News
Y&R Casting New Contract Role Of "Matt Wilkens"! Who Would You Suggest To Play The Part?
The Young and the Restless looks to be adding to its mid-twenties set of characters with the casting of another new character coming on to the canvas who is said to be going by the name of “Matt Wilkens”. The role is contract.
According to Soap Opera Digest and the casting breakdown, the number one soap opera is looking for an actor mid-20’s to the play the role described as a “handsome, sophisticated scion of a wealthy, Kennedy-esque clan.”
The role is slate to begin shooting in 2015 at the end of January.
With so many popular younger actors from the soaps who are no longer with their respective daytime dramas, or online shows, who would you suggest could play this part? Is there someone from primetime TV that would fit the bill for you? Put on your casting director hats and give us your suggestions, and why you think they would be great for the part in the comment section below!
Will this be the introduction of a new core family? Will this be someone linked to the Return of Adam storyline? Will this be another handsome man who is good at being handsome?
I know serials evolve. It’s their nature. Let’s hope for something solid and just an in-and-out character. We have had a number of them in recent years.
The Young and The Restless is getting really good now, Please no more newbies. Enough is enough, this is getting ridicoulous. Bring back Leanna Love right now, I miss her so much. Bring back Dina Abbott recast her with Marj Dusay or Elizabeth Hubbard ex Lucinda As The World Turns.
LOVE Marj! I’m tired of the newbies too when there are so many already on canvas– not to mention off canvas characters we miss.
This sounds like Kyle Abbott. If so, I would suggest Tom Pelphrey from GL and ATWT, I think he’d fit the role well. But seriously, I don’t see the need for another new character at this point, when so many characters on Y&R are expendable and essentially useless. If this role is truly a new role, with no connection to the canvas (like Hilary, Austin, etc) then I really don’t see the point. I hope the casting call is for Kyle Abbott, and I really hope they don’t even consider bringing Hartley Sawyer back – he was one of the worst recasts in Y&R history, next to Darius McCrary as Malcolm.
I am thinking the same – The return of Kyle Abbott.
They should recast Kyle because you know the moment Jack told him about Summer his mind was back in GC.
That’s exactly what I was thinking, Kyle Abbott and good call on Tom Pelphrey. I adore him! He could knock the socks off of any storyline with any of the actors on the show. He’s like Billy Miller, he can rise to any occasion. What about the guy who used to play Aaron on ATWT? He was pretty good.
I agree it’s smokescreen for a recast Kyle as well. He’s been mentioned quite a bit lately since Jack is not Summer’s daddy. It would be insta-angst for Summer’s newlywed bliss. While I don’t really care if they bring the character back or not, I’d much prefer it to yet ANOTHER newbie. So many newbies onscreen now and more still coming – write for the characters we know please instead of unloading a busload of new people and attempting to force us to care who or what they are. #snooze
Only problem with Tom Pelphrey is that he’s now in his early 30’s. That won’t work. Besides, I don’t see Tom wanting to leave the east coast and the theatre business there. Hartley Sawyer will NOT ever come back to Y&R. Hartley was an awful, awful Kyle recast. Besides, it has been highly rumored that Hartley was the one who groped Hunter King’s breasts, not Michael Muhney. Here’s who I’d pick: Chandler Massey, formerly of Days of our Lives!
I was thinking the same thing about it being Kyle, but we’re probably not that lucky. There is a new writer and with new writers come more new characters. Tom would be good in the role. I never understood why they got rid of Blake Hood in the role though. I thought he did a good job.
I liked Blake best of the Kyles, too. He had the most personality and charisma and lookswise was a natural fit for PB’s Jack’s son.
Sounds like Kyle Abbott yet again. But am I missing who else this could be? I can’t think of anyone in the Newman family that fits that bill. The Abbotts are the only other family that could claim Kennedy status.
I still miss Nic Robuck from OLTL (James Ford), and I didn’t mind his on-screen brother Lenny Platt (Nate Salinger). Either of them could play Kyle. Sounds like with Summer being a non-Abbott again, and the recent on-screen mention of Kyle after the DNA revelation, maybe they are eager to test the Summer/Austin marriage, and add Kyle to the mix, opening Austin up for Mariah.
