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Burgess Jenkins Chats On Taking Over The Role Of Billy Abbott On Y&R!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
This week on The Young and the Restless, Burgess Jenkins debuted as the new Billy Abbott. The actor follows in the footsteps of two stars: now three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Billy Miller who chose to leave the series late last year, and David Tom, who returned to the role and replaced Miller only to be let-go by the number one soap and in turn replaced by Jenkins!
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Burgess at the Daytime Emmy Nominee Reception last week to get his initial thoughts on taking on the pivotal role that has been the topic of conversation for many a Y&R fan, working with his new co-stars including: Peter Bergman (Jack), Emmy winner Amelia Heinle (Victoria), and Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea), and how he views the inner-life of the complex Billy and more. Here’s what he shared!
How have your first few weeks been at The Young and the Restless?
BURGESS:Â My first few weeks at Y&R have been fantastic!
Has your on-screen brother, Peter Bergman (Jack) been nice to you? (Laughs)
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
BURGESS: Never! (Laughs) In fact, not only has Peter been incredible, gracious and kind, he was the first person to call me and wish me well and welcome me to the show. He is an incredible class act! And as I was saying to Peter earlier, and I could not have meant it more sincerely … from the first time that we met to the days right after and leading up to my first day on the set, I felt this bond with him like brothers would feel. It was really cool.
Do you feel a lot of pressure coming into a situation where the very popular Billy Miller stepped down from the role of Billy Abbott, and David Tom returned to the role only to be let-go?
BURGESS:  I don’t really feel that way, because I feel like I have a job to do and I am really embracing and enjoying doing that job. Everyone has been incredibly supportive moving forward and not only that, but I don’t know all the ins and out of that stuff and what went on… and I will leave it at that. I can’t speak intelligently about what went on before because I don’t know all that happened.
Your fans on Twitter seem to be excited about your new gig!
BURGESS: My fans have been wonderful and welcoming. It’s great to have a fan base like that.
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
How has it been working with your new Y&R leading ladies, Amelia Heinle (Victoria) and Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea)?
BURGESS: Terrific… both of them! They are very giving actors and the chemistry with both of them is wonderful. So much is about the writing and what it represents and you feel it in the scene work.  It’s really very palpable and nice.
Stepping into the role of Billy Abbott, what do you feel is the essence of this character?
BURGESS:  Billy is loose cannon and you don’t know what you’re going to get, and I don’t think he knows. He is very earnest and passionate. Billy means what he says and he doesn’t always make the right decisions, but he is doing it because he is trying to do what is right.  I love that about him. He is a flawed, wonderful character.
What was your audition process like to get the role primo of Billy; your reel and then a test?
BURGESS: There was a review of my reel, but then I did come in to test for it. Â I wanted to meet the people I was going to be working for, and it was really nice when I did.
So, what did you think of Burgess’ comments? What has been your initial impression of him in the role of Billy Abbott? Will you give it some time to let the audience get adjusted to seeing him as Billy … and let him settle into the role?  Let us know!
I want Billy Miller. This is just ridiculous. He seems very kind, and generous and he’s an okay actor but there is one Billy Abbott. Billy Miller.
The show died when Billy and Michael left that day. This new guy playing Billy could use some black mascara, lol. Are there any Llily fans? How has she stayed on the show so long??? I think they should make Mariah the real Cassie.. with all the weird stuff they do, maybe this is the plan. Ian could have stolen her from the hospital years ago. Keep Sharron crazy… she’s so boring when her and Nick are in love. Nick has always been such a whiney xxx character @@, lol. Jill and her Aussie husband locking each other in the basement… really, really… make them stop.
LOVING NEWEST BILLY THANKS
I agree..100%
They might as well kept Tom, I like him better than this one.
I liked DT to after the Billy Miller, and I get that there are changes that have to take place on any show, but “new guy” doesn’t seem to fit the roll, he doesn’t even look like a Billy with red hair and goatee, I myself don’t think that he’s gonna last, and for some other characters that have left ie: Phyllis, JT, Mac, etc. the show just hasn’t been the same over the last year, although I love Y&R and I will watch as long as I’m on earth
So I was just sayin
I agree! Billy Miller is the best! You are ruining the show by getting all these replacements!!
I miss Billy. But I love the original David Tom. What the hell is going on with Y&R. This new guy can not replace either one of the Billys. Get David Tom Back!!!!
And what were they supposed to do? Not re-cast the Billy Abbott role?
