercouple potential. They looked like they adored eachother , I doubt her and the new replacement can have the same spark. From the minute Ashland interviewed Vic for the takeover I was rooting for them to get together. Even opposite Eric Braedan I wanted Ashland to get the upperhand!
I feel sorry Mr Burgi was an unfortunate bystander of the current regimes mismanagement and lost a job.
More proof cbs / sony is asleep behind the wheel ..
How poorly budgeted and mismanaged can a workplace be where an employee isnt stopped at the door during supposed ‘strict’ covid protocools and sent back home?! Cbs / sony doesnt care about y n r!
Im officially boycotting this show. Done.First Michael Mealors allowed to slip away after contract negotiations and now this.
Not here for the Abby Devon hour. Or the whiny Jacks alone or Phyliss is screeching again show. Or the Lilys a big girl now and Billys in a rut again show!
This shows become worse than crap its become a joke. The way this show is being run im suprised it ll be here in 5 years…
Damien , I don’t have to add anything to what you’ve stated. I will say that you and I were thinking the same way about Richard becoming the next leading man , too. They need another Victor because Victor is Y. and R.!
Me too, Betty!
I had high hope for Michael Mealor and Burghi as the next Vic vs Jack, ‘younger playboy’ vs older ‘tycoon’ with their history given paternity of Taras child…
Theres still Billy vs Adam although their rivalry is really tired
The new Chelsea vs Sally is so silly and juvenile given Chelseas fresh from the psych ward.
I agree, Damien. I miss Michael Mealor so much. Carrying on the Abbott dynasty is essential. Bringing Noah back was a great move since core families are the heart of the show. What I’m fed up with is Victor’s lackadaisical attitude about Princess Victoria gunning for Adam…again. He lectured Nick endlessly about making family peace but Missy gets a free pass. She’s become a jealous, heartless, myopic, joyless robot, just like her ex. She and Billy the Loser deserve each other.
If his name was Eric Breaden would there have been the same result?
Or Peter Bergman…
Or Melody Thomas Scott…
Sorry Richard is gone as Ashland. But he broke the rules. Ironic because while I think his character as Ashland is still a little shady, I don’t think he would have been so careless. At least he was classier in his response than Ingo and Steve Burton. But I did cringe for Amelia today with her kiss on the lips with him. And quite frankly I am so upset with anyone who is taking liberties with other peoples lives and helping to prolong this terrible virus. Hi
Omg! I love Ashland( Richard Burgi)… he’s the best there is! Please do not throw him to the wolves- he did 5 f days quarantine! Give him a break – t that really disappoints me~ he is so well suited!! It’s getting pretty old- this show- pretty boring!!!
I really liked him and I think they are being ridiculous. I am about to quit watching soaps because of these kind of decisions. I am 56 and have been watching since I was 13. Quit being so political.
An employee needs to be familiar with HR COVID policy at their company. He should have called Y&R HR to confirm what the protocol was before he returned to work. Sad he was let go but a call to HR might have avoided this.
I feel really sad, but if its a Covid issue ,I do think tgat the right thing was done .Richard Burgi I wish you good health and happiness in future
Like you very much
I hope he can return. So many crapping rules to keep up with locally, on your job CDC guidelines. Just to much
I really loved Ashland played by Richard. He’s a great actor and handsome. Shame on YNR for not giving Richard a chance to continue the quarantine period, instead of being fired.Im going to miss Richard and I pray he gets a better job in the future to make up for this terrible lost. Maybe YNR should fire the bad actors and actresses on this show. I’ve been watching since the early seventies.
I stopped watching as the storylines were less interesting and same old same old. We all have to do our part to protect ourselves and people we work with. It’s to bad he got fired but the rules have to be inforced to keep us safe. Good luck.
Time to rethink our world; this does point to how we are all one, and it will remain a struggle betwixt us to maintain what is considered our individual freedoms vs global concerns so that we remain together, and, importantly, when we make a mistake.
