Beyond the Gates
‘The Gates’ Currently Casting Four Characters: Who Would You Suggest for The Roles?
The soap world is looking forward to the debut of the first new daytime drama series in 25 years, when The Gates premieres on CBS in January of 2025. Casting is underway for the show, and according to a report from Soap Hub, four roles are looking for the right actors to help launch the series into success.
Production of The Gates is said to be based in Atlanta, Georgia, and not in Los Angeles where the other four core soaps: Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless are taped.
Former GH and B&B writer, Michele Val Jean created The Gates, and in story, the main core family is currently noted as “The Jacksons”, an affluent Black family that resides in a gated community that will be known as “Fairmont Estates.”

Photo: CBS
From the talented pool of actors that are Atlanta-based, to daytime favorites such as: Debbi Morgan (ex-Angie, AMC et al), Obba Babatundé (ex-Julius, B&B) and Viveca A. Fox (ex-Maya, Generations) it will be interesting to see who lands in the cast of the newest soap opera. Here is the breakdown of the characters the show is looking to cast:
Jessica, a Black female in her early 50s. She is high-achieving and competitive. Happy to reach the standards set by her parents, Jessica gives back with warmth, empathy, and compassion as a psychiatrist at Garland Memorial Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She is also described as being at “the top of society’s food chain.”
Betty, a Black female in her late 60s to 70s. She is a family matriarch. A famous singer, Betty did not find success easily. She is proud to have raised two daughters with her iconic retired Senator husband. While she’s a doting mother, Betty is not someone who should be crossed.
Sara, a Black female mid-late 40s. Sara is described as the “Jackson family wild child. Free-spirited, beautiful, headstrong, and uninhibited.” Sara dropped out of high school to pursue a modeling career. However, Joseph persuaded her to give it up to be a full-time mother and housewife. As often is the case, old habits die hard, and as infidelity rears its ugly head, so does revenge
Joseph, a Black male in his 50s. He is Sara’s ex-husband and a great criminal defense attorney. He is described as charismatic but also calculated. And those are the nice things that can be said about him!
So, what do you think about The Gates shooting in Atlanta? Any suggestions for daytime or primetime performers you think would be right for Jessica, Betty, Sara and Joseph? Put on your casting director hats and let us know in the comment section below.
These all seem like good candidates, especially Vivica A. Fox and Obba Babatunde, but do they intend on passing this 73 yr. Old off as a 50 something?
Hi great lady, Violet…I hope all is well…
The thing is..how do people find time to watch another soap lol..
I struggle to keep up with 2..
I doubt GenZ will be tuning in lol and the main soapers are the boomers..
I dunno, but the new soap looks to be good…
My most likely ohhno opinion is; I give it 3 years.. You??
Hey SuOOO, it’s been a while, how are you, staying busy I guess, by your comment on finding time to watch the Soaps. When I was very young, raising my family, it was an all day thing, right up ’till supper time, before I was finished watching the last one.Now, at 91, I can’t do much but sit and find fault with these darn Soaps today. Don’t know if I’ll be watching this new one, depends on who is in it.You stay well, we’ve got lots of worrisome times coming up, and need clear heads like yours.
Violet, Thank You! 🙂 …
You said ” supper ” .. And that gave me a warm hug..
I haven’t heard the word supper for a very long time-
My Grandma would tell me; Supper is near ready go wash up and tie your hair back, don’t want it hanging on the food..
And then always her big hug and I love you now go.
Just a word hugged me from grandma misted my eyes and it was awesome to hear- ” supper ” …
And- the new soap is daytime-tv and that alone is a defeat..
I have never seen any of the great old-time soap operas. I’d rather one of them be rerun than a new one. Which soap would you choose?
I would like to see the My Children one- I read many exciting great things, cliffhangers, about it…
Take care, I am ready to help conquer the worrisome times 🙂
SuOOO, thank YOU for your kind words and isn’t it funny how only one can bring back so many recollections? I grew up on the East Coast and alot of our ways compared to the South, I’ve found out. I have a friend from Alabama and their ways are a lot like ours were, back East.As they say, ” small world”. Living in Ca. took a lot of getting used to after 58 years, and guess what, I still mostly say supper.Can I be nosy and ask where you live in this great country and happy to hear you stand ready to help when needed. I have probably seen every Soap, day and nighttime ones, plus the really old ( like me) on the radio. I guess I’d have to say, my most favorite was Guiding Light, which ended in 2009, after 72 yrs. including radio and TV. Yes, AMC was also good, a lot of good actors that now grace our existing Soaps.
