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Burgess Jenkins Makes Statement Confirming His Departure From The Young and the Restless!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
The Young and the Restless and Burgess Jenkins (Billy) confirmed on Monday that he is indeed exiting the number one daytime drama series.
Jenkins, in a statement related to the fans: “It”s been a terrific time, but after a lot of thought I have made the difficult decision to leave The Young and the Restless. Commuting back and forth from the East Coast where my home and family are based has been challenging. I’ve had a great ride in Genoa City and I will miss our talented cast and crew tremendously. I would like to thank all of the amazing fans for their support, Jill Farren Phelps and Chuck Pratt for their excellent leadership and everyone at Sony and CBS for this opportunity.”
In addition, there is no word yet or official confirmation that Y&R will be recasting the role at this time. Stay tuned as developments warrants, if there will indeed be a new Billy Abbott in Genoa City, or not.
So, what do you think of Burgess’ statement? Do you think the series should recast this once pivotal role to the canvas? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
So was it his “difficult decision” to leave or was he given his “walking papers” as reported by Daytime Confidential?
I wondered the same thing as I read this. Did he leave or was he fired??
I know that Jenkins is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I even saw a video (maybe on Entertainment Tonight?) in which Jenkins discussed flying back to North Carolina every weekend as the Y&R filming schedule gave him 3-day weekends. Thus, what he says here about “commuting back and forth to the East Coast” appears to me to be accurate.
Often when a show wants to ‘fire” someone they will give them the option of quitting first–it causes less back lash with the fans toward the show if it sounds like the actor wanted to leave instead of being shown the door. Whether this was the case in this instance I don’t know, but whenever I heard the standard I needed more time with my family line, it sounds like spin to me.
Did you read this>>>>Jenkins, in a statement related to the fans: “It”s been a terrific time, but after a lot of thought I have made the difficult decision to leave The Young and the Restless. Commuting back and forth from the East Coast where my home and family are based has been challenging.
He should have been featured in more shirtless scenes.
A lot of people complained that he looked “too old,” well maybe the sight of his muscular arms and chiseled abs would put that to rest. The guy was 10x hotter than Billy Miller and David Tom combined.
Carolina, what show have you been watching?! Burgess Jenkins is NOT that attractive and I’m gay! I’d rather take Billy Miller and David Tom over Burgess any day of the week!
Now, having said that, Burgess just wasn’t working as Billy Abbott. He’s just an “okay” actor whereas Billy Miller and David Tom could act circles around Burgess big time! Between those two actors, they have 4 Emmy’s and Burgess, well, he’s got none.
No one questioned Steve Burton when he used this excuse when he left GH. On the other hand, working on a soap is a privileged and I’m not sure many would walk away from a decent paycheck?
Everybody knew Burton was going to Y&R just a matter of how quick after he left GH.
Aww Hate to see you go . You are a great actor. I believe they should bring in another Billy For what will happen to Victoria if you don’t Bring in another Billy?
I never bought him as a replacement for billy Miller. Too preppy. Kinda hated him.
If he wants to act, a lot of jobs are in California so does he think he can get another job closer to home? Don’t understand. Regardless, glad he is gone. He never caught on and should never have been hired.
Very nice
There is still some (though not much) filming in North Carolina and a lot in Atlanta. Those could be closer flights for him. Theater is huge, obviously, in New York so their is that acting option too. Billy Miller was huge shoes to follow, and David Tom was all wrong. I can think of so many people that could have made a descent Billy if Miller was not coming back. I personally don’t think Burgess is a “bad” actor, just not right for the role. Though, I tolerated him A LOT better than Tom’s adult version.
Billy Miller has been hard to replace!
Now what another Billy Abbott recast?! – What the hell is going on at Y&R?!
Oh so he left the role! Good for him! Just like the lady that played Avery, they wanted to get off the mess of a show.
The “Mess of a Show” is the #1 daytime drama and I bet lots of out of work actors from OLTL and AMC would lineup to be on it!
Yes …. but honestly if you were an actor, would you want to work with Jill Farren Phelps as a boss?
And having Chuck Pratt be the man who writes all the stories?!?
