Interviews
THE DANIEL GODDARD INTERVIEW – THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
By Michael Fairman
Listen to the audio:
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TV SOAP:
How do you feel about the whole Cane/ Lily, and Chloe pregnancy story angle?
DANIEL:
I am kind of curious to see what happens. I was wondering which way they were going to go with it. I have to say at this point, I am extraordinarily impressed with the storylines that are coming out. There is a very solid morale on the set at the moment, because all the storylines are intersecting now. Everyone has this new vigor!
TV SOAP:
So, do you attribute the changes to the new writing regime at “Y&R”?
DANIEL:
Definitely! When I found out where it was going I was so impressed. I went and phoned Maria Arena Bell, our co-head writer, and said, “I think its genius, because generally with anything to do with paternity suits or babies, and love triangles, it’s kind of been done. I was so impressed to make it new and fresh and to have a pay off, and I am excited to play it.” I have fear in my heart at work though, that all good things must come to an end as far as Cane and Lily, but at the same time I hope they will prevail.
TV SOAP:
How is working with Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) on “Y&R”?
DANIEL:
She is awesome! What I love about Liz is we have a very solid rapport with what we want to do in scenes. Chloe is such an interesting character. You thought she was this put-together stylist. Then, she took a dive off the deep end. To not let her be a complete nut-bag, I think Liz is working the character so well. Honestly, you don’t think she’s crazy. If you put yourself in Chloe’s shoes, she is not crazy.
TV SOAP:
What do you have to say about the whole older man, Cane, and younger woman, Lily storyline point?
DANIEL:
I never thought of it that way.
TV SOAP:
Well, I do!
DANIEL:
Well, some people do, but I never thought about it that way for the dynamics of the relationship. It’s always going to be a point in storyline. It was a point in storyline to break us up when I knew how old she was. Cane then decided he can’t be without her, so he tells her we will make this work. Because of the age difference between Christel Khalil (Lily) and myself, I think it allows Cane to play a sweet and tender side to his character. I think if Lily were the same age as Cane, it would be a different dynamic. And even if she were the same person, it would have to be different.
TV SOAP:
But, Cane has another new story coming down the pike, correct?
DANIEL:
Now Cane is going to have a business storyline, because he just got promoted as the CEO of Jabot, to everybody’s chagrin, due to his lack of experience.
TV SOAP:
How do you justify Cane’s suspending belief that he could have gotten Chloe pregnant when he doesn’t remember a thing?
DANIEL:
It’s difficult. When you have a moment of blackout, and even knowing he couldn’t get an erection, all things being equal, assuming he is this super potent guy from the outback…. He woke up and didn’t know what happened. It is tearing him apart at the moment. It plagues him to know it, but at the same time, I try to play it like the baby’s not mine. But Cane certainly must have his doubts.
TV SOAP:
I hate when they dummy-down leading men on soaps!
DANIEL:
I remember when Cane was with Amber. I looked back on it and it was pretty obvious something was going on. You find yourself having to make a choice. When Amber was entered in the “Face of Jabot” contest, I played it from day one that Cane knew it was Amber. I always try to justify things, if they do things that make the character look like not the sharpest tool in the shed. You have to be very careful. You are walking a fine line. If you’re not careful, you will make your character look like a manipulator, unless they are going to do a Nick and Phyllis type of story where they start off hating each other, but Cane comes to realize that he really likes Chloe.
TV SOAP:
But do you really think they would really break up Cane and Lily?
DANIEL:
We are so popular at the moment. We are up to number 2 in “Soaps in Depth” magazine as actors and as a couple. Would they run it? That’s the question I don’t know the answer to!
TV SOAP:
So, what do you think the chances are that the baby is ultimately going to turn out to be Cane’s?
DANIEL:
The DNA test comes back. Chloe has not manipulated the DNA test. It comes back that Cane could be a possible match for the baby. So what ends up happening is Lily tells Cane to marry Chloe.
