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Y&R’s Christian LeBlanc Shares Emotional and Heartfelt Message to Fans and Colleagues

Photo: JPI

Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, The Young and the Restless) had been in the Big Apple of late appearing in a new production of Tennessee William’s iconic play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. 

In it, LeBlanc plays Big Daddy in the stage play that runs through August 14th.

Throughout his time in New York City, and while appearing in the role, many Y&R stars and colleagues, fans, and good friends have been in the audience to watch his performances and later stopped by to see Christian backstage following the show including: Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R) and Alley Mills (Pam, B&B).

This week, LeBlanc shared a heartfelt video as the production is winding down on his Instagram account. 

During the video, LeBlanc gives fans a tour from the backstage of Off-Broadway’s Theatre at St Clement’s where Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is staged.

Christian expressed:  “I just want to thank the amazing amount of fans and supporters and viewers of The Young & Restless.  It just moves me so much … and I can’t talk too long because I’ll get emotional.”   You can watch the full video below.

For ticket and show information on how you can catch Christian in the Ruth Stage production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof click here.

Have you seen Christian as ‘Big Daddy’? If so, let us know via the comment section below.

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Such a great actor I would have loved to see it but the Covid thought otherwise! Best to you CB!

So happy for Christian, and impressed that he got to take on one of my favorite roles of Big Daddy. I’ve only seen the film, but Big Daddy rules!!! And It’s great he has the support of Y&R fellow actors/management, and even those from other soaps. So enjoy this time. I love your video, but don’t overdo your vocals.

I don’t see him as Big Daddy… maybe Brick.

I don’t see him a Big Daddy either. But with the long grey hair and if he can be loud enough, he could pull if off. I think he’s too old for Brick. Good luck to him.

He still looks young to me but I guess you’re right. I’m used to Burl Ives in the 1958 version with Elizabeth Taylor.

I think Burl Ives originated the role on the Broadway stage. There was a 1970s TV adaptation in which Sir Laurence Olivier was great as Big Daddy. If I remember correctly, Olivier played it with grey hair and a grey mustache.

Yes he did and Barbara Bel Geddes was Maggie and Ben Gazzara was Brick. Ben was so gorgeous he should’ve played Brick in the movie instead of boring Paul Newman who does nothing for me. Elizabeth Ashley did a revival in the mid 70s with Michael Zaslow as Brick I bet that was awesome. They used the complete original script with Tennessee Williams watching right there every day.

Contessa, there was also the 1984 Showtime version with Jessica Lange a solid Maggie but a blank Tommy Lee Jones as Brick. Rip Torn and the great Kim Stanley were brilliant as Big Daddy and Big Momma. Ben Gazzara would have been something to see!

Yes I remember that Jessica was wonderful with her cigarette in the air saying “you don’t know what it’s like to be as poor as Job’s turkey!”. Awesome. I do love Elizabeth Taylor in the movie, in fact the whole cast is wonderful I just don’t like Paul Newman.

Larry Gates H.B Lewis himself is in that movie as Big Daddy’s doctor! He sure was cute!

You know, Contessa, out of all of Reva Shayne’s paramours, H. B. Lewis was my favorite, thanks to wonderful Larry Gates. Such a versatile actor, too. He was equally believable as the clueless airline exec in AIRPORT and, of course, the bigot who got slapped back by Sidney Poitier in IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT.

He was in so many things also Invasion of the Body Snatchers and that Twilight Zone where he has a bomb shelter and won’t let anyone in! That scares me every time see it. I read Kim Zimmer’s book and she just adored him. I miss GL so much!!!

Contessa, I shall try to react to your comment about Paul Newman while refraining from crying. I understand that subjectivity is at play here but do you think that maybe, just maybe, Newman’s beauty rendered him to be underrated as an actor? Steve McQueen made fun of him for being “ too pretty” and thus, did not take him seriously as an actor. Despite his external beauty, it was clear he was a poignant and powerful actor. I did not find him to be boring at all. Cool Hand Luke? the Hustler? Nobody’s Fool? Despite his external Beaty, Newman always managed to deliver a powerful, naturally driven performance. I met Paul Newman once at the race tracks back in the early 90s. He was every bit as beautiful in real life as he was on the big screen. Moreover, he was humble, gracious, patient and kind. He was an amazing merger of beauty, charisma and talent and whose like we shall never see again. I honestly do not get disliking Paul Newman. But that’s just me.

