Connect with us

News

14

Y&R's Greg Rikaart Interview: His Ten-Year Anniversary, Jeanne Cooper, and Kevin & Chloe!

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins

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!

14 Comments

14 Comments
oldest
newest

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.
—————

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!

News

‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom on Working with TV Son Crew Morrow: ‘I’ve Always Wanted to Play an Overprotective, Overbearing Mother’ (Exclusive)

Published

on

By

Heather Tom, Crew Morrow

In an ironic twist of fate, and only in the soaps, The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom’s (Katie Logan) on-screen son is played by Crew Morrow (Will Spencer), the now 21-year-old son of her former TV brother on The Young and the Restless, Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman).

For those who have followed the six-time Daytime Emmy-winning actress’ career, Tom began on Y&R back in 1990 as Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) and Victor’s (Eric Braeden) daughter Victoria Newman. She played the role until 2003. Four years later, she joined the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful and has been there ever since.

Next month, at the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Heather might add two gold statuettes to her collection with nominations for Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (which would be her record-breaking 7th for an actress), and one for being a part of B&B’s writing team.

Photo: JPI

WHICH MORROW IS IN THE ROOM?

In a new livestream conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, Heather recalled her reaction to seeing Crew Morrow on set when he started on B&B over two years ago, and pointed out the uncanny similarities between her TV son and her former TV brother.

“I just can’t even tell you how genetics is weird,” explained Tom. “Because it’s like they are the same person; the cadence and his voice and the way he laughs. When Crew was on the shows for the first couple of months, it would take me out of the scene. I would be like, ‘Oh, my God! It’s Joshua.’ It’s crazy. It’s so wonderful to have him. I love having him there. We’re so lucky to have Crew. I think he’s a wonderful addition to the Spencer family. I love that Bill (Don Diamont) and Katie’s son is on the canvas in a real way.”

In recent weeks, fans of The Bold and the Beautiful have seen a different side of Katie in regards to her son, Will. She simply does not approve, and does not trust Melissa Dylan (Sydney Bullock) as far as she can throw her. That puts a wrinkle in the mother/son relationship.

Photo: JPI

HEATHER TOM IS THRILLED THE CHARACTER OF WILL SPENCER IS ALL GROWN-UP

“Honestly, I’ve been waiting for this story since Will was born,” exclaimed Heather  “To be like the overprotective, overbearing mother, momma bear, I love it!”

As for Katie’s attitude. which many feel may need an “attitude adjustment,” Tom has it all figured out on just how she is tackling her scenes! “I have all kinds of justifications for it,” reveals the multi-talented star.

Photo: JPI

KATIE SEES ALL SORTS OF RED FLAGS WITH DYLAN

“So. it’s not just Katie being the b-word,” proclaims Tom. “It’s that Will, her son, whom she loves and supports so much, has been constantly saying about Electra (Laneya Grace), ‘This is the love of my life. She’s broken my heart. I love her. All I want to do is get her back.'”

“So I think Katie could be like, ‘Okay, well, Electra’s a little flighty, but my son loves her, so I’m going to try to support that relationship,” explains Heather. “In addition, Will has never told his mother, ‘I love Dylan,’ at all. I think Katie is thinking of telling Will, ‘You should run, not walk, from this girl who seems somewhat obsessed!’ I don’t know where they’re going with the Electra/Will/Dylan triangle, but I think Katie’s very focused on Dylan for a multitude of reasons.”

So, do you like seeing Heather Tom as Katie going into overprotective momma bear-mode, now that the series has a major young triangle between Electra/Will/Dylan? What do you think about the fact that Heather has been a long-running scene partner with father/son across two different soaps in Joshua Morrow and Crew Morrow? Let us know in the comment section, and in case you missed it, check out our full conversation with Heather below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Finola Hughes Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’

Published

on

By

Finola Hughes

There was never any doubt that in watching the riveting and emotional scenes on General Hospital which featured Finola Hughes as a PTSD-driven and mentally tortured Anna Devane, that when the climatic moments in Anna’s story aired, that we would not be singing the praises of Hughes. Once again, Finola showcased why she is one of the soap opera genres greatest assets and actresses.

In the key scenes, Anna has had a complete breakdown as she has lured and cornered Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) on Mount Emerson, and even thought through how she would kill her and cover it up, all thanks to hearing the voice and seeing a dead man, Peter August (Wes Ramsey). It’s visions of Peter that keeps egging Anna on to pull the trigger on Britt while in her delusional state.

Before Britt realizes that Anna trapped her in meeting her in Mount Emerson, she is very confused as to why she was all the way out in the boondocks to talk about what happened to her brother, Cassius Faison. However, Britt soon learned that what Anna was about to do is personal, and not professional, as she pulls the gun on her.

Courtesy/ABC

ANNA FIRES HER GUN IN GAME-CHANGING MOMENT

When Jason (Steve Burton) shows up to save the say, he tries to talk Anna off the ledge, begging her to not shoot Britt and make one of the greatest mistakes of his life. When Jason figured out Anna felt she needed to kill anyone related to Cesar Faison, he made her think twice, because that would mean, she also would need to end the lives of two of Maxie’s children, James and Bailey Lu.

