Beyond the Gates
Daytime Drama Casting Directors Talk Four of the Most Challenging and Important Recasts of Their Careers
Daytime soap opera casting directors: Greg Salmon (The Young and the Restless) Marnie Saitta (Days of Our Lives), Christy Dooley (The Bold and the Beautiful) and Kim Coleman (Beyond the Gates) discussed the process of casting for a daytime drama series from contract players to under-fives along and their expectations for auditioning, plus behind the scenes casting tales at their recent panel from the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.
The entertainment industry event helps actors receive inside intel from leading casting professionals and took place just over a week ago at the Meryl Streep Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.
Moderated by noted journalist Jim Halterman, one of the more intriguing moments of the panel discussion occurred when the subject turned to the challenges of a recast on a soap opera and replacing a popular actor with another in a very key role. Each of the four casting directors were able to put a spotlight on such an occurrence and all were leading men on their respective soaps.
Photo: SAGAFRAFoundation
For Marnie Saitta at Days of Our Lives, she was tasked with finding the new EJ DiMera. James Scott had become amazingly popular in the role from 2006-2014. Then, enter Dan Feuerriegel, who had the right stuff for DAYS to finally pull the trigger and cast the new EJ. The character returned on-screen in 2021 after 7 years.
RECASTING EJ DIMERA
“I do know now how to best approach a recast, like I’m casting a new character,” explains Marnie. “I feel like the actor just has to come in and make it their own. You can’t even try, looks-wise, to be quite honest. Obviously, EJ DiMera is kind of a focal point (of DAYS) and Dan was such a champ. I swear to God, I think I brought him in maybe six times. I would bring him in for other characters, but I kept thinking he’s really good for EJ and it didn’t go. Then, I brought him for something else, same thing. I knew that the role of EJ was going to be really difficult to find, and it finally clicked. He took EJ in a different direction. He has a totally different vibe, but equally as effective.”
RECASTING ADAM NEWMAN
For Greg Salmon, he discussed the pivotal role of Y&R’s Adam Newman, who was previously by Tracker star, Justin Hartley and what he looked for to be able to find the right actor to be the next black sheep of the Newman clan.
“We had Justin Hartley playing the role of Adam Newman before he went to This Is Us, and now Mark Grossman has been playing him,” explained Salmon. “So that was a really tough role to recast. Before Justin, there were two other people (Chris Engen and Michael Muhney) who played the part. Adam Newman is central to the show. This is Victor Newman’s (Eric Braeden) son. So, it’s an incredibly important character to the show. But now, Mark Grossman’s been playing the role for several years now. He’s completely made the role his own.”
Photo: JPI
Salmon added the key attributes that Mark Grossman or someone like him brings into an audition for the role of that is being recast, “I really think it just comes down to the person’s energy and what they’re bringing to the character,” explained Greg. “You can’t think, ‘Well, I know Justin Hartley looks like this. And the guy before him looked like that,’ because then you’ll just get trapped. You’re not trying to find another Justin Harley. You’re trying to find another Adam Newman. I just remember Mark came in and I think he read with Eric Braeden, and he read with a few other people of the Newman family, and his energy was just off the charts. You know, this is how Adam should feel. Eventually, I think the audience really accepted him.”
RECASTING RIDGE FORRESTER
In a little-known casting story, The Bold and the Beautiful’s Christy Dooley shared how Mark Grossman almost became one of the Forresters! “He tested for us (at The Bold and the Beautiful). Mark came in and read for the role of Thomas Forrester and he was my choice for the role,” says Dooley. “The role wound up going to Matthew Atkinson, but then he came down to read for The Young and the Restless.”
Dooley was also tasked with one of the biggest soap recasts in history when Ronn Moss exited The Bold and the Beautiful in his signature role of Ridge Forrester which Moss played from 1987-2012. Eventually, Thorsten Kaye took over the role at the end of 2013.
Photo: JPI
“When Ronn Moss left the show, Brad Bell (executive producer and head writer, B&B) said, ‘I can’t recast him right now, he’s just too familiar.’ So he waited. The character was always talked about because he is one of the Forresters. Brad finally said, ‘We need to bring him back. We got to find somebody.’ Then to get Thorsten Kaye, who’s so different than Ronn, and he made it completely his own. He’s just amazing at it, so I think time helped (between bringing on a new Ridge.)”
RECASTING DR. TED RICHARDSON
For Beyond the Gates, Kim Coleman, she has a soap opera that is now building a new legacy only in its second season. However, in season one, Maurice Johnson became the first recast in series history when he was replaced as Dr. Ted Richardson with Keith D. Robinson and at a critical point in the storyline.
Coleman explained, “I think it was a transition and everyone was in agreement that it was the right thing to do. And then fortunately, we brought in an actor that the audience knew. They knew his face. He was great. Keith made it his own and there was not a lot of controversy and it wasn’t complicated. Keith D. Robinson is on the show now and everyone loves him. So, it was a very smooth transition.”
You can check out the full conversation with daytime casting directors, Greg Salmon, Marnie Saitta, Christy Dooley and Kim Coleman below.
