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Matthew Atkinson Previews His New Role Of Austin On The Young and the Restless!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Recently, daytime soap fans learned the news that Matthew Atkinson had been cast in the recurring role of Austin on the number one soap, The Young and the Restless!  The handsome young actor who has appeared in everything from One Tree Hill to Drop Dead Diva, to Jane by Design and more, is gearing up for what appears to be a role that is clearly more than meets the eye!  Look for Matthew’s Genoa City debut next Thursday on the April 17th episode!

On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Matthew during the recent Y&R 41st anniversary on set celebration to get a preview of just what his character could be all about, because there must be a reason that Austin will be the cameraman for Avery’s cooking show, right? And, who might this guy be romantically linked with?

And as previewed in the latest issue of CBS Soaps In Depth on newsstands now, a comment pops up online about Avery’s cooking show video which expresses excitement from someone wanting to see more of her as a celebrity chef.  Is this a true superfan? Or, someone she knows …  possibly the evil Ian Ward (Dylan’s bio dad)) who want to cause trouble for the duo?

But now with that being said, how does Austin figure into all of this?  Hmmm.  Here now is our “quickie” chat with Matthew, where he gives us a little tease of what to be on the lookout for upon his debut! 

So you are Austin the cameraman for Avery’s new cooking show, but there has GOT to be more to it!  What can you tell?

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

MATT:  I am the cameraman for Avery’s cooking show, and that is kind of how it starts.  I just kind of show up!  (Laughs) I think there are reasons that I end up on that specific set that maybe I control a little bit.  So for now, I am just the cameraman that just shows up at the right place at the right time.  I kind of have a tortured past and some major history, and I kind of bond with Avery’s niece, Summer played by Hunter King!

So, there could be romance here in the future for Austin and Summer? 

MATT:  Well, we will see if that happens!  Not 100% sure on everything, but I remember meeting with everyone at Y&R about the character and I am really intrigued to play him.  He has a rough history.  I think when everyone finds out what happened to him in the past; it’s going to make him a much more interesting character.

You are very familiar to fans of ABC Family, and other primetime shows you have been on.  Do you see the role of Austin being a departure for you  based on your other roles?

MATT:  I did a series for one season on ABC Family, Jane by Design, which was a lot of fun.  Then, I got to really switch it up this last year and play a different character when I was on NBC’s Parenthood playing a rocker … a drummer in a rock band   Now this guy Austin who is the cameraman, he is much more of a tortured guy.   So, I have been very fortunate to have these very different kinds of roles.

Photo Credit: Jared Raskind

How has it been to work with Jessica Collins (Avery) and Steve Burton (Dylan)?

MATT:  I remember the first day I was here at Y&R.  I was watching the TV monitor in the dressing room of the taping.  Steve Burton did a ten minute scene that was phenomenal!  I feel like I have a lot to live up too!  There are a lot of great actors on this show, and Jessica is amazing.

You seem to have gotten a lot of new Twitter followers since it was announced you were joining Y&R!  How has it been communicating with the passionate fans of the daytime soaps?

MATT:  There has been such an outpouring of support and love since I got cast on Y&R.  It’s been overwhelming.

Had you known Y&R executive producer Jill Farren Phelps, previously? 

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

MATT:  Jill and I have known each other in passing for over a year now.  And finally, we were able to make this kind of happen and get me on Y&R.  She is so sweet, and such a kind person with a big heart.  Actually, every experience I have had with her or anyone on the set has been very positive.

OK Y&R fans, What do you think could be the tortured past that Matthew is alluding to about Austin? Could Austin be on the set to sabotage Avery’s cooking show?  Will he fall for Summer?  Or, could he be working for Ian? Or, is something else going on?  And, are you excited to see Matthew on the show?  Share your comments below!

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Why would they not bring him on as someone normal????????????? Avery’s cooking show lackey???????? REALLY?????? Avery baking muffins is NOT young and the Restless!!!!!!!!! Neither is her flunky cameraman. Dig into the history of the show, find a character for this person to play, and get some writers who can write. After bitching for two hours about GH, I am just at my wits end. LOL. Wow…hire me!!!!!

