News
Burgess Jenkins Shares Parting Y&R Sentiment: "Farewell GC, Thanks For The Memories!"
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Burgess Jenkins, who wrapped his run back in November as Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless, but whose last episode aired this week, took to Twitter on Friday to say his final goodbye to the number one soap opera. Jenkins tweeted: “Farewell GC, Thanks for the memories.”
His departure makes way for GH fan favorite Jason Thompson who will takeover the role on-air on the Wednesday January 13th episode. Jenkins leaves the show after only a year and half when he debuted back in June of 2014. The actor’s casting came about after Daytime Emmy winner David Tom was let-go following the series bringing him back to the role he originated. Tom returned after Daytime Emmy winner Billy Miller opted out of the part, and eventually headed to GH.
Back in November, Jenkins made this statement publicly: “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.”
So, what do you think about Jenksins parting words? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
View this post on Instagram
Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
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!
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.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
-
Beyond the Gates3 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
-
General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
-
News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
-
Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-
News5 days agoY&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Cast in New Thriller ‘Copperhead’
-
Beyond the Gates23 hours agoTUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
-
News1 week agoMatthew Atkinson Reveals New Project ‘Into the Wilderness’
He has star qualities…
I agree. I think he is very good looking & did a fine job with the repetitive material he was given. He came in at a bad time & never got out from under it (the Delia grief/Adam vengeance. He had to play sad/angry the whole time. One thing I know, Patrick Drake would never have left Emma alone in a car with a puppy at night! For that reason alone he will be a better father/Billy than Billy Miller, ha.
See ya. It was painful watching you.
What a nice person you must be.
Your right Mo, he just never seemed comfortable with the role. He did do some of his best stuff at the end but he just had impossible shoes to fill.
But he’s a damn fine actor and he gave it his all. I do think giving him some respect as he makes his final bow is warranted.
Also, these last few weeks he put in an emotionally compelling and winning performance.
He was damned from the beginning trying to fill Billy Miller’s shoes. To many, Miller WAS Billy Abbott. Hell, even David Tom who originated the role of Billy Abott as a young adult was lambasted and fired after a short month. He did a great job and I wish Jenkins all the best.
wow – no mention of the fans or anything – hmmm………….
that speaks volumes but that is just my opinion
Well, he was lambasted from day one. We are passionate about our soaps and we all judge harshly. We did give him a chance but it was impossible to fit into Billy Miller’s shoes. JT was terrific on GH and I just think he has more abilities and will pair up with Victoria quite well.
yes a lot of soap fans do judge harshly & sometimes too harshly – i love jt and i think he is a fabulous actor – i just hope the y&r fans give him a fair chance
I just wish he had punched Victors smug face just 1 good time before leaving!
From your mouth to God’s ears. I’m not even interested in this new development that Billy, Kevin & Billy are involved in. It’s gotten so unreal. Victor finds out and he’ll win again. Victoria makes me sick as well. He goes to the hospital pretending to support her and pumps her for information about the project that Billy has been trying to get the money for and still she just hugs him and sucks up to him. I wish she’d tell him where to go. Now Adam id trying to bring him down, and we already know it wont work. It’s really getting boring.
Totally agree. I know I’m in the minority in most quarters, but I absolutely hate the character Victor Newman. I used to love to hate him, now I just hate him. There is not one single redeeming quality about this character and I at least need something to like about any character, especially “villains”. Agree about Victoria, as well. Just ONCE, could she insist that he STOP insulting Billy in her presence? Stop calling him “Billy Boy” to her face? There is nothing but disrespect coming from his mouth. It makes me sick that no one can win against him. I am so bored with the whole thing and the Victor character could be killed off tomorrow and I’d cheer; wouldn’t miss him one bit. I always fast forward thru his scenes and never miss a thing because all he ever does is repeat himself, ad nauseum. I always wonder, doesn’t EB get sick of saying the same words over and over for years & years? How boring. Gah…
Ok, that makes me feel better to get that rant off my chest. Thanks for listening! 😉
Tough role to fill, but he did an awesome job. Wish he didn’t leave. Best of luck!
