News
It's A Wrap For Y&R's Longtime Associate Producer Josh O'Connell!
On Friday and throughout the weekend rumors circulated that a change had been made on the production team of The Young and the Restless, and as we have come to find out it was the series longtime Associate Producer Josh O’Connell who was let-go after 20 years with the daytime drama. It would seem that at present, Y&R is making a few shifts behind the scenes.
O’Connell started in the production offices and being associated with the show back in 1994, and has always had a close relationship with the Bell Family – the late great Y&R creator Bill Bel,l and his wife and co-creator, Lee Phillip Bell. In 2003, Josh was promoted to Associate Producer where he has been for the last 11 years during his tenure with the number one soap opera.
Today on his final day on his job, Josh send out a special message to those colleagues and friends whom he has worked with for decades. We asked Josh if it would be OK to share a part of his message with you.
Josh wrote: “Twenty years ago I began an incredible journey at The Young and the Restless which has changed my life in more ways than I can begin to express. Since my tenure began in 1994, I’ve had the privilege of working with a number of extraordinary teams, starting with the creative genius of the late Bill Bell Sr. and with the remarkable co-creator Lee Phillip Bell. I believe in this unique generation-spanning genre as much now as I did my first day on the job. As I move on to my next journey, I want you all to know how grateful I am to each and every one of you for irreplaceable memories and friendships that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”
Share your thoughts below on the exit of Josh O’Connell from The Young and the Restless team!
31
I think that Pratt is to blame. and Cady McClain tweeted an ominous tweet also, like she may be leaving. I think Young and Restless may be in DEEP trouble!
Cady….pass on the banana pancakes!
it’s the saddest thing… I mean this… seriously
having watched serial… for generations… over 3 decades plus
I’m lost without this… devoted… soapbox me… I care
I’ll fight this
LOL… Cady McClain stirred… does fit… if she’s next in line of… let go
along with this associate producer… it’s a crime
a pull to the heart of what television IS
a staple that rips tears and lets go a piece of this everlasting genre that doesn’t need to budget a piece of history…
I think of all the other actors… who once shared
ATWT
AW
Santa Barbara
Guiding Light
AMC
and so on and so on and there it goes
salute
I know I needed to include OLTL
What did Cady tweet?
Notice he did not mention the current PTB as being “extraordinary teams” Y&R seems to have a way of ruining people’s holidays. Last year it was Billy Miller and Michael Muhney…this year it’s Josh and I am sure others are yet to come. How about getting rid of the real problem, Jill Farren Phelps!!!!
wow..
Y&R has lost their core true-characters with the loss of their actors, the ones that made Y&R great..
(BM, MS, MM) and top of heap others.. all gone..
their replacements are all a fail, not doing well..
Too many people are walking out of Y&R..
where there is smoke there is fire / burning behind the scene….
Now– we have Pratt as head writer/producer.. that is good..
I see a huge change on the horizon for Y&R, and that is good thing..
I hope so but if he was any good he would get rid of the dead-wood. Did anyone see today’s show. Poor Nick remembering everyone that hurt him. Good grief Sharon never had issue’s until she got involved with the Newman’s, although Phyllis went after Nick when he was married and grieving Cassie he still loved Sharon & Phyllis knew it. He broke Amy’s heart but that didn’t stop him from taking advantage of her, and Grace was someone he used when he felt down & out. What a prize. Come-on writers how about the truth? And while your at… Read more »
The actors are fine. Its Jill and co.that arent!
Jill Farren Phelps is the problem First it was her group of friends she brought in from H.H, then the scenery, then favorite actors. Now this please stop her!
There is no one to replace Jill Farren Phelps that has her experience..
And– there are few, very few, who even wants the job..
Who would even want the job and have the experience to do it..
I doubt there are any eager takers or any CBS would hire / outside of Pratt, perhaps..
Jill Farren Phelps is going nowhere ..
How is Pratt a good thing? He hates soaps. thinks that they are beneath him and was part of the team that almost killed GH. He’s a great friend of JFP. So happy I left and all of the most talented actors are gone.
It seems to me that he was fired because he was one of the last links to the Bell run drama– many of the behind the scenes people who worked for the Bells for years were fired the first year JFP came on board. I guess they will spin this as they don’t need an associate producer when the got two producers in Pratt and Phelps, although Pratt is supposed to be in name only— we shall see. It does seem the predictions about Pratt are coming true if they fired the one guy left who might have fought to… Read more »
JFP will let go anyone that was under the bell tenure. Look at all of the new directors and writers for y and r. There is nothing classic left and they might be killing off Michael. I will give this show 5 years before its cancelled.
Michael, Christian isnt leaving
Eileen… I hope you know something I don’t because the rumors have him leaving the show. If you know otherwise, please put my mind at ease! 🙂
Not a JILL FAN… I just don’t trust her or her motives.
Jill and Angelica, again. It will never stop.
Instead of hiding behind the facade that Y&R is still the great daytime serial it was, JFP should just admit to trying to cut every last tie to the Bill Bell era the show has. Firing popular and talented actors, getting rid of long-time production staff, bringing in newbie actors, characters and and crew members is all part of JFP’s grand plan of systematically destroying Y&R. Now with Pratt on board, things will likely only get worse. Sony and CBS need to start doing things RIGHT for Y&R, by first getting rid of the biggest problem of all – JFP.… Read more »
Not a smart move there!