HELLO KYLE! sounds exactly like Jack’s son…..
what ever happened to Phlylis’s son? Daniel? he was the one who took her out of genoa City…then as she recovered we never saw a moment of him?
I like Austin with Summer. he is real. I think they make a cute couple…but she needs a job..she needs focus.
Ohhh I didn’t think of Daniel. I don’t know if he’d be described as a Kennedy though. He’s more of a Hipster who doesn’t want help from anybody. He certainly should be coming to town since his mom is out of a coma. “Ohh. Mom woke up? Sweet. I shall resume sketching.”
I hope it’s not another newbie character.
I expect that this character is really for the recasting of Kyle Abbott. Now that Summer is back to being Nick’s daughter Kyle is going to come back to GC in pursuit of Summer. Mariah is destined to seduce Austin & with Summer’s marriage in tatters (& Phyllis taking advantage of this & pushing them apart) the scene is set for Kyle’s return.
My dream casting for this role would be Chad Duell of GH. He would be fantastic!
OMG Enough of Summer already. It’s only Tuesday and she’s been on both days. What is it with the writers. Do they all have a crush on her or something.How about a little more on Micheal’s illness, give Neil back his sight so he can catch Devon & Hilary.Is Phyllis ever going to find out about Jack’s affair.
What about Jesse Soffer? He played Will Munson on ATWT.
Jesse’s great but is enjoying a nice lead role on NBC’s Chicago PD. Don’t see him leaving a primetime gig like that to return to daytime. But it would be nice. 🙂
Yeah. My guess would be for Kyle Abbott or a sibling of Gabriel’s.
They could steal Zak Conroy from B&B as, sadly, they are ruining any potential for a real romance with Aly. He does not get nearly as much screen time as he deserves.
I agree that Zack doesn’t seem to be well utilized on B&B and I like him. IF this is not a Kyle Abbott recast and in fact somehow connected to the Adam Newman storyline (which wouldn’t surprise me since new writers LOVE introducing new characters) they should bring Zack in and then cast Grant Aleksander as his dad for old time GL sake.
Not a bad idea. A kid has to have a father. 🙂
Now, that is a fantastic idea!
I really don’t no who they are casting but if it is Kyle I hope its Hartley Sawyer just saying.
I hope its a former soap star from a cancelled soap. A new Kyle needs to be recast-ed BUT this news item smells like a whole new family being introduced by new head writer, Charles Pratt. Remember, when a new HW comes on board, he or she loves to write and create their own ideas and take credit. Watch and see.
You’re exactly right. Plus, (unless it has recently changed) writers only get royalties on the characters they create. So that adds to their desire to intro newbies. I always like the idea of a former soap star from a cancelled soap, or at the least a former soap actor that’s gotten the can on a soap like GH, Days, etc. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of them in that age range. The guy that played Chad on Days could be good in that role. I thought about the kid that played Jack & Carly’s son on ATWT, but I’m not sure he fits the character description. There’s the Ford brothers on OLTL and a couple guys from AMC. Who else am I missing?
And you hit the nail on the head, there are a lot of qualified actors out of work in general who can read and probably will read for the part. Having said that, you find an unknown actor, you would look like a casting genius AND they are a lot cheaper to pay.
Brendan Coughlin! Brendan Coughlin! Brendan Coughlin! Although I love him as T on DAYS, he is so underused there, he needs a place he can really shine. Kyle has always been a major dud. Brendan Coughlin steals every scene he is in.
if its kyle, pls bring back blake hood!
or cody longo from hollywood heights! he s super hot!
austin/ summer/ kyle played by cody or kyle would be really hot!!
I hope when they bring back Kyle Abbott it’s the very first Kyle we had which was Blake Hood. Does anyone remember him. He was a bit of a play boy as Jack use to be before he settled down.
I remember him. There were many, myself included, that thought he needed acting lessons. He was JUST starting to settle into it when they replaced him with that hairbag and then when many of us were just starting to get into him (after he finally got a haircut), they canned him too.
