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Maurice Johnson Opens Up About Time on ‘Beyond the Gates,’ Masculinity and the Roles He Refuses to Play

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

When Maurice Johnson became the first actor to be replaced in the history of daytime’s newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates, viewers of the show were mostly surprised since he had received positive feedback from many in the series online fanbase.

It was back in May on-screen that Keith D. Robinson stepped into the role, where it seemed the character of Ted was undergoing creatively a bit of a character shift. Robinson came into the story at a very dramatic point just after Ted learns that he has a daughter, Eva (Ambyr Michelle) with Leslie/Dana (Trisha Mann-Grant) and she outs their long-ago affair thus busting up Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) and Ted’s happy marriage.

Now, for the first time since leaving the CBS soap opera, Maurice sat down for a full-fledged conversation with Brandi Harvey, the daughter of Steve Harvey, for her interview You Tube Series, Vault Empowers. During it, Johnson was very clear and direct about his desire to work in faith-based projects; given he is a pastor’s son and faith is an integral part of who he is, while continuing to be a part of film and TV projects that are in line with the characters he wants to portray, and that he sees himself as a good fit for including action-adventure types, plus his stance on why he chooses not to take on gay roles for himself.

Photo: YouTube

When speaking on how he embodied the role of Beyond the Gates’ plastic surgeon extraordinaire, Dr. Ted Richardson, Johnson shared the keys to becoming his version of Ted, asking yourself as an actor,  “How did he walk? What was his mannerisms? How did he dress? What kind of suits he wore, his watches, everything was  planned. Everything is intentional,” reflected Johnson. “I think we owe it to our society to show those things. We have an opportunity, we have a platform. We have got all of these eyes that are watching CBS right now. And it’s like, ‘OK, what story are we going to tell?”

Maurice informed Brandi, that when you saw his version of Ted, you were seeing him, which is what he feels viewers of the series resonated with. “I seemed authentic and what my wants and desires were. Every single time before I touched that soundstage, people would laugh at me. I said, ‘I love my wife, I love my kids.’And that was my momentum in that scene to make sure that I gave them that in that scene and hopefully, you know, it was captured.”

Representing a strong masculine man through his acting is important to Johnson, “Manhood is okay. We’ve gotten into the society where everything is just being pushed down our throats. I’m a heterosexual male. Those are the only roles that I play. I’m not going to play any other roles. I’m not going do it justice.” He added, “I want it to be believable. It’s not going to be believable for me. That’s the thing, we have to stand our ground in the roles that we take, as we make this ascent. There may be a lot of opportunities that have been missed out on, but you have to stay true to yourself.”

Photo: JPI

Clarifying why he would never take on a gay role, Johnson expressed, “I’m not gay. (Go) get a gay guy to play this role. If a gay guy saw me play that role they would be “uh-uh,” he’s not right. Ted is me. What you saw on TV (on Beyond the Gates) is me.”

Expanding on that, and the reactions he received from people on the street when he played Ted on Beyond the Gates, “Women walked up to me and would say, ‘I love how you play this role,’ the grandmamas and aunties who say, ‘We have a manly man on TV now.’ I think they need to see that. They need to see positive role models. I wanted kids and young men to look at me like I looked at Bill Cosby. I knew HBCUs because of all of the HBCUs that Cosby wore, every single episode. How did he treat his wife? How did he treat his kids? He raised every single one of them differently. So, you can be manly, empathetic, and be present with your wife.That’s what every woman wants.”

Right now, Johnson is very busy. He is actually getting ready to being production on a faith-based project that he is producing himself starting at the end of the year. He also shared whether its faith-based, action, or soap operas, all of these are the same types of  characters with some of the same nuances that he likes to bring to the table.

Watch the full discussion with with Maurice Johnson and Brandi Harvey below.

Then let us know if you miss Maurice on Beyond the Gates, and your thoughts on his stance on the types of roles he will play in TV and film projects, via the comment section below.