More firings to come in the next months
I believe they want Y&R to fail. Why else would the HACK JFP still be here. I despise that arrogant Bitch!
Don’t the Bells own the soap? Why are they letting Sony get away with all of this?
Can’t Brad Bell step in and do something??? His family owns this soap, do they not?? I know he’s got his hands full with B&B but he shouldn’t let this show go down the drain!!!!
Nope, the Bells dont own the soap now.
The Bell’s do own a share of The Young and The Restless but unfortunately they do not own the majority of it, Sony does. Unless the Bell’s can purchase some stock back from Sony or a 3rd party buys it, Sony has the control. Sony has allowed the Bells over the years to have creative control, but that too has been taken away. The show is solely the people Sony put in charge Jill Farren Phelps, and soon to be Chuck Pratt. As far as The Bold and The Beautiful, Bill Bell didn’t have to give any shares away so… Read more »
Why did Bell have to give away shares of Y&R?
If memory serves correct Bill Bell was under contract with the Corday Family at Days of Our lives. He wanted out of his contract to start The Young and the Restless. In order for him to get out of his contract it was agreed that he would give shares to them. In turn they later gave their shares to Sony, who also owns Days of Our Lives. The Bold and The Beautiful was created after Bill started The Young and the Restless so he was able to retain full control of that serial. It’s a good thing he did. It’s… Read more »
Loath as I am to defend JFP, or appear to, I am not so sure I would lay this particular move at her feet (though she may not have done anything to stop it). I suspect it’s Sony, rather than JFP, that does not value the ties to the Bell years and the Bell family. It has become clear from Sony’s hiring decisions, and from the direction the show has taken as far back as when Lynn Marie Latham was in charge, that Sony doesn’t understand what made the show so popular and isn’t interested in following the principles that… Read more »
Well look what happens after Chuck Pratt is hired, one of the people that have been part of the classy Y&R for years is fired.
And sad that Cady McClain has to go through this again. The same soap hack once again.
Time to sit back with popcorn and see what Pratt will do to Y&R.
REALLY?!?!? Oh, Y-E-T ANOTHER nail in the coffin……….
Wow. After 20 years. Well, hopefully he save his money.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ to Honor James Reynolds’ 40th Anniversary as Abe Carver with Special Episode
As DAYS viewers witnessed on Friday’s episode, Abe has been shot in the park, after Carmine pulls out a gun, and Jake (Brandon Barash) tries to apprehend him. Jake rushes to Abe’s side and calls an ambulance and he is rushed to University Hospital. Once there, Abe eventually flatlines, while Lani (Sal Stowers), Paulina (Jackee Harry) and Eli (Lamon Archey) are besides themselves with worry.
This sets the stage for Monday’s episode where Abe will go into the light, as Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) works to save his light and while he hovers between life and death, DAYS fans are treated to the special 40th anniversary episode of James Reynolds as Salem’s Abe Carver. The Daytime Emmy-winning actor, (he won Lead Actor in 2018) began his Salem journey when he first aired back on October 29th, 1981.
Photo: JPI
While Abe revisits the past, he will meet up with his late wife and love of his life, Lexie, only according to Soap Opera Digest, Renee Jones was not available to be a part of the milestone episode. So, in a pivot another actress was brought in.
Reynolds told SOD on the Lexie appearance, “The young actress they brought in to be part of this was just wonderful“n giving the essence of (their) relationship and communicated beautifully, just beautifully, in her face and her eyes, as Renee did quite so often.” He added, “I was kind of transported, actually.”
Photo: JPI
In addition, James continues to be the the longest-running black actor in the same role in television history.
Check out the latest NBC promo featuring Abe’s life hanging in the balance below.
Now let us know, are you glad that DAYS is honoring James with this special 40th anniversary episode? What has been your favorite James Reynolds performance as Abe through the years? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Breaking News
Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
UPDATED: Over the last 24 hours, the entertainment world has been stunned, by the horrific incident that took place on the set of the western drama Rust, while it was shooting scenes in New Mexico.
What is known is that Alec Baldwin (Ex-The Doctors, Knots Landing) discharged a prop gun that killed Director of Photography, Halyna Hutchins and injured director, Joel Souza. The film also stars Frances Fisher (Ex-Edge of Night) and Jensen Ackles (Ex-Days of our Lives). Baldwin is also a producer on the film.
Photo: Getty
According to Variety, the prop gun contained a “live single round,” according to an email sent by IATSE Local 44 to its membership.
On Friday, Alec Baldwin made a statement via Twitter on his Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation Twitter feed, expressing: “There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”
Yesterday, The Sante Fe Sheriff’s Departments originally shared that “Hutchins, 42, and Souza, 48 were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin. Ms. Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Mr. Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center where he was undergoing treatment for his injuries. This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives.”
This morning, Frances Fisher revealed in a twitter conversation with Patricia Arquette, that director Joel Souza had been released from the hospital. Meanwhile, photographs of a distraught Baldwin emerged following the shooting.
