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Ben Gavin Exits ‘Beyond the Gates’ as Derek Baldwin Dies in the OR; But Who Will Be Revealed as ‘The Impaler?’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

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.

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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:

Spoiler
Douglas McBride working on behalf of Joey Armstrong.

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.

Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Hayley’s Poisonous Plot Goes Awry; Heather’s Obsession with Andre Reaches New Heights

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Hayley

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, a poison sandwich gets in the wrong hands, Heather’s (Ashley Jones) plot to seduce Andre (Sean Freeman) goes to a whole other level, and Anita (Tamara Tunie) reaches out to her nemesis, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant), but why?

In the video preview for the CBS soap opera, first, the vision of Doug (Jason Graham) encourages Deanna (Angela Fairley) as Noah Rollins (Nick Hagelin) walks in on the scene where it appears she is talking to herself! How will Deanna explain what or who she is chatting with?

Meanwhile, Grayson (Jordi Vilasuso) is worried for his safety and that of Jacob’s (Jibre Hordges) admitting that the Impaler may be trying to tie up any loose ends, and he could be next on their hit list! Elsewhere, Leslie is stunned when Anita Dupree makes a call to her about her late mother Barbara. We also know ‘Articulettes’ Sharon (Bonita Brisker) and Tracy (Maria Howell) are back this week. What could be going down?

Courtesy/CBS

Then, Dani (Karla Mosley) receives a note from her husband Andre that says he’ll be back home soon. However, in her hotel room, Heather cuts her own hand and then reaches out to Andre for a secret meeting, where he asks when he shows up, “What happened to your hand?” Then, we see Andre reminding Heather that he’s a married man, but at the same time, he doesn’t think he would ever stop caring for her.

Finally, Hayley (Marquita Goings) puts poison in a sandwich she prepared for Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett). However, Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) somehow takes a bite of the sandwich instead. Later, Bill lays the smackdown on Hayley telling her to, “Stop it right now,” and that she’s, “insulting his intelligence.” How will this fight end? Stay tuned.

Now below, take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the week of August 31-September 4.

Monday, August 31 
Bill puts Hayley to the test. Dani updates Nicole. Ted doles out some unconventional advice to Andre. Grayson seeks Jacob’s help. Elon gives Joey the third degree. Heather makes a bold move.

Tuesday, September 1
Dani hears a heartfelt confession. Nicole counsels her daughter. Hayley’s brought to tears. Chelsea and Kat can’t seem to escape scandal. Carlton has stunning news for Andre. Izaiah surprises Eva. Naomi bites off more than she can chew.

Wednesday, September 2
Vernon supports Anita as she faces the music. Leslie gets an intriguing proposition. Smitty’s suspicions spiral. Joey comforts Vanessa. Deanna is haunted by grief. One couple finally finds time for romance.

Thursday, September 3 
Bill has an unwelcome visitor. Smitty needs Nicole’s expertise. Joey’s pestered by his past decisions. Heather connects with June. Ted does damage control. Ashley leans on Naomi. Elon and Jacob clash.

Friday, September 4 
Dani’s distracted from her “Seoul-mate” while Andre unpacks paranoia. Bill stuns Hayley. Heather has a heated stand-off. Vanessa and Deanna discover something from before Doug’s death. Randy attempts to execute Joey’s orders. Chelsea falls out of fashion. Ted shares a twisted toast.

Now below, check out the video teaser for the action this week in and around Fairmont Crest.

Then weigh-in: Do you think this is the end of the line for Hayley and Bill? Will Bill realize Hayley is poisoning him and now his daughter, too? If Heather is willing to cut herself with a knife to nab Andre, what else is she capable of doing? Have you been invested in these current storylines on Beyond the Gates, or not so much? Let us know via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Mike Manning Lands Role in Indie Horror Feature ‘Deify’

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Mike Manning

While Smitty tries to hold the fort down in his marriage to congressman Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon)  and their two teenaged children, Samantha (Najah Jackson) and Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) on Beyond the Gates, Emmy-winner Mike Manning has also landed another feature film role.

