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Victoria Rowell Takes Y&R To Task Over "Racism" And Adds: "Please Do Not Ask Me If I Am Clawing My Way Up A Cliff. It Is Way More Serious …"

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Victoria Rowell (Ex-Drucilla Winters) of The Young and the Restless took to Twitter yesterday in a fury of tweets during the 41st anniversary of the CBS Soap.  Rowell, who has not been asked back to rejoin the series after leaving under controversy in 2007, sent out tweets to her followers about the lack of black diversity behind the scenes of Y&R, when a large part of the viewing audience that supports the show is African-American.

The actress/author/producer then went on to say why she feels Drucilla has not come back from falling off that cliff which signified her exit from the series!

Here are some excerpts from Rowell’s tweets: “AfricanAmerican multi-million$ (P&G) audience substantially keeps Young & Restless at #1. Audience is repurposed on Bold & Beautiful.  Hollywood Reporter has echoed the overwhelming daytime viewership is black. Yet minority programming requests are ignored.  National Urban League/NYC & I worked VERY hard to push for FIRST black writer, Susan Dansby on The Young & Restless. WHY did it take 37 yrs? National Urban League/NYC and I worked VERY, VERY hard, pushing for 1st black director (Albert Alarr) contract on The Young & Restless. WHY? I worked hard pushing for a competent black hairstylist for Young & Restless cast. WHY were we placed in a separate but equal room?”

“Please KNOW the truth. Let me clear away any mystery as to WHY I am not back as work. Please do not ask me if I am clawing my way up a cliff. It is way more serious. Never underestimate racism.”

Victoria Rowell goes on in a series of tweets to say that in 40 years at Y&R there has not been: “one black costume designer, coordinating producer, make-up full time contracted makeup artist, Supervising Producer, Casting Director in 40 years, FULL-TIME cameraman or woman in 40 years,” and she lists more job titles.  Rowell also adds:  “Soap mags are as guilty of systemic lack of minority inclusion – NEVER one Editor in Chief at SoapDigest, Soap Weekly, CBS Soaps in Depths”

So, what do you think of Victoria’s fury of tweets?  The timing of them?  Do you think she makes a valid point?  Do you believe that the reason Victoria has not been asked back to Y&R has anything to do with racism, when clearly there are other African-American performers on the number one soap?  Comment below!

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IA about the hair stylist, because Leslie wigs are awful. She could get a cute 27 piece whether it’s sewn in or glued on a coffee filter or wig cap, or even a lace wig. Y&R is on national TV and I have seen chicks with no jobs sitting around doing nothing hair be on point, and Angie is a beautiful young lady and I have seen her hair look better at the Best Man Holiday premiere on the red carpet than on on Y&R!

ALL the wigs on Y&R are very noticeable and terrible..
Sharon’s, Lauren and Jill’s are bad.. lol

Sharon does not have a wig what are you talking about Sharonda???

Sueoooo, Sharon does not have a wig. Stop . Drucilla needs to come back. She is the best

Someone mustn’t have HDTV?

Just don’t let Phyllis come back

Drucilla would show Victor he can’t mess with her best girl Sharon. Drucilla can run the company and have Sharon vice president of Newman and kick victor to the streets when everyone finds out what he did

Who are Leslie and Angie and what do wigs have to do with the subject?

“Leslie” is the character Leslie Michaelson, the AA female attorney who’s been dating Neil. “Angie” is probably the same person, but her name is actually Angell. Angell Conwell. She plays Leslie on the show. Same person, but her character and real name. Hope that helps!
wolfy

@ Daisy
“I worked hard pushing for a competent black hairstylist for Young & Restless cast.” That’s why I made the comment about the stylist on set. I do mean Angell, her hair stylist does not know how to do African American hair…either that or she’s afraid to voice her opinion.

I WANT MY DRUCILLA BACK! Neil is lost without her. Sharon and Dru are my favorite females on the show 😀

All I know is Drucilla Victoria Rowell and Sharon Sharon Case are my favorites and Amber . I love my three leading ladies still

Im white as snow and I feel Victoria R is right also why dosen’t Y&R have full time gay front storylines and not that its about they are gay but to have gay couples normal lives shown living working and mixing it up with the rest of GC! I would like to see normal lives instead of gaslighting a grieving mother and giving her shock treatment when she is a sweet girl. Plus killing a child . Sick. What happened to our show. bring Victoria Rowell back Im still waiting . I have been watching this show for 36 years now!

You should check out DAYS!!!

They did that on Guilding Light & As the World Turns & look where they are! It’s just not a popular subject.

@Fran and they’ve been doing it on DAYS for the last 2 years and has been renewed for 2 more.

Drucilla is missed by all and Victoria Rowell should be allowed back

I like her too but I would like to see her stop all this Black stuff. We’ve been out of the 30/40/50’s for a long time nobody wants to go back to those horrible days. Roots is over for good.

41st anniversary? WHY is that even a thing???

I agree we need gay couples on Y&R 😀

So now we know she will never be invited back. It’s so sad.

Regardless of how she feels about the behind the scenes lack of diversity, Bell always had Dru front and center. And Bell also featured the most AA actors of any soap.

I wish she could have gone about this a different way, but I respect her passion for change.

Bell always respected her passion for change. The problem was he was the ONLY one who did. That was evident after he passed.

What about Asians and American Indians…why just black and white? Just asking!!!

well.. if you take in to account… that the Latino community has surpassed caucasian… why not feature latino…. (love Carlos on GH)

or… i’m always intrigued by how much … “men” love the exotic asian goddess

so… it’s all a given… that under representation… abounds

While Jeanne Cooper is the only known Native American (to me) on the show, there have been many Latinos over the years, including Miguel (the houseman for the Newmans), John Silva (the attorney who was engaged to Nina Webster at one time and was a good attorney!), Raul and his brother, Diego Gutierrez, Ramona (a scientist in New Mexico that Victor knew), Carmen and Inez, her cousin, both of whom knew Neil and Dru and several others.