TV SOAP:
There were so many reports online about the shock over the letting go of Raya Meddine (Ex-Sabrina) while the new writers were coming in. Were your cast mates afraid for their own jobs, as well? Were people truly shocked by her exit?
DANIEL:
When I thought about it my jaw-dropped! I was in shock; it did come out of left field. But, when you look at it logically, it makes sense. Victor and Nikki will always be together. I think the problem is when you put yourself in a position where you’re going to be Victor’s new wife; you are basically a storyline waiting to happen. But if the audience totally falls head over heels in love with you and they break up Nikki and Victor, they will put you with someone else. I feel within the confines of logic, if you have characters that work very well, and storylines with other characters that work well, and when you introduce an unknown factor and a new character, people will always come and go as a service of storytelling.
TV SOAP:
How is working with Christel?
DANIEL:
I love it. I love everything about her.
TV SOAP:
Your road to “Y&R” and the role of Cane came after numerous younger leading man role auditions for the soaps, right?
DANIEL:
I tested for Austin Peck’s role on “As the World Turns”. I tested for the Nash Brennan role on “One Life to Live”, and ironically, I recall I met the producers of “General Hospital” for Jason Thompson’s role of Patrick. It’s one of the things I forgot about it. I saw Brandon Beemer (Owen, “B&B”) today, and we talked about how he left “DAYS” and ended up on “B&B”. I said, “See, everything works out. You are on a bigger show that has fewer people in your demographic and you have people to work with, plus Susan Flannery (Stephanie) and John McCook (Eric)! It’s crazy how things work out. I think I was meant to end up on”Y&R”. I did not want to relocate to New York. It worked out perfectly and it could not be any better.
TV SOAP:
How are your parents enjoying your success, back home in Australia?
DANIEL:
They are great parents, and they enjoy my success and following the journey of my career. I probably won’t go back to Australia till next year because I am heavy in story, and my wife Rachel and I have another baby on the way! She is four months pregnant, and we will find out the sex in a week. I am excited! I already have Ford, my two and half year old son. I am excited to have this new baby, with what I learned from my first time experience with raising Ford.
TV SOAP:
What do you miss most about Australia?
DANIEL:
I miss everything about it. There is a sensibility about Australians. When I first moved to America, I had to reprocess how I interpreted what I heard, because it was different than the speed and tempos of Australia.
TV SOAP:
Many have said, that the hiring of Australians, Daniel Goddard and Tammin Sursok (Colleen) to “Y&R” was a direct attempt to raise the ratings of the show in the Australian market. Do you think that was the partly the reason you both were hired?
DANIEL:
I was told when I tested for “Y&R”…”Oh, you’re Australian?” I walked in with an American accent, and they said, “So, where are you from?” The concept of Cane was that he was given away at birth. So he could have been from Mongolia. It just worked out luckily for me that I was the right person for the job. As far as Tammin, I think it’s just the way it worked out.
TV SOAP:
Do you and Tammin hang-out as “Aussies” on the set?
DANIEL:
What I like about Tammin is that we have a flow of conversation that’s at a different level than anyone else, because there is a nicety that doesn’t have to be there. We speak so fast together, and chop our sentences down so much, that people look at us and go, “We can’t understand a single word you are saying!” I enjoy that because I don’t have another single Australian out here other than my family. The problem is after I speak to Tammin so much, I go on set and they go, “Daniel we don’t understand what you are saying! Slow it down and annunciate!”
TV SOAP:
What do you make of all the success of Australian actors on the soaps? First there was Ingo Rademacher (Jax) on “GH”, and currently we have you, and Murray Bartlett (Cyrus) from “GL”!
DANIEL:
I think when Ingo came out here, I am sure it was very difficult for him to get a job. No one wanted to hire anybody with an Australian accent. You could be English, Irish, Scottish, or Canadian, but no Australians. I truly think that Mel Gibson pioneered for every Australian in the industry to come over to the States to get a job.