I love ” talking” to you, so let’s keep in touch, the best of everything to you, you sound like the kind of person I’d love to know.I better quit before Michael throws me off.
Obba can pass for 60 something so can de-age the character. Or they can make him look older by dyeing his hair gray
Gavin Houston 100%
Definitely boba for Joseph
Woulld love vivica fox and Deb Morgan but really want to see the return of Victoria Rowell
Obba is 73 yrs old, would they they really pass him off as someone in their 70’s? He doesn’t look THAT good!
I thought I typed 50’s.
I meant 50’s, typo.
Obba not boba
I, like many others, would love to see back on daytime in the lead role. I think the GH cast is too large and think Tanisha Harper (Jordan) would be a nice addition. The fans from GH always wanted Gavin Houston (Zeke) back on the show, but hasn’t been seen in months. Victoria Rowell would be a great return for daytime, but I want to see a different character from Drucilla.
Vanessa Williams
Game ON & Vanessa has the prestige to bringing awareness to The Gates
If Vanessa was EVER BROUGHT ON, Everybody would have to bring they’re A GAME, Vanessa doesn’t half ANYTHING
Jonelle Allen is 80 but it would be a dream come true to see her play Betty.
I totally agree. She looks younger than 80 and can totally pull it off. The only thing: she needs a more diva name than Betty.
Soaps are more apt to cast someone younger in the role rather than a performer older than the intended character. Hence soap moms that are 7 years older than their offspring.
Karla Mosley as Sara would be my choice.
I do wonder how many “names” versus unknowns they will go for with these initial hires? Everyone keeps listing all their favorites from 20 years ago. Most soaps cast younger and younger. I guess we’ll know in a few months. The taping in Atalanta is thinking outside the box and could probably tape on location. Although, the location doesn’t match where the show is set. They could also tap some former NYC actors who didn’t or couldn’t travel out West. Sounds exciting.
I would most likely to see lynn whitfeild, Tonya pinkins, lance gross, brytni sarpy, debbi morgan, tika stumper, Garcelle Beauvais, marc samuel, tajh bellow, woody McClain, nafessa williams, amber riley, boris kodjoe, Napiera Groves, mishael morgan, D.B. Woodside, Timothy Stickney, darnell williams, veronica redd, Chrysee Pharris, Ameila marshall, julia pace micthell, Aaron D. Spears, shemar moore, Taraji P henson, Lawrence st victor, Mykel shannon, sanaa lathan and so many more !!!!!
i would also like to see Crystal R Fox, Donnell Turner, Tyler lepley, henry simmons, Joseph c. phillips, jerrika hinton, raven godwin, eva marchille, peter parros, sherri saum, Daphnee Dulpaix, Sydney Mikayla, sean blakemore, texas battle, sal stowers, loren lott, charles michael davis, camille winbush, anna maria horsford, Gaborey sidibe, brook kerr, tanisha harper, Real andews, kiara barnes, david harewood, shari headley, lark voorhees, Reign edwards, boris kodjoe, angell conwell, Yaya DeCosta, Laurence Fishburne, Cassandra Creech, Diamond white, Vinessa Antonie, jon chaffin, jenifer lewis, dondre t whitfield, anthony mongomery,robin givens lamman rucker, sean dominic, Robert Gossett, william christian, valarie pettiford, tequan richmond and so many more!!!
we also need to trai byers, davetta sherwood, christel khaili and bryton james as well.
Victoria Rowell definitely better be in the MIX!
Brooke Kerr should also be heavily considered along with Davetta Shorewood
Bringing Drucilla back on the gates would be a great way to reintroduce Victoria Rowell to the genre and tie in a strong Y&R crossover
For the role of Jessica? Tamara Tunie, of course! So the series is set in Washington DC? American soaps aren’t great at integrating real towns, as The City and B&B have proven. Lamman Rucker, Monti Sharp and Amelia Marshall should be on any casting shortlist for the show. Kevin Mambo too.
Love your suggestions, especially Tamara Tunie, years ago on ATWT and for years on Law&Order:SVU.and Lamman Rucker , recently Black Hamptons, and others mentioned.
I would love to see Tamara Tunie as part of the cast. Her work is excellent.
I already posted a reply two days ago, seems to take forever for these replys to be seen,
Once again, I’d sure love to see Tamara Tunie, in something other than her role on Law & Order. SVU.
I just hope the production values exceed the cheesy look of the Tyler Perry dramas. They look worse than the budget driven sets of todays shows.
Just read that Crystal Kaliel ( Im sure spelling is wrong) may be leaving Y&R, so who knows where she might decide to go next.
I would suggest Sherri shepherd , Niecy Nash, Robin Robert’s, Gayle King
I would also suggest Levar Burton, Rupaul Charles, Tracy Morgan, Lil Rel, Darius
Rucker
Can Darius “Hootie” Rucker act?
Beyond the Gates
Nick Hagelin Makes His ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut as Noah Rollins

Beyond the Gates viewers were in for a surprise on the Wednesday, July 22 episode when singer/actor/dancer, Nick Hagelin made his soap opera debut in the recurring role of Noah Rollins, the son of Dr. Kial Rollins played by soap vet Greg Vaughan.
In story, Noah comes to the DMV area and lands at none other than Orphey Jeans coffee shop. He is spotted by Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley) who becomes quite smitten with him. However, Noah is having trouble paying his bill to June (Daytime Emmy nominee Jasmine Burke).
One thing leads to another, and Deanna comes by his table and offers to pay for his bill. Noah gives her his number (his phone died and he has no plug) so she can Venmo him her account info to send her back the funds. Later, Deanna talks with June, who notices how Deanna and Noah had eyes for each other, and senses there was definitely an attraction there.

Courtesy/CBS
NOAH IS INTRODUCED
Next, Noah comes to Garland Memorial Hospital looking for his dad, and runs into Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), who knew exactly who he was and brings him to see Kial, who is surprised to see his son in town.
Noah needs money and Kial won’t pay it, unless he takes a job to pay for music career right here in the DC/Maryland area. Kial tells his son, Atlanta and New York City aren’t that far away if he gets a gig. So, Noah agrees to apply for the job at the free clinic, which Kial will help push through and in return he will get him some cash. Noah is then going to crash at Kial’s place and Kial will go stay with Nicole.
Nick Hagelin is an Atlanta-based performer which is where Beyond the Gates is taped. Previously, Hagelin was in the Top 9 on NBCs The Voice, and has a band in Atlanta called The Fantasy Exchange. Nick also writes and produces for other artists and has had his original music featured on the series, FX Atlanta and Saturday Night Live.
As a ballet dancer, Nick trained at the prestigious School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center in New York City and he has performed with the American Ballet, plus Carolina Ballet, The Kirov, Atlanta Opera, and the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Hagelin’s acting credits include the Indie film, Exit Interviews starring OLTL favorite Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers), Max’s Sweet Magnolias, The Hunting Wives and many more.
GREG VAUGHAN GONE FROM BEYOND THE GATES?
The addition of Kial’s son to the canvas left many fans wondering if Greg Vaughan has already left the show or was his recent Instagram message about something else entirely. Beyond the Gates tapes over four months ahead of episodes airing on CBS.
Vaughan’s post shared, “My heart is full. My purpose is just getting started. I’m grateful for my life, my family, the people who consistently show up, and the lessons that shaped me. Every challenge has become preparation. Every blessing has become perspective… I’m simply grateful for how far God has brought me, and excited for everything that’s still ahead.”
Greg concluded: “Thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey. Family. Friends. Fans. Colleagues. Your encouragement has meant more than you know. Here’s to the next chapter.”
Friends and colleagues jumped into Vaughan’s comment thread including: Robert Christopher Riley who plays Carlton on Beyond the Gates who shared, “Love and miss ya buddy,” fueling speculation that Vaughan is no longer on the CBS soap.