Id rather see him as the new Chad Dimera on Days…as for Y&R-a plot to sabotage a cooking show? Sounds as exciting as…the painful kidney stone that kept me in the hospital last summer for several days…No, the kidney stone was more fun!!!

It also reminds me of that ridiculous storyline with AJ on the Chew..the beginning of the end for him…

I agree with a recast of Chad…I really did like the last actor…wonder whatever happened to him?

Have had 5 kidney stones and 2 surgeries for it… those stints are killers huh?

Both were painful…the storyline and the stone!!!

people still watch this show,,,,

I believe a great many tune in to see if something has changed, but nothing much has changed in the past year, same stories going on..
yet they are counted for their click in..
Many, as myself, watch from habit and FF through most of it..
It takes me about 10 minutes to watch an episode ..

I don’t think the writers have had a sex life in many years.. the sex scenes of Nick and Sharon are way too lame..
Embarrassing for the actors, no doubt, to have to act out those terrible awkward not sexy, just over played trying to look hot scenes .. I laugh at them LOL ..

They are like —- ”Plan 9 From Outer Space” .. a funny fail ..

This is gonna be good..
Eric Braeden/Victor was already upset because of too many young people being brought in to his Y&R..
considering he is not overly happy with the way things are going with his Victor at Y&R this just might be what sends Eric Braeden to the exit sign …… dunno ..

we can only hope 😉

Oh yes from your mouth to (in this case) the writers ears.

Are you really calling yourself a fan , why would you not like Eric Braden’s role ! I love it , I’m sorry , there’s a few others I would get rid of ,way before Eric , I am really sickened by the amount of stars leaving y and r , ever since Catherine ( Jeannie) passed , they have been dropping left and right , us this a coincidence , if they rid another star they might as well change the name of the show !

Wouldn’t that be wonderful! He can take Summer with him

He and summer look just alike aside from the hair;)

he’s cute. SUmmer needs a love interest so i like

He better be careful, she may have him fired!

Ahahahaahahahaha good one!!

LOL.

So let me get this straight….. Fenmore is NO MORE, and Summer is moving on?! Yeah…. I’m not happy about this at all.

Is Fenmore leaving the show?

Not that I know of, BUT he still isn’t on contract. Maybe that’s the actor’s choice, IDK. But if that is the case, why not recast the role with an actor willing to sign a contract. Instead, they’re bringing in a new guy, and though I am a fan of Atkinson, he could’ve easily been a Fenmore recast. I was looking forward to a Fenmore/Summer romance just based on WHO THEY ARE, and WHO THEIR PARENTS ARE!!!

Austin will turn out to an obsessed cooking show fan (could there be any other kind in Genoa City?) who will kidnap Avery so that Blue Steel can save her and remind us what a super awesome hero he is.

And if you think that sounds stupid, remember this is the same show that just had marriage-phobic Leslie date a man (off-camera) and then marry him (off-camera) in the space of two weeks (which was probably about 3 or 4 days in soap time).

I was thinking the same thing– an obsessed fan – stalker who will end up tormenting Avery.

As for Leslie I think that character is being written out. I know nothing official been said, but Michael commented needing a new law partner and Avery needs help too, so I’m thinking Leslie has outlived her usefulness and that is why they has this off camera romance as sn means to explain her character’s exit from GC. Avery will then join Michael in his law practice. Just a theory right now, but that is only thing that makes sense to explain this Leslie marriage, happening so fast.

I read on the #YR twitter feed that there is a casting call out for Leslie’s husband, a black doctor. Read this several days ago. Not confirmed.

Great point Alan about Leslie but something has to be up for this to happen or again we are talking about the “Plot Queen of Soaps” in JFP.

I had the sick feeling myself that maybe the is writing Leslie out, gosh I hope I’m soooo wrong because I like AC.

Nothing against Matt, but a cooking show! I am surprised SB doesn’t walk! He doesn’t need the money.I just can’t believe he would put up with the writing on Y&R. I just have no words how bad some of the story lines are..Guess this is Sony/CBS’s way to cancel Y&R..

CBS needs some gay characters/ storylines he would do:)

Why do they “need” them?