Steve McQueen was HOT

Yeah he was.

This is always a fun discussion, Harry — actors trying to prove they’re not just pretty faces. Paul Newman won that argument with CAT.., THE HUSTLER, HUD, etc. Audrey Hepburn wowed audiences with her stunning dramatic turn in THE NUN’S STORY as did Mary Tyler Moore in ORDINARY PEOPLE. But some, like Marilyn Monroe, Jim Carrey, Goldie Hawn, and many more are not as successful in branching out (even though Goldie was excellent in THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS). Who knows why…but it must be frustrating to be pigeon-holed into one genre especially early in a career. Sometimes a Broadway play will help them stretch their acting muscles as Jake Gyllenhaal keeps doing. Even great musicians are meant to “stay in their own lane”. I remember when my hero Joni Mitchell began doing jazz, people were up in arms, crying “What is she doing NOW?!” I applaud the artist who challenges his/herself. It may not always succeed, but is always worth the effort.

I’m with you, Harry. I LOVED Paul Newman. Did you watch Ethan Hawke’s documentary on Newman and Woodward?

LOVE Christian LeBlanc. Along with Peter Bergman, one of the best actors on Y&R (despite George Wilkes’ opinion)

Great stage opportunity for him – I have no doubt he can play anything! But hope we never lose him from Y&R – and glad we’re seeing a bit more of him lately.

I couldn’t agree more and he is desperate for attention. Any time there’s backstage press and photos about y&r he has to be there. It’s a bit silly really.

Imagine that. An actor on a show participates in press opportunities. Shocking. They should just stay out of sight and hope for more jobs. Do you think everyone else who gets up on stage or in front of a camera hates to be seen in public?

He’s desperate for attention . You can see it very clearly . Any press events he tries to be the loudest, funniest etc .. which he is not .

Love ya!Christian LeBlanc. From a devout viewer of The Young and the Restless. Keep on doing what inspires you.

You’re crazy and have bad taste

Seriously? You like Judith Chapman and think Christian overacts??????? I think they, and Michelle Stafford are all a hoot in their broad comedy portrayals. You do realize that is the director’s choice, not his, don’t you. But you hate him when he overacts, you hate his serious tone so you just don’t like him at all. Sheesh!

I think he has great talent but lately he’s been hamming it up too much on Y&R. Michael Baldwin quits his job as DA to become Victor’s water boy? With that silly ponytail and ridiculous demeanor, Michael is now the playing Fool to Victor’s King Lear.

In looking at the total number of comments at the top of this thread, it appears that some (half, as of this writing) have been deleted. Maybe it’s a glitch. Or were they deemed too negative to the actor in question? I am also among those who think this guy overacts, but a lot of worse things have been said at this site about other actors (some deservedly so, in my opinion).

You can’t say anything on here with out someone flipping out I don’t know why I bother.

I tend to agree with you, Contessa! Take care.

Please do not let it scare you off. While I do disagree with you about Paul Newman, I value your unique, educated and wise comments about the stars from yesteryear.

Yes I guess you can’t express an opinion on this forum
without being censored or make someone upset about your opinion . I guess I can only make comments someone deems positive or acceptable .

Thank you for your reply, George. I also felt recently that one or two people were harassing me. I reported it, and nothing was done. But I guess I’m not an actor that is supposed to be continually worshipped here. Take care.

Jamesj75…I try to follow the saying “If you can’t say something nice about a person don’t say it at all.” And not everyone sees actors and their performances the same way. I would rather give support. I know I am not perfect, so when I can’t help myself if I have issues with an actor, I try to confine negative comments to the character.

Hello Rose. You and I typically agree on issues. Even if we don’t, that is also fine. I agree with everything you’ve said in your reply. And you’re mantra is definitely the more altruistic route to take. I try to follow it for the most part, but you’ve given me something to think about. Take care.

Jamesj75…I try to take the high road, but, Oh, there are my naughty times when I let lose on less savourily, non-actors who will remain nameless.

