News
Tonya Lee Williams Says She Won’t Ever Be Coming Back to The Young and the Restless
It’s a different time in her life and she is in a different place, but Tonya Lee Williams (ex-Olivia Barber) addressed being asked back to reprise her signature soap opera role on CBS’ The Young and the Restless.
Tonya told Soaps In Depth the last time the soap reached out to her to reprise Olivia was for its 50th anniversary, “It it would have been lovely to do but I could not imagine doing the role. It takes a lot for me as an actor. You don’t just turn up and start reading a script. I don’t know how to explain it … I trained as an actor. I go through a lot of process into who that character is. And that character was someone from 20 years ago.”
Williams’ Y&R run Williams began back in 1990 and went through 2005. She later returned in 2007 making some appearances in the several years that followed. However, the last time anyone had an Olivia sighting was back in February of 2012 for Cane and Lily’s wedding.
She qualified that she left the show on “great terms,” adding, “I absolutely love the show. It has nothing to do with the show. But I try to explain it like this: Have you ever dated someone for a long time and you don’t want to date them anymore? And you have broken up with them and like, 10, 15 years have passed and people are saying, ‘Would you go back with that guy?’ I’m like, ‘No.’ Because you’re a different person now.”
Currently, Williams is the executive and artistic director for the Reelworld Film Festival. An organization she founded in 2001. Held in Toronto, the film festival features talent from ethnically diverse communities.
So, would you have liked to have seen the character of Olivia show back on Y&R? Perhaps, helping a patient in need since she is a doctor or speaking with/being involved with the Winters family in some capacity? Comment below.
I was always surprised the role was not recast and used strongly as a supporting character through the years. It would be nice to have Olivia part of the Winters world.
Not surprised… but that won’t stop people from asking for her return, alas. Wishing her the best.
Wonder if she would go back if Victoria Rowell was able to go back. Still hate that Drucilla was never found even though I know all about the falling out between the actress and the network.
Totally agree, I heard she let on bad terms. She’ll always be Drucilla. Would love to see her back.
Oh Absolutely! I loved Drucilla and the wonderful storylines. I wish the network would pay attention to what the viewers want. She got really upset with the network and not knowing the whole unedited story from an unbiased observer, I can’t comment on how I feel about her story. If what she says is true, then I’m on her side. You just never know for sure. But regardless, I’d love to see her back. Easy enough to say she was saved had lost her memory and ended up in Europe eventually and through therapy because of recurring nightmares, she gets her memory back.
Lol. Could happen that way. It’s the miracle of soap operas or call it Magic!
She is right sometimes you can’t go back have not seen an episode in a long time . The good days are over
She was incredible in the role.It’s shame that she wouldn’t go back.
I agree !
She would not be a useful character on the show anymore
Oh absolutely! It would have been great seeing her interact with Nate, being his on show Mom. She is beautiful, intelligent and a terrific actress. I was sad when she left. But at the same time I would be okay if they found someone charismatic and equally beautiful to replace her. So much possible storyline to having an Olivia back on the show even if sadly it’s not the original one.
I can’t really blame her. If the writers or whoever is in charge of Y&R has given her old character (Olivia Hastings) more onscreen time, she probably would have returned for more Y&R episodes.
What is going with Y& R? The storylines are really stupid and boring….the Jordan story lines are pathetic…We need better writers! Have stop watching the show period.
I agree I’m over it and the Chelsea and Adam story is so bad and Lilly and Jack taking pills Nicky the drunk just over it I watch once a week before every day we need new stuff.
Someone looking to be in news.all about me
Definitely would love to see Ms. Williams reprise her role as Olivia. She was so good at it and a pivotal character. Please Ms. Williams think about it I do understand your explanation why you don’t what to come back, but perhaps you could aspire Ms. Rowell and my man Sherma Moore to come back that would be a highly rated Young and the Restless episodes. I know Christoph St. James would be smiling down from heaven.
She, Victoria Rowell, Kristoff St. John, and Shemar Moore contributed to the presence of fully fleshed, realistic Black characters in daytime, and that will forever be their legacy. They are all missed IMMENSELY. Props and much respect to Williams on moving forward and the paths she’s forged since Y&R.
I always like Olivia her part was great I think don’t she has to return as long as she’s happy with what she’s doing that’s great
She has said multiple times her time at Y n R cannot be recaptured. Olivia was smart and beautiful and a great contrast to her scrappy sister Drucilla. As I think the first doctor major character on y n r, a black actress at that and imo her storyline as a wife dealing with cheating and AIDS she has left a huge mark on y n r lore! I think the days of Olivia, Drucilla, Neil and Malcolm will go down as some of my favorite and to bring Liv back without the others wouldn’t feel right. I respect her decision and she is full filled in her behind the scenes work
Yes I would she is a wonderful actress
Yes. Different is to be expected. The same should not be expected nor is it practical. Coming back would bring a new perspective and fresh outlook.
Yes I would and could see Olivia return even if only for a short period being the next in line after Aunt Mimmie as the family legacy falls . And to see she and Nate’s relationship as mother and adult son.
Prediction: Tonya will play Lexie Carver on Days of our Lives, although I’d prefer Renee Jones to return. They’re both good actresses, beautiful and the same age.
I don’t see her coming back would bring people back to watch. We have Mamie back, once a week, and it’s a waste of time. That whole story was dead on arrival….the writers can’t make it more boring for us to watch…it doesn’t matter what actors they have reading the dialouge. Please, look how they wrap up stories, the nut finally goes to prison, and Ashley’s doctor friend has an evil twin. They don’t need Olivia back, they need new writers who care.
Yes I would,
I think Nath, Lilly and Devon need their mother’s.
General Hospital
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
Two soap opera alums very familiar to fans of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless are paired together in a new short-form digital series from none other than Issa Rae’s production entity HOORAE Digital.
Look for Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, GH)) and Loren Lott (ex-Ana Hamilton, Y&R) as part of the cast of The Compatibility Experiment, premiering on October 14, 2026, exclusively on TikTok and its companion microdrama platform, PineDrama.
In the video teaser, it appears that Bellow and Lott play a couple, Kelvin and Camila, set in a Love Island reality show-esque environment trying to win the one million dollar cash prize, only what could go wrong?
Photo: HOORAE
The Compatibility Experiment loglines share that it brings a fast-paced, relationship-focused reality check—much like Love Island with a twist. The show takes a participant’s current relationship, introduces them to a potentially more compatible partner, and forces them to navigate the differences with life-changing money on the line.
The new series is part of a groundbreaking content deal between HOORAE Digital and TikTok to develop premium short-form storytelling. The ensemble cast also features; Ayona, Reggie Luck, JaNa Craig, Tosin Morohunfola, Jessica Jacoby, Georgia Warner, and Nick Cassidy.
General Hospital fans know Tajh Bellow for his performances as TJ Ashford, and who earned two Daytime Emmy nominations along the way during his run. Bellow took over the role in 2018 and last appeared on the ABC daytime drama series in December of 2024.
Loren Lott first appeared as Devon’s (Bryton James) sister Ana Hamilton on The Young and the Restless from 2018 to 2019; making a brief return in 2024. She has continued to perform on the stage and screen with recent credits including: Bel-Air, Cherish the Day, and All American: Homecoming.
Check out the trailer for The Compatibility Experiment below and let us know what you think of its concept and if you are glad to see Tajh and Loren again? Hoping they might return to daytime in their GH and Y&R roles at some point in the future? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Tanisha Harper on the Future of a Jordan Ashford and Michael Corinthos Pairing
It’s been clear for awhile now that General Hospital has been pushing Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper) more into the orbit of Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson), leading to speculation that the two will become more than just business associates and friends.
Well, now, Tanisha Harper has confirmed that the long-running ABC soap opera is testing the waters for a Jordan/Michael romance in her discussion with Soap Opera Digest.
The two characters share something in common, in that, they both have suffered severe burns and disfigurement, and they share a common bond working for Aurora Media.
Photo: ABC
CHEMISTRY TEST
Harper explained, “At first, they were kind of just sprinkling it in; we were starting to do some scenes together here and there. But, I think the writers and Frank Valentini (EP, GH) liked it, and we’ve progressed with that.”
This poses a bit of dilemma for Jordan, who’s boyfriend Curtis Ashford had been sent to Pentonville for assaulting Dr. Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson), but who just wound up on the receiving end of a prison beat down and landed at the hospital.
All things being equal, Tanisha shared that Michael is fast becoming, “the one person who understands what she’s going through on a deeper level. That makes for a strong connection, and I think the fans are starting to see that connection, too.”
As to if things will escalate and get hot and steamy from herem like any great forbidden love story, Tanisha shared, “That seems to be where we’re headed. In true soap fashion!”
Harper also noted about the future of Jordan and Michael, “We’ll see what the writers have in store for us, but I do think that this could be something really interesting. It’ll make some people mad, and some people will be here for it!”
So, are you down for a Jordan and Michael romance? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Beyond the Gates is set to air two upcoming episodes on Friday, October 2 and Monday, October 5 on CBS, which will feature the residents of Fairmont Crest gathering at the Dupree family home for a spirited tailgate ahead of Banneker’s Homecoming, decked out in the university’s signature crimson and gold.
The episodes celebrate African American heritage by showcasing the longstanding homecoming traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) through the show’s fictional Banneker University.
With five generations of the Dupree family having attended Banneker, Homecoming is more than a celebration – it’s a cherished family legacy. For the Duprees and the Fairmont Crest community, it offers an opportunity to honor their shared history, celebrate their HBCU pride, and come together for a special day filled with family, friendship, and tradition.
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER U. FIGHT SONG
The excitement culminates with a spirited bus ride to the game, where the entire group proudly sings “Fight On,” Banneker University’s beloved fight song and we know the cast members of Beyond the Gates CAN SING! Ahead of the episodes, CBS released some promotional photos and more to engage viewers to tune-in to the 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated daytime drama.
The series is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Photo: CBS
Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.
*(live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. *Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.
So, are you glad to see Beyond the Gates continuing to shed light on Black excellence through its soap opera platform? Is the Dupree family, quickly, if not already, become one of your favorites families in all of daytime drama? Let us know via the comment section below.
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
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‘AEW Dynamite’ Pays Tribute to PAC Following the Death of Benjamin Satterley in Emotional, Moving, Pitch-Perfect Episode
‘General Hospital’s’ Tanisha Harper on the Future of a Jordan Ashford and Michael Corinthos Pairing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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