As for Asians, we’ve had Luan (Jack’s late wife), her daughter Mai and Jack and Luan’s son, Keemo, plus there was also Ji Min Kim, who had been engaged to Jill (but was killed by one of those “unknown” murderers during Lynn Marie Latham and MAB’s reigns somewhere).

I’m no guy, but I adore Asian men. I was SO ticked when they dropped Keemo’s storyline (saying he left because he was jealous of the fact that Mari Jo Mason slept with him and his father? Well, bring him back!) and when Ji Min was killed after asking Jill to marry him? Why? There was never a reason given, just that he was killed off. Sheesh.

As for Victoria Rowell and her comments … she does this every so often when she’s tried again to get back at Y&R and they turn her down. Then she blows up Twitter with insults and rages at the show, the cast, the crew, everyone she can, including the creators (and Mr. Bill Bell has been dead for several years now!) just to play herself up.

It doesn’t make her look good in many people’s eyes, including those of TPTB at CBS/Sony Television Pictures. I doubt they’ll say much about this … just blow it off and STILL not invite her back. She burned those bridges a long time ago. She might as well realize they’ll never be rebuilt.
wolfy

Wolf I don’t care neil needs his Dru and iot would make Lily more interesting she needs it. Plus We need Dru to come back to make sure Phyllis never wakes up and she needs to help her friend Sharon

See what she started??

I think there are a lot of hurt feelings. I read where her & Phyllis did not get along and Phyllis spit on her. Although Phyllis did apologize I don’t think Victoria ever truly got over it. I also think she caused a lot of problems on the set because a few of the other actor’s didn’t want her back either(Lily) It’s really too bad because I think it would make for a good story-line. As for not enough there is Lily/Neil/Devon/his girlfriend/Abby’s boyfriend as well as his x girlfriend/ & Neil’s soon to be girlfriend. I think this type of talk is just trouble-making and now you see why they keep their distance.

It was a “spit take” as it’s called in showbiz and both actors were told about it beforehand. Rowell claims she never was, but she was from all that was told behind the scenes, and Stafford HAS apologized for it, several times over the years, including again after she left Y&R and saw Rowell in a gas station last year. Rowell supposedly forgave her for it and tweeted that the two of them are “best of friends” now, but it seems the fans can’t forget about it. Give it up, folks, the two of them have!

And yes, Rowell brings up the past constantly on Twitter about how poorly she was supposedly treated on Y&R, and yet the thing you hear is how poorly she treated other cast members. To hear her talk, though you’d think she ran the whole show at Y&R, not the Bell family….
wolfy

Yes your right couldn’t put it better myself, but it really is too bad because now that Sharon is in the hospital it would be so nice to see Dru appear and be besties again. As for Neil what a story-line that could be.He seems to be getting interested in Hilary who in turn is interested in Devon not to mention his ex who may change her mind on getting married! Wow I would love to see how that would all come down & if M.S. is not coming back they could point out that Dru remembers her being let go over the hill? What do ya think?

This will be Y&R downfall,you have certain actor and actress who take a dislike to another co-worker and don’t want to work with them.I think this also had a lot to do with MM and the allegation regarding him.Lily not only rumor not wanting to work with Dru(Rowell),but also was behind Cane (DG) being fired for the same reason, before the fan step in.I love Rowell but she’s fighting a hopeless battle as long as AA who have spent years on the show like KSJ fade in the background and say nothing what do you expect.AA have made great progress in T.V over the years but there still a lot of work ahead

When will we ever get to the point that the best person should get the job, regardless of skin color? Ms. Rowell is merely perpetuating the problem, not solving it, through her tweets and insinuations. Is she looking for parity? We should have lesser skilled people in these positions in order to make everything even? Come on, Vic. Get out of the sixties, girl!

Why do you assume that the black professionals in those jobs would be “lesser skilled?”

I’m not. She is assuming the reverse.

“We should have lesser skilled people in those positions in order to make everything even?” Who were you talking about?

Well, if skin color isn’t an issue, why doesn’t Y&R hire more black professionals? If they were truly hiring the best people for the job, statistically speaking, their workforce would be more diverse. The U. S. isn’t almost all-white so the fact they have an almost all-white workforce shows that something is off. Unless you are somehow suggesting that white people are the only people who can be the best people for any given position. If the HR personnal holds that view of course that would be a sign of racial bias and would explain their hiring decisions.

I don’t know about the racism at Y&R but one big part of her not being asked back is they lack a dressing room that could accommodate her huge ego. She needs to move on. If they don’t want her back, her bitching and moaning about it aren’t going to help things. MOVE ON.

Ha! Good one!

Victoria Rowell please shut the hell up, You are a very difficult person to work with. You are an annoying diva, You will never coming back to the young and the restless. Girl friend, you are seeking attention. Your roles have dried up, like your face. LOL. her former cast mates, on the young and the restless, never want her back. She is a two faced, little witch. Years ago, I Used to like her. but not anymore. I lost respect for her, she kept fighting and caused big problems with her former cast mates. Please recast Drucilla Winters with a terrific actress with out the ego.

PLEASE & THANK U!!!!!! SO TIRED OF THE WHINEY LITTLE BABY!!! She sure isn’t fighting for any other forms of diversity such as LGBT, Asian Americans or any other cultures.

Claudio…YES…THANK YOU!!!!! AGREED!!!!! And…Victoria Rowell was also a MAJOR D-I-V-A on the set of Diagnosis: Murder. Bottom Line here: Victoria Rowell…WHAT A NUT…LOL!!!!!