I think the role of Billy Abbott should be given a loooooong rest.
I would rather see that too, su—it’s ok to recast Billy but give us some time to get Burgess’ portrayal out of our systems because the new guyis going to have his own spin on who Billy is and it would be too confusing. That’s where the problem was when they went from Billy Miller to Burgess Jenkins in less than the blink of an eye.
James people will forget Burgess in no time! I think people are putting Billy Miller behind to. They just need to find THE guy and dont rush it!
Suoooo Do you remember when Blake Hood played Kyle Abbott? I think if this guy is free he would make a fantastic Billy Abbott. He would fit right in and fans already liked him. He’s been gone long enough that he wont be connected as Kyle.IMO
Your a genius! Love it!
Yeah I think a rest is needed, especially if they are going to screw the recasting up like they did before. But I hope that at some point they do bring the character back. I actually think Brandon Barrash (Johnny, GH) would make a good Billy. Remember the hot guy who played Lucy’s husband on 7th Heaven? I saw around the time they hired Burgess that he posted an Instagram saying he was auditioning at YR. He’s not and could be Billy. Agree with Nikki that we all like Blake Hood. Wish he had never exited or would be brought back as Kyle! Might be too young for Billy.
Yeah, Blake Hood would be too young as Billy and besides, he was Kyle Abbott and to bring him back as Billy would be way too confusing.
AGREED!
Some roles are difficult to recast…Ryans Hopes Mary Ryan after Kate Mulgrew Left and Jacquie Courtney who played Alice on Aw but Susan Harney did a fine job but the three actresses that followed did not!…many shows had horrible recast too numerous to mention here and there have been some good ones where the recast were better than the original but here with so many obsesssed with BM as Billy no recast stands a chance…best to either kill off Billy or wait a year or two to recast!
Jim, I think you and I must be the only two people in the world who thought Susan Harney did a good job as Alice. I agree with you that the remaining three recasts were not nearly as successful.
I thought all three of the replacement Marys on RH were good actresses, but none of them had that “something extra” that Mulgrew had.
Billy Abbott should theoretically be recastable, but I don’t think it’s just people’s obsession with the previous actor—it’s another Kate Mulgrew situation in which they’ll need to find someone who has that extra factor, not just someone who’s a good actor. They seem to have pulled it off with the Adam recast (rather against the odds, I’d say, because Michael Muhney was a similarly difficult recast for similar reasons).
I missed Jacquie but i liked Susan just as much that the recast was barely noticeable…this was perfect case of recasting…i did like NG as the last Mary Ryan and i consider her an almost perfect replacement…Kathleen Turrner who played the 2nd Nola on the Doctors and Kim Zimmer who repaced her are good examples for perfect replacements…i think Kathleen Turner wouldve made a perfect Mary Ryan on Ryans Hope had they got her instead of the Doctors…on AW i believe Tina Sloan as Alice after Susan Harney wouldve worked and Ron Tomme ex-Love Of Life wouldve made a fine Steve Frame instead of David Canary…AW might have done well but too many cast changes in the 1980s is why this show went downhill…jmo!!!
I remember when he first took over the role he wasn’t
interested in watching how Billy Miller made the role
his own. Justin Hartley handled the Adam role like
any professional actor he gave MM a nod for making
the role his own. He also realized how central Adam is
both onscreen and to the diehard fans MM still has
MM communicated to his fans to treat Justin well
and that meant a lot to me. I already knew Justin from
Revenge so it’s not hard to adore him. Although we can’t have
MM back, I think Justin has staying power and we should
feel proud to have him
I mention this comparison because I think Burgess thought
he could fill BM’s shoes but I don’t think he took the time
to research the role. He will be successful somewhere else
i really don’t think it would have mattered if burgess jenkins researched the roll or not because tptb/writers wrote the character so different from when billy miller was playing the roll………………..
I am okay with him not watching how a predecessor did the role. That wasn’t the problem. The problem is Burgess can’t act and this role never fit him. I don’t know why he was hired. It has been very painful to watch him in the role. Whether it was his choice or not, I’m glad he’s gone. I hope the role is recast and with a credible actor. Y&R made a successful recast with Adam (twice) so it can be done.
