Interviews
Jonathan Jackson Talks Avery’s Love Quandary, Saying Goodbye To ‘Nashville’ & If He Would Return To General Hospital

With just three weeks before the series finale of CMT’s Nashville, Avery Barkley (Jonathan Jackson) finds himself in a major conundrum. The woman he has loved and had a child with, Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panetierre) has returned home after escaping a cult compound, just as Avery has opened himself up to the start of a new relationship with Alannah (Rainee Blake). After not hearing from Juliette, added to the many times he felt she abandoned him and their child, will a betrayed and hurt Avery want to find a way to patch up their relationship … or try to keep Alannah by his side?
Michael Fairman TV chatted with five-time Daytime Emmy winner, Jonathan Jackson to get the lowdown on what transpired over the last few episodes and how it may end for Avery, as we inch closer and closer to having to say farewell to the Music City drama.
Since Nashville wrapped its sixth and final season a few months back, General Hospital fans have been wondering and hoping, if now is the time that Jackson would return to his role as the beloved Lucky Spencer, the son of Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis). Jackson originated the role in 1993 and stayed with the series till 1999. He next returned in 2009 for a few years, then left again, and was cast on Nashville. Jonathan made a special return in 2015 to appear in a storyline that reunited him on-screen with Geary one final time, before the soap icon retired from the show. In this interview, Jackson addresses a return, some of his favorite moments of all-time on GH, what he learned from Tony and Genie, and more.
Those that follow Jackson are aware that his talent knows no bounds. He is also focused on his music career, and his band Enation, which has been building on its success, playing recent sold out shows in Europe, while Jackson also had been on the final Nashville tour performing with the cast. So, buckle up! The next step in Jackson’s career will be one to watch. Now, check out our insightful and heartfelt conversation below.
Avery is caught in a compromising position by Juliette, when she walks in while Avery is making out with Alannah, who has just has taken her top off. What goes on in Avery’s mind at that point? Is it, “Oh, no! I’m busted!” (Laughs)
JONATHAN: It’s all sorts of things. There is the visceral reaction, and then in his mind trying to figure what to do. It’s sort of awkward, because they are in her house and her photos are everywhere (Laughs). However clumsily and strange it is, he is trying to move on and get a life together with someone, and yet deep down he still has feeling for Juliette, which is mixed with anger and all of that. He is having all different confusing conflicting emotions, all at the same time, and for Alannah as well. It’s kind of a mess!

Courtesy/CMT
By the end of this week’s episode, viewers saw Avery and Juliette start to talk, with Avery letting her know just how he feels about her leaving him, and that he has decided to move out. All Juliette is asking is that he keeps talking to her. As Nashville moves toward its conclusion, the big question for the character of Avery will be … who is he going to end up with, if anyone? I would assume many longtime fans would be rooting for Avery and Juliette, because they have gone through so much together.
JONATHAN: Yes. However, I have been receiving messages from fans, and talking to fans on tour, and they are slightly conflicted, too. There is a lot of love for Avery and Juliette, but there is also frustration around the whole thing, and that they want Avery to move on and be happy.

Courtesy/CMT
Where is Avery at with his relationship with Alannah? He was getting close to her, and now she is attempting to put distance between them since Juliette resurfaced.
JONATHAN: It’s difficult to pinpoint where Avery is at right at this moment. There is a lot going on, and a lot of it is rooted in the fact that he went to Bolivia to try and bring Juliette home, and when she refused him that was so devastating for him. The Alannah relationship snuck up on him. In some sense his heart is still attached to Juliette, but his mind is telling him it’s over, and that she is gone. Avery and Alannah are connected to each other on a certain level. It surprised both of them. I think he has genuine feelings for her, but it’s also him pushing himself to move on from Juliette, which is something he has not been able to do.
Without Alannah, the band flounders with Gunnar (Sam Palladio) and Avery, and then there is the health situation with Will (Chris Carmack). Alannah’s presence really put a kink in Gunnar and Avery’s friendship. She stared out with one guy, and was on her way to being with another.
JONATHAN: Gunnar and Avery are really good friends and care about each other a lot, and it is certainly an awkward moment in their friendship. In terms of the band, they lose Will who has been through this health crisis, and then Alannah. The music components are kind of imploding and they are just trying to hold on to their friendship, and not have that implode along with the band.

Courtesy/CMT
Brad (Jeff Nordling) is making advances towards Alannah, and she originally tells Avery about it. What does he think of the situation? Now, she may do whatever Jeff wants her to do to get ahead in the music biz, since Juliette came back into Avery’s life.
JONATHAN: I think Avery is trying to be supportive of Alannah. It was a little bit of a blow for her to leave the band, but he generally wants to support her. Avery has this instinct to be protective, as well. He kind of has to hold himself back a little bit and not complain too much. He knows Alannah is an independent person, and may not want his help. With the situation with Brad, Avery is aware of it, but she is walking into that in her own way. It’s a moment for Avery to sort of step back and trust her that this is how she wants to go about her career.
Did you know Rainee Blake was going to be your potential love interest this season? Did you screen-test with her?
JONATHAN: We did not screen-test together. I think relatively earlier on I heard that this might happen, but it is one of those things were you never really know. Often times, the writers and the producers bide their time and see how things develop as a couple, and how the audience responds to the on-screen chemistry. You never really know if it’s going to materialize. I actually did like how Avery and Alannah started to connect on the tour bus several episodes ago. The audience got a tease of a different side of Alannah, and Avery kind of brought that out. Rainee was great to work with.

Courtesy/CMT
You have gotten the opportunity as Avery to tug on the heartstrings, as a dad raising his little girl, Cadence, all by himself, with a the runaway mother who never shows up. How was the journey working with Hayden Panetierre? You two had to battle, bicker, fight, and had to play all these ups and downs together to make the story work over many seasons of Nashville.
JONATHAN: It was really amazing, and for me that is one of the things I will miss most about working on the show, and that is working with Hayden. It’s such an interesting thing when you work with people for so many years, and all of the emotional ups and downs that the characters go through. Often times, we would be doing a lot of intense and emotional scenes, but for whatever reason, we would find a way to have a lot of fun and find the humor when we are doing those. I have a lot of love and respect for Hayden. I think she is incredibly talented. We both started off in soap operas (Hayden was Lizzie on Guiding Light) and thus had a certain approach to our work, and our work ethic. For me, it’s always a highlight in my career when I get to work with somebody that the scene is already great, because of the person you are working with. We would constantly share ideas back and forth between us. The thing about working on Nashville was the friendships we developed in the cast, especially going on tour with the cast and to experience all of that with everybody else.

Courtesy/CMT
What happened when you found out that this sixth and final season of Nashville would be its last? Did you have any idea that this was coming down the pike when you wrapped season 5?
JONATHAN: No. I don’t think anybody knew when we wrapped season 5. We did not know till right before everybody else that this was going to be the last season. We were in production maybe halfway through season 6. I think that it helped having that time to adjust, and it gave us some time for reflection. It really did help in a sense, because you know other shows they might wrap a month, or two later, and it’s over. You don’t get to say goodbye, but we really did. We got to say our goodbyes.

Courtesy/CMT
I can imagine that was heartbreaking. When you think of the rollercoaster ride you and the cast had been through together which included: the cancellation by ABC, then the show coming back on CMT, only for it to be cancelled again, it’s quite a lot to deal with and not knowing if there is job security. Do you recall your last day on the set?
JONATHAN: I do remember it very well. There were a lot of beautiful moments with people, and having so much love for the crew and so many amazing people that worked on the show. We wrapped on April 10th and then we flew to the U.K. on the 12th It was two days later that the tour started. Even though filming was over, we were on a plane and then on a bus together, which was really good for all of us. I know it was for me to have another ending. In some ways, the end of the tour was even more emotional, because that really felt it was the end.

Photo Credit: CMT
Do you think there were more stories to tell on Nashville … or, do you think the series is going off the air when it should, as the stories can tend to get repetitive on any long-running series? Do you think this was the right time for Nashville to say goodbye?
JONATHAN: I don’t know how other people’s perspectives are about it, but I know from my perspective, I think we told the story that was there to be told for these characters. That is sort of the bittersweet reality of it. It’s painful to say goodbye to a lot of people that I had become very close to, but at the same time, there was a sense of peace about it. It really did feel like the right time.
What can you say tease about how Nashville concludes? The series finale airs on July 26.
JONATHAN: One of the hardest things about being in a long form series; whether it be in the primetime format, or the daytime format, is often times the lack of resolution that takes place. You are pertually in Act 2 and in all the drama. So, knowing that the show was over, allowed the writers to approach everything from the perspective of the end, and Act 3. Certain storylines have resolution, and others are left open-ended. There is a good overall balance from the writers of what the audience is going to experience with the end of the show.

Courtesy/ABC
I produced the General Hospital 55th anniversary tribute package for this year’s Daytime Emmys. I remember looking at some of your storylines and touching performances all over again that still hold up to this day. One in particular was Lucky pulling tough love on Luke (Tony Geary) during his father’s intervention. Lucky is such a valuable character on the canvas. Would you consider going back to GH?
JONATHAN: My perspective on that is; I don’t really put that off the table. I really don’t have plans to do that, because after coming off six years on a series, that is a lot. I am definitely looking for other projects that have an Act 1, 2, and 3, that happen a little sooner than Nashville did. I always have going back to GH on the table, because it’s like a family for me. I have always said that that even when I left in the 90’s; that GH would be something I would come back to. But, I am very committed and excited about what is happening with Enation, and excited about some other projects that are out there on the acting front. I don’t see going back to GH in the near future, but I never write it off.
When you last returned you did come back to be part of Tony Geary’s exit.
JONATHAN: Yes, yes, which I was really happy to be a part of.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Still years later, when you think of all the stories you portrayed as Lucky, is there one, or two that stand out to you among the rest?
JONATHAN: There are many. There were a lot of stories, and the writers wrote so much material, and that is a double-edged sword. It’s great to have, but it was so much that I really couldn’t continue. (Laughs)

Photo Credit: ABC
I remember saying to you years ago, “You cry so well on camera. They are going to keep expecting you to cry, and they will be throwing scripts like that to you every day!”
JONATHAN: And that is exactly what happened! But for me, it’s the moments with the co-stars that I will always carry with me. There are endless ones in my memory with Tony Geary. “The intervention” was certainly one of those moments. I had those moments as well with Tyler Christopher (Ex-Nikolas, now Stefan, DAYS), and Becky Herbst (Elizabeth). I remember having these scenes with Maurice Benard (Sonny) when scenes on the soaps were much longer. And of course, earlier on, with Genie Francis (Laura) as well. I feel like as an artist, I was really formed by Tony and Genie’s presence and observing them and watching how they worked. I asked so many questions to them as I really wanted to learn. They really protected me in so many ways, and yet gave me the freedom to try to find my own way through a whole process as well. Those are the things that really jump out at me, as well as working through the scenes prior to filming, especially with Tony. He and I would go pretty deep with what we were trying to figure out; what the scenes were, and what they were about, and how to approach it. That part of the process was really memorable to me. The unique thing I think in this industry for me was that I started at 11-years-old and got to come back to the show in my mid-20’s, and got to have that connection with another actor, and explore this father and son relationship.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios
I don’t think, and I really mean this, that there has been a father/son relationship on television like Luke and Lucky’s. It was so multi-faceted. Have you stayed in touch with Tony?
JONATHAN: We definitely stay in touch. Again, when I left General Hospital, I did not know if anything like that would happen again in my career where I would form sort of long-lasting friendships with people. Most of the time you do a film and you get to know some people, and you go your separate ways, and that’s just how it is. So I was really grateful for Nashville, because I feel like we were able to have those long-lasting relationships. I can’t really put into words my relationship with Tony. It’s just a lot of love and gratitude, and respect that I have for him.