VR should consider better DAYS!

No way. I don’t think anyone in that cast has a hint of an ego (or any more of one than any respectable actor has). I don’t want to see her on DAYS and don’t want to hear what havoc she’d wreak with the scripts and cast members.

That’s the thing about DAYS, they don’t just hire who works best for the role, but also considers who can blend with the cast and crew. This witc…..I mean “lady”, would never.

Sounds like she is lashing out because she has not been asked back to the show.

Victoria needs to learn when to just shut her mouth. Her constant rants are getting tiring, and I love that a B&B writer told her off on Twitter. I do not want her back on Y&R with how she’s behaving, like a spoiled brat. Eat some humble pie, Victoria. This whole ranting every few months is an ugly look.

I just find this lady obnoxious. Her personality and attitude are simply intolerable. Right or wrong, I can’t comment. I have no idea the ethnicity of most of the employees behind the camera. But when the source is someone whom I have zero respect or patience for, I have little to no fight in me for the cause she’s expounding.

No one would want her back with her attitude and all towards the show. Damn that was 2007 get over and it and move on. No one cares and there are many who still continue to watch Y&R so I guess you could say they are doing just great without you. 41 years GO Y&R !!!!!

Valid point!! So Why??

O..M..GOSH

I think this woman REALLY needs to let this go. I loved her on the show but she is gone, and doubtful she will ever be back. It seems like every 6 months or one year, she comes blaring out of nowhere about these topics…herself, racial inclusion, etc. But here she is going further and now attacking the soap press and magazines. She has no idea about the inner workings of those operations, some of which are no longer even in operation. I know from personal experience that the editors of the late, lamented Soap Opera Weekly were more than willing to reward and honour talent. I am from Canada, and I suffer from a disability, and I was offered an internship at Soap Opera Weekly in 2001. Regrettably, due to financial and logistical issues I was unableto go and do it, but if I had been able to, I was assured it would have led to full time employment. It is obvious that Rowell, like Brenda Dickson before her, harbour alot of bitterness and resentment about their time on the show. Not to be rude, but both vastly overestimated their own importance. Granted, Neil has not had a great love interest since she left, but that has been mostly due to bad writing and casting. I feel, respectfully, if Rowell could humble herself, lose the hostile diva attitude, and just do her job, she could return to the show. As was just proven with Mihael Muhney, soaps can no longer afford to put up with stars and their out of control antics and demands. Those days are long gone. She should also stop slamming the soap press, who was nothing but kind and praiseworthy to her throughtout her 17 years on the show.

This is nothing new. Victoria has been saying this stuff for YEARS. I’m sure Y&R would have her back if she wasn’t so vocal about the inequalities. VR is right! Y&R should make is a priority to have diversity not only on the show, but behind the cameras as well. It’s only right since POC are their biggest demographic. Which means they are the ones keeping the lights on over at Y&R.

She has a lot of pent up anger I do not know I am not there I do know contrary to what she thinks Y&R is probably the only soap that always has had a AA storyline. I am sorry it has gone down like this because she always added a lot of flair to the show and KSJ has never had another co-star he worked with that he had as much chemistry.

A little bitter, isn’t she? She left the show for greener pasture that have not materialized. There seems to be discontent among the departed Y&R actors. At least the actor that played Adam has kept a low profile and is not bashing the PTB at Y&R.

V.R is just pissed because since the first time since her bad attitude left the show, y n r has a viable group of actors of colour in Leslie , Tyler and Hillary. Add to that Lily, Devon and of course Neil. She knows her ship has sailed on the show and is clearly bitter. If only Olivia could return if not full time than at least every once and a while.
If anything all V.R. is doing is cementing the fact that she will never be back , so at least the fans and the writers can have Neil finally move on. Maybe the gcpd can find her body finally!! that ‘ll teach her a lesson. Lol.
Mayb if V R worried more about her career instead of y n r we would actually see her on the screen instead of listening to her whining.
Go team y n r!!
More Leslie and Tyler!!

This is just a way to get publicity for Y&R.

As long as people are talking…and the ratings continue to be high…

Thanks VR, I guess.

It’s entirely possible to be right about something . . . and still be a neurotic wacko nut case. I suspect she has a point about racism in the industry (I’m not in a position to judge, but her arguments seem to have some substance). That’s not why she’s not being asked back; she’s not being asked back because she comes across as borderline insane–or at the very least, very high maintenance. I guess she might argue that you can’t be “nice” and bring about change, but I’ve often wondered if that’s necessarily true. Is there really much chance that her raving on and on will bring about any constructive change in regard to the hiring policies? Regardless of whether or not there is validity to her criticisms, it wears me out whenever she goes on one of these tears, and I can only imagine how it makes the executives and crew and cast members at Y&R feel. It’s a pity; she’s an excellent actress and Drucilla added something. But at this point I’m not sure I’d hire her back either–and not because she’s African American.

ITA. I think it is unfortunate that the substance of her message about the lack of diversity in key positions such as writing, directing, producing and in the creative arts, like wardrobe, lighting, etc is being overshadowed by the way she directs all this vile at one show.
The Young and Restless isn’t the only show where these issues exist on camera and behind. Even in ads there is large gap between minorities being the creative process behind and in front of the camera. Yet, whenever I hear her speak about this topic it is always directed at the show she left or was pushed out, whichever.
It is sad that such an important topic gets lost in how she speaks, it comes across as sour grapes and people stop listening. If she is serious about the topic she should focus on shows or areas in which she had no personal ties, and let others lead the charge against the soaps that way the issue is front and center not her—if she wants her message to truly heard she would do that.

She was ok as Dru but hardly the icon she thinks herself to be.

