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Y&R's Doug Davidson Interview: Going For Lead Actor Gold Two Years In A Row – Daytime Emmy Spotlight!
Courtesy/HeraldSunAU
Currently on The Young and the Restless, Paul Williams (Doug Davidson) is fighting for his life, and on today’s episode his brother, Father Todd (Corbin Bernsen), even comes to the hospital! Things are not looking good! And then there is the matter of Dylan (Steve Burton) … will Paul survive to learn he has another son? Looks like that material could give Doug Davidson some Emmy fodder for next year.
But let’s talk about this year! Davidson is nominated again the Outstanding Lead Actor category and going for his second win in a row in the category! Can he do the two-peat? In his nominated work, Doug chose the scenes where Paul tries to talk Jamie (Daniel Polo) down from the roof and committing suicide, and then next going to see the parents of the teens responsible for almost driving the down-on-his-luck kid to the brink of death. Davidson was again at his best.
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Doug to get his thoughts leading in to Daytime Emmy night this Sunday. The awards will be live-streamed at www.daytimeemmys.net beginning at 5PMPST/8PMEST. Read on to find out his thoughts are on his competition, his choice of scenes, some suggested Emmy category reform, and more!
You are going for your second straight Lead Actor Emmy win, why did you choose the scenes you submitted?
Courtesy/CBS
DOUG: The truth of the matter is – this past year I had one show to submit in my estimation. The rest just wasn’t Emmy appropriate. I even considered changing categories, because it was not about my story, but about the story of Jamie (Daniel Polo) and the Baldwins (Christian LeBlanc and Tracey E. Bregman) and Phyllis (then, Michelle Stafford), etc. I was definitely a supporting player in this, but after conferring with the academy and my producers, they thought it’s not measured by the story, but measured by your tenure on the show. So I kept it in the “Lead” category. But the scenes were about keeping Jamie from jumping off the roof and committing suicide. I go over and talk to Phyllis in harsh terms about that she has got to keep tabs on her daughter and not let her bully. And when Jamie confessed to Paul that he wasn’t pushed by Fen (Max Ehrich), then Paul also went to the Baldwins and told them their son is not guilty of that, but that in Paul’s judgment Fen is not innocent at all in this.
It’s a touching performance, and in it you get to play tender, tough, remorseful, etc!
DOUG: I was playing a guilty parent giving advice to Phyllis. There was frustration and hurt. I was pleading because as Paul. He was pleading about the death of his own son (Ricky) and that he did not want to see another useless death by Jamie jumping off the roof.
Courtesy/HLN
Were you surprised that you got recognized in the category again this year by your peers?
DOUG: I will be very surprised if I go home this year with another trophy, but I felt there was honesty to the work that I was hoping would be appealing to the Emmy judges. The nature of the contest is structured as such that although it represents a year of work sometimes even more, that what they are really judging is a three or four minute clip of scenes for the pre-noms, and then judging if you get pre-nominated …one episode. For everything to work out right there is a convergence of writing and commitment on the shows part, and then as an actor when you are given the material to perform it. That is why I think the thing I am most proud of this year is the people I am grouped with in my category who are the nominees, and even in the pre-noms. There are some very, very fine actors in there. I will not be disappointing if anyone one of them wins.
And one again it’s all the men from The Young and the Restless competing against each other and General Hospital’s Jason Thompson! Why do you think the Leading Actor category, for the most part, is always dominated by performances from your show?
DOUG: We have wonderful actors on our show. I don’t think anybody takes it for granted, and the fact that they work so hard is a testament to our producers and our CBS executives. We want to put the best show on possible. I always thought in the last couple of years that we have had some very fine performances from storyline guest performers too!
Courtesy/IMDB
So you think like many others that have suggested that there should be added to the mix a “Guest Star” performance category … like they have at the Primetime Emmys?
DOUG: I think there should be! I have a bit of an issue with the label of the “Younger” performers’ category, because I don’t necessarily know if you are going to be getting an Emmy-winning performance from a 12 year old, and if you do, then they should be able to handle it with the rest of the “Supporting” group. And I am not slamming the younger kids by any means, but if it’s that touching and moving … you are giving them a handicap for being young. And at the Oscars, young or old, they go into a Supporting category if there work is lauded.
What did you think of the performances of Younger Actor nominees Daniel Polo and Max Ehrich (Fen), since you had the opportunity to work with both in the bullying storyline?
DOUG: I think Daniel is a marvelous young actor and Max is too! They are both so deserving of their Younger Actor nomination, for sure.
Were you an Emmy judge this year? If so, what category? And how did you feel the competition stacked up?
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
DOUG: I judged Supporting Actress. I will say, without naming names, without a doubt I picked two effortlessly for the first two spots, and even for the third. I did have trouble with spot five. Also when I looked at the pre-nom tapes/reels; there are some really unheralded performances when people are in for six weeks or six months on a show. I think if there is some way we could phrase a new category for them, I think that would be great. For example when Ray Wise (Ian,) first came to our show, he was not scheduled to be on as long as he is now, so he would have been considered perhaps then a “guest star”! His expertise, his finesse, his colors, his depth, is not easy to do ladies and gentlemen! To make all of that fly is not an easy feat. There is no handicap there. He either makes it work or he doesn’t make it work. So to honor some of those “guest stars” would be interesting.
Watch Doug’s nominated reel below! Then, let us know what you thought of it and his chances on Emmy night? What did you think of Doug’s thoughts on the Younger acting categories and a move to bring a Guest Star performance category? Share your comments below!