TV SOAP:
How did you feel about your on-screen grandmother, Jeanne Cooper (Katherine) winning the Emmy?
DANIEL:
Oh, I was so excited! I was jumping up and down. When I found it was the first time she won, it dumbed me down to the point where I didn’t know what to say. I think she would have had five or six or seven in the bag already. I am so proud to be part of a storyline that Jeanne is in and to be part of that family. I am proud to say that Jeanne Cooper and Peter Bergman are my mentors on that show. There is nothing I cannot go to them about. I can talk to Jeanne about life, and she will say, “Sweetheart, what is happening with the baby, and how do you feel?”
TV SOAP:
We wish for more storyline for your incredible on-screen mom, Jill, played by the amazing Jess Walton!
DANIEL:
She is getting a great storyline at the moment and so is everyone else. Cane and Jill have a very different relationship than most men who are 31 and women who are in their 50’s. Whenever I see I have scenes with Jess, I am so excited.
TV SOAP:
So what is the best part of being a leading man, and the worst part?
DANIEL:
The best part has to be you get to do what you love. I love to act.
TV SOAP:
But you know what I mean; to be the guy that gets the girl that everyone lusts after.
DANIEL:
It’s funny. “TV Guide” just ran “The Soaps Sexiest…
TV SOAP:
… And weren’t you number one? Congratulations Daniel! How do you feel about that? It’s cool!
DANIEL:
It’s a testament to the fans…
TV SOAP:
…. But you keep yourself in shape. Right?
DANIEL:
Well yeah, but if it wasn’t for the fans… I am extraordinarily flattered! What I love is when I get a smart piece of dialog that allows me to show something that has cutting-edge intellect or mother/son, Cane/Lily. I try to play everything in a different way, so the character becomes complex. I know a lot of people who say to me, “I don’t trust Cane” because there is something going on. That’s great for me, and it shows me that they are seeing that he is different with everybody, which allows me to become a more complicated person.
TV SOAP:
But being a good–looking guy or woman, when somebody compliments you on your looks, how do you handle that? Do you say “thank you” or do you get shy about it?
DANIEL:
I get shy about it… always. At the end of the day, when you get cast in a role that’s based upon your physicality…. and I use to play against my type all the time. I would try to audition for roles where I wasn’t the leading man. I was going nowhere. I was banging my head against the wall. My wife said to me once, “Daniel, when are you going to understand they are not going to cast you as the serial killer or the evil guy, because against him is the guy who is the leading man… and when you look at him, he looks like you!” I finally embraced it. Ironically, after that I booked this. It has become the greatest acting experience, and one of the most wonderful periods of my life. Looking back, in “Beastmaster” I ran around for three years in a loincloth and looked ripped, with hair blowing in the wind and saying, “I want to do these other types of roles.” My wife, said, “I am telling you that you’re going to get really frustrated by it!” So, I decided to try and go the other way and not try to fight against type and see what becomes of it. Now I am glad I made that choice.
TV SOAP:
What can we tease our fans to look forward to in the coming months?
DANIEL:
I think you are going to see an emotional unraveling of someone that had the ability to put everything they have neatly packaged in a box, because that is what they have done for so long. You’ve seen a person who drops his guard after it was up for so long, and now all of a sudden, he is put in a position where he asks himself: should he put it back up? That, plus Cane is going to become a corporate powerhouse who puts all his angst into something he can control. He knows he can control the business side of things.
TV SOAP:
But will he lose his integrity?
DANIEL:
No. I would not allow him to lose his integrity. Eric Braeden is notorious for not allowing Victor to do non ‘Victoresque’ things. I am a firm believer that you are who you are at the core, and your morale compass dictates this is the direction you should head.
TV SOAP:
Should Cane and Lily fans be very worried?