Sadly but true,there come a time in your life, where you must let go of the past and live for the future.

for all intent and purpose… when it would seem… like Y&R had no avenues to feature

ie: with the demise of Jeanne Cooper, Michael Muhney, Billy Miller, and now “Chloe”

I thought… Y&R had nothing to lose.. by bringing back… Victoria Rowell… as Joan Collins to dynasty money bags Devons billions and wreak havoc.

this would have forefronted… African American… and given Neil Winters storyline… see him vascillating.. betwixt Drucilla and Devon… for fortune, fame, power, and spiral… I’d love to see the dull devon have a setback… lose his hearing… and have to rely on Drucilla… perhaps… Neil could be incognito… whilst Drucilla moneybags and amasses most his fortune.. and Neil comes in to the scenery and “vascillates” between his ex-wife and adopted son…. could be years worth of material

but… alas…. the indignant… and dimmed star… Victoria Rowell.. pedestals/soap boxes… dead end

Call it sour grapes or whatever one desires, if Victoria is telling the truth about Young and the Restless, Soap Digest , or any other show, changes are in order. She’s probably being honest about it.; the other Black actors may not want to rock the boat.
Perhaps , they feel as if they’ve arrived in society ; therefore, the need to be vocal about the unfairness behind the scenes will cause them to be fired.
This generation of Black performers don’t have the motivation or loyalty to support Black actors , Native Americans , Hispanics , Asians , or any other group.
Not only is the Young and the Restless guilty, but the other Soaps are equally out of touch with reality.
General Hospital has about four (4) Blacks ; Days Of Our Lives, about two (2). So, as we see , it’s prevalent.
As for Soap Opera Digest, I’ll ask about the Blacks at the company because I subscribe to the magazine. I’d hate to cancel my subscription ; however, I will if I must.
If Black viewers are the lifeline of the Young and the Restless, then we need to become more vocal in the hiring practices of P&G and Sony.
As the viewers fought for Michael , Billy, and others characters who were written out of the show , then viewers should be just as upset about Blacks missing in action on the show, especially if the audience is heavily Black.
Plus, I agree with one of the earlier comments, the writing is poor.

Y&R has more black characters because it has a bigger black audience. The other soaps only cater to who is watching. Go to one of the actors appearances or a soap fest, you dont see a lot of blacks. Watch the commercials during a soap, there are hardly any black actors or “Black” products because they DONT watch!

I barely see characters portrayed as Jewish. Sure, there are several Jewish actors on soaps…but they’re not overly represented…nor do they often play Jewish characters. Same thing in primetime. As a matter of fact, as was mentioned above…same thing for Latinos, Asians, Indians, etc.

I for one am all for diversity. But for ALL. I don’t know the actress and I don’t watch that soap. But soaps have a long history…and they’ve integrated and incorporated different ethnicities, different sexual orientations that are still evolving. Which again…at some point in time….ALL media…even black media that primarily hires black actors and black behind-the-scenes people…will represent a good segment of the human race in all its variations.

Sounds like this actress is bitter…about a lot of things.

As for demographics and saving the soaps…the audience that means the most to advertisers are not black, white, Asian, etc…they’re 18-49 year olds. Keep that audience…and you’re a pretty sure bet for renewal.

DAYS is adding two more African Americans! Also, DAYS writing is the best!!!

Oh my God Belle Go back to the 30″s. Maybe have an all Black soap-opera and see how long it last.

belle–
””ie: with the demise of Jeanne Cooper, Michael Muhney, Billy Miller, and now “Chloe” ”’

// you left out – Phyllis/Michelle Stafford..

Y&R is empty ..
.. empty of the Greats ..
empty of fan favorites
Y&R just feels empty ..

and replacements will fail– ie new Billy ..

replacing MM/Adam will be impossible ..

Vicki my dear, the only reason racism is alive and kicking in 2014 is because of trouble makers like you! Shut your mouth and let nature takes its course. If you have talent and you are willing to work hard, the world is your oyster, no matter what shade you are, my darling. You have been dangling from a cliff for seven years now because YOU are filled with hate and prejudice!

Silencing minorities and telling them to shut up will never happen. I stand shoulder to shoulder with Ms. Rowell entirely.

Your right, everyone has a voice but this woman has an ax to grind with Y&R. If she was relevant to the show that would have brought her back. She is a troublemaker. Why isnt she acting elsewhere?

And I stand with Miss Rowell, as well. Tim, while u talk about her so-called “prejudice”, what about your ignorance.

I am not being ignorant. It is my opinion. I do not care what color she is. She is a troublemaker. SHE brought race into her argument, not I. Thats the problem in America, people are always looking for someone else to blame. Y&R has no need for her. Why bring someone back to the show who is going to rock the boat. Michael Muhney was fired. He is white. You dont see him bitching to the media about his skin color and the fact he is not on the show. He got fired for being inappropriate not because he is white! Tell me whats ignorant about that!

I do not want to hear her rants. Why is she focused on Y&R? Guess she can’t complain about the Oval Office.

Is hiring black writers would improve Y&R’s stories, I’m all for it!

Funny how, back in her day, she sang a different tune. I recall her saying that Y&R was a show that didn’t treat blacks as “the young and the others.”

She was talking about the On Screen stuff, not behind the scenes which is Whole other story.

I believe she has a point about race issues on the show and even though Y&R hires other blacks, that does not refute what Victoria is saying. The other blacks are probably afraid to speak out like Victoria because they may lose their jobs.

If the others make waves, Y&R will make up wild accusations against them. Y&R has instilled fear into their actors. Not a good environment!

She has taken on Y&R about racism. Not “racism” in quotes. In a similar way it has been a long hard climb for women to achieve positions of power behind the camera and for African Americans to have anything resembling parity on both sides of the camera.