Never thought I would see this on a “SOAP” discussion. That tells me how important this is! Thanks all for being willing to share.
Tani…I agree with you. Too bad some favorite soap persons couldn’t get over themselves re covid and are now gone…at least for now. But it doesn’t stop there for me. There are the prima donna sports football, basketball, and tennis figures behaving the same. My son has getting me watch football games. No particular team except OSU, my alma mater. But We won’t watch Green Bay Packers because their very good quarterback lied about his covid status thus endangering other team members who followed the rules. Sadly management is still letting him play because they want to win the NFL championship. Quite different than how Australia handled djokovic for the Australian Open who also was slippery with the truth. So Australia said he couldn’t play tennis in their country where citizens have tried hard to keep safe. Then Adele has done the right thing. She was supposed to open a Las Vegas run this coming weekend until many of her crew tested positive. So she tearfully apologized to he ticket holder fans that she would have to postpone for the time being. Good Lady!
I thought Y&R also required vaccinations for Covid. I know another actor lost his job on General hospital for the same reason. I am very pro vaccine to keep everyone as healthy as possible. If that requirement is out there, then get vaxed if you want any to keep your job. Seems simple to me.
Cut throat decision. Shame on cbs.
I like Burgi, but not the character. Never did. I always thought he was faking his illness, and said so from day one!! He’s a very devious man whose intentions are not noble….. he plans to overthrow the powerful Newman extensive assets and businesses.
How did he manage to fool the doctors? That’s up to the writers to figure out.
As far as the explanations, this is something that will never be known to be true or not. Frankly, I am used to these comings and goings. I had not developed a “tie’ with this character—-just the opposite. I do feel antipathy for him. He’s a con-artist and Victoria id not so young or naive to have been taken by him.
I hope I am wrong since Victoria deserves happiness, albeit she is suddenly a shrew—-the female version of her formidable, iffy father.
Let’s see what the new actor has to offer.
Celia: I too, my friend, think he’s been shamming all along. My anger, however, is with Victor. I’m so tired of his little princess getting a free pass no matter how cutthroat she is. Adam felt sorry for Billy and didn’t want him to backslide into his addictions and that makes Adam a weakling? I thought the whole redemption plan was to make Adam more human and compassionate. And now this? Where’s Victoria’s feeling? Nick had to make amends with Adam but she can cut as deep as she wants. I don’t get this perverse logic of Victor. I say… Adam should cut bait, quit, grab Sally (as a colleague ONLY) and start their own company that has no ties to anything Newman. Or… go to work with Noah and Nicholas. That would really fix the Victor/Victoria wagon.
Y&R has been my favorite soap since I was a little girl, watching with my grandmother—I don’t know if I can say that anymore.
Actually, the three that I watch are a disappointment. —what is going on??
I had always disliked Victor with a passion, but he had started to change a bit and I sort of appreciated his loyalty to his family and friends—yet, that’s not really Victor.
I have repeated the Italian adage ( which my husband’s grandfather is wont to say now and again)!on these sites more than once. “Il lupo cambia il pelo e non il vizio”— It loses its “grip” in translation, but it means…” The wolf changes its hair but not its habit”. Ergo, Victor will never change his wolfish instincts.
I guess Sally and Adam could join forces, parade their stuff and show ’em all. —problem is, I can’t shake my dislike for Sally. Adam has found his way into the wesker part of myself. He’s like a lost child and I feel compassion—who would have “thunk”?!!?
Victoria is “as cold as ice”—I never would have thought that she would make such a radical transformation. The change happened gradually, I guess. Perhaps, Eric is close to retiring and the show needs a strong, Newman-fiend with an unbreakable heart.
Voila’, Victoria….
I do not think this should have been a firing offense. Richard has been gracious with the powers that be which is more than they deserved. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. Not very classy Y & R!
Shame on y r used to be my favorite show new actors does not even compare y r you made a big mistake and will love thousands of viewers
Very sorry to see Richard go ; loved his chemistry with Victoria ! He should have fought his dismissal because the CDC said 5 days was sufficient to quarantine ! I think they made a big mistake letting him go ! I liked Robert as Josh not as Ashland !
