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Victoria Rowell Takes To Twitter To Let Fans Know She Will NOT Be Returning To Y&R And Much More!
The outspoken Victoria Rowell, who many fans have hoped would finally get a shot at returning to The Young and the Restless as Drucilla Winters, let her followers and fans know on Twitter this morning that it is not happening.
In a series of tweets aimed squarely at Sony, CBS, and Y&R executives, Rowell started with mentioning a moment last Friday when Sony Television Sr. VP. Steve Kent stated that a Drucilla return is not the creative direction the show is going in. Rowell then took to task the issue of minorities working behind-the-scenes at Y&R, something she had wanted to do with the number one sudser for quite some time. Here are Rowell’s tweets below!
Victoria Rowell: “Sony TV Sr, VP STEVE KENT stated Friday that bringing back character DRU WINTERS is NOT the creative direction Young & Restless is going in. Head of Diversity at CBS, Josie Thomas asks if I can find work w/ another Network? CBS helmer, Leslie Moonves does not want me affiliated. ”
“Here’s the scoop ppl – for years I tackled diversity issues behind the camera re: unfair practices for minority hiring on Young & Restless. Nat’l Urban League Pres. Marc Morial, Bill Bell Jr., Sony VP Steve Kent, and me met on Wall Street in NUL offices 2discuss hiring practices. Young & Restless soap in its history had NEVER hired an African American producer, writer or director, and its audience is over 50% black. I was told Steve Kent was trying to gets off Young & Restless while I was still there. And I knew that without anyone telling me. As a result Bell Dramatic Serial & Sony Pictures TV were forced to hire FIRST black female writer, Susan Dansby, a 4time EMMY winner on Y&R, There is nothing easy about speaking up for change – especially the blackball-bullying but rest assured there is more than CBS & soap opera! I gave 22 years to CBS on two shows…so, now you know the truth and it doesn’t take a Charlie Sheen moment to send a smart girl packing.”
“The Y&R dirty soap issue of lack of minority hiring in writing, directing, producing went all the way to #1 sponsor, Proctor & Gamble. Thank National Urban League for pulling back the Y&R sheets and demanding change in the 21st century on a billion dollar CBS licensed show. WHY was Sally McDonald demoted from her producer position on Y&R – a woman, a mother, an enormous talent? They don’t want NORMA RAE there;) New Y&R Exec Prod, Head Writer Jill Farren-Phelps hawking costumer, Jen Johns…no style? DRU brought her own clothes to set. U know it. A reason, a season, a lifetime. Young & Restless finally has begun hiring minority directors as well. CBS helmer, Leslie Moonves, and I have a standing lunch meeting, now two years old. I worked for the network collectively for 22 years. I just ask that you FOLLOW me to my next gig!”
So soapers, what do you think of a Y&R without a return from Drucilla as played by Rowell? What are your thoughts on Rowell’s series of tweets this morning? Weigh-in!
Quite frankly, I am relieved the show is going in a different direction. The show already has enough bad morale behind the scenes.
IF the rumors are true, then they do not need Victoria Rowell returning to add to this. I have to believe there is some truth to all these arguments and, I remember when she was on a panel with some of her costars and they were not all that warm and friendly to each other so it makes me believe she was not that liked or that she made it difficult for them. I’ve seen her in person before and she is quite cold.
So many believe that Drucilla is the end-all-be-all for Neil, but I disagree. Okay, she worked for 15 years on Y&R, but Neil and Drucilla are not as iconic as Victor and Nikki and I do not believe it has anything to do with race except that African Americans are not featured on magazine covers like caucasians – that I will give you … and that is unfair.
Kristoff St. John is a VERY charismatic man and they just need to chem-test him with some new blood or someone already on the canvas. Sharon would have been a good match years ago, but they threw her at Brad instead and now she is tied to Adam plus she really needs to be single for about 6 months, at least. What about Phyllis? Michelle Stafford oozes chemistry with ANYONE and everyone. She doesn’t need to go back to Jack. Or they could recast Drucilla if they really wanted to go that way.
I think Victoria Rowell ought to close this chapter on her life and use her many talents for something else. She is a very talented and outspoken woman, but it would be healthier to let this thing go.
All that being said, I am extremely sorry she has had to endure racism. The fact that this disgusting practice continues to this day makes me sick and this is coming from a white woman. I am so sorry for all that African Americans have had done to them in this country. I could not even fathom what it must be like to deal with this on a daily basis. This country makes me ill sometimes.
