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‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Trisha Mann-Grant Opens Up About Difficult Scene, Getting Her Son Off the Streets, and Plight of the Homeless

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

Trish Mann-Grant has wowed audiences with her portrayal of Leslie Thomas since hitting our screens last year on Beyond the Gates. The talented actress has made everyone in the soap opera genre take notice of her performances as Leslie is a true instigator who carries secrets and will ruffle the feathers of most anyone in and around Fairmont Crest, if given half the chance.

In real-life, Trisha has publicly spoken about the time period of her life when she found herself homeless. In fact, during a livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel along with her on-screen daughter, Ambyr Michelle (Eva), she shared some of what she endured.

Now in a recently aired scene on the CBS soap opera, Leslie, throws some shade June’s (Jasmine Burke) way about her living under the bridge, when June is trying to get her life back on track. For Trisha, as she details in a very personal message on Instagram along with said scene, it resonated so profoundly. First, because of her own experience, but also because Trisha shared that her son is still homeless.

Photo: CBS

HITTING CLOSE TO HOME

Here’s what Trisha expressed, “During this scene with Ambyr Michelle and Jasmine Burke, my homeless son, Daniel, crossed my mind. I also remembered the time when he was 5 and I was pregnant with his sister and was myself homeless for a period. My character, ‘Leslie’, throws a dig at Jasmine’s character ‘June’, referring to her still living under the bridge. That was a difficult line to utter.”

She continued, “As actor’s, we have to sometimes detach what we’ve experienced to get through dialogue or use what we’ve experienced. In this scene, I had to detach from the almost 12 years of having a child who chooses to live a homeless lifestyle. (Yes, molestation, addiction and depression are all a part of that choice). Before any of these experiences, I have always had empathy for the homeless but as a mother of one, now more than ever. I have done all I can to get Danny off the streets but know this; I have not lost hope.”

OUT FROM UNDER THE BRIDGE

Next, Trisha shared her hope and belief for her son, Daniel and not listening to the voices of people like her soap opera alter-ego. “The beauty of this scene is that “June” may not yet be BEYOND THE GATES with the rest of the characters but she certainly let “Leslie” know she is NO LONGER UNDER that bridge,” stated Mann-Grant. “I am believing in real time, stepping out on faith that my son will overcome his present situation and walk fully into his God-Given Purpose. Just like some of us, that bridge represents our past and even though our present may not be all that we want it to be, it definitely isn’t what it used to be. We have to focus on the elevation and ignore the ‘Leslie’s’ of the world.”

In closing, Mann-Grant gave some major inspiration for anyone that is currently in a situation as she has been, expressing, “To all the Mommy’s out there, like me, don’t give up. Keep praying, keep believing that this too shall pass. There are help groups out there for parents of homeless children too. Stay strong and look at the message of this scene. ‘June’ is on the rise and so are we all!”

You can watch the scene Trisha references below.

Now let us know, what did you think of Trisha’s message to all the moms out there, children who are on the streets and the plight of the homeless? Are you glad that Beyond the Gates is tackling the subject with the character of June who is doing what she can to improve her life? Come Emmy time, is Trisha on your wish list of nominees? Let us know via the comment section below.

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I am glad she made it through and all the best with her son. It’s a tough situation.

Wow. Powerful words. So eloquently put and very sobering. Huge fan of hers before this, but now I see the heart matches her tremendous talent.

Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Fall Preview: Michele Val Jean Reveals Twists and Turns in Fairmont Crest, Teases New Faces

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Beyond the Gates Preview

Beyond the Gates continues to be the buzzy and noteworthy soap opera as it heads deeper into the fall. With 15 Daytime Emmy nominations (a record for a first-time nominated show), the action on-screen has been just as exciting as of late.

Now, series creator, head writer, and executive producer, Michele Van Jean teases what viewers of the CBS soap opera can look forward to in the months ahead and into 2027 with TV Insider.  Val Jean clarified that the show is already written into April of next year with new faces joining the cast down the line.

Michele shared, “As we go down the journey with The Articulettes, that path is going to lead back to (their manager) Dante Green. So, we’re going to be seeing him eventually. It’s not imminent because we write really far in advance, but you’ll be meeting Dante Green. And then we have a female robbery/homicide cop that’s going to come onto the canvas eventually.”

DANGEROUS, DUPLICITOUS AND DEADLY

While that’s a bit down the line, here’s a few tidbits for a few of the core characters happening soon; starting with the matriarch and the patriarch of the Dupree family, Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon (Clifton Davis). ”

“They’re going to steer their family and community through some troubling times,” explains Michele. Adding, “Anita will get to make exciting moves in her music career as we started to see with The Articulettes, but she’s going to meet with some unexpected obstacles along the way that will test how much she really wants this. Vernon will not be afraid to take serious measures to protect his family and bring down anyone who threatens them.”