DANIEL:
I think they will always root for the couple, but I don’t think they will always enjoy the ride. I think it’s hard, when you are a fan of a character or a couple, to sit back and watch everything fall apart. Especially, when you know that guy didn’t do what he is accused of doing, because the fans are on the inside.
TV SOAP:
As an actor, what did you think about the recent Christian Bale incident involving some form of abuse to his mother and sister?
DANIEL:
I don’t know what happened, but to be honest with you, nothing surprises me. Here is the thing: I remember watching a documentary called “Spielberg on Spielberg,” and he was talking about doing “Empire of the Sun” with Christian when he was 8. Christian had an orange on the table and he was asked a question from the press, and he did not know how to answer it, so he picked up a pencil and stabbed the orange and got up and walked away. I was like, “If you are 8 years old, and that is your reaction to something, there is something going on.” You look at the films, “The Machinist” and “American Psycho,” which I have to say, is one of the top five roles I would want to play. That being said, I am not surprised when you have an innate ability to play such a dark character, within you something must be lurking. I can’t judge whether or not, it’s the mother and the sister trying to cash in. I can’t judge, but I am not surprised by anything.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
When Beyond the Gates concluded last week’s Friday cliffhanger, Hayley (Marquita Goings) received some life-altering news! Up in her suite at the Bowman, she had decided to take a home pregnancy test. As she watched the timer, nervously, when it was time to check the results, it confirmed she was indeed carrying a child. This causes Hayley great angst as she threw it to the wall and screamed, “No!”
This development sideswipes and turns her next move upside down! Previously, Hayley had met with her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry) who finally presented her with the requested new ID to start a new life, and for her to go after another rich man and scam him, like she tried to do with Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett).
Hayley’s new identify was to be that of Carey Jenner, …a nanny! Hayley didn’t want anything to do with kids. Randy had told her it was the perfect identify to infiltrate a wealthy man’s home and heart. Now, that Hayley’s pregnant presumably with Bill’s child, what will be her next move?
Photo: CBS
THE LATEST IN THE LIFE OF HAYLEY LAWSON HAMILTON
During a livestream chat with Marquita Goings on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, the actress talked about what Hayley pregnancy would mean, what other men in the Fairmont Crest universe might she set her sights on, and her odd, yet “friendly” relationship with Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant), plus working with her leading man, Timon Kyle Durrett, who this week’s goes for gold in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Opening up about Hayley realizing she may be pregnant which prompted the home pregnancy test, Goings shared, “That was good timing with Leslie. With her saying, ‘Oh, you’re gaining weight,’ and Hayley just has to go throw up.”
Now that it has been confirmed that Hayley is pregnant, it will be interesting to see how she plays this off, because as Goings stated, “She said she was pregnant already twice, I think. She was back and forth with Bill, like, ‘Oh, I’m pregnant, and then all this happened, and then losing the baby at Uptown.’ I guess now we’ll have to see (how this plays out).”
Courtesy/CBS
RANDY AND LESLIE UNLIKELY ALLIES?
As for her cousin, Randy, with whom Hayley keeps asking for new passports and fake ID’s, does she have any true familial feelings for him? “A little bit. I hate to say it,” shared Goings. “I feel like Hayley definitely loves her cousin. She appreciates her cousin, but they’ve always had this dynamic to where she’s bossed him around. She’s always helped him in a sense, although he’s helping her too, but when she scams, she’s the one going through everything, making the money. She’s playing him, but deep down, she cares about Randy.”
Beyond the Gates fans love the soapy goodness of two bad girls seemingly becoming frenemies when Leslie paid Hayley’s bail! Now the two chat over food and sundaes, as Hayley’s keeps getting sick at the sight of anything she would have to put down her stomach due to her pregnancy.