Christine, Victoria Rowell was so amazing it isn’t funny! I still see so many people every day on one blog or another request her return. I don’t think I have ever seen that in all these years.I love that she is Sharons Best friend and Neils true love. I would pay VR the highest pay for her return it I were CBS/SONY if they were smart
I agree everyone loves VR and Drucilla she is requested every day for her return
Yes, I remember watching that Y&R panel and noticing how “tight” everyone was, too. Dru no Dru, it appears the show’s days are numbered. Y&R is not worth me DVRing and watching anymore. Y&R is no longer a refreshing 60 minute escape to unwind with after work. There is NOBODY on Y&R to ROOT for anymore. I like rooting for a cause or a couple, that’s why I watched. Y&R isn’t and hasn’t been entertaining, but rather PAINFUL to watch for more than 6 years now. DVR has helped endure it. For me, it all started going downhill when the NETWORK allowed Y&R to kill off Cassie. That ruined Y&R’s future Nikki and Victor couple (Nick and Sharon) bc of the way the writers were allowed to write FOR Phyllis and Nick (she wasn’t written like an Ashley)…Phyllis is NOT a sympathetic character (she is Shiela, Jr)…and I can’t root for her (she is that good of an actress). I did and can root for Dru…Dru was easy to root for (and she was a terrific actress too). Now, no Y&R couple or cause is worth me rooting for. I’ll miss the old Y&R, (JT carrying out Colleen and handing her to Brad, Nick and Sharon’s enduring love, Neil & Dru’s realistic squabbles ), but the current Y&R, no…that handwriting is already on the wall: greed, lack of professionalism and petty jealousy will cause the cancellation of what once was a truly great escape from reality…a well-written, produced and acted soap opera.
WE DEMAND HER RETURN!!!!!!! HER AND SHARON ARE THE TALENT
SHARON? LMAO!!!!
YOu are so right…i hate what they have done to power couples like Nick and Sharon…even Nikki and Victor I no longer respect…really he sleeps with ur daughters best friend and son’s ex wife and u have the audacity to act like ur above all other women on the show (excluding Katherine Chancellor-RIP)..ha what a joke..I miss the thrill of the show with key characters like Dru,Sharon, nick, (the old Victoria) and jack..I stopped Dvr a year ago bcuz most of the shows were too boring or had developed character plots that did not interest me…this show needs to do something….
Son of a bitch that Steve Kent! I hate Y&R now I thought Dru would return! Those racist pigs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHRISTINE, THANK YOU FOR THOSE REMARKS. I, TOO, LIKE VICTORIA ROWELL AND THINK THAT SHE WAS AN ASSET TO EACH SHOW SHE WAS A PART OF. I HAVE BEEN BLACK FOR 65 YEARS AND STILL DEAL WITH RACISM ALMOST EVERYDAY. IT HURTS THAT IN THE 21ST. CENTURY WE ARE STILL FIGHTING THIS TERRIBLE DISEASE. HOPEFULLY, THIS YOUNGER GENERATION WILL BE ABLE TO PUT IT TO REST.
Shazam!
Christine are you crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The show was never ever ever better when Victoria Rowell was drucilla! They MUST bring her back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
I agree Drucilla is almost as important as Sharon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
I think it’s a HUGE mistake!!! Victoria Rowell is one of the best in daytime and she made Dru so interesting and a spicy character. It is a pity they don t bring her back…Y&R needs strong female characters like Dru!!!
YAWN!
She is always on a soapbox, no pun intended. While I think she is a talent and I dont think anyone else could ever play Drucilla, its done…move on.
I LOVED Victoria Rowell as Drucilla everyday i think about it hoping she returns!!!!
I love Drucilla this show needs her back! She is the best character I love Victoria Rowell
The ratings would sky rocket with Drucillas return so said this show will not do what the fans want!
WE NEED DRUCILLA BACK NOT ONLY FOR NEIL BUT SHARONS BFF! WHAT CAN WE DO TO CHANGE THIS!!! We LOVE her! 🙂
I am pissed I really thought Dru was coming back I almost want to ban the show. I love Sharon and Adam and Sharon are the only reason I still watch! Please bring Victoria R back ASAP! <3
This is such BULL! I want Drucilla back! Michael they need to see the fans want her and demand her back!
Sharon could use a friend, Lily could use her mother, Neil could have a love life…it would be a great return. But is it just me or does VR always sound angry, bitter, and arrogant in her interviews? Sometimes the way she talks, its like she truly feels and believes that she has been the sole reason for the success of the show. I feel that if she humbled herself a little, and stopped being the bull in the CBS China shop, both parties could successfully negotiate. It sounds like there is a little too much pride and ego happening from both sides, and that is never a good clash.
