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.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
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