I wish him luck. I had finally accepted him as Billy. He did a good job taking over the role after much upheaval. I hope he finds new roles quickly.
Sad to see him go but family always comes first. Looking forward to seeing Jason Thompson as the new Billy.
At least he got a fair shot playing the role of Billy. David sure as hell didn’t get a fair shot.
Well, I hope the best for BJ. It was an admirable job. Peace out.
They were smart enough to realize early on David didnt grow with the character, Billy. Nothing personal but they needed him to grow older and he didnt. They really hoped Burgess would work but he was too wooden. They were patient but in the end it didnt fly and JT was available. He will be great!
Although David originated the role ( and I loved him in the role, as much as Miller), he never lost his baby-face looks. I think that’s what did it. David was perfect in the role, as a teen, but as an adult, Billy Abbott needed that mischievous charm-quality only Miller could deliver. And, he flew with it. Billy Miller perfected the role.
I may sound mean and unappreciative, but, in my opinion, Burgess had neither the finesse nor the personality to gift us with a true representation of Billy Abbott. The stage is yours, Jason Thompson…..now DANCE!!
David was great as a teenage Billy but pathetic as an adult Billy with hard knock experience. It was a correct and resounding NO from fans of the character.
HE DID A GREAT JOB…….HE MADE THE ROLE HIS OWN AND HE BECAME VERY LIKEABLE……..NO ONE IS BILLY MILLER AND I SERIOUSLY DOUBT JASON THOMPSON IS GOING TO WORK OUT. GOOD LUCK TO A HANDSOME, GOOD ACTOR…….
JT will work. He and Jill look like mother and son, he will mega bond with Victoria and JT is a proven 10 year vet coming over from GH and had a great deal of success playing a diverse character. THATS why I know he will do well is because he has great range. Watch and see.
I agree with you, Timmm.
I cannot wait until he is on. Y&R needs him desperately. He is not only an actor, but one that makes you feel things. He can be heartbreaking, funny, sexy, mean, etc. He is everything that Billy Miller brought to Y&R. It’s time for a shakeup!
Billy Miller is not even Billy Miller. He made Billy Abbott fun and heartbreaking to watch, but now on GH, ugh, he is soooo boring. That is because the character of Jason Morgan is so boring.
I agree Chrystie, Billy Miller had a chance to add character and dimension to Jason. He should have been a cross between a Q and a Morgan. He acts in limbo most of the time and it is almost FF worthy! You keep waiting for him to breakout and remember who he is. People complained about Fluke, to me, this is getting to THAT point where they are wasting our time! EVERYONE knows he is Jason. Bring back his memory NOW! We need doctors so I’m leaning towards him being a Q. Make him a bad ass Q! Who cares, pick a side and lets go with it!
I think the writers don’t know what to do with Jason anymore. The character should have been left dead and Billy Miller should have come on as an entirely new character. These writers don’t know when to let go of a character. (Paging Franco.) Roger Howarth is great and should have been allowed to create an entirely new character of his own. And Robin should have stayed dead, in my opinion, which would have allowed Jason Thompson to move on a lot faster and perhaps into more meaningful story lines. And when the writers do bring in new characters, often it’s a fail because it’s with newbie actors who don’t yet have the experience or reputation capital to really make a character their own. (Valerie and Kiki for example). Look at Hayden and Eva — seasoned actors + new characters = success.
Jenkins job was not to portray Billy Abbott as a younger version of Jack Abbott. For this reason alone, Jenkins succeeded. The character of Billy Abbott is important to Y&R regardless of who portrays him. As St. John said: “I don’t care what the other guy did. That’s his time.”
Hi, Lillian,
Be that as it may, Jenkins did NOT succeed. Rejection from fans does not fall under ‘success’. I feel that the majority of us did not accept Jenkins because of his aura or lack thereof.