No it isn’t just you. She always speaks like she is above everybody else and that her sh*t don’t stink. Her book said nasty things about YR so to come back and make it sound like she’s the poor widdle victim and it’s all big bad CBS’s fault is such BS. Don’t talk smack, and you’ll be asked back. Simple.
I completely agree, Jules!
You are right on! When I read the first sentence, I was ready to disagree with you…
Lily is a grown married woman with two children of her own. She doesn’t “need” her mommy anymore. Sharon is beyond needing the help of just a friend. Neil does need a love life, but not with someone as polarizing as Dru/Victoria.
Ms. Rowell may be a good actress, but she’s just not worth the trouble she brings. There are enough huge egos on the show!!
We love Victoria Rowell! MICHAEL. can you spread the word we loved her as Drucilla!!!!! PLEEEEEASE!!!!! Michael Thank you! ….:)
Id pay Victoria Rowell the most money she IS THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3
A girl always needs her mother it doesnt matter how old she is. She is your mother. As for Victoria we dont know what all was said, there is always two sides to a story, so how can you judge what who really said or what who did what. Everyone has a right to stand up for themselfs. Do you always let people walk all over you? Or do you stand up for your self when you feel you have been wronged?
Sucks, cause Y&R could use some spicing up on the show these days. And Drucilla would definitely do that! Can Phyllis please take a back seat, be on the back burner for a while and let Dru take that spot?
I think Victoria Rowell is making an ass of herself! Everyone knows she started so much shit when she worked at Y & R, why in the hell would they want her back?!?!
Agreed. And this coming from a Dru fan. I wish she would have learned a thing or two since she went over that cliff so many years ago. I like Victoria Rowell as an actress, but STFU and do your job and maybe you’d be employed! I mean no disrespect, but get over yourself! I can think of several actresses who could pull off Dru. Renee Elise Goldsbury comes to mind, but she may be a bit too young.
Ha. Ironic choice of actress since REG was let go without a fight by ABC during her contract negotiations & she’s as diplomatic as they come! It seems AA actors All experience some of this whether or NOT they shut up or shout out! Victoria Rowell is the ONLY one speaking because she is the only one who can. I don’t believe for a minute she believed they would let her back in. Not really. That’s why she is relentless with her diversity message. If she was lying TPTB could just sue & be rid of the bad publicity. Why don’t they? I would, especially if It was my business. I thought American’s were into frivolous lawsuits…Yet Victoria Rowell manages to evade even a subphoena to an arraignment? Hell, Oprah got sued for saying she didn’t eat meat by the “Beef-Lobby” & we got Dr Phil outta that [raw] deal. But I digress…
Victoria is on Message & has its been the Same Script Different Day since Day1. Nuff Said. Victoria Rowell | I en Klass för sig!
Drucilla is a staple character and a must need I am not interested in what she did or said she is a fantastic actress!…:)
I hope VR can find peace and work elsewhere. This young woman has a huge ax to grind and unfortunately she is only hurting herself. I commend her efforts to bring minority writers, directors and actors to the canvas. Finally they have hired these roles, unfortunately diversity and minorities include not just African Americans but Latinos, Asians ect. Hope she can let it go, after all she chose to be let out of her contract early.
Agreed!
Not so young!!!
I want Victoria Rowell back yesterday and I think the show owes it to us already this is crazy just give this fantastic actress what she wants already!
Y&R is not the same without VR. We all need to campaign harder to Sony to bring her back!
It’s better!!! No backstabbing, no drama, and no bs since she left. Like I read in another post….enough big ego’s still there 😉
Pamela we love Drucilla the ratings will be through the roof! The show must have the most stupidest people alive in the WORLD that don’r beg her to come back and give her the highest salary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pamela I agree we need and love Drucilla she is a icon!
