News
Darnell Williams reveals more on his new role on Y&R as Sarge!
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner and All My Children fan favorite, Darnell Williams (Ex- Jessie) is set to debut this coming Monday, February 20th on The Young and the Restless in his new role as Sarge! So just what is a “Sarge”? Will Williams be re-teamed with Debbi Morgan (Ex-Angie, AMC, now Harmony, Y&R?) For the answers to these questions and more that are probably circulating in the most avid of soap fans head, make sure to check out Williams new interview out today from TV Guide. Here are a few excerpts below!
Darnell on what the heck is going with Sarge, a physical therapist on board to help Jack Abbott with his rehab! “He’s like an ex-Marine drill sergeant who bullies his patients into getting better. We’ll be chipping away the layers to find out why. There’s something pretty big lurking beneath the surface, though I don’t yet know what that is. [Laughs] I don’t even know Sarge’s real name but I do know he’s an a–hole.”
Darnell on if he thinks the powers-that-be brought him to Y&R to immediately re-team him with Debbi Morgan: “I’m not really sure how they’ll spread me throughout the canvas beyond the story with Peter. I did ask about [being paired with Morgan] and they said, “That’s not why we hired you. We want to stay away from that, though we might tease it a little bit.” I kind of hope they’ll keep us apart for a while. I love Debbi, but it seems too easy to go that route. “
Darnell on how come Lindsay Hartley had tweeted that he accepted a deal with Prospect Park’s then proposed online version of AMC: “There was no actual deal. We had come to an agreement but there was no contract per se. I was just so glad the Y&R offer came along. I had just purchased a house in the [California] desert which I’ve given myself a year to make habitable. I have this inner interior designer trying to get out! I feel blessed to be working, especially in today’s economy. ”
Are you excited to see Darnell in his new role? Let us know your thoughts!
General Hospital
Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
On Friday May 3rd, it was confirmed by Nicholas Chavez that he has indeed left his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital.
Taking to his account on X, Chavez shared some heartfelt goodbyes to the cast, the creatives and the fans of the ABC daytime drama series. This comes after months of speculation and reports that Chavez is not returning to his Daytime Emmy-winning role.
Chavez left the soap to go film his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix limited series, Monsters: The The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and in story on GH, Spencer went overboard on a boat, when he was drugged by Esme (Avery Pohl) on the Seine River in France. His body and Esme’s thus far have never been found.
Photo: ABC
In his heartfelt message on X, Nicholas expressed, “I’m so appreciative of the opportunity that GH gave me, and I wouldn’t be as busy as I am professionally if it weren’t for the talented producers, writers, directors and fellow actors. Frank Valentini is a mentor and a friend, and we’ve had some pretty extensive conversations about my future on the show.”
Photo: ABC
Sharing his thoughts on if the would ever come back to GH, Chavez added, “While there are no current plans for me to return, we are still talking very openly about future possibilities for Spencer in Port Charles.”
Finally, Nicholas shared,”Beyond the people I’ve already mentioned, I want to take some time to thank and honor the GH fan base… especially the Sprina fans… who must be THE most loyal and kind fan base in the universe of entertainment. Words fail to show the depth of my gratitude, thank you, I love you all very, very much.”
Photo: ABC
Nicholas took over the role of Spencer previously played by Nicolas Bechtel, in July of 2021, and his last episode aired on January 31st, 2024. In April, reports surfaced that the actor was not returning to GH after all.
What do you think about Nicholas Chavez farewell message? Are you sad that he has confirmed his exit from GH, or were you expecting it? Comment below.
I’m so appreciative of the opportunity that GH gave me, and I wouldn’t be as busy as I am professionally if it weren’t for the talented producers, writers, directors and fellow actors.
Frank Valentini is a mentor and a friend, and we’ve had some pretty extensive conversations…
— Nicholas Alexander Chavez (@nicholasachavez) May 3, 2024
News
Steve Kent Exits Sony; Will Serve as Y&R’s Executive in Charge of Production
While as previously reported, Steve Kent is out in his role as Senior EVP of Programming at Sony Pictures Television, where he oversaw both Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless, now comes word that he is going to continue at the top-rated soap opera.
According to Deadline, Kent’s Senior EVP Programming role is being eliminated and Kent’s responsibilities will be taken up by other members of the SPT production team going forward. Kent will now be the executive in charge of production on The Young and the Restless, as his sole show.
Steve had been overseeing both DAYS and Y&R since 2007. along with being in charge of development and production of original local language productions including Outlander, Nikola and more.