Billy Miller left, wouldn’t resign with Y&R, so the producers of the show had no choice but to replace him with another actor.
That is what people don’t get, these actors like Billy Miller, Michelle Stafford, etc, etc. They left when their contract is up. They obviously have no interest in continuing with Y&R, otherwise they would have resigned, or there are things going on behind the scenes that they just cannot accept. Either way, the character lives on without the actor that made the role famous.
Just deal with it and move on. Don’t like it, you have a choice not to watch it.
Scott, Miller wouldn’t re-sign because Y&R refused the one thing he asked for … outs to be able to do other projects. Other co-stars have them, including Steve Burton, JFP’s golden boy, but he and Elizabeth Hendrickson (both of whom were NOT hired by Jill Farren Phelps) asked for outs and were refused. After not being able to get outs, which other co-stars DO have, and it being the ONLY renegotiation point on both Miller’s and Hendrickson’s parts as the sticking point to leaving, it falls COMPLETELY on Y&R’s shoulders for not honoring something that could have so easily been worked out. No extra money, no big demands, just “may I have time off so I can do other projects?” And getting a big fat “NO” for their efforts.
Deal with it? Sure, the fans are doing just that, by having the show constantly try to get someone to replace the actors who were so marvelous in the roles they can’t, seriously, be replaced satisfactorily.
So who’s to blame? Miller and the other actors who only wished to have outs, like their co-stars, or a show who flat refuses to let them have those outs, their only request, and then they quit and the show scrambles to find replacement actors to fill their shoes, usually poorly?
Sounds to me like it’s the show’s fault, all around here…
wolfy
Burgess Jenkins is a terrible replacement as Billy! He looks much too old, is not a good actor, and does not fit Billy’s personality AT ALL. How did this guy get selected for the job? Seriously!! D.Thom was not great, but Jenkins is awful in this role. Billy Miller was absolutely the right personality for the character. PLEASE, Y&R…..bring in a better actor for Billy! Jenkins is definitely NOT in the right role, IMHO.
I LOVE NEW BILLY
David Tom was much too young did not work for me. The new Billie Jenkin although not our beloved Billy Miller I think will work. Please make him a little more fun loving.
I agree with you..
Really wish Billy Miller would come back…..but very exited that David Tom is gone!!!!
Love Miller. . Got used to David Tom I didn’t think he was to young I don’t understand that at all! I know Miller isn’t coming back but bring back Tom at least! This new one no!!!!!
I agree that they should have Billy Miller back if possible or David Tom. I just don’t care for the new guy. I don’t see that there should be a problem if these actors take on other jobs when they are on hiatus or their character is not on. Many people have more than one job. I have been a fan since day 1, and it is hard to get used to different people in roles.
Noooooooo!!!!!! David Tom was Awful!! Not sure yet about this new Billy. So far he doesn’t fit the part of Billy Abbott but he’s better than DT. Billy Miller was spunky and sexy and fun…. so far this new Billy not so much! Do something with his hair and loosen him up a bit! I think Gina Tagnoni is going to be the only recast they get right. I think she is going to be a perfect Phyllis.
give the new Billy a chance! Miss Billy Miller think he was the best yet, Have been a fan since it started people come and go just part of life.
I want Billy Miller back! They should have worked with him to get him resigned. Too many character changes lately. This show needs more stability and continuity with its cast!
These last two Billie’s that replaced the Billy we all loved! It’s just not the same!! I was very disappointed watching these two Billy’s ! I feel that your ratings are going to fall! Too many changes us right! No one likes to have to get to know the Billy I or swapping actors out for different actors! I’m really bummed I just don’t get that enthused when I know actors are leaving and swapped out for a new one!!! It really makes me sad. Because I’ve watched your show since I was a teenager! But now I don’t get excited to see what’s going to happen, the thrill us gone and I’m very sad
I LOATHE burgess Jenkins!….I do like “Stitch”
nope, no one will work except Billy Miller.
I agree that the role of billy his sucked since billy miller left
I agree
No, David Tom did not suck. You Billy Miller fans need to let him go and move on. He is replaceable. Tom did an amazing job under incredibly challenging circumstances.
You all did not give him a chance. Learn from your mistakes and give this new guy a chance.
Just get David Tom BACK!!!!