So, what did you think of the on-screen debut of Nick Hagelin as Noah Rollins? Intrigued to see more? Do you think from Greg Vaughan’s message that he is no longer on Beyond the Gates? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Karla Mosley and B&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor Share Their Thoughts on Being First-Time Daytime Emmy Nominees Together (Exclusive)

When it was announced last Monday and Tuesday that longtime friends, scene partners and creative collaborators, Karla Mosley (Dani, Beyond the Gates) and Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter, The Bold and the Beautiful) became first-time Daytime Emmy nominees, they could not have been happier for each other as their connection continues to remain so strong to this day. They have literally gone though their daytime journeys together in so many ways.
As longtime daytime viewers know, Karla and Lawrence first appeared on Guiding Light as Christina and Remy Boudreau. They remained with the beloved CBS soap opera, as it went off the air until its final episode in 2009.
Next, both Karla and Lawrence wound up being cast on The Bold and the Beautiful, she as Maya Avant and he as Carter Walton. At one point, the character’s dated each other, and even became engaged. Later, it was revealed that Maya was a trans woman who was truly in love with Rick Forrester (then played by Jacob Young). Along the way, Karla and Lawrence collaborated on a web series called Wed-Locked, which explored the modern-day realities of being newlyweds. It was conceived in 2009, while they were wrapping up Guiding Light and revived in 2018.

Photo: JPI
Now, here we are in 2026. Karla is one of the stars of CBS’ groundbreaking soap opera, Beyond the Gates, where she received her first Lead Actress nomination for her portrayal of Dani Dupree. Lawrence remains on The Bold and the Beautiful, but get this! He received not only his first nomination for acting and in the Supporting Actor category, but a second for Outstanding Writing Team, since Saint-Victor holds double duty with the CBS soap as a writer and a performer.
During the Michael Fairman Channel’s annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special, Lawrence and Karla closed the show where they were able to speak to each other on the livestream broadcast, and share their feelings on being nominated together in a very special moment. They also let us know what was on their Emmy-nominated reels that landed them this very special recognition for the first time in their veteran soap opera careers.
KARLA AND LAWRENCE WERE OVERJOYED FOR EACH OTHER
Lawrence explained, “Karla and I spoke earlier and we were talking about the synergy we have had throughout the years. Our kids were born in the same week, and so many other things where it’s like we are just so aligned – and so to find out that we’re both first-time nominees in this together … it kind of makes sense when you look at our lives together.”
“I’m so proud of Karla. I’ve always been proud of Karla, but her work on Beyond the Gates, and the responsibility that was given to her to take this world that no one knows about and showcase it, and make it with so much nuance and depth and flare and swag and all this stuff she brings to Dani is fantastic! I’m proud of your show…. 15 nominations.”
Karla replied, “I’m going to sing Lawrence’s praises and say that he has been working for so many years and so hard, and writing and just showing up and being whatever anyone needed him to be, and doing it with excellence every single time. The fact that you’re finally being acknowledged in this way is overdue. I’m overjoyed. Tony (Anthony Pascarelli) who directs both The Bold and the Beautiful and Beyond the Gates came on set. I was doing this emotional scene, and we were in between scenes and he goes, ‘Lawrence! Lawrence!’ He goes, ‘Oops. I shouldn’t have told you that now!’ And I go, ‘No, no. I have to know! That’s my brother!’ It was perfect.”
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCENES FOR YOUR EMMY REEL
It’s always a tough call when actors submit their work for Emmy contention. How do you chose a reel that will capture the voters right away? Do you tell an arc of a story in highlighted scenes, or do you put together a sequence of scenes that may be somewhat unrelated but show your depth as a performer? Clearly, Karla and Lawrence chose right! Here’s how they went about assembling the scenes for their reels.

Photo: CBS
Karla: “I thought, I’m just going to put together something that’s fun for me. I ended up starting with the golf club moment in that blue suit, and then cut to: the gun shot scene at the wedding where she’s holding Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Hayley (Marquita Goings) up. Then, we go back to a scene after she comes in with the golf club. So, we really kind of get the Bill/Dani dynamic and what’s going on there. And then, we go to one of my favorite scenes from last year where Ashley’s (Jen Jacob) in the bathroom and Dani’s talking to Andre (Sean Freeman) at Uptown. It’s comedic. It’s Dani at her best wit and banter. Then, we get the scene with Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) where she comes out, and tells her mom that she’s bisexual, which is one of the great moments, because in real life I was coming out at the same time.”
