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 !
News
‘One Life to Live’ Alum Tuc Watkins Joins Cast of Brett Goldstein’s Prime Video Series ‘Escorted’
Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers, One Life to Live) continues to be booking role after role, and now comes word that the Llanview soap alum has joined the cast of Escorted, the upcoming comedy series from and starring Ted Lasso and Shrinking star, Brett Goldstein.
According to Deadline, Tuc has signed on for the production of the series, where he will play the role of Neil, who looks like a cowboy. However, here’s the catch! Neil is a trainer at a high-end gym and a male escort to wealthy woman on the side. Shades of Llanview’s David Vickers, for sure!
In the premise of Escorted, a divorced Manhattan dad, played by Goldstein, accidentally becomes a male escort in a romantic comedy about sexual dynamics, keeping secrets, and whether real intimacy can ever be bought.
Photo: JPI
Prime Video ordered the eight-episode, half-hour single-camera romantic comedy from Brett Goldstein last November. Goldstein will star, executive, produce, write, and co-showrun. In a statement, Brett expressed, “I’m so excited to bring a wholesome show about condoms, co-parenting, and cosplay to Amazon.”
As for Watkins, he is currently recurring on Hulu’s Paradise and appeared in the second season of ABC’s Shifting Gears. His other TV credits include: HBO Max’s The Other Two, Showtime’s Black Monday, and series regular roles on ABC’s Desperate Housewives, Showtime’s Beggars and Choosers, and more.
In addition, Tuc has a recurring role in Shemar Moore’s upcoming S.W.A.T. Exiles for Starz which premieres on September 25. Watkins numerous film credits include: The Mummy, The Good Shepherd and Retake. Watkins recently wrapped the indie feature, Cowboy, and in 2025 starred in the feature Exile Interviews.
So, what do you think of Tuc’s new role as a male escort to wealthy woman in Escorted? Looking forward to seeing him S.W.A.T. Exiles? Let us know via the comment section below.
News
Y&R’s Victoria and Kyle’s Love Affair to Kick-Off; Amelia Heinle Says EP Sally McDonald Shared Why; ‘You’ve Got Chemistry’ with Michael Mealor
A day many fans of The Young and the Restless have been dreading, and others are down for, is here. Beginning with the Thursday, August 27 episode of The Young and the Restless, Kyle (Michael Mealor) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle) will have sex taking their growing attraction to each other to another level.
But why is Y&R heading down the path of an older woman/younger man, Newman/Abbott, former love interest of Victoria’s daughter Claire (Hayley Erin) and all the complications with longtime waring families? Because to the series, it will generate story to come.
Two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Amelia Heinle revealed to TV Insider, how she found out what she suspected that the powers-that-be were setting up a romance between Victoria and Kyle.
Photo: JPI
“At one point a while back, I noticed Kyle was always coming to talk to Victoria or we’d run into each other and I told Michael, ‘I don’t think they would ever put us together, but this is kind of funny because it feels like they’re trying to test our chemistry, which would be really, really odd,” recalled Heinle. ”
“But that memory passed quickly. And then I walked off set one day after finishing a scene with Michael and I got called up to our executive producer, Sally McDonald’s, office and she said, ‘We’re giving you a romance with him.’ And I’m like, ‘Who?’ And she said, ‘Him,’ and she pointed at the monitor because Michael was still on set. I was like, ‘Oh, OK. Are you sure?’ And she was like, ‘Uh-huh. Yup. You’ve got chemistry.’”
Once she learned the news, Heinle talks with Michael Mealor to make sure he was OK with the romantic story turn. “I walked up to him one day on set when I found out and said, ‘Do you know about this yet?’. Hw was like, ‘Yeah,’ and then I said, ‘So, are you OK?’ And he said, ‘Are you OK?’ And I said, ‘I’m good. I think we could make something out of this,’ and he said, ‘I do, too. I plan on leaning into it all.’ So, we were in agreement. Michael and I have always gotten along. We’ve always liked each other.”
Amelia Heinle, Michael Mealor
“The Young and the Restless” Set
CBS television City
Los Angeles
05/22/26
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com
310-657-9661
Episode # 13419
U.S. Airdate 07/15/26
The storyline was started by now former Y&R head writer Josh Griffith. So now that Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor are in place as the new co-head writers of the top-rated soap, things could change dramatically or go full steam ahead.
Heinle offered up, “It’s not going to be boring, that’s for sure. I feel like right now with the new writers coming in, it’s a work in progress. I feel like we’re seeing how it goes. They’re fully committed to it, but nothing is set in stone in terms of the story yet.”
So, where do you stand? Do you want to see Kyle and Victoria rip the clothes off of each other, have sex and have a torrid affair? Do you think it’s wrong for Victoria to be sleeping with her daughter’s former boyfriend? What side of the fence do you land on with this pairing? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Dolly Parton Remembered: Y&R Alum Alyvia Alyn Lind Shares Heartfelt Tribute to the Legendary Singer and Songwriter
The world is in mourning on Tuesday, August 25 with the news of the passing of iconic and beloved country western singer/songwriter/actress Dolly Parton. The 11-time Grammy winner crafted and performed memorable hits such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” 9 to 5″, and “Here You Come Again, ” to name but a few.
Parton died in Nashville today. She was 80-years-old. Not only was Dolly an iconic name in the world of music, she was also an actor, producer, playwright, theme park founder (Dollywood), and a noted philanthropist.
One of the people lucky enough to know and experience the life of Dolly through a different lens was Alyvia Alyn Lind, the one time Faith Newman of The Young and the Restless. Lind played the role of Nick (Joshua Morrow) and Sharon’s (Sharon Case) daughter on and off from 2011-2021.
Photo: HallmarkChannel
ALVIA ALYN LIND PLAYED A YOUNG DOLLY
However, it was Lind, who portrayed a young Dolly in the television movie adaption of Parton’s song and book “A Coat of Many Colors” in 2015, and its sequel in 2016 Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.
Parton and Lind shared a close bond following the project, famously performing a touching, emotional duet of Parton’s song “Angel Hill” together on Hallmark’s Home & Family.
Taking to her Instagram just a short time ago, Alyvia paid tribute to the one and only Parton, expressing, “I am truly at a loss for words. There are some people who come into your life and leave a mark that can never be erased. Dolly was one of those people. will forever be grateful that I had the privilege of knowing her, learning from her, and carrying a piece of her with me through such an important and formative part of my childhood. Getting to play Dolly changed my life, but getting to know her changed my heart. Memories, lessons, laughter, and a light that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Alyvia added, “The world will never be the same without her, but that light will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to experience it. Thank you for believing in me, for teaching me, for letting me be a small part of your story, and for being such a meaningful part of mine. Rest peacefully, Dolly. You will be missed more than words can ever say. Thank you for everything. ❤️
FAMILY ANNOUNCES THE DEATH OF DOLLY PARTON
Parton also starred alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman in the smash 1980 film 9 to 5, and later roles in films including: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, Straight Talk, and Joyful Noise.
Parton’s death was announced via her official Instagram post by her nephew, Bryan Seaver on behalf of the Parton family. He shared the news in a video statement. You can see that below.
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‘One Life to Live’ Alum Tuc Watkins Joins Cast of Brett Goldstein’s Prime Video Series ‘Escorted’
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Dolly Parton Remembered: Y&R Alum Alyvia Alyn Lind Shares Heartfelt Tribute to the Legendary Singer and Songwriter
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