Courtesy/JJacksonInstagram
Meanwhile, your music career is very exciting of late. Last month, you played the Royal Albert Hall in London with your band, Enation. How was that experience?
JONATHAN: It was amazing. I went overseas with the Nashville tour and then Enation did a couple of shows, and then we opened for Echo & the Bunnymen. The last gig on that tour was at Royal Albert Hall. I have loved Echo & the Bunnymen for such a long time, and so this was wonderful for us.
Will Enation be touring more coming up?
JONATHAN: We are looking to go back to Europe later this year, or the spring of next year, and are working out those details. We are going to be touring in the United States later on this year.

Photo: JJacksonInstagram
Did your wife Lisa (Ex-Hannah, GH) meet up with you on this recent European tour?
JONATHAN: The Nashville tour ended in Ireland, and then my wife and kids came over for the last two shows there. Then, got to go around Ireland for a couple of weeks and drive around, and it was fun.
Did you notice a difference between the European music fans of Nashville as opposed to those in the U.S.?
JONATHAN: Yes, and no. One of the things I have noticed playing over there is that the distinction in musical genres isn’t quite as a sharp as it is in the U.S. Over there, the radio seems to play a lot different kinds of music. So, it was a pretty seamless transition for a lot of the people that came to the Nashville show. We see a slight difference in the music fan base, and it mainly has to do with that they may go to a country show one week, and a couple of weeks later go to a rock concert, and not think twice about the genre. It’s just they are looking for good music.

