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Ryan Phillippe On His Groundbreaking Role As OLTL’s Billy Douglas 25 Years Later: "I’m Proud That That’s Something I Can Say Was A Part Of My Career."

June 22, 2017

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

One of the most memorable social issue storylines in the history of One Life to Live and daytime television occurred in 1992-1993 when the show brought in the teen-aged character of Billy Douglas, who turned out to be gay. The actor who portrayed Billy was none other than motion picture star Ryan Phillippe in his then first professional acting role.

The tapestry of the gay storyline on OLTL also featured Billy’s relationship with a priest which was put into question, and that dove-tailed into the AIDS quilt appearing on the series, when it became part of a heart-wrenching storyline.

Promoting his new film, “Wish Upon”, Ryan chatted with TooFab, where he discussed his role in Llanview some 25 years ago: “I remember the fan mail that we would get, my mother and I would get, from gay teenagers or from parents of gay teenagers who found a way in to relate to or talk to their child through the show.”

Ryan spoke to the power of the TV medium and how can impact people’s lives: “It can make people think differently or see a different side of something and I do remember and appreciating that — even back then when I was only a teenager myself.”

The talented star admits that at the time he did not have a full understanding of what playing Billy Douglas meant at the time, but he does so now: “In terms of like the larger view, I didn’t have a full understanding of how important it could have been. But I’m proud to have done it, I’m proud that that’s something I can say was a part of my career.”

Watch Ryan talk OLTL and the Billy Douglas storyline after the jump. Then let us know if it was one of the best social issues stories ever told on soaps in the comment section below!

Related Topics:abc Billy Douglas LGBT Role One Life To Live Ryan Phillippe Video

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Guest

Llanviewer717

I have very fond memories of the Billy Douglas story. The story was told very sensitively and courageously. Ryan and the entire cast did a terrific job. As always, our beloved One Life to Live informed and generated thought while keeping us entertained. I miss One Life to Live every day.

Guest

Iakovos

OH, I miss OLTL too, especially when the series delved into social issue stories. Agnes Nixon created such wonderful programs that served as platforms for entertainment and discussion. They say this is a golden age of television but it seems daytime drama is being left out. Only four soaps left on the air. Shouldn’t the genre be enjoying a revival with all this opportunity for original programming on broadcast, cavle, and streaming services?

Guest

Jamesj75

So happy that this snippet of the interview has been posted here!

My admiration for Ryan Phillippe has been further cemented… The gay teen storyline was a major groundbreaking, influential effort; it was an incredible experience. Over the years, OLTL broke ground on occasion and, needless to say, had some terrific storylines and characters. This was one of the show’s finest hours. I am so thrilled I was exposed to, and affected by, it…

Guest

Steve

As a gay man in his 20s at the time, I was proud that OLTL had the storyline.

I seem to recall the original idea was for Joey Bucanhan to be gay. The writers got Agnes’ blessing, but the network wasn’t ready for a legacy character to be gay. The compromise was the introduction of Billy.

Other than the dull theme song, the Linda Gottleib years on OLTL were darn good.

Guest

Llanviewer717

You are so right. That theme song was a tremendous let down after the wonderful Tour of Llanview.
“Here’s what to do when you don’t find the rainbow’s end, this time……”

Guest

Chad Graeber

The Linda Gottlieb/Michael Malone/Josh Griffith years of OLTL (1991-1995?) were truly some of THE best years of soap storytelling. I was just remarking on Daytime Confidential site how engrossing, engaging, and energizing was the writing during that era, from the Billy Douglas coming out to priest Andrew Carpenter story to Viki’s growing attraction to Andrew’s father General Carpenter and the break-up of her marriage to Clint (who became a bigot at the time in response to Billy) to the introduction of Marty Saybrooke and her eventual gangrape at the hands of Todd Manning, who only later was revealed to be… Read more »

Guest

Alan

Not really a fan of the storyline but then I wasn’t a fan of either of Michael Malone’s stints as headwriter. I preferred the coming out stories of AMC’s Bianca, DOOL’s Will, ATWT’s Luke, and OLTL’s Oliver. The best social issue storylines in my opinion are: GL’s Roger/Holly marital rape trial; GH’s Stone dies from AIDS; ATWT’s Margo pulls the plug on Casey; GH’s Monica’s breast cancer; AMC’s Cindy contracts AIDS; OLTL’s Shane is bullied; AMC’s Mark’s drug intervention; AMC’s Michael Delaney reveals he is gay to his students and nearly loses his job; GL’s Holly learns her baby has… Read more »

Guest

dmr

Alan, all of those storylines you mentioned were executed with heart and soul. They were told with such love and sensitivity. They were not rushed, and they were topics that so many of us could relate to, even if they did not hit our homes, per say. They were real, adult topics that we could relate to because perhaps our friends, family, neighbors, dealt with these issues, and because they were the focus on news programs and in society. I miss the days when daytime television focused on real, human element storylines. Both AMC and GH did an astounding portrayal… Read more »

Guest

Kevin C

Alan and dmr, oh how I so agree with both of you and I so miss those days…That is what great soaps/daytime & night time drama’s are all about.

