Interviews
The Sarah Brown Interview – The Bold and the Beautiful
© JPI Studios
In another great casting coup for the Daytime Emmy Award winning drama, The Bold and the Beautiful, last month Sarah Brown joined the cast as the mysterious Sandy Sommers, who is the surrogate to Nick and Bridget’s baby. Sarah, no stranger to winning awards, (she has won three Emmys herself for her role as Carly on General Hospital) is firmly planted in a top secret storyline that insiders say is beyond spectacular. As more time plays out viewers will learn what is really going on with Sandy and her connection to others on the B&B canvas. In this revealing TV SOAP Australia interview, the actress talks about landing the new role, the beginning of Sandy’s unraveling, and gives a glimpse to how she is crafting the physical and emotional life of her new character.
A true acting chameleon, Sarah had just finished up her second time in her soap career on General Hospital as the psychotic Claudia Zacchara. During November on US television, one day Sarah got clubbed to death as a mafia princess, and the next day she was in a trailer park playing a seemingly down-trodden young woman on B&B. It’s all in a day’s work for this dynamic and fearless talent.
This TV SOAP Australia feature will appear an upcoming issue of the publication. If you want to see more TV SOAP Australia interviews click here!
MICHAEL:
How did this come to pass that you ended up on B&B?
SARAH:
My contract with General Hospital was going to be up in January 2010 but they had written my character of Claudia out. When they told me that the character was going to be exiting, someone heard that Brad Bell was interested in contacting me! It was literally 48 hours at the most. I was honored and flattered. I was like, “Yeah, I want to talk to Brad Bell!” I think there was an initial thought, “Will she talk or think about doing another soap?” and they said, “Brad Bell wants to talk to you.” My mom had been a Y&R fan growing up. So I saw the show and am familiar with the Bell legacy and the family’s work and thought, “This is really cool!” I think I was watching Y&R one day when I went, “I want to do that,” and I remember watching Heather Tom when I was very young playing Victoria Newman. I remember thinking, “I can do what she does. I want to do that.”
MICHAEL:
So then did you always know you wanted to become an actress?
© JPI Studios
SARAH:
I really didn’t, but a lot of my friends in the 7th grade were getting into it, and it was until the 9th grade where I could take an elective and I thought, “Well, a lot of my other friends are taking drama,” and thought that was cool. I was a gymnast and very sports oriented and doing that after school. So, I thought I would give it a try. I gravitated to it, and my teacher said, “I should look into it, and you are really good at it.” She told me of The High School of Performing Arts. People were responding to me in that way and I could make them laugh. I liked experiencing that, and I could remember all the lines of everyone in the cast! This is something I did not know I could do. It was easy for me to improv, too, and I went home to my Mom and said, “This is really cool.”
MICHAEL:
“Sandy Sommers” was an interesting choice of name for your character, but then we learn her real name is “Agnes Jones”. What did you think of these first names for your new character?
SARAH:
It was in Brad Bell’s head that I was going to be called Sandy Sommers and he was gracious and wonderful about it and brought me into the process. That name was not as locked down as the ideas for the character were. He was offering me different names, “Agnes” as well. But I really like the name Agnes. I remember Bob Guza (head writer, GH) saying to me, “What did you think of the name Claudia?” and I said, “I love it. It’s sexy!” So names are important to a character.
MICHAEL:
On GH you played both Carly and Claudia… a tough as nails woman.
SARAH:
She is a broad, not a woman. I am a broad. There is something in me that people pick up on and put me in those roles, and I am happy in those roles. Whenever I am given the opportunity to play the girl next door they don’t come to me for that. They come to me for, “Yes, I have a problem when I come to the door, and even if I look like the girl next door there is something else going on.” I don’t know what this is about. Maybe it’s because I was a gymnast and played football when I was a kid, and there was fighting spirit that comes through in me. Sandy is not a fighter.
MICHAEL:
Sandy seems, at this point, almost afraid of her own shadow.
SARAH:
She is very timid to me, and even has food delivered to her trailer where the grass does not grow. She is not trying to get anywhere with her life and that is what is really sad.
© JPI Studios
MICHAEL:
You went from mafia princess to a trailer park?
