Beyond the Gates
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Clifton Davis Talks the Inner-Life of Vernon Dupree, His Co-Stars and Key Storylines
This weekend’s birthday boy has been none other than Beyond the Gates patriarch, Clifton Davis (Vernon Dupree) who on October 4th turned 80-years young. Davis, who stars on daytime’s newest soap opera and the first Black-led one-hour soap is part of history in the making.
Over the past few days, videos have surfaced from the set in Atlanta, when the cast and crew surprised Davis last Friday with an impromptu birthday celebration. Clifton’s co-star Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie Thomas) captured the moment on her Instagram account, where she shared the legendary actor/singer/songwriter was moved to tears.
Michael Fairman TV’s Atlanta crew caught up with Davis recently at the CBS Atlanta Fest event, which featured the stars of the network’s soap opera line-up from Beyond the Gates, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Photo: CBS
Davis spoke on how Vernon isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to protects the Dupree family at all costs. “I want to see him with his fingers in different pies with him involved with this, that and the other,” shared Clifton. “I want to see him strong. I want to see him compassionate. I want to see him emotional because it gives me a chance to perform all of those colors on the show. And so, as far as Vernon Dupree is concerned, I think he’s perfect. He’s a former senator. He loves his wife and family. He’ll do anything for them, and sometimes he’s done almost anything.”
The veteran star also shared his thoughts on how Beyond the Gates handled the recent racism storyline, where Vernon and his grandson, Martin (Brandon Claybon) were on the receiving end of a violent attack by two white men, only for the scene to turn deadly, when Martin killed one man and severely injured another to protect himself and his grandfather.

Photo: CBS
Clifton explained his viewpoint, “I think our writers are brilliant. I think we touched on a subject without, without getting too, too close to any headlines, but at the same time, touching on a subject that happened in many, many African American lives. You know, sometimes people come along and they have an ill will for you, and you have to try to protect yourself. And of course, it’s a fictional character and occurrence (in this case). I’ve never had an experience like that, but I thought it was entertaining, and I thought it was edifying.”
Working with Brandon Claybon as Martin in the storyline, Clifton shared, “Vernon loves his grandson, and he’ll do whatever he can to protect him up to a certain point. I think the writers and the producers protected Vernon from going beyond the line. So, I’m pleased with the way it turned out … onto the next story. You know, you got to keep watching. I can’t share with you anything that’s getting ready to happen, but if you keep watching, you never know what you’re going to see. You never know!”

Photo: CBS
As to the pace of working in daytime at now 80, Davis stated, “It’s had its challenges. I just put on my running shoes and I took off and I keep up pretty good with the ladies and the rest of the cast. I met the challenge and I’m continuing to meet it every day.”
Lest you think we didn’t ask Clifton his thoughts on how his song, “Never Can Say Goodbye” released by the Jackson 5 1971, remains one of the most popular songs ever-written, Davis explained, “It’s been a blessing. A lot of folk have recorded it. I’m proud to have written words and music, but what did I think when the Jacksons picked it? I was excited, like a crazy person. When I first heard it on the radio, I was in the car and I was screaming out loud. It was so exciting. It was so wonderful to have a song not only on the air, but a hit. Then, when Isaac Hayes came along and recorded it, we got a Grammy nomination. I was thrilled for both Jackson 5 and Isaac Hayes to record my music.”

Courtesy/Motown
Now that season 2 is happening, Clifton shared what it means to him and the cast, crew and creatives. “First of all, it has tremendous meaning because we were picked up fairly early in our first season, which means the numbers are good, the audiences are good. They like us. They care for us,” Davis said proudly. “They appreciate the work that we’re doing, and we appreciate it too. We are meeting every challenge that comes our way, and we’re doing the best we can to bring you the best stories possible with the best performances we can manage.”
Check out the video interview with Clifton Davis below, where he also teased that fans just got to be watching because Vernon may be singing a tune again on the show sometime soon!
Now let us know, are you loving Clifton as Vernon Dupree? What do you think about the remarks he shared about the writing and the performances on Beyond the Gates? Wish Clifton a Happy 80th birthday too! Drop your comments below.
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Beyond the Gates
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?

As previously announced, Beyond the Gates is bringing chef, author and actress Tabitha Brown and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer and actress Kandi Burruss to Fairmont Crest in a special episode of the CBS daytime drama airing Thursday, October 22.
In the episode, Dani’s (Karla Mosley) best friend Pamela Curtis (Cady McClain), arranges a “Welcome to Your Life” television special for her. As it turns out, Brown will play the show’s host, Tia Allen, while Burruss takes on the role of Dani’s first modeling agent, Kalista Kilroy, who turns the celebration of her life into a bad trip down memory lane.
Dani’s parents Anita and Vernon (Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis), sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), and daughters Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) all join the show to celebrate and support her but also witness how things so south. Also appearing in the episode are Molly Figueroa as Tatum Stewart and fan-favorite Anita Williams (Tunie) impersonator Jackie Tyree!