Guest

Patricio

What a great memory you have Al! I do remember many of those stories and yes they were groudbreaking!

Guest

GemmaG

Nice! Ryan Phillippe went on to have a great career and it is great that he remembers his start. He is sooooo good looking! OLTL had many new young actors as well as provocative and educational storylines. GH is no where near as good, although they have double the cast. If I remember correctly, when Billy Douglas came out his father was terrible to him (RP did an amazing job in this role too). Marty Saybrooke then started a rumor about Andrew, the priest, because she had a crush on him, and that almost got Andrew thrown in jail. Queer… Read more »

News

B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang in Film ‘The Christmas Dance’ Premieres Friday

July 23, 2021

In another Christmas in July movie that is making its way to on-demand and theatres near you, comes one featuring The Bold and the Beautiful’s Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke Logan Forrester) as well as notable soap vet Scott Bailey (Ex-Sandy, Guiding Light), called The Christmas Dance.

According to the film loglines: Traumatized by her past Christmas is not at the top of Sarah’s list this time of year. However, waltzing through life’s unexpected emergencies, she is taught the Christmas dance. Briana White, Katherine Kelly Lang, Richard Karn, star in the feature.

Lang shared with SOD on the film working on film while continuing her role on B&B as the iconic Brooke, “It’s wonderful because as an actress, you always want to spread your wings and try new parts and new characters. It’s all a learning process, and all about growth, which is great!”

Check out a trailer for the pic below. The film drops tomorrow on July 23rd.

So, will you be checking out Katherine Kelly Lang in this Christmas-style film? Comment below.

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Korean Dynasty Soapy Drama ‘American Seuol’ Headed to Hulu

July 23, 2021

Here’s a soapy drama on its way to a streaming service for fans to devour. Writer Lana Cho has secured a deal with Hulu for her soapy drama, American Seuol, which definitely has a ‘Dynasty’-vibe to it from what we can tell.

According to Deadline, the hour-long drama is about a young Korean-American adoptee who moves to Seoul for a job opportunity and discovers that she is the heir of a dynastic Korean family.

Cho will write and also be one of the executive producers on the project, which will also EP;d by Sebastian Lee and David Kim, who’s other notable shows right now are ABC’s The Good Doctor and Apple’s Pachinko.

After the announcement on Friday, Cho tweeted, “I’ve always wanted to write my own K-drama. Now I get to – but with Korean-American lead.”

It would appear that Cho is on a hot streak after she also sold her adaptation of her K-pop rom-com, Somewhere Only We Know to Netflix.

Previously, Lana wrote Hulu’s reboot of Four Weddings and a Funeral as well for the TV series Arrow and Timeless. She is serves as co-executive producer on Amazon I Know What You Did Last Summer.

So intrigued to see how American Seuol will ultimately do as some new soap opera fare? Comment below.

Days Of Our Lives

‘Backstreet Boy’ A.J. McLean To Appear on Days of our Lives

July 22, 2021

More stars from different walks of life and entertainment are making their way to NBC’s Days of our Lives.

Now comes word from Backstreet Boy member, A.J. McLean himself that he just taped an appearance on the long-running soap opera.

According to his TikTok post, McLean shared that his grandmother was a huge DAYS fan and he used to watch the soap together with her while he was growing up.

In his video, A.J. gave some intel on his upcoming appearance, “Yours truly is making a guest appearance as a driver. That’s my name on the show, on this show right here.” He then panned to the DAYS signature hourglass logo on the hallways between studio 2 and 4 at Burbank Studios.

Check out McLean’s reveal below. We can now add A.J. to the list of surprising celebrity soap fans who have loved the genre!

Looking forward to seeing McLean on DAYS? Comment below.

@ajmcleanofficial

Thanks to everyone here today making my experience on “DOOL”! A success. Love to the cast and everyone that made this dream come true! Let’s go!

♬ original sound – AJ McLean