SARAH:
Hey, I am an actress, I live for this. I like to change. I cannot be the mafia princess for many, many years. I know that. I know the fans of mine know me better than to think I would do something beyond the point where I got stale.
MICHAEL:
Sandy had this array of stuffed animals all over her trailer when you first started on the show. What was that about?SARAH:
I don’t know why there were so many stuffed animals in the trailer. I remember on my first day that the character has to evolve, and so if you don’t have the luxury of rehearsal time to go over things with your director or your producers it’s all by the seat of your pants. So, it’s not something that was not addressed, but by the time we arrived on set there was a lot to do. I felt that it wasn’t something that I had any information about so I let it be. For all I knew it’s going to come up in further stories. Brad wrote it and planned it. I stepped in and was the actor with the words, and so I did not see the need for that many stuffed animals, I will be honest. I think it was overlooked, to be honest. (She laughs) I would say, “Can we remove this? This is destroying my mojo!” I mean there were canned foods placed in certain areas of the trailer that just did not seem realistic to me. (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
Agnes/Sandy’s story involves being the surrogate for Nick and Bridget’s baby. Did you do research for the role surrounding surrogacy?
SARAH:
I always do research, and there is a good book on the subject. I have met people who have gone through this and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, “Y&R”) is expecting a baby via surrogacy this month.
© JPI Studios
MICHAEL:
How is working with Nick and Bridget, Jack Wagner and Ashley Jones?
SARAH:
These two are great! I have got to say, it’s a wonderful group of actors to work with, and it’s different. It’s not a mafia or Sopranos-type of show, and it’s not a crime show. There is not a lot of crime, but there is a lot of heartbreak and dealing with families who have very complicated relationships with each other. That is fascinating and interesting. I know that Bridget and Nick have been together on again and off again a really long time, and I have a great time with them. I feel that the plot thickens and I think we make a good group, the four of us, which includes Rick Hearst (Whip) too. I think the current story is fun for me, and when I watch actors who are challenged and pulled in different directions, the audience likes that. They think, “My actor is being challenged. Let’s see if they can do it. Can they pull it off? “
MICHAEL:
So much was made of two daytime dynamos, Susan Flannery (Stephanie) and Sarah Brown on the same show. Will there be a Stephanie/Sandy smackdown anytime soon?
SARAH:
There will be no smackdown in the immediate future, but they definitely put us in proximity, and you will see that. You will be so excited and happy. I work with her and I see her daily. Susan is the Queen Bee and I am floored by her. My first day of working with her was awesome! She is revered and a wonderful actress. I love Alley Mills (Pam) too. I have been a fan of hers since “Wonder Years”. It did not dawn on me till I had the best night with Alley. I was hanging out with her at the International Women’s Courage and Journalism Awards, and we yapped and I loved her. I come to work the next day, and I say, “Alley, why do I feel like you are my mom? I feel like I know you forever!” Then it occurred to me, “Were you the mom on Wonder Years? OMG!”
MICHAEL:
So will the audience want to root for Sandy?
SARAH:
She is an enigma. I totally think people are going to root for her. And, it’s not like root for her like she is this victim. She is definitely coming forward with some things in short order that are potentially very jarring for all parties involved. It’s been a great month playing that material.
© JPI Studios
MICHAEL:
Sandy is at a photo shoot of Owen and Jackie’s and when flashbulbs go off and just by being there, something happens to her….
SARAH:
She has a panic attack and storms out of the room, and potentially losing Nick and Bridget’s confidence because it’s such a shocker, because she is pregnant with their child. They rush out of the shoot wanting to talk about maternity wear, and lets hangout, and have lunch, and Bridget wants to get to know her, the way that a woman would want to know somebody that is carrying their child. It’s got to be so nerve-wracking! In this situation you are carrying someone else’s child and the other woman has complete lack of control.
MICHAEL:
I see a triangle coming between Nick, Bridget and Sandy.
SARAH:
With a pregnant woman? Let’s see…. maybe.
MICHAEL:
You won three Daytime Emmys as Carly Corinthos on General Hospital. Where do you keep those?
