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Y&R's Greg Rikaart Interview: His Ten-Year Anniversary, Jeanne Cooper, and Kevin & Chloe!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
This week marks the ten-year anniversary of one of the finest young actors soap opera has ever had the good fortune to have as part of its genre. We are referring to The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart. As tormented, conflicted, and yet loveable Kevin Fisher, Rikaart has delivered powerful performances for a decade!
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Rikaart this week at the SAG-AFTRA event honoring Y&R’s recent 40th anniversary. Of course, top on our minds was getting Greg’s thoughts on the loss of his dear friend, the legendary Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) who passed away one month ago. In addition, Greg fills us in on what he hopes will happen with his on-screen relationship with Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) and what is happening to Kevin and his apparent issue with stealing things!
Here’s what Greg had to share below, and … Happy ten-year anniversary, Mr. Rikaart!
You lost one of your dearest friends from The Young and the Restless, Jeanne Cooper. I know how close you were, from my many conversations with her, and you, over the years. What would you like to say about her passing and your friendship?
GREG: I have so much to say. She truly redefined to me what it meant to be the elder in the tribe, and how to go about your life in a way that is truly and absolutely ageless. She was absolutely wise and someone to be revered, but she had this vitality and youthfulness about her that I was in constant awe of. I have never had a friend that was 84 year old, and it never felt like I had a friend that was 84 years old. It just felt like I had this really wise friend who was funny and silly, and gave me great advice when I asked for it, and pinched my ass. I would also have tender moments where she would tell me that she loved me. She was just so special.
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Why did you think you and Jeanne connected so well, and had this special bond?
GREG: One of the things that I told Jeanne’s son, Corbin Bernsen, was that shortly after I started on Y&R, I was on set watching her, and Jess Walton (Jill) shoot the “garden hose” scene. She was having so much fun, and she was in it and she was so prepared. I was like “Oh, wow!” Jeanne always looked like she was having more fun than anybody else. I think that was always the thing that drew me to her. And beyond that, we did a personal appearance together a few years ago, and spent a lot of time together then, and connected then, too. At that point, we had really had a close relationship and we sat next to each other on the entire plane ride home. I kept saying that after a half hour on a plane your neck is hurting, and you kind of want to stop a conversation because you’re neck is hurting. Well for me, I kind of re-adjusted so I could keep talking to her! She was just great. Jeanne used to tell me I reminded her of a young Montgomery Clift, which was such a great compliment! She was wonderful, and I miss her a lot.
When we last talked, you were hoping that Kevin splits up with Chloe and that he causes more trouble again, which looks to be happening!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
GREG: Yeah, and we are getting there. What I like about what is happening on the show is that it is a slow burn. It’s really taken awhile, which is how things and relationships happen. Relationships, more often than not, do not fall apart over night. So it’s been fun to play. There has been a little bit of a back and forth of “will they split up? Or, won’t they?” Kevin loses his business this week, which is a big blow to him!
Why do you think Kevin gets off on stealing and danger?
GREG: I think it is a power thing, and I absolutely, in justifying it for me, liken it to an addiction. Where it is that kind of thing where you dip your toe in something you are not suppose to do. It’s easy to dive in head first, and then it’s hard to stop. I think the addiction for Kevin is not thievery. I think in some ways, I can really relate to him with this, which is kind of funny. But it’s about hovering that line and border between right and wrong. I don’t think he wants to fly right over it and be really wrong, but I think being righteous, or good, bores him to tears.
Have you and Elizabeth Hendrickson sat down and said to each other, “I hope we break up?”
Courtesy/CBS
GREG: Yes, and look, I adore her. We are friends. I am fairly confident she adores me, and she would be crazy if she didn’t (laughs) but we always say, “We have done this. We have played this. Now let’s play breaking up.” That will be different.
This Saturday, June 8th is your ten-year anniversary of playing Kevin Fisher on Y&R. Are you shocked you are still around and in Genoa City?
GREG: Am I shocked? Again, they would have been stupid to fire me! (Laughs) But no, when I first got to Y&R I was supposed to be here for a couple of weeks and that became a year, and after my first week, I already drank the Kool-Aid. I am happy to be here as long as they will have me. Sometimes it feels like I have been here six or seven years, and sometimes six months, but it is hard to believe at times it’s been ten years as Kevin.
Did you ever think you would be a soap actor?
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
GREG: Not really. I certainly think I had moments in my career where I had ideas of being a movie star, and I’m not saying that I have put that to rest, or that I don’t want that to happen. But, I also know in the big picture of my life I am absolutely satisfied with my career, and I am content, too. When I look back and I am Jeanne Cooper’s age, I want to look back and go, “Look at this body of work I had.” And if I can say that, I will be happy. It doesn’t mean I have to be a movie star. I just want to be able to work.
So then, what will the name of your memoir be? Jeanne Cooper’s was Not Young, Still Restless. So, yours will be titled …?