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This ‘interview’ is so off-putting, and his toxicity is on full display. His very shallow-minded views of what a man is… not the best look. Glad he is no longer in the role of Ted; that role firmly belongs to Keith D. Robinson, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I had a similar reaction, Scott. “Toxicity” is a spot-on characterization of what comes through in the interview. The whole thing reeked of him trying to find acceptable-sounding ways to express ideas and concepts that totally are not. It’s all very under-the-surface (I have grown so, so tired of “faith-based” as a euphemism for “discriminatory and intolerant,” and I’m gratified whenever I see true Christians–you know, the ones who read the whole Bible and not just the parts that support their own prejudices–trying to take back the narrative), but it’s definitely there; I was actually kind of creeped-out as I read what he was saying because it felt (as it always does in cases like this) like I was being gaslighted.

Although I had no issues with how he played Ted, I have a lot of issues with how he expressed himself here. I mean, come on (and this is just one example): if only gay men can play gay men on screen (in his view), then why can someone who’s not a doctor play a doctor on screen–why is sexuality such a focus for him when he considers what roles he can and cannot/will and will not play? I can only imagine what he was like as a coworker, especially to the openly LGBTQ+ members of the cast.

I wondered, at the time, why he was being replaced; unfortunately, this interview gives a lot of insight, and it isn’t very flattering to him.

Like you, I’ve grown tired of the “faith-based” excuse. Faith does not preach hate from what I’ve seen and been told, and yet, that is exactly what Johnson’s words bleed out. And his attempts to try and make it polished on social media are quite… off-putting.

I absolutely agree; gay men have played ‘straight’ on film and television for years. I understand the sentiment of securing gay roles for gay actors, but I’m of the mind that is counterproductive to the cause.

I always believed the story told to the press that it was his own personal reasons for exiting the role, and his ‘personal reasons’, to me, are bigoted, toxic, and completely shallow-minded. The role is better without him in it. Truly.

I would think Mr. Johnson would have had an inkling of his character’s path as his storyline was one of the first to develop. I consider myself a man and a man of faith, too, but this is daytime drama and the plots often deal with human frailties and redemptions. I took some offense to his approach to roles. Acting is an art of acceptance, allowing others’ stories, experiences, and lives into the practitioner’s own. I accept choices but I am not pleased with the dismissive tone this interview seems to take.

I am curious as to which parts were off-putting, and which parts were toxic.

If you need to ask, then you too are part of the problem.

Good for him ! Bravo he is said it beautifully.

He said nothing but weird platitudes rooted in loopy logic, and clearly he has no desire for growth or challenges as a performer.

Straight men have a lot of growth and challenges … especially today.

Michael, this user continues to post hateful rhetoric throughout your site, especially where this soap is concerned. It’s highly offensive.

hes not an actor and probably closeted

Now that I’m up-to-date on what and why he left the show, I along with pretty much everyone who commented on his story below minus the 1 person who applauded his decision, I am glad he was replaced. I cannot imagine what it was like for the actors who are openly gay deal with his toxic “manhood if you will”. I also thought about the actress who plays Naomi who is a lesbian in real life had to deal with his toxic viewpoints on set. With that all said, I’m glad he’s gone. No more turtle neck shirt/sweater. Thank the top dogs at the show and network for getting his toxic ass as far away from the show as possible. No one needs to deal with that BS, especially his former co-workers! #boybye

A Devil really hates to go with stereotypes, but a guy in a lavender suit giving lectures about masculinity?? Really??

My exact thoughts. Choices were made.

Good one, Satan. And great points by others here! What an off-putting commentary by this actor! His obvious homophobia is offensive. His take on masculinity is vapid. His attachment to his faith is stifling. He’s trying to create such the narrowed niche for himself in the acting field. Good luck with that…

He mentions Bill Cosby as a role model. Is he aware of Cosby’s full story?!?!

Not buying the “holier than thou” attitude. This isn’t from the Bible, but Shakespeare: “Methinks thou doth protest too much.”

I wondered about the Cosby references too, Jamesj75. OK, sure, independent of Mr. Cosby himself, The Cosby Show was a wonderful show in many ways and was a landmark in Black television history (as is BTG). Cliff Huxtable was a fundamentally decent man and a good husband. Mr. Cosby is, by all accounts, neither one—so why oh why if you’re going to pick someone to point to as a role model, would you choose the actor rather than the character he played? It’s either unbelievably tone-deaf (which from this interview, I could believe Mr. Johnson is) or deliberately provocative, take your pick, and neither reflects well on Mr. Johnson.