Now I am of the belief that it is NOT the actors, but the mediocre writing and DIRECTION they are given. I felt the same way about Max Ehrich (Fen) the first year he was on, but actually when Phelps came aboard, she actually had him utilized, which is saying a lot.
Nikki…HELL YEAH!!!!! To me, when Blake Hood was playing Kyle, BH PERFECTLY put the B-A-D in BAD BOY!!!!! Back then, Y&R was DUMB AS HELL for replacing Blake with that one-note pretty-boy Hartley Sawyer!!!!! Bottom Line Here: Y&R needs to bring Blake Hood back…ASAP!!!!!
Happy Holidays, Nikki. Peace.
Hi jaybird 369 Glad you like the idea. Lets hope the higher up agree. That Hartley was horrible. They seem to forget that Jack Abbott from way back (Terry Lester) was a playboy. His poor Dad ( John Abbott) was always telling him to grow-up. Then when Peter B. took over he was a little more settled down but still after the models. Now he’s a little more settled down but even Kyle’s mother was flirty, got pregnant and tried to pass it off as Victor’s child so Blake Hood was perfect. Playboy & cocky as hell. We also need a new sexy Summer. Happy Holidays!
It is “Kyle Abbott” if we are lucky. No more new characters! They need a strong actor to play the role. Tired of “Summer Newman” too, she is a pet to JFP. Hope JFP gets FIRED once Chuck Pratt takes over!
Eric Nelsen, Robert Gorrie, Casey Deidrick, Chandler Massey, Adam Gregory and so much more
Yes to Blake Hood. He looked and acted like Jack’s son. Replacing him was Phelps FIRST casting mistake.
This going to be Kyle Abbott – ya can’t fool anyone !
Especially after yesterday’s episode wherein Miss Gotta Stick Your Nose Where It Don’t Belong (Abby) talks to Summer about Kyle and the what if.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo
Today’s Monday, July 13 episode of General Hospital marks it 16,000 episode to air on the ABC television network. It is a remarkable milestone. The previous television record was held by Guiding Light which clocked in at 15,762 episodes before it went off the air on CBS in 2009.
To mark the occasion, the cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles back on Monday, June 1, 2026.
In addition, GH has released a new cast photo taken the day of the on set celebration. Pictured in the photo are front row: Rory Gibson, Finn Carr, Kayden Brenna Tokarski, Asher Antonyzyn, Giovanni Mazza, Braedyn Bruner, Dean Geyer and Nathan Dean.
Featured in the back row are: Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, Kristen Vaganos, Rebecca Herbst, Dominic Zamprogna, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison, Brooke Kerr, Cynthia Watros, Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Maura West, Donnell Turner, Nancy Lee Grahn, Tanisha Harper, Kelly Thiebaud, Kristina Wagner, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Katelyn MacMullen and Sawandi Wilson.
In addition, the official GH social media handles shared these sentiments along with some other photos from the cake cutting: “Today’s episode of General Hospital is the 16,000th produced since the show’s inception in 1963. It’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass by without taking some time to celebrate as a family (and, of course… eating some cake). 🍰 We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE 16,000th Episode?
The 16,000th episode will feature Jason Morgan returning to the town of Port Charles, Anna and Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) reuniting, and a new surgeon, Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) joining the staff of ‘General Hospital.’
GENERAL HOSPITAL HOLDS SEVERAL RECORDS
Now in its 64th year, Emmy Award-winning daytime drama General Hospital is currently both the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production.
General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 18 times. Will they do it again and make it 19 in 2026? Stay tuned for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations tomorrow on Tuesday, July 14 to find out if GH will be going for gold in the category, once again.
The ABC daytime drama series was created by Frank and Doris Hursley and premiered back on April 1, 1963. Frank Valentini is the current executive producer with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.
What do you think of the new cast photo marking General Hospital’s 16000th episode? What do you think of the accomplishment to have that many episodes of a television show and its still thriving and kicking? Share your thoughts and congrats for everyone in front of the camera and behind the scenes on this milestone airing.
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
-
As The World Turns2 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
-
Breaking News4 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
-
General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
-
Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
-
General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
-
General Hospital6 days agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
-
Beyond the Gates1 week agoRATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘General Hospital’ Score Highest Weekly Viewer Increase
