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 !!
In what was one of the most tearjerker of episodes from The Young and the Restless in a long time, last week’s Tuesday, October 20th episode and its aftermath (for the rest of the week), gave viewers several standout moments by two of its leading men, Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott) and Mark Grossman (Adam Newman).
The story unraveled such that it played into the deep history between Billy and Adam that dates all the way back to when Billy’s daughter Deliah was struck by the car Adam was driving and died. The heart-tugging scenes following Billy and Sally’s (Courtney Hope) wedding, also played into the history of Adam and Sally.
As Y&R fans recall, Sally was carrying Adam’s child when she was rushed to surgery and their baby was stillborn. Fast-forward: When Billy received a gut-wrenching call from Snapper about his mother Jill (Jess Walton) having a heart attack in London during his wedding reception, he was beside himself and fighting back his tears.
Photo: JPI
Meanwhile, Sally was up in her room at the GCAC getting a visit from Adam when her water broke, and Adam was with her through the birth of her new little bundle of joy … a daughter.
When Billy finally made it up to Sally’s room, Adam was leaving to find him and the two come face-to-face! Sally tells Billy to come over to the bed to meet his daughter, leaving us with that heartbreaking shot of Adam with tears in his eyes at the door. A bittersweet moment, indeed.
Throughout the drama of the wedding reception, and the scenes that followed, Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman were given the opportunity to show their acting chops given the meaty material that was well-written and they broke our hearts.
Photo: JPI
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Special mentions also needs to go to Courtney Hope as the new Mrs. Abbott with mew baby in tow, and Billy Flynn (Cane), who along with Thompson had many reaching for the hankies when they learned about Jill.
The scenes between Billy and Cane were fueled with such history as the two “brothers” try to commiserate over what might happen if Jill were to die.
However, when all was said and done, it was Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman, who while not the OG Billy and Adam, brought their rivalry full circle, while each commanding the screen when the moment called for it.
Photo: JPI
That’s why, Michael Fairman TV names Jason and Mark are picks for the Power Performances of the Week.
In case you missed it, check out our livestream chat with Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope, right after Billy and Sally welcomed their new little bundle of joy on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Now let us know, do you agree with our picks of Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman for the Power Performances of the Week, or did you have another pick? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker
General Hospital introduced the character of Hudson Parker back on July 30, 2026 marking the first appearance of Troy Lennon Appel in the role.
Quickly, we learned there was some connection to Ethan Lovett, after Hudson tracked him down and beat up the guy, the potential that Hudson is the biological father to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) adopted daughter, Phoebe, and that he is now Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) right hand man at JJE.
On Sunday, October 25 in a brand new episode of the That’s Awesome Podcast with Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), the Stone Cold and the Jackal duo welcomed Troy Lennon Appel to the show to delve into his background, landing the role of Hudson, and what may come next in a teaser for upcoming episodes of GH.
Photo: ABC
A NEW CHARACTER CREATED JUST FOR TROY WAS THE TICKET TO PORT CHARLES
As it turned out, Troy revealed that he had actually auditioned for General Hospital on six different occasions before being cast as Hudson, the last audition being for the role of Joe Fitzpatrick that went to Jonathan Bennett.
Appel explained, “Every time I showed up (to audition), I was like, ‘All right, I gotta nail this because it’s General Hospital.‘ It was my sixth one where I auditioned for Joe Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Bennett’s character. That was last November. Then, it was February of this year when I came in for an in-person callback. My wife and I were just like, ‘You gotta nail this.’ I didn’t get that character. Obviously, Jonathan got that, but then, they created Hudson Parker for me. I’m shocked I’m even on this show right now!'”
The General Hospital newcomer was even more stoked when he realized that not only did the producers and writers create a role just for him, but that he was going on contract as a series regular.
Appel recalled, “All at once, they were like, ‘We’re going to offer you a three-year contract and we’re creating a character for you.’ It was just something you never expect to hear. I was on the phone and I just fell down to the ground. I went through the range of emotions you could have. I know I cried. I hyperventilated. I’ve never hyperventilated in my life. But now, I get to essentially live the dream I have.”
Photo: ABC
HUDSON AND JOSSLYN
Eden McCoy shares many a scene with Troy, and he gave her major kudos for getting him through the beginning weeks of his run as Hudson. “We did a chemistry test, together and I give her so much credit because obviously, she’s a pro. She’s been doing it for so long. I’ll do scenes with her where I’m like, ‘I got to just try to meet her where she’s at because she’s just so talented.'”
Troy added, “Eden took me under her wing, and just helped me out so much with understanding the process of all of this and even just knowing where to go, when, when to be where I need to be. I don’t know how I would be feeling if I didn’t have her always working with her and just helping me out the entire time.”
The mystery of just who this guy is will become clear in the weeks ahead as Appel revealed, “We actually just shot what Parker’s background is. Right now, I am the Vice President of Operations for JJE. I manager the company’s financials, essentially. But, there’s more to Hudson which we will eventually find out.” Getting the chance to mix it up with the cast, Troy added of Hudson, “He’s up to some stuff.”
Check out the full conversation with Troy Lennon Appel with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson below.
Now weigh-in: what do you think about Troy having a role specifically creating for him after 6 auditions for GH? What do you think will be revealed of Hudson’s background in the weeks to come? Do you want to see a Josslyn and Hudson pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital fan favorite Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall) will be making a rare public appearance teaming up with her longtime friend and former leading man, Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer), at a special fan event.
The announcement came from the stars on their social media accounts, but you can circle, Sunday, December 13, at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey as the spot to see Kelly and Greg at this meet and greet.
As General Hospital viewers know, Monaco spent 21 years as Sam McCall before being killed-off on the October 30, 2024 episode. Before that, she had become soap-famous for her dual roles as Livvie and Tess on the GH spinoff, Port Charles.
Photo: UncleVinnie’s
Vaughan is currently appearing on daytime’s newest soap opera in the recurring role of Dr. Kial Rollins, a role which he debuted back on December 8, 2025. Throughout his daytime career, Greg has appeared on The Young and the Restless (ex-Diego), Days of our Lives (ex-Eric) and as GH’s Lucky.
SAM AND LUCKY
It was back in 2007 that in story, Sam started pursuing Lucky (then played by Greg Vaughan) as a form of revenge against Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). Sam was furious after learning that Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) had a child with Elizabeth while Sam and Jason were broken up. That child was Jake. Eventually, Sam and Lucky became a hit with viewers and would continue to cross each other’s paths.
Uncle Vinnie’s comedy club took to their Instagram and shared, “The fans asked and we always deliver!!” Tickets going fast! Order on our website.”
In addition, Shanna Moakler, who is in a relationship with Vaughan, took to the comment thread and exclaimed, “My two favorite people.” Moakler and Monaco had previously announced in March of 2025 the start-up of their podcast called Bad Bunnies. It was expected to cover pop culture, personal stories, and Hollywood secrets.
Then, in July 2025, it was confirmed that Kelly Monaco would no longer be participating. At the time, she stepped away due to personal family matters, focusing on maintaining a private life, and new work commitments.
So, would you love to see Kelly and Greg together again? Happy to see that Kelly is making a public appearance for her fans? Let us know via the comment section below.
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