James…as always…RIGHT ON BROTHER!!!!! To me, during that entire interview, that Maurice Johnson dude was nothing but egotistical, cocky and EVEN MORE arrogant!!!!! Brother…as you already know, I CANNOT STAND arrogant, cocky and egotistical people!!!!! And…to me, that Maurice Johnson jerk HORRIBLY REEKS of all 3 of those disgusting characteristics!!!!! BEYOND YUCK!!!!!

Happy Holidays, Brother.

Just to clarify ….

Gay men can be gay and proud and loud about it.

A straight man cannot be straight and proud of it and have convictions in the roles he chooses as an actor.

Got it.

Checks all the boxes and mantras of inclusivity, tolerance, and personal choice.

I missed the lecture part of this interview. Where is it?

Satan…oh I agree with what you’re saying. Also, to me, that white-looking outfit that he’s wearing in that photo…to me, that photo is sending seriously gay vibes. Just saying.

Oh my God! He sounds just like my toxic dad. That same old black man toxic masculinity syndrome. This article was a hard read, but it’s true. He has a very old school way of viewing the world. That’s fine for him, but he’s an actor….It’s his job to portray a character. With someone like him, you just have to pray for him and ignore him. But I will say this, he is probably on Grindr with no profile. SMH…

Sadly, this is probably why he was replaced.

He’s entitled to his beliefs, but it was not his job to preach to his cast mates or to direct story. His Ted was extremely stiff, and I guess that’s what he calls being masculine. Keith Robinson is doing a great job as Ted Richardson. I wish Mr. Johnson all the best in finding roles that fit his high Lewis standards. Question – Have we seen him in anything else since his departure?
.

I meant to write finding roles that meet his high standards.

I like the original ted very much it would be nice it he return that one acts like a fool like a mindless minion don’t mean to be disrespectful just saying I know it’s a soap he just seemed wrong for the part the original one looked like he was made for the part.

that part!

I actually prefer the new Ted for the role. I didnt care for the way the first Ted would seem to be slightly moving from side to side when speaking. I think the current Ted plays his role well. I remembered him from the movie This Christmas. He’s been acting for quite a while.

Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere

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BTG and Y&R

CBS daytime dramas, Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless go head-to-head when two featured cast members from each show compete on the syndicated game show, Flip Side for its season 3 premiere.

Hosted by Jaleel White (best known as Steve Urkel from Family Matters) and filmed near Atlanta, Georgia, daytime drama fans should circle Monday, September 14th when you can catch: representing Team BTG, Colby Nixon (Kat Richardson) and RhonniRose Mantilla (Chelsea Hamilton), and Representing Team Y&R, Bryton James (Devon Hamilton) and Lily Winters (Christel Khalil).

In the upcoming soap opera showdown, the competing teams will win prize money for the charities of their choosing, when White tests both teams on how they think opposite groups of people feel about the same topic, and to see which team will make it to the final round.

Photo: CBS

Flip Side’s loglines shares that it’s “an original, laugh out-loud survey-based game show that pits two teams of contestants against each other, testing them on how they think opposite groups of people feel about the same topic. The teams compete for a shot at $10,000 by guessing the top answers based on anonymous surveys – which can be provocative, surprising, and often humorous. Throughout each episode, host Jaleel White brings a fun and comedic energy to the show while also guiding the contestants through the questions.”

Season three leans deeper into exploring relationships, dating, social behaviors and everyday life situations that viewers can relate to. Season three also features multiple celebrity episodes benefiting charity kicking off with the CBS soap showdown.

In addition to airing Monday to Friday in syndication on stations across the country, Flip Side has a second run on Game Show Network. So, check your local listings for times in your area, or catch Flip Side on GSN.

So, who do you think wins the soap opera showdown between BTG’s Colby and RhonniRose vs. Y&R’s Bryton and Christel? Make your picks in the comment section. But first, check out a bit of the action from the episode below.

 

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CBS Announces Fall Preview and Season Premieres for ‘Beyond the Gates’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’

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CBS Fall Preview

CBS announced on Thursday, September 10, their fall storyline previews, season premiere dates and broadcast milestones for its daytime line-up which has held the top spot as the highest-rated network in daytime for 40 consecutive seasons.

