Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Recalls Writing Tony Geary’s Daytime Emmy-Winning Story Where ‘General Hospital’s’ Luke Revisits Raping Laura
As General Hospital fans, co-stars and former colleagues mourn the loss of eight-time Daytime Emmy winner, Anthony Geary (ex-Luke Spencer), tributes and remembrances are pouring in across social media, television entertainment and news program and more.
Now, in a just released new episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart, Beyond the Gates creator, head writer, showrunner and executive producer, Michele Val Jean, chats on her soap opera writing experience, and launching the first daytime drama on broadcast television in over 25 years and the first Black-led, one-hour soap in history, to boot.
In an ironic twist on timing, this conversation with Val Jean was taped back in October of this year around the presentation of the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards as explained at the opening of the episode by Rebecca Budig, but released today on December 16. Anthony Geary passed away on Sunday, December 14 from complications from an unnamed medical procedure three days earlier at the age of 78.

Photo: ABC
Michele Val Jean spoke on her time on General Hospital as a script editor and script writer, working under then executive producer, Wendy Riche. Val Jean began her GH journey in 1993 and had several writing stints throughout her career with the ABC soap opera.
Speaking on writing for and working with the legendary Geary, Val Jean explained that she spent a lot of time in his dressing room changing the dialogue for him, but from that grew trust and was key to opening the opportunity Val Jean had hoped for, to reframe Luke’s rape of Laura (Genie Francis) at the Campus Disco back in 1979, and to call it out for what it was.
MICHELE’S PERSONAL STORY, GOALS FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL AND TONY GEARY
Val Jean expressed, “We (Tony and I) got to be friends, and we got to the point where he trusted me enough to agree to do the rape story.” Then in a heartbreaking moment, Michele shared that she had been raped as young girl, so she knew from experience what is what and it needed to be corrected in story.
“When I was growing up I was raped. I had just turned 12, and I had lost my father three months before. He died in July. I was raped in September. So, I know what rape is. I know what it looks like. So, when Luke raped Laura, and she’s screaming ‘No!” and he’s taking her down to the floor, that’s rape, and because Tony and Genie had so much chemistry, the show started to call it a “mutual seduction,” explained Michele. “And I was like, ‘That’s not what I saw.'”

Photo: Almay
“So when I was on the show and I had some input into story. I had three goals. One, was to call a rape, “a rape.” Two, was to win Tony Geary am Emmy because he hadn’t won one since 1983. And the other one, three was to sort of exercise my own demons, because where I grew up on the south side of Chicago, you didn’t have therapy. There was a trial. My rapist went to jail. And then after all that was over, I was just supposed to put it behind me and move on. It was really shattering.”
The head scribe used her tools as a storyteller to work through her pain and grief of her own rape, but to also clear up any confusion is soap history that Luke did indeed rape Laura. “So, I wanted to kind of put myself back together through telling that story. I knew I couldn’t come at it directly because Luke and Laura had been together for decades at that point. I had to come in through another door, and that was through Lucky (Jonathan Jackson).”
“YOU GET AN EMMY!”
Finally in 1998, Val Jean spearheaded the story that would see Luke’s admission to his son that he raped his mother. “So, I had Lucky come on the aftermath of Elizabeth’s rape and see how shattered she was, and to go through her recovery with her. Then, find out that his father had done that to his mother and that just blew up the whole family. Everyone involved in that story got Emmys. It was like Oprah! ‘You get an Emmy, and you get an Emmy.” We (Tony and I) worked really closely together through the whole thing. I felt like it was like my rapist didn’t own that afternoon anymore, I did,” recounted Michele.