Hello CeeCee,
The majority of opinions does not erase the minority of opinions. Too much focus on soap actors have been placed squarely on their physical appearance. Billy Abbott was a more responsible adult under Jenkins. The writers have reversed course with the gambling and drinking. Unless Billy Abbott has zero dollars to his name, there is no logical reason for a multimillionaire many times over to be beaten up and in the hospital.
@Lillian.
I stand corrected with the majority comment. You make more sense than I do. LOL. I just never accepted him as Billy. So, I should not have generalized.
I couldn’t understand why Billy’s behavior made a U-turn suddenly. Obviously, in hindsight, it was to prepare him for his exit. And, yes, some of these scenarios are hard to swallow. As you say, why is Billy broke?
So passionate about our soaps! Wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m sorry to see him go. He made Billy his own. Much success in the future.
I liked him as Billy Abbott. I thought that he made the role his own. And as great as Billy Miller was as Billy Abbott, I’m not sure that his charm would have been enough to play the never-ending grief that Burgess (and David Tom) had to play.
I think Jason Thompson will do well, because he’s such a gifted actor. But this is a tough role with a tough audience.
Best of luck to Burgess in his new endeavors and to Jason on YR.
I feel.
out of all the Billy recast fail, that Jason will bring it home..
He has so many acting levels and if nothing else, his handsome good looks will put him in the slot..
I could simply look at the man and he would make it good for me..
I betcha he will grab the golden ring 🙂
Range, He has a lot of range and that will be his strong suit in being the next great Billy Abbott!
Who knows why he left and who made the decision. This is CBS, they never speak up about casting decisions. Remember the Michael Muhney disaster! But anyway, Burgess, you had huge shoes to fill and you were coming into your own but I think everyone will be better off just wrapping this experiment up and welcoming Jason Thompson. So long Burgess, I hope you find another gig for you and your family.
Too bad, he was hot. Not sure about this new guy playing Billy.
I finally got to really like him as a more mature Billy….he’s a great actor & I’m sad to see him go.As much as I like Jason Thompson I will always think of him as Patrick on GH…a character I loved…..I know Burgess said it was because of the commute but I just wonder if there’s more to this story than we’re hearing…..it’s hard to believe that in the world of acting when parts can be ages between jobs that someone would leave a secure job for the unknown….Michael Fairman what’s your take on this? whatever the case, good Luck Burgess Jenkins …..I wish all good things to come your way!
I wish you the best, Burgess! May God keep you!
Those who say the physical appearance of an actor doesn’t matter if one is a good actor are, perhaps, too secure in their thoughts. Burgess diverged too much from the previous Billy.
However, I enjoyed the change and evolution; wish he could have stayed. I haven’t watched this week, but am not liking another departure of a very good actor subsequent to being beat up by the mob. Nor, was the demeaning death of Kelly deserved by a very fine actress who was lead down an awful road by the writers.
To Burgess here is wishing you the best.
Burgess, did a fine job. Much more believable than Thoms.
Miss the old Phyllis can’t be replaced!!
For those saying Burgess Jenkins made the role of Billy his own, I agree. Yeah, he made him lose his pizzazz. He was nasally,, rather one dimensional, said “Vic” one too many times and did not hold my interest. But now Billy Miller does not hold my interest as Jason Morgan on GH either.
I can’t wait for Jason Thompson. He will kill it as Billy Abbott. Mark my words.
I loved Burgess Jenkins in the role of Billy! In my opinion he was more believable in the role than the last two actors. Good luck, Burgess. Such a good actor should have no problem finding work. God bless….
Jenkins was the best thing on the show! I’ve watched Y&R since almost the first episode and Jenkins is adorable and the only lovable actor on this fast-aging show. They should get rid of Chelsea (thank God they got rid of Chloe) Those aren’t actresses, they are geese squawking. They talk in their throats instead of projecting their voices. Send them to a voice coach for everybody’s sake. I hope to see Jenkins soon again. Bill Bell needs to be let go. He’s lost his marbles.
I loved you as Billyand will miss you but, family first. I wish you success.
I hate to see him go. I feel he was the perfect guy for the role. I hope he changes his mind and soon. Not sure I like his replacement.