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‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Reveals Top Three Favorite Storylines She Has Ever Written For, and All From ‘General Hospital’

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: ABC and MicheleValJeanX

If there is a story or script from one of your favorite soaps over the last three and a half decades that is most memorable to you, it’s probably because veteran soap writer, Michele Val Jean had something to do with it.

The current creator, head writer and executive producer of CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates has been razzle dazzling us with some impressive cliffhangers in the infancy of the newest soap opera on the block which debuted back on February 24, 2025. Already in its second season, and recently renewed in a tremendous show of confidence by CBS for seasons three and four, this week its spotlighting the highly-anticipated crossover event when characters from The Young and the Restless arrive at Fairmont Crest airing now through June 12.

Val Jean has tenured history in daytime from: being a script writer for Santa Barbara (and breakdown writer), Port Charles, Generations, and lengthy run a few times at General Hospital where she served as script writer, breakdown writer, and at one time head writer of the ABC soap, to being a long-running script writer at The Bold and the Beautiful, to finally landing her very own show as its head writer with Beyond the Gates.

Photo: CBS

Earlier this week, Michael Fairman TV chatted with Michele at the Toast to Black Excellence event in Los Angeles, featuring cast members of Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless as a precursor to their multi-arc crossover event and asked Val Jean what has been her favorite story in soaps she has ever written for. She responded that she had a top three and they all happened to be from her time on General Hospital and in the 90’s.

GENERAL HOSPITAL CLASSIC STORYLINES

Michele revealed her top picks, “Elizabeth’s (Rebecca Herbst) rape, because that was personal, Kevin and Ryan (dual roles played by Jon Lindstrom), and Stone’s (Michael Sutton) death.”

When speaking of getting the opportunity to write for mild-mannered Dr. Kevin Collins and his psycho killer twin, Ryan Chamberlain, Michele explained, “I was always like a true crime person and Claire Labine (ex-head writer, GH) loved the vibe Jon Lindstrom and I has as writing and acting were concerned. Claire said, ‘Go with it. So, she basically let us work out who these characters were and I was like, ‘I finally have my own serial killer!'”

Courtesy/ABC

DOUBLE TROUBLE

“One of the first scenes I wrote for Ryan was in the police interrogation room and Mac Scorpio (John J. York) and Sean Donely (John Reilly) were standing behind him. He was sitting at this table and in his jumpsuit and there was a light shining on him and he started confessing to all these murders. It was like a 7-minute monologue and it went on and on. He had so many murders (piled up). and then at one point, he goes, ‘Wait, a minute!” He got confused about all the women he had murdered and I said ‘I love this character!'”

GH fans will recall Ryan debuted first in 1992, and then Kevin joined the main characters in 1993. Val Jean recalled, “When Kevin came onto the canvas, he was so arrogant. He thought, ‘Oh, I’ll go fix my brother.’ It took Ryan about five minutes to figure out who Kevin was. The next thing you know, Kevin’s in the middle of a mental institution going, ‘I’m not Ryan!’ And, Ryan’s out on a date with Felicia (Kristina Wagner) I think we must have killed Ryan off six times. That was fun!”

Photo: ABC

PERSONAL VANTAGE POINT

In 1998, Val Jean wrote Elizabeth Webber’s rape storyline. She notably based the controversial and critically acclaimed storyline on her own personal experience with sexual assault.

Michele reflected, “Elizabeth’s rape was really important to me because I was watching the Campus Disco in 1979 (when Luke raped Laura), and I was raped when I was 12-years-old. I know what rape looks like. I wanted to win Tony Geary (Luke) an Emmy because he hadn’t had one since 1983. I also wanted to call a rape a “rape,” and I wanted to heal myself, because back when I grew up on the south side of Chicago in the sixties, you didn’t go to therapy. You pulled yourself up by your bootstraps, and you went on. There was a trial and my rapist went to jail. Once that was over, there was no more talking about it. So, those were my three reasons for doing that story. I managed to do all three, and that was the most personally satisfying.”

Courtesy/ABC

STONE AND ROBIN

Perhaps, there is nothing more iconic and important, than the death of Stone Cates, who tragically dies of AIDS. The episode where he passes away with his girlfriend, a young Robin (Kimberly McCullough) who now has contracted HIV by his side, aired on November 29, 1995. Val Jean had noted on social media that it was both an honor and a heartbreak to write this episode.

BEYOND THE GATES EARLY FAVORITES

Now, Michele is setting new favorites in her repertoire with Beyond the Gates. She revealed that so far, there have been two standouts. The first, the violent altercation on a deserted country road where Martin (Brandon Claybon) fatally struck one of two racist white men with a tire iron to save his grandfather, Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) life and his own.

“I am most proud of Martin by the side of the road (story), because I didn’t think the CBS network would let me do it, but the network has been so supportive. I took a lot of personal satisfaction from that. I’ve never experienced anything like that! ” Another top pick?  I loved the anniversary party when Nicole’s (Daphnée Duplaix) marriage got all blown up!

So, are some of your all-time favorite storylines the ones Michele Val Jean chose? Elizabeth’s Rape, early Kevin/Ryan and Stone’s death on General Hospital? What about the racism storyline centering around Martin Richardson and the bombshell reveal on Beyond the Gates that Ted had an affair with Leslie and a child, which came to light at the anniversary party of Ted and Nicole? Let us know via the comment section below.

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She is a master storyteller. I miss that type of quality writing on GH. They have an excellent cast, but it has too much espionage for me.

She is a master storyteller. She knows what a good, human-based story is, and she is doing that perfectly on Beyond the Gates, and I am so thankful her voice is prominent.

Did not like the way she gave Laura no point of view in the rape revisit. So busy trying to get Tony an Emmy she couldn’t write a balanced story.

I truly appreciate MVJ, but if she wanted to give anyone an Emmy in that story it should’ve been Genie.

The Kevin/Ryan dilemma and Stone’s death were pivotal stories in the 90s – second only to BJ’s death.

Being that she is a survivor herself, I am surprised that the topic of Ted being incapacitated and obviously unable to give consent to Leslie on BTG has been handled so lightly. Or does MVJ not believe that Black men can be SA-ed too?

This crossover timing is messed up!!!

Nikki acknowledged the tornado before that happened on screen in Maryland, worried about where Victor was and Jack and Diane being all good does not make any sense.

SAD!!!

That’s the handy work of Josh Griffith!

Beyond the Gates

Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)

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Beyond the Gates/Y&R Crossover

CBS and Beyond the Gates have released some teaser photos and video preview for tomorrow’s Wednesday, November 4 appearance of The Young and the Restless’ Bryton James and Christel Khalil as Devon and Lily Winters visit Fairmont Crest.

In the special episode, Anita Dupree (newly crowned Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Award winner Tamara Tunie) and The Articulettes return to the studio to record an EP, with Devon’s help.

On Devon’s trip to the DMV area, he is accompanied by his sister Lily, who turns out to be a longtime fan of the singing group. The episode marks the third appearance by James and the first by Khalil on Beyond the Gates.

Beyond the Gates and Y&R

Photo: CBS

In story, as the Articulettes record their new tracks, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) is there too, who’s mother Barbara Mitchell was the original Articulette and tragically ended her own life over feeling shoved out of the group.

Bonita Brisker and Marcia Howell return for the episodes as Sharon and Tracy and perform song along with the Tamara Tunie as the Anita the lead singer of the fictional famous singing trio.

Photo: CBS

BEYOND THE GATES MAKING HISTORY

Beyond the Gates picked up its first four Daytime Emmy Awards in its history, last Friday night, October 30 at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

The series took home the gold for the aforementioned Lead Actress category by Tamara Tunie, plus Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series: Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program, where the hair and makeup team tied with The Kelly Clarkson Show, and for  Lighting Direction for a Daytime Program.

Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, and executive producerd by Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey, the series airs weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and streams on Paramount+.

SNEAK PEEK

Now below check out an exclusive preview, where Lily meets the Articulettes for the first tie and Anita pays homage to Lily’s father, Neil Winters (the late Kristoff St. John).

So, looking forward to seeing Bryton and Christel on Beyond the Gates? Do you enjoy seeing the Articulettes sing on the show led by Daytime Emmy winner, Tamara Tunie? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Men Duded Up – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)

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The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.

The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.

This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.

LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE

Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.

Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei  (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.

Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.

Al Calderon Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.

Jaden Lucas Miller Daytime Emmys Red Carpet 2026

Photo: NATAS

Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.

Eric Braeden Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: NATAS

The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.

Alex Cheeks

Photo: NATAS

Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.

Dominic Zamprogna Daytime Emmy Awards 2026

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.

Harrison Cone Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!

Sawandi Wilson 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.

Paul Telfer 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards

Photo: JPI

Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.

Kyle Pryor

Photo: NATAS

Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.

Sean Freeman - Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Crew Morrow

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.

Christopher Sean Daytime Emmys Red Carpet 2026

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.

So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners Walk (Photos)

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Scott Clifton, Tamara Tunie, Roger Howarth

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards are in the record books, and after the winners names were announced many of your favorite soap stars took their new gold statuette and then posed for photos at the Winners Walk.

For the first time in her career, Tamara Tunie won a Daytime Emmy, and for her leading role as Anita Dupree Williams, the matriarch of the Dupree family on CBS’ Beyond the Gates.

Tunie became the second actress in history to win for the newest soap in the competition, after Ambyr Michelle won earlier in the evening and became the first performer in the series history to win gold. Michelle won in the Outstanding Emerging Talent category.

Frank Valentini

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

EMOTIONS RAN HIGH

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series went to The Bold and the Beautiful’s Scott Clifton, who won his fourth Emmy overall and second in Lead for his touching performances as Liam Spencer during Liam’s medical crisis storyline for an inoperable brain tumor, which turned out to be a ruse.

During his acceptance speech, Clifton shared, “This means so much to me, not the thing, the attaboy from my peers. I can think of few things that bring me more joy than that.”

Speaking on his fellow nominees which included the likes of Y&R’s Eric Braeden (Victor Newman)  and GH’s Steve Burton, (Jason Morgan) Clifton said, “I am in awe of all of you, and you’ve taught me so much. It was a really hard year, and you made me invincible. You are my existential oxygen tank. And I don’t know what I would do without you. I love you, and I am grateful to you.

DECADES BETWEEN

In the Outstanding Supporting Actor and Actress categories, two longtime names synonymous with daytime drama, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, Y&R) and Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, Y&R) won their second Emmys in their career. Roger 32 years after his last Emmy playing Todd Manning on One Life to Live in 1994, and Beth Maitland for winning 41 years after becoming Y&R’s first performer to win Emmy gold back in 1985.

General Hospital executive producer,  Frank Valentini and his producing team took home the gold for the sixth year in a row for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series for the ABC soap. He later shared a moment with Scott Clifton, who started his daytime career as Dillon Quartermaine on GH.

During the ceremonies, the iconic Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) was presented with the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband actor and director, Jonathan Frakes. After Francis received the award she posed for some snaps for the photographers in attendance.

Take a look at the photos below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Beyond the Gates‘ Ambyr Michelle with the well-deserved gold!

Beth Maitland

Photo: Hutchins Photo

Y&R’s Beth Maitland winning 41 years after her first Supporting Actress victory for the moral center of the Abbott family, Traci Abbott.

Genie Francis

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Genie Francis proud of receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions and performances as Laura on GH.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Mandi Line, the costume designer for The Young and the Restless, took home the gold in the costume category.

Frank and Scott

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini, sharing a backstage moment with former GH star and now four-time Daytime Emmy winner from The Bold and the Beautiful‘s Scott Clifton.

So, who were you thrilled to see win a Daytime Emmy from those who appeared in the Winners Walk after their big wins last night at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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