The line-up includes daytime dramas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, plus gams shows, The Price is Right which continues to be the #1 show on daytime television and Let’s Make a Deal.

Coming up, B&B celebrates its 40th anniversary, Drew Carey marks 20 years as host of daytime’s The Price is Right, while Beyond the Gates will kick-off their 3rd season in December and Y&R continues its dominance at the number #1 daytime drama and the most nominated soap going into the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30.  Here’s what to look for this fall below!

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

CBS’ longest-running scripted series and 2026’s most Daytime Emmy Award-nominated series continues with its 54th season on Thursday, October. 8, and its 37th season as Daytime’s #1 drama on the broadcast television season.

Look for: Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) to stop at nothing to protect his family, taking decisive control of the situation with Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) while refusing to allow anything to threaten Nick’s (Joshua Morrow) sobriety. Victor presents Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) with an intriguing business opportunity that could serve as an ulterior motive to cause havoc for his nemesis, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman). Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) finally scores a win, but her victory forces her to decide who she truly wants in her life.

In addition, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Kyle (Michael Mealor) go to great lengths to keep their casual affair a secret. Stephanie (Vivica A. Fox) supports Nate (Sean Dominic) as he pursues a return to medicine. Lily (Christel Khalil) and Cane (Billy Flynn) mix business with pleasure when they team up to fight Billy’s (Jason Thompson) attempt to gain control of Chancellor Industries. With their wedding fast approaching, Billy has little time to give Sally (Courtney Hope) the support she needs, and the pressure is mounting.

In addition, Michael Fairman TV has learned stories and scripts under Y&R’s new co-head writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, begin to air on November 11.

Y&R is broadcast on weekdays on CBS (12:30-1:30 PM, ET/11:30 AM-12:30 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. The show is produced by Sony Pictures Television Presentation in association with Bell Dramatic Serial Co. and Corday Production, Inc. Sally McDonald is the executive producer. Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor are co-head writers.

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

The most-watched daily drama in the world kicked off its landmark 40th season this past Tuesday, September 8 on CBS.

In story, a fierce battle between sisters Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Katie (Heather Tom) is underway, shaking up the Los Angeles fashion industry as Katie’s rising House of Logan takes on Brooke and the mighty Forrester Creations. For the first time ever, the Forresters must navigate mounting financial concerns while the younger generation – Electra (Laneya Grace) and R.J. (Brayan Nicoletti) – rally to help save the family legacy.

Meanwhile, Will (Crew Morrow) and Dylan (Sydney Bullock) grow closer, but the arrival of Dylan’s mother, Darcy (Kelly Sullivan), adds new complications to their relationship as Katie goes on the offensive to help protect her son. Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) must also grapple with the secret born from one unexpected night together, threatening to upend their respective marriages with Finn (Tanner Novlan) and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire).

With secrets, rivalries and family loyalties colliding, the drama builds toward a shocking twist in celebration of the series’ 40th anniversary in March 2027.

B&B is broadcast on weekdays on CBS (1:30-2:00 PM, ET/12:30-1:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. A Bell-Phillip Television production, Bradley Bell is the executive producer and head writer. Casey Kasprzyk also serves as executive producer.

BEYOND THE GATES

CBS’S newest daytime soap strides into fall packed with drama as the hit Daytime Emmy-nominated series continues its second season, with season three beginning Tuesday, December 29.

In story, the Duprees, their friends and foes will wade through a flood of fresh tests and triumphs. While some wrestle rivals old and new, others will fight for their livelihoods … and their lives. Anita (Tamara Tunie) hits a bump in the road on the way to The Articulette’s revival, while Vernon (Clifton Davis) takes charge when he gets news that dredges up the past. Dani (Karla Mosley) and Andre’s (Sean Freeman) marriage meets turbulence when mounting tensions with Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Hayley (Marquita Goings) pull Dani deeper into her ex’s life.

Elsewhere, Martin (Brandon Claybon) defends his family when Smitty (Mike Manning) is dealt a devastating public blow that puts Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) and Jacob (Jibre Hordges) on opposing sides. As some relationships are strained, others are heating up. Sabotage can’t get in the way of Ted (Keith D. Robinson) and Shanice’s (Ernestine Johnson) love as they take things to the next level.