Karen Hohman
I must say as skeptical as I was when hearing that Richard Burgi was leaving and he was to be replaced by Robt. Newman, whom I loved on GL, I think he made a very good first impression today as Ashland. I just want to see more interaction with Victoria. I loved how he put Adam in his place first thing today.
I truly believe there is a Covid 19 and in being vaccinated as well as the booster but that is a personal choice. As I think we’re all finding out the numbers of Covid have been exaggerated greatly, I think in the end we’re going to find out that the writers or management of Y&R is wrong to release Burgos as Ashland Locke. What do they do then switch him back? If where he was, five days was enough quarantine then it should be good enough for Y&R management.
The company has their own policies that they are entitled to put in place, and they are policies that Richard Burgi agreed to work under. He violated something HE agreed to, therefore, they had every right to terminate his employment and rightfully so.
I’ve been watching Young & Restless for almost as many years as it’s been on. I thought Richard Burgi was a wonderful Asland Locke and was extremely disappointed to see him go. I also think Robert Newman is excellent but I don’t agree that Burgi was taken out because of the covid reason. Something else must have happened. He was a great actor, very handsome to look at but most of all, he was excellent in that roll. Not to say that Newman is not, but I don’t think that the reason they dismissed him was all that there was to it.
He was much to touchy feely creepy with Victoria.
The story was slipping until Richard Burgi came on. He is a wonderful actor and so right for the part of Ashland Locke. I looked forward to seeing him as he made the story so much more interesting. I don’t believe the Covid story was enough to fire him. I feel the network should have spoken to him and definitely given a second chance. He was much too good to let him go. Many rules are broken in every phase of life and this one certainly was too harsh for the crime.
How awful that TYATR Covid rules (10 days) were more restrictive than the CDC guidelines (5 days). An OUTSTANDING actor (Richard Burgi) was removed from the cast. COVID strikes yet again!
I loved him, will miss him greatly. I wish him luck in his future
Bring the old Ashland back !!! Geez 5 days like state says or 10 ??? Seriously stupid!!!
That’s awful, I just can’t get used to this new guy, not his fault-he’s just not the right guy for the role. I can’t see the character-Victoria ever being attracted to him. She does a great job making the transition and acting like she’s attracted to him, but it just doesn’t work for me. It’s actually made the show less interesting to me. It’s too bad that Y&R couldn’t work this out, very petty of them to do this to their audience when the whole world is lightening up restrictions now!
We have no Freedom or Rights in this Unconstitutional Communist World we’re trying to Survive in!Why are people so Mean,Crazy, Rude,&Inconsiderate!
He made an honest mistake because there are so many rules and is fired for it!CBS & ABC think they’re so high and mighty!!!
I Hope they both pay for it when this court case goes through
Staying home away from all of you PARINOD CHICKEN SH*TS!
VERY sad, as this man is soooooo sexy and gorgeous. The new Ashland is gross. No match for a beauty like Victoria.
Bring back Richard Burgi—all the rest Suck as his character- Richard is a much more interesting villain. Josh from guiding light Sucks.
General Hospital
General Hospital’s Rena Sofer Remarries Sanford Bookstaver
Congratulations are in order for Rena Sofer (Lois Cerullo, General Hospital) and her longtime love, TV director and producer, Sanford Bookstaver. The couple re-tied the knot over this past weekend in a wedding ceremony.
In a post on her Instagram, Sofer shared the details, expressing, “This weekend on what would have been our 21st wedding anniversary I got to Re-Marry my best friend Sanford Booksaver once again!”
The GH star and Daytime Emmy-winner added,”The journey we are about to begin is the most exciting adventure, in a new state and town, but most thrilling is that we get to do it together as husband and wife!”