Your right, Chris Egan was really good as Adam before Muhney came along.
Does anyone know whatever happened to Chris Egan? Met him years ago at a Kate Linder Charity Tea in Vancouver and such a nice guy. Was so sorry when he left the show. Do know he is a musician too. Maybe working at music now instead?
Who cares what MM told his fans. Justin Hartley certainly did not need a nod from Muhney. He is a far superior actor both prime time and big screen.
It was a class act move by Muhney. It doesnt happen much in Hollywood!
Classy is as classy does. No one said JH “needed” MM’s blessing, but it was a classy move given the controversies and the upset from MM’s very passionate fans (which clearly you are not one, and that’s okay, but they do exist) for MM to say “support this guy!” and walk away with dignity and no shade. Similarly, JH acknowledging what MM did to take the character to another level when he took over the role–creating a popularity that allowed JH to even have the job, was sheer classy move. It’s not about comparing the actors anymore or throwing shade one way or another. That’s exactly what JH and MM were working to END. Fans still want to fight the fights and throw mud, do it alone.
Billy Miller’s Billy and Burgess’s Billy were two completely different characters. If Billy A was played like the Care free playboy after Delias death it would not have been believable. Billy A had to nature into an adult grieving the loss of a child. There was nothing for Burgess to research.
How do we know that Milly Miller would not have grieved his daughter as a parent should have? He is the most expressive actor….his face is an open book. Carefree? We never got the chance to really see how far Billy’s pain would have taken him. Instead we got emotionless Burgess who could not even squeeze a tear out of his eyes. Someone dared to even suggest that he was better looking than Miller and Tom put together? Wow!!!! He is not a handsome guy…below average in looks, as I see it. Besides, looks should not matter if the acting skill is there.
Unless one has lost a child, one CANNOT know the pain of losing said child. One cannot just get a “gist” of it by watching a character on TV. Burgess was terrible in his body language. No expression, except for words that someone else wrote for him. There should have been emotion to go with the words. That is my opinion. Nonetheless, to each his own.
I agree. Plus, an actor must have charisma/simpatia. Burgess is not easy on the eye either; however, personality and savior faire would have compensated for that. He is just colorless. I do not think that the comparison to Billy Miller should matter; a good actor should be able take over any role. Look at Hartley. I think Burgess came in with a chip on his shoulder, trying his damndest to be Billy-like. Burgess took his anger with the world, and his cockiness too far. Thus, he connected with neither the audience nor ( I think) his cast members.
I think Egglesfield would be perfect for the role. He can affect that nonchalant quality in every character he plays where the viewer is aware of quite the opposite……sooooo Billy Abbott.
My above comment was directed to Geri L.
Correction–SAVOIR FAIRE; not savior faire….I do not understand who decides to change perfectly spelled words into misspelled ones . …..One would think these invisible people had a more than a decent vocabulary, yes?
Justin is doing a great job but I still miss Michael Muhney! I wish him well. I hope he continues to find success. I hope he has a great attorney to continue to defend his reputation. I will always feel he is a class act and a person treated unfairly.
GOOD LUCK TO BURGESS…HE TOOK A ROLE THAT NO ONE CAN FILL AND HE IS PROBABLY SICK AND TIRED OF ALL THE RUDE COMMENTS FROM MANY FANS….HE FOUND HIS WAY IN THE MATURE BILLY ABBOTT ROLE AND DID A GOOD JOB……GOOD LUCK TO HIM IN ALL ENDEAVORS…..
i can only imagine how difficult it is to travel back & forth from the east coast to the west coast – i read an article the other day where thorsten kaye (ridge forrester on b&b) was saying the travel back & forth is really tiring because he also lives on the east coast…….
it took me a while to get used to burgess in this role but i have come to adore his interpretation of the infamous billie abbott – i have also seen him in other projects & he is actually a pretty good actor….
at this point y&r really needs to give the character of billie abbott a long rest before they do another recast……….jmo
Men and women fly back and forth all the time for their jobs and their spouses and children suffer and they dont usually make half the money an actor makes!
that is so true but i believe that there are some people who value their family time more than the money they make……………………
Wow – you need boots to read this guy’s PR release!!
