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Michael Learned to temporarily replace Jeanne Cooper on The Young and the Restless!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy /MLearned

Courtesy /MLearned

Daytime Emmy award winning actress and soap icon, Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) of The Young and the Restless has needed to take a medical leave from the number one soap.  Rest assured, she is OK.  So the show, not to lose any steam with their planned storyline has temporarily recast the legendary Cooper, with none other than Emmy Award winning mom from The Waltons primetime veteran, Michael Learned!!

EW.com learned the news and got an official statement from the series executive producer and head writer, Maria Arena Bell. “Michael Learned is an accomplished actress and we are grateful that she is able to fill in for Jeanne Cooper for this short time  Jeanne is an integral part of our show and we look forward to her imminent return.  We have great storyline coming up for Mrs. Chancellor.”

Learned first tape date is this Wednesday and she will first air on the November 10th episode of the series.  Soap fans will also remember that recently Michael completed a cancer story arc as Shirley on General Hospital!

 

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Michael is wonderfully versatile, & she no doubt will bring her own good stuff to the role for the time being, but there always will be only 1 “Kay Chancellor”.

Hurry Back, Jeanne. We Love You! 🙂

GMAB! Y&R is not going to lose any steam waiting for Jeanne Cooper to return play her part. I don’t care to see anyone bringing good stuff to the character of Katherine Chancellor because nothing but Jeanne’s stuff can ever be her. What’s the rush in the get to know Devon story? The Y&R cast has so many stories and a cast so large viewers beg to see their favorites. Why not let some others that never get time do something in her absence? Paul, Lauren, Micheal, Jill, Colin, Neil, Nina, Chance, and isn’t Nikki back now?

i enjoyed her on GH, she’s a great actress.

WOW….. this is big news! Wishing Jeanne good luck in her procedure and a speedy recovery! Will be interesting to see what Michael will bring to the role…. she’s definitely an actress of great acclaim. A suprisingly interesting casting choice….. looking forward to seeing her scenes; there will be, of course, only one Mrs. C, though! 🙂 Wishing them both well!

She would be a good addition to Y&R. If they had a storyline where it was revealed that Tucker is actually someone else’s son – played by Michael Learned – that would be a great turn of events. I don’t like that he is Katherine’s son. That’s one history rewrite I would approve of.

I’ve enjoyed Michael Learned’s acting for years. I’m looking forward to seeing her take on the Kay Chancellor role.

I wish the best for Mrs Cooper as I have watched this show since its infancy back in 1973 and she has been inspiration to me. I know Mrs Learned will be a excellent stand-in but there will only be one Mrs C and I will look forward to Mrs Coopers return.

Oh my the Y & R with out Mrs. C. that is going to be hard one to take. Hopefully all goes well with her and she will be back before we miss her. She is one tough lady and I love watching her . Yes Billy & Victoria need to get back together along with Malcolm and Sofia. Neil and Phyllis need to get a life. Love u Mrs. C. and hurry back.

Ms. Cooper hope your hiatus will be short. You are a strong lady, wishing you well. Cane should not have to risk his marriage and life for that no account Billy.

She better come back soon or you will lose a viewer.

I was bewildered to watch my dvr of Y&R and to see SOMEONE ELSE playing Katherine!! My first instincts were that Jeanie had taken ill,but was very glad to find that it would only be temporary. Katherine Chancellor is like my Grandmother! I’ve watched Y&R since I could comprehend daytime drama, and there is ONLY ONE Mrs.Katherine Chancellor. Godspeed to you Jeanie Cooper/hope to see YOU back real soon!! … A longtime devoted fan/viewer.

I have been so worried and now to know that Mrs. C is doing well makes my day. We love you.

hope all is well with Mrs C.. good match for her

I have watched Y&R since the first show. Mrs.C is the Cake as well as the icing on Y&R! Get well soon Mrs. C!

