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Genoa City Finally Learns Of Katherine's Passing! Y&R's Jess Walton's Performance!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/CBS

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!

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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..

Days Of Our Lives

‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast

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After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.

Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC

There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.

The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.

In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.

Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC

Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”

As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”

The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.

So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’

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Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark

Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”

In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.

It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.

Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.

You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.

So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?

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On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.

As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.

Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC

Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.

BROTHERLY LOVE?

Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”

With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”

BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE

Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”

So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.

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