© JPI Studios
SARAH:
My Emmys – I have a grand piano in the middle of my living room and there is a big book shelf there, and funny enough it’s the same book shelf that is in Susan Flannery’s office. I have them where I can see them from the piano. I like to look at them, but at the same time, you know I won these for Carly and that was such a long time ago that it might be good for my own psyche just to put them in my own bookcase. Keep them out but out of the way, so I can aspire to new heights all the time.
MICHAEL:
Of all your victory nights, was there one that was most memorable?
SARAH:
Yes. I thought I was going to deliver my daughter right on stage. I thought my water broke right on stage. I was 8 months pregnant so flying from LA to NY was a big deal and I walked the red carpet, and it was extensively long and it was hot and humid. I remember thinking, “Oh my God. I am going to pass out right here on stage.”
MICHAEL:
On GH, when you came back as Claudia and worked opposite of Laura Wright, the new Carly was that strange?
SARAH:
Yes for sure. There were funny moments when I first met Carly on camera and I go, “You look really familiar?” (Laughs) I have to say when I came in Laura Wright had already been there for four years and she knows her Carly. And I am so far away from Carly now. People say, “I would love to see Sarah Brown come back to play Carly,” but they wouldn’t see the same Carly. I am a completing different woman now than Carly. I have no regrets giving up the role.
MICHAEL:
You went from dark hair when you started on B&B, then went to your blonde hair again. What is the story behind the color change?
© JPI Studios
SARAH:
I came to B&B with dark hair because I was shooting both shows at the same time. So there was an overlap, and so Brad figured out a tricky way to do this. So I changed my hair color after I was done with GH. Brad wanted her to have this Sandy blonde color. I went to my hair stylist/artist and he did it up for me. I love the color now.
MICHAEL:
Have you ever ventured to Australia?
SARAH:
Yes. I have been to Sydney for two weeks, when I was pregnant with my daughter Jordan. I went on a month vacation from GH and I went there in 1997 and stayed at a beautiful hotel right on the Sydney Harbor directly across from the Opera House. I went to the zoo in Sydney, and I went to the Blue Mountains. I took a helicopter ride where you touch down in the mountains. You see all in these woods and this gorgeous territory and land everywhere. I saw different animals and wild life. There was a moment when I was sure we were going down because helicopters and heights are not my favorite thing. It was an incredible trip to Australia. It’s so much like LA but backwards on the time. When you first arrive you are knocked out from the long travel distance. I saw Kool and the Gang in Australia. They were playing in the hotel, and it was awesome. Coolest thing ever! I would go back. It’s fabulous and a great place to visit.
MICHAEL:
You are huge on Twitter! Are you addicted to tweeting? (Laughs)
Courtesy/ABC
SARAH:
Yes, I love Twitter. I think it’s really fun. I see the benefits in Twitter and I like the idea of everyone being connected. Twitter is like the matrix and the fact that you can reach out with a typed sentence. You can reach out to people all over the world and they get back to you. It’s information traveling that freely and quickly. I went one by one to my cast members at GH and said, “People like this. They want to hear from you. They want to be in touch with you.” In a way, it’s funny how the paparazzi have harassed the celebrities and this is a way that celebrities take the fun out of that, because they are the ones dropping their own gossip about their own lives instead of letting someone take them away from their private moments. They can put their private moments out there, and create their own image, which is with personal and private moments with the fans. You can share bits and pieces with them and share your own pictures. So maybe now they won’t be stalked by their “Stalkerazzi’s.” It would not be such an issue in the future. It desensitizes celebrity life a bit. I am a really digital person and have been working in digital editing for 9 or 10 years. I like being able to snap my finger and have an immediate connection.
MICHAEL:
When you were leaving GH to come to B&B, what did your cast mates say?
SARAH:
Everybody was wonderful and gracious going, “You are going over to a rival show! What are you doing?” (Laughs) No, everyone was congratulating me and happy I had a place to go.
MICHAEL:
Will you miss working with former GH leading man, Maurice Benard (Sonny)?
© JPI Studios
SARAH:
I will miss Maurice, but I have other projects and endeavors that I look forward to bringing him into in the future that I have talked to him about, outside of GH and into eternity.
