News
Robert Newman Reveals He’s Wrapped His Run as Ashland Locke on The Young and the Restless
This week on The Young and the Restless, viewers witnessed Nick (Joshua Morrow) punching the lights out of Ashland (Robert Newman) to save his sister, Victoria (Amelia Heinle). Problem is, Ashland fell and hit his head, and the Newman children thought he was dead, but then, his body somehow disappeared from the scene of the altercation. Tune in to today’s Y&R for more on that!
Now, Robert Newman has clarified his status with Y&R, revealing in a newly posted ‘thank you’ video to the fans, and the cast and crew at the CBS soap opera, that he has finished his contract and is off the series.
Photo: JPI
In his farewell message, Robert expressed: “Today, I just want to talk for a minute to The Young and the Restless fans. I think it’s appropriate for me now to finally be able to say thank you so much for letting me be a part of the legacy of this great show. Just to clarify, the scenes you saw the other day, Ashland dying at the hands of Nick, were in fact my last scenes on the show … and the end of my contract. Those were shot about five weeks ago.”
The former Guiding Light alum where he played Joshua Lewis, also took a moment to share that he is now back on the East Coast with his family. He went on to say,”I did want to take a minute to say thank you to you, and also to just do a shout-out to the cast and crew of The Young and the Restless who were just fantastic, just wonderful people to work with. I couldn’t have been happier about it. I very much enjoyed playing the character, and I hope you enjoyed seeing me in the role. I know for some of you, it was a tough transition from Richard’s (Burgi) work, but I really, really enjoyed playing the character and working with these fantastic people.”
But as soap operas go, and the curious way Ashland’s on-screen departure came to pass, Newman left fans with a cliffhanger, sharing, “Maybe I’ll see you again one day; you never know!”
Check out Robert’s video message below.
Now let us know, Sad to hear Robert is done at Y&R? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Y&R is very frustrating lately with the lack of story payoffs and wasted potential. Robert Newman was wasted as Ashland, and all the potential the character had vanished. I thought for sure the writers would pair Ashland and Diane and have them go after both the Newman and Abbott families (and companies), which would have been great drama. When that didn’t happen, I was certain Ashland would die in a “whodunit” murder storyline which could have incorporated so many characters.
But nope, instead, Ashland hits his head on the ground, we think he dies, but then he disappears… only to return at some point down the road? Let’s hope not. I just wish this story and character had more of a payoff, just like how I wish Rey’s death led to more. Another character with so much potential wasted, I wanted his death to actually mean something. I’m not sure why the show is written so blandly, but it’s really disappointing.
This is terrible news ! He was one of the only good characters left on the show . Unfortunately they didn’t know how to write a true villain . I know I’ve been saying this for some time but My God This Show Sucks !!! Please please please someone at CBS fire Josh Griffith . He is and has been the worst head writer to ever be in charge of this show . I think everyone needs to check out Young and The Restless clips online . There’s a huge difference !! Fire Josh G now !!!!
Totally
If your new to the show you wouldn’t give it a second look. Of all my family and friends who watched religiously forever I’m the only one left who still loyally watches just hoping Griffith and Morina get the boot
Say what? No offense but I have no idea what you are talking about.
Do you think that you could do a better job writing the show?
Yes! My cat could do a better job writing this show!
And yet you’re watching it? This seems to be one of those times that the advice to ‘get a life’ really applies since you’ve got nothing better to do than watch a show that you hate.
This is really too bad. It was so nice to see a new character interact with one from a legacy family instead of the same old merry go round of pairng up two characters that have been on the show forever. He and Victoria had a lot of chemistry and they could have had the characters try and out do each other for a long time to come. I really kept hoping that their fights would end passionately instead of in this tragedy.
Let’s be honest after Richard Burghi got fired and was replaced, The character took a very dark one note tone. Newman and Amelia’s chemistry as Victoria and Ashland were gone. It was almost father daughter. Hopefully one day Burghi can return as the real Ashland. Shame, He and Amelia had so much potential.
I totally agree! I love Robert Newman, but I didn’t feel the chemistry between them either. Y&R is in desperate need of a writer change.
