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
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
Just two weeks ago, Beyond the Gates matriarch Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree) took home the Outstanding Lead Actress prize at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. Tunie made an impressive and touching 3-minute speech which gave a special nod to her 92-year-old mother, who was present with her at the October 30 ceremony.
One person who was with Tamara in spirit was her longtime best friend and former co-star, As the World Turns’ Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery).
In a heartbreaking moment earlier this year, the multi-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor passed away from his cancer battle,”which began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him,” shared his son Jackson on an Instagram post following his death.
Bryce died at 68-years-old back on July 12. A day later, Tamara Tunie learned she was in the running for the first time in her career for a Lead Actress Daytime Emmy. She had taken to her Instagram to share the bittersweet moment on the heels of learning of her longtime friend’s passing.
Photo: JPI
MISSING SCOTT BRYCE ON EMMY NIGHT
Fast-forward to November 12 and on a very special livestream chat, celebrating Tamara’s Daytime Emmy win on the Michael Fairman Channel, she opened up about missing Scott on her winning night.
“It was definitely bittersweet,” recalled Tunie after she won Lead Actress. “Our mutual friends who texted me all said, including his wife and widow Jodi, ‘You know Scotty is smiling. You know he’s cheering.’ And I do know that, and I only wish that he had been here a little longer to have shared this with me.”‘
Speaking of their unbroken bond, even in death, Tamara added, “We knew each other for decades. It was just one of those friendships that formed immediately and just lasted. We were brother and sister, you know. I was the sister that he never had in his family, and he was my other brother, for sure.”
BEING A FAN OF AS THE WORLD TURNS BEFORE BEING ON IT
Before Tamara even landed her first soap role as Jessica Griffin, she was watching As the World Turns and knew that Scott Bryce was one of the most gifted actors to grace Oakdale.
“I respected him as an actor before I knew him as a person, because I watched him on As the World Turns before I became a cast member and when he was paired on-screen with Meg Ryan,” recalled Tunie. “He was the first person that I saw on daytime television fake being paralyzed. Craig faked having to be in a wheelchair, and what I loved about him was Scotty was able to play that bad kid with such vulnerability that you rooted for him. You rooted for Craig, even when he was doing terrible things. That’s the kind of complex, interesting and nuanced actor that Scotty was.”
Photos: NATAS
THE BEYOND THE GATES EXPERIENCE
When looking at what winning the gold meant to her and the ride she has been on since the launch of Beyond the Gates in 2024, Tamara concluded, “It’s incredible, particularly because it’s our first year (at the Emmys). It’s really incredible and it is historical. The show has been historical in so many ways. Just its mere existence is historical. I’m often at a loss for words.”
“It’s something I know I’ll look back on at some point and feel the the weight of it will,” feels Tamara. “And the moment will become more apparent to me. Someone asked me yesterday about my legacy. I feel like that’s for other people to describe.”
Speaking on how highly-regarded she is as an actress by her peers and the viewers, Tamara expressed, “I have not moved through this life saying, ‘This will be my legacy,’ because I don’t know. I know what I’m passionate about. I know what drives me. I know what I care about. I know that I do want to have an impact on someone or someones lives, if it helps them in some way. That’s always been what has driven me. A lot of the projects that I’ve chosen to participate in are decided based on that in some degree.”
TAMARA ON THE MAGNITUDE OF FIRST EMMY WIN
In closing, the new Lead Actress winner shared, “It’s incredible. I’m honored. I’m humbled. I’m not pretending or making that up or being falsely modest. I really am. I’m just in a constant state of gratitude.”
You can check out the full conversation with Tamara Tunie from our live chat below.
Then let us know, what did you think of the sentiments shown by Tamara and her wish that her dear friend, Scott Bryce could have been seen her win the Emmy? Happy that Tamara received Emmy gold? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: ‘Miss Beehavin’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Ava Tie the Knot With Drew?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘The Bachelor’ Names NFL Quarterback Sam Hartman as Lead for Season 30
‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actress Bree Williamson Mourns the Loss of Husband Michael John Roberts
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: ‘Miss Beehavin’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Ava Tie the Knot With Drew?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
-
News5 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
-
Previews6 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
-
Days Of Our Lives6 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
-
News1 week agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
-
Interviews3 days agoB&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