“Hayley doesn’t fully trust Leslie. She feels like she’s a scammer and they’re kinda two peas in a pod to some degree,” declared Marquita. “She probably doesn’t trust her because of Hayley knowing her own ways. She’s like, ‘Okay, why does she want to be close?’ But then it’s like, ‘Oh, wait! She bailed me out of jail of all people!”
Photo: CBS
TIMON KYLE DURRETT GOES FOR GOLD
While becoming pregnant may have given Hayley a second chance at a marriage of convenience to Bill, who else might Hayley target next? Goings weighed-in, “It definitely needs to be someone with some wealth because of her being money hungry. Like Isaiah (Lami), he doesn’t have anything. So he wouldn’t do her any good. And of course, he could be like eye candy, but he’s already in a relationship and he doesn’t have the tools. So, I don’t know. I don’t know if it would have to be someone new?”
Marquita also had high-praise for her co-star, Timon Kyle Durrett and was thrilled for his Daytime Emmy nomination. “It’s deserving. I cannot wait for the Emmys. I will be there. I have most of my scenes with Timon and I have a lot of fun with him. I also love my scenes with Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree) too. Just working with Karla alone is a joy. She’s amazing. I will say this, being my first time being on a soap, just watching her handle the pacing and just learning all the things, is a great example of how to do this medium.”
So, what do you think of Hayley being pregnant? Will she get Bill to take her back if she is carrying his child? Do you think it could be another man’s baby? What do you think of Hayley being frenemies with Leslie? Are you rooting for Timon Kyle Durrett and Karla Mosley at this week’s Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in below.
Interviews
Joe Hendry Talks WWE Microdrama Collab ‘Agent of Shadows,’ New Music, and What’s Next! (Exclusive)
The motto, “I believe in Joe Hendry” is catching on even outside the WWE Universe! The Scottish-born pro wrestler is having a banner October (well not so much on this week’s Monday Night Raw), but with the release of his new album Beyond Belief and appearing in WWE’s first-ever microdrama Agent of Shadows in its partnership with vertical leader ReelShort.
On Friday, October 23, ReelShort launched Agent of Shadows on its mobile-first storytelling platform that is available in more than 100 countries, reaching more than 70 million monthly active users.
Hendry joins fellow WWE stars Drew McIntrye, Jacob Fatu, plus Booker T, Michael Hayes and Nikkita Lyon and more in the cast as they mix it up with microdrama leading men, Chase Mattson and Marc Herrman, in the action-packed series.
Photo: ReelShort
A NEW FRONTIER FOR WWE SUPERSTARS
As the story begins, the world’s greatest secret agent must protect and care for his 6-year-old daughter while posing as her nanny. Now, without revealing his true identity, he must win his daughter’s (and her mother’s) trust, while secretly thwarting corrupt suitors, mafioso strongmen and even a megalomaniacal billionaire who’s using his family to get to him. What could go wrong?
Michael Fairman TV chatted with Hendry on his ascension and rise in the ranks of the WWE, bringing his brand of satire, music and singing to sports entertainment, plus his thoughts on branching out into the acting world of motion pictures, microdramas and more. The full conversation can be seen with Joe on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Photo: ReelShort
JOE HENDRY ON PLAYING … JOE HENDRY
Unlike the other WWE superstars in Agent of Shadows, Hendry is taking on the role of … himself! Seems like it may not be then been too much of a stretch to play or is it? Joe explained, “I don’t know how much of this I’m allowed to reveal, so I’m sure there’ll be a lot of fun in discovering what that is. But what I will reveal is what I think is the best thing about my involvement … everyone else plays a character and I play Joe Hendry. So, I’m very pleased about that.”
Speaking on his background, Joe explained, “For those of you who don’t know, I’ve been a wrestler for 14 years, but I kind of had a mainstream crossover in 2024 when my music video became a meme. It did really well in the charts. I’ve now been able to carry that forward and I’m in one of those positions where I can just appear as myself.”
