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..
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.
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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.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
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
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
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
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
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