Beyond the Gates
Ben Gavin Exits ‘Beyond the Gates’ as Derek Baldwin Dies in the OR; But Who Will Be Revealed as ‘The Impaler?’
Beyond the Gates said goodbye to one of its original cast members on its Wednesday, May 20 episode when Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) dies in the operating room after being fatally shot saving the life of Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso).
Derek’s death will have lasting ramifications because Grayson feels it was all his fault that Derek followed him to the warehouse where danger was lurking. However, Jacob said if it wasn’t for Derek’s quick move they would have both wound up dead. Still looming is who is “The Impaler” that is in charge of this entire illegal blood plasma ring? Today’s emotional episode featured Ben’s former girlfriend, Ashley (Jen Jacob) becoming emotionally-wrecked after learning Derek had died.
In an exit interview with TV Insider, actor Ben Gavin explained what went down when he learned Derek was going to meet his maker back in December of 2025. “It was definitely a shocker. They made it pretty clear this was something that they needed, and for the sake of the story, it couldn’t just be anyone. It had to be someone that they started to really care about to hook the audience, and I understood that.”
DEREK WAS KILLED-OFF DUE TO THE GREATER GOOD OF THE STORY
As it turns out, Beyond the Gates executive producer, Julie Carruthers informed Gavin that he was going to die a hero. “And Derek’s got a hero complex, so it’s only fitting,” agreed Ben. “I get the nature of it, but it didn’t make it any less difficult to swallow.”
Derek’s last scene was with the love of his life, Ashley. It’s one Gavin will always remember, sharing, “The very last shot I did was where I tell Ashley to not be afraid and that I love her. They really took their time with it, which I appreciate, because there are not many opportunities on a soap where we can really take our time with moments; it’s run and gun. So, I’m lying on this gurney, and I’m going through all the mental stuff before the shot, and then nothing’s happening, and I’m kind of like, ‘Alright, let’s do this.’ And then everyone came out onto the stage, and they said, ‘You’re wrapped.’”
Now the question is, how will Ashley and Grayson move forward in their relationship knowing that Derek died saving Grayson and Jacob? And we still need to learn the identify of “The Impaler.” Who do you think it could be?
So, will you miss Ben Gavin as Derek Baldwin? Do you think the series killed the right character off the canvas? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Grayson should have been killed off .
I feel Grayson should had been killed off. Derek was so good. Lia should go to jail asp. I will miss Derek.
Nothing personal, but Ben Gavin (Derek) is a terrible actor. I knew his days on the show were numbered. He’s not even good enough to star in a high school production.
LMAO
But I think he would be a good firefighter. 😉
Amazing week thus far; not surprised by Derek’s exit, as the red herrings were all there. Ben Gavin seems like a sweet guy and took this on the chin. Wishing him the best in his future endeavours. As for the Impaler, I do believe it is:
2 ideas for keeping Derek’s character on the show:
1-Don’t let him Derek actually be dead, but a plot to say he died on the operating table to hide him so he can be the the key witness in the upcoming trial for the undercover sting, because the shooter go away and he was the only one in the warehouse to see the shooter’s face,
2-Let him come back as his twin brother and tell how he and his twin told each other everything and he knew what Derek was doing at the warehouse and were texting when Derek saw the gunman and jumped in to save the two lives.
LET THE “GOOD GUY” CHARACTERS STAY ON THE SHOW AND FIND A WAY TO KEEP THE FLOW OF PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING GOOD THINGS AS DEREK WAS AT THE FREE CLINIC STAY ON THE SHOW. TRY TO KEEP EVERYONE ON THE SHOW ALIVE. WE DON’T NEED ANY MORE KILLING AND DYING, THE CRIME SERIES SHOW US ENOUGH.
Constance Sartor Walker
Creative Writer
Durham, NC
In all honesty, I didn’t care for the Derek character. I don’t know why but the character just didn’t catch on with me. As for who the Impaler might be, I hope it’s a real shocker when that comes out.
Hell no they should have not killed him off the show!
