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The Thorsten Kaye Interview – The Bold and the Beautiful

Courtesy/CBS

Courtesy/CBS

In the soap shocker of 2013, The Bold and the Beautiful pulled off one of the biggest casting replacements in the history of soapdom, when they announced that very popular soap opera leading man, Thorsten Kaye, has been cast as the new Ridge Forrester!  As BOLD fans know, Ridge was last played for 25 years by Ronn Moss, who departed the series on his own accord well over a year ago.  In story, Ridge was last seen in Paris after Brooke and Ridge’s honeymoon went bust!

Kaye, who has been so beloved in the role of rugged business man Zach Slater on All My Children for nearly a decade, surprised everyone when he signed a contract to appear as the new Ridge, while the state of the second season of the online revival of AMC was still in a state of flux.  With things though heading south, it would turn out to be a wise move for Kaye, since All My Children was for all intent and purposes canceled again, leaving him open to new opportunities and a primo role on the most-watched soap opera in the world … B&B!

On-Air On-Soaps chatted with Thorsten to get his outlook on: taking over the role of Ridge, how the character may have changed since he was away, what it was like working with his new leading lady, Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) for the first time, and his own bold move of agreeing to join the cast of the soap opera, without knowing the part he would be playing!  Imagine his surprise, when Kaye found out he was the new Ridge Forrester!  Viewers will first see Thorsten on the Friday, December 13th episode of the CBS soap opera.  Here’s what Thorsten shared with us on his new daytime adventure!

MICHAEL:

How did this come about that you landed on The Bold and the Beautiful?  Did you have a meeting with executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell?  We heard you actually did not know you were signing on to play Ridge!  Is that true?

THORSTEN:

Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

We did not really have a meeting.  I got a call from my agent that there was interest from The Bold and the Beautiful.  I said, “O.K. Let me know what it is.”  My agent said, “Brad Bell would like to call you at home.”  I said, “Alright, well I’m here.”   So he called and said the coolest thing and obviously, you want to start out the right way and he is a smart man.  Brad called and said, “Look, I know the puck is about to drop at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, so I know we don’t have a lot of time.”  So obviously, Brad did his research and found out I was a hockey fan and the big game was about to start, so I was already in! (Laughs)  We talked about travel and what it would mean, and being away from my family, and all that kind of stuff, and how many days and how long.  We never really talked about the character.  I don’t know if it’s because he did not want to say, or I am so conceited that I think I could do anything! (Laughs)  But it just never came up.  So then a couple days later when we got a deal together, and decided we would try this for awhile, I then said, “So Brad, what do you need?  What do you want me to do?”  Brad said, “You’re going to be the replacement for Ridge.”   I said, “That’s great, that mean’s nothing to me.”  But then, he went on to say the name, “Ronn Moss”.  I have met Ronn before, and now I think we may be in a little bit of trouble, I said.  That is not an easy thing to do! (Laughs) They obviously have decided to go completely in a different direction with the character.

MICHAEL:

You are so beloved by the fans of All My Children!  Did you make the decision to join B&B, because you were seeing the writing on the wall that things weren’t working out for a second season of AMC online?

THORSTEN:

Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

I have to tell you, if All My Children had worked out, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.  We were taping AMC a half hour from my house in Connecticut.  It was never about not wanting to be on All My Children, or wanting to be on The Bold and the Beautiful.  There comes a time in your life where it’s not really about you anymore.  Ten years ago, my first daughter was born, and then you try to maintain, and it’s kind of like working out.  I am just trying to maintain, and it’s the same thing with my career at this point.   If I can just get by, and not hurt anybody .and my kids can eat and go to a good school, then I am fine.  But it was the only choice I had, because All My Children wasn’t there. They kept talking about being there and coming back, but they weren’t, and they kept saying they were, but try to tell that to the gas company … they don’t buy it.  They just want their bills paid every month.

MICHAEL:

With all the issues that plagued the first season of AMC’s revival online, did you expect All My Children to be canceled a second heartbreaking time?  (First on television by ABC, and second by the production company Prospect Park, who resurrected the show online.)

THORSTEN:

I am not sure what I expected.  There are so many good people over there.  I am not sure what happened between when we took a break, and when Oprah wanted the next 20 or 40  episodes, and how people were now starting to figure out Hulu, and the computer and how to use it, and a DVD player to get there.  They were just getting to that point when Prospect Park decided not to do the show anymore.  So I am not sure what happened.  It makes me sad; there are a lot of good people out of work.

MICHAEL:

When you started becoming the new Ridge Forrester, did the show give you carte blanche?  Was it an open slate?  Could you inherently make the character different than Ronn Moss’s Ridge?

THORSTEN:

Courtesy/CBS

I think I got hired because of what I have done in the past, and not what I could do in the future.  They were obviously going a different direction, and if they had a choice, Ronn Moss would be doing this role, but that wasn’t an option anymore, as I understand.  So they had to get somebody else.  So as a producer you think, “Well, we could get someone who is really good-looking and sensitive, and can bring what Ronn brought to the role, or do something completely different.”  I think the jury is still out on that.  I have not aired in the U.S. yet.  But, you have got to bring the tools that you have to the stage.  And we don’t really get paid to be chameleons in this industry.  I think people hire you because of what you have done before.  I don’t think they would hire Arnold Schwarzenegger to be the new head of The Smurfs, although that would be funny!  (Laughs)  As an audience, you want to know what you are getting yourself into when you spend $12-$15 bucks at a movie.  You want to make sure Bruce Willis doesn’t get killed in the first five minutes.

MICHAEL:

What happened when you became part of the cast and signed on the dotted line?  Did you chat with your new leading lady, the series superstar, Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke)?  Had you met Katherine, previously?

