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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!

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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

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Robin Strasser Meets Kristen Alderson’s Baby Kiera in a One Life to Live Reunion

For years, Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian) and Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) have been the best of friends and the best of co-stars. On One Life to Live, Kristen was only six-years-old when she began her journey as Todd and Blair’s daughter and met the iconic Strasser.

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Taking to her Instagram a very happy Kristen shared, “Look at who came to visit today! Robin & her bestie John! Robin and I got all misty eyed when she met Kiera today!”

Photo: JPI

In a very touching part of her post, Alderson expressed, “Robin is such a special person in my life, it means so much to me that we’re as close as we are. She’s just the best❤️ A great day of laughs & a great brunch spread😍”

Robin added, “I’ve been smiling since I met her. I’m a big softie for babies, but what a doll Kiera is!” The Daytime Emmy-winning star, also shared, “I’m so grateful for my ongoing friendship with Kris and Kathy. Amazing women and loyal friends!”

What do you think about Kristen and Robin’s enduring friendship and recalling their time on One Life to Live? Comment below.

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Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

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The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

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For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

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Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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