Photo: CBS
Rebecca Budig shared on the story point, “I commend Tony because a lot of times you don’t want your character to look bad and that’s a big admission, right?” To which Val Jean, replied, “He embraced it. I put him on a couch, sat him on a couch, and gave him a nine minute monologue with flashbacks when Lucky said, ‘I need you to tell me what happened that night.’ And that is what Tony won the (1999) Emmy for. It was that monologue.”
THE NEW FRONTIER – BEYOND THE GATES
Later, Rebecca and Greg speak to Michele about the importance of the creation of Beyond the Gates and representation of Black characters and families on the soaps. “I didn’t like that black people were always the “best friend,” or you know, a family who would be there for a minute and then they move on, expressed Val Jean. “It’s really, really gratifying to be able open the door to this world.”
In addition to Val Jean, Beyond the Gates costume designer, Jeresa Featherstone sits down with Greg and Rebecca and shares how she draws inspiration for her crowd-pleasing looks that have come to define Beyond the Gates and how she gives each character on the canvas a distinct look and fashion sense.
Now below, check out the full episode of “Soapy” featuring Beyond the Gates creator, Michele Val Jean and costume designer, Jeresa Featherstone.
Then let us know, what did you think about the heart-tugging story of Michele’s past and how she worked with Tony Geary in the key storyline that had Luke admitting to Lucky that he has raped his mother, Laura which shed the optics on the controversial plot point of 1979 ‘General Hospital’ and more? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
I applaud her for writing the wrong and having it called a rape; a romance should have never been born from it, though.
Another occasion when Genie was robbed of an Emmy!
Exactly. Genie herself said in an interview no writer spoke to her at all or got any input from her. The show was always concerned about Tony at the expense of Genie. And that continued until he retired. You will never convince me he didn’t play a part in keeping her off the show all those years.
Genie also said in a interview, point blank, that Tony was not the one keeping her off the show. Make of that what you will.
But I fully agree, he was always given preference to her, from 1979 onwards. He’s said in interviews, particularly about the 78-83 era, he was treated like a prince. I did appreciate that he said his first Emmy win was 1/2 hers. I haven’t see the subsequent wins, but I have seen interviews where he and JJ say they are confounded that she gets left out.
Watched the entire podcast interview. Michele Val Jean is so down to earth and engaging. For those who love the genre she has lots of soap stories and not an unkind word about anyone. I hope she writes a book. Jeresa Featherstone was so inspiring for someone so young. This was my first time watching the podcast. I plan to seek out some of the earlier episodes. Rebecca and Greg are really really good and very well informed.. They should give up the day jobs and do a podcast full time.
Beyond the Gates
Nick Hagelin Makes His ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut as Noah Rollins

Beyond the Gates viewers were in for a surprise on the Wednesday, July 22 episode when singer/actor/dancer, Nick Hagelin made his soap opera debut in the recurring role of Noah Rollins, the son of Dr. Kial Rollins played by soap vet Greg Vaughan.
In story, Noah comes to the DMV area and lands at none other than Orphey Jeans coffee shop. He is spotted by Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley) who becomes quite smitten with him. However, Noah is having trouble paying his bill to June (Daytime Emmy nominee Jasmine Burke).
One thing leads to another, and Deanna comes by his table and offers to pay for his bill. Noah gives her his number (his phone died and he has no plug) so she can Venmo him her account info to send her back the funds. Later, Deanna talks with June, who notices how Deanna and Noah had eyes for each other, and senses there was definitely an attraction there.

Courtesy/CBS
NOAH IS INTRODUCED
Next, Noah comes to Garland Memorial Hospital looking for his dad, and runs into Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), who knew exactly who he was and brings him to see Kial, who is surprised to see his son in town.
Noah needs money and Kial won’t pay it, unless he takes a job to pay for music career right here in the DC/Maryland area. Kial tells his son, Atlanta and New York City aren’t that far away if he gets a gig. So, Noah agrees to apply for the job at the free clinic, which Kial will help push through and in return he will get him some cash. Noah is then going to crash at Kial’s place and Kial will go stay with Nicole.
Nick Hagelin is an Atlanta-based performer which is where Beyond the Gates is taped. Previously, Hagelin was in the Top 9 on NBCs The Voice, and has a band in Atlanta called The Fantasy Exchange. Nick also writes and produces for other artists and has had his original music featured on the series, FX Atlanta and Saturday Night Live.
As a ballet dancer, Nick trained at the prestigious School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center in New York City and he has performed with the American Ballet, plus Carolina Ballet, The Kirov, Atlanta Opera, and the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Hagelin’s acting credits include the Indie film, Exit Interviews starring OLTL favorite Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers), Max’s Sweet Magnolias, The Hunting Wives and many more.
GREG VAUGHAN GONE FROM BEYOND THE GATES?
The addition of Kial’s son to the canvas left many fans wondering if Greg Vaughan has already left the show or was his recent Instagram message about something else entirely. Beyond the Gates tapes over four months ahead of episodes airing on CBS.
Vaughan’s post shared, “My heart is full. My purpose is just getting started. I’m grateful for my life, my family, the people who consistently show up, and the lessons that shaped me. Every challenge has become preparation. Every blessing has become perspective… I’m simply grateful for how far God has brought me, and excited for everything that’s still ahead.”
Greg concluded: “Thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey. Family. Friends. Fans. Colleagues. Your encouragement has meant more than you know. Here’s to the next chapter.”
Friends and colleagues jumped into Vaughan’s comment thread including: Robert Christopher Riley who plays Carlton on Beyond the Gates who shared, “Love and miss ya buddy,” fueling speculation that Vaughan is no longer on the CBS soap.
So, what did you think of the on-screen debut of Nick Hagelin as Noah Rollins? Intrigued to see more? Do you think from Greg Vaughan’s message that he is no longer on Beyond the Gates? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Karla Mosley and B&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor Share Their Thoughts on Being First-Time Daytime Emmy Nominees Together (Exclusive)

