News
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.
—————
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!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) opened up about the burgeoning love triangle forming between his Port Charles alter-go, Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) after recently aired scenes, plus his hopes for the future of a Dante and Liz pairing, during his appearance on the Sunday, April 23 edition of the That’s Awesome podcast with Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli).
On last week’s episodes of GH, Ric has made the decision that he wanted to propose to his ex-wife, only when he showed up at Elizabeth’s front door, he misread the scenario he walked in with Liz tending to Dante’s injured leg from the softball game. From there, the legal eagle’s jealous streak is reemerging which may cause him to act out and do something unforgivable, or will he take the high road? Stay tuned.
Speaking with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson about where Elizabeth stands in the annals of the long-running soap, Zamprogna said, “She’s up there with Steve and Maurice (Maurice Benard) as one of the most legacy-filled people on the show.”

Courtesy/ABC
HOW DANTE AND ELIZABETH CAME ABOUT
Dominic jokes it’s a far cry for where Dante and Elizabeth previously, recalling, “We had some scenes together years ago and we were both laughing. Becky’s like, ‘Well, I guess we’re not going be paired up anytime soon.’ I remember we laughed immediately after they yelled ‘cut,”‘and said to each other, ‘Well, so much for that!'”
Fast-forward to early 2025 and as Zamprogna remembered it, “Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) came up to me at the General Hospital Christmas party, and I think it was a year and a half ago and she said, ‘We’re going to have you in scenes with Elizabeth,’ My internal monologue is going, ‘I’m not with Lulu (Alexa Havins) anymore and Sam’s (Kelly Monaco) gone, so maybe they want to see if this works.’ I didn’t want to get scenes with Becky and try to find the chemistry. I just wanted to play whatever honestly was written and came across for both of us and hope it was what people liked, and I don’t know if it is … or not.”
Knowing how beloved Elizabeth is to the GH faithfuls, Zamprogna added, “She got a big fan base with Ric … and a big fan base with with Jason … and you know, you’re going to piss somebody off. But, didn’t Ric drug Elizabeth and put Carly in a panic room?”

Photo: ABC
DANTE AND ELIZABETH PAIRING COULD STIR UP STORY FOR OTHERS IN PORT CHARLES
In closing, Dominic felt that the wide-reaching tentacles of a Dante and Elizabeth relationship is something he is 100% down for. “The triangle thing; I was happy to hear it was with Ric and her, because I felt it’s important to have her the top of it as opposed to Dante, Lulu and Elizabeth.”
Zamprogna added, “When you get into relationships on a soap, things seem to fizzle out a little bit, The buildup is what’s the fun part, and the getting to know each other, and the people who are affected by this coming together. When with this case it’s going to affect: Ric, Sonny, Lulu. There’s so much more story here. To me, it’s going to be a fun story to play.”
You can check out Dominic’s visit to That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford below.
Now weigh-in: Are you rooting for Dante and Liz, or Dante and Ric at this juncture of the story, or neither guy for Elizabeth? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Mike Manning Lands Role in Indie Horror Feature ‘Deify’

While Smitty tries to hold the fort down in his marriage to congressman Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) and their two teenaged children, Samantha (Najah Jackson) and Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) on Beyond the Gates, Emmy-winner Mike Manning has also landed another feature film role.
According to Deadline, Manning has joined the cast of Deify with 6 other new cast members for the indie psychological horror film starring Neal McDonough and Skeet Ulrich, which was previously announced last week.
Joining Manning as the latest cast addition are: Dennis Haysbert, Ashley Greene, Casey Harnett, Kirk Avecdo, Anji White, anf Nicholas Chimera who’s directing the pic also has a part in the film.
WHAT’S THE STORY OF DEIFY?
Taking to his Instagram with the news of his casting, Manning shared, “A movie about a cult? What could possibly go wrong? Come for the enlightenment. Stay because they won’t let you leave. DEIFY is coming…”
The movie is currently shooting in Chicago and in story, “a cult leader is put on trial after causing his devoted followers to be burned alive. The film is inspired in part by events surrounding the 1993 Waco, Texas, standoff between members of the Branch Davidians church and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, one of the largest civilian firefights ever recorded on American soil.”
MIKE MANNING IS A DAYTIME EMMY NOMINEE
In addition, the multi-talented Manning is a producer on the feature. Previously, Mike was nominated last month in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. He previously won an Emmy for his role on The Bay and for being a producer on the digital drama.
Mike’s previous credits include the role of Charlie Dale on Days of Our Lives and the Manny on This Is Us, plus various primetime and screen credits.
So intrigued to find what role Mike will play in the upcoming horror/cult film, Deify? Enjoying him as Smitty on Beyond the Gates? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GH and OLTL Alum Patrick J. Gibbons Reveals the Story Behind Writing Trina’s Song on ‘General Hospital’ (Exclusive)