In addition, Mosley continued,”Then another Bill/Dani scene where she’s saying she moved on and here’s why, and here’s why I don’t want to be with you anymore. In the scenes, she really has found her strength, and before that I put in the mugshot photo shoot. The photo shoot was a last minute addition, I woke up inspired by it and had to include it!”

Photo: JPi
LAWRENCE SAINT-VICTOR’S PICKED BREAK-UP SCENES WITH HOPE
Lawrence shared, “The heart of Carter is always about trying to be in love and fall in love. So, I used the Hope (Annika Noelle) breakup scenes and it’s what led my reel, because at the end of the day, everything he does is for love, and for me, the climax of his story is it still didn’t work. We had two breakup scenes. One was a pre-breakup scene, and then Carter got her back. The next one is when he tells her to ‘Go be with Liam. Go be with your family.’ Then, I also had a scene Carter and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire), where he’s just kind of down and out about losing Hope the first time.”
You can check out the segment where Karla and Lawrence meet up on the Daytime Emmy Nomination Special video below at the 2:56:00 mark.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be held on October 30 from the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood California and streamed at watch.theemmys.tv and associated apps.
So, what do you think of Karla and Lawrence scoring their first-ever Daytime Emmy nominations in the same year? What do you think about the scenes they put on their nominated reels? Have you watched them since their days on Guiding Light together? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Bill Wants to Have More Rendezvous with Dani; But Hayley is Determined to Put Him Six Feet Under

Bill Hamilton (played by new Supporting Actor Daytime Emmy nominee, Timon Kyle Durrett) is front and center this week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates.
In story, Bill visits Dani (Karla Mosley) and intimates there will be more hookups between the exes, but Dani shuts him down. But who thinks she really means it? Will the two begin an illicit affair behind their current spouses back after having sex in an elevator post-Tornado?
Meanwhile, Dani has been doing everything she can to make sure her secret dalliance that night stays buried. However, in a clip in the video teaser for episodes airing July 20-24, Nicole (Daphne Duplaix) corners her sister. She says, “I already know, Dani. The secret’s out.” But what does she know? Is she even talking about knowledge of Bill and Dani? Dani is not out of the hot seat yet! When she visits her parents Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon (Clifton Davis), they have some questions for her, too!
Then at Uptown, Hayley (Marquita Goings) informs her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry) that she is determined to finish what was started. She declares that the next time Bill gets symptoms, he will end up in the mortuary instead of the hospital. Cut to Bill unable to catch his breath, going. “What the hell is happening to me?”
Take a look below at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for this week.
Monday, July 20
Kat and Nicole discuss matters of the heart while Ted and Shanice reach a major milestone in their relationship. Bill and Dani clash. Grayson provides an ear for troubled Tomas.
Tuesday, July 21
Anita and Vernon learn about Naomi’s health status. Kial gives Eva some much-needed advice. Elon makes a push to reconcile with Izaiah. Nicole gives Vanessa an update on her love life before finding out some surprising news about her ex.
Wednesday, July 22
Anita refuses Dani’s request. Bill’s reaction to Naomi’s news stuns her. Shanice and Nicole have a candid chat about Ted. Hayley tells Randy she did him a solid where Lynette is concerned. Deanna meets a handsome stranger in need.
Thursday, July 23
Dani gets a gift that alarms Andre. Smitty asks Jacob for a favor. Hayley warns Randy off Mona. June gives Naomi some intriguing intel. Vernon advises a stubborn Bill. Anita has a present for Laura.
Friday, July 24
Heather informs Joey that she’s back to tie up loose ends. Elon tells Jacob something he doesn’t want to hear. Chelsea’s livestream with Eva leaves Kat miffed. Vanessa comforts Dani.
Check out the latest video teaser for Beyond the Gates below, followed by the Michael Fairman Channel’s Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 which featured Timon Kyle Durrett who speaks of his nomination and this current storyline, along with his on-screen love interests played by Marquita Goings and Karla Mosley. You can find it at 1:29:11 mark.
Now let us know, do you think Bill and Dani will have an ongoing affair? Who will figure out what Hayley is trying to do to Bill? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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