News
Y&R Puts Out Casting Call For Two African-American Characters: Who Would You Suggest For The Roles?
CBS’ The Young and the Restless is casting two new roles and this time the top- rated daytime drama is looking to fill the roles of Lucinda and Ellis. The soap is looking for African-American actors for the parts.
According to Soap Opera Digest, the series is casting the role of Lucinda, said to be in her late 60s/early 70s who is looking to make peace with her past.
As for the role of Ellis, he is said to be a man in his late 60s/early 70s who has drifted away from his family and is hoping to right the wrongs of the past. Both roles begin shooting in July.
So this casting notice begs the questions, just what story, and just who could Ellis and Lucinda be connected to in Genoa City?
Put on your casting director hats and let us know what performers familiar to daytime, primetime or film audiences, do you think should be considered for the roles? Comment below!
Hillarys parents or Neil’s
Wasn’t Hilary’s mother white?.
Yes the actress was Leslie Stevens
Probably Hillary’s even though her mother allegedly died of a drug overdose/
If so, sigh…..this means Hillary is most likely not going to be killed off in a who dunnit story line?
Right and what’s the mystery.. We know second parents and Lily’s so by process of elimination it’s one of the ONLY two African American characters left lol
Devons not second
Hilary’s mother was white, Harry. Davlestev confirmed it. So, Lucinda cannot be her mother.
Maybe her grandmother on her father’s side?
Ellis could definitely be her father, though.
Lucinda could be Neil’s mother who had left her family when he was a child? She is coming to make amends?
Ellis could be her long lost husband and also, Neil’s father. That would be some twist.
Their age sort of puts a wrench in my theory, though. How old is Neil supposed to be?
Or….Ellis could be Hilary’s father. The age would make more sense.
James Reynolds (Days Abe-who is doin nuttin there) and Judy Pace(ex PeytonPlace) are my choices…you might not know her but she was a favorite of mine -she is 75 but looks younger!…
Hmmm. Judy Pace? No, I am not familiar with her. Yeah, Abe could work. He looks the same to me. This guy never ages, Jimmy. LOL.
Loved Peyton Place and the actress! Wish the entire PP series…along with the wonderful daytime version, Return To Peyton Place…would be released on dvd! I know that the daytime version is said to be wiped, but surely some one out there must have copies some where! My copies of the original series are not the best, but at least I have them and have seen it all! X
Haley Cropper hee hee how’s Fizz..The original was aired on tbsp earl years back from the beginning ..on more than one occasion..YouTube did have episodes and still may also check Dailymotion
Jim…I remember Judy Pace. To me, she still looks FABULOUS for her age!!!!! Oh…and remember…her daughter Julia Pace Mitchell used to play Sofia on Y&R. Y-e-p.
Take care, Jim.
Oh, my gosh, Jimmy. You’re so right. Judy Pace was so beautiful…..looked at recent pictures, as well, ….still is beautiful.
I also saw a young Ryan O’Neal. Whoa! It’s so amazing to watch these older soaps……funny to see “IN COLOR”, in big block letters. I guess shows in color, at the time, were rare?
I am going to watch these episodes, time permitting…..late at night. Thanks.
Ok I meant to say aired early episodes on tv not tbsp earl
Go on youtube…Peyton Place episode 494 and you can see the beautiful Judy Pace.
i understand these are roles in the senior age group….
but what about past african american favorites?
where s olivia been?…. neil could use an old friend
tyler… lily s old flame?.. who i prefer her with than that dud cane
leslie? genoa s other attorney and old flame of neils?, and leslies doc husband?… i could see a triangle with liv/neil/ leslie/ her husband
y n r has a rich past of african american characters…. i miss them and would love them to pop up at least
What’s with the name Lucinda? As if Luca isn’t enough. This is what I have a problem with lately. Their creativity in naming a new character is considerably lacking. It’s like Mariah and Marissa. Those two names have too much of a resemblance.
And why new characters. We had Marissa come and go. Then Luca and Natalie. Now Bethany and Dr. Gates with more to follow. Really, I’m not getting the big deal out of this. And I’m still ticked off about letting go Sage.
Jonelle Allen would be perfect, as would Leslie Uggams. For the male part, I suggest George Standord Brown, Richard Roundtree, or Clarence Williams III.
The best are on B & B.
If its Neil’s parents, cool, I like him and it should be good drama. Hopefully Mal will fix other problems and rebuild the Chancelor and Williams families!