MICHAEL:
In closing, if we could tease the viewers what can we say? Sandy is going to be….SARAH:
She is going to be up a creek very soon. She is going to have her back-up against the wall in a scene that comes up really quickly here. She already does with Whip, and she is going through a lot chaos and the audience is going to get a very quick Agnes/Sandy 101 in the coming weeks!
I just love her I think she is so great at everything she does
Great interveiw I still love her best as Carly
love her I still think shes the best Carly too!!! Love the interveiw wonder what project shes talking to Maurice about??
love her/ will miss her but she will be great at anything she does
love the interveiw
Sarah Brown really gave a great interview. Michael, you always have such great rapport with your actors. She alwys gives and gives in her performances. That’s why she is always in demand. I believe she should be on a night time series. I have seen her guest starring a couple of times. Michael, your new site is exciting and very attractive. Carry on…..
I’m excited about Sarah’s new character and love seeing her do something different.
Loved Sarah as Claudia she really did one awesome job with such a complicated character. Sandy looks like she could be just as complicated… Sweet.. Sandy just needs more airtime.
I don’t understand for the life of me why interviewers have such difficulty remembering to ask Sarah about RICK HEARST! I mean COME ON! That to me was the greatest link/surprise for me when I found out that she was coming to B&B, the chance to get back into that fantastic working relationship she has with Rick. I’m glad that she so graciously remembered to add his name in herself.
Too bad that Sarah/Rick are portraying cousins, because I would have loved to see that relationship explored.
Ah well, the rest of the interview was good, and I’m really loving Sandy’s mysteriousness. Rock on Sarah!
I love Sarah Joy Brown she is an awesome actress and she really inspires me to do better in my life. I pray that I get the chance to meet her someday! I miss my girl Claudia but I will be her #1 fan rooting her on at all she does. Love ya SJB!!! 🙂
I would have really liked to see Rick Heart and Sarah Joy Brown’s charcters on B&B be love interest. I think that GH missed the boat big time when they decided not to make their characters really love interests. Iam however excited to see these two back onscreen together. I think they have such great chemistry together as actors. Iam looking forward to watching Whip and Agnes relationship devolope even if its not a romantic one.
Sarah is amazing!!! Enjoying her s/l better on B&B!!! I think it’s a much more enjoyable show in general.
Good interview Michael 🙂 She’s doing great on B&B, her and Rick have a great dynamic.
Sarah is so awesome! She seems soo nice and she can take on any challenge anyone give her! love her! Miss Claudia always will haha
I adore sarah but her character on the show is lack luster 🙁
I will miss DOOL’s Madison, played by her, when the character leaves the show. Brady is her soulmate!
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!
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Dashing Duos – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan’s Body is Found, Heather Makes Her Reentry into Port Charles
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Heartfelt Speech He Had Planned If He Had Won Lead Actor at the Daytime Emmys
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Men Duded Up – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
Who Should Win Outstanding Lead Actor at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Could Justin Bruening Join ‘General Hospital’? Set Visit with Wife Alexa Havins Stirs Fan Hopes
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Who Should Win Outstanding Daytime Drama at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan’s Body is Found, Heather Makes Her Reentry into Port Charles
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Heartfelt Speech He Had Planned If He Had Won Lead Actor at the Daytime Emmys
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jeff Kober Accepts His Daytime Emmy Award After Being Unable to Attend the Ceremony
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Heather Webber Makes a Surprise Return Stunning Trina; Alley Mills Weighs-In on Her Comeback
-
Beyond the Gates4 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
-
Breaking News5 days agoWho Should Win Outstanding Lead Actor at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
-
General Hospital6 days agoCould Justin Bruening Join ‘General Hospital’? Set Visit with Wife Alexa Havins Stirs Fan Hopes
-
News1 week agoY&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
-
Beyond the Gates4 days agoWho Should Win Outstanding Daytime Drama at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
-
Beyond the Gates1 week agoRATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brook Lynn Gets a Shock from Jude, Nina Gets a Reprieve, and Ava’s in the Hot Seat
-
Breaking News5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Nancy Lee Grahn Hosts Daytime Emmy Lead Actress Dinner Keeping the Tradition With a Twist!