I will Champain to bring Drucilla back lets all go on the CBS soaps in depph and other pages to say we want her back!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Too many people in this industry stay silent on issues of fairness and diversity (not just racial) and discrimination because they are afraid of being blackballed. If you decide to do it and you do it quietly or politely you are often dismissed and then disappear. The only way to guarantee your message isn’t swept away is to shout it from the rooftops and even then you have to KNOW that you may be signing away your livelihood, especially in a small community like soaps. VR knew the cost of what she was doing. She knew that she would be seen as crazy and a reverse-racist, and that the issues she was bringing up would cost her a lot. And I personally do think she has, especially in the past, been way too strident and possibly overly confrontational (just because there IS racism doesn’t mean every individual thing is racist–even though it’s easy to see it that way from your already shaken POV), but no one in power has ever agreed she has a point and she does. Y&R benefits the most from AfAm viewership and has since the VR/SM/KsJ heydays. It is THE soap for black women and many men, and it has had some of the worst track records for AfAm characters and stories with the exception of the time when Victoria Rowell, Shemar Moore, Keith Hamilton Cobb, and Kristoff St. John were doing their thing. While shows like OLTL were breaking new ground in the 70s on race relations, AMC was creating the first black supercouple in the early 80s (who was still together and front burner the day the show went off the air in 2010), Y&R was lagging. Then they became the flagship show for black characters in the 90s, only to head in the reverse direction and essentially barely play KSJ in the years that followed Dru’s death with a revolving door of barely there black characters and actors. They surpassed OLTL and AMC during that time and put the P&G shows and GH/DAYS to shame. But it makes no sense that black actors have to fight so hard for screentime now and that they had to beg (only to be turned away) for jobs as writers, directors, and producers on the #1 show—#1 because of it’s loyal and unwavering minority audience that blew all other soaps away. I think VR may have shot herself in the foot here, stylistically, but someone needed to say what she was saying and I’m glad she did. I also firmly believe the ratings would skyrocket if Dru returned. Both sides are holding a grudge like no other, but a network/production company like CBS/Sony are always going to win over a single person. I don’t find VR to blameless in how ugly this has gotten, but I do find her more virtuous on balance. If no one ever speaks up, things do not happen. And everyone else stays quiet lest they lose their job. And why shouldn’t they? Look at what’s happened with VR? And note that there was not a hint of this when she was on DIAGNOSIS MURDER. Her reputation on Y&R was confrontational–it’s not her reputation on every show she works. And you know neither Dick Van Dyke nor Les Moonves would take any crap. She would have been out on her a*s if she had been a troublemaker. And she brought a lot of attention to Y&R back then–got the producers to do a Y&R themed D:M and always proudly spoke of Y&R in every D:M interview and encouraged viewers to watch. It would be wrong to see her as a villain in this, though she certainly could have made a few better strategic choices.
Please use paragraphs if you want to be heard. This hurts the eyes.
LOL. Point noted. I think I just got carried away with my thoughts. What was supposed to be one paragraph’s worth of writing became arguably a handful.
I agree…I didn’t bother even reading it.
I agree WE LOVE VICTORIA ROWELL I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR HER RETURN EVERYDAY > I ONLY WATCH FOR THAT REASON WAITING TO HEAR AND I LOVE SHARON CASE!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with you. She could have approached it a different way and maybe she’d still be on. I don’t think any of the new characters can hold a candle to the former icons. John’s ghost appears to Jack all the time. At least let Dru appear to Neil or Devon occasionally.
I’m so sick of Victoria Rowell’s bitching and moaning. I don’t find this to be an issue of “standing up to diversity”, I see this as another diva actress who just wants attention and a pity party. I don’t feel sorry for her in the slightest. She had a job for over two decades and SHE was the one that chose to leave it. If Y&R and CBS do not want her back, it’s probably because they want to focus on running a successful show, not fretting over when Ms. Rowell will lash out again. Was the character of Dru dynamic on the program? Yes, I won’t argue with that- but, I rather have the morale behind the scenes be steady than have this bitch return.
No kidding! Talk about a liability and morale killer. The soaps are hanging by a thread, they need teamwork, not divas.
I love Victoria Rowell ! Drucilla and Sharon are the best characters to of ever been on the Y&R show
No need for name calling. Especially since you’ve probably never been behind the scene to know how morale was. The only thing any of us have to go on is what we read on sites like these. None of us were there to really know what happened. It’s up to us to choose to believe or not believe the rumors that are all flying around. But to call someone you don’t know the “b” word is not necessary.
I agree. The B word is never a necessary word to use.
Les Moonves Totally Blows To Moi! 🙁
Victoria Rowell Gave Her All To 3 CBS shows–Y&R, Diagnosis Murder, & A Brief Stay As Nella Franklin On As The World Turns In The Middle 1980s! 😀
Thank God she is not returning. I enjoyed her acting until the last 2 yrs of YR she was so over the top it was painful. We also do not need somebody coming back from death. I hope YR improves gets some great storylines not ghosts from the past.
I liked Rowell and Drucilla but I am completely worn out by her continued rantings about this topic. The show has moved on from her and she needs to focus her attention on her future and not her past.