I SO agree!! All the gripes about David Tom were totally unfounded! He was doing a great job!! Billy Miller left because he wanted to. The show didn’t get rid of him!So far, I am wishing David Tom was back. But change is constant on soaps and I have nearly always ended up liking the new actors they bring in after they have had a chance to really settle into their role.
I agree. David Tom was not that bad. Billy Miller is gone. So be it. I don’t like this new Billy (Burgess) at all. His looks donothing for me. I much prefer David Tom. Get rid of this one and bring David back.
David Tom started the roll as Billy Abbot.
…Billy Miller was good,too…was glad to see David Tom back…not crazy about the new “Billy”….I agree, people didn’t give David Tom a chance.
Bring back David Tom!!
I disagree. David Tom looked like a child, not the flawed man his character is. I like the new Billy (Burgess). That’s what a man looks like. Yummmm.
My personal opinion is that David Tom was doing an adequate job playing Billy. He and Miller both had similar youthful looks so I don’t get this whole Tom is too young excuse. Miiller fans will never accept anyone new, and that goes for the new guy too. I personally find Burgess to be a poor casting choice. He looks too old and talks with a mild Southern accent. What Wiscinsin native talks like that? I give him 5 months tops and then I’m sure he will be out the door too, joining Tom.
Welcome Burgess!
I think he’ll do great and I hope people will give him a chance to settle in and make it his own.
There is no one that can now make Billy Abbott their own..
Billy Miller is Billy Abbott and the character belongs to Billy Miller..
(they should not have recast )
Get over it! BM made the decision to depart his role!
He’ll be another epic fail.
You are dead wrong, I was very sad when they fired David tom, But the new Billy is sexy and the man can act. I am happy I gave the new actor a chance. You sound very negative all the time, on these posts. Please go take your meds, you will feel better.
Actually David Tom is the one that originated the Billy Abbott role, not Billy Miller.
In either case, Billy Miller decided not to resign his contract with Y&R, and leave for greener pastures. So what is Y&R supposed to do? Not use the character? Of course not, everyone is replaceable. If they don’t want to work there, fine, replace them.
Actually, Billy Miller wanted to stay. Jill Farren Phelps wanted him gone. He wanted the same contract he’s had for years, but she used a lame excuse to cut off negotiations and sign David Tom. She burned Miller, just like she did Muhney. She wanted Steve Burton as Y&R’s lead. That’s why Miller is so bitter.
I am liking the new Billy.Burgess welcome.
Get rid of Cane and Lily!
David Tom shouldnt have been replaced…this nuBilly ill wait and see…i havent watched as much as others because i just never really connected to this show but i still tune in on occasion
I agree, Jim. David Tom was really rocking it these last few days.
David Tom was nailing the role in the past many weeks. It’s sad to let him go. He had a manly sensitivity in the role that will be missed.
David Tom could not replace Billy Miller! They need to get rid of Abby. The old one was better!
David Tom is the first adult Billy y’all. He set the the bar
Are you kidding???? David Tom was horrible
as Billy. He made too many stupid faces and
just didn’t cut it. He had 6 months to convince
everyone he was Billy and according to
all the comments the majority of the fans
Didn’t like his acting either. I’m giving the
new guy a chance to convince me. There
will never be another Billy Miller! Sure miss
him and MM. ;-((((
Agreed. They didn’t even give David Tom a chance and I for one don’t think anyone will work except billy miller.
Burgess’ is better than DT..
but he is nowhere near being a Billy Miller..
there can be only one Billy Abbott and that is Billy Miller
Billy Miller owns the trademark on Billy Abbott …
((without BM, they should not have attempted to recast ..
No, Billy Miller does not OWN the trademark on the character of Billy Abbott.
Now taking the initials of BM into meaningful consideration, you need to get take some fiber and let it pass.
I watch every day and CAN NOT stand this guyas Billy Abbott. You need to find some else or bring back Billy Miller, Billy Miller is worth any dollaramount he wamts, as obliviously he CAN NOT be REPLACED.
I have only watched one day but I thought he did a great job slipping in there. He seemed like he did understand the character. chemistry with AH was better than it was with David Tom – although DT had really good chemistry with MCE (chelsea). I liked Billy Miller. I liked David Tom. I was anti DT being let go.. so I had every reason not to be very open minded with BJ.. but I decided to be and he pleasantly surprised me. Lets see where this goes. I know one thing – we have had way too much turn over with Billy Abbott and we need some consistency! So unless Miller somehow wants to come back some day and this guy wants out, no more Billys! 🙂
I like him so far! In terms of the tole, I think he’s better than David Tom was, but that’s not to say DT is a bad actor; he’s not. I just don’t think he fit into the role like he did when he was previously on the show anymore. Billy has changed so much since then, but it didn’t seem like DT had. So, welcome Burgess Jenkins!