Now let us know which of the four recasts noted do you think was the most successful? Were you surprised to learn Mark Grossman was a favorite of casting director Christy Dooley for Thomas Forrester before landing his role as Adan Newman? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Mark Grossman is a very successful recast. Justin H was never Adam Neman in my opinion, over-rated actor again my opinion and not suited to this role. Muhney was brilliant and has always been my favourite Adam. But Mark is now Adam Newman.
So eye-opening for this discussion, and I am so glad this happened. Recasting a role can be hit or miss, between [some] audience reactions and the casting itself.
Dan Feuerriegel completely changed the role of EJ DiMera, and I have enjoyed his portrayal since day one. He’s a lot less harsh in comparison to James Scott’s portrayal, which I do believe has helped the character.
Mark Grossman has done a fine job settling into the role of Adam Newman and making it his own. However, Michael Muhney is still the gold standard for the role. However, Grossman would have been horribly miscast as Thomas Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful.
As for Ridge, Ronn Moss was far from the best actor that could have been cast. Daniel McVicar, who was cast as Clarke (and did audition for Ridge), would have been a better actor for that character. However, Thorsten Kaye has done solidly in the role as a recast. However, I would have liked to see Lane Davies return to the role.
Keith D. Robinson IS Ted Richardson. That’s all I’ve got to say on that. He is who was meant to be cast in the role since day one. He fits the role and works so well with the cast.
Adam Newman is a character that has been recast probably more than any other character in soap history and all of the actors who took the job have been outstanding. Each made Adam their own. It’s funny that Justin Hartley’s Adam led to him becoming a superstar even though I saw him as the weakest actor of the lot. Kudos to the casting director. As for the current Adam, Mark Grossman he would have made a great Thomas Forrester had he been chosen. But I bet looking at the two roles he is happy that he wasn’t.
Adam Newman is a character that has been recast probably more than any other character in soap history and all of the actors who took the job have been outstanding.
No, the award goes to the role of Tom Hughes on As the World Turns, which had thirteen actors portray the role. Not counting child actors, Adam Newman has had four actors portray the role. For Billy, barring child actors, has had six actors portray the role.
Well the EJ recast is great International sexy man of mystery
BB recast was outstanding Ronn was a sexy slim Ken doll Looked great in a Speedo
Waiting to recast and bring in a big beefy masculine man kept the storyline but moved it along . The actor and writers adapted but kept the character true
Daniel Mc Vicker would also have been a great recast as ridge
While Smitty tries to hold the fort down in his marriage to congressman Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon)Â and their two teenaged children, Samantha (Najah Jackson) and Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) on Beyond the Gates, Emmy-winner Mike Manning has also landed another feature film role.
According to Deadline, Manning has joined the cast of Deify with 6 other new cast members for the indie psychological horror film starring Neal McDonough and Skeet Ulrich, which was previously announced last week.
Joining Manning as the latest cast addition are: Dennis Haysbert, Ashley Greene,  Casey Harnett, Kirk Avecdo, Anji White, anf Nicholas Chimera who’s directing the pic also has a part in the film.
WHAT’S THE STORY OF DEIFY?
Taking to his Instagram with the news of his casting, Manning shared, “A movie about a cult? What could possibly go wrong? Come for the enlightenment. Stay because they won’t let you leave. DEIFY is coming…”
The movie is currently shooting in Chicago and in story, “a cult leader is put on trial after causing his devoted followers to be burned alive. The film is inspired in part by events surrounding the 1993 Waco, Texas, standoff between members of the Branch Davidians church and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, one of the largest civilian firefights ever recorded on American soil.”
MIKE MANNING IS A DAYTIME EMMY NOMINEE
In addition, the multi-talented Manning is a producer on the feature. Previously, Mike was nominated last month in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. He previously won an Emmy for his role on The Bay and for being a producer on the digital drama.
Mike’s previous credits include the role of Charlie Dale on Days of Our Lives and the Manny on This Is Us, plus various primetime and screen credits.
So intrigued to find what role Mike will play in the upcoming horror/cult film, Deify? Enjoying him as Smitty on Beyond the Gates? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Andre’s Blast From The Past Is Set To Turn His Life Upside Down
On Beyond the Gates, Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) “happily” married life to Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) is about to be tested like never before on upcoming episodes of the CBS soap opera the week of August 17-21.
After the shocking reveal on the Friday, August 14 cliffhanger, viewers learned that the person who was sending Andre ominous text messages is none other than The Impaler herself, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones). Clearly from the latest promo for the action at the Bowman hotel and in and around Fairmont Crest (see below), Andre knows Heather quite well, as she makes moves on him.
While all this is going down, Dani tries to diffuse the Dupree family for thinking there is anything going on between her and her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Dani’s behavior over Bill being in the hospital has been of someone who is still deeply in love with the guy (specially because of her very public outbursts) and as viewers know, she recently had sex with her ex in the elevator at the country club during a tornado!
Courtesy/CBS
HEATHER ARMSTRONG IS ON THE HUNT FOR ANDRE
Poor Andre has no idea about the elevator liaison, and recently visited Bill in his hospital room to tell him to stay away from his wife, when and if he gets out of his hospital bed! But now, the tables may be turned, if Heather gets her claws into Andre.
