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Michael Graziadei On His Y&R Return: "It Felt Like Coming Home!"

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/IMDB

Courtesy/IMDB

On Thursday’s episode of The Young and the Restless, fan favorite Michael Graziadei begins his guest appearance when he returns as Daniel Romalotti.  That will put Graz back in the orbit of his on-screen mother Phyllis, played by Gina Tognoni, and his half-sister Summer, played by Hunter King.

Daniel’s return to Genoa City is timed just as Summer is soon to be married to Luca (Miles Gaston Villanueva), and viewers will have to tune-in to see just what Daniel thinks of the not-to-be-trusted Luca, and just how he figures into the drama that is about to go down.

On-Air On-Soaps caught up recently with Graziadei when he spoke of returning to the set of the CBS Daytime drama series and how the return came about. Michael recalled: “I got a call from Y&R asking me to come back.  It worked perfectly with my schedule as I have been shooting a show in L.A,  Good Girls Revolt for Amazon Prime, and I told them as long as you guys can work out the dates, I said, ‘Why not?’  They asked me to come back for story surrounding the 11,000 episode celebration.”

This is the first time fans will see Michael in scenes on-screen with Gina Tognoni as Phyllis. The role was previously played by GH’s Michelle Stafford.  Michael said of working with the two-time Daytime Emmy winning dynamo: “Gina is wonderful!  I knew her before for years, but never had the opportunity to work with her.  I got to work with her, and it was great.”

When he returned to Y&R to tape the episodes that viewers will see beginning today it was very special to Graz:  “It was like coming home.  You see all the faces of the people you loved and cared about all these years. “

Of course, Y&R fans remember Michael paired with Camryn Grimes before Cassie Newman died.  When Michael returned to Y&R for this visit he saw Grimes in her newest incarnation as Mariah!  He commented: “Wow!  They have her playing a whole different character now!

Several years ago, Graziadei make the decision to exit Y&R, and here he tell us why:  “It was super tough decision, and as I said being back here felt like I was coming home.  This was my family. But at the time I was trying to do guest spots on primetime and movies and what not, knowing that at some point, whether you are fired, or you decide to leave on your own there is a whole other reality out there that you have to face.  I tried to prepare myself for it as best as I could.  I just felt like I just had really done so much here that I didn’t know what else I could possibly accomplish, that I wasn’t already doing.  And I wanted to take that leap of faith and challenge myself, and see if I could have a career in this industry outside of The Young and the Restless.  It has worked out really well, and I am living the dream!”

So, are you looking forward to seeing Michael today on Y&R?  Will Daniel protect Summer for marrying Luca at any cost? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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I have never been happier than to see Michael’s beautiful, familiar face ( sans facial hair, LOL) on Y&R.
Love him to pieces. He is truly exhibiting his Italian roots by his polished, Milanese fashion sense.
Why is he back? Why now? To support his sister? Help his mother and everyone else ‘unmask’ the villainous Luca?
Regardless….I hope he stays a while.

Eager to have Daniel back on the canvas. I think Genoa City and do well with some fresh (although familiar) air to liven up proceedings.

Unanswered questions..
Enquiring minds want to know;
How long will Michael Graziadei be with Y&R..

( a guest appearance, how long?
A full return?

What’s up ??

he’s working on a series he’s not staying

Thanks, davlestev1..
awwww I don’t like that! I want him to stay 🙁

It was so nice to see Daniel back. Waiting patiently for him to meet up with Cassie look-a-like Mariah! O.M.G. Would it ever be something to see Daniel get involved with Mariah, not just because of the reaction Kevin would have ( since Kevin was his best friend) but what would it do to Sharon? What GREAT writing /acting lately. I cried over Adam getting 10 yrs. Chelsea acted her heart out with these scenes and Adam was nothing less than fantastic as usual. The only part of the show that was a bummer was too much Summer. Sooooooo great to see Travis back. I just love him & Victoria and he’s not hard on the eyes either.

LOVE the guy. He smiles with his eyes.

The day ahead show in Canada today is not to be missed. The interaction between Mariah and Daniel was short with a promise of the excitement ahead. So great to have him back for a visit.

Hopefully he is back for four episodes to take Summer to never never land!

If he takes Summer and Luca to never never land let him take Stitch with him.

…..to the island of Forgotten Toys

I love the fact that Michael Graz is back, just wish he’d get rid of that Cheech and Chong facial hair but I’m guessing he has to have it for the role he’s playing on another series with Amazon Prime. Still, it does not look good on him. Other than that, I love having him back even if it is only for a short stint.

He doesn’t stay permanently in character the facial hair is MOST likely something Michael Graziadei likes for hisself

FINALLY a good episode of Y&R! Maybe the best so far, this year? Adam going away to prison and him looking back at Victor, Nikki, Chelsea, Conner and Nick as he walked away in shackles was great acting! [No words necessary] Adam being abducted by Victor, a twist! Dylan taking a swipe at Victor when Victor called him “Boy!” Glummer and Puka were tolerable. But the best part was Daniel. Never a big fan BUT he lit up and fit in the room quite nicely. I looked at him and wondered what he was up to with that facial hair? Wild Bill Hickok? THEN Red makes a comment about him fighting in the Civil War! General Custer? Funny stuff. Those two seemed to fit as mother and son. We’ll see, only there first episode on Thursday. I cannot wait to see Daniel and Mariah together. I cannot BELIEVE I am excited about tomorrow’s Y&R!

I wish he would rejoin the cast again and not be just a guest appearance he could bring so much to the show again. Have missed him so much he is a good actor and I am glad he has a life after Young and the Restless but really wish he would come back at least for awhile and stir things up.

Days Of Our Lives

‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast

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After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.

Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC

There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.

The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.

In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.

Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC

Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”

As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”

The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.

So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’

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Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark

Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”

In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.

It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.

Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.

You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.

So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?

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On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.

As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.

Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC

Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.

BROTHERLY LOVE?

Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”

With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”

BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE

Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”

So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.

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