Well said. I agree 🙂 to all.
Billy Miller left the show of his own accord. He will not be coming back. His fans need to get over it. No one is irreplaceable.
Stop criticizing David Tom and now Burgess Jenkins.
David would have done well if he had been given good material to work with and if they had kept him away from Amelia Heilne who has chemistry with no one, not even her own husband who played J T Helstrom. David Tom did very well with every other actor/actress on the show.
Burgess Jenkins seems to fit right in and looks as if he could make the role of Billy his own. I hope he will have limited screen time with Amelia Heinle.
Don’t get me wrong, I agree that David Tom is a fine actor, but the thing is, after having such a powerhouse like Billy Miller as Billy, and then replacing him with an actor who didn’t seem to fit in the role the way he did 15 years ago when he last played him, it didn’t quite work for me. Nothing against DT as an actor, I just think he wasn’t right for the role. Burgess Jenkins is a fresh face and he’s doing well so far IMO (granted he’s only been on for two days).
However, I don’t agree with you about Amelia Heinle. Her scenes that won her an Emmy were very powerful and I think she rocked them. She’s a very good actress who had phenomenal chemistry with Billy Miller. That’s what I think fans were hoping for with David Tom, but it didn’t happen. That’s another reason I think DT wasn’t accepted, even though he’s a fine actor.
I agree totally. It is all about chemistry between two actors.
I know right! I’m liking BJ as Billy!
Penny, I agree with your every word. Fans in their rabid adulation of an actor who has moved on can be incredibly cruel to the recasts. These are human beings who need employment and who deserve fighting chance.
I think he is nice to look at, but it’s gonna take some time to adjust.
I saw NuBilly on today’s show (6/25) and he was pretty good – it’s still a wait & see period with me…
David Tom was not a good fit for the adult Billy Abbott – still sounds like a whiny teenager.
I am surprised that many of the comments have expressed longing for Billy Miller. Sure, he was good but he was replaceable and he was beautifully replaced by David Tom. I accepted Miller’s departure, thought he had been phoning it in for the last couple of months anyway. David Tom found his stride and I was really seeing him as Billy Abbott–he came off cheerful, slightly tormented, mischievous and loving–all the attributes we have come to expect from Billy Abbott. It was a HUGE mistake to dismiss David Tom.
This new actor is perfectly fine and I wish him all the best. However, watching today I felt incredibly mixed up and a little bit dizzy (I mean, more than usual).
Burgess is ok so far. Who was the genius that let David Tom go? He was spot on with Billy’s personality. He had the passion and fire that Billy Miller had when he had the role of Billy Abbott. David Tom was awesome.
Really ? Billy and Amelia have the most outstanding chemistry of any couple on daytime t v in a long time. Other than Nikkei and Victor. Please pay these actors their worth. We need all our soaps back. Young and Restless needs to keep the fantastic actors and actresses it has. THAT uswhat makes it
I didn’t find Billy to be any great actor, He was alright but not amazing as his fans seem to think. He’s replaceable. His toothy, fake grin drove me crazy. Amelia Heinle has chemistry with no one, not even Billy Miller. I’m still wondering why she won an Emmy and why she is still on Y&R. She is one of the weakest actresses on Daytime Soap. She’s no Heather Tom. She will never be Victoria Newman to me.
As to Eric Braeden he’s a one note, mumble, mumble actor with no talent. Same lines everyday because he can’t remember any other lines – You got that!
I have never cared for AH, either. As far as Mariah being Cassie, I think the plot is to have Sharon had twins back then and they never told her that. One was “stolen” by a nurse or doctor, probably nurse as she doesn’t remember a father, and the mother turned to Ian Ward’s cult. I think they should do a DNA test on Mariah and that would show them she IS related to Sharon and Cassie.
I would definitely be doing a DNA the identical looks are just too curious to let it go…
I like this new Billy, I like that he is close to the age for his part. I am willing to give him a chance.
Welcome
I’ll give him a chance.
No questions about his on-screen MOTHER, Jill?
Wouldn’t Jess Walton be one of his co-stars?
You forgot to ask about her when interviewing the writers too? I take it your’re not a Jess Walton or Jill fan?????????
