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Doug Davidson Cleans Out His Dressing Room at The Young and the Restless and Shares, “It Was Sad for Several Reasons”
Over the last few years, Daytime Emmy-winner, Doug Davidson (ex-Paul Williams, The Young and the Restless) has been very vocal on how he had been the longest-running actor in the cast, how he had been bumped to recurring status, and then how he was never utilized again.
Davidson began his Genoa City run back in May of 1978. In the early spring of 2021, a longtime Y&R fan noticed that Doug hadn’t been on Y&R since an episode that aired back in November 2020. That’s when he tweeted, “I think I am done. After 43 years, I am treated like a day player. No bueno.”
Fast-forward, after lack of communication with the Y&R brass, and his social media updates on how he felt the CBS soap had disrespected him, to Sunday, July 23rd. Now, Davidson tweeted what would appear to be closure on the matter. For Doug, had gone back to CBS Television City last weekend and gathered what was left of his time Paul Williams.
Courtesy/CBS
Doug shared, “Well, I cleaned out my dressing room a week ago Saturday. Yes it was sad for several reasons. 1. It was my home for over 40 years and it was like a ghost town. ‘Price’ has left, and the new owner of TV City isn’t really keeping it up. The sets were all small and a bit tired.”
After receiving an outpouring of support from fans, Doug added in another tweet, “Thank you all for all the kind messages! Sending lots of love right back to you all!! And of course I’m eternally grateful to Bill and Lee Bell and CBS for EVERYTHING.”
To clarify, what Davidson was referring to in his tweet. The Price is Right is moving to new production digs for its fall season in Glendale, California called Haven, while another CBS game show, Let’s Make a Deal, will also make the move to Haven. The show has been currently shooting episodes in Sylmar, California. Both shows used to shoot at CBS TV City where Y&R and B&B are currently taped.
So, what do you think about Doug Davidson finally clearing out his Y&R dressing room? From the sounds of it, this just reemphasizes, that the character of Paul Williams will not be part of the on-screen canvas.
Well, I cleaned out my dressing room a week ago Saturday. Yes it was sad for several reasons. 1. It was my home for over 40 years and it was like a ghost town. Price has left, and the new owner of TV City isn’t really keeping it up. The sets were all small and a bit tired. ☹️
— Doug Davidson (@DougDavidsonYR) July 23, 2023
Question – Why is Josh Griffith still there???? Totally shameful!
After almost 3 years, it’s kind of surprising it wasn’t cleaned out earlier. Be weary of biting the hand that feeds you. GH has recurring veteran actors heavily involved in storylines (right now Wally Kurth, Lynn Herring). Shame Y&R can’t adjust.
And Tristan Rogers, who was once THE leading man. He was a super soap star. Tristan understood that the torch had to be passed and he he wanted to continue working. Davidson sounds like an immature prima Donna.
Doug was on recurring status and most likely receiving money from CBS so the dressing room would remain his? but recently he was let go so———-
dunno..
Recurring performers only get paid for episodes in which they appear. He would not have received any money since 2020.
There is something going on here that is bigger than any of us know. The fact that Paul was not brought back for the 50th when his daughter and granddaughter were is very telling. We have NO knowledge of what went down … we have no idea who is at fault. This show has a long history of firing people for backstage dramatics … Brenda Dickson as Jill, Victoria Rowell as Drucilla … Michael Muhney as Adam…now this. Doug Davidson seems like a nice chill guy like his character Paul was but who knows. We have NO idea what goes on backstage and which bridges have been burned. For the show to just so willingly wipe a beloved character like Paul from the canvas … that says that Doug himself may have been the problem.
Indeed, we do not know what happened; it’s such a shame that someone who was with the show over 40 years had to leave on bad terms. Someone posted on a board that she read he was invited to attend the 50th but declined to do so. Who knows.
I agree 100%! We only know his side of the story so of course his fans are going to jump to his side/defense…IMO, talking $hit about the show isn’t the wisest thing to do, especially if you want your gig back. Whatever happened behind the scenes that the general public isn’t privy to probably is a totally different bowl of soup then the one he’s serving. Imjustsaying…
I agree we don’t know the full story; there’s no way we could, of course. But to offer another perspective on the same theme: For 40 years an actor gets along fine with all sorts of PTB (including some notoriously difficult ones), and then TPTB change and the incoming ones can’t work with him? That suggests that current PTB may be the problem, not the actor. (I’m not saying that that’s necessarily the case, mind you, just that I can come up with an equally plausible scenario in which the same logic points to a different culprit. Most of the time, we never really find out/know for sure, even years later, what went on in situations like this one.)
I will point out that Sony seems willing to let the producers have their way in cases like this; they apparently let JFP drive Michelle Stafford away (and Billy Miller too), although there again, it’s hard to know exactly what went down.
It’s because he is a conservative and the brass are super liberal.
Then how do you explain Christian LeBlanc ( Michael Baldwin) and Greg Rikaart( Kevin Fisher) being put on reoccurring status? They’re both ultra liberal. There’s a whole litany of actors from Y&R being put on reoccurring status and most of them are liberal. It’s not politics it’s just the current status of the soap genre.
I agree the sets look a bit tired.
Y&R is bursting with millionaires and billionaires, belonging to a high fortune 500 high list, and yet, only 3 main families have homes/mansions of one small room lol..
GH– most all have homes and BIG room(s)..the GH hospital is huge as are the other establishments….
Y&R sets are tinny, usually a small room..
Newman mansion…A table with a chess game..a couch, a coffee table, a fireplace, and Victor’s chair all squished into a very small area….aha that’s it for a multi-billionaire’s mansion lol
GH apartment’s living rooms are huge in comparison to Victor’s mansion’s tiny living room..