At the conclusion of today’s August 21 episode of General Hospital, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) sings a lullaby to baby Dez, that went into a montage to close out the episode as her father Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) reports to Pentonville and winds up in his jail cell.
However, in a fun fact, the song entitled, “A Lonely Heart To Give” was actually written by none other than former One Life to Live and General Hospital actor, Patrick J. Gibbons.
Daytime fans first met Gibbons as Sam Manning on One Life to Live. At the time, when he started on the soap, he was just 5-years-old. Gibbons played the part from 2010-2013 on ABC and Prospect Park’s editions of the show. Fast-forward to 2018, Gibbons shows up on General Hospital as Wyatt Hoover, the scout who seemed always be injured, but in the thick of the drama. Patrick had appeared on GH multiple times as Wyatt including: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023.

Photo: ABC
FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER’S DEATH CAME THE INSPIRATION FOR HIS SONG
Now in 2026, General Hospital fans are getting to learn about another side of Gibbons’ talent as a songwriter and guitar player after “A Lonely Heart to Give” debuted today! Michael Fairman TV caught up with Patrick, who is now a senior at Penn State entering his final year as a finance major, to get the back-story of how his song wound up on GH!
Gibbons explained he wrote the song in honor of his grandmother who passed away a few years ago with whom he was, very, very close with. “Randomly, my grandmother had a downfall and passed away during the second semester of my sophomore year. I was in my dorm a lot and I was just playing with my guitar. And at the time, I was really into finger-style playing. I wrote the lyric and music to it (with a little help from my guitar teacher Lou), and my mom showed the rough demo to Frank Valentini (EP, General Hospital). He’s like an uncle to me. Frank loved it so much he said, “Finish that up. I want to hear the whole thing, and I want it on the show.”
MAKING MUSIC FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL
Gibbons and his parents took the next steps! “So now, all we needed was a female voice, because I thought that would fit the song well,” Patrick shared. “At the golf club we go to my parents were at a dinner. They liked the singer that was performing and spoke to her about the song, and she says she would like to bring it to her ‘boss’ who ended up being Eric Bazilian of the Hooters fame!” (Bazilian also wrote the smash hit song “One of Us” for Joan Osborne).
Next, “We went in the studio and recorded it and the song came together and it was beautiful. We loved it. They loved it at General Hospital and now they’re putting it the show and they are coming in with a piano, instead of a guitar. Paul Glass, the GH musical director, has been keeping us updated over the last six months of how it was coming along, and when it would air, and how GH put their own arrangement to it. I can’t wait to see and hear what they did with it.”

Photo: JPI
PATRICK’S ONE LIFE TO LIVE FAMILY
Everyone knows that the One Life to Live extended family share a very tight bond, and Patrick said he does stay in touch with a few of his former One Life to Live co-stars, especially those from the Manning family! “I stayed in touch with Kassie DePaiva (ex-Blair) and sent her little videos here and there. She was like my second mom for five years. We keep in contact with Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) over X the most, and she can’t believe how big I’ve gotten. Like, none of them can! (laughs). I also loved working with Roger Howarth (ex-Todd) and Trevor St. John (ex-Todd and Victor Jr.), and to me since I was so young, they were just my friends, ‘Roger and Trevor,’ not Todd Manning or Victor Jr.”
It was a trip to California and a visit to Port Charles that ultimately led to Gibbons second soap role of Wyatt Hoover. Patrick explains, “In 2016, Frank Valentini invited us out to Los Angeles to visit the set of General Hospital. I think he heard me say, ‘This is so much fun. I miss being on the set.’ He goes, ‘You should come out. I’ll bring you on the show. We can make you a character.'”
A few years later, Patrick’s dream became a reality! “Then, by the summer of 2018, I was playing Wyatt, the scout, and shared scenes with Wes Ramsey (Peter August), and the best was when I shared a scene with Roger Howarth and Michael Easton (ex-John, OLTL and ex-Silas, Finn et al, GH), it was like chemistry from the old days.”

Photo: PGibbons
IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS
As to his future aspirations, it’s a career in the finance game that has piqued Gibbons’ real-life interest. But never say never to a return to acting. Patrick explained, “I’ve always enjoyed numbers. And on top of that, one of the biggest parts of finance is being personable and outgoing.”
He continued, “That’s one of the greatest skills I developed growing up. I really love the markets. I’m super interested. I’m never going to close the door to acting. I’m always open to that because I just love it so much. It’s such a great art.”
Take note! If there are any investment bankers or private equity folks among the GH faithful looking for a young analyst next year, Patrick’s DMs are open. You can find him on X at @PatrickJGibbons.”
So, what did you think of the song sung by Trina on today’s GH that was written by Patrick J. Gibbons? Did you enjoy Patrick’s performances as One Life’s Sam and GH’s Wyatt? Would you like to see him back on GH at some point? Let us know via the comment section.
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