I’m very sorry to hear this. I liked the Derek character. Derek died saving Grayson!!!!!!!!! If I was Ashley, that would spell the end my relationship with Grayson.
The very best of luck to Ben Gavin in his future.
i’m sure people will disagree but i think killing off Derek was a mistake and i think people were always putting Ben Gavin down but again it was a mistake to get rid of him
Would you like to give a reason why you think it was a mistake? I think the reason a lot of people disagree with you is because they feel he’s simply not a good actor. He’s always had a very difficult time expressing the character’s different emotions. That’s a career-ending flaw for someone who wants to maintain a long career in major productions.
Joey!!!
Oh, I like Derek I wish they could’ve kept him on couldn’t. They had killed someone else like the bad guy.
I want to be shocked by the news of the impaler identity. I’m thinking Carlton, Kial, Doug McBride, or even Nicole or Donnell. Why did Nicole leave the cotillion so abruptly? Donnell arrived late due to a “flat tire” but that could be an excuse. Leslie or Joey would be too obvious.
They could have killed off the psycho woman, head of the hospital. She wouldn’t be missed, but Derek will be, unfortunately. Great storyline otherwise, they could say they just said he died because of the impaler not exposed, and bring Derek’s character back. It happens, its a soap.
I Remember Derek so well when he first came on as the character I really like him why on earth you would take him off instead of taken Lia. And Grayson ŵhat a horrible mistake why do you people always taken the ones people enjoy watch I am so disappointed.
Ben Gavin was doing a better acting job with his Derek character. Too bad that he is moving on to other projects.
Either Doug McBride isn’t dead and he is The Impaler or Derek isn’t dead and he’s going into Witness Protection.
Bingo! Doug McBride has to be The Impaler. It all adds up. He was financially devastated, knows the hospital’s people and inner workings, and knows exactly how to deal with blood plasma.
As far as Ben Gavin (Derek Baldwin), he’s gone because he simply wasn’t a good actor. There are some other pretty bad actors who still remain, but Gavin was the worst of them all. But because Gavin is probably a very nice guy and great to work with, it’s likely the producers and writers decided to let him go out in magnificent glory. I wish him the best, but if he stays in the entertainment industry his success will most like be behind the camera.
I will miss Ben Gavin as Derek as he was a force for good on a show where more than one person gets away with doing bad things without consequences (Leslie, Joey, Hayley). Ben brought loveable every man “Derek “to life (in spite of some qurstionable writing for his character). I’m sad that Ben (and the character of Derek) are gone.
Well said. I didn’t like his storyline with Ashley. He was one of the few that put Leslie in her place. I also liked his scenes with Eva. Most frustrating is he wasn’t involved with the impaler storyline. So why is he the one who dies, and not Derek, Grayson, or Smitty? Poor storytelling.
In Miss Derek . He was a great guy. Now Ashley can leave town and be ghost.
All good things must come to an end. I wish Mr. Gavin the best but I believe his future is bright. I definitely see him snapped up by another soap or in prime time fairly soon. As they say when one door closes another one opens.
Yes, a bright future in a field other than acting. You’re delusional if you actually believe that he’ll be “snapped up” by another soap or some prime time show soon. Or even not so soon. If I’m wrong, come back here and boast about it. Until then, let’s keep listening to the birds chirping.
All bad things must come to an end, too.
I love all the characters.
I think it should have been Grayson and Ashley and Derek found there way back to each other.
The impaler has to be Doug McBride. He was in desperate financial trouble with Joey, so Joey said this was his way out.
BTG deserves to be honored by the Daytime Emmys for the outstanding accomplishments they’ve made in just over a year of being on the air. Everntually, I think they’ll start winning a lot of the traditional categories. The show is just so enjoyable to watch.
My favorite characters are Leslie Thomas, Bill Hamilton and Dani Dupree. Leslie is hilarious, always has great comebacks, and delivers her lines and facial expressions better than anyone else. Bill’s complexity at being both a mean tough guy and a wonderful nice guy is great. And Dani is cool-as-heII bada$$ who is always a breath of fresh air.
A good actor totally becomes the character. The viewer doesn’t even think of the person acting; they’re just immersed in the story and believe the person is actually that charcter.
