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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.
———-
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!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
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