I hope Mrs C is not getting another face lift. She has cut away enough skin to make another person. Her face is tighter than the bark of a tree as it is. Let it sag baby, you are older than Mathusala so let your age shine baby. We will love you all the same you sassy old timer. And hurry back! The show needs you.

just wanted to let jeanie cooper know that we miss her and hope she gets to feeling better soon.

No one will ever replace Mrs. C. I love her . For a old women she still has a memory, and still active. Many people her age could not do what she does. I am proud of her. Keep it up. I wish her only health and happiness in the New Year. Especially health. Without health you have nothing. Love u

No one can replace the real Katherine Chancellor. While the stand-in is a nice person (loved her on her previous show) but the feel is definitely not the same. I have to stop all the time and think how the “real” Katherine would be saying things to even get the feel of Katherine talking. Sorry……….the feeling is not close to the same. She does not have the fire, passion, tanasity and etc. that the original brings to the show.

When Michael speaks, I see Mrs. C…THAT role is irreplaceable! Hurry back Mrs. C!

NO One can replace Mrs.Chancellor or Victor Newman. I’m glad she is ok, but I do look forward to her coming back. She and Victor are ICONS No One can replace. I doubt I would ever watch the show if they were to leave.I have watched The Young and Restless since it was first televised.

MUCH LOVE TO ALL The Cast!

Sorry, but Michael is NOT cutting it as Mrs. C. I’m pretty open to most new cast members, but although I like Michael, it doesn’t take a genius to realize she just doesn’t fit the bill.

I’m looking forward to the the return of Jeanne Cooper. I wish you the best Jeanne, stay strong and come back soon, we miss you!

Shes not fitting the bill because we loved her as Momma Walton and NOT Mrs. C! If she were a no name it would have been a better choice! We wouldn’t compare so hard! HURRY BACK Mrs. C!!!

I love you Y&R and Mrs. C. can’t wait for her return. I loved the Waltons too — regarding M. Learned (grew up with both shows). Wish you all the best:0)

I love you and am looking forward till you get back to where you belong. You are the one and only Mrs. C..
I miss your feisty self ((hugs))

I love you and am looking forward till you get back to where you belong. You are the one and only Mrs. C..
I miss your feisty self

I love you and am looking forward till you get back to where you belong. You are the one and only Mrs. C..

I can not wait for your return . I am really missing you.!!!!

Micheal Learned is a wonderful actress. In this role she does not hold a candle to Jeanne Cooper.
She is not coming across as the wealthy upscale resident of Genoa City.
Frankly I do not know of anyone who could take this role. Jeanne is irreplaceable. I wish you the very best Jeanne and hope you are getting better each day. I am a faithful Y & R fan and you are what keeps the show going. I look forward every day to your return. Mrs. C. is #1 all the way around. I miss you. Marsha

yes, mrs .c. I will always.miss you,been following your carree for many years.You are my best actress. get well soon, and hurry back I miss you.

miss you mrs. c

I wish this show would not be so much a Sex in the City, all they do is have sex, Phyllis and Sharon are nothing but sluts…Men do not watch Y&R like women so why so much low terrible clothes. Sharron is always in bed with someone.

We love you Jeanne & hope to see you soon.

YOU Mrs. C are the ONLY one who can fill these shoes..(Michael is good temporarily but….) They are TOO big for anyone else! We miss your feistyness, your candor, your wit and charm! Heres hoping whatver procedure your having done goes well, and your recovery is swift! We miss you like no other… Hurry back!

It was so difficult to watch the show without you! Jeannie Cooper

I have been watching Y&R for 20 years and you have always been my favorite actress

Happy to see you back! Please stay Healthy- we missed you!

A Long Time Loyal Fan-Lora

Hello my family member! I wish to say that this post is awesome, great written and include almost all vital infos. I’d like to look extra posts like this .

Mrs. C your are deeply missed and cannot wait for your return to the show. It’s not just the same without you, God Bless and get well soon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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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