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
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.
Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.
When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Photo: ABC
LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES
Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.
In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.
“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS
Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.
Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”
The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”
So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
General Hospital
GH’s Kayden Brenna Tokarski Addresses ‘Positivity and Negativity’ That Has Come Her Way as She Embraces Playing Scout Cain

Kayden Brenna Tokarski took over the role of General Hospital’s Scout Cain from her predecessor Cosette Abinante on the July 20th episode of the ABC soap opera, when they decided to age-up Scout. Abinante has played the part since 2022.
Now, as the story has been unfolding, viewers are witnessing Scout’s journey and burgeoning teenage romance with Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) and the conflict she’s caught in the middle of between her brother, Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) and her father, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison).
Since Tokarski has arrived on the scene, Scout has shed many tears and been in the middle of some heavy emotional beats. On Sunday, October 4, Kayden Brenna Tokarksi took to her X account and dropped a video message to all General Hospital fans.

Photo: ABC
During her message, Kayden addressed how General Hospital has been handed down generations within her family and how she had watched the soap before having the incredible moment of actually becoming a cast member, plus fans positive and negative comments since her debut.
Here’s what Kayden expressed, “I just wanted to come on here and show my gratitude for General Hospital. It’s been the largest dream come true. Seriously, I’m pinching myself. Every single day I get to come to work, and work with the incredible cast and crew. My mom grew up watching with her mom and I watched with her. So it’s very full circle. It’s insane that this is my life. I wanted to give a huge shout out to Cosette who played Scout prior. Thank you for building such a beautiful foundation, and really large shoes to fill, but just such a phenomenal, brilliant actress and young woman, and I just wish you all the best.”
As Scout has grown in front of our eyes, Tokarski shared, “Thank you to everyone for your grace, welcome, and support as Scout is transitioning into a teenager and more. I have never been on a soap opera before, so as I’m navigating this new world, thank you. Thank you for all of the positivity and also negativity, because I don’t look at it as negativity. I look at it as a way to learn and grow and evolve because right now.”
Being on a soap opera is always a work in progress, for any actor who has never fully performed in the medium, it is like no other, with the pace and how it required the actors to make things work often without much rehearsal time. Kayden added, “I’m at a stage where I’m figuring out what works for me and what doesn’t. And if we take it too far, we’ll pull back. Don’t worry. Thanks for being in the ride with me, I hope you stick it out and keep watching General Hospital.”
You can check out Kayden’s video message to all General Hospital fans below.
Now let us know, have you been enjoying Kayden’s performance as the teenaged Scout? Do you appreciate her addressing her love of the show, plus how she hopes to continue evolve in the role? Drop a comment in the thread below.
A message to all the wonderful fans of #GeneralHospital 🙏🫶 #scoutcain https://t.co/ofXCTFcuNx
— Kayden Brenna Tokarski (@KaydenTokarski) October 4, 2026
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