“This is the first film-type project I’ve been a part of,” elaborated Hendry. “I think that’s why WWE stars crossover so well into movies, because we’re so used to having to do everything in one take, whereas in Hollywood you may get as many takes as you need. In microdramas, you can look at these chapters as well. So, let’s say you manage to get through the first give chapters on your way to work or whatever, you can always come back to that. I think’s its a smart combination for storytelling.”
Photo: WWE
NEW LP TRACK LIST INCLUDES ‘FIRE LOGAN PAUL’
Back on October 5, Hendry released his LP Beyond Belief filled with hilarious and clever send-ups. The track list includes: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, Fire Logan Paul (the social media phenom and pro wrestler), Give Joe Hendry Every Single Belt and more. Hendry added one more favorite, that is his latest single and music video!
“The other main one is If You Don’t Love Joe Hendry, and the lyrics are, ‘If you don’t love Joe Hendry, then, you’re a useless piece of … ‘ So, I think we should fire Logan Paul, and I think we should give Joe Hendry every single belt. I just think these are sensible messages we have to get out to the world.”
The album was completed in what some would consider lighting speed! “We had a lot of fun recording these, but it was done so fast. It was actually a lot of pressure to get it done. I wrote the album except Fire Logan Paul in a span of four days. It was pretty intense. We recorded all the vocals in five hours, which is insane,” recalled Joe. “But it’s kind of what I was talking about before. In WWE, everything is done live. We do not have retakes. So, I think being a WWE superstar has prepared me well for producing other forms of media quickly.”
Photo: WWE
TEENAGE DREAMS BECOME A REALITY WRESTLING RANDY ORTON
Back in the squared circle, Hendry has been in a feud with the Judgment Day, and in particular of late with JD McDonaugh on Raw. But taking a look at his rise from NXT to TNA to WWE, Joe reflected on his heart-stopping moment at WrestleMania 41 against one of his legends, Randy Orton.
“I remember being 15 and kind of imagining being a pro wrestler. I also remember specifically thinking, ‘What if I had a feud with Randy Orton?’ And then, I became a wrestler when I was just about to turn 25 and all these years later, it happened!
“It such an unlikely story,” said Joe of getting the call he would be facing the 14-time WWE champion. He added, “I’m so grateful that I’ve had that moment early on in my WWE career and it kind of takes the pressure off, because it doesn’t get any bigger than that. So now, I can focus on my goal which is just to get better all the time; improve as a wrestler all the time. I can see the progression in myself. I’m gaining skills and confidence all the time.”
Photo: WWE
SHOULD JOE STAY GOOD OR TURN BAD?
The proverbial question had to be asked, “Does Joe prefer being a babyface or would he like to see a heel turn? Hendry replied, “Interesting question. Never say never. You just never know. Anything can happen in the WWE. It’s funny, originally, my character was designed by me to be hated, and people just happened to like it! You can’t force it. The audience is going to tell you. They are a huge part in dictating our paths as wrestlers.”
Check out Joe in Agent of Shadows by visiting ReelShort.com to download the ReelShort app on Apple and Android devices. You can also check out @ReelShort on YouTube.
You can also watch our full conversation with Joe Hendry now on the Michael Fairman Channel below.
Now let us know, will you check out WWE’s first microdrama, Agent of Shadows? Do you get a kick out of Joe Hendry’s songs and how it relates to his feuds in the WWE and his rise in the ranks of pro wrestling? Hoping Joe stays a babyface or would you like to see him turn heel? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Mike Manning Talks Smitty’s Emotional Visit with His Mother (Exclusive)
This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, as Smitty (Mike Manning) continues to be framed and in hot water for the murder of Dr. Lia Whitmore, he gets some familial back-up when his never-before-seen mother, Jenny Smith arrives in Fairmont Crest to see her son.