Photo: JPI
Before coming to Sony in 1996 as Vice-President of Production for then-Columbia TriStar Television, he was the supervising producer on Santa Barbara from 1984 to 1993. Throughout his tenure, he picked up three Daytime Emmys.
Photo: JPI
No word on who will handle Days of our Lives from the Sony side or if its as noted being divied up between the SPT production team which absorbs Kent’s duties.
So, what do you think about Steve joining The Young and the Restless as its executive in charge of production? Comment below.
General Hospital
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
Fitness Guru, Richard Simmons has been recently sharing many stories about his time in Hollywood and his career on his X account as he reflects on his life and prepares his biopic.
In a string of posts, containing moments from his time on General Hospital, and meeting many of who would be his co-stars in Port Charles, Simmons opened up about how he landed on the soap in its hey day.
Simmons began by explaining that after an appearing on an ABC local morning show with Regis Philbin, he got a call two days later about GH, and things took off from there.
Photo: JPI
Richard expressed, “I met with the most powerful woman in daytime television. Gloria Monty. I also met with the head writer Pat Falken Smith. These ladies were very smart. They told me their idea. I would teach exercise classes in a disco for all the ladies on the show.” He added, “A week before taping the show the studio asked me if I could drive over and do some promotional photos. In my car I brought with me six jogging suits….My make up…some towels and five pound weights. I still could not believe I was going to be on a soap. lol.”
When he got to GH’s studio, Simmons shared, “The first person that I met was Genie Francis (Laura). Her father was Ivor Francis an actor who had been on Broadway and many TV shows. Genie was so young and innocent looking. I clicked immediately with her.
Photo: ABC
“The second person I was introduced to was Anthony Geary (Luke),” recalled Richard. “Some people called him Tony. ..but I did not. He was an actor’s actor. Mr G had curly hair like me. When he was not acting he was sitting in his dressing room learning all of his lines. His door was always closed. One day when it was open. I asked if I could come in and sit and talk. This man won 8 daytime Emmys for playing Luke.”
“Now what can I say about Jane Elliot (Tracy)? She had an aristocratic face,” says Simmons. “One moment her character was very nice then she was the queen of mean. She allowed me to come into her room and chat while she was putting on makeup.”
Photo: JPI
Then, Richard recalled the late, great Stuart Damon (ex-Alan) and Jackie Zeman (ex-Bobbie). “I then met Prince Charming. Stuart Damon. He had been in a lot of TV shows and played Prince Charming on a special about Cinderella. Jackie Zeman was so cute. She had a pixie face.”
Simmons recalled when Rick Springfield joined the cast as Noah Drake, sharing, “While he was on the show his father passed away in Australia. I went to the news stand and bought him a bunch of magazines to read on the plane. How many times have you sung Jessie’s Girl and Don’t Talk to Strangers? When he came back from Australia he resumed his role.”
Courtesy/ABC
Noting his humble beginnings on GH running the aerobic classes at the Campus Disco, Richard recalled, “My first scene was in Luke’s Disco. All the nurses and other actresses were there dancing with me. I had never memorized lines before. So much was going on in my head. At the end of my scene, I heard the sound of heels clicking on the floor and everyone froze. It was Ms Monty and she was talking to me. ‘Richard the television is this big . You are talking like you are on a screen in a movie theater…bring your voice down.’ So I did.”
What do you think about the sentiments shared by Richard Simmons on his reflections on his time on General Hospital? Check out this OG GH scene with Richard leading the exercise class at the Campus Disco with some beloved Port Charles notables. Then, comment below.
(INTERVIEW) Adam Huss Talks on His Latest GH Return, Maura West, Nicholas Chavez, and Being a Swiftie
Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
Steve Kent Exits Sony; Will Serve as Y&R’s Executive in Charge of Production
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Jack and Nikki Hit Rock Bottom with Riveting Performances by Peter Bergman and Melody Thomas Scott
GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”
Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
Tristan Riggs is General Hospital’s New Aiden
Kimberlin Brown Back to The Bold and the Beautiful
(INTERVIEW) Adam Huss Talks on His Latest GH Return, Maura West, Nicholas Chavez, and Being a Swiftie
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
(WATCH) B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Annika Noelle Talk Lead Actress Emmy Nominations and Brooke and Hope’s Mother/Daughter Relationship
Juliet Donenfeld is the Temporary Recast as General Hospital’s Georgie
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Deacon and Finn Make a Shocking Discovery and Find Sheila
-
As The World TurnsApril 27, 2024Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
-
General HospitalApril 29, 2024GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”
-
General HospitalMay 1, 2024Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
-
General HospitalMay 3, 2024Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
-
Breaking NewsApril 25, 2024REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 28, 2024DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: EJ is on the Warpath After Finding Out Sloan’s Baby Is Not Hers!