THORSTEN:

I had never met her before!  She is a classy lady, but she and John McCook (Eric Forrester) actually called me at home before I started working on B&B.  He said, “We are really looking forward to having you, and it’s a real cool group, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”  And Kelly did the same, but she did say that she doesn’t think just anyone can play the role of Ridge, which I am not sure what that means, but we will see if she changes her mind on that.  It has got to be hard for her.  She has been with the same guy on-screen for 25 years, and they are very good friends off-screen.  Ronn is a good guy and something didn’t work out.  He did not get fired or anything … if he had, this would be a different conversation.  I don’t know if it had happened that way, if I would have taken a part like that, because it never ends well, for anybody.  But he decided it was time to move, and he had this conversation with Kelly, and I don’t know too much about the behind the scenes stuff.  But, we will see.  This is a completely different play now.  I can not recreate what they had, so we have to come up with something new.   Whether it’s better or not, that is not up to me.  I am just going to show up and do what I can.  This is the other thing:  I walk into the studio and one of the producers says: “Kelly is sweet and pretty, but don’t be nervous.  She has chemistry with anybody” And I go, “Oh, I don’t really know how to take that?”  (Laughs)

Courtesy/CBS

MICHAEL:

So, for the long time audience of The Bold and the Beautiful, it might take an adjustment period, because here comes in an Irish Ridge Forrester!  Will you use your natural accent?  Or, are you changing that for the character?

THORSTEN:

You can pull that stuff off such as …. changing accents in a movie … but the thing about daytime, and I say this when I get to teach class … you have to bring as much of you to the role as you can, because otherwise, you can’t maintain it.  You can’t pretend to be somebody completely different.  You have to make the role a part of you.  In a movie, there is a beginning, middle, and an end.  You can create something.  Here in soaps, because the writing is so fast, I kind of have to bring me to it.  All the parts I play are very similar.  I am not going to lie to you.

MICHAEL:

Did you watch any old clips on You Tube of Ridge and Brooke’s star-crossed romance to prepare for taking over the part?  Or, more notably, did you check out Ronn Moss in the role?

THORSTEN:

I don’t see the upside of that.  You can see how much better looking this dude is, and then you got to go to work.  That is like playing for the Red Wings and saying, “I am going to watch Gordie Howe videos.”  It’s a different thing.  It’s a different game.  It’s something that somebody wanted.  At the end of the day, this is the entertainment business.  If we can find a way as a group, and it’s not up to me, to keep entertaining people, then we are in good shape.  If it’s not entertaining, that it doesn’t matter who is playing the role.

MICHAEL:

When Ridge comes back into the picture, will he have a chip on his shoulder?  After all on-screen in story, things did not end well for Ridge and Brooke after they got married and went on their honeymoon! 

THORSTEN:

Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas

I am playing it that he has chip on his shoulder, because I am playing it! (Laughs) I don’t know if a chip on his shoulder is the right thing.  There has been some stuff in his past that I was not part of, that I am aware of, that wasn’t dealt with.  Like everything, there is Ridge’s story, Brooke’s story, and then there is the truth. And whether we are going to get to that or not, I don’t know.  But, I think both those people come into it with unresolved issues, and that is always fun for soaps. Unfortunately during that time, Katherine was busy with other members of the cast!  It is heightened reality, but I got to tell you, the set up is good.

MICHAEL:

Fans are looking forward to seeing two very strong leading men go head to head with each other!  Namely, you and Don Diamont (Bill)!  Have you taped scenes already with him?

THORSTEN:

Yes, I have. It’s fun working with him.  I think the dynamic he has with Ronn was different, and that is all I am going to say about that.

MICHAEL:

B&B has also recast the role of Ridge’s son RJ!  Have you had scenes with him and we understand he will be somewhat older, but not 30! (Laughs)

THORSTEN:

Courtesy/CBS

I have had scenes with him.  RJ is not one of those kids who are going to return after he is 23-years-old after going up to get the skis, or whatever the story is.  He is still quite young, and again, it’s a sense of family and what it means.  Can you swallow your pride and get past the problems that you created, that she created, and can you get back that family unit?  Or, is it better to start all over somewhere else … and is it better for the kid?

MICHAEL:

Soap viewers have loved you for all of your tough romantic leading guy characters. That being said, could B&B be planning on making you, as Ridge, an out and out villain to stir the pot?

THORSTEN:

Well, there is always fine line.  What’s a villain?  A villain is somebody who does bad things and doesn’t really think they are bad.  We have all done that.  I am not saying Ridge is going to be a villain, but I do think he will stand by what he feels is right, and sadly, in those situations, someone always get hurts.

MICHAEL:

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

You are married to two-time Daytime Emmy Award winning actress Susan Haskell (Ex-Marty, OLTL) and the two of you share children together.  What was Susan’s reaction to the fact that you would be leaving Connecticut and flying to Los Angles to tape B&B a lot?

THORSTEN:

Well, it wasn’t, “Oh, by the way, I am leaving!”  Susan was part of this discussion from the very first phone call, and the kids get it.  But luckily and sadly, the kids miss me when I am not here, and I miss them, and we have to figure all this out.   I don’t know what’s going to happen in three or four years!  And once they start airing this stuff, it may not be my decision, anyway.  If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, and I get it.

MICHAEL:

You know it’s a different time we are living in.  Now, soap operas are giving actors contracts and jobs, even if they don’t live in Los Angeles or New York, and flying them in as part of their deals.  Recent examples are: Steve Burton (Dylan) who lives in Nashville, but flies in to tape episodes of Y&R, and many of the actors who lived in Los Angeles. who were flown to Connecticut to tape the reboots of AMC and One Life to Live.  

THORSTEN:

It is an interesting time.  You have to chase work a little more.  It’s also that people look for different things.  It’s funny to me when people say it’s the economy, and we can’t pay you what your supposed to be paid, but when I take my kids to the movie theatre, it’s still $65, and so that hasn’t change.  If you can’t pay actors to do the job they have done in the past, and the salary they have worked toward and that you should be earning now, if you can’t pay them that, then you can’t charge the same for the product.

MICHAEL:

Courtesy/ABC

Did either of your former All My Children leading ladies, Alicia Minshew (Ex-Kendall) or Paula Garces (Ex-Lea), say anything to you once they heard you took a role on B&B?

THORSTEN:

I think my leading ladies want to run away from me as fast as they can! (Laughs)  Katherine Kelly Lang has actually moved and changed her telephone number! (Laughs) Alicia is married to one of my best friends, and it’s a business, and this was never meant to hurt anybody, and Alicia knows that, and so does everybody at All My Children.  It’s about feeding my family first.  Listen, I wish we were still doing All My Children, and I could just drive to work and be home by 5PM and put these kids to bed, but as you said, it’s a different world we live in.