For several years, she has rehashed these same points ad nauseum. If she is difficult and doesnt’ get along with many of the actors, the show is wise to completely dismiss the chance for Rowell to return. On the other hand, if Rowell is dead on accurate about what she is saying and the place was that lousy to work for, why does she seem to pining away to return??
Rowell needs to ditch all of this and do something else. These tweets from her every few months about the possibility of her returning are getting old. She is not coming back. If Drucilla ever returns to the show, I’d bet $$$$ that it will be a completely different actress in the role.
Probably for the best……
Honestly, I’m not upset by this. Too much time has gone by and Dru isn’t needed on the scene. Victoria, while I love her, can be a bit of a Brenda Dickinson. Overly dramatic about things and events. I think it’s time if VR wants to return to daytime to find a new soap home!
Debbi Morgan should have been cast as Dru. If so, maybe she wouldn’t have been axed.
Debbi has stated she wouldn’t take the role of Dru, due to her friendship with Victoria Rowell.
That’s extremely loyal of Debbi and I appreciate that. If that’s the case, however, then there are other talented African American actresses who could do Drucilla justice, if she is perceived as important to the canvas. I liked VR a lot in the role, but it’s become clear she’s not coming back–either they flat out will not hire her, or they won’t do what it would take to get her back.
I really do wonder how much of the change that VR is outlining really came about because of her efforts. I applaud her for sticking up for a just cause, but I wonder if her tactics aren’t actually slowing things down rather than moving them forward.
LET IT GO! They call it baggage for a reason, it weighs you down. MOVE ON! Use your talent while you’re still potentially employable elsewhere. I think you’re talented and loved Dru, but your axe is so ground down, it no longer has a point.
We need Dru back! We loved her with Neil, as a buisness women and also my favorite Sharon’s best friend!!! BRING HER BACK! Michael Fairman please show CBS/SONY the requests for her back! I see it every day requests for her return like no other soap character! Thank you!
I agree. we need her back on the Young and Restless. These other women they bring in for Neal are just fly by night and a few months in the sack and then they are gone. Doesn’t make Neil a very good impression on Lilly and his grandchildern. It tells her its okay to go on and make the same mistakes he has. She needs a mother to guide her and the grandchildern. A good role model.
I liked her on DM, but I think she brings too much drama with her. That said, I totally agree with her for standing up for what’s right. I too have tried to do it where I work and it’s not met with any welcome.
I know absolutely nothing about the entertainment industry, but it seems to me all these diva rants aren’t going to bode well with network execs. Sorry I’m in the minority here; I never liked the character anyway. I always liked Neil with Olivia. They’re both classy and I was sick of Olivia wasting her time being Dru’s babysitter.
Bad form. You don’t bad mouth an employer in public. Though it didn’t seem to hurt Charlie Sheen.
There’s many fans that do want her back but CBS and Sony have the last word and that word is “No”!
they need to reconsider. get over yourselfs CBS. do what is good for the show.
Actually, I admire Rowell’s candor! African-Americans have been greatly underserved in soap operas, and she was one of the few to have a front-burner role. The magnificent Ellen Holly (Carla, OLTL) was featured prominently from the show’s inception until about 1973, when she became everyone’s “supportive Black friend.” These artists have REAL talent, and are often wasted in segregated storylines or supporting roles that do not serve either the artists or these shows’ audience.
Like Rowell, Cady McClain, George Reinholt and Eileen Fulton, I have enormous respect for performers who call out their bosses. Indeed, this is more admirable than those “go along to get along” types who are only interested in a sustained paycheck and NOT the integrity of their work.
You had me until you put George Reinholt in the same group as the other three.
If a person is going to “call out their bosses,” then they have to be prepared to suffer the consequences. I don’t care what your job is, if you’re famous or Joe Blow down the street, you DO NOT call out your boss and get away with it. If I had caused a ruckus like Victoria at any of my jobs over the years, I would not have lasted at any of them. It’s called “sucking it up and doing your job.”
I dont agree. If your boss is wrong you call them out on it. that is why so many people are so stressed out. If you have a bad seed for a boss call them out on it. If they fire you then it is their loss. there are other jobs out there. I dont believe any job is worth sucking up to a person that is no better than you. I dont care how much money they have or what they are paying you for your job. It dont pay to be a brown noser. victoria had every right to say what she thought. Everyone is intitled to their own opinion. Just because it is your boss it doesnt mean they are right. A boss and an employee need respect for each other. if you dont have that and power goes to your head then the one that lets the power go totheir head is wrong. Two wrongs dont make a right.
