News
Y&R’s Christian LeBlanc Shares Emotional and Heartfelt Message to Fans and Colleagues
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 !
General Hospital is welcoming yet another new face to the canvas when Australia native Wil Traval join the cast as a mysterious stranger named Jude, who will arrive in Port Charles come October.
Traval becomes the second new Australian-born actor to join the cast. It was back on July 13, that GH viewers first saw Dean Geyer in the role of Dr. Tristan Roberts, whose name is an homage to the late Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio, GH). Could Jude and Tristan be related?
If not that theory, might Jude join the mystery involving JJE (Jasper Jacks Enterprises), which is currently under the investigation by the WSB? Since Josslyn’s (Eden McCoy) father, Jasper Jacks, is from down under, could Jude be connected business-wise or otherwise, to the mysterious Hudson (Troy Lennon Appel) who came to Port Charles with several agendas?
Photo: : Brianna Alysse
FROM DOWN UNDER TO PORT CHARLES
Traval is a native of Victoria, Australia, who had a recurring role in Season 3 of The CW’s Dynasty. In the primetime soap reboot, Traval played Father Caleb Collins, whose faith was put to the test when he developed feeling for Cristal Carrington (Daniella Alonso).
The GH newcomer is no newcomer to TV and film roles with an extensive credits including: Netflix’s Jessica Jones, ABC’s Red Widow and Grey’s Anatomy, Arrow, Chicago P.D., Grimm and Once Upon a Time, to name but a few.
In his homeland of Australia, Traval is best known for portraying Dr. Jack Quade in the medical drama All Saints, and Detective Peter Church in the crime drama White Collar Blue.
So far in the last couple of months, General Hospital had brought on the following casting additions, the aforementioned Geyer and Appel, plus Kayden Brenna Tokarski (Scout Cain), Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin), Alimi Ballard (William Baines), Kearran Giovanni (Dr. Nichols) and Blythe Howard, who will debut next week on the Wednesday, September 23 episode as Monet.
So, with all the newbies hitting the screens on GH, is hard for you to keep up, or are you excited to see how Jude fits into the storyline with the arrival of Wil Traval this fall? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.
Two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott, The Young and the Restless) has shared some news on an injury sustained to her knee that has taken her out of action for the next little while.
According to Davidson, via her Instagram, she, “Slipped getting out of a cold plunge and fractured my patella. I’m gonna be down for the count for quite a few weeks recovering from surgery. Thanks to the EMTs and the great team at Los Robles Hospital.”
Eileen suffered a fractured knee cap, and is currently in a knee/leg brace as shared in accompanied photos in her post. Several Y&R co-stars past and present jumped into the comment thread including: Greg Rikaart (Kevin, Y&R, now Leo, DAYS), show said “NO!” Lauralee Bell (Christine, Y&R) who expressed, “Oh no!! So sorry! Speedy recovery! Heal well and in time knowing you you’ll get your groove back!” Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea, Y&R), “Nooooooo😢 Sending huge hugs, love you!,” and Stephen Nichols (ex-Tucker, Y&R, Steve, DAYS) “Oh, Eileen… so sorry! Get better soon. Sending love and healing vibes,” and more.
Photo: EDavidsonIG
Davidson more recent to The Young and the Restless began in July following Ashley’s brother, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) seeing stabbed by Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) and her dealing with the family and corporate secrets with Jabot.
Eileen has won two Lead Actress Daytime Emmys for her roles as Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks on Days of our Lives in 2014 and for her performances as Y&R’s Ashley in 2018.
Share your well-wishes for Eileen as she heals up from her patella surgery and our hopes for more Ashley on the way later this year via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall, General Hospital) has taken to her Instagram for the second time this week and now honors her late dear friend and General Hospital co-star, Billy Miller (ex-Drew Cain) on what would have been his 47th birthday on September 17.
In her post, Monaco wished Billy “a heavenly birthday” and shared a typewritten note from her beloved co-star after he exited General Hospital in the role of Drew Cain. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor played the part from 2014-2019.
Monaco wrote accompanying the photo of Billy’s letter: “He (Billy) sent me this a few years ago, after he left (the show) wanting me to post it… I didn’t/ But… I know he wanted anyone who’s ever supported his work and or got to know him as a friend to read this letter.”
Photo: JPI
BILLY MILLER WON THREE DAYTIME EMMYS FOR HIS WORK IN SOAPS
Billy Miller was one of the most respected actors to ever grace the daytime screens for his portrayals as Richie Novack on All My Children from 2007-2008 and Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless from 2008 until 2014 and of course, his final soap stop on General Hospital. He also appeared on primetime’s Ray Donovan and Suits.
TOUCHING GOODBYE LETTER AFTER EXITING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Here now, is what Billy shared in his letter after exiting GH: “Hello, friends… With a slight air of sadness it is time to ponder what ‘goodbye’ means. However, instead of dwelling on what is gone and sure to be missed, there is another way.”
“Maybe our goodbye is really a remembrance of love felt, an appreciation for lives shared and the lifelong reminiscences that come from embraces given and received, Maybe our goodbye is an earnest hope for the brightest path forward for us all,” expressed Miller. “Maybe our goodbye is honoring growth and lessons learned.”
The beloved star added, “Now, instead of sadness, I am filled with gratitude for all your support, encouragement and every emotion shared. I cherish the journey we have taken together, Thank you for allowing me into your homes and lives. With every ounce of myself, I thank you for being you. I would be remiss in this crazy, unpredictable world we all love so much if I did not hold out the possibility that maybe our goodbye is really… until next time.”
Sadly, Billy died by suicide three years ago on September 15, 2023, just two days shy of what would have been his 43rd birthday. You can check out Kelly’s post below.
Now, share your remembrances today of Billy Miller and the touching letter he wrote after leaving General Hospital, that Kelly Monaco posted in tribute to her friend and co-star via the comment section below.
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