I noticed that too, James. I had commented that while I think LeBlanc is a fine actor, he’s been hamming it up a little too much for my taste. Ponytail Michael gives up his job as the DA to become Victor’s water boy?

Harry, great to hear from you. I appreciate the backup. Glad I’m not seeing things… And I further agree: LeBlanc has done better work. Maybe the writing is a factor.

Well, James. I wouldn’t use the likes of me as a barometer of your sanity!!

Harry and Jamesj75, I want to chime in here because I’ve so admired Christian LeBlanc — ever since ATWT. He was SO HANDSOME as Kurt…and he still will be when he gets over this Rip Van Winkle thing. And I don’t buy this BIG DADDY excuse. Burl Ives didn’t turn into a geriatric hippie to play that role and if this is an “updated” version, he could wear hair extensions. Hell, an elderly squirrel’s tail could work in a pinch.

“Geriatric hippie”? I love it. Now stop him before he resorts to a man bun. Only GH’s Great Cyrus Renault can get away with that look. With apologies to Addison DeWitt from Some Like it Hot, “He’s too short for that gesture.”

Soaphound
Don’t know if you’ll get this post. Michael or someone has decided to omit or delete my posts.

Hey I have been thinking about this for some time and have decided to express my opinion . I recently posted a comment about a certain actor and said his acting was basically sub par . And I found him cheesy ! I won’t mention any names . My comments were deleted /censored. This is the last time I will visit this forum or this website . Freedom of expression is important even when it’s not always nice . There are several other soap forums I can express my opinion Daytime Confidential , Soap Opera Central , Soaps.com etc…. It’s pretty bad you can’t share what you are thinking on here . There are much better entertainment websites out there , that allow freedoms of expression and choice . Have a lovely day !

I don’t think saying someone is cheesy or overacting is defamatory, or that he is always looking for attention. I guess people are overly sensitive. When you are an actor you open yourself up to criticism . That being said thank you for your response . I will visit other soap sites where freedom of opinion is valued and not censored . Best of luck !

News

The Young and the Restless Favorite Michael Damian and Janeen Damian to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

The Young and the Restless fan favorite Michael Damian (Danny Romalotti) along with his real-life wife, Janeen Damian, currently have the most popular streamed film on Netflix as of Monday, March 18th, with their production of Irish Wish starring Lindsay Lohan.

The couple are set to visit the Michael Fairman Channel on Tuesday night, March 19 at 8PM ET/5PM PT. Michael and Janeen will talk about: the film project, Michael’s current story on Y&R as Danny is is being pursued by long-time rivals, Christine (Lauralee Bell) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford), his musical career and more. Y&R fans recall that Michael hit #1 on the charts with his rendition of “Rock On”, which has been a staple throughout his career.

Janeen and Michael have produced over 17 films together and for Irish Wish, Janeen Damian wore multiple hats as its Director, Producer, and screenwriter, while Michael not only was a producer of the film, but recorded its theme song, Wild Irish Heart. The film also possesses a soundtrack with other notable musicians and singers including: Earth Wind & Fire, Adam Ant and even Lohan’s sister, Aliana, has two songs in it.

Photo: Netflix

This marks the Damians second outing with Lohan who previously appeared in their holiday film, Falling for Christmas. In the story of Irish Wish, book editor Maddie is head over heels for the author she works with, Paul (Alexander Vlahos), until he falls in love with her best friend (Elizabeth Tan). Putting her feelings aside, Maddie travels to Ireland for their wedding, where sparks fly with a charismatic photographer (Ed Speleers) until an accidental wish turns her life upside down. She wakes up engaged to Paul and racing toward a walk down the aisle she’s not sure she wants anymore.

Photo: Netflix

Throughout the history of the CBS soap opera, Michael has returned on Y&R several times including in: 1981–1998, 2002–2004, 2008. 2012–2013, and his current run 2022–present.

Photo: JPI

You can watch the livestream with Michael and Janeen below.

Now, if you cannot attend Tuesday night’s livestream event, drop your questions for Michael and Janeen via the comment section.

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News

Clint Howard, Brother of Ron Howard, to Make Guest Appearances on The Bold and the Beautiful

The Bold and the Beautiful is bringing Hollywood veteran actor, Clint Howard, to the CBS soap opera for a two-day appearance.