A bad actor just recites their lines and cannot connect with the motivation or emotions of the character. The viewer actually thinks about how the actor is delivering the lines, so they are thinking of the actor as an actor rather than fully believing they are actually the character they’re playing.
As an example, when BTG viewers see Vernon Dupree, Anita Dupree, Dani Dupree, Bill Hamilton or Leslie Thomas on screen, they believe they are actually watching real people instead of actors playing characters. They pull us in to the story as if it and them are real! You don’t once think about how the actor merely recited a line from a script.
You’ve made your critique of his acting skills. You will not convince us though by repeating your opinion over and over. You think he is a bad actor who can’t connect with others. Judging from the intense reaction his character’s death is receiving on social media he connected with most of the audience just fine.
You’re in denial. Soaps don’t fire good actors who have an “intense” following from “most” of the audience (unless they’ve violated the morals clause in their contract). This is very simple… If he was anywhere close to as good as you tell yourself, he wouldn’t have been fired. You’ll never see him on any other soap because none will hire him.
Reality check here. Soaps fire good actors all the time for storyline purposes. It’s called business. It doesn’t matter whether you are popular or not. Look at Days of our Lives. Carson Boatman and Raven Bowens were recently fired from the show. Kelly Monaco was fired from General Hospital. You are entitled to your views. I and the thousands of people who have expressed regret at him leaving are entitled to ours. In any event I will always wish any actor the best in his future endeavors.
Delusion is not reality. Gavin was arguably the worst actor on the show. And even at a bargain-basement salary, his bosses determined that he still wasn’t a good value. That is why he was fired. So if he had such an intense following by most of the fans, as you claim, it would’ve made absolutely no sense to get rid of him. Many fans predicted his demise starting within months of the show’s premiere. But if it will make you feel better to believe that it was for “business” and “storyline” purposes, I understand. If Gavin is passionate about acting, I’m sure he’ll be able to get minor roles here and there in low-level productions. But getting work on one of the other soaps, or a major prime time show, is never going to happen.
I am not a casting director or a producer and I am not privy to the salary structure of those on this or any other show. Nor do I choose to speculate on a producers storyline decisions. I continue to think Ben Gavin has a bright future in acting and look forward to seeing him and the rest of the cast of the show in future entertainment productions. As you and I are not changing our opinions, please have a nice day and be blessed.
Sunglasses will not be necessary to watch his “bright” future in acting.
It’s time for Joey to leave that show. And stop all the crime. It’s turning BTG into a mob crime soap. I’ve lost my desire to watch it.
Come on, Betty. Hang in there. Crime and the mob is intertwined with politics, right? And Fairmount Crest sits in the heart of the country’s politics. I think the crime element mixed in on BTG makes it exciting.
It’s time to send Joey Armstrong back to General hospital. That’s where he’s needed not on BTG. The mob needs to get clothes down on this show. They are turning this show into a criminal show.
Lmao. Jon Lindstrom (the person) is actually getting work at Beyond the Gates, where he was not at General Hospital. Not to mention, he’s very happy playing Joey Armstrong, and it shows in the quality of his work.
Actually, the actor who plays Joey is far better off on BTG than GH. It’s a much juicier and more interesting role since his days tackling dual roles on GH ended, and he’s doing an amazing job at playing this great character. I would be very disappointed if he left BTG, whether voluntarily or not.
I forgot to ask you Betty: Why should the mob get clothes down? Do they own a clothing store?
Ironically, you can’t even blame Bob Guza for the mob storylines on BTG, since he left the show several months ago. When Joey was still a relatively minor character and none of this plasma black market dragonshit was going on.
Joey does seem to have his “Sonny Corinthos” elements to him though. And why not? Jon Lindstrom picked them up by working with the original for so many years.
whos blaming bob guza? who even mentioned bob guza? oh and who is bob guza? lol. btw i dont think betty spaghetti cares one bit about whos responsible for the mob storylines. she just wants them to go away.