What does it matter. They wont keep them if we like them anyways. We lost too many actors that the fans grew fond of (Sage, Mark Harding, Gwen, and now Dr. Neville etc.)
And, Cady M. as Kelly, Nikki. We can’t forget her. I wish Cady would have stayed long enough to interact with Michael K ( Neville); and, possibly start a romance.Thad and Dixie together again!!!! I would have lived that!
Tad; loved….not lived.
OMG Now I’m daydreaming. If only with all their craziness they brought her back claiming she never died and as you said had a romance going with Dr. Neville, that would have ben something everyone would have tuned in to watch but honestly CeeCee they never listen to the fans. They just write the stuff and ask what we think but never bother changing it. Example look how long it took for Sony & television to get rid of the producer(can’t think of her name). I wrote to them about H.K. getting all the front burner stories. They we’re suppose to be watching. She’s still there. I even know of a petition that went in a couple yrs. back to have her replaced because she doesn’t suit the role. What happened to that? I’ve been tuning into B & B as well as General Hospital more & slowly getting away from Y & R. so if you don’t see me here check out the other site!
@Nikki.
Oh, you bet, Nikki. I will be looking for you. You are one of my faves, …truly. So nice and always sweet to me.
I still watch Y&R and will continue to do so…..it would be weird, as the show is part of my daily routine….I always manage to fit it in.
I would feel disloyal if I didn’t…albeit, I am so done with Phyllis. How does she tell Jack she loves him with a straight face? Goes from one brother to the other. Must be a gift….takes talent, Lol.
Who the heck was growing fond of Sage?? Or of Detective Harding???
Lol, Bart. Sage grew on me, albeit her storyline was senseless….leaving an inconsolable Nick behind? Yeah, right. I actually enjoyed seeing her, regardless.
Harding? He had a huge following, if I remember correctly. I as not one of those fans. I think his story could have been developed had ‘they’ not turned him into a crooked cop overnight. But, he was neither here nor there for me.
For the life of me I can’t recall anything about Neil’s family other than Malcolm was his half brother. Did they ever mentioned his mother or father ever? One would think all these years Neil’s been a character, with the birth of his children, a grandparent would have shown up at some point. So if these characters are Neil’s parents it about frigging time Y&R–
I have to think this is Neil’s parents and that makes me happy. Isn’t Neil’s middle name Ellis? I think the Winters desperately need a new direction and purpose in story. This could be good. I’m not sure who to suggest in the roles but hope they can strike gold like B&B did!
That was also my first thought, Judy.
I would suggest Denise Nicholas. She is beautiful inside and out; not to mention a great actress and activist.
If it is to be Hilary’s Dad, then I suggest Blair Underwood…..so hot, ….still !! Not in his 60’s, though.
Aside….and not pertaining to this…
Does anyone else wonder if Travis is behind the oil spills? Is he trying to sabotage Newman Enterprises?
THATS JUST WHAT THIS SHOW DOES NOT NEED…MORE NEWCOMERS…USE THE GIFTED ACTORS YOU HAVE AND IMPROVE THE STORY LINES. AND …KEEP THE GOOD ONES YOU LET GO…
If it’s for dramatic roles, Cicely Tyson or Debbi Morgan, and Laurence Fishbourne.
Comedic roles– Eddie Murphy and WHoopie Goldberg.
Is Danny Glover doing anything these days? Or Alfre Woodard?
I love Cicely Tyson, Ron. Isn’t she in her 90’s, though?
Debbi Morgan? Now you’re talkin’!
Probably. I’d choose Morgan ASAP before Rowell even has a chance to get her foot back on the sets of Y and R.
Ron…dude…E-X-A-C-T-L-Y!!!!! I (myself) would DEFINITELY choose Debbi Morgan over that ego-inflated Victoria Rowell A-N-Y D-A-Y!!!!! As far as I’m concerned, Debbi is a W-A-Y BETTER actress than Victoria!!!!! A-n-d…Debbi is M-O-R-E of a team player (or whatever)…which is more than I can say for Victoria!!!!! Oh…and BTW, I think that (hypothetically speaking) Debbi would like to come back to Y&R…now that that manipulative witch JFP is no longer there. Y-E-P!!!!!!!!!!
Take care, Ron.
Right with you on all you wrote! I keep hoping the “cleaning out” process continues with THE NEXT IN LINE, Pratt: he brought a mess of storylines direct from Irwin Allen.