Take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for this week below.
Monday, August 17Â
Andre is pulled down by his past. Tensions mount between Tomas and Naomi. Chelsea and Kat pair fashion with controversy. Vernon confronts Bill about his intentions with Dani.
Tuesday, August 18
Bill flirts with disaster. Hayley and Ashley clash. Eva’s words instigate Leslie. Carlton gives Ted a major update while Nicole does the same with Vanessa. Shanice fields an unanticipated request. Smitty disappoints Martin.
Wednesday, August 19
Nicole’s plan saves the night for Noah. Dani and Andre color outside the lines. Jacob enlists Grayson and Ashley to surprise Naomi. Vernon’s plans for Anita get interrupted.
Thursday, August 20Â
Leslie’s forced to reckon with her past in order to move on with her future. Bill and Ted bond over their shared history. An unexpected reaction causes Nicole to self-examine in front of Kial. Eva and Izaiah divulge some hard truths with each other.
Friday, August 21
Chelsea is haunted by unresolved trauma while her father reaches his breaking point. Dani locks horns with Hayley. Randy tails Heather. Madison gets conflicting information from two adversaries. Andre issues a threat.
Now below, check out the CBS promo for all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates.
Then let us know, do you think Andre knows just how dangerous Heather is … or he has no idea? Will Heather blackmail him into sex, or will he go willingly? Is the end of Andre and Dani for good, or will he continue to be the upstanding guy in their relationship, even though he knows in his heart that he cannot compete with the pull of Dani towards Bill? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
Tamara Tunie Opens Up About ‘Beyond the Gates’ Co-Star Clifton Davis Emmy Snub, and Her ‘Bittersweet’ Nomination Upon Scott Bryce’s Death
Beyond the Gates scored 15 Daytime Emmy nominations, the best-ever showing for a series entering the Daytime Emmy race in history for the first time. Among those 15 nominations came the news of the well-deserved nod for Tamara Tunie as Outstanding Lead Actress for her role of Anita Williams Dupree.
Tunie is nominated in the Lead Actress category along with her TV daughter, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree). For both actresses, this marks their first Daytime Emmy nominations.
However, one of the main actors on the show, Clifton Davis, who plays Anita’s husband, Vernon Dupree, did not make the list for the Lead Actor finalists.
Photo: CBS
CLIFTON DAVIS TOOK LEAD ACTOR OMISSION ‘LIKE A CHAMP’
In a talk with Gold Derby, Tunie addressed the omission by sharing, awards are a “dice roll from year to year.” She shared she hopes in 2027 Davis will get his due. Tamara offered up Clifton’s reaction to not being amongst the cast going for gold on October 30, the night of the Daytime Emmys in Hollywood.
“There were several other people who were overlooked, not just Clifton, and it’s all with a grain of salt, and it’s not a reflection on the work in any way, shape, or form,” the veteran actress explained. “Oftentimes, as we know in this business, there are other considerations and things that happen. Some votes may cancel out other votes, and it just doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t diminish that he’s a legend, and he always will be. He took it like a champ. He’s been doing this long enough to understand that it doesn’t reflect the work at all.”
JOY MIXED WITH SORROW AFTER THE PASSING OF AS THE WORLD TURNS’ SCOTT BRYCE
In addition to the joy of scoring her long overdue Emmy nomination, Tunie also experienced incredible sorrow. The night before the Daytime Emmy nominations were revealed for Lead Actress on Monday, July 13, came the news that Tamara’s longtime friend and As the World Turns co-star, Scott Bryce, has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 68.
It was gut-punch to Tamara’s soul. She recalled, “He was my brother. I was so heartbroken and low, and then the announcement came that I was nominated, and it lifted my spirits tremendously. At the same time, it was bittersweet and poignant, because I know that Scotty would have been the first one to pick up the phone and call me.”
Bryce appeared as Craig Montgomery on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008. Tamara Tunie played Jessica Griffin from 1987 to February 1995, 1999 -2007, and one final appearance in 2009.
To honor her beloved friend, while Tunie was not able to attend Scott’s Celebration of Life service in Connecticut on July 25, she did write a beautiful tribute that was read during the memorial to the attendees.
TAMARA TUNIE’S DAYTIME-EMMY NOMINATED REEL SCENE SELECTIONS
Tamara also shared what scenes were on her nominated reel which includes: “Anita doing a rap, Anita being her own female impersonator, and Anita in what I call my Michael Corleone moment, when Dani has shot up the wedding and she comes into the house and I say, ‘Is this my daughter I see before me? How dare you!'”
In addition, Anita’s cancer journey is also part of the reel. Tunie explained how she was able to play the story which suc poignancy. “I have loved ones who have been on that cancer journey. Some survived, some did not. I was able to pull a lot of emotional information because of my experiences with loved ones.”
So, do you feel Clifton Davis was a definite Lead Actor Daytime Emmy snub? Are you rooting for Tamara to pick up the gold statuette given the heartbreaking loss of Scott Bryce and the scenes on her nominated reel? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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