I like you a lot better than the Tom actor!!!!
Recasts are part of daytime drama. I miss actors in their roles, too. And Billy Miller — who I adore — was himself a recast. That’s how it goes. today’s daytime drama world seems so crazy… lower budgets, faster productions schedules, so many online spoilers and reports… the fact the character stays and the story goes on is a plus for fans of the genre and this show.
David Tom was not the right choice the first time or the second time he got the chance to play Billy Abbott. This new guy looks as if he could be Peter’s Bergman’s brother, which is something I suppose. I wish this Burgess guy luck, he is going to need it.
Your right, the new Billy looks like him and Peter could be brothers. Billy Miller looked more like the original Jack, Terry Lester, and they could have been brothers. It may work out. I know that Burgess going one on one with the Mustache is more believable then when David Tom tried it.
I DOT THINK HE WOULD BE BELIEVABLE IN FRONT OF THE MUSTACHE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE BAD BOY STYLE THAT BILLY MILLER HAD THAT IS THE TRUTH AND THE MAN SEEMS TO LOOK TOO OLD FOR THE PART DOES NOT FIT FOR THE ROLE OF BILLY BUT WOULD BETTER FIT IN A DIFFERENT ROLE ON THE SHOW THOUGH
First off. Billy Miller is the only Billy Abbott for this girl. But I’m aware that there is nothing I can do about it. So we move along to Burgess I think he seems like a nice guy his acting is better than DT so that’s a good start but where is the charisma???? The Billy Abbott I know can charm a women into bed with just a glance. As he should be able to do since He’s the baby boy of a very wealthy family. He should have a playboy esq. demeanor, handsome & charming! The biggest mistake they’ve made is not giving people enough time to adjust one day BM is there the next DT & now BJ. I just don’t think nuBilly will ever b the BM version of BA that we have all grown to love. And if we can’t have BM there had to have been a cute guy out there with some acting chops and the smoothness that can fill this role until a miracle happens & we get BM back!!
Love him.. What a difference between
him and David Tom..
Love him. He’s gonna b a great Billy.
He is a pro. Knows the right things to say. Time will tell.
WHEN are u fans going to get it? There IS NO bringing back Bilky Miller. He was offered the role back replacing David Tom and HE SAiD NO!!!!!!!!!!!! He doesnt want to and isnt coming back.
Y&R screwed him and he is headed to ABC!
I don’t leave remarks on these issue’s, but wanted to on this subject. I really liked Billy Miller, he had the personality of Billy Abbott nailed. David Tom was a terrific actor, I was getting used to him but my adjustment with him as Billy took awhile because he seemed so young. Burgess Jenkins has been good for the two days I have seen him, but he seems older than Billy Miller and David Tom. The fluctuating age differences is boggling to me. That’s where the adjustment comes in, for me anyway. I’m sure, as time passes, all adjustments will be made.
I like the old Billy much better.
as long as they don’t hook him up with CHELSEA AND KEEP HIM AWAY FROM CONNOR.I’M FINE ,HES BETTER THEN DT,
He’s not Billy Miller, but I like this guy! Hope he can do the job………
“The chemistry is wonderful” Excuse me??
I do not like this new Billy..I don’t think he can act, I have been watching Y & R from day one, and am seriously considering quitting the show. I hate it when they replace the actors, usually I can deal with it, but this guy I CANNOT!!.. don’t know why, I loved Billy Miller, and David Tom. just my opinion
David Tom was not given enough time to resettle back into his former role as Billy Abbott. I will always remember David Tom’s Billy and he is the original Billy, too. I don’t get the excuse that DT’s Billy was too young looking and the reason he was replaced. The character Billy Abbott is suppose to be younger than the fortyish Victoria. Billy Abbott not only was younger than Victoria, bue he always been immature in his behavior, too, and tended to act before thinking all his life. I think it is ironic that there was a lot of complaints about DT’s Billy being too young looking for Victoria and now this new Billy looks older. Will A.H.’s Victoria finally act her age now? She started acting like a teenager when she met BM’s Billy and all thru their courtship and marriage. Victoria never acted like a teenager when she was married to others, Ryan, Cole, Brad, J.T.