Sandy, I agree with you. No one should be intimidated or afraid to voice their concerns to their boss. They should be able to do so without fear of repercussions. But keep in mind that there is also a proper way to do it without being insubordinate.
She has been calling out her employers and fellow actors si
nce she left by own choosing, years ago, if she was so adamant why didnt she stay and fight her fight.? If i difch complaining as she did at my minimum wage job i would be out so fast. She screwed up she lost a good thing .She is and was arrogant.
I feel sorry for Victoria Rowell she has to understand that white people don’t care if black people are treated fairly. Y&R is a white show period they really dont want black on they show;I just wish Afrian Americans would stop supporting Racist White People.Not one black person should watch Y&R boycott CBS.
whydont the writers find drus corpse ,,,pull itout of the river and give a final funeral farewell to the character…maybe all this drama about a rowell return will stop..and thus giving her fans closure to a character they have loved and hoped for a safe return,,
I disagree with you. They need to bring Dru back and get over themselfs.
Agree….viewers need closure!!
If I had a million dollars, which I don’t 🙁 , I’d bet it all on the believe that Y&R’s ratings would skyrocket if these morons behind the scenes would get over themselves and bring Victoria Rowell back as Dru. No doubt in my mind. With the soap genre dying, the focus should be about keeping viewers plugged into watching the few soaps left. Victoria Rowell, love her or hate her, is a HUGE draw for Y&R and the executives need to tell those actors that have a problem with VR to just get over themselves. It’s about survival of THE SHOW, not their fragile egos. I believe VR’s version of events. Period.
I agree
I think dru should be brought back to the young and restless. victoria rowell would bring some life back to the show. now that Neal is getting interested in other women they need to bring her back. I think it would really stir things up.
I think what the show executives and Victoria need to do is to put everything in the past back there in the past and go on. Many people have requested to bring Dru back with Victoria playing her. So Mr. Griffith needs to bring her back. In present times the execs need to pay attention to what the fans say, otherwise the show will go down. We all don’t want to see that happen, do we?! So BRING BACK DRU! The plot could be that Neil or Lily go on a business trip and they happen to run into Dru, but she doesn’t remember who he or she is. They take it from there where she eventually gets her memory back a little bit at a time.
While I am a fan of Y & R, I respect the decision of anyone that determine that this is not the best for them. Victoria R. is a beautiful person, her career seems to speak very loudly to her what she values most. Peace of mind.
I am an African-American woman who has watched, off and on, since the days when David Hasselhoff was “Snapper”. Victoria Rowell is quite correct when she says that 50% of Y&R is African-American. It just might be 50% +. A stylist who used to do my hair would book me sometimes, so we could watch the show together. Hair salons all along and across this country turn to Y & R, religiously. I’m surprised and hurt to know what the attitudes of CBS are. My favorite network; home of Walter Cronkite, and Dan Rather, Ed Bradley and many others, is still perpetuating bias in the work-place. What difference does it make what color a person is, who is writing a story ? When Victoria started in her role as Drucilla, and the day that Neil followed her, as she left Aunt Mamie. Neil found out that she was a dancer. When the camera cut over to her dancing and her reflection shown in the mirror, it was like magic ! It was a beautiful scene, shot beautifully, and it emanated the right amount of pathos, as it pulled the audience into who this girl was. Victoria is Drucilla. The Bells saw quickly how the woman soaked
up the persona of Drucilla like a sponge.
I hope you know that the majority community will not keep you afloat. I never thought I’d hear them say goodbye to shows like “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” but
they’re gone. The reasons why the majority communities will not hold you up is because
most of the women, who were normally at home in the old days, are now earning
money; and even the “taping to catch-up on weekends” is cumbersome. Few have the
time or the inclination, with all of the other things pressing on what little time they
have. I”m very disappointed. When my daughter was 12 yrs.old, CBS sent a crew
to my daughter’s school and she was picked to be interviewed about inner-city
educational standards and whatever else. Richard Threlkeld was doing the story.
He and the guys came to our house and talked with me and my daughter, Kelli.
Even though, I did television myself, locally for public service, I was as nervous as
anybody would be. I wasn’t nervous about Kelli, she’s a very brilliant young woman;
but Richard and the crew treated me, as if they’d worked with me ! I know he
hasn’t been around for many years, but the way the piece was done and the
kin-ship they showed me, was something I thought it was particular to “my
network;” the station that I got MY news from. I thought they represented
CBS and what it stood for. Please stop this stubborn I-will-wipe-you-out-attitude.
