Beyond the Gates
Maurice Johnson Opens Up About Time on ‘Beyond the Gates,’ Masculinity and the Roles He Refuses to Play
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.
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
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Beyond the Gates is set to air two upcoming episodes on Friday, October 2 and Monday, October 5 on CBS, which will feature the residents of Fairmont Crest gathering at the Dupree family home for a spirited tailgate ahead of Banneker’s Homecoming, decked out in the university’s signature crimson and gold.
The episodes celebrate African American heritage by showcasing the longstanding homecoming traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) through the show’s fictional Banneker University.
With five generations of the Dupree family having attended Banneker, Homecoming is more than a celebration – it’s a cherished family legacy. For the Duprees and the Fairmont Crest community, it offers an opportunity to honor their shared history, celebrate their HBCU pride, and come together for a special day filled with family, friendship, and tradition.
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER U. FIGHT SONG
The excitement culminates with a spirited bus ride to the game, where the entire group proudly sings “Fight On,” Banneker University’s beloved fight song and we know the cast members of Beyond the Gates CAN SING! Ahead of the episodes, CBS released some promotional photos and more to engage viewers to tune-in to the 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated daytime drama.
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 series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Photo: CBS
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+**.
*(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, are you glad to see Beyond the Gates continuing to shed light on Black excellence through its soap opera platform? Is the Dupree family, quickly, if not already, become one of your favorites families in all of daytime drama? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ for the #3 Spot in Total Viewers
The ratings are out for the week of September 7-11, 2026 and while all of the long-running daytime dramas were down in total viewers week-over-week, it was the newest soap opera on the block, Beyond the Gates, that showed gains and much promise. Let’s take a look.
According to Soap Opera Network, not only did Beyond the Gates add +12,000 tuning-in for the week, it is narrowing the gap between itself and current #3 soap, General Hospital in total viewers, and tied with the venerable ABC series for actual household ratings share.
Beyond the Gates averaged 1,689,000 for its audience for the week while General Hospital had 1,769,000, that’s just an 80,000 difference that separates the two shows. While Beyond the Gates had a year-over-year increase for the ratings week, GH showed the biggest loss of all the soaps year-over-year with -231,000 and the biggest loss in viewers week-over-week with -142,000.
Photo: CBS
BEYOND THE GATES
In addition, Beyond the Gates once again bested GH in the key 18-49 women’s rating share and also for the week, the women’s 25-54 ratings share, now putting them firmly in the third place. It should be noted that both Beyond the Gates and General Hospital aired an encore presentation on Labor Day, September 7.
Here’s what had viewers tuning-in on Beyond the Gates: Hayley (Marquita Goings) faced mounting pressure as Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) grew suspicious of her lies and a major secret came to light. Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) went through a paranoid spiral noticed by Dani (Karla Mosley), while Heather Armstrong’s (Ashley Jones) behavior became increasingly unhinged, Deanna (Angela Fairley) reached a breaking point under mounting pressure and decided to return to school and Smitty (Mike Manning) was digging deeper into the death of Lia Whitmore.
Courtesy/ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
On General Hospital, the week in story was highlighted by: Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) admitting she was the other driver in Jordan Ashford’s (Tanisha Harper) accident, leaving Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) furious and demanding answers and ultimately Chase (Josh Swickard) walking out on Brook Lynn!
In addition, viewers witnessed, Anna (Finola Hughes) nearly killing Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), but instead firing a shot at a hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) as Jason (Steve Burton) tried to talk Anna down. Meanwhile, Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ava (Maura West) dealt with the fallout and complications surrounding the disappearance of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).
Courtesy/CBS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Over at B&B, the soap remained in second place behind sister soap, The Young and the Restless for the top spot in total viewers; although it should be noted they continued to close the gap for the race to #1. For the ratings period, The Bold and the Beautiful average 2,695,000 tuning-in, but was down week-over-week -83,000, but with the biggest soap gains year-over-year at this time with +228,000.
In other good news for the show, it came in at #1 for the key women’s 18-49 rating share defeating Y&R, and came in #2 for the women’s 25-54 rating share behind Y&R.
In story for the ratings week: Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) goes into panic-mode after a positive pregnancy and breaks the news to Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor). Katie (Heather Tom) tries to meddle in Will’s (Crew Morrow) love life with Dylan (Sydney Bullock), thus having Katie visit Electra (Laneya Grace) and telling the young woman to try to win Will back. Finn (Tanner Novlan) tries to give surrogacy advice to Carter and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) unaware of his wife Steffy’s drunken night with Carter, and the true cause-effect of that moment.
Photo: JPI
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Once again, Y&R remained as the number one most-viewed broadcast television daytime drama of then all, clocking in with 3,059,000 tuning-in, but down -130,000 week-over-week, but still up + 159,000 year-over-year. Y&R also remained in the top spot for household ratings share and atop the key women’s 25-54 rating share.
In story for the week: Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) escaped custody and tracked down Matt Clark (Roger Howarth). Meanwhile, Kyle (Michael Mealor) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle) continue their affair and are almost caught by Phyllis (Michelle Stafford). Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Marie (Jade Harlow) shared a heartfelt goodbye before she leaves town to continue her recovery. Jack (Peter Bergman) sets a trap for Patty as he collapses at Society.
Of note: Nielsen ratings are based on the Live+Same Day Big Data+Panel model.
So, what do you think about the latest ratings picture and how Beyond the Gates is gaining on General Hospital in total viewers while already besting them in both key demos? Which soap opera is piquing your interest the most? Which is not doing it for you? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali on a Potential Kai/Trina/Gio/Emma Quadrangle, ‘I Don’t Think That’s Impossible, But That Would Be Messy’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali on a Potential Kai/Trina/Gio/Emma Quadrangle, ‘I Don’t Think That’s Impossible, But That Would Be Messy’
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Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
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