Plus, the Quartermaines have multiple sets:
– Foyer/stairwell/living room
– Den/terrace
– Kitchen/patio
– Solarium (new)
– Gatehouse
– Stables
– Boathouse/dock
And that beige hotel room Sally is always in has seen more action than Grand Central Station. It’s the same damn room being used for Sally, Adam, Phyllis, Victoria, Nate, Summer and where Michael and Lauren spent their anniversary. I know I’m missing someone. When Victoria and Nate were naked in bed, I fully expected Sally to pop up from the covers.
If there is bad blood between show and star, ok… but don’t just let the character evaporate. That is poor storytelling. I think Paul Williams can be vital as a recurring character. I would accept a new actor in the role although I have enjoyed Mr. Davidson’s work through the years.
I loved Paul they need to bring him back especially with the Phyllis thing being revisited when she hit him and Cricket. He seems like a nice guy but who knows what he’s like behind the scenes.
I am sad and disgusted the way CBS and The Young and the Restless treated Doug Davidson. He was on the show for 40 years and was a faithful cast member plus he was a great actor. I watched him from the time I was 11. I hope that Bradley Bell will bring him to the Bold and the Beautiful and if not General Hospital needs to hire him. He would be a great addition to either show
Except we don’t know the actual details of how he was “treated” — or how he treated the show and its cast/crew — only what Mr Davidson has said. Y&R will not be able to comment on personnel matters for legal reasons so we will likely never know the actual truth. It seems odd he still had anything in his dressing room when he hasn’t been on the show literally in years. Finally, semi-related, the last thing General Hospital needs is another senior citizen in its cast. The vets on that show, and there are a lot of them, get plenty of air time for senior representation.
And it may very well be that Doug is Y&Rs Ingo, they are just quieter about it all around. Just speculating, btw.
the story lines are as tired as the sets. All they do is eat, drink and change high level jobs that always seem so readily available.
What a drama queen! He was offered the same deal as Laura Lee Bell, and she accepted it, and she’s still on the soap. It’s been five years. He needs to stop his bellyaching. No wonder he’s a MAGA.
Laura bell is the highest paid actress only because she is by their daughter! That’s bull and she isn’t a very good actress either!
Where are your resources coming from ” Pennywise” on highest paid actress.How ignorant.
Josh Griffith WAKE UP CBS/SONY get rid of this idiot – he’s had runied this show, I am sure Bell’s are turning in their graves.
Why does CBS keep him?
Letting Doug Davidson go after 40yrs is shamefull, CBS shame on you, but you keep Josh Griffith there with the storylines that are repeats that NO BODY CARES about seeing.
We need Gina G back, we need fire on the show, its boring!!!
The Phyllis vs Diane we’ve seen this before its’ old. Who cares……..
A show that has lasted this long will be buried soon!
Agree 100 percent
I agree.
Doug had 43 years–
Nothing lasts forever…
Is Y and R studio moving also? Where?
I think he would do real well at General Hospital . They should create a character for him there.
Missed you, “Paul”—one of my favorite characters, who unfortunately was given a heavy burden to bear—Sainted Holy Christine—
While the writers are waiting for David to clean out his dressing room, they should clean out Sharon’s character and bring her up to speed to this century. Mama bear should look for a Papa bear to lay-herself-down…..Not bear cubs!!
This is not only stupidly redundant but also disappointing. I feel that Summer and Chance had vibes between them. All Sharon has is probably more experience in the boudoir.
I did not feel the sexual tension between this mother-and-son kind of relationship—Gimme a break!!
PS—To be fair? The Nick and Sally “saga” is just as pathetic.
I actually like Adam with Sally—-Everyone has slept with each other over and over—-and the discordant best goes on—
I know I’ve said this before—all remaining soaps should just get one big gigantic bed and have all the characters share it. Nothing original . Nothing inspirational.
Haha really!!
Real total crap…not even an exit story from an actor who gave decades to the show.. Y&R has the worst environment out of all the soaps. This nver would have happened if Bill Bell had been there still helming the show. That man has to be turning in his grave seeing how his legacy is being shown today.
It is not the same show DD had some great storylines over the years . Enjoy your retirement Doug.
Except Doug Davidson didn’t “give decades to the show.” It’s not a charity. He was paid for his work — and he was extraordinarily fortunate to have a steady paycheck for decades in an industry where job security is fleeting at best.
We don’t know what actually went down behind the scenes, but Doug was vocal in publicly criticizing the show and that’s a big no-no not only in showbiz but most businesses where employees are not allowed to talk poorly about their employer.
And Bill Bell was all about bringing in new generations, new families and knowing when a character had run its course, so I’m not sure it’s fair to speculate on how he would have handled this.
The problem started when the show offered him a recurring status and not a contract which has been happeing with many veteran actors on the soaps. He made his feelings very public and the show decided not to use him. Lauralee Bell and others accepted that offer and still appear on the show. He took a chance and thought he could win by criticizing the show in public and lost that battle. I also remeber the story of him physically attacking Nelson Branco at an awards event.
I’m sure the decisions made on actors and set are all because of the bottom line. Money. Years ago the budget was limitless, now, their budgets have tight purse strings, and they’ve cut down on everything and anything they can.
I’ve watched you from day 1, it pretty hard when some people leave, and ar no longer cast on the show.youu are greatly missed, I pray you find some comfort, being with your wife and your new journey in life.., Not forgotten.
I thought Doug did an excellent job and should have been on the show more than what he was really is going to be missed bad mistakes CBS
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
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