News
Jason Thompson Talks With ET Canada About His New Y&R Gig, Playing Billy Abbott, and Upcoming Fatherhood!
Courtesy/ETCanada
The Young and the Restless Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott) received a visit from ET Canada, when they stopped by the set of the number one American soap opera to catch up with the Canadian-born soap star!
During their video segment, Thompson shared his enthusiasm in stepping into the role of bad boy- gambler-drinker-father-businessman-lover, Billy Abbott, and all that comes with that. Jason also shared that in a short amount of time he is already learning from his new A-list Y&R castmates.
Jason expressed that what he is loving about playing Billy thus far is that he has a really big heart, and that the guy, “doesn’t always make the right decisions sometimes, but he tries to come from the right place.”
As soap fans know, Thompson and his beautiful wife Paloma Jonas are expecting their first child. ET Canada asked Jason if he is ready to be a dad to which Jason replied: “It’s something I have always wanted, and I have an amazing woman to do it with. This kid has already hit the jackpot with her.”
Watch the ET Canada visit with Jason Thompson here.
So, what did you think about Jason’s thoughts on the character of Billy Abbott, and that he is happy in his new soap home? Are you excited for him that he will soon be a first-time real-life dad? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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
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.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
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?
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.
‘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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He was probably licking his chops AND shaking in his boots to play Billy Abbott. First, as an actor, how fun would it be to play Billy with so many quirks? His character on GH became stale. They just didnt have anything for him to do until he and his family sadly left the show. Now he gets to play a character where there is always something going on and his cast of characters are legends. Thats the shaking in the boots part! Not only being recasted as a popular character but he has to act with Jess, Eric, Peter,ect. That had to be nerve racking BUT Jason is a pro and he MAY just end up being better than Billy Miller. Give him some time but MAYBE?
I agree.
And actually, I know it is early and all, but I already
do like Jason better than Billy Miller in the role.
Billy Miller was great as Billy BUT Jason Thompson is a way better actor. Sometimes that doesnt matter, sometimes you are successful because of the character but JT’s strength is working with kids and you saw, day one, him and Delia’s scene was great!
Me,not so much.Where,all of a sudden,did he get that deep voice!Nope,don’t like him
I think JT’s already better than Miller as Billy Abbott. JT is a really good actor and he’s charming. Miller also is charming, but his acting skills are fairly limited. In fact, Miller has really been struggling since the Jason reveal and it’s painful to watch him.
I’m happy for JT that he has such a juicy role, and happy for me that I get to see him in a role that already gives him more to do than he had at GH.
Trudy, I was going to go there about Billy Miller over at GH but I didnt. BUT, since you brought it up, I agree, Billy Miller has been sleep walking though his scenes. I dont know if he is bored or what but it has been tough to watch. Maybe its a writing issue? I do know that this has turned out as bad as the whole Fluke fiasco!
hi Timmm..
I feel bad for Billy Miller under the snooze writing of J&S of the Jason character..
He has been written into a coma, he can only act/do what they give him and the material J&S have written for Billy/Jason is horribly dull/lackluster..
At times I can imagine RC writing for Billy/Jason and it would be total high suspense drama not this snore fest he has been given..
Poor Billy probably falls asleep on set, and I don’t blame him, I fall asleep too..
Timmm
I think that Billy Miller just isn’t a good fit for Jason Morgan. Billy has a lot of charm and energy, so much energy that he’s often jittery on camera. All of that worked reasonably well as Jake Doe, but doesn’t work at all as Stone Cold Jason Morgan.
I think that the writing doesn’t help – dragging out the reveal and still dealing with his memory loss more than a year into his tenure is just painful. He needs more story. They could start with him finding himself as a father with both boys and looking for the truth about what happened to Jake on Cassadine Island and to himself, as well.
It looks like it’s painful for him, too. He just hasn’t found a way into this role, but I don’t think it’s a lack of trying. He seems like he’s trying hard to me, but just not finding his character. I think soap acting is a very tough job: lots of lines to learn; one or two rehearsals, one or two takes; and a new director every episode. Reading JT’s exit interview on this site gave me a new appreciation for hard these actors work. So I feel sorry for Miller and wish that the GH writers would just start writing him as Jason 3.0 and target the character to Miller’s strengths as an actor.
@Timmm… I’m in complete agreement with you in regards to Jason’s
stellar performance on Y&R, his character Billy is multi faceted.. He’ll
be juggling quite a few balls at the same time, which will keep it interesting
& Jason interested. Unlike Billy Miller on GH who has been dialing in his
performances of late…
really nice post, Timmmm
1. i’m just so happy to see the Abbotts in front row seats again… Jason Thompson has brought game on… The Abbotts are in full force! I LOVE IT. dang the tired Newman
2. just seeing the pedigree and high brown from which to cull;
Jess Walton : Jill Foster Abbott Chancellor….. whodathunk! ? ! ? her alone is more than enough energy for Jason Thompson acting chops
LOL… I still can’t believe it tho… he’s been awake … since??? last Wednesday … and still no sign of Jill?
Y&R has to rectify this…. so damaging to their own show
otherwise… I’m loving the excitement this is generating… and Y&R needs this
they are #1 by default….
* high brown ; HIGH BROW
Thanks Patrick. They do this on GH to. You;ll see a character and then for no logical explanation they are missing and NEED to be there! Get Jill on set!
Timmm, Nanci, Trudy, su, Fanny,
I have been saying basically the same since the Jason reveal that Billy Miller is not even being Billy Miller on GH (that was when many were saying no one could touch his performances as Billy Abbott). I went back to GH because he was there, but I gotta tell ya, as much as I love Emme (went there for her too), Billy, and of course Maurice, they just can’t keep me tuning in. They have completely ruined any potential that Roger Howarth and Michelle Stafford had for any kind of characters as their characters currently are deplorable at best and horrible together.