According to Deadline, Manning has joined the cast of Deify with 6 other new cast members for the indie psychological horror film starring Neal McDonough and Skeet Ulrich, which was previously announced last week.

Joining Manning as the latest cast addition are: Dennis Haysbert, Ashley Greene,  Casey Harnett, Kirk Avecdo, Anji White, anf Nicholas Chimera who’s directing the pic also has a part in the film.

WHAT’S THE STORY OF DEIFY?

Taking to his Instagram with the news of his casting, Manning shared, “A movie about a cult? What could possibly go wrong? Come for the enlightenment. Stay because they won’t let you leave. DEIFY is coming…”

The movie is currently shooting in Chicago and in story, “a cult leader is put on trial after causing his devoted followers to be burned alive. The film is inspired in part by events surrounding the 1993 Waco, Texas, standoff between members of the Branch Davidians church and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, one of the largest civilian firefights ever recorded on American soil.”

MIKE MANNING IS A DAYTIME EMMY NOMINEE

In addition, the multi-talented Manning is a producer on the feature. Previously, Mike was nominated last month in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. He previously won an Emmy for his role on The Bay and for being a producer on the digital drama.

Mike’s previous credits include the role of Charlie Dale on Days of Our Lives and the Manny on This Is Us, plus various primetime and screen credits.

So intrigued to find what role Mike will play in the upcoming horror/cult film, Deify? Enjoying him as Smitty on Beyond the Gates? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Andre’s Blast From The Past Is Set To Turn His Life Upside Down

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Andre

On Beyond the Gates, Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) “happily” married life to Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) is about to be tested like never before on upcoming episodes of the CBS soap opera the week of August 17-21.

After the shocking reveal on the Friday, August 14 cliffhanger, viewers learned that the person who was sending Andre ominous text messages is none other than The Impaler herself, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones). Clearly from the latest promo for the action at the Bowman hotel and in and around Fairmont Crest (see below), Andre knows Heather quite well, as she makes moves on him.

While all this is going down, Dani tries to diffuse the Dupree family for thinking there is anything going on between her and her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Dani’s behavior over Bill being in the hospital has been of someone who is still deeply in love with the guy (specially because of her very public outbursts) and as viewers know, she recently had sex with her ex in the elevator at the country club during a tornado!

Courtesy/CBS

HEATHER ARMSTRONG IS ON THE HUNT FOR ANDRE

Poor Andre has no idea about the elevator liaison, and recently visited Bill in his hospital room to tell him to stay away from his wife, when and if he gets out of his hospital bed! But now, the tables may be turned, if Heather gets her claws into Andre.

Take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for this week below.

Monday, August 17 
Andre is pulled down by his past. Tensions mount between Tomas and Naomi. Chelsea and Kat pair fashion with controversy. Vernon confronts Bill about his intentions with Dani.

Tuesday, August 18
Bill flirts with disaster. Hayley and Ashley clash. Eva’s words instigate Leslie. Carlton gives Ted a major update while Nicole does the same with Vanessa. Shanice fields an unanticipated request. Smitty disappoints Martin.

Wednesday, August 19
Nicole’s plan saves the night for Noah. Dani and Andre color outside the lines. Jacob enlists Grayson and Ashley to surprise Naomi. Vernon’s plans for Anita get interrupted.

Thursday, August 20 
Leslie’s forced to reckon with her past in order to move on with her future. Bill and Ted bond over their shared history. An unexpected reaction causes Nicole to self-examine in front of Kial. Eva and Izaiah divulge some hard truths with each other.

Friday, August 21
Chelsea is haunted by unresolved trauma while her father reaches his breaking point. Dani locks horns with Hayley. Randy tails Heather. Madison gets conflicting information from two adversaries. Andre issues a threat.

Now below, check out the CBS promo for all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates.

Then let us know, do you think Andre knows just how dangerous Heather is … or he has no idea? Will Heather blackmail him into sex, or will he go willingly? Is the end of Andre and Dani for good, or will he continue to be the upstanding guy in their relationship, even though he knows in his heart that he cannot compete with the pull of Dani towards Bill? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

 

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