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Jason Thompson Talks With ET Canada About His New Y&R Gig, Playing Billy Abbott, and Upcoming Fatherhood!

Courtesy/ETCanada

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!

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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.

General Hospital

Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine

Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.

In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.

Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”

Photo: ABC

Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.

Photo: ABC

The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.

So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Arianne Zucker Reveals Her Last Days of our Lives Airdate

Arianne Zucker, who is no longer on contract with Days of our Lives, and involved in a lawsuit against the show, took to her You Tube channel and in her latest episode, and offered up what she believes is her final airdate as Nicole Walker DiMera.

The actress expressed: “I was really appreciative of the amount of support that I have had since leaving Days of our Lives.” She then added,  “My last airdate, I think, it’s July 29th and we’ll see how things go after that.”

Zucker went on to say how she has continued to receive overwhelming support since suing her former employer, Corday Productions, with the allegations that former Co-EP Albert Alarr sexually harassed her and other females at the show, and that the production company entity did not respond sufficiently and adequately.

Photo: JPI

After lodging her complaints, Zucker said her agents received two notices that Corday Productions were reducing her pay before her character was ultimately written off.  Zucker’s contract expired in January and since DAYS tapes over six months ahead it brings her final airdate, which as of now, to the end of July. Zucker is suing for harassment, discrimination, retaliation, negligent hiring and supervision, and wrongful termination among other claims.

Previously, Corday Productions issued this statement on Zucker’s claims: “The allegations in Ms. Zucker’s lawsuit are without merit. Corday Productions, offered to renew Ms. Zucker’s contract including offering her a pay increase. Rejecting Ms. Zucker’s counteroffer does not constitute retaliation. Complaints about Mr. Alarr’s on-set behavior were promptly investigated. Corday Productions fully cooperated with the impartial investigation and subsequently terminated Mr. Alarr.”

On her You Tube channel, Arianne went on to thank everyone who came out to the east coast fan event last weekend that featured several DAYS stars. She expressed, “My whole goal is to really help people stand up for themselves.” Arianne also shared she thinks it’s important for people who have gone through trauma to help each other through it.

Photo: JPI

On DAYS, Nicole is still in the dark that Sloan (Jessica Serfaty) is raising her child, Jude, with Eric (Greg Vaughan), and Eric also doesn’t know that he is raising his biological son. Will Eric and Nicole reunite and will Nicole find out what Sloan, Melinda and Leo (Greg Rikaart) have been hiding for months, before she exits the show? Stay tuned. There has been on official confirmation from DAYS that July 29th is Zucker’s final airdate.

You can check out Ari’s latest episode from her You Tube Channel below.

Now let us know, do you think somehow DAYS and Arianne will work these out and she will somehow be back on the show? What do you think Nicole’s exit will look like? Do you think they will recast? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Breaking News

REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital

For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.

According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).

Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.

Photo: ABC

After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared,  “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”

In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.

Photo: ABC

TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.

Photo: ABC

The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.

No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.

So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.

 

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