It’s not helping the show. It’s not helping the fans and eventually if the word gets
around people might turn away from “the stories” and look at Court TV.,
or anything. I, too, will spread the word; I’m no longer in media, in even that small way,
I have preferences, like everyone else; I prefer to see Drucilla being played
by the woman who brought her to life; Victoria Rowell.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Patricia A. Peoples
I have been watching Y&R since I was 13 …I am 43….lol…..Wow—that is astounding but true…..
On the subject of Drucilla—-She was a great character and I waited for her to come back….especially when they had her fall off that edge and never found her body. I thought FOR SURE they would bring her back. So here is the question—Why in the world would they not have killed her off completely ? Instead… the fans thought that she was coming back because of the way they killed her off….however….eventually I accepted that she was gone forever……She was very good at her part and her clothes were awesome….I now know that she brought her own wardrobe so to that point–she deserves props. On the subject of her being mad at YandR for them not letting her write…..I have to say that the fans are probably somewhat confused on that because in our eyes either one is an actor/actress OR they are a writer. Sum it up as this—-She thought that there were not enough africanamerican writers,directors etc…(which she admitted to saying) so she could not get over that which sucked for Dru fans but a split was inevitable to the highest power……obviously. The new love of Neil’s life is doing an okay job but she is no “Dru” for sure…..lol
Please do not put my last name in…ty
I don’t have twitter but I googled to see what happened to Victoria. That is the way I found out about everything and I have to say that she probably could have been a bit more mature. I mean did she have to basically call CBS and Y&R racists? That is ridiculous……! Obviously she was miffed about them not letting her write so that’s it……but Y&R should have DEF killed her off better bc the fans kept hoping that she lived thru the fall……
I met her once….in a Home Depot, of all places. We talked for a few minutes about “Dru”. I found her to be very friendly and gracious. She seemed to glow when she talked about the iconic character she played. She seemed so proud of her work. I hope one day it works out that she will come back and we will get to see more of Dru’s attitude and antics.
Would really like to see her come back to the show , i’m sure i’m not the only one .
I miss B&B (awful scripting) and Y&R (explanation follows) they are like old friends that start behave strangely, you miss them and would take them back if only they would start acting like their old selves again. I don’t know, I’m sure I have the order wrong, because it’s all just a messy blur of memories now. William Bell left, Dru left, John left, brad left, then these minor characters kept coming and going. Sometimes the plot would almost get good then suddenly change or someone would leave, die or be replaced. I think the whole time just hang in until victoria rowell comes back, she’ll bring back some of that old black magic, then I realize she’s not coming back and I give up. That was years ago.
Sidenote: I mourn “As The Word Turns”. My old friend that died, it was a faithful friend. Why did these two wierd friends live and ATWT die, Why?!!
Hi I would like it very much if they would bring back VR as Drucilla I really like the way she played her character I watch Y&R everyday until they took her off the show now I don’t watch it. So please bring her back we beg you too.
You put TOO much time and energy in trying to be the next Rosa Parks, Y& R had black,white yellow and green audience with the original writers… QUIT BEING A FOOL! YOU HAD LOYAL FANS!! YOU TURNED YOUR BACK ON THEM… THEY SHIULDNT FOLLOW YOU TO CRAP!! Next you’ll say its all racial… Honey Hollywood is ALL Jewish!!! GROW UP OR GET OUT!! ACTORS ARE A DIME A DOZEN…
Victoria. You are an amazing actress and I would love to see you back a at the Y and R. Get over the racial thing! Look at the cast. Racial? No, the cast is so representative. Get off your soapbox and embrace what Y and R offers
If the writers and main people who direct the show did not intend to bring back Dru, why did they not have a stranger or police find her body eventually to prove that she is dead and there’s no way for her to return? The show just decided to keep it a mystery for no reason? Do they not know that the long-time running characters are what makes the show a classic?
Just do everybody a big favour and bring back Dru. The new girl that’s with Neil now is just not his match at all.
Dru was hilarious on the show, great actress, I miss her, we want her back. Dru please come back your fans need to see you on y&r
I will probably stop watching it if Dru Winters doesn’t return. The storylines are getting to be boring. There will never be excitement like it was when she was on there
News
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
The Young and the Restless fan favorite, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) is the special guest on this week’s edition of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart which dropped today on Tuesday, June 23rd.