Congratulations are in order for Jen Jacob (Ashley Morgan, Beyond the Gates) and her husband, musician Jesse Ruben. The two will be welcoming their first baby girl to their growing family in March of 2027 after Jacob that she is pregnant!
Jen took to her Instagram account and shared sonogram images of the couple’s little bundle of joy growing inside of her. She captioned the montage of images, “Mom & Dad have entered the chat. Baby girl coming March 2027 🩷” The post is set to the music of Thurston Harris’ “Little Bitty Pretty One.”
This marks the first child for the duo who have been married for the last 8 years and recently celebrated their wedding anniversary just last week on October 7.
Photo: JjacobIG
Ruben wrote on the occasion, “Eight years ago today, I got to marry my favorite person. Jen Jaccob, hank you for saying yes, and being the best, most patient and kind and loving partner. How lucky am I, to get to do life with you. I love doing life with you.”
BEYOND THE GATES CAST OVERJOYED
Upon the news, several of Jen’s Beyond the Gates costars were on the ready and jumped in the post comment thread including: Daytime Emmy nominee Arielle Prepetit (Naomi).“I’m gonna be an auntieeeee!! Yasss!♥️” That was followed by RhonniRoseMantilla (Chelsea), who aded, “YAYYYYY BTG BABY BTG BABYYYY💕💕💕”
Daytime Emmy nominee, Karla Mosley (Dani) wrote, “❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love love LOVE – there aren’t enough hearts in the world.” Meanwhile, Daphnee Duplaix (Nicole) added, “Can’t wait for our newest family member!!!!” Lauren Buglioli (Vanessa) expressed: “EEEEEE!!! Aunt Lauren loves you baby girllll”
Photo: CBS
WILL THE CBS SOAP OPERA FOLLOW SUIT AND MAKE ASHLEY PREGNANT?
Meanwhile on CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates, Ashley still remains unlucky in love. Her ex-boyfriend, Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) died, she had initially split with suitor Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso) after the The Impaler blood plasma reveal, but now seems back together with him. Previously, Ashley had a flirtation with Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), which could still come back around in the future.
No word yet if Ashley will become pregnant on-screen during the time of Jen’s pregnancy or if she will be hiding behind the nurses station desk to cover her baby bump at Garland Memorial Hospital.
Share your congrats to Jen and Ben on the announcement of their baby on the way via the comment section, and let us know if you think Beyond the Gates should or will, write Jen’s pregnancy into the story for Ashley?
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Next week on all-new episodes of the soap that has everyone talking, CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates, Hayley (Marquita Goings) and Heather (Ashley Jones) are thrown into each other’s orbit, especially when conniving Heather seems to hatch a plan.
In the video teaser for what goes down in the DMV October 12-16, while at Uptown, Heather seems to order a drink for her new friend, who turns out to be Hayley. Suspicious, Hayley says to Heather, “How do you know my name?” But anybody with a bone to pick with Heather’s brother Joey (Jon Lindstrom) can be of use to her! Has Hayley met her match?
Meanwhile, Heather is seeing purring over Carlton (Robert Christopher Riley) and using a letter opener to open his shirt!
Then, after Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) took matters into his own hands last week and rescued the kidnapped Hayley, he believes he struck a deal with her to keep her mouth shut about the secret of Martin’s (Brandon Claybon) past and what happened in the racist attack that the Dupree family, Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Joey have tried to contain for the last few years. However, now Vernon calls Joey about a problem and Joey guesses the problem’s name is Hayley Lawson!
At Garland Memorial Hospital, Ashley (Jen Jacob) congratulates Shanice (Ernestine Johnson) on her engagement to Ted (Keith D. Robinson). However, Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) happens upon the scene and has a very different reaction to the news. In addition, Kat (Colby Nixon) gets pretty snotty with Eva (Ambyr Michelle)!
Now below, check out the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the week.
Monday, October 12
Nicole comes clean to Dani. Vernon and Anita defend their family. Naomi and Smitty prepare for the worst. Bill revels in victory, but Hayley takes another jab. Izaiah extends an invite to Elon, while Jacob wants new Impaler intel
Tuesday, October 13
Martin waits for big news, while Smitty waits in shame. Nicole does an about face with Ted. Naomi shuts Jacob down. Samantha challenges Tyrell. Ashley steps in when Shanice is overwhelmed. Carlton’s dalliance with Heather takes a sharp turn.
