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.
News
Spencer Pratt, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Guest Star and Reality Show Notable, Holds Second Place and Poised for L.A. Mayor Runoff
As of Wednesday morning June 3, Spencer Pratt (Rich, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Hills et al), who is running for the mayor of Los Angeles, is firmly in second place behind incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the primary election. Pratt has a comfortable 30% of the vote, ahead of City Councilwoman Nithya Raman at 22%. Bass has 37% of the city’s vote.
In Los Angeles, if no candidate receives more than 50% of all votes cast in Tuesday’s primary, the top two finishers move on to a runoff on November 3rd. The Democratic Bass has already achieved enough votes for the run0ff. Now, it’s a formality to sit-back and wait for the Republican Pratt, till all the votes are counted before he can officially be the runoff.
Pratt told KTLA, “I literally could not be more excited. I got in this because as a citizen I felt like my city failed myself, my neighbors, my family. Mayor Bass has allowed the city to become covered in potholes. Then there’s the moms who want to be able to go to the parks and not see anybody shooting up fentanyl with their pants off.
Photo: JPI
PRATT CRITICAL OF MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES KAREN BASS
The reality star has been critical of Bass when she was MIA during the LA wildfires where he lost his Pacific Palisades home. It was back in January that Spencer made it clear of his intention to throw his hat into the ring in politics: Spencer expressed, “I’ve been in the public eye most of my life and there isn’t any dirt you can find on me that hasn’t already been aired. Seems like the only thing people don’t know is my voter registration, so here go: I registered Republican in 2020 and never changed it, and I wasn’t going to change it now just to check a different box. This is a non-partisan race – there will be no D or R next to my name. As Mayor, I will not serve either party. I will work with anyone who wants to help the City. No labels necessary.
FROM REALITY TO SOAP STAR TO AN LA MAYORAL CANDIDATE
Pratt rose to notoriety first appearing in 2005 as a friend of Brody Jenner on the reality series The Princes of Malibu, a series which Pratt, then co-created and executive produced. Later, in 2007, he joined the cast of The Hills, where he dated and eventually married Heidi Montag with whom he shared two children. Both he and Montag previously appeared on The Bold snd the Beautiful back in April of 2025, when they played guests at a Forrester fashion show.
B&B welcomed back reality star as Rich, when he appears on the January 28 episode in scenes with Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy Forrester) and Laneya Grace (Electra Forrester) as Steffy and Electra.
So, what do you think about Spencer Pratt’s bid to become the Mayor of Los Angeles? He would follow a long line of “celebrities” who eventually made into public office.
News
Peabo Bryson, Grammy Award-Winning Singer of Memorable ‘One Life to Live’ Theme Song, Passes Away at 75
One of the great vocalists of our time, Peabo Bryson died on Tuesday night, June 2 at the age of 75, following reports over the weekend he had suffered a stroke.
In a statement to Variety, Bryson’s family wrote, in part, “With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing, He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”
They added, “For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song. This deeply difficult moment, the family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage.”
Photo:ABC
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family continued, “While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AND OTHER TOP HITS
Bryson is best-known for his vocal performances and string of hits including his duets with Celine Dion of the title track of Disney’s 1991 Beauty and the Beast, and his solo vocal work in the film version of Aladdin’s 1992 “A Whole New World.” Peabo had a slew of R&B hits throughout his career including: “Tonight I Celebrate My Love,” with the late Roberta Flack, “Feel the Fire,” to his top hit “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again,” to “Can You Stop the Rain,” and many more.
“TONIGHT I CELEBRATE MY LOVE” BECAME BO AND HOPE’S THEME
In fact, “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” became the iconic theme song of the enduring romance between Days of Our Lives super couple, Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) and Hope Williams (Kristian Alfonso) for years. The moment occurred in 1983, when Hope turned 18 at her party she danced the night away with Bo to the memorable song. “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” also went to number #1 on the Billboard charts.
Peter Reckell took to X on Tuesday, June 2upon learning the news of Bryson’s death and expressed, “They say a song can immediately bring you back to emotions and memories. ‘Celebrate my love’ does exactly that! So sorry to hear the loss of Peabo Bryson. Love and support goes out to family and friends!”
The official Days of Our Lives Instagram account also acknowledged Bryon’s passing, sharing, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Peabo Bryson, whose unforgettable voice helped soundtrack one of Days of our Lives’ most beloved love stories. His duet with Roberta Flack, ‘Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,’ became the theme song for Bo Brady and Hope Williams, and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Days fans. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who loved his music.”
Photo: JPI
ONE LIFE TO LIVE MAIN THEME SONG WITH VOCALS
However, One Life to Live fans remember Bryson’s voice as the singer on the the 1985 new modern theme song, (since many of the soaps of that time were going to more vocals in their opening title sequences), where they took the previous instrumental version of their title sequence and adapted it as the main theme. That theme song ran for seven years on the ABC daytime drama series from 1985-1991. In fact, Bryson appeared on One Life to Live in 1985 to perform the main theme song.