When it was announced last Monday and Tuesday that longtime friends, scene partners and creative collaborators, Karla Mosley (Dani, Beyond the Gates) and Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter, The Bold and the Beautiful) became first-time Daytime Emmy nominees, they could not have been happier for each other as their connection continues to remain so strong to this day. They have literally gone though their daytime journeys together in so many ways.
As longtime daytime viewers know, Karla and Lawrence first appeared on Guiding Light as Christina and Remy Boudreau. They remained with the beloved CBS soap opera, as it went off the air until its final episode in 2009.
Next, both Karla and Lawrence wound up being cast on The Bold and the Beautiful, she as Maya Avant and he as Carter Walton. At one point, the character’s dated each other, and even became engaged. Later, it was revealed that Maya was a trans woman who was truly in love with Rick Forrester (then played by Jacob Young). Along the way, Karla and Lawrence collaborated on a web series called Wed-Locked, which explored the modern-day realities of being newlyweds. It was conceived in 2009, while they were wrapping up Guiding Light and revived in 2018.

Photo: JPI
Now, here we are in 2026. Karla is one of the stars of CBS’ groundbreaking soap opera, Beyond the Gates, where she received her first Lead Actress nomination for her portrayal of Dani Dupree. Lawrence remains on The Bold and the Beautiful, but get this! He received not only his first nomination for acting and in the Supporting Actor category, but a second for Outstanding Writing Team, since Saint-Victor holds double duty with the CBS soap as a writer and a performer.
During the Michael Fairman Channel’s annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special, Lawrence and Karla closed the show where they were able to speak to each other on the livestream broadcast, and share their feelings on being nominated together in a very special moment. They also let us know what was on their Emmy-nominated reels that landed them this very special recognition for the first time in their veteran soap opera careers.
KARLA AND LAWRENCE WERE OVERJOYED FOR EACH OTHER
Lawrence explained, “Karla and I spoke earlier and we were talking about the synergy we have had throughout the years. Our kids were born in the same week, and so many other things where it’s like we are just so aligned – and so to find out that we’re both first-time nominees in this together … it kind of makes sense when you look at our lives together.”
“I’m so proud of Karla. I’ve always been proud of Karla, but her work on Beyond the Gates, and the responsibility that was given to her to take this world that no one knows about and showcase it, and make it with so much nuance and depth and flare and swag and all this stuff she brings to Dani is fantastic! I’m proud of your show…. 15 nominations.”
Karla replied, “I’m going to sing Lawrence’s praises and say that he has been working for so many years and so hard, and writing and just showing up and being whatever anyone needed him to be, and doing it with excellence every single time. The fact that you’re finally being acknowledged in this way is overdue. I’m overjoyed. Tony (Anthony Pascarelli) who directs both The Bold and the Beautiful and Beyond the Gates came on set. I was doing this emotional scene, and we were in between scenes and he goes, ‘Lawrence! Lawrence!’ He goes, ‘Oops. I shouldn’t have told you that now!’ And I go, ‘No, no. I have to know! That’s my brother!’ It was perfect.”
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCENES FOR YOUR EMMY REEL
It’s always a tough call when actors submit their work for Emmy contention. How do you chose a reel that will capture the voters right away? Do you tell an arc of a story in highlighted scenes, or do you put together a sequence of scenes that may be somewhat unrelated but show your depth as a performer? Clearly, Karla and Lawrence chose right! Here’s how they went about assembling the scenes for their reels.