PhotoL JPI
THE 411 ON TIA AND KALISTA
Speaking with TV Insider, about their soapy experience in Fairmont Crest, Tabitha Brown previewed about her host with the most, “Tia is very professional, but she’s a girl’s girl. She is a protector of women and wants to tell their stories in a beautiful way, but she also wants to make sure they’re seen in a very good light.”
However, Burruss previews that Kalista arrives with a score to settle. “She’s spicy,” shared the recording artist. “I always love playing somebody that has come to start trouble. It’s always fun to play a villain of sorts, but Kalista feels like she’s been done wrong and she’s hurt by what she feels has been done to her. So Kalista is stirring up trouble, but she feels justified putting Dani on blast. Kalista is ready for some payback.”
Beyond the Gates is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey.
Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.
So, looking forward to this special episode of Beyond the Gates when Dani is put on a blast during a blast from her past and Welcome to Your Life TV special? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

While Bradley “Smitty: Smith finds himself currently in a whole heap of trouble on Beyond the Gates, his portrayer Mike Manning is getting set for the upcoming 53rd Daytime Emmy Awards where he finds himself nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
A previous two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Manning will visit You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat on Wednesday, October 21 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
This year, Beyond the Gates broke records becoming a 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated seres, a first in Daytime Emmy history for a new show entering the competition for the first time. Manning will discuss being part of the groundbreaking soap.

Photo: CBS
MIKE MANNING’S UPCOMING PROJECTS
While Manning has his series regular role on Beyond the Gates he is also involved in a myriad of other projects including: his role opposite Nicolas Cage in the film, Madden and the upcoming Anthony Hopkins starring motion picture, Eyes in the Tree, which Manning is featured and also produced.
LGBTQ+ ADVOCACY
Mike first gained nation attention back on MTV’s The Real World D.C., now almost 17 years ago, when he came out on the reality series, which served as an example of early LGBTQ+ representation, leading to thousands of letters from viewers who felt connected to, or felt represented by his journey. Through his advocacy, Manning has served as a youth ambassador for Boo2Bullying and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, anti-bullying, and environmental protection.
Daytime fans first met Manning as uber-bad guy Charlie Dale on Days of our Lives (2020-2o22) and later for his Emmy-winning role as Caleb McKinnon on The Bay.
This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, viewers will see the pick-up after Smitty has been framed for the murder of Dr. Lia Whitmore, after being in possession of incriminating pills linked to her death, that were seemingly planted at his home.
If you have a question for Mike, but cannot be with us in the live chat, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on the broadcast.
So, how do you think Smitty will get out of the charges against him? Rooting for Mike at the Daytime Emmys? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Marquita Goings to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

After her star turn in recent episodes of Beyond the Gates, soap opera’s latest vixen Hayley Lawson Hamilton played by Marquita Goings has grabbed viewers attention just waiting to see what stunt she’ll pull next!
Now, Marquita Goings will visit the Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat on Thursday, October 22 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT and you can join us with your questions!
Previously in story, Hayley has racked up some pretty despicable acts and crimes thus far which have included, trying to poison and kill Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) for his life insurance in order to cash in and hightail it out of Fairmont Crest with the moolah.

Photo: CBS
Then, let’s not forget using the recordings she obtained to blackmail everyone with the the secret that Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) and Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) have been trying to keep under wraps about the hate crime years ago, which saw Martin kill one man, while another later died, in an effort to save his grandfather.
NEXT WEEK ON BEYOND THE GATES
Now, the week of October 19-23 previews that it appears that Hayley may be pregnant (take a look at the video preview below) with Bill’s child when she gets a little queasy, after she went to see her partner in crime, Randy (Maurice P. Kerry) to get a fresh ID to skip out of town and away from the DMV.
In fact, on the Tuesday, October 20 episode, official BTG spoilers indicate, Vernon assures Dani (Karla Mosley) that he’s got things handled, while Hayley’s ready for her next act, while on the Friday, October 23 episode, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) has devastating words for Hayley and Bill’s got another thing coming.
If you have a question for Marquita but cannot join us for the live broadcast, drop it in the comment section and we just might ask it during the chat.
Now let us know, do you think Hayley will be pregnant? How will she continue to evade any prison time? What has been your favorite scene of Marquita Goings on Beyond the Gates thus far? Comment below.
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