MICHAEL:

When you look at your body of work as Ian on Port Charles, Patrick on One Life to Live, and Zach on All My Children, are there any storylines or moments, where you were proud of your performance?  Actors are very often critical of their work, so this may be a hard question to answer.

THORSTEN:

Courtesy/ABC

You know what?  I am critical and for good reason.  I think all actors should be. Otherwise, you are not going to be any better.  You just read the good reviews and throw the other ones out.  I think every show I have been on had moments where people did great work, and if you were lucky, you would be a part of that.  Was there one storyline where I thought I did a great job?   I am looking at my shelf and I don’t see any Emmys, so my answer would be “No!”  If you can’t find that thirty second scene that is going to make you smile and connect with somebody, then don’t be an actor, because it’s not all going to be Hamlet!  And I have to tell you, I have done that show, and it wasn’t all that great, either!  I can’t blame the writer on that one!  (Laughs)

MICHAEL:

You also have an on-screen half brother now … in the form of Winsor Harmon (Thorne Forrester)!  Have you had the chance to work with Winsor?  He is a lot of fun!

THORSTEN:

Yes!  Winsor has been to my house before.   Now, let’s talk about that accent!  He must be my brother from Southern Italy! (Laughs)  They are all great people over at B&B.  I can’t say a bad thing … I mean, not yet.  But ask me in a couple of months, and I might have something to say on that!

MICHAEL:

Finally, any nerves about how the audience will receive you when you debut as the new Ridge Forrester?

THORSTEN:

Courtesy/CBS

I didn’t until just now! (Laughs)  Television is different than live theatre.  In the theatre … you can’t help but have nerves about it, because you can feel the energy of the audience.  I am not going to watch my debut on The Bold and the Beautiful, because I can find a thousand reasons why I don’t like it.  I have moved on from that already.  I am working on new material for the coming weeks.  This is a very different way to approach the part.  I think the role of Ridge is very important to the show.  It’s a small cast and playing him differently may not work in the makeup of it, but I can’t pretend to be Ronn Moss, I am not.  I can’t do what he can do.  I can’t bring what he brought to it.  That would be like him playing Zach Slater … it’s very different.  And that does not mean, it’s better or worse, it’s just different.

 

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OMG!!! i have been a huge fan of thorsten since he first started on oltl – he is such an extraordinary actor & so passionate about his work – i have no doubt he will be a big hit on b&b and i will be right in front of my tv cheering him on….
every interview of his that i have read he comes across as such a real down to earth kind of guy – he seems to tell it like it is, in other words he keeps it real……..

thank you michael for another excellent interview!

I am looking forward to Thorsten as the New Ridge. I was a Ronn Moss fan for years but he chose to leave B&B. So they had to recast Ridge. Whoever has a problem with it too bad. The show must go on. Ronn moved on. So why can’t B&B too? I heard some are upset with this Recast. Well many were very upset when Ronn chose to leave B&B & leave his fans high & dry too. What did he expect us to be all happy because he left after watching for 25 years & then no more Ridge or Bridge. I am looking forward to seeing Bridge again I hope they reunite.

There are so many reasons to love TK. He has always been true-blue loyal about AMC and I’m sure if there had been an AMC to return to, he’d be there. I remember Eric Nelsen (AJ) and Alicia tweeting support and good wishes when his B&B hiring was announced so the fact that she understands why he’s making this move doesn’t surprise me at all. As he says, they’re close in real life, which has always made the Zach and Kendall pairing extra special, IMO. As the new Ridge, I wish him well on B&B. He’s such a good actor that I’m sure he’ll be fine. But it sounds like being away from his family may be as big an issue for him as whether or not the B&B fans accept him. I hope everything works out for him and his family and that the role challenges him and allows him to grow as an actor by playing something different and working with people he’d never worked with before. Thanks for the interview, Michael.

Great Interview. So, so , so excited about TK joining B&B.

Been a fan forever. Can’t wait to see your spin on Ridge. Good Luck TK. Will be watching

Not one single word about TRIDGE. BAD INTERVIEW. ASK BETTER QUESTIONS!

Oh TK you naughty boy you just confirmed what CBS has been denying for months that the golden boy Steve Burton got a fly in deal that ABC would not do for him! Priceless! Love that man he always speaks his mind. KKL & DD are going to be forced to step up their game or they will look even more foolish then they do now we have an actor on the set now.

I don’t know why CBS wouldn’t confirm this. I’m a GH fan and his “fly in” deal and 2-3 day shooting schedule was confirmed months ago. Didn’t Burton confirm it in an interview before he started on Y&R?

What a huge improvement. I never understood Brooke and Taylor fighting over an over sized Ken doll. I will tune in just to see Thorston who was also excellent as Patrick on OLTL.

Thank you for the great interview.

He is so neat and rugged i can’t wait till Friday

Me, too…LOL!!!!!

I cannot wait to see Thorsten as Ridge. Ronn wasn’t always my favourite in the role, so I hope Thorsten is able to win me over completely!

Thanks for a great interview. TK’s personality always shines through and he tells it like it is. I’ll always miss Zach, but am looking forward to seeing what he does in this new role.

BB needed Ridge sooooo badly & was glad to see TK get the role. Now, for the fireworks! Can’t wait!

T K IS SO SEXY AND WAY BETTER LOOKING THAN RON MOSS. WE NEEDED SOMEONE MANLY AND GORGEOUS. GOOD LUCK AND WE WATCH THIS SHOW EVERDAY AT WORK.

I have watched b & b for years and loved the character of ridge and brooke. I am excited about the new man and hope that he fits right in. I am and will continue to watch this new excited turn the b & b show has taken. That’s what keeps us watching!

I THINK YOU HAVE IT WAY OVER RIDGE. YOU SEEM SO SINCERE AND WOULD
LOVE TO SEE YOU END UP WITH KATIE. SHE DESERVES YOU. I WAS’NT SURE
ABOUT YOU THE VERY FIRST TIME YOU APPEARED ON BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL,
BY THE END OF THE PROGRAM I LIKED YOU MORE AND MORE. I HOPE THEY HAVE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH KATIE, LET BILL HAVE BROOK, THEY DESERVE ONE
ANOTHER. SERIOUSLY, I THINK WERE ALL GOING TO LOVE YOU, ESPECIALLY
IF YOU WIND UP WITH KATIE. ALREADY IT LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE SPECIAL
FEELINGS FOR HER, OR SHOULD I SAY, FOR EACH OTHER?
WISH YOU GOOD LUCK AND KNOW THAT EVERYONE IS GOING TO LOVE YOU.

P.S. I HAVE TO AGREE WITH PAT PITRE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE
I KNOW HE WILL BE GREAT. HE HAS THE GREATEST EXPRESSIONS AND
DEEP LOVING AND SINCERE LOOKS WHEN HE’S WITH KATIE. WISH THE
SHOW RAN FOR AN HOUR.

I just love Thorsten Kaye. He is an incredible actor. He looks exactly like what a man should look like. Rugged and reallllllly sexy. I hope that Katie and Thorsten end up together. They look fantastic together. I am so glad that he joined the show. I never get bored looking at him. He is sooooo gorgeous.

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY, LOUISE. I HOPE HE STAYS THE WAY HE IS
AND NEVER CHANGES. I’D LOVE TO SEE HIM WITH KATIE, TOO.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT SHOW. LET’S KEEP ROUTING FOR
HIM TO STAY THE WAY HE IS AND DOES’NT CHANGE. SOME PEOPLE
WANTS HIM TO SHAVE, CUT HIS HAIR, ETC., ETC.
I LOVE HIM THE WAY HE IS.

I am really happy and excited for Thorston Kaye in this new chapter of his career and a new chapter of B & B. I’ve been watching B & B since it began and feel the pang of this change, but at the same time am open to it. I watched him today as I caught up on episodes and he is wonderful. Ridge WILL be different, and that’s exciting. Thorston is engaging to watch, I love his accent and I think he will bring a new facet to Ridge Forrestor we’ve not seen before, and that is compelling. I wish everyone who has left, and those who are staying ALL of the best. I’m looking forward to seeing what Mr. Kaye will bring to the show.

Love the “new and improved” Ridge. Enjoyed seeing Dollar Bill and Ridge “engaging” in their battle for the love of the Logan gals. How this quad ends up will be interesting……….would like to see it as “surprising” to all four. As much as Brooke wants Katie to go back to Bill, Bill wants Brooke, Katie is betrayed by the two most important people in her live, Ridge comes back to reunite his family………………may “slowly” find that the Logan he yearns for is “little sis”. Hope the writer’s can draft this love story so carefully that we see these two falling for each other without knowing it……………..would that not be a surprise. Tried of the Liam/Hope/Wyatt story……………………….need to MOVE on. Get Eric a galfriend, put Pam with the security guard, get Donna a boyfriend, …………………..maybe Thorne, I really miss Sally and her group………………..Mr. Kaye has made this show interesting to watch. He is a better Ridge…………one that be the “prince charming” that was lacking in the old Ridge.

HI, Welcome Thorsten! you will be the best Ridge ever. At last a man that is sexy in the role.☺ Loved u in AMC.

Thorston is doing a great job as Ridge, always need a little time for the fans to adjust to a recast.

If Bold and Beautiful try and make the character Ridge Forrester out to be a Sodom and Gomorite” I guarantee “They will be off the Air so fast”, it will make their head swim!!!” Many of your fans are Christians!!! And I promise you” the shiw will struggle and Die”!!! You have a good thing going with Bold and Beautiful”!! Why ruin it with “FILTH”!

Carolyn Harshaw,
There’s not a Christian bone in your body. You’re a bigot, plain and simple and God – who is the creater of ALL is NOT, so don’t presume to speak for him through your thimbleful of warped perspective. Just leave God out of your little opinion masquerading as truth.
Signed, Married for 35 years with 3 grown children and god- given love , wisdom and discernment.

@ Carolyn they are not doing that if anything it showed me how ignorant Bill is that you have to be gay to comfort another man or to go support a friend at a gay pride event.

I dont watch this show anymore since Ronn Moss left.TK cant hold a cancle to Ronn. TK may be good actor but he is only fake Ridge! He will never replace Ronn. NEVER.

UNLIKE YOU KATHERINE, I CANT GET ENOUGH OF B & B SINCE TK TOOK RONN MOSS’S PLACE. FACE IT, HE IS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT CHARACTER. TO ME
HE IS MORE NATURALLY BETTER LOOKING. R.M. WAS TOO PUT ON. HAVE YOU
LOOKED INTO T. K.’s EYES WHEN HE TALKS? HE IS SO CONCERNED AND TRUE
WITH HIS FEELINGS. FORGET R.M. HE’S NOT THERE ANYMORE. GIVE T.K. A
CHANCE. I LIKED HIM IMMEDIATELY. I COULD’NT STAND R.M. SORRY!

I totally agree! TK is beautiful in all ways – physically and sensually. I love his voice it is so alluring. I hated Moss and the way he played Ridge. I also don’t like it that Moss’ wife has been talking trash about Thorsten. She sounds like a bitter B****.

I agree with you both Mary & Traci! TK is sexy and a better Ridge!

I did not know of thorston kaye until bold and the beautiful that I have been watching for 25 years . I think he make’s a great ridge.I usually don’t like when they change character’s, I can’t wait to see the new Ridge now…My sister and me text every time he come’s on.how goodlooking he is, better than ron moss. Hope he continue’s on the show…

it was so nice to see they replace ridge. he was getting boring. I have watched the show for 20 years. thorston is good looking kind hearted and doesn’t walk like he he stuck up. ridge was good but wore is out. hope thorston sticks around , goes well with Kathie. goody luck to thorston kaye

Love Thorsten Kaye as Ridge on B&B. He is a softer version, great to look at and very convincing with his scenes with Katie. Hope they end up together.

please keerp thorston he is so much better to watch. keep him with katie

I don’t want Katie hurt anymore. I also want Katie to become a serious business woman and never let Bill have that company back. I want her to become the business woman of the year and take it to the max. HT is an excellent actress and they need to write for her to showcase more of ther talents. The girl has what it takes. Now all she needs is the writers to bring it on.

I want to say I love the New Ridge. He has soul, such a love in his eyes and you can feel it in his heart! I would truly like to see him and Katie come together and remain one of the greatest loves on BB. He is very good looking and manly. Katie has come to herself, let her finally have the man in her life, send someone else too Brooke, it’s time for her to become someone else besides a Forrester! As for Eric I believe he is the most fascinating man on TV, find a beautiful, mature woman that will remain for life. Come on let somebody remain happy, lol

I have watched B&B since day one and I must say that I have always hated the character of Ridge Forrester. I hated the way Ronn Moss played him – so egotistical, arrogant, just plain mean. Not too mention that he always forgave Brooke on all of her scandals, all Brooke had to do was look at him with those big eyes, shed a fake tear, then seduce him. I absolutely love Thorsten! This is the first time I have even heard of him as I only watch Y&R and B&B, never any other soap. I love the new Ridge and Thorsten is SO GORGEOUS. If TK reads this I want him to know I love the way he plays Ridge. Ridge is so sweet now – nothing like the way Moss played him.

I love Thorsten Kaye in the role of Ridge. There is just one word to describe him and that is SEXY! He has beautiful eyes and very expressive. I also love him with Katie (Heather Tom). They have so much chemistry together. I don’t see the same chemistry with Brooke (KKL). Please writers don’t mess it up. Keep him with Katie. Don’t put Ridge back with Brooke. We’ve already seen that done for the past 25 years. Time to make Katie and Ridge the new couple on B&B.

I so agree with Linda!… I hope the writers please keep Katie and this Ridge together.. The chemistry is there! I think also the writers did a good job by letting us know that Ridge had been away and had a life changing revelation about himself so TK will own that role of the new Ridge ……

BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL IS MY FAVORITE SOAP OPERA SINCE T.K. BECAME
RIDGE. PLEASE KEEP HIM WITH KATIE. THEY WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER.
WISH IT WERE A ONE HOUR SOAP OPERA. I JUST LOVE IT. IT SEEMS LIKE SO
MANY PEOPLE DONT LIKE WYATT. I THINK HE’S PRESCIOUS. LIAM WAS NOT
FAIR TO HOPE AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN EVERYONE WANTS HIM BACK WITH
HOPE. POOR WYATT, HE’S GREAT ENTERTAINMENT. SORRY, THIS IS NOT
ABOUT HIM, ITS ABOUT TK. HE’S REALLY TOPS. KEEP HIM WITH KATIE.

I am so enjoying Thorsten in the role of Ridge. Look forward to seeing him and wish he was in every episode.

It was a shocker for me! He’s sure different! I think once all gets used to him playing this role, he will be loved! Just do u new Ridge! Or gonna do fine!

please get rid of baby brooke and her stuck up kids

I was so upset when Ron Moss left. But I wanted to give Thorsten K a fair chance. Turns out he’s better than Moss could ever be. So sexy and that voice. Oh that voice. I’ve been watching B&B since the beginning and I know Thorsten K will only make the show 100% better. How could it not.

I’m sorry but I don’t like the new Ridge. Whenever he speaks, it sounds like he’s whispering.
Speak Up!!! The same with Justin.

Thorsten, I think you are doing a wonderful job! You are sexy, classy and so kind…I’m hoping they will give you a chance to see where it will go with Caroline. She is a beautiful lady and your chemistry is off the charts! I swear my TV was cracking~!~ Keep up to good work. You have added so much to the show. Looking forward to what’s next.

I simply love tk, his rugged looks his smile his voice and that killer body of his, can make me weak to my knees

I WAS JUST WONDERING WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND DID YOU GROW UP IN ANOTHER COUNTRY

I have only recently started watching Thorsten K in B & B, never heard of him before BUT am in love with his looks & character. 4/8/15. A seniors view.

I am a huge fan of B&B. My favorite actors are TK & LG. Excellent actors with good chemistry. Please keep both of them on the show as a couple. The show needs a lasting couple.

Please keep TK as Ridge. Don’t lt him leave the show. You’ll be sorry

Like the Ron Moss look better. He had the look of a fashion house ceo. Thorsten does NOT look the part. Too scruffy looking. Need to have a cleaner look. It’s a LA Fashion House with beautiful looking people. He is not a good looking guy for this show. It’s only my opinion but he is not the type of man I would want to see on tv every day. Sorry.

Days Of Our Lives

Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship

Last week, Days of our Lives celebrated the taping of their 15,000th episode which is tentatively scheduled to air on December 3rd. The story will feature emotional and heart-tugging scenes of Doug Williams funeral and honor his portrayer, the beloved Bill Hayes, who passed away on January 12th at the age of 98.

While the actors, producers, and crew took a lunch time break to pose for some pictures and speak with the press, they knew they would have to get back to taping the funeral, which was going to make it a tough day, but also cathartic for all who loved Bill Hayes.

Several returns have thus far been announced including; Melissa Reeves reprising her signature role of Jennifer Horton (a part she first played in 1985), and Matthew Ashford as Jack Deveraux. Reeves had last appeared on the show back in 2021, and she was replaced by Emmy-winner Cady McClain in her absence when Jennifer was in storylines. In real-life, Melissa had moved full-time to Tennessee along with her husband, Scott Reeves (ex-DAYS, GH, Y&R). Now, and as previously reported, Reeves will first appear back on DAYS for the Thanksgiving episodes with the Hortons.

Photo: JPI

Michael Fairman TV caught up with Matt and Melissa during the 15,000th episode celebration to get their take on: being back for these special episodes, how it has been working with and watching Susan Seaforth Hayes portray Julie’s grief over losing Doug, and how they have supported each other through the years. Check out what they shared below.

Melissa, you are back on the set of Days of our Lives for this very emotional and special moment in the series history. How does it feel?

MELISSA: Oh, my goodness. I am honored. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but to be here for Bill. He was like my real-life dance partner. He taught me how to ballroom dance. And to be here for Susan, of course, who’s just been our sweet hero this whole week. We’re just following her lead. She’s just been this incredibly strong example for us in the midst of this trial and season of her life. She is like just lifting us all up with her. It’s been incredible.

I was at Bill Hayes memorial service which was truly incredible and I know at the time you were in Tennessee. It was moving and celebratory of his life, all at the same time.

MELISSA: That’s all I have heard. I have to watch it on You Tube. They said it was just a real celebration of his life and I love that.

Photo: JPI

This must be difficult for Susan Seaforth Hayes depicting the death of Doug, when she is still grieving the loss of her beloved husband. (Susan pictured above with the returning Stephen Schnetzer who plays her on-screen brother, Steve Olson).

MELISSA: I’m sure Susan has those moments at home by herself, but she’s so good at being a leader and leading all of us. We’re following her, you know, and she’s like, “This is how I want to feel today.” And we’re just going along with her, you know? It’s so sweet.

Photo: JPI

How is it to see Matt Ashford again live and in-person?

MELISSA: You know, Matt and I can go years without talking, or seeing each other, and then the minute we see each other we’re chatting away.

MATT: Melissa was out on set doing a scene yesterday on the phone talking to a stage manager; as she was telling some really tough news on the phone. I’m like crying in the background, literally, I’m off-stage crying.

MELISSA: And then we get like back into normal life, and we’re like, okay, “What’s happening? What’s happening with this … or what’s happening with that?”

I had read, Melissa, that you were in touch with Matt about if there night be a possibility for you to reprise your role as Jennifer for these special episodes?

MELISSA: Yes. Well, Matt was like, “Hey! Would you want to come back? “And I was like, “Matt, you know, I would always come back. ”

MATT:  Every time I come here to Days of our Lives, they ask, “Where’s Missy? How’s Missy?” Everybody backstage says, “I miss her.” All of the crew is asking about her and saying, “It would be nice to see Missy. Nothing wrong with you Matt, but …”  They said, “Where is she?” I said, “She wants to come!”

Photo: JPI

There are some beautiful photos of Missy and Bill and Susan thorough the years that I found. It just reminded me of just the deep and entrenched history we all have had with the show, personally and professionally.

MATT: Missy is roughly the age where Francis Reid (ex-Alice Horton) was when she started the show, which is just crazy.

Photo: JPI

I’ve always said Missy was going to be the next generation Alice. Do you feel that Jennifer is the heir apparent matriarch of the Horton family?

MELISSA: Yes. I mean, this has been greatest blessing of my life, and that would be great. I told Ken Corday (executive producer, Days of our Lives) when I was 17 that this show would be my life. Ken always told me, “This is your home,” and I’ve always felt like that.

How have gotten through the scenes watching Susan Seaforth Hayes as Julie go through the loss of Doug?

MATT: Susan is bringing her best performance life for her and Bill. I mean, she’s a showbiz baby. She always has been one hundred percent, and she’s doing it for him, and this is who they’ve always been. So, you’re seeing this amazing performance colored by her life. She has her private life as Susan, but she has enough plugged into Julie that she’s done amazing work. The director, producers and writers are giving her room to live in these moments and it’s quite wonderful.

Photo: JPI

Have you already broken down in tears during the taping?

MELISSA: Yesterday, but today’s taping of the actual funeral I think they want us to try and be just more celebratory.

MATT: I mean, it is a beautiful long life for Bill Hayes and his character of Doug Williams, and so it will be about that. Then, you get a bunch of us together in the church pews, and there’s going to be hijinks.

MELISSA: We all have been through the waves of grief. You have that awful cry and then all of a sudden you feel okay.  There are those family situations we are portraying where you’re like, “What do we do? What do we do now? You know, no one knows what to do. But, it’s so sweet. I’m looking forward to seeing how the scenes all turn out.

So, are you glad that Matt and Melissa are back for the 15K episode and Doug’s funeral? From what we can tell, it’s going to be quite an emotional journey for Days of our Lives fans, and especially the performance of Susan Seaforth Hayes, 

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Days Of Our Lives

Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award

This week, Days of our Lives celebrated the taping of their 15,000th episode. In of it itself, that is an incredible accomplishment for the long-running soap opera currently streaming on Peacock.

However, this on set gathering was a bit different. Though the show is celebrating their achievement, they are also in the middle of taping scenes surrounding the death and the funeral of Doug Williams, played by the late Bill Hayes, who passed away on January 12th of this year at the age of 98.

As previously revealed many longtime favorites are back to honor Bill and the character of Doug including: Gloria Loring (Liz), Melissa Reeves (Jennifer), Matthew Ashford (Jack), Maree Cheatham (Marie), Victoria Konefal (Ciara) and Stephen Schnetzer (Steve) to name but a few.

Photo: JPI

Michael Fairman TV was in attendance and spoke with Days of our Lives head writer, Ron Carlivati to gain some insight into how the 15,000 episode was crafted and the decision to honor the character of Doug Williams and Bill Hayes as its epicenter. In addition, Ron weighed-in on this Sunday’s April 14th WGA (Writers Guild of America) Awards, where he and his writing team are facing off with General Hospital for the daytime drama prize. Here’s what Ron shared below.

Was this your idea to make the 15,000th episode centered around Doug’s funeral and passing?

RON: It was. When you’re looking at it, and laying out the calendar for the whole year and you see 15,000 is coming up, we’re like, “What are we going to do?” And then, we got the news that Bill had passed away and something kind of clicked. I was like, “We should honor Doug on that show.” So then, we started to kind of build around that … when does he pass away? How does he pass away? Who could come back? You know, it’s a lot.  I’m very pleased with the returns that we got as there’s so much that you could do. We wanted everybody we could get. So, we put together a wish list and Janet Drucker (co-executive producer, Days of our Lives) made it happen.

Photo: JPI

You have Melissa Reeves back as Jennifer, when the role was last played by Cady McClain. What has it meant to have Missy back for these shows?

RON: It was so nice to see Missy Reeves. I think Cady has done such a good job, but on the 15,000th episode to see Missy as Jennifer, it’s a big deal. So having her was great, and overall, the milestone was a big undertaking, because you want to live up to it. You want the 15,000th episode to be good. Now, it has a lot of real emotion that you’re playing. because for the cast and the crew they’re honoring Bill Hayes just as much as we’re honoring Doug Williams.

Photo: JPI

Was it hard for you and the team to write this episode?

RON: Yes. I’ll tell you why it was hard to write.  When I wrote, for example, Asa’s (Phillip Carey) death on One Life to Live or Victor’s (John Aniston) on DAYS, Asa is a different type of character. Like, you could have characters going, “Oh! I’m glad he is dead.” You could have different points of view, but with Doug, you’re not having that. Every person loves this man. No one had a bad relationship with him. So, you’re challenge as a writer is how do you make it that not everybody’s saying the same thing and doing the same thing. And so, we tried to find ways to make the episode about all the familial relationships and yet, how do you make it about Doug and yet broaden the scope.

Photo: JPI

I had spoken to Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), a week after Bill’s memorial, for an interview. She said that she felt very fortunate that you did include her on discussions of how you would tackle Doug’s passing. How did that conversation go?

RON: First, I attended Bill’s funeral, which was incredible. I said to so many people it was an emotional service, but it was hard to be sad at this. The guy had an incredible life and it was an incredible celebration. And so, you’re sitting there watching this knowing that you now have to write something similar. And how do you write something that lives up to what you just witnessed? I wanted to talk to Susan to get her thoughts about, you know, how much do you want this to be about keeping Bill separate from Doug. How comfortable are you sharing your grief. She was incredible to talk to. It was a great chat.

You’re in the middle of taping these major scenes for the 15,000 episode to air in December. How do you think it’s going? Have you seen any of the scenes?

RON:  I haven’t seeing anything. I mean, we were still making changes to the script up till this morning!

Photo: JPI

The Writers Guild Awards are this Sunday, April 14th and once again this year there are two daytime drama nominees, General Hospital and Days of our Lives. How are you feeling about your chances this year?

RON: It is often just GH and us in the category. I’ve won three years in a row, so I’m kind of feeling like it’s their turn.

Photo: JPI

What episodes did you submit for contention? If I recall, they had to do with Victor’s memorial.

RON: The episodes we submitted were centered around Victor’s funeral. I think one has story with Vivian (Louise Sorel). We had some fun stuff, we had some emotional stuff at Victor’s death, and I am pretty sure that our submission was three episodes right around that time.

Did you make the decision to go with those episodes because there was a mix of humor and drama?

RON: I like to have some humor, but it was also the funeral, then there’s Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) giving birth, and then Vivian’s crashing the reading of the will. So, we had a lot of fun and it’s hard sometimes to pick three that tell a story, as opposed to submitting for the Daytime Emmys, where the writing team only submits two shows. So, we shall see how it goes on Sunday.

Courtesy/Peacock

So, are you looking forward to the emotional 15,000th episode of Days of our Lives? Do you think DAYS will take home the WGA writing award for daytime dramas for the 4th year in a row? Comment below.

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Days Of Our Lives

(INTERVIEW) Eric Martsolf Previews DAYS Stars on ‘Weakest Link’, How He Fared in the Game, Plus Welcoming New Tate, Leo Howard

Tuesday night on NBC’s Weakest Link (9 p.m. ET/PT), the stars of Days our of Lives test their knowledge, and try to win big money for the charity of their choice on the newest season of the popular game show hosted by Jane Lynch. In case you miss it, you can also catch the episode on Wednesday streaming on Peacock.

The question on everyone’s mind is … who will be revealed as Salem’s weakest link? Who will be left standing at the end of the game? DAYS favorites: Eric Martsolf (Brady) Brynn Dattilo (Lucas), Galen Gering (Rafe), Martha Madison (Belle), Victoria Konefal (ex-Ciara), Zach Tinker (Sonny), Tina Huang (Melinda) and Lindsay Arnold (ex-Allie) play while literally having the task of throwing their co-stars under the bus. The contestant who receives the highest number of votes leaves the game throughout, as Lynch declares their exit with the now iconic phrase, “You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye.” 

Michael Fairman TV caught up with Eric Martsolf, who daytime fans know is great as a host in his own right and oh-so-fun at playing any trivia game you throw at him. Martsolf gave us the inside scoop of what it was like to be on the set and backstage in a rather nerve-wracking environment, and trying to come off as smart while Jane Lynch roasts you at the same time!

Photo: NBC

In addition, Eric shared his thoughts on the new Tate, as Leo Howard takes over the role of his on-screen son from Jamie Martin Mann on the April 5th episode of Days of our Lives, plus working with Emily O’Brien as Theresa, and the loss of the legendary Bill Hayes. Check out what Eric had to say below.

Did you know about the game before? Had you watched the original version of the Weakest Link, or this latest incarnation?

ERIC: I was very, very familiar with the game because I found, as someone who enjoys hosting, that has to be one of the best hosting gigs out there because they just have extreme liberties in belittling the contestants, and it’s all done in jest of course, but it’s great. Jane Lynch is a master.

Did you get to meet Jane Lynch before she hit the stage for the taping?

ERIC: I don’t think any of us met her prior to being on the set. So, we’re standing there behind our podiums and these cyber lights just point all in one direction. At one point when we’re out there, it was kind of a hurry up and wait thing. We’re just like, “When is this going to start?” Then, here Jane comes and in all her glory in a beautiful navy-blue suit. She just prances onto stage and just glares over at us, and starts making fun of a silly soap opera actors like you wouldn’t believe. It was just great. I’ll let the public see what how she crucified us. But it was all done in fun.

Photo: NBC

Did she crucify you?

ERIC: I don’t think anybody got out unscathed to be honest with you.

For those that don’t know the game, you try to eliminate those that are the weakest in answering questions.

ERIC: Correct, and therein lies the problem. Historically, I think the Weakest Link is comprised of contestants that don’t really know each other, and in this case, you have not only coworkers, but almost family members because we all know each other very, very well. It’s a tight circle and even more so when you’re on the same show. So, we all went in into it pretty nervous because the premise of the game is to expose the inadequacy of people’s knowledge of general facts and information. So, essentially, you’re voting each other off because you don’t think they’re as smart as you are and that they’re the least smart in the group. So, I mean, that in itself is pretty, pretty tough to swallow. It was really hard, because you have to look at your friends in the eye and go, “yeah, I don’t think you’re going to get the next couple questions. You’re not the smartest, you’re not the crispiest chip in the bag. I’m going to let you go. ”

Did you feel bad about some of the eliminations?

ERIC: At one point, without giving away any spoilers, I voted off someone that without a doubt, has more smarts and education than I do. I just felt silly. But, you know, the way the game was going, I just felt it was the right. There is a bit of strategy involved. I’m worried about the airing of this particular episode because I did fumble some questions that people are going to turn their heads and go, “Really? You didn’t get that one?” It’s so much easier to answer these questions at home in your pajamas than it is, you know, looking at Jane Lynch in the eye with 6,000 lights at your face in front of cameras. Your brain tends to wander. So yes, we all had had some answers that we couldn’t believe we didn’t get at the time!

Photo: NBC

Did it get very competitive?

ERIC: There was little competition there. If I recall, it’s Galen and Bryan that went at it a little bit and had some laughs. But again, I can’t stress this enough, it was all done with fun. At the end of the day, every one of us wanted to win. I think the smartest person did actually come out victorious.

Now in the game, for those that have never seen it, you’re on your podium, and then Jane gives a question, right?

ERIC:  It’s a firing squad of questions. You only have a certain amount of time to answer. If you get the correct answer or the wrong answer, you immediately, go to the next contestant and you have a certain amount of time. And then, at the end of that line of questioning, everyone gets to vote as to who they believed was the biggest dummy in the group. (Laughs) Some questions are simple. You know, “What color is Santa Claus’ suit?” And then, the next question is “What is 648,000 times 14?” or what’s the population of some obscure country? So, that was the biggest challenge. Someone else might get, “What is the main ingredient of a banana split?” And my question could be like, “How much is 9,430 times x 59 million?” There’s an intimidation factor that Jane Lynch brings to it when she’s staring you down.

Photo: NBC

When the cast finished the entire game, what happened backstage?

ERIC:  The best part was there were these post interviews that the Weakest Link conducts where you have to go into a dark black room. I think my first question was, “How did you feel about that wrong answer?” They don’t let up. They just keep jabbing at you. “Did you feel ridiculous getting the wrong answer to that fourth-grade level question?” (Laughs) There was also a lot of trash talk with that happened after the show. It got so competitive. If I recall, we were all supposed to go out together and get a meal with everybody, and that never happened. They’re like, “I’m not eating lasagna with you right now. You just voted me off!” Now, even the first person that gets voted off, you’re going to be shocked, because I thought this person would probably win it. In the game, you want the best people to remain on the panel because that’s what drives up the money.

Photo: JPI

Later this week on DAYS, we will see the debut of your new on-screen son, Leo Howard, taking over from Jamie Martin Mann as Tate.

ERIC: How about that?  I just did a post on Instagram, because I saw that Jamie Martin Mann had liked and hearted a post about Leo Howard coming on the show. I just thought that was so classy of him. That’s the way it’s supposed to be, “This is the new guy. Embrace him. He’s good. I’ve met him. He is a good guy.” It’s about handing off the character baton sometimes, sort to speak. I was really proud of those guys. I reached out to Jamie. He just wants to go to college and be a student. I understand that. That’s important.

Photo: JPI

Is that challenging for you as an actor since you’ve built this relationship with the one guy as your son, and now you’ve got to pivot and create a different kind of energy with someone else taking on the part?

ERIC: Leo Howard has been in the industry for a while, with some very good credits to his name. He brings a certain charisma to this role that I think people are really going to love. And yes, he’s older, but he plays younger, and he has that ability and he’s pulling it off brilliantly. I can’t wait for people to see him, but of course I miss Jamie. Emily O’Brien (Theresa) and I really grew to love him very quickly because the storyline got so deep, so quickly, with the drug intervention and then him getting beat up in in prison. I mean, as a father, that’s the kind of stuff that you have nightmares about, you know, your kids being in pain.

Photo: JPI

I still love the fact that Emily O’Brien is still noticeably wearing a blonde wig as Theresa. What are your thoughts on how the transition has been for you, and for her pivoting to a completely different role?

ERIC: I hadn’t worked with Emily much before, because Gwen and Brady never really crossed paths. We all saw the transition that she had to make. When I became Brady, the character hadn’t been on the map for three years.  When she became Theresa, she walks out one gate and comes through the other as Theresa. We all had a good giggle about it. That’s hard to ask an audience to go,  OK, I’m Gwen, now I’m Theresa.” I was scrolling through X (formerly Twitter) and I saw a couple posts from fans that said how they were really weary, at first, about accepting Emily O’Brien as Theresa. But after today’s episode, they shared, “I’m loving her as Tate’s mom, and the chemistry she has with the family.” I texted Emily and I said, “I just want to let you know that you’re just bringing it home really brilliantly, and people are starting to come around.” I think they’ll do that with Leo Howard too.

Photo: JPI

What had it been like without the iconic Bill Hayes (Doug Williams) coming to work and being part of the Days of our Lives cast since his passing?

ERIC: You really do miss that presence in the hallways. He was a song and dance guy and I am a song and dance guy. as well. I kind of find myself the lone singer in the makeup room sometimes, but I could always count on Bill. He’d be humming some old tune from the sixties. I’d start humming along and he’d just kind of lean over and take a look at me, and give a little smile. Everyone else was probably irritated at us, but we just kept singing along. and it’s like 6:30 in the morning. I think Bill was a lot like the late John Aniston (ex-Victor), in the sense that I don’t really feel like he felt he was working. He was just always having fun right up until the end. That little number he did with his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), and Dick Van Dyke (guest starring as Timothy Robicheaux), where he was singing along, he was just living it. It was so cute and so adorable to watch.

Photo: JPI

Your final tease for the Weakest Link tonight is, “Fans should watch because …”

ERIC: Fans should watch it because if they thought we were smart before, wait till they see the show.

You can check out the cold open for tonight’s Weakest Link “Days of our Lives special” below.

Now let us know, will you be watching Eric and his co-stars, past and present, attempting to showcase their knowledge on the ‘Weakest Link? Intrigued to see Leo Howard and Eric in scenes as new Tate and his father, Brady? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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