Why not? I’m embarrassed for Y&R that they have yet to portray a same sex relationship/coming out story, or even have a gay character period. The work they did with Rafe–so awful. DAYS has the Supercouple in Sonny and Will. And here’s a shocker–there are gay people in the world. Y&R is dead last when it comes to portraying this important part of everyday life.

I disagree. I don’t watch my soap and keep track of how many minorities they’re pleasing or pissing off. (Victoria Rowell) I watch it for entertainment, not to fulfill someone’s political agenda.

Y&R needs a whole lot of something!!! BTW I wish VR would make nice with Y&R co-stars and JFP so she could come back and shake up the show a bit. The Winters family needs direction — but so does the whole show! I read somewhere that Y&R was building to something better. Hmmm. Still waiting.

BTW as long as they’re focusing on the same ole characters, I doubt it’ll get any better any time soon.

The photo of JFP and JC tell it all, JFP loves Avery (JC) and Chelsea (MCE) both of whom I can’t stand!!

I don’t know anything about this actor. Based on the photo alone, I actually could have seen this guy being the new Kyle Abbott.

But Barbara…that would mean utiliIizing the show’s rich history, giving story to veterans, and writing for characters we know and love. Why would a show want to ever do those things??

Good point. You could have asked the same exact question about ATWT in its last decade. Do you think it is a fluke that Jean Passanante was the head writer for ATWT during that time and is now the co head writer for Y&R? I don’t.

Why do new producers and writers feel that they have to introduce lots of new characters to an established show and focus on them and give inferior treatment to the veteran characters that have been the reason the show has stayed on the air? These new employees do this frequently and it never works.

Why would they think a fan of the show would want to see the majority of the show devoted to folks like Avery (on the show for 2 years), Dylan (1 year), and Kelly (6 months) when an original character like Jill is absent for months at a time????

Boy, Johnny I SOOO feel the same way about our beloved vets. We are going to have 3 thus far being announced new “recurring” characters”. If “Austin” has a connection to this gawd awful cooking show (once again around food service!) and possible new love interest for Summer, he will be upped to contract status I’m afraid. When all these newbie contractors and recurring characters are on TV, it takes time from the vets…OH YRCBS can use these actors at bargain basement prices…cheaper than paying the larger amounts to our vets.

Oh, the glowing love being spewed about JFP possibly the actors do like her but the viewers are the ones that count and they don’t like JFP for YR. In all honesty the viewers are the ones that keep YR on the air not the actors….just saying.

Boy, Johnny I SOOO feel the same way about our beloved vets. We are going to have 3 thus far being announced new “recurring” characters”. If “Austin” has a connection to this gawd awful cooking show (once again around food service!) and possible new love interest for Summer, he will be upped to contract status I’m afraid. When all these newbie contractors and recurring characters are on TV, it takes time from the vets…OH YRCBS can use these actors at bargain basement prices…cheaper than paying the larger amounts to our vets.

He should have been hired to play Kyle. But that would have made sense. And so little of the Y&R makes good sense anymore.

New Kyle would have been better! Get away from silly cooking show!

Avery and her cooking is so boring. The only part of this show that is any good anymore is Chelsea believing Adam is alive. I think he’s going to come back looking like someone else (no doubt) under another name so the police will think he died & leave him alone but how will Chelsea act? Will she know the new Adam after his surgery? Did Victor know he was alive all along? Victor checked Adam’s bank accounts & told Chelsea there was no movement where did Adam get the money he paid someone to falsify the teeth? Who’s body did they really find? How about letting Sharon & Nick find out the truth about Cassie? When will you bring back Lauren’s first son ? Now that would all be interesting while Avery bakes her whatever!

The only thing that makes Avery even more boring, is Avery when she’s cooking. Or talking about cooking. Mind you, I figure that little saucy video of her made by Dylan is going to pop up and embarrass her or something. But I still don’t understand JFP’s obsession with Avery cooking or baking. I don’t watch cooking shows very often, and really don’t want to see it on my soaps.

OK, counting 3 coming on as recurring being reported. Stop the insanity CBSSony! Another effing career in GC involving around food. Where are the young professionals or strong, independent woman…I will tell none exists. WTF GC will be the obesity capital of all soap operas…UGH!