Think he should go in supporting. Good luck.
Would be awesome were he to win again … but I think this year it’s Jason Thompson’s to lose. He was fantastic in 2013 … and 2012!!!
Can’t wait for the show. Super excited to hear Kathy Griffin will be hosting.
first and foremost : NICE press Doug Davidson on Ray Wise !
isn’t he superlative.
“… His expertise, his finesse, his colors, his depth, is not easy to do ladies and gentlemen!”
Oye ! what a coop!
would that he could have been a recast for Victor Newman !
he’s astounding…
for the love of Serial
put him with : Gloria or Ashley
LOL… if he’s not too old for Ashley… certainly would be more plausible than Eric Braedon
i’m overcome with his chutzpah : Je ne sais quoi
is Eric Braedon still culling his own identity
* is Eric Braedon still mulling his own belong and identity
paul is a great actor as many in the show I think they all desevere one been watching since I was 13 and am now 66 I still love the show will always watch its like my family now sounds funny but true please never take it off the air hearts would be broken that’s for sure love to all
Doug Davidson surely deserves another Emmy. Doug has been on Y&R for over 30 years and has always exhibited emmy award winning performances!! I believe his idea for guest appearences awards is a great idea.
Y & R I have watched forever.
Enjoyed it more years ago.
Storylines now are insane, stupid & the new characters really do not care about.
They are wooden & the old timers are carrying them, ‘cept for Stitch,
Noah only new kid on the block that is ok.
Courtney as a cop, LOL!!!
Mariah, getting her position on the show, not in the real world.
..Worse is Tyler, no expression & w/his gal pal, another dumb blonde, wasn’t she leaving ?
I switch to Dr Oz. when any of the new crowd comes on they are boring & miserable actors.
New writers & people who can act would raise the ratings.
Agree totally with your comments Char….with the exception of Stitch. Liked him at first…now I can’t stand the character. He has become an a/hole, overbearing and so sure he is going to win the woman. I think Elizabeth Hendrickson should have won instead of Amelia Heinle…..her acting was not on the same level by any means. Tyler and Abby need to go. I can’t stand that self entitled blonde bimbo. Plus she can’t act her way out of a paper bag. That incessant laugh after ever sentence she utters drives me crazy.
Sorry to be critical, but this show is not what it was when I first began watching it. It has gone downhill since JFP assumed the reins as EP. The s/lines now go on and on….so much so that I lose interest in the altogether.
I won’t even start with Neil and Hillary…..he is old enough to be her father….disgusting.
Stitch & his secret getting annoying..it better be a humdinger,
Not he ran over a dog or help kill a dying man in the hospital.
who was 109
Hilary can’t stand her,, AND the esq , Avery;s partner always looks mad w/teeth & chin prortruding is not believable she is an esq like the oither dumb blonde Courtney is a cop!!!
Call Central Casting..the cast here other than the “adult” actors who have been around awhile,..should go asap not believable..nor can they act
Hope the new Michael is better than the new BILLY.
However, doubt it…waiting for another disappointment..maybe just keep showing his hand & other body parts..might be more exciting that the whole person.
This Billy does Not fill the role..looks like a stranger to Victoria.
I’d unload him quickly.. BILLY ROLE IS A REVOLVONG DOOR of lousy actors..
Can’t wait til red head Phyllis returns..hope she has sparkle & vinegar & better than the broads on this show. who are so .BORING!!!!!
I love Doug, so deserving. But this year I would rrally love to see Jason Thompson win, his year of playing Patrick, seeing his dead wife return was phenominal!
I so agree Eileen. It should have been a tie…..Billy Miller AND Jason Thompson.
Doug Davidson’s voice control was on point in these scenes. I agree with DD he should be in supporting actor category. TPTB, namely JFP, pulling her inflated ego he should be in Lead based on tenure. Such crap.
Best wishes Doug. You’re a wonderful actor.
OMG. I forgot about these scenes; Doug Davidson’s performance was absolutely visceral. Everything he was putting out there…. I could FEEL it, very intensely. He is an extraordinary actor and I think he should always win!
On a side note; oh, how I miss my Stafford on Y&R. She and Doug were two of my very favorite actors and I loved every scene they did together.
Congratulations to all of the nominees and thank you for giving so much of yourself to these fascinating characters that we all love.
How right you are. Doug always delivers; as did Michelle Stafford and Billy Miller. I miss those two terribly. It just isn’t the same watching Ms. Stafford on GH. I suppose I will have to get used to it.
If I my feelings for Y&R were lukewarm when my favourite characters left; well, I now only watch the show once or twice a week; since the new Billy. Good grief! This guy, my apologies, distorts the screen–one extreme to the other. ( I do not mean DT) He looks scraggly and nondescript. No Abbot, he !! He does not fit the profile. Not only does he look whitewashed, but also his acting is forced. I protest!
just put on y & r and heard them say the role of billy abbott was being played by so and so. so disappointed. not happy with this new guy. don’t care what shows he came from. hes not Tom. this new guy has such a flat affect. so different from billy. ugh!!
Eric Braeden knows exactly who he is, an accomplished actor of many years with many roles to his credit. Try another post and use ur head this time!
Michael M. as Adam should not & could not be replaced
He was an excellent actor.
Is it really true what he did or did they just have a fight & Hunter fig. let’s kick him out?
Shame..the powerful actors Michelle s, Michael, the old Billy..brought excitement to their roles. Now the characters are bland & boring,
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
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