During the interview with Rebecca and Greg, Khalil who had played Lily Winters on-screen since August of 2002, nearly 24 years with the CBS soap, shared how early on her teenage acting career, she was ready to call it quits in show business, after a heartbreaking audition for the lead of a new Disney Channel sitcom, which later turned out to be the hit seres, That’s So Raven, starring Raven-Symoné which ran for four seasons from 2003-2007.
Christel recalled what happened. “I was 14 and I had always auditioned for all these Disney projects. So I auditioned for That’s So Raven, it was between me and Raven-Symoné and it was called at the time Absolutely Psychic,” explained Khalil. “The character was this girl who had psychic ability, but then when Raven got the role, they named the title of the show after her.”
Photo: CBS
HOW A BROTHERLY TALK CHANGED THE COURSE OF CHRISTEL’S CAREER
Reliving the disappointment to Greg and Rebecca, Christel explained, “I lost that part and I was just so devastated, because for the network call there were 20 people in the room watching me, and I just have always had such performance anxiety. I just completely bombed the audition and it was terrible. So, I was just devastated. I was actually going to quit acting and then I got the final call for The Young and The Restless and I wasn’t going to go.”
It was Khalil’s brother, who actually got her to reconsider, and if he hadn’t, we would not have our Lily Winters in Genoa City! Christel recounted, “I was like, ‘You know what? I’m done. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m just going to hang out with my friends.’ I was just devastated. My brother, who is seven years older than me, and he had quit acting at the same age that I was at that time. He said to me, ‘I promise you, I actually really regret quitting. Just go on this audition and if you don’t get it, you can quit.'”
Christel’s screen-test for the role of Lily was actually with the late, great, Kristoff St. John who would play her father Neil (Later it was revealed to Lily, that Neil’s brother, Malcolm Winters was her bio-dad).
Photo: CBS
ACTING WAS EASY WITH THE LATE KRISTOFF ST. JOHN
“So, I went (to test for Lily) and I remember the screen-test was with Kristoff St. John. It was just so easy to act with him because he’s just so there. I remember just being on set, and that was my first time there for a screen-test where you were actually on set. I had never experienced that before. It was my first time being with an actor and having makeup done, which just helps you really be able to do your best work.”
Recalling the screen-test with the St. John, Khalil, “It was where I had to be emotional ( in the scene) and I always had issues being emotional at auditions. But I was there with him, it just came, and it happened. It was natural and I felt so good and it was amazing. It stands out in my mind a lot.”
You can check out the full Soapy conversation with Christel Khalil where she also discusses juggling motherhood, marital life, and the demands of soap operas.
Fan can listen to weekly episodes of Soapy on Audacy or wherever podcasts are available, and can watch full video episodes weekly on the CBS =Brand YouTube Channel. Whether a lifelong fan or discovering the genre for the first time, SOAPY offers a fresh, fun behind-the-scenes look at the stories – and storytellers – that define daytime drama.
Now let us know, over the years what had been your favorite Lily Winters story on Y&R as played by Christel Khalil? What did you think of of Christell’s recollection where she was up for the lead of “That’s So Raven” as a teenager, before it was even titled that? Let us know via the comment section.
This summer beginning on July 21, Netflix streams the return of WWE: Unreal for its third season. The behind the scenes docudrama series gives fans a glimpse of life in WWE and inside the writers room, as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
WWE Unreal is taking fans deeper than ever inside World Wrestling Entertainment’s creative process, The hit docuseries will once again pull back the curtain on some of the biggest moments, boldest decisions, and unforgettable storytelling with some of the WWE’s greatest legends who’ve shaped the industry and new stars who are emerging as prominent parts of the future.
In the new season of ‘Unreal’ which consists of 5 episodes at 50 minutes each: John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion.
Photo: WWE
The cast and WWE superstars featured include: the aforementioned Cena, plus Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
As previously reported AJ Lee revealed on General Hospital star Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health series, State of Mind, that she was part of the cast of WWE: Unreal.
WWE: Unreal production credits include: Directors/Showrunners: Chris Weaver and Erik Powers Executive Producers: Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Marc Pomarico Sr. Producers: Harley Glantz, Brian Decker, Michael Flynn Producers: John Galiani, Dan Gati, Jeremy Lundblad Production Companies: Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, WWE.
So, what do you think of the loglines for the new season of WWE: Unreal? Who are you most excited to see featured in the behind the scenes drama from the list of WWE superstars and the twists and turns leading into this past April’s WrestleMania 42? Let us know via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Y&R Preview: Matt Clark Asks Phyllis on a Date, Would You Be Down for the Pairing? Roger Howarth & Michelle Previously in GH’s Franco/Nina Romance
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