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 !
Days Of Our Lives
Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’
Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall (Marlena) is set to play a version of herself on third season of Hacks. Look for Hall this month in an episode titled “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular,” to air on May 23 on Max.
Not only will Hall appear in the episode, but so too, will Back to the Future and Taxi star, Christopher Lloyd.
According to EW.com, Deidre will play “a fictional version of herself, who just so happens to be the mom of Paul W. Downs’ Jimmy.”
Photo: JPI
Hacks co-creator and Downs’ wife, Lucia Aniello shared on Hall’s casting, “It made sense to us that Jimmy’s late father, a big-time manager, would have been married to an actress. When the idea for Deidre Hall came up, it just felt right.”
As for Lloyd, he will portray, reclusive writer Larry Arbuckle, who is to have had a rather famous grandfather. In the episode, Hall and Lloyd’s character intersect, which leads to onscreen sparks.
Photo: AP
“We had written some things that were flirty, but the chemistry was palpable,” says co-creator and series star, Downs shared. Hacks stars Jean Smart as comedy legend Deborah Vance.
Photo: Max
Season 3 of Hacks debuts on Thursday night May 2nd on Max 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.
So, will you be watching Deidre Hall guest starring on Hacks? Comment below.
General Hospital
Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
Some very intriguing casting news out of General Hospital. The ABC daytime drama has cast former Santa Barbara favorite, Lane Davies (ex-Mason Capwell), in the role of Fergus Byrne, an attorney who crosses paths with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn).
According to TV Insider, Davies will make debut the week of May 22nd. As soap fans know, together with the aforementioned Grahn, they created the Santa Barbara supercouple of Mason and Julia Wainwright. Davies portrayed Mason Capwell family from 1984 through 1989.
Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time in Port Charles for Lane. From 2002-2004 he played Dr. Cameron Lewis and also shared on-screen story with Grahn. At that time Davies, played Xander Smith’s father.
Photo: NBC
GH fans are wondering about the last name of Davies new character, “Bryne”. If you recall, Alexis got herself involved with therapist Dr. Neil Bryne, who died when Harmony broke into Alexis‘ house and killed Neil by injecting him with opioids.
Photo:
Taking to her Instagram, Grahn shared her excitement at the upcoming on-screen reunion with Davies, “It never gets old. We do 😂…. but it doesn’t 😍. Lookin’ forward to another romp.”
So, what do you think about Lane Davies returning to GH to play an attorney in Alexis’ orbit? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
News
One Life to Live Alum Jonathan Groff Receives 2024 Tony Award Nomination for Leading Actor in a Musical
Nominations were announced on Tuesday for the 77th annual Tony Awards by previous winners, Renée Elise Goldsberry (ex-Evangeline Williamson, One Life to Live) and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
When the dust settled it was Stereophonic (which is loosely based on the story of Fleetwood Mac) and Hell’s Kitchen (Alicia Keys musical) that both scored 13 Tony nominations to lead the pack.
However, Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along made quite the comeback and is nominated for several awards including Best Revival of a Musical and for one of its stars, Jonathan Groff (ex-Henry Mackler, One Life to Live).
Courtesy/Playbill
Groff is nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical and will go up against Brody Grant — The Outsiders, Dorian Harewood —The Notebook, Brian d’Arcy James — Days of Wine and Roses and Eddie Redmayne — Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.
In addition to his previous Tony nod for his role in Hamilton, Jonathan was nominated for a Lead Actor in a Musical for his role as Melchior Gabor in the original production of Spring Awakening.
Jonathan co-stars in the revival of Merrily We Roll Along “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe and previous Tony winner Lindsay Mendez.
Back in 2019, Groff visited Live with Kelly and Ryan and discussed his debut on One Life while working at night on Broadway in Spring Awakening.
He shared on his experience on the soap, “I do remember my first day because I was doing Spring Awakening on Broadway at the time, and One Life to Live was my first time ever being on TV. So I got this offer, and I was like, ‘Yes, I would love to be in a soap opera,’ and we finished Spring Awakening at 11:00 p.m. and I woke up the next morning at 4:0 a.m. to walk uptown to go to do One Life to Live, and I called my agent and left a message, and I said ‘You have to get me out of this, I can’t wake up at 4 o’clock in the morning!'” You can watch the clip below.
The 77th annual Tony Awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, June 16, with Tony and Oscar winner Ariana DeBose returning to host for the third time.
So, rooting for Jonathan to take home his long-awaited Tony Award after several decades in the theater? Do you remember him as part of teen scene on OLTL? Comment below.
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Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’
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The Bold and the Beautiful Celebrates 12 Daytime Emmy Nominations (Photos)
One Life to Live Alum Jonathan Groff Receives 2024 Tony Award Nomination for Leading Actor in a Musical
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