Beyond the Gates
Victoria Rowell Reveals She Auditioned for the Role of ‘Beyond the Gates’ Matriarch Anita Dupree
When Beyond the Gates made it to air on February 24, 2025, becoming the first Black-led hour-long soap opera on network television, for many. they thought this day would never come. Now, the series has already been renewed by CBS for its second season earlier this week which has been both heralded and celebrated.
Before there was Beyond the Gates, Victoria Rowell, was extremely popular with viewers of The Young and the Restless for her role as Drucilla Barber Winters. At that time in 1990, she along with the late, great Bill Bell (creator and head writer, Y&R) steered the story of Drucilla becoming a ballet dancer, like Rowell herself, in a storyline that Rowell told the AP, that showed, “It is possible to be in a lower socioeconomic environment and be aspirational.”
In the feature article which spoke to not only Rowell, but Darnell Williams (ex-Jesse, All My Children) and Veronica Redd (ex-Mamie, Y&R) on Black actors who were the forerunners to Beyond the Gates, Victoria revealed that she received a touching note from CBS when Beyond the Gates was announced.

Photo: JPI
Rowell shared, “I have been contacted with great respect from the powers that be at CBS, thanking me for all of my hard work, recognizing the work that I have done that has influenced this moment and I appreciate that.”
However. as many of Rowell’s fans know, she sued CBS and the producers of Y&R back in 2015 for lack of inclusion of Black actors and pushed for more hires in front of the camera and behind the scenes. That suit was eventually settled out of court.
Most interestingly, Victoria noted that she was “astounded” when she was asked to audition for the role of Anita Dupree, the matriarch of the wealthy family residing in the D.C/Maryland area. That role eventually went to former As the World Turns star, Tamara Tunie.

Photo: CBS
Victoria recalled that after she submitted her audition tape for the role, she never heard back. However, she expressed that she thinks Tamara Tunie is a “brilliant actress.” CBS was reached out for comment by the AP for their feature and did not comment.
Meanwhile, Rowell has some upcoming projects she recently teased including; the upcoming Christmas movie The Secret Between Us and the drama, The Juror.
So, what do you think of Victoria Rowell auditioning for the role of Anita Dupree? Do you think it was a kind gesture by CBS to reach out to her before the launch of ‘Beyond the Gates’ and note her influence in daytime television playing Y&R’s Drucilla? With so many people guessing just who is really “Aristotle Dumas” on Y&R, many think it’s really Drucilla! Do you think it is? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
I would like to see Victoria back on a soap but I always felt that we should know what happened to Dru when she went over that cliff. When I heard BTG was coming and what was unique about it (having a primarily Black cast), I did think Victoria would be good for the show. Maybe she didn’t get the part of Anita but the writers at BTG can always create a new character for her. That’s what I think anyway.
She should be Anita’s sister.
Hopefully this is a peace offering by CBS and maybe even the beginning of her return to Young Restless!?
Unfortunately withristoff gone it would be hard to imagine Dru without Neil but she’s been severely missed! The Winters clan could use her more than ever now!
However the show would also need a new capable HW able to tell a story from beginning to end.
She was one of the first I thought of when Behind the Gates was first mentioned. She’s a great actress and the Winters family has never been the same since the terrible loss of Kristoff and the day Victoria was written off as Dru ! Hopefully BTG can find a spot for her Would love it !
Good on her for auditioning, but I’m very glad Tamara Tunie got the role of Anita.
Tamara Tunis is great! Good actress. She plays her character great! Big fan!
Enough time has passed now.The Young and the Restless need to bring her back.Lily and Devon need their mom. Young and Restless and CBS get your act together and bring Druscilla back
No Drucilla isn’t needed. That makes 38 years I watch this soap and she wasn’t important like some fans want her to be. Devon & Lily suck, the Winters suck. After the way Victoria Rowell trashed the show, she never should be back. They have great veteran actors they don’t use and are loyal to the show.
I’ve been saying this for a long time. Since Neil’s death, the Winter’s family needs their matriarch.
If I was writing this show here is what I would write Damas is VR /drucillia with major memory loss she has no idea who she is ! Bingo memories come flooding back she realizes who she is! Great story
I agree with you I was hoping that this plot was also going to bring Drew back.
Good luck to Y&R how it stays number one is beside me but this now Phyllis nick and Sharon ! Hey we did that long time ago ! Move on! Not the same show time to move on making Sharon pathetic ugh
You idiots want a story here is one she is this stupid person called AD she has no memory of her past she shows up and blows the past up I would love seeing her back she was always a great asset to the show but of course that was before politics and all the crap we have brought into entertainment into it!!! Can’t we just enjoy a show without bringing your personal shit into it. Leave your crap at the door and let us enjoy a show again because lord knows Y&R needs it
I’d love to see Victoria Rowell revealed as Aristotle Dumas. Or maybe an even better idea, she should be the head writer of Y&R.
Beyond the Gates
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?

As previously announced, Beyond the Gates is bringing chef, author and actress Tabitha Brown and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer and actress Kandi Burruss to Fairmont Crest in a special episode of the CBS daytime drama airing Thursday, October 22.
In the episode, Dani’s (Karla Mosley) best friend Pamela Curtis (Cady McClain), arranges a “Welcome to Your Life” television special for her. As it turns out, Brown will play the show’s host, Tia Allen, while Burruss takes on the role of Dani’s first modeling agent, Kalista Kilroy, who turns the celebration of her life into a bad trip down memory lane.
Dani’s parents Anita and Vernon (Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis), sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), and daughters Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) all join the show to celebrate and support her but also witness how things so south. Also appearing in the episode are Molly Figueroa as Tatum Stewart and fan-favorite Anita Williams (Tunie) impersonator Jackie Tyree!

PhotoL JPI
THE 411 ON TIA AND KALISTA
Speaking with TV Insider, about their soapy experience in Fairmont Crest, Tabitha Brown previewed about her host with the most, “Tia is very professional, but she’s a girl’s girl. She is a protector of women and wants to tell their stories in a beautiful way, but she also wants to make sure they’re seen in a very good light.”
However, Burruss previews that Kalista arrives with a score to settle. “She’s spicy,” shared the recording artist. “I always love playing somebody that has come to start trouble. It’s always fun to play a villain of sorts, but Kalista feels like she’s been done wrong and she’s hurt by what she feels has been done to her. So Kalista is stirring up trouble, but she feels justified putting Dani on blast. Kalista is ready for some payback.”
Beyond the Gates 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.
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+**.
So, looking forward to this special episode of Beyond the Gates when Dani is put on a blast during a blast from her past and Welcome to Your Life TV special? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

While Bradley “Smitty: Smith finds himself currently in a whole heap of trouble on Beyond the Gates, his portrayer Mike Manning is getting set for the upcoming 53rd Daytime Emmy Awards where he finds himself nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
A previous two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Manning will visit You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat on Wednesday, October 21 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
This year, Beyond the Gates broke records becoming a 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated seres, a first in Daytime Emmy history for a new show entering the competition for the first time. Manning will discuss being part of the groundbreaking soap.

Photo: CBS
MIKE MANNING’S UPCOMING PROJECTS
While Manning has his series regular role on Beyond the Gates he is also involved in a myriad of other projects including: his role opposite Nicolas Cage in the film, Madden and the upcoming Anthony Hopkins starring motion picture, Eyes in the Tree, which Manning is featured and also produced.
LGBTQ+ ADVOCACY
Mike first gained nation attention back on MTV’s The Real World D.C., now almost 17 years ago, when he came out on the reality series, which served as an example of early LGBTQ+ representation, leading to thousands of letters from viewers who felt connected to, or felt represented by his journey. Through his advocacy, Manning has served as a youth ambassador for Boo2Bullying and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, anti-bullying, and environmental protection.
Daytime fans first met Manning as uber-bad guy Charlie Dale on Days of our Lives (2020-2o22) and later for his Emmy-winning role as Caleb McKinnon on The Bay.
This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, viewers will see the pick-up after Smitty has been framed for the murder of Dr. Lia Whitmore, after being in possession of incriminating pills linked to her death, that were seemingly planted at his home.
If you have a question for Mike, but cannot be with us in the live chat, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on the broadcast.
So, how do you think Smitty will get out of the charges against him? Rooting for Mike at the Daytime Emmys? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Marquita Goings to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

After her star turn in recent episodes of Beyond the Gates, soap opera’s latest vixen Hayley Lawson Hamilton played by Marquita Goings has grabbed viewers attention just waiting to see what stunt she’ll pull next!
Now, Marquita Goings will visit the Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat on Thursday, October 22 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT and you can join us with your questions!
Previously in story, Hayley has racked up some pretty despicable acts and crimes thus far which have included, trying to poison and kill Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) for his life insurance in order to cash in and hightail it out of Fairmont Crest with the moolah.

Photo: CBS
Then, let’s not forget using the recordings she obtained to blackmail everyone with the the secret that Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) and Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) have been trying to keep under wraps about the hate crime years ago, which saw Martin kill one man, while another later died, in an effort to save his grandfather.
NEXT WEEK ON BEYOND THE GATES
Now, the week of October 19-23 previews that it appears that Hayley may be pregnant (take a look at the video preview below) with Bill’s child when she gets a little queasy, after she went to see her partner in crime, Randy (Maurice P. Kerry) to get a fresh ID to skip out of town and away from the DMV.
In fact, on the Tuesday, October 20 episode, official BTG spoilers indicate, Vernon assures Dani (Karla Mosley) that he’s got things handled, while Hayley’s ready for her next act, while on the Friday, October 23 episode, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) has devastating words for Hayley and Bill’s got another thing coming.
If you have a question for Marquita but cannot join us for the live broadcast, drop it in the comment section and we just might ask it during the chat.
Now let us know, do you think Hayley will be pregnant? How will she continue to evade any prison time? What has been your favorite scene of Marquita Goings on Beyond the Gates thus far? Comment below.
-

Recaps1 week ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Delon de Metz Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-

Beyond the Gates5 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
-

Recaps5 days agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
-

General Hospital1 week agoParry Shen and Lydia Look Make a Return to ‘General Hospital’
-

Previews1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Finn May Learn Unsettling News, Zende Makes His Decision, Katie’s Bitter Battle Escalates
-

General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: ‘From Your Biggest Fan’
-

Previews3 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
-

General Hospital5 days agoWil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud







