Connect with us

Breaking News

24

‘The Young and the Restless’ Reveals the True Identity of Roger Howarth’s Character as ‘Matt Clark’

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photo: JPI

At the end of the October 31st episode of The Young and the Restless, Sharon (Sharon Case) was in for the shock of her life when she came to face to face for the first time with Sienna’s husband, Mitch Bacall (Roger Howarth), and when after taking one look at the guy, Sharon realized it’s none other than Nick and Sharon’s mortal enemy, and says, “Matt Clark? Oh, My God!”

Just how can that be? Well, it’s been over 25 years since Matt Clark has been on the canvas, because when he was last seen and then portrayed by GH’s Rick Hearst, he took himself off life support as one last defying act and handed the tubes to Nick (Joshua Morrow) to frame him for his murder. A bench trial ensued and Nick was eventually exonerated.

The role of Matt Clark was played first by Eddie Cibrian (1994–1996), then Russell Lawrence (2000), Rick Hearst (2000-2001) and now Daytime veteran, Roger Howarth in 2025! Just how Y&R head writer, Josh Griffith plans to spin the story of how Matt Clark, who raped Sharon, is indeed alive, and how it will be part of the LA noir story that is set to unravel remains to be seen. Y&R Viewers recall, it was back in 1994 when Matt Clark first came on the canvas. He had a huge beef with Nick Newman since high school and was dating Sharon, but she only had eyes for Nick, which see Matt off on a horrific revenge course for decades.

Photo: JPI

Soap fans know Roger Howarth from all of his leading roles and performances; his breakout role as One Life to Live’s Todd Manning, to Paul Ryan on As the World Turns, and on General Hospital playing three different characters,Todd Manning, Franco Baldwin, and Austin Gatlin-Holt  In his first interview on landing at Y&R to play Matt Clark (aka Mitch Bacall), Howarth told Soap Opera Digest, “The ramp was short … Matt gets up to no good very, very quickly.”

Having played bad guys before on daytime, and ones that are very misunderstood, Howarth shared, “I’m really thankful that I get to play a character with mischief and devious and villainous qualities. It’s super-fun. It’s always been something I enjoy watching, something I enjoy being a part of, you know? Those characters are near and dear to me and it’s always the rule to find out why they’re being that way, and the answer is always something to do with loving something, or a need to be loved — I think all really good TV villainy is rooted in a deeper emotional need.”

Photo: CBS

Having had plenty of time to plot Sharon and Nick’s downfall, Howarth added that Matt is going to execute his revenge, “He’s had a long time to kind of ruminate in that and stew and if anything, I think his maliciousness has gotten louder and deeper. This is a true bad guy.”

So, what do you think of the reveal that Roger Howarth is playing Matt Clark, the longtime nemesis of Sharon and Nick, seemingly back from the dead? Are you more excited about the story and his role on Y&R, or do you have other feelings about it? Let us know via the comment section below.

24 Comments

24 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

I avoided the spoilers from Canada, thankfully. Honestly, the continued back-from-the-dead storylines do nothing for me in daytime anymore, but I look forward to seeing what Roger Howarth does in the role of Matt Clark (a.k.a., Mitch Bacall), although I would have preferred the return of either Eddie Cibrian or Rick Hearst (both of which would have brought some excellent flashbacks).

I agree but Hearst is on GH and Cibrian is on to other things. Do I question why this is coming up it’s Griffith thinks he can hang on to his job always about them . Case will play the hell out of it she always does

Yes, but Hearst is recurring on General Hospital, so he easily could have done the role. And Cibrian is not actively working, so I am sure he could have returned as well.

You’re right it would have been great if Cibrian had came back . Great flashbacks

I can’t believe it!! Loved all the guys who played Matt Clark because they nailed just how rotten to the core Matt is but Roger playing the character? All I can say is that this is going to be a ride that’s going to get my adrenaline pumping!!

Why? A big fan of Roger Howarth, but why?

It’s out there but Case always delivers I will watch this thank gosh it’s not about corporate stuff. It also gives Josh something to sink his teeth into besides doing Daddy’s bidding

Roger plays a great bad guy. Phenomenal actor. So glad Y & R gave him a big break- General Hospital loss.

Fire Josh Griffith now! This is utterly ridiculous. A stack of cardboard could write this show better. Another complete re-write of history for a storyline that will go nowhere and end in a flash. Griffith has done more damage to this once beautifully brilliant show than Lynn Marie Latham ever did. It’s infuriating. CBS and Sony MUST find someone to save this show. It’s a disgrace to the legacy of Bill Bell and Kay Alden. It’s a disgrace to all daytime dramas that have ever existed.

Sony decided to remove Kay Alden etc time after time we had a chance to bring this show back to greatness but nope they went the other direction so here it is folks

CBS and Sony no longer care. Y&R still gets decent ratings, so CBS will do nothing. We, the viewers are stuck with this crap, but I’ve been watching GH again lately, and am impressed how good soaps can be. It takes a little effort. Griffith collects a paycheck, nothing more.

AGREE with all. This is the worst the show has ever been.

So like this is the third “villain” from Sharon’s past to resurface recently – Cameron, Ian Ward and now Matt Clark– not to mentioned her stint being held by Martin with Phyllis.

So what’s the plan, to keep reliving Sharon’s past storylines in hopes eventually the actress will have an Emmy reel that will get her a win.

I think Sharon Case is a wonderful actress, but at this point after a succession of trauma related stories for the character, the only way I can bear watching the her cry now, is to make it a drinking game out of it.

I was actually looking forward to this LA storyline, but now that they have thrown Matt Clark into it– I no longer care– for a minute there I thought the show was finally going to come up with something original — silly me

you can not have a rapist character on the canvas for long, this is going to be a waste of Howarth not to mention it makes no sense in the history of the show, the character died onscreen

the character died onscreen

Clearly, watching soaps has taught you nothing.

Clearly watching too many makes you an ass.

OH MY DAYS…MEEOWWW… HISS HISS LMAO.

Surely, Michael and his team made a mistake allowing this comment through.

You are constantly nasty to people that don’t have a photographic memory of soap opera history and that don’t have time to watch every freaking soap. If you don’t like my comment then learn not how to be a putz.

This should be the death knell for Josh Griffith as HW. How many more plots from the past is he going to recycle because he can’t write an original storyline for Sharon and Nick? How much more will he keep tormenting Sharon and have the actress constantly crying in scenes? It’s sick and unoriginal. More stunt casting because JG is a hack. Not interested. I

I watched today and yesterday and as usual RH does his smirk and everybody screams great actor . Will move on the fact you have CB on who is great and give him absolutely no story oh boy ugh.

Just don’t let Matt hurt Sharon, Noah An Nock

I am so happy to see Roger Howarth back in any role, but I am concerned that the role of Matt Clark won’t last nearly long enough. When he left the role of Franco on General Hospital I was extremely upset but then he was back as Dr Austin Gatlin-Holt and his exit from that role too did me in as a GH fan. Give this great actor a permanent role and you will ensure me as a devoted fan!

So sick of this story line with Matt Clark

Breaking News

‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

Published

on

By

The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Breaking News

‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

Published

on

By

There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Breaking News

ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

Published

on

By

In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Finn Carr & Dominic Zamprogna as Rocco & Dante

General Hospital

Airdate: 5-14-2026

Popular

24
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x