Face it, dude – you were sh**-canned!!
Nice try though!!
It just shows, ALL these characters we are critical of are human beings and he is a classy human being and I wish him well. It never really clicked him being Billy but I’m afraid it may be impossible to replace Mr. Miller? Of course the same thing could have been said about Jack. Terry Lester was AMAZING as Jack but Peter Bergman came in and I couldnt imagine anyone ever playing Jackie again! So we wait and see.
I will jump in here. Y&R happens to be the only soap I know. However it stood out clearly in my years of viewing, to repeat what has already been said, Peter Bergman transformed Jack from Terry Lester’s presentation slowly and effectively into what is seen today.
It is easy to criticize. Surprising to read how many came out of the wood-work when hearing about losing Burgess. I seems a lot of viewers felt Burgess was easing into a new role, creating a new character, and some like it. Perhaps more than “some.” We just didn’t tell you.
It took me a while, but I found the new Billy a needed addition to a story so filled with villains, known and unknown, interjected and suddenly dejected, that another gentleman was a needed addition.
Perhaps it is just myself, but this Adam also appears a gentleman. His movements and actions speak to the honorable. Should he become as crazy and ludicrous as the other Adam perhaps many will become quite frustrated with the writing.
A joining of Billy and Adam against whoever might be wearing a scary devil’s costume was my wish; two fathers loving their children.
There is not a correct balance in the writing. Neither Billy nor Adam present as great actors, but they fulfill an important need. I am at a loss as how to qualify what was just written with my last comments. It would take too many words.
Tani, I thought the same thing. Where was the Burgess Jenkins fan club before? Perhaps people are just being nice? Your right, Peter didnt just say “Here I am!” He developed Jack. Burgess never did that. It was tough because he was smack in the middle of a major story. Billy should be sidelined for a year. Maybe Miller will return by then?
Really surprised by all the hatahs throwing Burgess under-the-bus!! (Miller left the role 17 months ago, and he’s happy over at #GH … he ain’t coming back, so losing Jenkins is a good thing, how exactly?!) I think he did a GREAT job as Billy (…far better than originator and prior-cast David Tom!) So if Miller isn’t returning, what exactly is your suggestion? Getting to settle-in (allegedly) for yet ANOTHER “Friend-of-Jill” to waltz in, like say, recently-released Jason Thompson from #GH?! Yeah, THAT’S a believable recast as Billy! This show is careening off-the-rails, and those of you enabling Pratt/Phelps to continue behind-the-wheel deserve any disappointment you feel down-the-road…
AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID…..HE MADE THE MORE MATURE ROLE OF BILLY ABBOTT HIS OWN…IT IS AMAZING TO READ THE DRIBBLE THESE SO CALLED FANS WRITE ON HERE…..
Glad he’s on his way out, he never fit the role of Billy and was wildly miscast. As a new character, he may have done better, but he was very stiff and not charismatic enough to play Billy, especially following in the footsteps of Billy Miller and David Tom, who both did well in the role. Worse, he had very little chemistry with anyone, even Melissa Claire Egan, who has phenomenal chemistry with most everyone.
As for a recast, I think they should give Billy a rest for a little while, the way they did with Adam. If they don’t do that, I think a good replacement would be Trevor St. John or Daniel Cosgrove. Jason Thompson is a fantastic actor, but I don’t think he would suit the role well and would be another miscast. If they intend to bring Thompson on, put him in a new role or even a recast for Scotty Grainger. He would be a good addition to the cast, but not as Billy.
Billy Miller is a hard act to follow. He really made Billy Abbott so integral to Y&R. Loved how he and Peter Bergman seemed as brothers. Burgess Jenkins did a fine job and the role seemed tailored to his personality. Billy cannot go away. He, more than most Genoa City folks, needs to be forefront and engaged in strong stories. Surely Y&R can cast someone to fill the part.
I miss Avery! (Just had to add that!) The character had such opportunity to be the goodness in a show that seems to lack an awareness of such traits as selflessness and redemption, that ism, unless you are about to die or such traits are self-serving.