While there have been bubbles of significant story lines with African American famlies over the years, they are rarely carried through (the Labines introduction of the May branch of the Quartermaines is about it with General Hospital). Do people remember what happened when they attempted a romance between leads Angie Hubbard and Cliff Warner on AMC?–both actors roles were significantly downsized and not long after Peter Bergman left for Young and the Restless.

Racism is a reality in our society. The entertainment industry has done a tremendous amount to create a more open and inclusive culture. But it doesn’t do any of us any good to pretend that there is still a lot of work to do. Just because Victoria Rowell is a Diva and may be found abrasive by some of her former cast mates doesn’t mean that she isn’t also telling the truth. Kudos to her for keeping these issues in the public eye at some real risk to her career.

Racism goes in all directions. I’ve yet to see many who cry racism point out the exclusion of other groups other than their own/jump to the defense of other groups…and many times harbor quite a bit of racism of their own.

Inclusion goes not in both ways…but all ways.

Prejudice goes in all directions and is insidious in all of its forms. Racism requires the ability to call on historical (and often legal) conditions that bring a societal weight to discrimination that goes beyond simple prejudice. The African American experience of centuries of codified, legally sanctioned and perpetrated and culturally supported threat of death for seeking parity with the majority makes it unique. And that lasted well into the 1960s and 70s for parts of this country and given that there continue to be racially profiled lynchings and large scale groups dedicated to perpetuating keeping African Americans in their place to this day also puts the AA experience on another level.

That doesn’t mean that prejudice doesn’t have real consequences for many other groups–and if you are denied a job, or somebody doesn’t want you to date their daughter or son, or God forbid you are subject to violence or death because of the color of your other or even majority skin that those consequences can’t be devastating or even lethal. But they are not bringing to bear the weight of centuries of legalized oppression to the situation.

I’m Irish Catholic by background. Because there were decades in Boston that there were signs that said ‘irish need not apply’ does not put me in the same category. I now live in a state where many of my locally born Catholic friends grew up hearing of their friends’ preachers and even their own teachers make comments about the “papists” going to hell. And certainly until politicos reshaped the extreme religious right tent to include conservative Catholics, groups like the KKK and John Birch Society were happy to lump Catholics and Jews in with African Americans as the enemy. And…we still didn’t suffer the weight of the legal and historical structures of an entire nation subjugating our people(s).

If your family is Jewish and narrowly (or did not entirely) escape Nazi Germany or eastern european pogroms you have earned the right to say that racism goes in many directions. But please stop pretending that any other group in the United States has a comparable experience to African Americans with racism. (although there is a unique and equally important legacy that Native Americans have having been the subject of centuries of genocidal tactics in the conquering of this land).

And, to get back to Ms. Rowell’s fairly simple and specific observations. Given the disproportionate prominence of African Americans to the performing side of the entertainment industry and to the audience of this particular soap, it does matter that there are so few African Americans in a variety of roles.

And if you, rebecca 1 are white like I am and want to take on being observant (and maybe even protesting) discrimination against Hispanics, Jews, Muslims, LGBTQ communities–hats off to you and I will join your petitions. But in the meantime I am just fine with Ms Rowell taking on unfair practices directed toward her own people and do not expect her to take on every one else’s cause.

I agree that inclusion goes all ways but that doesn’t exclude Y&R from doing its part in trying to make the world a more inclusive place for all people.

@WestVirginafan…I agree…to disagree. I’m going to be lazy and not respond in so eloquent and detailed a response as yours…and I say that sincerely…not sarcastically. But as a Jewish American…and a member of a religion/culture that is known for its liberalism, a group that championed for the civil rights of others, I’m a tad “played out” at the continual demand for “equality” from many who do not find the equality of others as important. I have had enough of several well-known people in the media who continually make jabs at Jewish people…ie.; Halle Berry and her famous “Jewish cousin/Jewish nose joke,” Spike Lee’s comment about Jews and the media, the late Whitney Houston’s comments about Jews and New York’s Diamond District, Kanye West’s recent comments…the list goes on.

It’s true, unfortunately, that anti-semitism exists in all races…there is chock full o’ anti-semitsim coming in all directions; Ku Klux Klan, Skinheads, Neo-Nazi’s, Storm Front and their proposed White Nation as well as “regular folk.” But the point is many Jews fought for civil rights…they marched and died for black rights. Who marches for the Jews? And it’s not just the middle east crisis and picking a side…it’s right here in America. How many times are anti-semitic comments washed over…hahaha…how very funny Jews and money jokes…Jews and nose jokes…Jews in the media comments. That list goes on and on too.

How many Jewish characters, as I mentioned in my original comment, are portrayed in soaps? Or, for that matter, in primetime. There’s a spattering of Jewish characters. Recently, The Goldberg’s, a new comedy, has gotten great reviews. I’ve read several comments on another site; though it appears to be wdiely popular there are some who didn’t want to watch it because it was “about Jews” or seemingly “too Jewsih.”

How many times are the Jewish holidays mentioned on soaps? None? Correct? Christmas ? All the time…every year.

Does anyone know that Brandon Barash, Kristen Alderson, Nancy Graham, Sean Kanan, James Franco, Rena Sofar and many others are either all or part Jewish? Probably not because they’re usually not portrayed as such. There lies the misrepresentation in our soaps. Which is what this post was about…representation of certain groups in soaps. I stand by my contention…there are many groups not represented…and I for one am not interested nor moved by a disgruntled actress who feels a need to shout racism.

Wow, at first I was going to avoid posting because of the subject matter. But after reading some of the comments I had to chime in. I am an AA actor working and living in NYC. I started off doing tons of Bway tours and Music Videos. I am now transitioning into Tv/Film. And I must say that many of things that Victoria is referencing is partially true.