Meanwhile, Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) is ready for more with Kial (Greg Vaughan). Madison (Kenjah) is a rock to Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) when she and Kat (Colby Muhammad) can’t escape scandal and Vanessa (Lauren Buglioli) and Joey’s (Jon Lindstrom) love life fuels the fire with her daughter Deanna (Angela Fairley). As tensions simmer behind closed doors, a greater threat looms that could flip the entire community on its head.

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+**. The series 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.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

Drew Carey will “Come on Down!” for his 20th season as the host of the ever-popular game show and the longest consecutively one in television history. The Emmy Award-winning series returns for its 55th season beginning Monday, September. 21.

This season, Wednesdays are getting even more exciting with “Wild Wheel Wednesday.” During the Showcase Showdown, contestants will have the chance to win not only over $100,000, but also a special prize chosen by Drew, making every spin of the Big Wheel even more thrilling. Themed episodes this season include Veteran’s Day, Halloween, Earth Day, Breast Cancer Awareness, Pet Adoption Week, Pride, Cinco De Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Week. Returning this season are announcer George Gray and fan-favorite models Rachel Reynolds, Manuela Arbeláez, Amber Lancaster, James O’Halloran, Devin Goda and Alexis Gaube.

The Price is Right is produced by Fremantle and broadcast on weekdays on CBS (11:00 AM-12:00 PM, ET/10:00-11:00 AM, PT)

LET’S MAKE A DEAL

Emmy Award-winning host Wayne Brady brings more deals, big prizes and surprises when the 18th season of the game show when it returns on Monday, September. 21.

The season premiere includes a brand-new game, “Cash Course,” a ball-rolling obstacle course where Traders line up green and gold balls on a custom-designed course for a guaranteed chance to win big cash, with the opportunity to take home a grand prize of $10,000 – but look out for the spinning duck, stone toad and the octopus!

This season also marks a major milestone with the show celebrating its 3,000th episode with Brady as host. The milestone will be commemorated with a special episode airing in January 2027. Returning this season are announcer Jonathan Mangum, model Tiffany Coyne and musician Cat Gray, who all bring their signature blend of improv comedy, music, iconic games and, of course, those infamous Zonks.

Let’s Make a Deal is produced by Fremantle and broadcast on weekdays on CBS (check local listings) and is available to stream on Paramount+**

**(live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. *Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.

So, which CBS soap opera’s fall preview has you most intrigued? Happy to know that shortly Y&R will begin to air episodes from new head writers Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Conner? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Adds Denzell Dandridge and Khiry Walker as Shanice’s Brothers

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Denzell Dandridge and Khiry Walker

Shanice Johnson’s (Ernestine Morrison) brothers are coming to Fairmont Crest next week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates. Be on the lookout for Denzell Dandridge to make his debut as Lamont Johnson and Khiry Walker to debut n the role of Cedric Johnson on the Tuesday, September 8 episode.

In a video preview, Lamont and Cedric make quite a first impression on Dr. Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson), who are not so keen on the guy, who is dating their sister. Can Ted get Shanice’s siblings to have a change of heart about him? Stay tuned.

If Khiry Walker looks familiar, he has appeared in numerous television series, films and stage plays including Law & Order: Organized Crime and The Chair Company.  Denzell Dandridge has also appeared across film and television projects including: Street Code Broken, Coming of Age, itfactor and The Dirty D. Dandridge. In a fun fact, Denzell is actually the great-nephew of acclaimed and groundbreaking actress, Dorothy Dandridge.

In addition, Denzell Dandridge shared on his Instagram about his casting on the CBS soap opera, “All the long nights on set. Countless auditions. Thousands of No’s. But here it is… we finally got our YES.”

Since its inception, Beyond the Gates has focused on the stories of the Dupree and Richardson families, and now with the Johnson family coming into the picture, the series has a chance to expand more characters familial background and back-story to propel future storylines.

Beyond the Gates received 15 Daytime Emmy nominations at the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday night, October 30. The soap opera made Daytime Emmy history by racking up the highest nomination tally for its first time in the competition.

Now below, check out a preview for next week on Beyond the Gates which gives you a first look at Denzell Dandridge and Khiry Walker as Shanice’s brother. Do you hope the writers delve into the siblings story, or do you think they will just be in town to support their sister? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

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