Courtesy/JJacksonInstagramm
Hard to believe we are turning the page on another great character played by Jonathan Jackson as Nashville heads towards its finale. What would you like to say to the fans, the #Nashies, who have loved, and have stuck with show every step of the way?
JONATHAN: Just a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for all the support, especially when the show was cancelled. CMT saw the enthusiasm and support from the fans here and internationally, and that was a huge part for us to be able to get the last few seasons. It has really meant a lot to us creatively to write that 3rd act, sort of speak, and have that sense of closure. I also would just say to the fans that have come out to the Nashville concerts as well, that it has meant so much. We feel like we have had some beautiful moments with everybody, and so I am very grateful for that.
So, what do you think will happen to Avery at the end of Nashville? Do you want him to end up with Juliette, Alannah, or by himself? Should GH try to lure Jonathan back to the his role as Lucky Spencer? Comment below!
He is better off staying away from GH…doubt the would write for him anyway..GH is becoming a whole new soap…may as well write out the entire Spencer family…once Lulu is gone like her or not FV will have room for even more newbies-new character refresh the soaps and are needed but this soap goes overboard and alienates many of us long time fans…i get you got to attract younger viewers to keep the show going for many more years but you dont anger the viewers you got at the moment-plenty of room to tell stories for all ages…Prediction if FV and writers do not turn this soap around it will be cancelled in 2020!!!
I have the same thoughts you have, Jim.
I agree with you. I have been watching GH for 40 years. TBTB are not good to fans or vets. I LOVE JJ but the show would not do him justice with the writing. He is too talented. He won’t come back.
Bobby, Carly and Lucas are Spencer’s as well.
I actually meant Laura’s immediate family and not inlaws
Excellent post, Jimh! It’s true; they do need (and should) bring in younger characters but not at the expense (literally and figuratively) of losing our GH vets! They have gotten rid of so many…I think the “mature” actors should get together and publicly “question” why that is.
You know i watch Coronation Street-a very successful British soap…it features characters of different age groups…yound, middle-aged and older…something for everyone-our soaps should be more like that..well, Y&R does(and uses most of its vets while mixing in younger characters) and why it remains number one!!!!
Funny; that’s the one I don’t watch. Tuned in for a bit to see Justin Hartley and Jason Thompson but didn’t keep up with it. I got hooked on Days and B&B in the last, maybe, two years? Something like that. Like them both. Since I’ve only watched them a short time I don’t know if they weeded out older characters.
As for GH, it’s never going to be what it was; just too many characters and the actors that played them gone. When I see the old clips a tide of nostalgia washes over me. But, it is what it is. I’m still glad GH is on the air and get into what we do have left. It’ll be a sad day when the curtain comes down.
The show has been decimated. Jonathan is better off staying far away from Port Charles.
Thanks for the great interview with Jonathan!
COME BACK TO GH
I have loved him on both shows, playing such different parts, and would love to have him back on GH.’I wish him well, in whatever he decides to do.
I also remember watching Hayden as a little girl on GL, with her mass of curly blonde hair.
I have so enjoyed Nashville. Could not watch for a while after Rayna died, but am glad I started again,to see it to the end. I loved all the characters too numerous to mention, especially Deacon, Scarlett and the girls. A wonderful bonus having Ronny Cox towards the end. I’ve missed seeing him over the years, and this father, son relationship brought some tears. Wonderful cast, will miss the show.
Speaking of Nashville and GH…did anyone else think Deacon’s father reminded them of Mike, Sonny’s father?
I would Love to see Jonathan back on GH but that would be Selfish on my part. Only 1 Spencer left.I do have to say the one scene that Tony Geary ( Luke ) did. When he thought Lucky died. He said ” I thought I taught my Son everything, but I forgot to tell him to blow out candles. The Spencer’s will always have a place in my Heart.Which has been over 40+ Years. Looking for to hearing his band❤
JJ is a wonderful actor! My hope for “Avery” is he stays with Juliette 2.0 (lol…she does seem chill after the Columbia experience) especially now that she is pregnant…and they live happily ever after……. And Scene….
I had no idea Nashville kept going after ABC cancelled it. I would have been watching ! What station is CMT ? Is it on in Los Angeles I have Direct TV? I loved Jonathan Jackson as Avery and loved him as Lucky . Had no idea he had a band . Only time I listened to country music and enjoyed it was on Nashville and cross over country on pop stations . Would love to see finale . Last time I saw it the plane Juliette was on blew up I thought she had died . What happened how did she survive that ? Can I find the seasons I missed somewhere ?
You should be able to see the last 2 seasons on Hulu or buy them from iTunes. Nashville is on CMT on Thursday nights at 9 Pacific. You can find out more about the band at enationhq.com.
Try 327 or call your cable company. Not sure if they’ll still be showing it or if you’ll have to pay. Sometimes when series end they charge; depends on the company running it. At some point it’ll probably go to DVD and you can take it out of the library.
I agree with you Michael. The father son relationship between Luke & Lucky was daytime’s best. But sadly they burned everything we loved about Luke to the ground when he became a nihilistic ass. They even ruined Lucky for me too when he told Elizabeth he missed the battered girl he found crawling from the bushes & when he told her her children would grown up to hate her.
I have no desire to see either character again.
I don’t think Jonathan Jackson will ever come back to GH permanently , but may pop up now and then. He has done so much with his music and other gigs. Personally, I think “Avery” should be on his own for awhile before he figures out what direction his life should go ( Cadence will be with him or shared custody with Juliette).
I have always loved Jonathan Jackson’s character, Lucky. He played multi-levels of complexity with such ease, beginning in 1993 with making his way back to Port Charles, alone, after leaving Canada, and then reuniting with Luke and Laura. And, one early storyline had him and Emily selling composting worms to Lila Quartermaine. It was so sweet. And, then there was the amazing sensitivity that he showed Elizabeth when she was raped; sleeping on her bedroom floor so that she would feel safe. However, I have to agree with Jimh, unless the writers can really step up their game, I’m afraid that his character would be ‘dumbed’ down and we would not see his incredible acting chops being showcased. As much as I would love to see him return, I think he’s miles above the current capabilities of GH’s writing team.
I wish he would go back to GH. But he doesn’t I still think it’s time for Lucky to come home even if someone else plays the part. And bring back Ethan too. Lulu needs her brothers.
As a huge fan of Jonathan’s it would be crazy not to want him back as Lucky on GH because he is magic!! But I also just want him to find fulfilling work for himself. Broadway…. with that voice….enough said!!!
He was a great little actor his time has come and gone the Spencer family has been dissolved ! Now did George Hamilton really show up selling chicken ??! We have gone to the bottom of the barrel
I want Avery and Juliette to get back together and have the baby that she is pregnant with . And I want Avery and Juliette be inlove together with there daughter that they have together and the baby that Juliette has in her stomach . Avery can not leave Juliette . Jonathan Jackson aka Avery has to stay with Juliette with their daughter Cadence and the new baby and the 4 of them living together happy in love with each other asp a family forever and forever
I think an appearance by Jonathan Jackson on GH.and reacuring role like Diane would be a good compromise.He could be free to pursue his music and other intrests at the same time.
Never say never but he has his wings. Its like Justin Hartley, he is so much above and beyond daytime now, its probably going to be a no. If GH were to leave the air and all the Spencers reunited I could see JJ returning for that because of all the love and respect he has for Mr. Geary.
Mr Geary last appearance I thought it was Carol Channing let sleeping dogs lie! Remember the good times and let it go I think JJ was a outstanding actor on his youth I think he is a kind and gentle soul
But never come back never this show like all the others have wonderful moments but with the revolving door of writers I use that term reluctantly its time to close the door
I think that Netflix needs to pick up Nashville – such a good show, will miss all of the characters.
I think & hope Avery & Juliette can work things out & stay together.they are a cute & great couple together!
I hope jonathan and juliet get back together
In would like him to end up with Juliette and use their farm n music to help others n notnget back on the wheel of chaos they love each other .. Avery n deacon are truly gifted actors and I look forward to their music n acting careers wish them both and the whole cast all the best ☹️❤️
Days Of Our Lives
INTERVIEW: Jackie Cox Talks On Latest Return to DAYS, An Offer for Dimitri, and Life as a Performer In and Out of Drag

On the Monday, December 4th episode of Peacock’s Days of our Lives, Jackie Cox is back and hell hath no fury like a drag queen scorned! With revenge the order of the day on Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart), Darius Rose (Cox out of drag) arrives in Salem with a plan.
As Dimitri (Peter Porte) is about to turn himself into the authorities to save Leo’s skin, Darius gives Von Leuschner a talking to; letting him know that Leo deserves to rot away in prison, and so, to help Dimitri out of town, Darius has a tempting, and yet outlandish way to do just that!
Cox first appeared on Days of our Lives during the limited-series Beyond Salem in 2021 and then on to the mothership in 2022. The drag artist and Rupaul Drag Race alum took time out from his busy touring schedule of his holiday show, Jackie and Jan’s Jingle Jam (coming to a town near you), to speak with Michael Fairman TV all about his recent return to the long-running soap opera, playing ‘soapy’ versions of Jackie/Darius, and if there’s more story to come.
In addition, Jackie talks on the often misperceptions of the art of drag and drag performers, working with his DAYS co-stars since first appearing on the series including: Rikaart, Porte, Billy Flynn (Chad AKA Belinda Chinashop), and much more. Check out our chat with the incomparable Jackie below.

Photo: JPI
You get asked back to DAYS, once again. Were you shocked that you got the call to return?
JACKIE: You know, what’s so funny is ever since my appearance on Beyond Salem a couple years ago, the fans kind of picked up on this little connection with me and Leo. Which then, Ron Carlivati (head writer, Days of our Lives) kind of expanded into my storyline last year where I came and broke up Leo’s wedding with Dr. Craig Wesley (Kevin Spirtas). What’s amazing is the DAYS fans now think they have seen me in places in the story that I’m not. Like, I was one of the prime suspects for the murder of Abigail DiMera, or I’m somehow helping Leo with other things. (Laughs) The fans have amazing imaginations of their own. I think Ron and the team picked up on that a little bit and have kind of found different ways to work me back into the storyline, which is so cool. I’m there, even when I’m not. That’s so fun for me.

Photo: JPI
As viewers saw on Monday’s episode, you are not in scenes with Greg Rikaart but Peter Porte. Was that a surprise for you coming back to tape a new episode?
JACKIE: When they called me to come back, I thought I’d be working with Greg again as I have been very much a part of his storyline. However, it was really fun working with Peter, because we didn’t get to work together much on Beyond Salem, even though we were both there. It was fun to kind of like build a connection to Dimitri, because I think that’s such an interesting character.
Were you ever a fan of Days of our Lives before you were even on it?
JACKIE: I would pop in and out when I was a kid when I was homesick. My mom would let me watch a little bit. So, I remember the Stefano of it all, and Hope, and all of those storylines are still in my ether somewhere from when I was young. Coming into it now, and to see where the storylines have expanded into even more is great. The world is bigger now than maybe it was in the nineties. So, the fact that you have a drag queen dealing with an immigration problem, and getting back at her ex, I think is so wild to me. I couldn’t imagine that kind of a storyline happening back then, but it’s so cool to see now.
DAYS, at times, had shown a lot of forward-thinking to its audience that I don’t think you’d necessarily see on the other current soaps. The way they’ve had you, and other gay, or sexually-fluid characters or romances, or introduced drag into the storylines – all these things they had implemented along the way to make the soap, in its current form, a little more progressive leaning. They are also not on network TV anymore, but on a streaming platform, which gives this most likely an assist, as well.
JACKIE: What I love about it is, sometimes people just don’t think that we exist. You know what I mean? Maybe drag queens are something they just heard about and they don’t know what we are. I think what’s great is this character is me in my real life. I am Jackie Cox. I am a drag performer who goes around the country to different places and performs and stuff. So, for that to also be my character, it’s not like, “Why is she a drag queen?” It’s like, “Well, that’s just who she is.” I just happen to be there and I know that the daytime audience is so diverse. I love that they get to just see a little bit of my real life brought into Salem in this way. You can’t deny the fact I am Darius Rose and Jackie Cox.

Photo: JPI
It looks like Darius had a plan to ‘help’ Dimitri?
JACKIE: I don’t know if I’m as much helping Dimitri as if I have ulterior motives. I’m pretty frustrated with Leo. He is this charmer and he always gets what he wants. But I think at this point, I’ve had it with him and his schemes. He didn’t get that emerald. He didn’t give me the money from the Beyond Salem. He left me for Dr. Craig Wesley and I’m tired of it. I want to get back at him. Now that I find out he has this hot new little boyfriend, I know just how to do it because Dimitri better watch out, because he has not yet dealt with Jackie Cox yet. I have quite the persuasive offer you’ll see during the episode, and in the performances. I do think you see Dimitri really consider me and consider what I have to offer, which is to steal him a way, and help him escape to Canada with me.
We see you as Darius and Jackie in the episode, but there is a reason for that.
JACKIE: Yes! What’s fun for the audience is, I think, is there’s this tease during the episode, which is, “How are we going to get Dimitri out of here?” So, we take a page from the old drag book of tricks, which is walk right out the front door and let them look right at you, because drag is an amazing disguise. I think that Dimitri should have, could have chosen to be a fabulous drag queen and leave with me, and we could run across the Canadian border together and done cabarets in Montreal! (Laughs).

Photo: JPI
So, this is what Jackie/Darius wants to pull off in the episode?
JACKIE: Oh yeah, and also me, in my real life, (Laughs) I wouldn’t mind doing a cabaret in Montreal. That sounds like a good life to me. I think coming to Dimitri with this offer, which is: “Come with me across the border. Let’s get away from Leo. You haven’t been hurt by him the way I have, but I know you will be.” I think for the Darius side of me, you get to see a little bit of the softer side, in a sense. I really am hurt by Leo and the things that he’s done to me, and had been keeping me from – getting a green card in this fantasy version of my life. I really want to get back at him. What I love about Peter as an actor is, as we were working through this scene, we were able to find all these other levels. I kind of build this little connection through our episode of maybe I’m offering him something that he hasn’t even thought of before, a different kind of life where he’s not this Almanian crook, but maybe he can be a free gay man, maybe drag queen in Canada with me. That’s what’s on the table and the audience sees that. Unfortunately, he doesn’t choose me at the end, but that’s not going to stop me from putting on a fabulous look and walking outta there, anyway.
So then as he leaves, is Darius hurt by all of this?
JACKIE: I’m a little hurt. I don’t think my revenge cup is full at the end of this episode. There’s still a burning little desire for me to get back at Leo by the end of this and maybe a desire for me to just get back into Salem and see if I can find Dimitri again. Let me tell you honey, looking at Peter Porte is not very hard and maybe there’s more men in Salem for me … yet. (Laughs)

Photo: JPI
Ya never know! What was your takeaway from previously working with Greg Rikaart? Had you known Greg before taping Beyond Salem?
JACKIE: No. Greg and I met right then, and it was so much fun. Right away in those first couple of moments, we decided we needed to up this whole backstory, like just the two of us, and then it ended up on the show: that we were from New York, and we were in cahoots together, and then apparently we got married. and all this kind of subtext we worked in. For Greg and my character on DAYS, it was not about us being hot and heavy with each other. It was more about seeing each other as partners in crime very much from the beginning. So, that’s where the hurt for me comes in. I thought Leo was my main ride or die, but clearly he is not.

Photo: JPI
Ron Carlivati has a penchant for writing these types of campy stories. Did you speak with him at any point, and talk about the fact that you would like to do more appearances on DAYS?
JACKIE. Ron did just come to my Christmas show in New York a couple weeks ago. We had a little chat. I can’t say much, but I didn’t die at the end of this. So, there’s always room to come back! There’s always room for more Jackie.

Photo: JingleJam
Do you find there’s lot of misconceptions about drag queens and people that perform in drag? Do you think there’s an underlying misunderstanding of it within our culture?
JACKIE: There are a lot of misconceptions. A great example of it for me was last year when I came to Craig and Leo’s wedding. Once I got out of drag, Craig, wasn’t sure how to address me. I just was very clear with the pronouns I prefer out of drag. That was just something that was a matter-of-fact conversation that could happen between any two people. I think sometimes, everyone is scared of what they don’t know or they don’t understand, or are afraid of having a conversation that they think is going to be really horrible. I think the average person, no matter who you are, no matter what side of the political spectrum you are, no matter what gender or sexual orientation you are, everyone just wants to get along in general and have a decent experience walking around the world. I think if you see people like me and my character who’s a drag queen, who’s younger than for example, Dr. Craig Wesley’s character, having just a quick little conversation and then we move on … it’s not a big ‘falling on the sword’ moment. There’s nothing horrible happening. Drag can be a performance. It doesn’t actually matter who you are. Drag is just an expression, and if you love it, great. And if you don’t, you don’t have to come to my show. It’s okay.

Photo: JPI
What did you think about Belinda Chinashop (Billy Flynn), Sonny Delight (Zach Tinker) and Amanda Bottom (Chandler Massey) in the drag show scenes in Beyond Salem? Did you give the guys any pointers, or were you just stunned at how good they were?
JACKIE: We had just shot my drag stuff with them before, and they were like, “We’re doing this later this week.” I was like, “You guys will be fine. Don’t you worry.” They had amazing makeup artists come in and help them, which was great. I think that’s the biggest part. Billy Flynn told me, it was so fun for him to get to do it. I love that. Next time I come to Salem, I think there needs to be a reason for me to get Belinda Chinashop back out of the trunk.

Photo: JPI
You went to college at UCLA in their theatre department, didn’t you?
JACKIE: Sure did. I went to UCLA with Blake Berris (Everett). Blake and I were in the same theater program together and he booked DAYS I think right after college or while we were in college. It was amazing. He started so young. Now, we’re on this show together! How funny! We were like, “Oh my, God. This is amazing.” Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see Blake when I was there this time this time. Hopefully, the timing works out next time. I don’t think Ron Carlivati even knows that we went to school together.
Were you determined once you left UCLA to become a successful performer? What trajectory were you on at that point?
JACKIE: I went to UCLA and I really focused in on theater because I love theater so much. I didn’t actually really do much film or TV, even though it’s the school of theater, film and television. I loved the theatre. Then, after school I moved to New York because that’s where theater is. I got to New York and I realized that the theater industry was not for me, at least at that time. This was 15 years ago or so. It wasn’t quite as progressive, even in the theater industry, as it is today. I mean, to be on Broadway, you kind of had to be this big strapping hunk back then. I didn’t really find a place for me there. I did find it in New York with drag, and that really unlocked something in me. I kind of started building this career as Jackie Cox. I’ve been doing drag now for 13 years. So, for me to come back around to what I maybe kind of started doing in the first place is very interesting. We will see what happens.

Photo: JPI
Now, would you want to take on more roles as yourself, as Darius?
JACKIE: That’s the thing. These days, writers are actually writing material that really connects to who I am. I really want to play more characters, bringing myself to the role is something that’s important to me. So, whether it’s drag, whether it’s a character, whether it’s incorporating some of my Middle Eastern heritage in there, those are all things that I want to bring to life, whether it’s in or out of drag. It’s all on the table. It’s definitely something where I still want it to have that authenticity, to have that reason where it’s me, the actor, not just someone who hasn’t lived it.
So, if you end up with an expanded role of Days of our Lives, would you take it?
JACKIE: Are you kidding? In a heartbeat! My only question to myself and to the writers out there is, am I still going to be me … or is it revealed that I’m not actually Jackie Cox, and that I’m just some delusional fan who thinks I am? (Laughs)

Photo: JPI
In closing, how is Jackie when she walks out the door after this episode?
JACKIE: Jackie walks out the door with a renewed sense of purpose, a burning desire to eventually get back at Leo, and maybe a new friend in Salem. Those are the things that I walk out that door with, for sure.
So, did you enjoy seeing Jackie Cox back on Days of our Lives? Should the soap opera continue to weave Jackie/Darius back into the storylines with Dimitri and Leo and company? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Interviews
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Talks On the Revelation That Shocks Claire, Vendetta Against the Newmans, and Working with Her Co-Stars

The Young and the Restless recently cast former General Hospital star and Daytime Emmy-winner, Hayley Erin in the role of Claire Grace, who may be proven to be the biological daughter of Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Cole (J. Eddie Peck), who they thought died as an infant and who they named “Eve”. The baby was named after Cole’s diabolical mother, Eve Howard (the late Margaret Mason).
Now as the story has played out in riveting fashion, fans of Y&R have witnessed how the seemingly businessman-minded and trusted new assistant of Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott), is actually a terror with a vindictive streak that knows no bounds. Once Claire lures Nikki to her Aunt Jordan’s (Colleen Zenk) house in Oregon, things take a deadly turn as Jordan and Claire tried to take down the Newmans. However, in the process, Claire learned some shocking news, herself.
Hayley Erin chatted with Michael Fairman exclusively for You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where she discussed all the inner-working of Claire/Eve, the dramatic scenes, working with her new co-stars including ATWT’s beloved Colleen Zenk, and more.