Thank you for your post expressing reason amongst all this cult of Muhney and Miller. I don’t recall the daytime Titan Y&R being so driven by vocal minorities of fans who idolize the portraying actors more than the show itself. What’s worse is that the show runners perhaps listened to these people’s opinions. If this is the state of daytime drama, let them cancel them all. David Tom was gelling again, and the truth is that Victoria is too old for Billy. The character wasn’t even born until 1993, I believe. Victoria had already been married once or twice by the time he was born. And this nonsense about him being too young for the recast Kelly? That’s ridiculous. She’s a new character in whom I’m not personally invested. Why sacrifice a legacy character for this new unrelated character? I just don’t get it.
he was born in 93 same year I had my son who is 21 this year…Billy July mine NOvember…and victoria was around the block a few times by then….with Brad, ryan, some other guy … and JT was a teen with Billy and then married Vicki …
LOL– you’re right, Victoria even when she was a teenager never acted like a teenager. She was barely home from boarding school and she was running a cosmetic company for Victor– that character acted like a fifty year old woman when she was barely out her teens. So the fact she finally got a chance to loosen up and act like kid was refreshing and fitting for her character— after having to be so serious and business like so early, she got a chance to lighthearted and laugh– which was part of the chemistry I like with her and Billy—as for the age difference, Victoria was born in 82, Billy in 93, which means Billy should only be 21– this why SORASing characters always messes with the history of the show– if they kept the timeline in tact, Victoria would have never hooked up with Billy in the first place, problem solved.
I myself will give him a chance to get comfy as Billy Abbot. It will be a hard sell after Billy Miller, but I will give him a chance it will just time for him to get into the part. Just remember Billy had this personality that had a personality that no one really liked it it made him into who he is today. Welcome to the Young and the Restless show us what you can do as Billy please.
I agree with the majority. Billy Miller IS Billy Abbott. Nobody can replace him. I feel bad for DT but he just didn’t cut it. I guess we have no choice but to give Burgess a chance. I have only seen two episodes with him. But Billy Miller is really missed. Bring him back PLEASE!!!!
If Billy MILLER wanted to leave, we must let him go. That’s his choice. I miss him too, but all of these cast changes are making me dizzy. Does anyone else feel like a very BIG reason Y&R won best soap this year was because Michael MUHNEY was so AMAZING every single day??!! As much as I miss MILLER, I miss MUHNEY 500 times more. It also pained me to watch Hunter King take home the trophy at the expense of MUHNEY. I’m ready to pull the plug on Y&R after 38 years of watching.
O shoot, I well just beginning to really like the chemistry between Tom’ s Billy and MCE’s Chelsea– and now that is blown out of the water— you can replace actors but you cannot replace chemistry, no matter how hard they try. And I was looking forward to a romance between Billy and Chelsea, because of their chemistry. Now I will have to wait and see if this new guy chemistry with MCE is as good as Tom’s as to whether or not I am going to enjoy this story of Billy and Chelsea hooking up— which all but certain, because the triangle involving enemies Adam and Billy with Chelsea in the middle is too good to pass up. At this point let Stitch have Victoria because I am more interested in this soon to be triangle than the Ben Vicky Billy one.
WE WANT BILLY MILLER BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT SUPPORTING ANY OTHER !!!!!! the chemistry is completely off still.
He left, He’s gone. He doesn’t care about fans who are pining for him to come back. TPTB asked him back. He refused. Get over it!
Don’t include me in that “we”. David Tom is original Billy Abbott.
Truthfully, I don’t like him. I didn’t care much for David Tom taking Billy’s roll. But, I could live with it better than Burgess Jenkins. No one can replace Billy Miller. He was the best! This guy’s looks just aren’t there. And the way he acts aint much better. I’ve been watching Y&R for 35 years now. I’m faithful in watching everyday. But this year was horrible. So many actors leaving. I cried when Phylis was gone. And Michael Muney, he was a lot of the show. And I pray that he comes back. Please slow down on so many changes. I wish Billy Miller was back too.
Some characters can not be replaced..
Some characters can not be replaced..
Billy Abbott and Billy Miller is NOT replaceable..
There are times when the great ones leave a soap to let the character die, be gone..
It is going to be much worse with the attempt to replace Michael M as Adam it will horribly fail..
Adman and MM are one, and Adam should have remained dead..
Billy Abbott, Billy Miller’s owned character died the day BM walked off the Y&R set..
It will all explode when a new Adam appears.. I see it coming from witnessing the attempt to replace Billy miller..
CBS/Y&R have buried themselves by attempting to replace two loved icons..
It will not work.. Y&R=Idiots !!