Speaking of “serious measures to bring down anyone who threatens the Dupree family,” let’s find out what’s in the future for Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings): “This fall, she will be brilliant, beautiful, and cold as ever. She’s definitely not done scheming, and she’s not done with Bill, I’ll tell you that,” assets Val Jean. “She’s good at making bad situations work in her best interest, and we’ll get to see her do plenty of it.”

Dani and Andre

Photo: CBS

HOW TO SURVIVE A MARRIAGE

As for Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) and Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) marriage, trouble ahead!  Michele explains “She’s (Dani) going to find her marriage and herself in danger and be forced to make some severe decisions. And Andre’s secrets will catch up to him in the worst way possible as Heather closes in to make good on her threats.”

Meanwhile, Dani’s sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) makes inroads with her relationship with Dr. Kial Rollins (Greg Vaughan). However, Val Jean warns by year’s end,”Her (Nicole) world will flip completely upside down in a way no one sees coming, including her.”

Finally, the warring brother sister duo of Joey (Jon Lindstrom) and Heather Armstrong  (Ashley Jones) will get even more intense and fraught. According to Michele, “Joey will wrestle with the reality that his sister is not who she used to be. And as Heather sinks her teeth further into the community, she’ll go to new despicable lengths for chaos and control, but she may not get the last laugh. You’ll have to watch it.”

So, what are you looking forward to the most this fall on Beyond the Gates? What is your favorite storyline right now? When the soap opera casts the character of Dante Green down the line, and a new female cop, who do you think would be a great fit for the roles? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Who’s Trying to Silence Hayley?

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Hayley, Beyond the Gates

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, Banneker U. homecoming continues on Monday, October 5, when Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) shocks the Duprees and Richardson families, while Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett), Vernon (Clifton Davis), Elon (Malachi Malik) and Joey (Jon Lindstrom) scramble knowing Hayley (Marquita Goings) is in possession of audio recordings that would reveal their involvement in a dark secret.

That secret is a few years back when Martin (Brandon Claybon) killed a racist attacker while severely beating another man named Kenneth, in what followed followed was a  subsequent murder orchestrated by Bill and Joey that was covered up as a “robbery gone wrong!”

Now, in the latest video teaser for the action in and around Fairmont Crest from October 5-9 (see below), Hayley becomes the target as many people want to silence her or gain access to the recordings she has. It was those recording, which Hayley used to blackmail her husband, Bill, in order to stay out of jail for trying to kill him! Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

Tyrell, Martin and Smitty, Beyond the Gates

Photo: CBS

Meanwhile, Bill and Dani’s (Karla Mosley) shared history continues to draw them closer together, while Kat (Colby Nixon) seems to be enjoying her time with Izaiah (Lami), after Eva (Ambyr Michelle) decided not to come to the Banneker homecoming gathering. Will Kat and Izaiah become even closer? Stay tuned.

Now below, check out the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the action in and around Fairmont Crest this week.

Monday, October 5
Anita hears disturbing news from Vernon. Dani gets the cold shoulder. Bill won’t give up without a fight. Nicole offers Deanna a reality check while Vanessa dodges some big questions. Martin & Smitty enjoy a full house. Jacob & Naomi align their priorities. Tyrell drops a major bombshell on his family.

Tuesday, October 6
Anita and Dani’s update blindsides Nicole. Vernon puts Bill on notice. Hayley scores a big win… at a big cost. Leslie defends her actions. Jacob confronts Izaiah. Kat’s bold words leave Eva shaken. Chelsea issues an important warning.

Wednesday, October 7
Vernon comes to the rescue. Dani presses Bill while Andre troubles Ted. Hayley’s caught totally off guard. Eva faces the future while Izaiah’s distracted. Leslie’s devoted to drama. Marcel and Joey practice persuasion.

Thursday, October 8
Andre dredges up Dani’s past. Anita finds comfort in music while Nicole is candid with Vanessa. Ted and Ashley are in cahoots. Leslie gets Hayley scrambling and Randy is fed up. Noah gives Deanna a different perspective.

Friday, October 9
Vernon shares the ugly truth with Anita. Nicole makes good on a promise. Naomi doesn’t back down. Madison leans on Chelsea after risking it all. Smitty draws a hard line with Martin. Vanessa and Joey hear Heather out. Ted’s trip with Shanice proves unforgettable.

Check out the video preview for this week’s episodes of Beyond the Gates below.

Then let us know, who do you think might be chloroforming Hayley? Will she get away with her blackmail, and be able to out maneuver everyone to continue to have a ‘get out of jail free’ card? What do you think Tyrell has to say during Banneker homecoming that will come as a surprise? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life

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Beyond the Gates Cast

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!

Beyond the Gates

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.

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