Yay, Darnell! 😀
I love and miss you darnell good luck on your y&r gig ,sorry but thats not why I am here ,didnt really know where to write this,unless everyone knows this ,and I sleep through another big deal.over at google news ,I have a one life to live news thing ,anyway at the macomb daily ,there was a good reading on general hospital and the writer says that abc will be making a decision on whether general hospital stays or goes ,in the next few weeks ,so start writing ,calling e mailing annoy abc ,let them know how you feel ,I do this several times a day they have to know that we do not want another soap cancelled and will continue to boycott any thing abc/disney.let them know how disappointed you are at there stupid shows that replaced all my children and one life to live with and that you have no interest in that katie couric trash ,that will not be on your television ,so ,here we go people start bugging abc with everything that you got.because we may loose general hospital and that cant happen.
I wish ABC would have kept All My Children on the air but Darnell Williams character on Young and the Restless seems to totally different then his character when he was on All My Children
I sure hope they don’t do a Harmony/Sarge pairing all I will see is Angie/Jesse. (Right now I’m watching a very spoiled “Laura” everyday)
Chloe, and of course Jill, are in need of love interests but I’m thinking Ashley might be a love match. I’m more curious to see those two in a scene than one with Harmony.
Good luck. I love Darnell, but the current Bells who run Y&R and B&B like to stunt cast and then don’t know what to do with these great actors when they have them. Y&R needs to get back to its core characters and stories that made it once great.
Thanks again for another great report, Michael!
I especially liked reading the last paragraph wherein Darnell talked about how happy the Y&R job came along and how grateful he is to be working. It’s just that little bit that shows he is human like the rest of us (not that I ever doubted it). I guess I mean it just shows that they have struggles too.
When I think of “Sarge” being “Jack’s” PT, it makes me think of Rocky and Apollo Creed. I would love to see Sarge whip Jack into shape and run him right out of that wheelchair. I could see them becoming good friends should the character continue after this, which it sounds like it will. Yo, Adrienne!!!!
Once again, MAB is just trying to gain viewers. The Y&R is too packed. She knew we’d want a Jesse/Angie of Y&R and teasing us for it? She knows that’s going to piss us off even more.
When are we firing her?
i am thrilled to death that darnell will be back on my screen – not being paired with debbie morgan will give everyone a chance to see them both shine seperately – both are very talented & awesome in their own right…
I love his new role. Fiery. Something fresh. New to see. Cant wait to see more.
I loved them as Angie and Jessie and they are Best friends in real life. I was SO excited to see them in a scene together and wanted them to be Romantic eventually. Then Harmony got mad at Sarge and it all went to hell. I was so upset to see Harmony with that other guy and not Sarge…I felt like they were mean to tease us. But now that I read that though they love each other, they would not want to be paired romantically on the show….at least not right away…I guess I feel better about it….Still….I keep hoping one day. Love seeing Annie from AMC and some others like Laura from G.H., etc… hope they don’t keep making her wear jackets like they did on G.H. Be proud of your figure Genie….and I’d love “J.R.” paired with the actress that played Annie..they were so hot together on AMC. Give Gwen a love story.
Certainly they are trying to gain viewers Scott. Ratings are what keeps shows on the air. Do you think the network’s bills get paid by some rich uncle ? The bottom line here is that Y&R landed three highly regarded actors/actresses from AMC. That’s obviously going to pull in viewers, and if the these fine actors/actress are given quality storylines to work with, it will up the quality of the show, as well as its ratings. I had actually stopped watching Y&R for like a year, and was watching AMC exculsively. Then when AMC ended, i was watching any soaps at all. The several weeks ago I learned of Debbi and the other AMC talents having joined Y&R, and so now I am watching Y&R again just because of that. Unfortunately it has t taken long for Y&R to get me ticked though with these Sharon & Victor nonsense, but hopefully it won’t last long. In addition to having Debbie and Darnell on, it is nice to see Cricket and Danny back. Loved hearing Phyills say… “I still had that bug”.. Lol. Maybe the whole thing with her do the hit-and-run on Cricket years ago will resurface now 😉
Well I hope harmony lost memory.and sarge is her long lost husband and they have. Children. He:s there to figure out how to break the news to her…that would pretty hot to see ….