GREG: “How I Never Got Crabs, I’ll Never Know!” I didn’t even have to think about that answer! (Laughs) I have said that in the past. Look, we all have our checkered past, but I never got an STD, and I am grateful for that. See, I think it’s answers like I just gave you, are why Jeanne Cooper and I connected! (Laughs)
So what do you think about Greg’s sentiments on longtime friend, Jeanne Cooper? The future of Kevin and Chloe on Y&R? Kevin’s penchant for stealing? And Rikaarts incredible performances now a decade on the CBS soap? Share your thoughts!
Loved what he said we all miss her so much and her family and her yr family misses her even more so I love hearing about their relationship and i just laughed my head off his future memoir and yes I see how Jeanne and him got along awesomely
You could tell Greg and Jeanne had a really special connection, and I loved whenever they talked about each other. It was definitely a beautiful bond to see on and off camera. And I’m quite sad we won’t get those kind of stolen moments between them anymore.
As for his ten year anniversary, happy happy Greg! I never thought he’d be around for ten years. But he’s become one of my favourites. As for him and Chloe splitting, I like that it’s taking a while. It’s realistic and I can appreciate that. I loved their pairing in the beginning, but by the time Angelina came around, the relationship really fizzled.
What I’ve enjoyed the most about Greg is his comedic genius ! He makes me laugh so often…I compare him to a young Jackie Gleason..he can do anything !
He’s such a hottie and loved how it shows again the generosity of Jeanne’s spirit to nurture so many young actors over the decades…everyone of them Jeanne lives on for being a mentor, teacher & friend.
but I hate this story he’s in right now…I’m tired of ChloeKevin…it looking this way and better story for each to come out.
I have mention how I enjoyed the LilyKevin scenes last week, simply because it’s been a moon’s age since seeing them together…nice reminder on the growth & forgiveness on Lily’s part…we need more of KevinLily…..
Wouldn’t it be a hoot if Lily starts really straying from Cane that she doesn’t go towards Tyler, but of all people, she goes in the direction of Kevin!? Talk about an odd pairing but it could work, given Lily and Kevin’s history.
Oh my goodness, I’ve been saying that for ages! I’ve been waiting for sooo long for these two to become friends – at least! I would have matched them back together as a romantic couple long ago! And it’s just plain ridicuolous that he was already present at her wedding, and didn’t exchange a word with her even there. I mean, please – as long as he’s in her wedding????? and yes, I don’t like this current storyline either, I don’t know what they’re planning to do with Kevin if he keeps on stealing – why do they have to make him so stupid all of a sudden? but Greg has done a magnificent job all these years – I have never seen an actor who could play on my feelings like that. In fact he’s the only reason I keep watching the show in YouTube and torrent, as the show is no longer in our TV… hope he stays with us for ten years more, at least!
Absolutely, they could commiserate together because both marriages are in trouble, but just as friends for a spell and show the forgiveness that Lily does have in her heart and everyone would freak out! This would be a great way if they ever wanted to write Kevin’s problem is deep seeded in acceptance of his own bisexuality….to Kevin’s “WILL” to Lily’s “GRACE”…TylerLily isn’t working as a couple but maybe a bad mistake that causes problems in her marriage to break up…at least for a minute so Lane could then find their way back to each…. Another new (getting to hate this word new it’s been constant lately) A-A actress is coming on canvas, maybe Tyler & her. KevinLily was great the other day I so enjoyed it….it wasn’t a big scene but a nice reminder of their past.
Jeanne Cooper. “…how to go about your life.”
that’s what I get from her.. as well.
what a treat to know “old hollywood” – “old skool”. Professionalism… making it easier for those to follow.
Kevin’ character – I last likened to “Picnic” . William Holden busting in to town… and Jeanne likens Kevin’ to Montgomery Clift.
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The big picture of life.
I have 30 plus years watching to draw from. what a staple.
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Congrats to Greg Rikaart. watching Gloria with Michael and Kevin…. You use your mind when watching this 3 some.
The big Picture of Life.
We’ve been blessed to see eye to eye on so much Talent… on daytime.
for years… and we wouldn’t have it any less.
oye… we’re spoiled. and we wouldn’t have it any less.
Thankfully…. these artists – humbled – ? saw the big picture…. and remained steadfast. with us. ALL a treat.
I have always generally liked Greg and his character Kevin. You can tell this guy really knows “how to act.” But I fell head over heels in love with him and his courageousness when he was the only daytime actor to call out that homophobic bully Melissa Reeves last fall.
You go, boy!
I am happy for his anniversary on the show, and I do enjoy him as Kevin. May we see him on the Young and the Restless for many more years.
Rikaart is by far one of my favorite daytime actors, not just because of his talent, but also his humanity. Unfortunately, his last few years of “storyline” on Y&R (if you can call it that) have been very lacking. It started with the infamous Silver Chipmunk material back in 2009. And yes, he’s great at comedy, but “skits” do not make a storyline. At this point in time, I’m totally uninterested in anything Kevin-Chloe and actually prefer his new “relationship” with Alex (Ignacio Serricchio). Kevlex? ..lol!