Photo: New Mexican
The news of the Baldwin prop gun incident, isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Jon-Erik Hexum was killed on October 18, 1984, on the set of the TV show Cover Up when he accidentally shot himself in the head with a gun loaded with blanks. Then, in 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, died from a prop gun accident on the set of The Crow by a cast member.
As the news made its way through the entertainment community and mainstream news, several soap stars shared their reactions to the fatal shooting accident.
General Hospital’s Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan) expressed: “Feeling so sad for everyone involved in the tragedy on the #RustMovie set. I do know the film was staffed with experienced, thoughtful professionals. Please, let’s wait until we have the facts. Nothing positive will come from passing judgement or casting aspersions before then.”
General Hospital and Dynasty’s Emma Samms (Holly, Fallon) shared on her friend Jon-Erik Hexum’s death: This AWFUL tragedy on #Rust is unfathomable to me. If all on-set protocols were being adhered to, how, on earth, could it have happened? After what happened to Brandon Lee and my dear friend Jon-Erik Hexam, the firearm protocols became incredibly strict. I was told (when I was with him at the hospital afterwards) that Jon-Erik had been working with a completely empty gun all morning. A blank (still very dangerous) was loaded and then immediately there was a delay. Exhausted, he was allowed to fall asleep – loaded gun in hand. hey woke him, but there was immediately another delay. Jon-Erik put the gun to his head, forgetting it now contained a blank, (because he had just woken up) and jokingly pulled the trigger. He was not the kind of person to play around with a loaded gun. #fortherecord”
We will continue to post reactions and update this story.
What are your thoughts on the fatal shooting on the set of Rust? Comment below. How can this not happen again, so everyone is safe in this working environment when ‘dangerous’ props are called for or used to make a movie or a TV show?
DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
‘Days of our Lives’ to Honor James Reynolds’ 40th Anniversary as Abe Carver with Special Episode
Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
Pluto TV Launches Soap Channel with B&B and Y&R Dedicated Episodes
TODAY: B&B’s Kimberlin Brown and Sean Kanan Guest on ‘The Talk’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Quinn Walks Out on Carter Leaving Him Devastated
Corbin Bernsen to Reprise His Role of Arnie Becker in ‘LA Law’ Revival Pilot
Justin Hartley Voices ‘Superman’ In New Animated Feature ‘Injustice’
Melissa Claire Egan Teases Her Return to Y&R: “Chelsea’s Missed You All!! Excited to be Back in Genoa City Soon”
Pluto TV Launches Soap Channel with B&B and Y&R Dedicated Episodes
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: What Did You Think of Victoria and Ashland’s Wedding? (PHOTOS)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Carly Admits To Sonny She Was Falling Back In Love with Jason
Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
Sarah Joy Brown Directs Haley Pullos, Carolyn Hennesy, Eric Martsolf in New ‘Red Riding Hoods’ Podcast
‘Santa Barbara’ & GH Favorite Judith McConnell Virtual Interview On Tap
Melissa Claire Egan Teases Her Return to Y&R: “Chelsea’s Missed You All!! Excited to be Back in Genoa City Soon”
Corbin Bernsen to Reprise His Role of Arnie Becker in ‘LA Law’ Revival Pilot
DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
Y&R Leading Ladies Reflect on Being the Bride In Past Soap Weddings
Soap Veteran Michael Tylo Passes Away at 73
B&B’s Kimberlin Brown and Tanner Novlan Talk on Sheila’s Motherly Love for Finn and the Next Move Against Steffy & the Forresters
Days of our Lives Kicks-Off Possession Storyline Revisted with ‘Doug’ Twist Cliffhanger, Followed by Fall Preview
Days of our Lives Revisits ‘The Possession Storyline’ This Fall
‘The Talk’ Unveils Its Season 12 Premiere Promo with its New Host Line-Up
WATCH: Kimberly McCullough Reunite and Visit with Maurice Benard on ‘State of Mind’
B&B’s EP and Head Writer, Brad Bell, On Bringing Back Sheila Carter
‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’ Drops Trailer; Announces Charles Shaughnessy and Jackie Cox Cast Additions
-
NewsOctober 19, 2021Pluto TV Launches Soap Channel with B&B and Y&R Dedicated Episodes
-
PhotosOctober 17, 2021THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: What Did You Think of Victoria and Ashland’s Wedding? (PHOTOS)
-
General HospitalOctober 16, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: Carly Admits To Sonny She Was Falling Back In Love with Jason
-
General HospitalOctober 21, 2021Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
-
Breaking NewsOctober 22, 2021Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
-
General HospitalOctober 14, 2021Sarah Joy Brown Directs Haley Pullos, Carolyn Hennesy, Eric Martsolf in New ‘Red Riding Hoods’ Podcast
-
As The World TurnsOctober 15, 2021‘Santa Barbara’ & GH Favorite Judith McConnell Virtual Interview On Tap
-
NewsOctober 18, 2021Melissa Claire Egan Teases Her Return to Y&R: “Chelsea’s Missed You All!! Excited to be Back in Genoa City Soon”