I have never liked Avery, the character….I agree with Fran…BORING!!!! I am so tired of these storylines…the worst? Carmine and Lauren. By the by, is she really pregnant.? I missed so many episodes…Oral exams!!!
Many women test positive but are actually on the onset of menopause. Lauren is beyond that. This is another ridiculous storyline.
I hope that when I reach that pinnacle of happiness with my future husband, we, as a couple, do not become as pathetically droll as Lily and Caine.

Also, how dare Chelsea compare the loss of a child to that of a husband. I have neither as yet (still in school), but my sister has lost a child…The lights went out in her beautiful eyes ….they have lost their luminosity. So, whatever Chloe feels and says? It is her God-given right. But, of course, Chelsea would never know that since she did give one child away…just sayin’.

I think that Adam will be back with a different identity, after undergoing plastic surgery. This, with the help of a Victor.

We already know that someone has been texting Avery that they are looking forward to seeing more of her (we saw the text on her phone while she was making out with Dullard on the couch). So of course it’s probably someone who has seen the makeout session of Dullard and Avery that Dullard sent to his espresso machine repairman by mistake (really?). It’s quite likely that guy sent the video out to everyone he knows and it’s gone viral from there, which is why Avery’s recipe is the number one favorite in such a short time on the cooking video web site.

If not for that viral sex tape video Dullard sent out (by mistake?), Avery’s key lime pie wouldn’t have won a top prize and she wouldn’t be getting a cameraman who’s going to end up being a stalker/rapist or whatever it is he’s going to turn out to be that Dullard will have to save her from…again.

As for being from Ian, I doubt it highly. I think the show is really wasting Ray Wise. Such an amazing actor, and an interesting storyline that could come out of this, yet they have him sitting in a prison cell and languishing instead of creating havoc in Genoa City for Nikki, Paul, Victor and more.

Bring back Ray Wise!! Get rid of so many FOJ newbies!!
wolfy

I Could not have expressed it better myself, wolfsmistress. You took the word dullard right out of my mouth. I did not like him on GH either. These two make me gag.

By the by, thank you for spelling espresso correctly…not expresso. As the granddaughter of Italian immigrants and a stickler for good grammar, regardless of what language, I appreciate it……. Especially since there is no X in the Italian alphabet.

Lmao @ “expresso”. I’m italian and can’t stand the bad pronounciation or spelling of it.. ESpresso-not hard. And kudos to ray wise! If I can get creeped out through the tv then he’s doing his job right.

Hi, yes I know. Italian gets butchered severely….one should always make sure the term is used correctly and spelled correctly. What to do, but I admit, I really get stressed out. I figured you were Italian carina mia. I actually commented on your “nomigliolo” on the Y&R site. Mr. Fairman decided not to post it…he does that a lot with me. I can’t understand it…especially when I am not too “enthusiastic” about Victor. Mr. Fairman, be fair…lol.
You are correct , Carinamia, there is a good amount of creepiness going on with GH…but I love it. Hopefully this show airs in Italy and Switzerland…not that I will have time to watch…but maybe I won’t be too homesick. Ciao, e tante belle cose.

Aw Grazie! I’m a 3rd generation italian in my home, so I understand the language better then I speak especiallly since my family comes from different regions which results in a fusion dialect once I undersstand it lol.. But Anyways back to y&r* – I started watching young and the restless because my nonna, mom and zia were all fans back in the day, like when Lauren was a “Disgraziata” when it came to paul lol. Oh, I’m sure. They have ynr in europe, I watched an episode on youtube in italian and it was a riot lmao.. What can I say, I agree about victor. Lui fanno una brutta figura di Sharon! Che peccato e vergonia… Povera signora Nikki e tutte Newman famiglia, managia.. Lol. #FORZAy&r

I agree Wolfsmistress! They are really wasting the talent of Ray Wise! He’s a brilliant actor and Y&R is wasting his talents. Not surprising though. Y&R has a habit of doing that.

You are so RIGHT ON about the amazing Ray Wise…his talent and all as an actor is being wasted at Y&R. To me, Ray Wise is TRULY AND WONDERFULLY KICK-ASS as an actor…HOLLA!!!!!

Take care. Peace.

AGREE,Ray Wise is great, the writers don’t know how to write for talent…they will miss a good story here!!

