News
Genoa City Finally Learns Of Katherine's Passing! Y&R's Jess Walton's Performance!
Courtesy/CBS
On Monday’s episode of The Young and the Restless, Katherine’s (the late Jeanne Cooper) closest friends and family (who are still on the television canvas of the number one CBS soap) learned the fate of the Grand Dame of Genoa City!
Murphy (Michael Fairman) revealed that Katherine had died in her sleep after completing her bucket list of things she wanted to do, and places she wanted to visit all around the world, before she died.
Murphy also revealed that even though her surgery to remove a brain tumor was successful, it really wasn’t, and she kept the truth from her family and friends … and in a very Katherine-esque move, wanted them to not worry about her, or worry them.
The most moving performance during the scenes in which we the audience, and the cast of core characters, learned of Katherine’s death, (and even the foreboding before) came from Daytime Emmy winner and Jeanne Cooper’s long time scene partner and dear friend, Jess Walton (Jill). And as Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) read the letter Katherine prepared to be read after her death, Mrs C. even gave Jill hell for “making this moment all about her”.
Seeing cast members: Daniel Goddard (Cane), Eric Braeden (Victor), Greg Rikaart (Kevin), Kate Linder (Esther), Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe), Melody Thomas Scott, Christel Khalil (Lily), Bryton James (Devon) and Jess Walton recalling a moment with Katherine in a retrospective clip package at the end of the episode, reminded us at home the deep connection, and sometimes little separation between reality and soap. As for years, and in some instances decades, these performers not only were Jeanne Cooper’s cast mate, but dear friend.
However, it was Jess Walton who made us reach for the hankies, showing that no matter in life or death, the Katherine/Jill supercouple is, and was, one of the best! The way Walton drank her champagne at the end of the episode as Jill, defiant but devastated, about the loss of a woman she spent most of her life with in a love/hate relationship was priceless.
The negative we can say about the episode was way there was way to much time was spent on the Sharon/Nick/Avery story, when the death of Katherine deserved much better initial wallop! But, on with the story … there is more to come!
What do you think of Jess Walton’s performance on yesterday’s Y&R? How the news was given to the GC residents on Katherine’s death? Did you reach for the hankies? Or, did it fall flat for you? Weigh-in!
Jess Walton was the only one making me feel it because she was not having to act it was pure raw emotion. Class act please give this woman a MAJOR storyline we need a monarch now that JC is gone and Katherine was bad and good there were lots of times I was on Jill’ side.
Jess Walton made the ENTIRE show. I wish they would use her more, and stop making the excuse that they *can’t* because she lives in OR. She still has digs in LA for when she IS working. So that’s no excuse.
She is a gem, and they need to recognize that.
Thank You Jess Walton….
for showcasing…. epitomizing… Katherine and Jill.
dang didn’t you wring out all the emotion… “as if Katherine was right their”.
what a coup and a reminder for the Y&R writers… to give Jess Walton more show.
She brilliantly shared with us, fans, the audience… how loved these two dames are.
Beautiful episode and Jess Walton did make the episode!
I personally found it irritating by the end of the episode yesterday. It was a legitimate initial reaction but it was over the top and overdone and I hope she calms down by today’s episode.
Sadly I must agree– at first her reaction was the most raw– the most believable- of the group– but after a while– and into Tuesday episode of the how could Katherine do this to me- wore a bit thin. But this is more the writer’s fault than JW’s. If she knocked it out of the park with these lame lines, imagine how powerful a scene would have been if she had been allowed to say how she felt instead of complaining she wasn’t given a chance to say it.
I loved Jess Walton’ s performance in the episode. I did not like it when they change the history from Jill being her daughter to not but I guess it shows a powerful mother and daughter love could exist between people who are not biologically related.
I wish CBS had did a week of classic episodes of when Katherine made her first appearance on the show, even thou I know it would feature a different Jill.
I truly hope there is an entire episode totally devoted to Katherine. I think the Nick/Avery/Sharon/Chelsea/Adam drama can wait for one day.
Jess Walton was amazing and even better today. Jill crying in Jacks arms was one of the best scenes I’ve seen in a long time. I wish those two were in story together more often. But that’s never going to happen since they never use Jill. I don’t know what’s wrong with Y&R, Jess Walton is one of the best actresses on that show it’s a crime they don’t use her. She makes stories better, even if the writings not that good, what other show would not use an actor who did that?
Jess Walton/Jill & Melody Thomas Scott/Nikki were both great and heartfelt..
The emotion from them both and others was real..
Victor behaved in sorrow as EB would express himself..
It was very touching and I believe hard for all in the room saying good bye/hearing Katherine had passed and the realism of it..
It was not about Katherine it was all for Jeanne Cooper..
Jess Walton let us into her emotions over losing her loved friend, Jeanne.
Jess was great, and te writers have written hr TRUE to character. I have watched the Jill/Katherine relationship played out by all 4 Jill’s and Jess’ is the best of the four (bot to slight Ms. Adair or creator Brenda Dickson) and the most complex. The show would be REALLY foolish not to promote her to the new Grande Dame of GC.
I didn’t realize that 4 actors played Jill. Was there someone else in the role besides Brenda Dickson, Deborah Adair and Jess Walton? How long did the 4th person play the part and when?
Jess Walton was excellent on Monday’s episode, especially when they first gathered in the living room and the moments leading up to Murphy’s actual statement about Katherine.
The other Jill was on the show for just a couple of weeks so she doesn’t really count. I can’t even remember her name. I think it was sometime AFTER Adair left, but right before Dickson slithered back.
Actually technically five actress played Jill– Brenda Dickson, Bond Gideon, Deborah Adair, Melinda Fee, and Jess Walton. You could say six because once when JW was ill Judith Chapman played her for a few shows.
Jess FREAKING NAILED it and always brings it in her performances; but it was especially true during these last few days; I’m seeing an Emmy reel in her very near future. And, Melody Thomas Scott always makes me cry….. Nikki and Jill’s devastation is palpable and has me in tears, yet I keep rewinding to watch it over and over; I’m a masochist, or something! Beautiful job all around!!!!
Jess Walton no longer submits material for Emmy consideration. She has said so in interviews many times. She’s won an Emmy for Best Actress and Supporting already. so she no longer throws her hat in the ring.
Jess should get an Emmy by herself, but I also think Melody did a great job as always..
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
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.
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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)
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’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (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
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