I love GH but if ABC was looking to get out of the soap business, now is the time! There is not ONE story that I need to follow now or would be eternally scratching my head wandering how it ended if the show went off the air. THAT is a crime!
I disagree. Nina and Franco are doing just fine for me. I don’t care if I’m in the minority. Michelle is ‘doing’ much better as Nina than Gina as Phyllis. However, no one complains about that…..matter of opinion, I guess. I would much rather see Sam disappear than Nina. But, that would be unreasonable. In my opinion, Stafford is a much better actress.
As far as Jason Thompson, I was one of the first to sing his praises. But, he is not the Billy Abbott we knew. And, that’s fine. Jason Thompson is ‘tops’! Love his acting, in any role. Whereas, Billy a Miller is drowning as Jason Morgan. He is a different person, with a different personality and attitude. He will, therefore, bring his own kind of ‘WOW’.
I feel the same, Chrystie. The ones who have gone to GH just seem
so wrong there…never would have imagined before now that Billy Miller
could literally lull me to a nice catnap while watching him. But on GH,
the times I tuned in ( never watch GH), to see him or Michelle Stafford
for that matter, I am totally bored.
Timmm, Nancy, Trudy, Su, Danny and Christie,
I think that Jason did a good job as the nuBilly. I still don’t see him as Billy. I still see him Dr Patrick Drake. The scenes that Billy Miller had with Michael Muhney, during the time leading up to Delia’s death, were amazing. Of course, we agree to disagree. Cheers!
Give him time, give him time. BUT, you may never see Jason as Billy and thats okay to. I just know this, you will enjoy his acting. He is really good!
Abruzzfan – Before I forget, my Italian roots are in Abruzzo (Pescina)!!
I still see him as Patrick Drake – how could you not after his being on there for 10 years, but I see him as a BETTER Billy Abbott then the last two. I was just warming up to David Tom as Billy again and then they yanked him, but I never warmed up to Burgess Jenkins. I see Jason Thompson taking Billy Abbott to new heights (if the soaps continue). I know with Jason Thompson that he can play multi-faceted and that is what we are getting. It will be good. Just give it some more time.
I agree the final scenes with Billy Miller and Michael Muhney were incredible. Billy Miller was so good at playing Billy Abbott because he was able to be charming and naughty yet be a good father. He bores me to tears on GH.
Hi Timmm – Yes, I agree that Jason Thompson is a great actor, and I will eventually adjust and love watching him on Y&R.
Chrystie – Wow! My roots are from L’Aquila… neighbors and hard headed. LOL 🙂
I was starting to warm up to David Tom too just before they yanked him. It was very sad to see them yank the original. I thought that Burgess did a good job playing the darer Billy. Billy Miller won 2 Emmys for Billy Abbott in 2010 & 2013. He was such a great Billy! Even though I think we need new writers at GH, I could watch Billy Miller anyday, regardless of the slow writing.
I love my soaps. Hoping for a turnaround. It is so nice to share with fellow soap friends. 🙂
HE’S A GOOD GUY AND DESERVES NOTHING BUT THE BEST. Y&R definitely hit the jackpot with him!
That was a cute little video. I am HOPING that Y&R will live on for years to come so that we can see Jason Thompson sink his teeth into the character of Billy Abbott. Billy has been on this merry-go-round for a few years now. He is kind of a loafer that does not have a steady job. One of the worst storylines was burning down Gloworm (thereby ejecting the fabulous Judith Chapman from our screens) in favor of that stupid On the Boulevard restaurant that Billy bought and then it just kind of disappeared.
Add to the fact that we used to have Victor refer to Billy as “Billy Boy” every once in awhile, but now it is just about every freaking scene. The time is WAY overdue to let Billy Mature into a gainfully employed father/brother/husband and stop with the gambling. Or if they are going to continue with the gambling then at least show him getting therapy for it otherwise Billy just becomes Sharon (who never heals) and Kevin (who never grows up). Y&R it is time for some character development!!
I agree Chrystie – (thereby ejecting the fabulous Judith Chapman from our screens). We also don’t get to see too much of Michael now either – very sad indeed! Y&R it is time for some character development!!
Jason Thompson is a fantastic multi faceted actor. He will make Billy his own and will be so memorable.
I agree with you, Michele. We all, I would think, had our doubts. Mine have been dispelled, after waiting and watching with trepidation. Jason’s reception has been positive, indeed. This proves that an actor/actress needs to connect with the audience, as do cast members. Jenkins did not….never would have, regardless how much he tried. Too languid for my taste…just my opinion.
Another character who needs to take a hike is Dr. Anderson. Now, I understand that her villainy does not help her much, however, even the most diabolical character, sometimes (Faison; Dr O) find a little place within us, if not our hearts. But, this Anderson woman offers nothing redeemable. Again, this is another nonsensical storyline, where the viewer is treated as an idiot. Why did Nick and Sage have to go through such lengths to delve into the doctor’s past? Golly Gee, in this day and age, where everyone’s life is public knowledge, they cannot find the doc’s maiden name? Ask Dylan…he’s a cop now, right? Ask Victor….the guy can swim both the Red and the Black Seas, reaching the other side hale and hardy……Victor can do anything; has the world at his disposal; he’s invincible ….C’mon!!!! I think Nick and Sage have bitten more than they can chew. Enough of this, please!!
He’s at the mercy of the worst head writer currently writing for daytime. Good luck Jason.