Anna can’t stop seeing hallucinations of Peter pushing her to shoot Britt. Suddenly and completely overcome, Anna fires bullets straight in the direction of where she sees Peter as she declares this all must end tonight.

After the shots are fired, Anna realized what she had done and just sobbed and shook. It was a devastating and heartbreaking moment for longtime General Hospital fans to see the beloved Anna Devane, super spy, so lost. Anna explained to Jason, after he was able to disarm her, how she was being pushed to kill Britt by her visions of Peter.

EMMY-WORTHY SCENES FOR 2027

In another hankie-inducing moment, Anna just grabs Jason and breaks down in his arms. If these weren’t Emmy-worthy scenes, we don’t know what is, and it must be remembered by Hughes, General Hospital, and hopefully the voting body of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) when Emmy submissions and voting get underway in 2027 for the 54th annual Daytime Emmys.

From everything we noted above, to the sheer brilliance of her work, Michael Fairman TV names Finola Hughes, this week’s Power Performance of the Week.

Now let us know, do you agree with our pick of Finola? Were you moved to tears during the gut-wrenching scenes? Should Finola include these scenes in an Emmy submission in 2027, should she decide to compete for Lead Actress gold? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

RATINGS: ‘General Hospital’ Shows Most Gains in Total Viewers Week-Over-Week and Up in Key Demo

Published

on

By

General Hospital

The ratings are out for the week of August 24-28 for your favorite broadcast television soaps, and it was ABC’s General Hospital which added the most total viewers and planted itself firmly in third place in its battle with Beyond the Gates in the key demos of women 18-49 and 25-54.

According to Soap Opera Network, all daytime dramas were up year-over-year, and General Hospital was joined by The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful with gains in their total audience viewership, while Beyond the Gates was only slightly off pace for the ratings week.

Let’s take a look at what had viewers tuning-in, starting with General Hospital, who added +79,000 viewers. While still under the 2 million viewers mark (which they can hopefully return in the coming weeks) their overall tally was an average of 1, 935,000 tuning-in, while still up year-to-year +136,000.

GENERAL HOSPITAL

In addition, GH while actually down from the previous week in the 18-49 ratings share, they still out performed Beyond the Gates for third place. However, GH was firmly in third place for the 25-54 ratings share.

The stories that were featured for the week included: Anna’s (Finola Hughes) PTSD and struggle with painful memories tied to Cesar Faison, and her concocting a plan to get rid of Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) recording Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) threatening her, and later running into a severe threat from Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) regarding Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) and Drew’s (Cameron Mathison) shooting, and Drew enlisting Ava (Maura West) to gain leverage over Jack, which resulted in Ava drugging him, while Drew went snooping for the evidence Brennan had against him.

Photo: JPI

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

Y&R remained in the top spot amongst all the soaps once again with 3,062,000 tuning in, and up +35,000 for the week, while year-to-year still showing strong gains at +231,000 viewers. However, while Y&R remained #1 for the 25-54 ratings share, it fell to #2 in the 18-49 ratings share behind The Bold and the Beautiful.

In story for the week, Nick’s (Joshua Morrow) sobriety in rehab was a focus, as was Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) hitting the Jabot office couch and having sex for the first time, and Lily (Christel Khalil) and Billy (Jason Thompson) battling over control and ownership of Chancellor Industries.

Photo: JPI

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

B&B is continuing to be inch closer to Y&R for the top spot, separated by a little more than 300,000 viewers. For the ratings week, the series posted a total audience of 2,719,000 adding +31,000 eyeballs overall, and like Y&R, is up year-to-year in its performance.

The CBS soap now , now in its 40th season is +217,000 from the same time last year. In the key demos, The Bold and the Beautiful was in the top spot for the women 18-49 ratings share and number two for women 25-54.

In story, the major threat to Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Finn (Tanner Novlan) and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) and Daphne’s (Murielle Hilaire) marriages continued as Steffy and Carter swore they would not tell their spouses that the two had a drunken hook-up. But as viewers know now, Steffy is pregnant!

Photo: CBS

BEYOND THE GATES

Beyond the Gates tallied an average of 1,611,000 total viewers for the week, up +72.000 year-over-year and down slightly in tune-in for the week losing just -36,000 viewers. The CBS soap came in fourth place in the key demos for the week behind General Hospital, with whom they are often trading places for the third spot.

In story, after Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) was released from the hospital, Hayley (Marquita Goings) stuck to her plan, doubling down on poisoning him and even getting caught in a major lie or meeting with Randy (Maurice P. Kerry), as Vernon (Clifton Davis) may be on to her machinations.

The ratings report is generated from Nielsen (Live+Same Day Big Data + Panel) for the week of August 24-28, 2026

So, what did you think of the performance of General Hospital for the ratings period? Which daytime drama has you most likely to tune-in each day? Which has you tuning-out? Let us know what’s working, or not working for you in story, via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

14
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x