As a longtime fan of the show, I don’t recall anything about Neil’s family other than Malcom. I think I remember him saying once to Lily in conversation, that he had a strained relationship with his parents, so maybe they are going to bring on Neil’s parents. I had forgotten what happened to Hilary’s father but if I recall correctly, Neil had met Hilary’s mother in a bar during one of his many falls off the wagon. They proceeded to get drunk at a bar together, continued their little party in a cheap motel, Neil went out to get reinforcements, and when he came back, Hilary’s mother was dead. He thought he did it himself in his drunken state, but he didn’t. I’m pretty sure if I remember correctly, het death was obviously alcohol related.
Neil’s parents????
Danny Glover, John Amos, Roger Mosely
Amelia Marshall, JaNet Dubois, Daphne Reid, and Beverly Johnson!
QUESTION: WHEN DOES THE NEW WRITING APPEAR FOR VIEWERS?
Regarding the question at hand: it appears the storyline has already been written. Two senior African-Americans trying to come to peace with their past. This sounds like a pass through story. Too many too fast.
If money were no object, what about a new African-American couple buying a house down the street from Jack’s. Retired, wealthy, into giving to help others who fought their way up the staircase regardless of background. Put them on top as a new solid family in Genoa City. Draft from there. What has been done to Neil’s family has so diminished the value of their presence. Perhaps this new story will reconstitute them.
Why don’t you ask people what they see today on the screen that they do like? Right now I am fatigued by much. The simplicity Mariah and Kevin is interesting. Wish Paul had been made into a good detective in his own right; Paul is a favorite for old times sake. s Breaks my heart to see Dr. Neville leave. He captured my interest. If Adam is lost, it will be a loss. He has recreated that role, or perhaps the writers did a good thing, as a good but also a little bit of a bad boy.
Just a lazy summer night around here. Haven’t watched today. Best to everyone!
What about Pam Grier as Lucinda??
Good one, Barbara..
The first two hirings of the Mal Young era, at least he is bringing on some diversity. I do also think they are probably Neil’s parents.
I don’t know, Enrique. I don’t see too much diversity. How many times has Victor been in jail? It is a continuation of Victor’s life following him to his grave. He is still given the roles of a young man. The physical fighting, the lovemaking….so not real. Unless TPTB are sending the message that the only women this washed-up cock can get are those with insecurity issues. A doctor, no less. Does she have a brain?
And, what happened to Ian’s “bodyguards” in jail? Why would the prison guards leave Victor and Ian alone in the cafeteria, considering the macho beast beat the daylights out of Ian? Shouldn’t the Warden have left certain orders not to leave these two alone, together?
The only time a woman of that age is interested in a man Victor’s age is for money, or a woman who is in need of the father she never had. Just too fantastic for me.
Now, I find myself uselessly battling with myself: is it Travis in league with Victor? Or, Luca in Victor’s pocked. What has Victor promised either of them?
Did Victor approach Tristan, through a third party, to monopolize Victoria’s time? To distract her from any issues that may arise at Newman’s. Would Victor jeopardize his creation? Yes, I believe he would. He is the Phoenix ….he will recoup….every cent.
Is Luca using Summer simply to get to Victoria? Is she his ultimate catch? He has ideas of grandeur. Luca is aspiring to running Newman’s….what better way than run it with Victoria and her sense of business to accomplish his dreams?
So…..’tis a vicious circle, going round ‘n round….all centered on that perpetual revenge of Victor’s.
But, Enrique, I will never stop watching….as contradictory as my statement is; I love Y&R. LOL.
Well Celia, all that’s currently on-screen is still Jill and Chuck’s stories. We haven’t seen what Mal can do. Only those who’ve seen his work on Holby City and EastEnders know what we might be in for
@Enrique.
I admire your positivity, Enrique. I really like that. But, as you can see Victor is still front and center with the same old same old caca.
Another mystery woman ( a redhead!!!! Is Michelle Stafford back? Lol.) is doing his dirty work. Kelly in disguise?
I see no originality….only Victor crowned snd ditting on his throne.
I like verbally ‘sparring’ with you. You challenge me!! A good thing. LOL.
What about Lynne Moody or Lynn Whitfield?
If page baby was slley then who was the baby that died there was two babys who was christan folks
ME! Cast for Ellis.
I ment Sages baby who was christens
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.”
Calderon took to his Instagram story and simply shared, “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.
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