I have worked quite a few things, where usually hair and makeup never knows what to do with African American hair, because usually there is no one of color on staff. I’ve been in castings where after reading breakdowns, I’ve been disappointed with what I’ve read. And I say that not just pertaining to Blks, but latinos, asians, and even women roles. I was once in a casting where a casting director told me to be menacing and shady & then said to me “You know how you blk guys do”. I was speechless. I grew up in burbs, went to a performing arts High School and College. Ive never been to the “HOOD”. I know its just a role, but that comment still resonates with me.

I think many people that view tv/film, dont realize what its truly like for people behind the scenes. If you honestly look at the diversity on Daytime, just to say you have the actors, isnt anything. Are they actually driving story? The last real SL that the Winters had, was Lily’s paternity, and that was how many years ago. Abe just does drive by scenes on Days, nothing with substance. Im just gonna do a wait and see over at GH with TJ’s mom, but looking at RC track record Im not gonna hold my breath. Bold, HAHAHA. No comment. And YR, just has a bunch of Blk folks running around town, but they are not doing anything of substance.

Even women on soaps are not written as strong and powerful as back in the day when I was kid. Women were able to be written without needing a man. They were a force to be reckoned with. Now women are always written as dumbed down, or plotting to get a man. I still cringe that keep writing Nikki Newman as not viable as long as she’es in Victor’s orbit. Thats not the Nikki I remember from the late 80’s or 90’s. Nicole Newman ran things. And poor Ashley Abbott. And I think Days has forgotten that Dr. Marlena Evans was a TRUE character before she ever met a man called John Black. I think across the boards there is so much wrong with Daytime, but it seems we are stuck in this cycle with nothing ever changing.

Daytime back in the day took risk. The SL’s were relevant, they struck a cord with viewers. I applaud VR for giving a voice to some of the things she’s discussing. I’ve experienced so much racism in this business, and it’s nice to hear someone that has her platform talking about it. I definitely believe that the best person should be hired for jobs, but also from a writing point of view, they always say write what you know. And if you don’t know it, how can you write it. I find it interesting that everytime VR’s discusses race, people say she has ego. Shut up. Go away. I find that polarizing, considering so many of us go through this everyday in the casting room. It breaks my heart everyday when I get the daily breakdowns, and for just typical characters like the cashier on SVU, it’s stated Caucasian only. Its the store clerk. But I constantly see, Thug #1 or #2. Why can’t I be the cashier. I see blk cashiers in nyc all the time. Just throwaway parts, and yet MANY breakdowns have already eliminated me by my race.

Sorry to ramble. I just giving another perspective. And when I talk talk about the lack of diversity on TV, Im talking all around, from Women, Asians, Blks, and gays. I’ve always believed TV/Film should reflect the country. And I dont always see that.

Take care guys, and Happy Friday

West Virgina fan, Do you not remember when they put John Abbott with Mami the housekeeper. It didn’t work and people didn’t like it. It just didn’t fly. It doesn’t mean they don’t like to couple them all off but only some work, like Lily & Cane and Abby &Tyler. FYI even some of the Black’s like Lily don’t want to with a Black boyfriend/husband. Respect has to be all around not just one sided. There are two many nationalities in the world to cater to just Blacks.Years ago who would have thought we would have a Black President? or the amount of whites that cried over Martin Luther King’s death? Victoria is just trouble shooting again & she really is sickening. She is what makes wars happen.

And there are too many nationalities to cater just to whites. Y&R hasn’t had a good track record with Asian, Latino, or Middle Eastern characters either. If Y&R had a good track record with including non-black minorities I would see your point but since they tend to only consistantly feature whites, they clearly have an issue with diversity.

Victoria Rowell has the right to express her opinions but she could have handled this better.Plus she hasn’t been on Y&R for many years.So how does she know who works behind the scenes now?Plus going after the soap magazines could backfire on her down the line.Plus black actors on the show may feel the same way she does but they may not complain about it publicly.They may go to the TPTB and suggest hiring more African Americans and get support from other actors on the show who have clout.

I guess, VR is right.. Look, Neil Winters is a powerful business man on Y&R and here they are. Making him a desperate move to be on the price is right.. I thought only poor people go on that show to win prizes. Neil has all the money in the world to buy anything he wants. Or is he in debt now, making a fool of himself in this stupid storyline involving The Price is Right!!!! What a waste of a character and this boring storyline!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought, and still do think, that Victoria Rowell was one of the best additions to Y&R that TPTB ever made. After she left, I often agreed with her rants and hoped she would one day return. But her head has grown so big that I think it’s going to explode. She needs to let it go and move on. She is so filled with rage and hatred, like Dru, that she is only burning every bridge in daytime. Y&R has never been more diverse, at least as far as African American actors and actresses is concerned. I can’t speak about behind the scenes, but does she say anything about other minorities that are similarly ignored or underrepresented? Victoria, see a shrink, because you need to deal with this anger before it overtakes you and you slip off a cliff that you’ll never be able to climb up from.

OLTL and AMC made better efforts than all others. All Freeman Jr and Darnell Williams the ONLY AA actors to receive an Emmy for Lead Actor. Debbi Morgan the ONLY AA actress to receive an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress. Agnes Nixon and her beloved Carla (OLTL) and the Number ONE AASuperCouple Angie and Jesse. No one comes close.

Correction. Al Freeman Jr.

I will definitely give you AMC in terms of making an active effort to diversify but I would not include OLTL. The last time the OLTL had an AA character with major storylines was Evangeline and the actress left in early 2007.

@TNT 2.0. Layla, Evangeline’s sister stayed on well after she was off the show. As did Matthew’s on again/off again girlfriend Destiny and her brothers Sean…who had a black girlfriend as well…her other doctor/brother Greg….their parents. There was also the on again/off again of Nora’s biracial daughter who briefly dated Sean. There were also Puerto Rican characters with brothers Antonio and Christian Vega and their mom Carlotta.