You guys need to remember to look at actor’s IMDB profiles. Ray Wise is super busy with SEVERAL projects, mostly movies. Not chump change soap operas.

Why does every interview have to mention JFP? It’s like all the actors are programmed to sing her praises. I guess if you want a job on #YR that’s what you gotta do.

Well said!!!! It’s like everyone id fearing for their lives!!

All I know is that MP, Griffith, MM, BM and now EH are all out under JFP for one reason or another. Something definitely stinks here.

The actors have spoken, if you really like them and respect them as people and actors you will accept the reasons they left. They all had nothing but nice things to say for Jill Phelps. Many of these post on here don’t seem to be from real fans of Y&R, sounds like fans of GH that are still Jealous that Y and R remains at the TOP in not just daytime, but night time on TV GUIDE Net too.

Just look at photo of JFP and Jessica Collins, you can tell JFP loves her!

Some people on herfe need to grow up. Jill Phelps did not Hire Jessica Collins, she was brought to Y and R by ex producer Maria Bell. As for Jill Phelps job, she is doing a wonderful job as producer and for CBS!

The VERY UNNECESSARY addition of newbie character Austin…another reason that Y&R is sinking faster and faster. Total SNOOZE-VILLE all the way……….

Austin is Avery’s son….or ian wards son…which would make Austin and summer cousins …..creepy…

eh not really because summer isn’t related to Ian Ward.

Huh??? If this is true…creepy is an UNDERSTATEMENT here!!!!! Yikes.

Leone…thanks for the soap info. Peace.

I really wish Y&R would re-cast Summer (HHK) I just don’t like to watch her any more.. I know they won’t because she is a friend of JFP.. maybe HHK will leave on her on…
I sure hope so…..

I know, right?! Not to hate on this girl but HHK lacks something.. Summer if anything seems like a spoiled brat who tries to play the “good girl” meanwhile in real life who knows how this 20 year old girl is. Real teens are rebellious and edgy these days and whenever she tries to apply that in acting everything just comes off as unnatural. Soo not like phyllis..

Hunter King is a very Sweet person in real life, very kind to the fans, I met her. She is good as Summer. Michael Muhney was let go on Veronica Mars series, now Y and R, don’t blame HK for the wrong he did, he is Lucky he didn’t get more than being Canned

Oh god.. Who’s this dude now??? Still getting over the meaning behind hilary, kelly, stitch and now this guy? Averys love life has been uneventful except for dylan. They belong together because of the miscarriage/post war so finally, why add to the equation??

Great actor, and will be very interesting character to unfold. Welcome to y and r Matthew Atkinson

Nooo! Plz not another usless character… Just bring back milley & muhney 🙁 :@

Oops *Miller. Billy Miller lol.

I agree now that was when the show was interesting. Im sick of Lily & her attitude, Jill & that dam music box, If we can’t get Billy Miller back then I would rather have Victoria with Ben and M.M. was a real lose to the show. Now the cooking and Avery how boring can we get. I have to admit I am happy to see Cassie back but I doubt she’ll save the show. I think Billy Miller, Phyllis ,and Adam held the fan’s interest.There’s really very little there now.

Thank God MM was Canned!!!! Grow up Miller wanted out! as for saving Y and R, it isn’t in Danger! Y and R is #1 in daytime, also #1 on the night time lineup on TVG Net as well. I have watched this show from day one, March 26 1973 and it is , was and Always will be the Best Soap on american tv. Some fans need to just Grow up! as for MM, he got what he deserved, sounds like he could have gotten far worse!

bring back billy , the real one and phyliss better wake up soon, or jack is on his way to an affair with the crazy one.

lilly needs to liten up and not be such a bitch, and the show still holds my interest after all these years… some of the characters like lauren and michael need to take a back seat, how many times can lauren be tormented and terrorized by some mad man or women,

eneough of that, let the younger crowd take over now, summer, faith, noah and abby. the interesting olders should still have a role in this, but i am truly sick of the new billy and his wining voice… he looks like a kid and the old real billy of todays world , was a man , sexy , smart and so cute…
bring him back women, or your really stupid…

i also will always see steve burton as Jason, as he does not fit the role of the good guy, lover and softy, with a problem with pts syndeom, Jason would not ever blink an eye or hurt a baby or anyone unless they were a threat to sonny and his life style… I hear billy , my love , born on my same Birthday, is a possible candidate for a Jason replacement. If he is a good actor perhaps he can pull it off, but its hard for fans to not always remember a certain character , as the original one.

except for the now billy, and once old one, he just is horrible as an actor.

sorry , but true,

hey producer, grow up , learn to like men, and re hire the good actors.