They really ruined Avery!
This is what amazes me about all of this: the powers that be at Y&R seem to be listening to the fans when it comes to cast members who aren’t making the grade according to them but when it comes to story line and bad character representation they ignore EVERYTHING. I was no fan of Burgess Jenkins but I have to say that he was starting to grow into his character. David Tom never did in his short period. Let’s be honest, there will NEVER be another Billy Miller portrayal of Billy Abbott. That is just a sad truth but we can’t keep replacing the actor every time someone makes the comparison to someone else’s portrayal. My feeling is that if no actor can meet the character’s set up then we should get rid of the character all together. I don’t care for the direction that the show is going in. They are bringing in new characters that have no relation to the core characters on the show. The Luca/Marisa story is a prime example. Joe Clark, who is hanging around for no other reason than to lust after Lily. He has zero tie in to any other characters. Allegedly he hooked up with Ashley but they completely forget that now. I don’t mind the “get a viewer” plot ploys, such as the explosion at Newman Towers but let’s stay true to the history. We watched a show for 40 plus years and they throw the history all away. As sad as it makes me to say I think they should kill off the character of Billy Abbott. I understand that another actor from GH may take on the role, but I don’t think it’s a great fit. Looks wise, age wise or being believable wise. I don’t give up on my soaps because I love them and support them but it’s actions like these that slap me in my face every time. But I won’t give up. I have been through three writing regimes and I believe I will see another one soon. The ratings might rise but the hack job of Jill Farren Phelps and Chuck Pratt need to be eliminated. I just wish I had a better answer on who to replace the writers and executive producers with. Every one hated Maria Arenas Bell and the Bill Bell team appear to be happy working over at B&B so we need someone new. Perhaps Ron Carlivati? God knows he can spice up a story without having someone blow up a building.
There should be another Billy. Please recast the roll.
I agree Maire – Billy is a special character.
I bet he will be one of tbose that die in the fire.
Perhaps if the powers that be were to continue the actor swapping, maybe he could be a possible recast for Lucky Spencer of GH?! It would be nice to see more Spencer’s on GH
Too old and thats just the beginning!
It’s always sad when actors get fired because the nature of the business is so unpredictable. It’s always a relief when actors voluntarily decide to leave instead.
I will miss you Burgess, I have loved you on Y & R and you rocked as Billy. We will miss you and I hope we get to see you again soon.
I agree Summerfire63! Burgess did a great job portraying the mature Billy Abbott who lost his daughter.
i think billy will get trapped in the fire at newman,,trying to help adam out,,so i think their gonna kill him off or be very badly injured and go away till they recast him,, if they do
0oohh ……………..
When I first saw Burgess Jenkins (Billy) I immediately saw Odo, Deep Space Nine..
And most every time there was close up I saw Odo ..
Mr. Fairman, please forward this idea to CBS. I dont want any compensation JUST an onset tour! Heres what CBS should do with the vacated role of Billy Miller. For one month, every Monday at the end of the show have an audition on air for the role of Billy Abbott. Four different actors running the same scenes with Jack the first week, Ashley the second week and so on with Victoria and Victor. Let the viewers vote and after four weeks reveal the winner by simply airing the new actors daily scenes. The benefit for the network is exposure because its something different and it makes the fans feel like they are a part of the show. AND, if we dont like the new Billy its OUR fault!
“I like your well-laid-out, idea, Timmm. However, what do you think of Colin Egglesfield? I love him. He really would make any potential ‘Billy Abbott’ a run for his money. And, his eyes….so very similar. He’s so beautiful, with a personality to match. Full of vitality!
Your husband has his hands full! Colin is handsome and kind of psycho to. I dont see him as Billy. I would rather see Jason Thompson than Colin. Why? I think what they missed in recasting Billy are two things. Sense of humor and charm. Not drop dead sexy charm that knocks your socks off you but a look of handsomeness but hey, I might have a chance scoring with this guy. JT seems to have that quality. He doesnt look like an Abbott but he is soft around the edges like Miller. Burgess wasnt and Colin doesnt appear.
@Timmm.