I love reading the backlash comments against VR. She tells the truth but the Y&R fans can’t handle the truth. She’s dead on with her comments. The show has a huge African-American audience that has given it years of success. I see little effort to show that audience respect.

agree with you and I hope she keeps on telling the truth about this show and how they treat people

Based on several interviews that I have seen of VR, my opinion is that no matter what changes Y&R makes, VR will demand more. It’s easier to try to take over what somebody else has built than to create something of your own.

She also seems to think that the demographic that watches soaps should have a bigger share of the jobs on the soap. She makes it seem as if the viewers are co-owners of the show. Sorry, but it doesn’t work that way. The owners have a responsibility to hire people regardless of race, which is the law. If an applicant comes from a demographic that doesn’t watch daytime–so what. They have a right to be considered for a job too.

Why doesn’t VR pitch an original series to Oprah, a billionaire who owns her own cable network?

I wish VR would just shut her mouth. It must be exhausting to be so enraged all the time. She is keeping racism alive by her stupid comments. How about the fact that they killed off an entire Jewish family when they killed off Colleen and Brad? Does that make Y&R anti-Semitism?? I can just imagine her dissecting Crystal Kahlil’s heritage to see if she’s a “true” African American. It disgusts me. It sounds to me like she’d rather complain about everything than have a job which in turn lets down her fans.

Victoria Rowell should never come back to Y & R because of her loud mouth. I applaude them for not hiring her back…

I agree 100% with Victoria. She has just as much right to voice her opinions as anyone else in this country! The United States is a diverse country. So, in this day and age, of course there should be more diversity behind the scenes in entertainment. Why not have directors, writers and other personnel who are African-American, Hispanic, Asian, etc.? It should not even be an issue.

But keeping herself busy tallying how many black people are on the show? Doesn’t that seem sort of stupid since she left the show around 2007? Why repeatedly burn the same bridges??

You have got to be kidding. Many people never let go of stuff that happened to them and the psychiatric industry proves that. Plus, in soaps, how many people keep harping on soap stories they don’t like, even though these are only characters on a show? Politicians do the same thing. Accomplishments happen in the U.S. after people fight for what they think should be fixed. Frankly, I think we all are entitled to our opinions even if others don’t agree. You can’t stop anyone or Victoria from speaking her mind. All the fans who write their views are speaking their minds. That’s what makes this country free, great and interesting. BTW, I tally how many TV shows have white characters and do not include diverse actors or actresses that we all can relate to, all the time. Then I am happy to see the a diverse, behind the scenes staff congratulating a show’s host or wishing them a happy birthday.

I totally agree with you that people are blessed to speak their opinion in this country. Praise God for that. I just think she is coming across as petty and unprofessional at this point. It’s like she is stirring the pot just to make sure we don’t forget her name. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to hire her when she is so full of resentment.

Somebody help me out here. Wasn’t there an all black soap opera in the 80s/90s that failed miserably in the ratings? If it failed in the ratings, then people weren’t watching, right? Could explain why the networks are reluctant to give that type of thing another try.

ok 1st of all dru is dead and she needs to stay there and i think lily needs to join her i cant stand that annoying whiny thinking shes better woman!!! 2nd of all sharon can go 2 all she does is cause drama she is so pathetic!!! and my phillis RED she needs to come back fast after she left n the dutches has passed yr has not been the same!!

Whether a person thinks her points are valid or not…..the bottom line is she likes to stir the pot. This is not someone that the higher ups want to hire. There is too much drama associated with her. Y&R will never rehire her.

Exactly!!!

Jonboy, Like I mentioned earlier, there should be diverse people working behind the scenes on the soaps just like our country is diverse. No one suggested there should be an all black soap opera. The couple of all black networks are doing just fine. It’s a good thing that the powers that be do not hire people based on fans’ opinions. Frankly, there are usually a variety of characters that different viewers can relate to someone.

She is just mad because Y&R won’t kiss her behind. It’s not smart to put a show on blast that your trying to come back to. Then throw a cast mate under the bus by saying that they are not black enough to play a certain roll. Seriously?

I think VR is prejudiced herself. It sounds like she wants the entire staff to be black behind the scenes.What happened to just hiring the best person for the job. I understand that it is hard to find a hairdresser that is proficient doing different types of hair, however there may not be enough money in their budget to hire 2. So they go with the one that will style the most actors, hopefully they learned how to style more than one cultures hair in beauty school. I think in any given job it should always,always, always go to the most qualified person regardless of race or gender. I believe in equality, respect,fairness,& the job always going to the most qualified. Never give a job to someone because you have to fill minority quota. What if that person wasn’t as qualified as several other candidates for the job. The job was putting together airplane parts. Would you want to be a passenger on a plane with these parts or a more qualified employee? Think about that for awhile. I will always stand by what I say quality should matter, being qualified should matter. Stop worrying about being politically çorrect, just do what’s correct, what’s right. Who knows you might just save some lives!

News

The Young and the Restless Favorite Michael Damian and Janeen Damian to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

The Young and the Restless fan favorite Michael Damian (Danny Romalotti) along with his real-life wife, Janeen Damian, currently have the most popular streamed film on Netflix as of Monday, March 18th, with their production of Irish Wish starring Lindsay Lohan.

The couple are set to visit the Michael Fairman Channel on Tuesday night, March 19 at 8PM ET/5PM PT. Michael and Janeen will talk about: the film project, Michael’s current story on Y&R as Danny is is being pursued by long-time rivals, Christine (Lauralee Bell) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford), his musical career and more. Y&R fans recall that Michael hit #1 on the charts with his rendition of “Rock On”, which has been a staple throughout his career.