Heather Tom bro David Tom was and is the Real Billy, as for acting, he is Awesome. He Won Emmy for character long before Billy Miller was ever heard of! Steve Burton chose to leave GH, he wasn’t going to be on any Soap, moved to Nashville. Jill Phelps and CBS made him a deal he couldn’t resist; thus he lives in Nashville, and is very Happy to be Dylan on Y and R. ; so much so, he recently resigned to stay with Y and R. Actors like Steve get tired of doing one character over and over for years, he wanted something different that Jason, GH wouldn’t provide him that so he ditched them. Y and R gave him what he wanted. Most Fans love their Favorites, accept them for their decisions they make, those that don’t accept have a problem. I wish Steve much success at Y and R, that’s where he wants to be, I loved him on GH, but he is even better on Y and R, Back to Billy Miller, he wanted out so he could do other projects, a network or producer can not Force anyone to re sign, he saw a chance to be Free to do, maybe night time series of his Own, thats Great, I wish him well. He was Good as Billy, but David will always be Our real Billy Abbott. Unlike some fans on here, I am Happy for SteveBurton, David Tom and Billy Miller. Fans have No right to demand an actor remain as one character forever. Get over it. As for Matthew Atkinson, we love you Matthew, and Austin is gonna be interesting to watch. Thanks Jill Phelps! Keep up the Great work!

LOL, Is this foreal??? Give these newbies the boot and bring the fans what they want… The original acttors back!!!

As a Fan from day one back on March 26 1973, this is just what the show needs, Glad to have you Matthew, new characters, young actors, thats what keeps Y and R Young, Restless and Fresh. Bill Bell would be Pleased.

Think he could end up being Sheila’s son?? Why not huh? He said today he lost his mom a few years back…..

Matthew Atkinson is Both Talented and Sexy. Yes, I am very pleased Jill Phelps signed him on Y and R. Austin seems to be an interesting person and character with a Past. He has me wondering whom his Mom might be? Could he somehow have connections to Original characters from Y and R early days? Whom ever he may be, Welcome Matthew to the show, hope he stays around for a Long time! Great Actor.

I think Austin is Sheila Carter’s son from the past. I don’t thnk it could be Sheila’s niece, because didnt’ she come back to be with Daniel?

Just reading through comments and WOW! forgot about wacky Izabel (Isabel). Could be her and Paul’s son, just as Christine and Paul are trying for a baby.

Matthew Atkinson is one hot looking guy. It looks like he is going to be a bad guy but I wish he wouldn’t because he was really believable when it looked compassionate with Summer. I know that he just wanted to get her out of his apartment so that he could post the message to Avery but I saw that he was conflicted about using her. He is too, too hot for him not to stay around, a breath of fresh air.

Just watched “The Y & R” then “Days of Our Lives”. I noticed the new people on each soap. Matthew Atkinson playing Austin on Y&R and True O’Brien plays Paige on Days. They look so much alike, I was wondering if they were related?

He is so handsome and such a good actor! Hope he stays on Y&R for a long, long time! Love him with Summer.

It is a continual pleasure watching Y&R. Thanks so much the quality of various story lines that keep so many of us glued to the television set . It dazzles my everlasting total joy watching. Thanks also for refreshing talents such as Hunter, Matthew & Dylan. They are great additions to a terrific cast. Continued success for jobs well done. Thank You!!!

Have watched YnR for a very long time, it is puzzling to me also how difficult it is to watch certain segments of the Soap,. Terrible story lines, with absolutely nothing for a fan to get involved. Why can’t they give the Winter family a purpose? Ray Hoffman (above) seems to know what he is talking about. Interesting to read his comments.

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Photo: JPI

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What do you think about Kristen and Robin’s enduring friendship and recalling their time on One Life to Live? Comment below.

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On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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