You are such a class act guy Mr. Newman. Thank you for the time you put in on Young and Restless. I thought you were better and better in your role as Ashland. Maybe you will do a stint as Ashland’s ghost in the future. Enjoy those
grandbabies.
So, all those scenes involving Adam and Ashland joining forces against the Newmans were yet MORE wasted time? Way to go, powers that be.
Sad day for Robert Newman fans so much potential wasted. I wanted to see locke ness monster and only got groveling Ashland.
I loved The Guiding Light (Josh & Reba) and loved seeing you on Y&R. All the best for your future Robert ❤️
I loved seeing Robert Newman as well. When I first seem him I said Josh oh my goodness You are right Joshua and Reba they played their part well. How to see you again
A wonderful actor. I watched him for years on As The World Turns. It seemed strange to see him being such a tough business man and person. It just goes to show what a natural he truly is. Hope to see him pop up again in other shows. Best of luck to him!
Cathy
Don’t think he’s ever been on ATWT, I think you meant GL, where he was for years.
I for one will miss him on Y&R. I admit missing Burgi at first but then it felt like we had Joshua Lewis back again, even with the lack of chemestry between he and Victoria, I enjoyed him in all his scenes. I wish him the best life has to offer and know he will be giving pleasure to people for years to come.
What a waste lots of storyline potential here the set up in the park with Harrison was nauseating if you want us to like Kyle that wasn’t the way to do it and the character of Victoria has become such an ice princess she’s unwatchable outside of diane Phyllis Nick and Sharon and ally and noah the rest is a snore
Good job Robert. Now can GH please hire him as a recast Dr Jeff Webber?
Newman lives on the east coast and insisted on only a one-year contract with Y&R. Unless Frank wants someone short-term, I don’t see Newman playing Jeff. Heck, despite Elizabeth mentioning the character, I’m not sure we’ll ever see Jeff back in PC.
Good idea but GH already has too many talented actors who are underused!
This is kind of a side topic. I thought Robert did great in the role. I want to talk more about the writing.
Just 4 years ago, Victoria was being manhandled by JT, and Nikki clubbed him and “killed” him. The body disappeared
Flash forward now, Victoria was being manhandled by Ashland, and Nick clubbed and “killed” him. The body disappeared.
Are they just recycling old scripts? They had a classic whodunit on their hands with half the main cast having motive to kill Ashland.
It seems when Richard burgi left they didn’t know what direction to go with Ashland Diane and Ashland would have been great it fell flat Ashland seemed to be joining forces with Adam and nothing. Chelsea seemed to have a strange Rey obsession upon his death nothing the new faith and Moses are so nothing they seem to be gone chance is nothing and Devon needs to be gone just absolutely boring. Sometimes we get nice character development and many times missed opportunities
Why didn’t you sign up for a longer time on the show??
You are a great actor! God bless you
I had gotten use to Ashland being in control at all times. I know princess Victoria stripped him of everything. But it’s hard for me to believe he would so utterly fall apart at the end. Starting with trashing his hotel room. So I think his ending was sloppy, lazy, and out of character for Ashland on the writers part. But Robert played the scenes magnificently.
Wow. Josh Griffith’s writing was starting to get just a LITTLE bit better…and he pulls this lead-balloon. What a let down. All that Ashland—revenge talk, and…NOTHING.
Robert Newman breathed new life into the formerly somnolent, redundant and tiresome Newman family. The writers should have had Ashland seek vengeance through the strategic corporate raiding of Newman Industries. Instead, they turn him into Freddy Kruger and a repeat of JT’s storyline. Both Robert and his character deserved better than this. Robert is the best actor Y&R has seen in quite some time.
I completely agree. Robert Newman brought life to the redundant Newman family stories. He was a credible and interesting character who combat the Newmans for once.
I don’t understand how they ruined this story. I am happy that Ashland went missing, so I am hoping he is alive and can return.
Actually surprised he took the job he lives back east has kept busy over the years with plays etc . He sounds thrilled to be back home and he will get to skip that awful commute . Life is too short to not be with the ones you love and he is already working again!
So sad he is gone. Great actor. I liked him with Victoria.
Burgi and Newman were both great in different versions of Ashland. When Burgi was replaced, they should have went a little younger with the new Ashland. Both versions of the Ashlands seemed awkward being in a romantic relationship with Victoria. Robert Newman was fantastic in his final scenes with Victoria and then Nick. Since Ashland is gone, lets have Adam reach out to Ian Ward. He really new how to get under Victor and Nicki’s skin!
Please please please someone at CBS fire Josh Griffith. He is and has been the worst head writer to ever be in charge of this show!
Wake Up CBS get rid of Josh he’s awful and I said this since he let go Gina T.
When BB is getting more watchers than Y&R this should be your wake call. The storylines are so 100% more interesting at BB than at Y&R. And I feel bad for the cast their so talented but not strong leader. Boring storylines and all yet over at GH they are rocking it!
What a treat it was to see fantastic Robert Newman take over the role and give this character dimension that went far beyond the writing. These east coast, theatre-trained actors inject such life into the west coast shows. He’s the reason I tuned back in after giving up on Y&R a couple of years ago. It was a treat while it lasted!
I would really like to redirect this conversation to the aftermath of Ashland’s death.Im so sick of Victor playing God. He just makes things worse and this time they might not have enough room at the jail for everyone involved and the others being complicit just by knowing what really happened. When arrested I can just hear Victor saying, I just did what I did to protect my children. He is too much. He needs to retire,I’ve always been a big Victor fan, but this is too much, jeopardizing his whole family.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Look who’s joining Justin Hartley’s hit freshman drama, Tracker! None other than another soap alum, former Days of our Lives and Supernatural favorite Jensen Ackles.
In a reveal via Hartley’s Instagram on Thursday, Ackles is set to play Hartley’s on-screen brother on the CBS procedural drama. In Tracker, Colter Shaw is estranged from his brother, Russell, which has been a big part of the mystery of season one.
Ackles is best known for his long run as Dean Winchester in The CW’s Supernatural, a role he reprised in the prequel of the series The Winchesters. He also recently starred in ABC’s Big Sky as Sheriff Beau Arlen and in The Boys as Soldier Boy.
Photo: CBS
Jensen was the original Eric Brady on Days of our Lives, a role he played from 1997-2000, before departing for the world of primetime and film. Eric was in love with Nicole played by Arianne Zucker. The part of Eric was recast with Greg Vaughan taking over the role in 2012.
Photo: JPI
In his Instagram post, Justin thanked everyone for watching Tracker, and then revealed Ackles as the surprise casting announcement in the role of Russell, while Jensen was playing pinball in the video! No word yet on when Jensen’s first episode as Russell will air. Stay tuned.
Check out Justin’s casting post featuring Jensen Ackles below. So, what do you think of Justin and Jensen playing brothers on Tracker? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
With the Melrose Place revival the talk of the town, now Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, GH, ex-Nick, B&B and ex-Peter Burns, MP) has weighed-in on it and if he would show up in the new series if it should find a home.
Currently, CBS Studios is developing a reboot starring Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton. But what is Dr. Peter Burns were to show up alive?
As those who saw the end of the original MP know, Peter and Amanda (Locklear) faked their deaths and then tied the knot with Peter on a beach, supposedly in a “happily ever after” scenario.
Photo: Fox
Speaking with PEOPLE, Wagner expressed, what we all know who watch the soaps, that no one is never, ever really gone for good. Jack expressed, “You never really die on a soap, right? How they unfold those two characters (Peter and Amanda), it’d be fantastic how they sort of tell that story.”
Wagner added, “That was a great finale to be included in, especially with Heather. If I’m asked to come back, I’d absolutely entertain that.”
Photo: Fox
The original Melrose Place aired for seven seasons from 1992 to 1999. The story featured the residents of an apartment complex, whose lives were intertwined. Eventually Wagner and Heather Locklear dated fro 2007-2011.
As previously reported, the new Melrose Place share that some of original neighbors and friends reunite after a death. The loglines add, “The pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”
So, would you like to see Jack Wagner return as Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, or Frisco Jones on GH, or both? Comment below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
‘Tracker’s’ Justin Hartley on His ‘Passions’ Soap Start, “They’d Have Me With No Shirt Walking Around a Hospital for Three Weeks. It Was Ridiculous, but I Loved It.”
The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
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