Photo: CBS
Karla: “I thought, I’m just going to put together something that’s fun for me. I ended up starting with the golf club moment in that blue suit, and then cut to: the gun shot scene at the wedding where she’s holding Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Hayley (Marquita Goings) up. Then, we go back to a scene after she comes in with the golf club. So, we really kind of get the Bill/Dani dynamic and what’s going on there. And then, we go to one of my favorite scenes from last year where Ashley’s (Jen Jacob) in the bathroom and Dani’s talking to Andre (Sean Freeman) at Uptown. It’s comedic. It’s Dani at her best wit and banter. Then, we get the scene with Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) where she comes out, and tells her mom that she’s bisexual, which is one of the great moments, because in real life I was coming out at the same time.”
In addition, Mosley continued,”Then another Bill/Dani scene where she’s saying she moved on and here’s why, and here’s why I don’t want to be with you anymore. In the scenes, she really has found her strength, and before that I put in the mugshot photo shoot. The photo shoot was a last minute addition, I woke up inspired by it and had to include it!”

Photo: JPi
LAWRENCE SAINT-VICTOR’S PICKED BREAK-UP SCENES WITH HOPE
Lawrence shared, “The heart of Carter is always about trying to be in love and fall in love. So, I used the Hope (Annika Noelle) breakup scenes and it’s what led my reel, because at the end of the day, everything he does is for love, and for me, the climax of his story is it still didn’t work. We had two breakup scenes. One was a pre-breakup scene, and then Carter got her back. The next one is when he tells her to ‘Go be with Liam. Go be with your family.’ Then, I also had a scene Carter and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire), where he’s just kind of down and out about losing Hope the first time.”
You can check out the segment where Karla and Lawrence meet up on the Daytime Emmy Nomination Special video below at the 2:56:00 mark.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be held on October 30 from the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood California and streamed at watch.theemmys.tv and associated apps.
So, what do you think of Karla and Lawrence scoring their first-ever Daytime Emmy nominations in the same year? What do you think about the scenes they put on their nominated reels? Have you watched them since their days on Guiding Light together? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Bill Wants to Have More Rendezvous with Dani; But Hayley is Determined to Put Him Six Feet Under

Bill Hamilton (played by new Supporting Actor Daytime Emmy nominee, Timon Kyle Durrett) is front and center this week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates.
In story, Bill visits Dani (Karla Mosley) and intimates there will be more hookups between the exes, but Dani shuts him down. But who thinks she really means it? Will the two begin an illicit affair behind their current spouses back after having sex in an elevator post-Tornado?
Meanwhile, Dani has been doing everything she can to make sure her secret dalliance that night stays buried. However, in a clip in the video teaser for episodes airing July 20-24, Nicole (Daphne Duplaix) corners her sister. She says, “I already know, Dani. The secret’s out.” But what does she know? Is she even talking about knowledge of Bill and Dani? Dani is not out of the hot seat yet! When she visits her parents Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon (Clifton Davis), they have some questions for her, too!
Then at Uptown, Hayley (Marquita Goings) informs her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry) that she is determined to finish what was started. She declares that the next time Bill gets symptoms, he will end up in the mortuary instead of the hospital. Cut to Bill unable to catch his breath, going. “What the hell is happening to me?”
Take a look below at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for this week.
Monday, July 20
Kat and Nicole discuss matters of the heart while Ted and Shanice reach a major milestone in their relationship. Bill and Dani clash. Grayson provides an ear for troubled Tomas.
Tuesday, July 21
Anita and Vernon learn about Naomi’s health status. Kial gives Eva some much-needed advice. Elon makes a push to reconcile with Izaiah. Nicole gives Vanessa an update on her love life before finding out some surprising news about her ex.
Wednesday, July 22
Anita refuses Dani’s request. Bill’s reaction to Naomi’s news stuns her. Shanice and Nicole have a candid chat about Ted. Hayley tells Randy she did him a solid where Lynette is concerned. Deanna meets a handsome stranger in need.
Thursday, July 23
Dani gets a gift that alarms Andre. Smitty asks Jacob for a favor. Hayley warns Randy off Mona. June gives Naomi some intriguing intel. Vernon advises a stubborn Bill. Anita has a present for Laura.
Friday, July 24
Heather informs Joey that she’s back to tie up loose ends. Elon tells Jacob something he doesn’t want to hear. Chelsea’s livestream with Eva leaves Kat miffed. Vanessa comforts Dani.
Check out the latest video teaser for Beyond the Gates below, followed by the Michael Fairman Channel’s Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 which featured Timon Kyle Durrett who speaks of his nomination and this current storyline, along with his on-screen love interests played by Marquita Goings and Karla Mosley. You can find it at 1:29:11 mark.
Now let us know, do you think Bill and Dani will have an ongoing affair? Who will figure out what Hayley is trying to do to Bill? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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