Photo: JPI
Erin previously appeared on Y&R back in 2008-2010 as a young Abby Newman, so during the interview she shared how interesting it has been to come back to the show for a second go-round. Plus, she delves a bit about her time on GH working with the likes of Maura West, Chloe Lanier, Robert Palmer Watkins and more. Here are just some of the topics and Hayley’s responses from the livestream conversation below.
On Y&R, viewers just saw this week how Claire’s motives were revealed, and that she believed she was thrown to the wolves as a baby and her parents, presumably Cole and Victoria, didn’t want her, only to find out Aunt Jordan stole her from the hospital and switched babies.
Hayley shared on the on-screen moment: “I can’t think of anything more shocking than to find out that basically your entire life has been a lie. So for Claire, that is moment that her entire life comes crumbling down. The moment that Jordan said, ‘I took you from the hospital.’ That is just world shifting. Claire was led to believe that she was put up for adoption, basically, and that they (Victoria and Cole) didn’t want her. And now the truth comes out.”

Photo: CBS
Josh Griffith, the head writer and executive producer of Y&R, is said to have had Hayley read a few scenes to showcase both sides of Claire to land her the role. Erin expounded on that, sharing, “There were two scenes that I read. I did a test with Melody Thomas Scott, who I just love working with. So, the first scene was very much beginning Claire, assistant, very good at my job business talk, like so many business words. And then the second scene was, ‘I hate the Newmans. I hate them. I hate you all. You’re just like disgusting and so full of yourselves and you think you’re so amazing.’ So, I had done the scenes and then I got note from Josh and he’s like, ‘Can you hate them a little more?’ I was like, ‘sure’. So, we read the scene again and he was like, ‘That was great. Thanks.’ That was the whole process.”
There was such intense scenes when not only Claire stuck Nikki with a hypodermic needle but set her up with an IV drip of booze and left a bottle behind. It was a horrifying act. Hayley admitted those scenes with Melody Thomas Scott were some of her favorites, thus far.

Photo: CBS
“I loved every minute of that. I mean the dark, dark Claire, that was the most fun I’ve ever had,” Erin said. “Particularly the hallucination that Nikki had. I think, my favorite scene I’ve ever had the pleasure of filming. It was so much fun. There’s so much going on. Claire’s psyche is such a strange thing. It’s so fragile and manipulated and just playing with those different layers has been a really enjoyable experience for me.”
The pairing of Colleen Zenk as Aunt Jordan and Hayley as Claire/Eve has interjected some new life in Y&R. Erin shared her reaction to working with the ATWT favorite: “I mean, ‘Aunt Jordan, aunt Jordan, aunt Jordan,’ I feel like I said about 70,000 times, planting the seeds. I knew Colleen, actually, I had met her few years ago at an event in Marco Island called Soap Fest. However, I wasn’t super familiar with her work, but I knew that she was a legend. So now, I’m very familiar with her work I just couldn’t be more grateful for such a powerhouse of a scene partner. I’m so lucky. The women I’ve been surrounded with at Y&R, I think that’s such a cool thing, too. The storyline has really been female driven.”

Photo: CBS
Now the question becomes, if Claire is proven to be Eve, will she form any kind of meaningful relationship with her ‘mother’ Victoria. Erin weighed-in: “It’s hard to say because I look at Claire and I see that there’s so much resentment that has been drilled into her that, how do you undo that? How do you start fresh? It’s a great idea, it’s a nice fantasy, but that means unlearning decades of manipulation. So, that’s how her brain was formed. Her brain was formed believing these things. I mean, I hope there’s a really good therapist maybe in town!”
Check out the replay of the entire livestream conversation below with Hayley. Then, let us know in the comment section, if you’ve enjoyed her performance as Claire/Eve thus far, and what you hope happens next the character in the story? Do you want her to scheme again with Aunt Jordan against the Newmans, or get a new lease on life?
Interviews
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Annika Noelle Chats on Hope’s Feelings for Thomas and Her New Attitude, Moving on From Liam, and Being an Advocate

2023 has been the year of Annika Noelle on CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful. As Hope Logan, she found herself fighting the fire and passion she felt for Thomas Forrester (Matthew Atkinson), while trying to figure out where she stands in her marriage to Liam (Scott Clifton). As an actress, Noelle has carried much of the story and has been front and center. Something that should be remembered come Emmy time in 2024.
In story, ultimately, a trip to Rome, Italy set the stage for life-changing events in Hope’s life. After the wildly successful showing of her design collection, Hope for the Future, in collaboration with her ace designer, Thomas Forrester, the duo end-up in a passionate lip-lock, initiated by Hope, in front of the overhang at the world-famous Colosseum. Problem was … Liam happened upon the scene and saw his then wife’s betrayal.
Flash-forward, Hope has divorced Liam and is moving on with her life seemingly with Thomas, much to the chagrin of most of the entire Forrester and Logan families given Thomas’ twisted past – yes, they are probably thinking, “Baby Beth” and the “Hope Mannequin!” All that aside, on the surface Thomas appears a new man fully ready to embrace a relationship with Hope. Meanwhile, Hope has discovered more of her independence, has a fashionable new short crop hair-do, and is no longer ruled by what others think she should do.

Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman TV chatted with Annika to get her thoughts on a myriad of subjects including: is it truly the end for Hope and Liam? Will the duo known as “Thope” have a shot at any longevity? What is Hope going to do now that her father Deacon (Sean Kanan) is engaged to none other than evil-personified in Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown)? And that’s just for starters! Read on to see what Annika had to share about it all, and her about beautiful new rescue dog, Huckleberry.
Hope just found out that Eric (John McCook) is dying. How do you think she will cope with the news from here? What has Eric meant to her throughout his life?
ANNIKA: Eric has been a loving patriarch throughout Hope’s life. One of her mother’s biggest champions, Thomas’ grandfather, and Douglas’ great grandfather. He is someone that has been a guiding force throughout her life and to lose him would be like losing the cornerstone that built the house of Forrester. It would be a devastating loss to her family.