Lol, my husband loooves to have his hands full of moi. I have plenty to offer. He has known me since I was six years old, so…..
JT, as you stated, does not have the Abbott look, yet, he does have Billy’s softness, as you also pointed out. I just find him way too sofisticated, for lack of a better word. I actually think Hartley would have made a betterBilly Abbott and Jason T as Adam. Then, again, an over-the-top-fantastic thespian, such as Justin H is able to assume any role, as we have seen him do.
I never developed a connection with Jason’s Patrick; just as I did not with Sam. And, believe me, I try to be open-minded. But, sometimes with some actors/actresses/characters it is futile…..a losing battle. Bye…
I wish him all the best. It’s never easy I’m sure 4 any actor to assume a role that had a favored original. He has done a good job and I wish him all the best for him and his family. 40+ yr viewer of soaps.
True, Dawn…it’s just too bad….though, he did crack a joke today, in the burning stairwell, when Victor was trying to revive Adam by lightly slapping him……while, as he woke, Adam said, “The devil”. Billy/Burgess’s retort was, “Yeah, he just slapped you”. Lol. The dry humor in that sentence simply slated me. More importantly, Burgess’ delivery was impeccable.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch (chapel) Nikki is praying for that same devil. Ha!
Slayed, not slated…auto correct is for the birds.
Well, as said before, this is the only soap I know. Wish Burgess were staying. There have been too many “shockers.” My set is fast-forwarding more than one would wish.
Just to add a odd thought had a long time ago when Stitch arrived; he looked like a Billy.
I seem to be one of the few who thought Burgess was doing a very good job. It took a while for me to get used to him in the role, but he eventually won me over, and I’m sorry that he won’t be staying on as Billy Abbott. From what I’ve been reading (above) many fans thought Burgess ought to have tried harder to be Billy Miller in the role, but a professional actor knows that he (or she) must do their own interpretation of any role, especially if they’re filling the shoes of a much-loved just-departed actor. I applaud him for doing a great job as Billy Abbott, and I’ll definitely miss him. I wish him all the best with whatever happens next in his career. But I’d have to say that family comes before career for him, if the decision to leave the show really was his choice, and he’s got his priorities straight.
Reading through all the comments, there was not one recognizing the fact that Amelia Heinle has now had multiple Billy actors to try and seamlessly blend her background relationship in scenes to make it believable. No one seems to give her any credit for the skill this has taken in her own acting both close or not close to Billy depending on the scenes and current plot. As acting is so much more than just saying memorized lines, it’s often more about reacting to what is being said by the other actor. For Amelia to be able to bring her acting sincerity to loving or hating or rejecting the different Billy’s is one reason why she has been recognized with an Emmy. Again at some time in the future, she will have to adjust to a new actor as it’s obvious the recast will not be a previous Billy.
My choice would be for Billy Miller to return, but of course, most folks who are growing as actors both want and need new roles. Billy Miller would be foolish to dump his current job where for the few years he’s been building a new character only to walk away from it. So, as usual, we will all wait to see what happens.
I’m sorry to see him go..he really made Billy a more grown up Billy….he’s a handsome man & good actor & I wish him well….I can imagine the commute must be terrible but in this day & age it just seems foolish to leave a soap with a steady pay check & a good part. I hope it was his choice…it just seems he would have relocated his family if he thought his job was secure….This is just my opinion….Y&R has too many recasts…this will not help that show at all! 🙁
im so sorry you are leaving,I think you are a great actor.
Burgess will be missed as he did a terrific job of playing Billy Abbot.
It took me a while to get used to Burgess Jenkins in the role of Billy, but he did a fine job at the difficult task of adjusting to a new role while the character himself was in the middle of adjusting to his new role of grieving father. That’s a life-changing thing! I’m sorry to see Burgess leave and I wish him all the best.
I do hope that the writing for Billy Abbott and ALL other characters on Y&R will improve. The writer clearly has some kind of problem with women, as he writes every female character to be despicable, a lunatic, or both. You can’t ruin absolutely every female character and then expect the male characters (or the actors who portray them) to interact with them in any believable fashion. The new Billy will have his work cut out for him….
bring back Billy Miller
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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