News
Y&R’s Jason Thompson Mourns The Loss Of His Beloved Vedder & Shares Heartfelt, Emotional Words On His Passing

Photo: JThompsonInstagram
Our condolences and thoughts go out to The Young and the Restless star, Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott) who revealed that he lost his longtime companion, buddy, and beloved dog, Vedder.
As all of Jason’s followers on social media know, he had one of the most spectacular relationships with man’s best friend ever documented. Thompson often shared photos of Vedder throughout their time together with his fans, which showed the love they shared.
In a touching and emotional Instagram post, Thompson noted that he and Vedder were together for 10 and half years before his passing, as Jason beautifully wrote down his thoughts as he mourns the loss of his dog.
Here is what he shared on Vedder’s passing: “Sleep sweetly my boy. 4/3/07-6/5/17 Vedder. It’s hard to say he was mine. Although for almost 10.5 years I did what I needed to do to take care of him, truthfully it was Vedder that took care of me. He was the greatest of Danes, the sweetest ever. Right now, my heart is broken, the heaviest chest I’ve ever felt. The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was say good-bye to my Vedder. For anyone that has met him, had the honor of him leaning on you almost knocking you over, sitting on your lap like a human, you know his love. For the countless strangers that stoped in the street, in their cars to take a picture of him, to pet him, to simply say “wow”. He was a beautiful, beautifully creature. The memories I have of him are endless. 10.5 years, every morning, except some of the hard ones recently, he would walk down the hall, nails clicking on the hardwood, push open the door and came and lay his head down on my side of the bed. Just to say good morning. 2 years ago, when we found out he had cancer, we didn’t know we were pregnant at the time with Bowie. It was devastating news. Then came the best news I’d ever received. Paloma and I were gonna have a baby. With that joy, my first thought was..I hope he can meet Vedder. Ah did he. Vedder was his dragon to climb. The ever patient and always loving. To everyone that has ever commented or posted loving words about him, thank you. It always meant the world to me. He may have mine, in a way, but he was ours. All of ours. He breathed joy into the world. Nothing less. Thank you my boy. I will alway love you MyVedder. X”
Jason’s sentiments conveyed in his Instagram message moved us to tears. What did you think of his emotional message? Send your thoughts, prayers and condolences to Jason in the comment section below.
Dear Jason, I am so sorry you lost your wonderful boy, Vedder. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you gave him a wonderful life. May his memory be a blessing in your life.
I am very sorry for Jason. I know what he’s going through as I lost my Paddy to cancer. and she was my best friend too. I had her cremated and I do talk to her all the time and place my hand on her urn. Just keep the memories alive, Jason. Vedder will live on in your heart.
I’m sorry, James.
So sorry for your loss Jason, he looked like such a sweet dog. I know how you feel I lost my yorkie at 13 years in 2015. All you can do is hold on to the happy & funny moments you had with him.
I am so sorry to hear of your buddy! I got on twitter many times to see a new photo of him, and always smiled when there was a new post. I guess I have been a fan of Vedder’s for a while, without ever meeting him. I love animals, and great dane’s are a favorite of mine. I am happy for the years you all had with him, and my heart breaks for you as well. We lost our baby last year and he was nine years old. He was so much like a human too.
So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hi Jason I’m so very sorry for the death of ur sweet beautiful Vedder! What a handsome boy he was ! I know u will miss him all the rest of ur lives ! Playing on the rainbow bridge with other fur babies is the best way to remember ur Vedder! We will always miss n love the sweet handsome boy! Much love n prayers to u the Thompson family ! RIP Vedder !
I am so very sorry for your loss of ur precious Vedder, Our pets ARE our family so its devastating when we lose them . May You find comfort in knowing u gave him the best life possible and look at all of the memories you have ,nothing will ever take away those …prayers of comfort sent your way Jason,
Dear Jason: I am so very sorry for your loss of Vedder. I know how we can get really attached with our four legged friends. To me they are family. They are always there forbus in good times and for the bad ones as well. My is 13 years old and slowing down. It tears at my heart to think of a time without him too. I wish you all the best! Joe
I cried through Jason’s entire post. Looking at his sweet pup’s face…I could visualize all the things they did together and feel the love and bond between them. Being the proud mom of a beautiful little cat whom I adore more than I can ever put into words…the pain of what’s to come…she’s 19 and has some health issues…breaks my heart every day and I hold her as close to me as I possibly can without smothering her ! I could go on and on about my love for her and her complete adorability…so I know.
I once knew a guy who used to walk his beautiful dog every night. He was totally in love with her. Out of the blue, it was discovered she had a tumor; she died the night his first child was born. He told me that he felt like he lost one child while another was born…and in the midst of his happiness for the birth of his daughter he was overcome with loss and devastation. The bond between our animals and us…the feelings.. the epitome of unconditional love.
My sincerest condolences on your loss, Jason. Your tribute was beautiful.
My condolences. Ten years is a long time for a great dane. I know it’s sad when our beloved pets leave us. My Chihuahua just celebrated his 15th birthday and I am grateful for every day with him.
As I read your words, I felt your pain and loss. Those who are blessed with such a wonderful companion share in your grief. My furbaby will be 19 and I feel blessed each and every day he stays with me. Cherish your memories they will help see you through this hard time.
My heart goes out to you Jason. You gave Vedder over 10 years of life and love. God bless you
Hard to find the words right now. This is just too sad, I am so sorry.
So very sorry for your loss Jason. They take a part of with them when they leave. One day you will be able to smile and the hurt won’t be so bad and rest assured you will see him again one day.
I understand the pain…I lost my Chihuahua Scooby when he was 15 years old and my Dino to cancer when he was 7….you are just never ready to say goodbye, but with time it does get less painful.
P.S. Love you as both Billy and Patrick!!
What a beautiful thing Jason wrote about his dog. It shows what a sweet caring man he is. A man and his dog. I saw the same relationship with my husband and his dog, a german shepard named Bishop. He would wait by the stairs every night for my husband to come home from work. I saw the love in his eyes. When he passed, it was the first time I saw my husband cry. Jason, be happy for all the wonderful memories you had with your buddy.
Dear Jason,
Sending you my condolences. I was in tears reading the loss of Vedder. May God give you the strength to get through this. God bless you and your beautiful family. Rest in heaven Vedder.
I’m so sorry for your loss Mr. Jason. I’m also so glad that Mr. Vedder got to meet and be with your new addition to your family.
Jason, you keep on hanging in there and know that GOD is taking care of Vedder for you…I loved your character on GH and loving you on Y&R as Billy, you are a fantastic actor…I agree with what Bella said, you have such a beautiful family…GOD BLESS you and your family and stay safe and well…
Dear Mr. Thompson –
The connection we share with our dogs cannot be explained, it transcends words. Remember the million moments you shared , you know how lucky you both were!
Yeah I know how he feels I lost my black lab named champ in which I was lucky enough to have for 14 years so sorry for your loss Jason and your in my prayers
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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