Jenny is played by Jennifer Van Horn who made her Beyond the Gates debut on the Wednesday, October 21, which was the same day that Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series Emmy nominee, Mike Manning participated in a livestream chat on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
In story, as Smitty was at home, he received a surprise visit from his mother, who resides in Ohio. Jenny came to support her son through this difficult time. Smitty made note of his disappointment that his father didn’t come with her on the trip, sharing that he knows his dad has never been comfortable around wealth or the Duprees. Smitty also acknowledged how his father didn’t approve of becoming a journalist or moving to the DMV. Later, when Smitty’s husband, Martin returned (Brandon Claybon) he walked in on Smitty getting a pep talk from Jenny.
Courtesy/CBS
SMITTY’S MOM ARRIVES
Manning addressed how he had to keep the appearance of Smitty’s mom on the down low. “I do have a mom now. Yes.! I couldn’t talk about it to anybody. Jennifer Van Horn who plays my mom was so lovely and so nice, and she was great. I love Smitty having some backstory and having a parent.”
And there could be even more Smitty drama to come! Mike shared, “They mentioned Smitty’s father too, so they kind of plant the seeds for maybe more to come, which is nice. I think it really shows that there’s just one more level to the community that is surrounding Smitty. One of my favorite scenes from this entire storyline is when Smitty gets hauled into jail and the entire Dupree family shows up and they all start taking shots at Jacob (Jibre Hordges) and everyone at the police station.”
BEING EMBRACED BY THE DUPREES
Manning, in particular, recalled a moment from fellow Daytime Emmy nominee, Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree). “I loved when Anita goes, and this is not verbatim, but it was something along the lines of, ‘If Smitty’s not home for dinner, you’re gonna be hearing from Anita Dupree.’ Then, Vernon (Clifton Davis) says something, and Kat (Colby Nixon) comes in and she’s giving him so much sass. I remember watching the episode just being so touched that the entire Dupree family is wrapping around Smitty like this shield, this cocoon. So, it makes this storyline of him being framed a little bit easier to swallow.”
Courtesy/CBS
MORE OF SMITTY’S BACKSTORY TO BE REVEALED?
Speaking of the scenes between Smitty and his mom, Manning felt, “It was very touching. He spoke about how he loved his mom for what she sacrificed, It was one of those mother-son things, but it was poignantly done. I would like them to explore that more, and Smitty’s family, because, I think that it’ll also help inform some of the dynamic between Martin and Smitty. We know that Martin comes from a long line of successful people, whether it’s in entertainment or politicians. His grandfather’s a senator. So, we understand that he grew up in the country club, basically. We don’t really understand where Smitty grew up yet.”
The two-time Daytime Emmy winner also explained that he has his own origin story for Bradley “Smitty” Smith: “Obviously, I have an idea in my head with the backstory that I’ve sort of decided for Smitty, whether or not that’s exactly what the writers are going to throw at me, eventually, who knows? But, I certainly have an idea of why Smitty is the way he is, why he’s so driven, why he takes risks, why he’s so hungry to prove himself and be successful in journalism and everything else.”
You can check out a scene between Smitty and his never-before-seen-mom, Jenny below. Followed by our live chat with Mike Manning after the episode aired.
Now let us know, do you hope Beyond the Gates explores more of Smitty’s backstory? Did you enjoy the debut of Jennifer Van Horn as Smitty’s mom? Share your thoughts via the conversation below. And make sure to catch Mike on the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards streaming next Friday, October 30 to see if he takes home his third gold statuette!
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Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: One Woman Lies to Another, While Two Sisters Tear Each Other Apart!
Joe Hendry Talks WWE Microdrama Collab ‘Agent of Shadows,’ New Music, and What’s Next! (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Mike Manning Talks Smitty’s Emotional Visit with His Mother (Exclusive)
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
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Beyond the Gates4 days agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
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Breaking News3 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
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Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
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Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
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Days Of Our Lives7 days agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
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Interviews2 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
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Previews1 week agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
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General Hospital1 week agoWil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud
