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.
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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
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Andre’s Blast From The Past Is Set To Turn His Life Upside Down

On Beyond the Gates, Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) “happily” married life to Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) is about to be tested like never before on upcoming episodes of the CBS soap opera the week of August 17-21.
After the shocking reveal on the Friday, August 14 cliffhanger, viewers learned that the person who was sending Andre ominous text messages is none other than The Impaler herself, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones). Clearly from the latest promo for the action at the Bowman hotel and in and around Fairmont Crest (see below), Andre knows Heather quite well, as she makes moves on him.
While all this is going down, Dani tries to diffuse the Dupree family for thinking there is anything going on between her and her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Dani’s behavior over Bill being in the hospital has been of someone who is still deeply in love with the guy (specially because of her very public outbursts) and as viewers know, she recently had sex with her ex in the elevator at the country club during a tornado!

Courtesy/CBS
HEATHER ARMSTRONG IS ON THE HUNT FOR ANDRE
Poor Andre has no idea about the elevator liaison, and recently visited Bill in his hospital room to tell him to stay away from his wife, when and if he gets out of his hospital bed! But now, the tables may be turned, if Heather gets her claws into Andre.
Take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for this week below.
Monday, August 17
Andre is pulled down by his past. Tensions mount between Tomas and Naomi. Chelsea and Kat pair fashion with controversy. Vernon confronts Bill about his intentions with Dani.
Tuesday, August 18
Bill flirts with disaster. Hayley and Ashley clash. Eva’s words instigate Leslie. Carlton gives Ted a major update while Nicole does the same with Vanessa. Shanice fields an unanticipated request. Smitty disappoints Martin.
Wednesday, August 19
Nicole’s plan saves the night for Noah. Dani and Andre color outside the lines. Jacob enlists Grayson and Ashley to surprise Naomi. Vernon’s plans for Anita get interrupted.
Thursday, August 20
Leslie’s forced to reckon with her past in order to move on with her future. Bill and Ted bond over their shared history. An unexpected reaction causes Nicole to self-examine in front of Kial. Eva and Izaiah divulge some hard truths with each other.
Friday, August 21
Chelsea is haunted by unresolved trauma while her father reaches his breaking point. Dani locks horns with Hayley. Randy tails Heather. Madison gets conflicting information from two adversaries. Andre issues a threat.
Now below, check out the CBS promo for all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates.
Then let us know, do you think Andre knows just how dangerous Heather is … or he has no idea? Will Heather blackmail him into sex, or will he go willingly? Is the end of Andre and Dani for good, or will he continue to be the upstanding guy in their relationship, even though he knows in his heart that he cannot compete with the pull of Dani towards Bill? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
Tamara Tunie Opens Up About ‘Beyond the Gates’ Co-Star Clifton Davis Emmy Snub, and Her ‘Bittersweet’ Nomination Upon Scott Bryce’s Death

Beyond the Gates scored 15 Daytime Emmy nominations, the best-ever showing for a series entering the Daytime Emmy race in history for the first time. Among those 15 nominations came the news of the well-deserved nod for Tamara Tunie as Outstanding Lead Actress for her role of Anita Williams Dupree.
Tunie is nominated in the Lead Actress category along with her TV daughter, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree). For both actresses, this marks their first Daytime Emmy nominations.
However, one of the main actors on the show, Clifton Davis, who plays Anita’s husband, Vernon Dupree, did not make the list for the Lead Actor finalists.

Photo: CBS
CLIFTON DAVIS TOOK LEAD ACTOR OMISSION ‘LIKE A CHAMP’
In a talk with Gold Derby, Tunie addressed the omission by sharing, awards are a “dice roll from year to year.” She shared she hopes in 2027 Davis will get his due. Tamara offered up Clifton’s reaction to not being amongst the cast going for gold on October 30, the night of the Daytime Emmys in Hollywood.
“There were several other people who were overlooked, not just Clifton, and it’s all with a grain of salt, and it’s not a reflection on the work in any way, shape, or form,” the veteran actress explained. “Oftentimes, as we know in this business, there are other considerations and things that happen. Some votes may cancel out other votes, and it just doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t diminish that he’s a legend, and he always will be. He took it like a champ. He’s been doing this long enough to understand that it doesn’t reflect the work at all.”
JOY MIXED WITH SORROW AFTER THE PASSING OF AS THE WORLD TURNS’ SCOTT BRYCE
In addition to the joy of scoring her long overdue Emmy nomination, Tunie also experienced incredible sorrow. The night before the Daytime Emmy nominations were revealed for Lead Actress on Monday, July 13, came the news that Tamara’s longtime friend and As the World Turns co-star, Scott Bryce, has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 68.
It was gut-punch to Tamara’s soul. She recalled, “He was my brother. I was so heartbroken and low, and then the announcement came that I was nominated, and it lifted my spirits tremendously. At the same time, it was bittersweet and poignant, because I know that Scotty would have been the first one to pick up the phone and call me.”
Bryce appeared as Craig Montgomery on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008. Tamara Tunie played Jessica Griffin from 1987 to February 1995, 1999 -2007, and one final appearance in 2009.
To honor her beloved friend, while Tunie was not able to attend Scott’s Celebration of Life service in Connecticut on July 25, she did write a beautiful tribute that was read during the memorial to the attendees.
TAMARA TUNIE’S DAYTIME-EMMY NOMINATED REEL SCENE SELECTIONS
Tamara also shared what scenes were on her nominated reel which includes: “Anita doing a rap, Anita being her own female impersonator, and Anita in what I call my Michael Corleone moment, when Dani has shot up the wedding and she comes into the house and I say, ‘Is this my daughter I see before me? How dare you!'”
In addition, Anita’s cancer journey is also part of the reel. Tunie explained how she was able to play the story which suc poignancy. “I have loved ones who have been on that cancer journey. Some survived, some did not. I was able to pull a lot of emotional information because of my experiences with loved ones.”
So, do you feel Clifton Davis was a definite Lead Actor Daytime Emmy snub? Are you rooting for Tamara to pick up the gold statuette given the heartbreaking loss of Scott Bryce and the scenes on her nominated reel? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
Nick Hagelin Makes His ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut as Noah Rollins

Beyond the Gates viewers were in for a surprise on the Wednesday, July 22 episode when singer/actor/dancer, Nick Hagelin made his soap opera debut in the recurring role of Noah Rollins, the son of Dr. Kial Rollins played by soap vet Greg Vaughan.
In story, Noah comes to the DMV area and lands at none other than Orphey Jeans coffee shop. He is spotted by Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley) who becomes quite smitten with him. However, Noah is having trouble paying his bill to June (Daytime Emmy nominee Jasmine Burke).
One thing leads to another, and Deanna comes by his table and offers to pay for his bill. Noah gives her his number (his phone died and he has no plug) so she can Venmo him her account info to send her back the funds. Later, Deanna talks with June, who notices how Deanna and Noah had eyes for each other, and senses there was definitely an attraction there.

Courtesy/CBS
NOAH IS INTRODUCED
Next, Noah comes to Garland Memorial Hospital looking for his dad, and runs into Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), who knew exactly who he was and brings him to see Kial, who is surprised to see his son in town.
Noah needs money and Kial won’t pay it, unless he takes a job to pay for music career right here in the DC/Maryland area. Kial tells his son, Atlanta and New York City aren’t that far away if he gets a gig. So, Noah agrees to apply for the job at the free clinic, which Kial will help push through and in return he will get him some cash. Noah is then going to crash at Kial’s place and Kial will go stay with Nicole.
Nick Hagelin is an Atlanta-based performer which is where Beyond the Gates is taped. Previously, Hagelin was in the Top 9 on NBCs The Voice, and has a band in Atlanta called The Fantasy Exchange. Nick also writes and produces for other artists and has had his original music featured on the series, FX Atlanta and Saturday Night Live.
As a ballet dancer, Nick trained at the prestigious School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center in New York City and he has performed with the American Ballet, plus Carolina Ballet, The Kirov, Atlanta Opera, and the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Hagelin’s acting credits include the Indie film, Exit Interviews starring OLTL favorite Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers), Max’s Sweet Magnolias, The Hunting Wives and many more.
GREG VAUGHAN GONE FROM BEYOND THE GATES?
The addition of Kial’s son to the canvas left many fans wondering if Greg Vaughan has already left the show or was his recent Instagram message about something else entirely. Beyond the Gates tapes over four months ahead of episodes airing on CBS.
Vaughan’s post shared, “My heart is full. My purpose is just getting started. I’m grateful for my life, my family, the people who consistently show up, and the lessons that shaped me. Every challenge has become preparation. Every blessing has become perspective… I’m simply grateful for how far God has brought me, and excited for everything that’s still ahead.”
Greg concluded: “Thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey. Family. Friends. Fans. Colleagues. Your encouragement has meant more than you know. Here’s to the next chapter.”
Friends and colleagues jumped into Vaughan’s comment thread including: Robert Christopher Riley who plays Carlton on Beyond the Gates who shared, “Love and miss ya buddy,” fueling speculation that Vaughan is no longer on the CBS soap.
So, what did you think of the on-screen debut of Nick Hagelin as Noah Rollins? Intrigued to see more? Do you think from Greg Vaughan’s message that he is no longer on Beyond the Gates? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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