News
Jermaine Rivers Shares Parting Words as He Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Damian Kane
The life and times of Damian Kane (Jermaine Rivers) has come to an end on The Young and the Restless, when on today’s, July 14th episode of the CBS daytime drama seres, Cane (Billy Flynn) and Damian wound up both drugged, and then a mystery assailant threw a knife into Damian’s back and he wound up dead, thus ending the run of Jermaine Rivers.
In the beginning of his story, Damian was believed-to-be being played by Nathan Owens, only it was revealed he was only pretending to be Damian and his real name was Holden. Meanwhile, when the real Damian surfaced he reconnected with his mother, Amy Lewis (Valarie Pettiford) and half-brother, Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic), and was beginning a romance with Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) before his death.
After today’s episode aired, Rivers took to his account on X and posted his goodbyes in a video message, and accompanied the post with the sentiments, “Feeling Extremely Grateful for the opportunity to bring Damian Kane to life. Thank you to Josh Griffith and the rest of the Producers at Y&R and CBS for giving me this amazing opportunity to be a part of such an iconic show. Huge Thank You to fans who tuned in and showed love. You guys are Awesome!!! The Work Continues.”
Photo: JPI
In his video farewell, Rivers began with, “What an episode! Damian Kane has met an untimely demise. We shot this back in May, and I actually knew about Damian Kane’s fate before we even went to France (in story).”
Next, Jermaine talked on his journey in the role of Damian: “First off, I got to say thank you to Josh Griffith (executive producer and head writer, Y&R) for giving me this opportunity to bring Damian Kane to life. It has been an amazing ride. It’s been an honor to not only be a part of the cast but to bring a character like Damian to life. The last seven, eight months, I got to play a multitude of emotions to really flesh out who this person was, with all his complexities, with his relationship with his mom, with his half brother, his best friend, and potential love interest And we got to go on a ride and really play into these moments truthfully.”
Photo: JPI
Later, Rivers spoke on the duties of an actor when they take on a role: “Early on, I know there was a lot of mixed emotions about who Damian Kane was. Based off how he came into Genoa City: the mystery, the air, the arrogance, which was very intentional. As an actor, my prime objective is to do three things. To be of service to the scripts; to the text that’s actually written for the character and his relationships with other characters on the show. To be of service to my fellow actors, to not phone anything in, and to really engage and be honest and truthful and make a genuine connection; bring out the best of that person that’s in front of me or around me, to be of service to the overall story. And the task that I had coming in, the reason I was cast (was) to do service to the storyline. Because at the end of the day, guys, it’s not about me. It’s not about one person on the show; it’s about the collective.”
Photo: JPI
“Bearing that in mind. I’m just grateful to have been able to play a role on the show, to be a part of the cast” continued Jermaine. “And no matter how long or how brief it is, at the end of the day, as an actor, that’s my job to come in and play the role that I was cast. And when it’s time to go, it’s time to go. And it’s time to go do something somewhere else.”
Rivers gave kudos to Y&R casting director, Greg Salmon for the gig, “I know with our conversations early on, he (Greg) told me how grueling that process was of trying to find the right Damian. I believe he said that process started last July, and I got a chance to swing at that role in November. So from July to November, they still hadn’t nailed it down. And when I got that last-minute request to read for the role on a Sunday … apparently, you guys saw something in me that resonated. So. thank you.”
Jermaine then related he already has his next project lined-up, “I’m physically, mentally getting ready to do something super fun in the sci-fi genre. But I’ll tell you, I loved every minute of showing up to CBS studios on soundstage 41 and 43, getting to play alongside some incredible, talented actors.”
Photo: JPI
In closing, Rivers thanked Y&R’s loyal fans,”Thank you for the fans who tuned in, who’s always committed and invested in the storyline that’s being played out day after day. So yeah, I’m gonna close this one out, with light, love, and gratitude in my heart. I’ll see y’all on the next one. The show must go on. Peace and love.”
So, how do you feel about Y&R killing off the character of Damian Kane thus ending the run of Jermaine Rivers? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Feeling Extremely Grateful for the opportunity to bring Damian Kane to life. Thank you to Josh Griffith and the rest of the Producers at Y&R and CBS for giving me this amazing opportunity to be a part of such an iconic show. Huge Thank You to fans who tuned in and showed love.… pic.twitter.com/NatUWU5qe4
— Jermaine Rivers (@JermaineRivers) July 14, 2025
Beyond the Gates??? casting call!!!
Please, NO!
I really liked Damien, thought he was excellent in his role. So sorry he has been terminated, he made everything interesting. Going to miss him terribly!!! Wish him the very best of everything that life has to offer.
Dottie, do you realize what you are spewing? What is your issue with people of color? Don’t they have the right to make a living just like you? This talented young man could be successful wherever he lands next. If it’s Beyond the Gates, I am sure he would be utilized better than he was on Y&R. I was going to post something entirely different, but then I ran across this foolishness presented by you. You are offensive and I think you know that. To say nothing, means I am adding to the problem of racism. So Dottie, wake up! It is the 21st century and EVERYONE has the right to be who they are, achieve success and to find happiness. People with your mindset can’t stop that! Have a blessed day.
My, this was unexpected. And unwanted.
If this real, then once again, Y&R had a terrific actor portraying a character with long term potential and they throw it all away, on a “shocking twist” that will end up being a nothing burger. Yes, everyone there will be a suspect, but we already know the “butler” did it– or in this case Carter.
Now if this is the old “fake” soap death– then he will be back again and we will find out that Cain and/ or Carter planned this whole thing where the drug in the booze made it look like he was dead, but he wasn’t. Then it will be revealed that Damien had been locked up the entire time from his “death” to being discovered still alive.
But whether dead dead or will be back dead, this whole storyline, has as much mystery and intrigue to it as a Scooby Doo Saturday morning cartoon.
Stinks – Too bad! I liked the character. I guess this leads Lily back to Cane unless this is something to throw us off.
Why put him in the opening sequence only to turn around and fire him less than a year into his contract? This was utterly stupid and dumb. I really liked Jermaine Rivers as Damian.
Once again, YR’s brass completely fucked this one up.
If there ever was a category entitled : Biggest Waste of Talent….Y&R would win this category hands down and we still have 5 months left in the year.
Really enjoyed him and thought he was he the perfect addition to the Winters clan. He and Lily could ve been a big deal. Talented actor, mature, thevwhole package!
Josh Griffith did him dirty.
Damien even had a supporting clan around him aside from the Winters with Amy and Holden! Looks like Josh Griffith cut him to make room for Cane
Absolutely agree with this entire post!
This soap is just wasting our time and the talent of the actors.
Can someone please explain writing this character out ! What in the world is going on and yandr
So they go to the trouble to create a brother for Nate and bring in a step-mother of sorts, why? This is so so boring – the “words” from the characters the last 4 days have been the same…
By the way – I DVR and fast speed through – trying to weed my way off the show. The other fast forward – Mariah and the pillow? Leave everyone on the island and bring back all of the unseen “children” now adults – so there are some YOUNG to be Restless,
Where do I start? First off, he’s Amy’s son and they just reconnected after all these years of being apart. That alone has me scratching my head as to why they would tell that story if they were going to shift the character off the canvas. The same thing goes for teaming him up with Lily. There’s definitely more to this….
We had nearly 6 months of mind-numbingly boring story with a bunch of newcomers in this story on our screens.
Nate is not exactly a character who has sparked much interest over the years. Trying to build a whole new family and cast of supporting characters around him and take up major airtime was a major miscalculation. Definite fast forward material.
Just when all the dust was starting to settle and fans were warming up to Damian, now this.
Personally, I dont care one way or the other. I like the intrigue of this storyline … but that’s because most of the vets are involved.
I like Billy Flynn from Days although I am completely baffled by him being cast as Cain. Both from the actor and character standpoint, it just doesn’t make sense to me. Sometimes bizarre recasts are very successful and I do hope this is one of them.
Perhaps, Lilly is carrying Damian’s baby—he will live on?? I think the killer’s target was Cane—Unless Damien has/had enemies from a past life of crime?
I’M VERY UPSET THAT HE IS LEAVING ALREADY, WERE THE STORY IN THAT. WHAT IT’S BEEN LIKE THREE OR FOUR MONTHS. I’M MAD AS HELL. DON’T MAKE ME STOP WATCHING YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.
I feel Jermaine was cut to help pay for Billy Flynn’s salary. Even the recurrents except Tessa haven’t been on much. Her daily rate would be much lower than the actresses playing Ashley and Traci. As we know, Traci and Alan’s story was cut abruptly. Ashley hasn’t had a story since last year. And Lauren is rarely on.
Also, the initial reaction to Damian wasn’t positive. But that has changed recently. But the writers may have decided to cut him based on the initial reaction.
Is Billy Flynn supposed to be an Alist actor who warrants a large salary?
I am heart broken! I really wanted Lily’s character to find true love! She (the character) has experienced enough disappointment and heart ache! Damian’s character will be missed! I also feel sadness for his mom’s character!
First and foremost, Y&R needs a new writer and new EP. Second, Y&R needs to bring Victoria Rowell back either as writer, EP or as Drucilla, the Winters family needs a strong leader. I’d love to see the return of the Rosales family….Arturo, Mia and Celeste. Mia was an awesome character. Mia, could have been a modern day Jill Foster. There was interaction between Mia and Nikki that was reminiscent of Jill and Catherine and there was so much potential there.
I’m elated that Bill y Flynn has joined the cast! Now, please do a good job with him, writers! I loved him as Chad on Days of Our Lives1 Welcome to Young and the Restless!
Ok, after today episode (July 18th), I don’t know what to say about this show! The trip to France that never ends, Kyle and Audra, he’s an idiot! Sharon acting like she is on something and Billy Flynn who is a good actor and I loved him on DAYS, but I’m not buying him as Cane. Josh Griffith is not the man to lead Y&R. You have characters acting out of character, storylines that are not catching the attention the viewers: (Mariah/Tessa/Daniel) and even though I like Laura Lee Bell, Danny and Christine are a snoozefest! I thought GH was bad, but these two are in competition!
Finally, found a perfect partner for Lily and Bell removes him. So disappointed. Just like the fabulous Hope and Thomas. Still shoving Brooke and Rodge down our throats !!
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.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
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Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
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Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
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WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
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