On the daytime drama series, look for Howard to play a homeless man, who according to Deadline, “provides pivotal clues to a mystery.”

The actor is on the set at CBS Television City taping his episodes which will air on April 26 and April 29.

Photo: AP

Clint also has a famous brother, actor/director/producer, Ron Howard. Both Clint and Ron got their starts on The Andy Griffith Show (1962-1964), He later went on to be featured in the TV series, Gentle Ben in 1967.  Most recently, Clint appeared in 2023’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Together with his brother Ron, they wrote The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family that was released in 2021. The memoir chronicles their lives from childhood stardom to adulthood and becoming Hollywood icons.

Now the question becomes, is the homeless man as played by Howard going to have some major intel into what happened to the ‘late’ Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown)?

Share your thoughts on Clint Howard coming to B&B and what “mystery” do you think he will be involved with via the comment section below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star, Greg Vaughan, Gives Health Update and Thanks Everyone for Their Support

Greg Vaughan (Eric, Days of our Lives, ex-Lucky, GH, and ex-Diego, Y&R) provided an update on his health on Sunday, March 17th. Vaughan had previously shared that he had become ill during a trip with his sons to Colorado, and had developed altitude sickness when he was having trouble breathing accompanied by terrible headaches and landed in the urgent care.

Now on St. Patrick’s Day, Greg took to his Instagram and shared how he is feeling now, and to thank everyone for their love and support.  As it turned out, Vaughan was diagnosed with high altitude pulmonary edema, commonly known as HAPE. However, he is on the mend slowly and surely.

In his new video post, the DAYS favorite started by expressing, “I just felt such an appreciation and gratitude for everything. . reaching out. Your prayers have been felt. It’s been a struggle, but I’m over the top. And, taking this moment just to say I didn’t realize the things that I was going through. My (original) post was simply just to educate, put some information out there and some things that I was feeling, just share that information and the struggle that I was going through, which I didn’t quite understand. And it wasn’t because I’m stubborn or just because I’m a father, a man, and didn’t want to go to a doctor. It is just something I thought was so minor that I could overcome it, just by taking care of myself.”

Photo: JPI

The Daytime Emmy winner then revealed his actual diagnosis, “So, basically my situation was high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). With some good friends, doctors that had reached out to me, it kind of gave me some understanding on the aftermath, which was very, very beneficial.”

“But I’ve been resting, taking care of myself even though I live in a hamster wheel,” said the dad of three teenaged boys. “I gotta get up and, you know, do my normal domesticated stuff, eventually. I’m tired of laying down in this bed, but, I am feeling much better.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

Talking on his confusion of trying to understand what could have been ailing him, Vaughan expressed, “I couldn’t quite figure it out, even though I was emphasizing and professing to my children going on our spring break getaway about hydration. I professed it. But, even though I was acting on it, it had a greater effect on me, and for which I did not even think, because my head was such in pain, and I was in a very bad state of mind – not being able to be out there with my kids on the mountain, enjoying their time, as well. I thought I was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, my lungs were full of fluids and my head was in severe pain and even migraine pills didn’t even help. So, I just want anybody that goes into the Colorado Mountains to know, it is no joke. It is this very serious thing which I guess is why they call it the Mile High City.”

Greg had a mountain of ‘thank you’s’ to give for the outreach he received from his original post, “For everybody internationally, wherever you are, I love you and I appreciate you and just the time and the thoughts that you’ve shared with me,” said Vaughan. “I didn’t realize that it would make such an impression on so many people around the world. I feel tremendously loved and I can’t say it enough. I’m good. And I appreciate you.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

The actor concluded his video with, “To all the family and friends that have reached out to me, man, it means the world. So take care of yourself, enjoy your spring break with your families. It’s Saint Patty’s Day, obviously. I wish I could be out there.” Vaughan added, “I feel loved and touched and I can’t emphasize that enough. I’ll take better care of myself, promise you will do the same.” Before he signed off, Greg shared, “Just know, that I’m alive and well and breathing, and I’m sore. So, be well, take care. I mean it. Thank you, tremendously.”

Glad to know that Greg has been on the mend, and shared his appreciation for everyone that reached out to him during this trying time? Comment below.

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