Janeen and Michael have produced over 17 films together and for Irish Wish, Janeen Damian wore multiple hats as its Director, Producer, and screenwriter, while Michael not only was a producer of the film, but recorded its theme song, Wild Irish Heart. The film also possesses a soundtrack with other notable musicians and singers including: Earth Wind & Fire, Adam Ant and even Lohan’s sister, Aliana, has two songs in it.

Photo: Netflix

This marks the Damians second outing with Lohan who previously appeared in their holiday film, Falling for Christmas. In the story of Irish Wish, book editor Maddie is head over heels for the author she works with, Paul (Alexander Vlahos), until he falls in love with her best friend (Elizabeth Tan). Putting her feelings aside, Maddie travels to Ireland for their wedding, where sparks fly with a charismatic photographer (Ed Speleers) until an accidental wish turns her life upside down. She wakes up engaged to Paul and racing toward a walk down the aisle she’s not sure she wants anymore.

Photo: Netflix

Throughout the history of the CBS soap opera, Michael has returned on Y&R several times including in: 1981–1998, 2002–2004, 2008. 2012–2013, and his current run 2022–present.

Photo: JPI

You can watch the livestream with Michael and Janeen below.

Now, if you cannot attend Tuesday night’s livestream event, drop your questions for Michael and Janeen via the comment section.

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News

Clint Howard, Brother of Ron Howard, to Make Guest Appearances on The Bold and the Beautiful

The Bold and the Beautiful is bringing Hollywood veteran actor, Clint Howard, to the CBS soap opera for a two-day appearance.

On the daytime drama series, look for Howard to play a homeless man, who according to Deadline, “provides pivotal clues to a mystery.”

The actor is on the set at CBS Television City taping his episodes which will air on April 26 and April 29.

Photo: AP

Clint also has a famous brother, actor/director/producer, Ron Howard. Both Clint and Ron got their starts on The Andy Griffith Show (1962-1964), He later went on to be featured in the TV series, Gentle Ben in 1967.  Most recently, Clint appeared in 2023’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Together with his brother Ron, they wrote The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family that was released in 2021. The memoir chronicles their lives from childhood stardom to adulthood and becoming Hollywood icons.

Now the question becomes, is the homeless man as played by Howard going to have some major intel into what happened to the ‘late’ Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown)?

Share your thoughts on Clint Howard coming to B&B and what “mystery” do you think he will be involved with via the comment section below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star, Greg Vaughan, Gives Health Update and Thanks Everyone for Their Support

Greg Vaughan (Eric, Days of our Lives, ex-Lucky, GH, and ex-Diego, Y&R) provided an update on his health on Sunday, March 17th. Vaughan had previously shared that he had become ill during a trip with his sons to Colorado, and had developed altitude sickness when he was having trouble breathing accompanied by terrible headaches and landed in the urgent care.

Now on St. Patrick’s Day, Greg took to his Instagram and shared how he is feeling now, and to thank everyone for their love and support.  As it turned out, Vaughan was diagnosed with high altitude pulmonary edema, commonly known as HAPE. However, he is on the mend slowly and surely.

In his new video post, the DAYS favorite started by expressing, “I just felt such an appreciation and gratitude for everything. . reaching out. Your prayers have been felt. It’s been a struggle, but I’m over the top. And, taking this moment just to say I didn’t realize the things that I was going through. My (original) post was simply just to educate, put some information out there and some things that I was feeling, just share that information and the struggle that I was going through, which I didn’t quite understand. And it wasn’t because I’m stubborn or just because I’m a father, a man, and didn’t want to go to a doctor. It is just something I thought was so minor that I could overcome it, just by taking care of myself.”

Photo: JPI

The Daytime Emmy winner then revealed his actual diagnosis, “So, basically my situation was high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). With some good friends, doctors that had reached out to me, it kind of gave me some understanding on the aftermath, which was very, very beneficial.”

“But I’ve been resting, taking care of myself even though I live in a hamster wheel,” said the dad of three teenaged boys. “I gotta get up and, you know, do my normal domesticated stuff, eventually. I’m tired of laying down in this bed, but, I am feeling much better.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

Talking on his confusion of trying to understand what could have been ailing him, Vaughan expressed, “I couldn’t quite figure it out, even though I was emphasizing and professing to my children going on our spring break getaway about hydration. I professed it. But, even though I was acting on it, it had a greater effect on me, and for which I did not even think, because my head was such in pain, and I was in a very bad state of mind – not being able to be out there with my kids on the mountain, enjoying their time, as well. I thought I was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, my lungs were full of fluids and my head was in severe pain and even migraine pills didn’t even help. So, I just want anybody that goes into the Colorado Mountains to know, it is no joke. It is this very serious thing which I guess is why they call it the Mile High City.”

Greg had a mountain of ‘thank you’s’ to give for the outreach he received from his original post, “For everybody internationally, wherever you are, I love you and I appreciate you and just the time and the thoughts that you’ve shared with me,” said Vaughan. “I didn’t realize that it would make such an impression on so many people around the world. I feel tremendously loved and I can’t say it enough. I’m good. And I appreciate you.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

The actor concluded his video with, “To all the family and friends that have reached out to me, man, it means the world. So take care of yourself, enjoy your spring break with your families. It’s Saint Patty’s Day, obviously. I wish I could be out there.” Vaughan added, “I feel loved and touched and I can’t emphasize that enough. I’ll take better care of myself, promise you will do the same.” Before he signed off, Greg shared, “Just know, that I’m alive and well and breathing, and I’m sore. So, be well, take care. I mean it. Thank you, tremendously.”

Glad to know that Greg has been on the mend, and shared his appreciation for everyone that reached out to him during this trying time? Comment below.

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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