Am very disappointed Billy Miller is no longer Billy Abbott. Just saw Burgess for the 1st time on Tuesay’s show so I don’t believe that is enough viewing to determine whether I like him as Billy Abbott or dislike him in the role. I thought Billy Miller did a fantastic job in the role. Maybe Burgess will, too. Viewers, lets give him a fair chance!
I couldn’t stand David Tom with his mumbling & hanging bottom mouth. So glad he finally got replaced!! The new Billy is a relief as far as I’m concerned. Love Y&R
Great observation. Hopefully he took that goofy hat with him!
NO, no, no, no, no ! ! !
I enjoy Burgess in the role, though, I would prefer to have David Tom still in the role. My only gripe is that he appears to be too old physically and look-wise to be Billy Abbott. That is my only gripe, but I’m very happy he’s joined the series.
I only wish he’d shave all that facial hair off, he looks much better clean shaven. I think it might make his chemistry with Victoria come alive.
/sarcasmbegin.
Yes, because facial hair makes or breaks chemistry. Makes total sense.
/sarcasmend.
Y&R casting dept. scores another DUD. Even John Paul Lavosier would have been a better Billy.
Ummmm, David Tom is the original Billy Abbott. Billy Miller was a suitable recast, but the latecomers and history revisionists need to realize that for each of you, there is going to be one of me. I don’t want to be antagonistic, but I blame the vocal minority of Billy Miller groupies for David Tom’s ouster. I won’t speak for him, but from my 40 years of watching and following Y&R, I don’t believe Bill Bell let vocal fan groups influence his decision making. Now, we have this unknown recast, and we all lose. I’m sure he’s a fine person, but I’m just not invested anymore. Just to reiterate, Billy Miller took over David Tom’s role, not vice versa. Please get your facts straight if you’re going to post on a message board.
David Tom was a minor, a child Billy Abbott ,
and again later a teenager Billy, for awhile…
DT was never a grown up, the man Billy.
the married man with children who went toe to toe with Victor and gambled and all else that made Billy Miller’s Billy Abbott..
And there were 3 minors/children who played Billy Abbott, not just DT.. 🙂
You are so correct. Finally someone that gets it.
I too have watched for 40 + years and realize that Tom played the role first, but that was back in the early teen years…he was fine then..but as the adult Billy, Billy Miller was better at the part. I just didn’t like Tom in there as the bad boy Billy Abbott. This guy now seems to have a better fit age wise and character than Tom had, but it will take some time to adjust for him as well as the viewers. I just dont think that Tom could pull off the adult version of Billy…the contrast between him and Stitch was overwhelming…
But that’s not the point. Stitch and Kelly and nu-Victoria (I’m still a Heather Tom fan/holdout) are the newbies and the recast, respectively. Amelia Heinle is too old for the role of Victoria. Also, David Tom, who did INDEED play the original teen/adult Billy (let’s not count the juvenile fill-in actors who were just there to take space), was the most logical and least jarring actor to resume the Billy Abbott role. Also, David Tom is older than Billy Miller, so none of their reasons for letting him go make sense. There are plenty of problematic characters on this show that need to be recast or eliminated: Abby, Kelly, Dillon, Stitch, Hilary (sp?), etc etc etc. Why get rid of the returning David Tom for another newbie when there are already TOO MANY new faces on this show, many who (bless their hearts) cannot act or are unable to bring their roles to life for whatever reason. They could have easily fixed this by bringing Ashley Bashioum’s Mac back, taking Billy out of Victoria’s orbit, leaving the door open for Heather Tom’s return, which NEEDS to happen, and focus on legacy known characters instead of people I don’t care about like Stitch and Kelly and nu-Victoria. I don’t want to be mean, but I personally blame the loud, yet minority, of fanatical fans who cannot let the cult of Muhney and Miller be gone for good. I’m tired of hearing about it (or reading about it). One was fired. The other quit. If outrage should occur, it should be on behalf of Michelle Stafford, who was essentially the star of the show. Otherwise, people, let it go. Now, no one wins, and we have another unrecognizable pretty face who doesn’t capture the role (so far). Finally, on an unrelated note, what’s the purpose of Dr. Barton Shelby? It’s a stupid soapy name for a show that has a history of using more traditional middle American names (like Nikki, Sharon, Phyllis, Jack, Jill). Also, why isn’t this luscious piece of manhood a recast for Malcolm? Do I need to drive from Vegas down to LA to help these idiots on Beverly Blvd. gather up enough money to buy a freaking vowel? LOL
I agree about a show shouldn’t write based on fan reactions because there is no winning. If they focus on vets people will complain the show is same old, same old; if they introduce new characters they want them to focus on the vets. Change the music and they will be uproar, but don’t change the music people will complain the show is out of date. And characters, my goodness for every character that is liked and equal number hate that character. And there will never be any agreement on who should play who— one of the reasons the soaps have declined because the head writer used to be the producer and they had one vision for the show they wrote for, now they write by committee, focus groups and network brass. The day I saw two characters on Days discussing the virtues of Midol, in the middle of a scene was the day I knew daytime will never rebound back to their glory days.
Thank you. A voice of reason. 🙂
I hope we can adjust to Burgess…but my goodness I don’t think he can act at all. The other actors seem to just crush him with their acting skills. I agree that Billy Miller is missed, Adam is missed, Phyllis is missed, the old Abby is missed, and on and on. Can you tell I don’t like change ? lol
I think Burgess should have done some research on the part of Billy Abbott and the show in general. To come into a part and an interview and say “I don’t know all the ins and outs of all that stuff and what went on” , I don’t believe is very professional. At least learn some of the history of the part you’re going to be playing.
Burgess in not a fit for the role of Billy Abbott this is simple as that and sooner or later people are going to see that he would be so much better in a different role on the show but now there is no chance of that happening because it would be too confusing for the viewers.
Billy Miller did an outstanding job as Billy Abbot, but I do agree that he chose to walk away from the role. He was replaced by David Tom who did play the role of Billy A. previously, and he was doing a great job. The new Billy definitely does not look or sound like either David Tom or Billy Miller. He is a very good actor, but I’m remaining openly indifferent. Its very hard to see so many changes to great actors in lead roles. But I do wish Burgess well, and hope he embraces the role & makes it his own (so to speak), and makes the rest of us Y&R/Billy fans become his fans & become enchanted by his acting skills too!!
Billy is no longer an important character. Want to rock things??? Let’s bring Adam back (using the actor who was portraying him when the accident happened.
I am one that is glad that they took David Tom out as Billy…he was okay as a teenage Billy, but he just didn’t have what it took to play Billy Abbott as an adult. I LOVE Billy Miller, and he will always be Billy Abbott to me, but this new guy Burgess seems to be pretty good, and looks more the role of Billy Abbott. He looks age appropriate and a little more like he could play the bad boy role. I hope they bring back the old Adam though as they have lost Phillis and don’t think they can replace her easily. I liked Billy and Victoria together but I really like Stitch and Vicky together now. I think that this mess with Kelly is going to be more on her than Stitch when it comes out. I just hope Dillon and Paul pull through this mess
Seeing him for the first time yesterday, I thought, I don’t like him. But Billy Miller isn’t coming back so I’m going to have to try to adjust. It’s going to be hard though.
This summer beginning on July 21, Netflix streams the return of WWE: Unreal for its third season. The behind the scenes docudrama series gives fans a glimpse of life in WWE and inside the writers room, as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
WWE Unreal is taking fans deeper than ever inside World Wrestling Entertainment’s creative process, The hit docuseries will once again pull back the curtain on some of the biggest moments, boldest decisions, and unforgettable storytelling with some of the WWE’s greatest legends who’ve shaped the industry and new stars who are emerging as prominent parts of the future.
In the new season of ‘Unreal’ which consists of 5 episodes at 50 minutes each: John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion.
Photo: WWE
The cast and WWE superstars featured include: the aforementioned Cena, plus Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
As previously reported AJ Lee revealed on General Hospital star Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health series, State of Mind, that she was part of the cast of WWE: Unreal.
WWE: Unreal production credits include: Directors/Showrunners: Chris Weaver and Erik Powers Executive Producers: Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Marc Pomarico Sr. Producers: Harley Glantz, Brian Decker, Michael Flynn Producers: John Galiani, Dan Gati, Jeremy Lundblad Production Companies: Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, WWE.
So, what do you think of the loglines for the new season of WWE: Unreal? Who are you most excited to see featured in the behind the scenes drama from the list of WWE superstars and the twists and turns leading into this past April’s WrestleMania 42? Let us know via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Y&R Preview: Matt Clark Asks Phyllis on a Date, Would You Be Down for the Pairing? Roger Howarth & Michelle Previously in GH’s Franco/Nina Romance
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