In addition, Peabo returned to ABC daytime when he appeared on All My Children in 1992, Bryson’s song “I Found Love” was used to for the love story of Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) and Dimitri Marick (Michael Nader) and received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 1993 for Best Original Song.
That same year, Bryson would make a guest appearance in Pine Valley, where he performing a rendition of “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” with Tonya Perkins (Livia Frye), at Livia’s and Tom Cudahy’s (Richard Shoberg) wedding reception.
Share your condolences and remembrances of Peabo Bryson and take a look and listen to his vocals from the One Life to Live theme song of the mid 80s to early 90s. Was Peabo’s One Life to Live theme song your favorite over the years, or did you have other favorites? Let us know in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ SORAS’s Scout Cain and Casts Kayden Brenna Tokarski in the Role of Drew and Sam’s Daughter
In General Hospital casting news, none other than Scout Cain just grew up right before our eyes! In a case of SORAS (Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome) the daughter of Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam McCall (formerly played by Kelly Monaco) has been recast.
According to Soap Opera Digest, Kayden Brenna Tokarski takes over the role from Cosette Abinante who has played Scout since 2022. If you caught yesterday’s GH 16,000 episode on set cast celebration video, you may have witnessed Kayden at the festivities. The young actress will make her debut in July since GH tapes about six weeks ahead of air.
Taking to her Instagram on Tuesday, June 2, Kayden confirmed her casting by posting: “A DREAM COME TRUE. So honored to be joining the General Hospital family!! Biggest thanks to Mark Teschner (casting director, GH) and Frank Valentini (EP, GH) for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to work on this iconic show.”
Courtesy/ABC
The decision to make a sharp turn with the age of the character was for upcoming story purposes, and to open up Scout for more teenaged and young adult storylines; especially since Drew Cain is eventually going to come out of his locked-in state and perhaps Scout can go at war with Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) for what she did to her father? Stay tuned.
SCOUT CAIN READY FOR TEENAGE ROMANCE?
As General Hospital viewers know, Scout was born in 2017, which makes her about 9 before the SORAS occurred. Some rumors are circulating that a more teenaged Scout could become a love interest fo Finn Carr’s Rocco Falonceri? Previously, the two characters bonded over Sam’s death, since at the time Rocco’s father, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) was engaged to Sam, and the two, along with Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), tried to stick together as “brothers and sister,” after her mom passed. But will that relationship dynamic change?
Tokarski who is 16, has an impressive acting resume which includes: Gaslit on Starz. Lifetime’s My Professor’s Deadly Secret, where she played Lauren the on-screen daughter of Passions and Y&R alum James Hyde (ex-Sam and ex-Jeremy Stark, respectively) character of John, and another Lifetime thriller, Killer in the Woods.
More recently, Kayden completed production on the indie thriller Quads & the Kicker, and can be seen in the upcoming Curse of Vandor starring Dee Wallace (ex-Pat Spencer, GH). The actress has also appeared in numerous national ad and branding campaigns including being featured opposite Joey Fantone in a Red Lobster commercial and voicing the part of “Wednesday Addams” in a Wendy’s commercial as a tie-in to the Netflix series Wednesday.
So, what do you think of General Hospital casting Kayden Brenna Tokarski as the new Scout Cain? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Spencer Pratt, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Guest Star and Reality Show Notable, Holds Second Place and Poised for L.A. Mayor Runoff
Peabo Bryson, Grammy Award-Winning Singer of Memorable ‘One Life to Live’ Theme Song, Passes Away at 75
Daytime Drama Casting Directors Talk Four of the Most Challenging and Important Recasts of Their Careers
‘General Hospital’ SORAS’s Scout Cain and Casts Kayden Brenna Tokarski in the Role of Drew and Sam’s Daughter
‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover Event Preview: A Tornado, Scandal and Dangerous Liaisons
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: The Search for Rocco and Britt is On; Willow Wants to Stop Drugging Drew
‘General Hospital’ Exec Prod Frank Valentini on Kate Mansi’s Departure as Kristina, ‘The Door Is Always Open’
‘General Hospital’ Cast Maxwell Caulfield as Apollo, the Suspicious Gallery Owner in Guest Appearance
‘General Hospital’s’ Finn Carr Talks: Working with Andrew Hawkes, How Britt is like a ‘Cool Aunt,’ Brother Elliot Carr’s Debut
‘The Bold and the Unscripted’ New Reality Competition Series Gives Actors a Shot at Role on the CBS Soap
Peabo Bryson, Grammy Award-Winning Singer of Memorable ‘One Life to Live’ Theme Song, Passes Away at 75
Daytime Drama Casting Directors Talk Four of the Most Challenging and Important Recasts of Their Careers
‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover Event Preview: A Tornado, Scandal and Dangerous Liaisons
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
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