Wednesday, October 14
Vernon’s on high alert while Bill’s left out of the loop. Dani puts her foot down with Chelsea. Nicole tries to steady Samantha amidst slander. Naomi feels the heat when Jacob comes under fire.
Thursday, October 15
Anita and Nicole fight for optimism. Martin’s declaration gets derailed. Bill wants more from Dani and finds common ground with Ted. Naomi has a plan for proof. Joey’s admission shocks Vanessa. Hayley meets her match.
Friday, October 16
Andre loses his cool in front of Dani. Naomi takes Bill by surprise. Leslie hears some hard news. Eva snaps and Kat claps back. Hayley attempts to make good with Randy. Heather moves in on Joey.
Check out the action in and around Fairmont Crest next week on Beyond the Gates below.
Now let us know, are you enjoying the deliciously wicked personalities of Hayley and Heather? What do you hope happens next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Fall Preview: Michele Val Jean Reveals Twists and Turns in Fairmont Crest, Teases New Faces
Beyond the Gates continues to be the buzzy and noteworthy soap opera as it heads deeper into the fall. With 15 Daytime Emmy nominations (a record for a first-time nominated show), the action on-screen has been just as exciting as of late.
Now, series creator, head writer, and executive producer, Michele Van Jean teases what viewers of the CBS soap opera can look forward to in the months ahead and into 2027 with TV Insider. Val Jean clarified that the show is already written into April of next year with new faces joining the cast down the line.
Michele shared, “As we go down the journey with The Articulettes, that path is going to lead back to (their manager) Dante Green. So, we’re going to be seeing him eventually. It’s not imminent because we write really far in advance, but you’ll be meeting Dante Green. And then we have a female robbery/homicide cop that’s going to come onto the canvas eventually.”
DANGEROUS, DUPLICITOUS AND DEADLY
While that’s a bit down the line, here’s a few tidbits for a few of the core characters happening soon; starting with the matriarch and the patriarch of the Dupree family, Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon (Clifton Davis). ”
“They’re going to steer their family and community through some troubling times,” explains Michele. Adding, “Anita will get to make exciting moves in her music career as we started to see with The Articulettes, but she’s going to meet with some unexpected obstacles along the way that will test how much she really wants this. Vernon will not be afraid to take serious measures to protect his family and bring down anyone who threatens them.”
Speaking of “serious measures to bring down anyone who threatens the Dupree family,” let’s find out what’s in the future for Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings): “This fall, she will be brilliant, beautiful, and cold as ever. She’s definitely not done scheming, and she’s not done with Bill, I’ll tell you that,” assets Val Jean. “She’s good at making bad situations work in her best interest, and we’ll get to see her do plenty of it.”
Photo: CBS
HOW TO SURVIVE A MARRIAGE
As for Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) and Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) marriage, trouble ahead! Michele explains “She’s (Dani) going to find her marriage and herself in danger and be forced to make some severe decisions. And Andre’s secrets will catch up to him in the worst way possible as Heather closes in to make good on her threats.”
Meanwhile, Dani’s sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) makes inroads with her relationship with Dr. Kial Rollins (Greg Vaughan). However, Val Jean warns by year’s end,”Her (Nicole) world will flip completely upside down in a way no one sees coming, including her.”
Finally, the warring brother sister duo of Joey (Jon Lindstrom) and Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones) will get even more intense and fraught. According to Michele, “Joey will wrestle with the reality that his sister is not who she used to be. And as Heather sinks her teeth further into the community, she’ll go to new despicable lengths for chaos and control, but she may not get the last laugh. You’ll have to watch it.”
So, what are you looking forward to the most this fall on Beyond the Gates? What is your favorite storyline right now? When the soap opera casts the character of Dante Green down the line, and a new female cop, who do you think would be a great fit for the roles? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Actress Jen Jacob Reveals Pregnancy
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