Photo: JPI
Liam seems to be reeling from seeing just how serious Thomas and Hope appear to be with each other at this point. Is Hope moving forward with Thomas in her mind as a “relationship” or does she see this more as an “affair” for her?
ANNIKA: At this point, she can acknowledge that she has feelings for Thomas and she wants to be with him. However, given his significance in her life (an integral part of ‘Hope for the Future’ as well as Douglas’ father) I think she wants to be extremely careful. She has been burned by love and is hesitant to jump in again. She needs to take things slow and thus far, Thomas has respected that.

Photo: JPI
You carried a very heavy load in the storyline over recent months: from when Thomas and Hope kissed in Rome, to the fallout, to her divorcing Liam, to her feeling more self-assured and independent. What were the more challenging beats of the storyline for you?
ANNIKA: Honestly? This has been a joy. After the heavy “Baby Beth” storyline throughout most of 2019, I have so enjoyed this story arc. From being able to travel to Rome for the first time with the cast and crew, playing beats of strength, laughter, and love as well as the heavier moments, it has been a story I have embraced and given my all.

Photo: JPI
You have a new fantastic short cropped hair-do. Was that something you wanted to do, or was it related to the character of Hope moving on with her life from Liam?
ANNIKA: This actually had more to do with me making changes and starting new chapters but it also happened to coincide with Hope having major life changes as well. I, of course, had to get permission (contractual obligation and what not) and was surprised to get the blessing to go ahead! It’s been a big adjustment as I’ve had long hair my entire adult life but everyone has been so complimentary and supportive. I think I might keep it for a while…

Photo: JPI
Do you see Hope, Thomas and Douglas (Henry Joseph Samiri) being a family at some point?
ANNIKA: In my eyes, they always were a family from the moment Hope embraced the role as Douglas’ adoptive mother. She takes that responsibility very seriously, and was not going to neglect her duties to that child. Even when it was tough with the blended families, she always tried her best to make it work.
Is Hope at all concerned at this point that Thomas could fall back on his former troubled or devious ways?
ANNIKA: I think in order for her to be involved with a man who has done so much to her and her family in the past, she has to truly believe that this man has changed. That he is different. As she has said repeatedly, he has earned her trust and he has done the work. And try as everyone might to ward her away, I think it just makes it all the more appealing. As her father Deacon said… “love doesn’t always make sense”.

Photo: JPI
Do you see Hope doing anything to intervene with her father Deacon’s relationship with Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown)? She clearly is not happy about this, given Sheila’s past.
ANNIKA: I think at the moment she has a lot on her plate with Eric’s health, Liam’s realization, Hope For The Future, the children, not to mention her love life. I think she’s trying to maintain some form of peace and balance, which involves setting a boundary with that. Plus, Sheila has a few screws loose, so I don’t think she’s about to go punching crazy in the face just to see what happens.

Photo: JPI
You recently shared some scenes with Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy). Within them, Steffy and Hope sparred with a war of words, when it came to Liam and Thomas. Did Hope use his past with Steffy as justification to divorce him, because she wanted Thomas so badly, or does she truly believe that Steffy will always come first with Liam?
ANNIKA: I think both can be true at the same time. Past resentments, insecurities, and repeated infidelity over years can lead to the downfall of any strong relationship. Hope’s issue is not necessarily Liam’s past indiscretions, as she still choose to forgive him and stay with him during those times. It is the fact that he couldn’t offer her the same grace and forgiveness after she had messed up. Over a kiss. And Liam was so quick to run to Steffy in the aftermath. That is what stung. So, she had the divorce papers drawn up.
You have an adorable new dog Huckleberry that you showed on your Instagram. What can you tell me about how Huckleberry came into your life? What kind of dog is he?
ANNIKA: Huckleberry is my gentle angel boy who came into my life thanks to Life Animal Rescue. I had been searching for the right fit and I saw a video of him and knew we were destined to be. He is 100% “Korean Village Dog” and was rescued from a meat farm there. He is now safe with me, chasing butterflies, and playing with Burritoman kitty.

Photo: Heirlume photography
You have been a wonderful ally to the LGBTQ+ community and do get involved in charitable causes. Why is it important for you to lend your name and time to help those perhaps misunderstood, or under-presented?
ANNIKA: Funny thing is, I would be doing it even if I didn’t have this platform. I grew up in theatre as much as I did the outdoors. Both have offered me community and a place of belonging. I was bullied as a child so my places of refuge were the forest in my backyard and the escape I found on the stage. So I will advocate, use my voice, and return the love that the community has shown me all my life. They were a safe haven for me, I will fight for their safety too. As Mama Ru says, “we’re all born naked and the rest is drag”.

Photo: JPI
As her fashion line says, Hope for the Future, what are your future Hope’s for Hope?
ANNIKA: I hope she finds clarity for herself, strength in her voice, and love in her heart. With or without a man. And more screen time with her children!

Photo: JPI
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, what would you like to say to all the fans who have been so supportive to you all over the world who watch B&B?
ANNIKA: Thank you so much for being on this journey with me. I know it isn’t always easy with the way storyline can ebb and flow. But if you understand me, who I am outside of my character, all I stand for, and you still ride with me? Then my loves, we are family! And I am grateful for YOU. No character choice can ever ruin that.
So, after checking out our interview with Annika, are you rooting for Hope and Thomas to be the end game, or do you think Hope and Liam should find their way back to one another? Share your viewpoints and thoughts via the comment section below.
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