Photo: SBookStaverIG
Alluding to their time apart, Rena noted, “The three years we spent apart were humbling and heartbreaking but vital to us finding each other again. The love I have for you now is the foundation of my life. I can’t imagine another moment NOT walking through life with you hand in hand and our hearts entwined. You are the love of my life, and it’s not ‘oops we did it again, but I’m so grateful we did it again!❤️❤️❤️”
Previously, Sofer was married to GH and Days star, Wally Kurth (Ned and Justin, respectively) from 1995-1997, and the two share a daughter together, Rosabel Rosalind Kurth. Rena and Sanford were previously married from 2005 to 2017 and share a daughter together, Avalon Leone.
Share your well-wishes to Rena and Sanford as they embark on the next chapter of their lives together as a married couple via the comment section below.
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News
REPORT: Matthew Atkinson Back to The Bold and the Beautiful
When we last saw The Bold and the Beautiful’s Thomas Forrester (Matthew Atkinson), he headed out of Los Angeles with his son, Douglas (Henry Joseph Samiri) and headed to Paris. The decision to leave was prompted by Hope (Annika Noelle) turning down his marriage proposal once again, and by prodding from his sister, Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood).
Many Thope fans have wanted to see Hope and Thomas reunite and figure out where to take their relationship next, but he has been nowhere insight, and so has his portrayer, Matthew Atkinson.
However, in a new report from Soap Hub, their sources indicate that Atkinson will be back on screen next month by mid-June. In a tease, Atkinson posted a photo on his Instagram story (which has since disappeared, since IG story posts only stay up for 24 hours), where he was pointing at a TV screen behind him that showed Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) and Eric (John McCook) in a scene. No telling the true meaning of that snap, but it could be he is back at the show.
Photo: JPI
As Hope and Finn (Tanner Novlan) are getting closer, the timing could just work out in the most dramatic way if Thomas were to return. Since Hope and Finn are bonding over their parents, Sheila (Kimberlin Brown) and Deacon’s (Sean Kanan), upcoming nuptials, will the doctor and the designer hit the sheets and Thomas walks in on it?
Photo: JPI
Now let us know, when Thomas returns do you want to see him reconcile things with Hope, or do you want him back to the obsessed Thomas of the past who hatched plots to get what he wanted? Comment below.
General Hospital
General Hospital’s Maurice Benard Defends Sonny Going Postal, “It Could Definitely Happen”
Last Friday’s May 17th cliffhanger of General Hospital saw Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) beating up Dex (Evan Hofer) and threatening to shoot and kill both Dex and Jason (Steve Burton), who is restraining him outside the ballroom at the wedding reception of Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard).
For months, Sonny has been taking less than his prescribed dosage of medication to control his bipolar disorder. The mobster has no idea that he has been duped by Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), who is the one that set this dangerous situation in motion, in an effort to eliminate Sonny and eventually Jason from interfering in Pikeman taking over the territory.
One fan questioned the validity of Sonny’s reaction to Dex and Jason after the pei, when he took to X and expressed, “People off their medications don’t necessarily go around hitting people and being out of control. This was the WRONG message to send. I don’t expect anything from Frank Valentini and General Hospital anymore, but you could’ve (and should’ve) stopped it cold.”
Photo: ABC
Maurice Benard replied back to that comment and defended the actions of Sonny given the circumstances. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winner shared, “This is true but when you have a character like Sonny who’s volatile and is drinking and is manic and his thoughts are taken him over it could definitely happen like I said, ‘bipolar ain’t pretty.”‘
GH has portrayed Sonny’s battle with mental illness and the importance of keeping on your meds, plus the issues surrounding it for years. However, some fans have not been pleased by this latest plot point.
Courtesy/ABC
The pick-up of the story begins tomorrow on Monday, May 20th where teasers for the episode share: Sonny is horrified. Blaze consoles Kristina (who walked in on her dad threatening Jason and Dex) and Jason summons Carly.
So, what did you think of the plot point of Sonny threatening to kill Dex and Jason, after beating up Dex, given his growing paranoia? Comment below.
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