(nacho Ser. .. lol! Future roommates?
actually I did like the chipmunk storyline – sure, it was stupid, but – hey – it’s a soap opera – what’s not stupid about it? there’s just something about Greg’s acting, somehow he can play on my feelings in a way no other actor can. I don’t know what it is about him, everytime his character is in distress it can break my heart! So watching him tormented by these guys and mentally broken down made me want to cry… and in the end – when he finally gathered enough courage to fight the chipmunk and found out it was himself underneath it (I knew it would be…) – nice message, you know – we create our own fears… so actually I think it was a good storyline from this aspect – “good” in soap opera terms, that is…
Yes I hated that story, it seems LML & MAB didn’t know how to write for character and I so loved his flawed character of Kevin…I’m so over ChloeKevin & now he’s a THIEF…ugh! It seems they don’t know how write for his talent. Kevin needs to be in jail enough is enough! I hope the writers write something that’s not “comedy” or as you said in “skit” because it does damage to Kevin…Where’s Gloria? Her & her “angel” is always a good time!
It looks like the current run of Lucas Adams (Noah) and Tamara Braun (Sienna) on The Young and the Restless is coming to an end, after the Monday, August 3 edition of the CBS daytime drama revealed that Noah and Sienna are leaving Genoa City and heading back to Los Angeles.
In the storyline, Noah informed his mother, Sharon (Sharon Case) and half-sister Mariah (Camryn Grimes) that he and Sienna made the decision to move back to the West Coast to put distance between themselves and Matt Clark (Roger Howarth). Although Noah did not say it was a permanent move, he did assure his mom that once Matt is hopefully gone from Genoa City they could return.
However, as previewed already on the video teaser for this week’s episodes of Y&R (see below), it appears Noah left Genoa City’s The Shadow Room to be run by a returning Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian). So with that, coupled with today’s episode, it would appear the move could wind up being more permanent.
Photo: JPI
COMINGS AND GOINGS
Adams made his Y&R debut on November 4, 2025 as the successor to Rory Gibson who last played Noah on-screen in April of 2023. Earlier in 2025, Gibson took over the role of Michael Corinthos on Genera Hospital replacing Chad Duell, who stepped away from the part after 15 years.
Braun who played Adam’s mother on Days of Our Lives when she was Ava Vitali and he was Tripp Dalton, first appeared on Y&R back on October 14, 2025, where we soon learned she had become Noah’s lover as the new character, Sienna Bacall. It should be noted, Adams was on contract with the number #1 soap, while Braun has been on recurring status.
With Josh Griffith now exited as head writer of The Young and the Restless, and the newly announced co-head writing team of Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor having taken his place and starting their new tenure this week, it will be interesting to see how the duo resets the show, and if a Noah and Sienna return is in the cards for the future or not.
So, what do you think about the seeming departures of Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun from The Young and the Restless? Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out our recent live chat with Tamara and Lucas on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Rosie O’Donnell revealed that she plans to head back to a seat at the table of ABC’s morning talk show The View.
The announcement came during Monday’s episode of The Tangle Podcast where she shared she will participate in “in whatever way they want” her or “just as a guest” for its upcoming 30th season.
The View’s season 30 will kick-off this fall in September. O’Donnell explained, “They’re bringing back all the hosts, I think. And, you know, I’m pretty proud of that show, what it’s become and how it really speaks to the people and to politics.”
Photo: ABC
ROSIE ON HER PREVIOUS GO-ROUNDS ON THE VIEW
As fans of The View know, O’Donnell famously had two different one-year stints on the talk show in 2007 and again in 2014- 2015. She often feuded with then co-host Elizabeth Hasselbeck.
However, during her discussion with host, Kyle Ridley on The Tangle Podcast, O’Donnell also noted she often had tense moments with longtime moderator and anchor, Whoopi Goldberg.
O’Donnell also expressed, “Many, many people got the short end of the stick there. It was, you know, it was a factory where people were being churned in and out and their tenuous security, nobody got to be calm. It also was a show at the time that was run by a man. A show created by a woman, for women, about women, and the man was deciding what we should talk about. And that didn’t sit right with me, you know.”
Back in 2023, Brooke Shields had asked Rosie on her podcast, Now What? with Brooke Shields, about how she felt on her two stints at The View and all the controversy that surrounded it. Rosie at that time, stated, “I know this, it’s not the best use of my talent to get in a show where I have to argue and defend basic principles of humanity and kindness. It was not something I’d ever do again.”
You can check out the clip with Rosie and Kyle Ridley discussing her return to The View in some form for its upcoming 30th season below.
Then weigh-in: Would you be excited to see Rosie, even for a one-day or a week guest stint on the upcoming celebratory season of The View, or not so much? Let us know via the comment section.
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General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
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