Interviews
Y&R's Jason Thompson Video Interview: After The "Philly" Affair Is Exposed, Will Billy Get The Woman He Loves?
Photo: MF Soaps, Inc.
This week on The Young and the Restless, Jack (Peter Bergman) has already learned from his sister, Ashley (Eileen Davidson) that his brother, Billy (Jason Thompson) is in love with Phyllis (Gina Tognoni)! What he is about to find out though is that his wife and Billy have been carrying on an affair off and on behind his back for months!
This drama puts daytime powerhouse performer, Jason Thompson front and center in dramatic scenes with perennial Emmy winner, Peter Bergman. What will happen when the brothers have some major confrontations? When the secret is completely exposed? On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Jason at last week’s Y&R 11,000th episode celebration on set at CBS Television City, where we got a preview of the fireworks to come as Billy fights for the woman he loves even if it means destroying his brother’s happiness.
Thompson said of the big reveal: “It hits us all hard in a way, but it hits Jack the hardest. He goes after Billy quite a bit in a couple of scenes. Obviously, Jack and Phyllis they have their run at it. Peter and Gina are just fantastic. I sit in my dressing room sometimes and just watch their scenes, and it’s inspiring to then go back out and do my stuff. It’s nice to have that cat and mouse artistic life, in a way.”
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
As to if there are some more Abbott brother showdowns over Billy’s affair with Phyllis, Jason teased the domino effect: “Obviously, Jill (Jess Walton) found out and then Ashley found out, and then Jack has scenes where he comes in and confronts Billy, and Billy somewhat owns up to it, and it all falls apart from there … which is all the reason you build it up … to tear it down.”
Jason, who left his Emmy-nominated role of Dr. Patrick Drake on General Hospital, has been front and center in story on the CBS Daytime drama series since coming over to the series. He elaborated on what it has been like for him becoming part of the Genoa City family: “It’s been an amazing seven or eight months. I have been so grateful for the support that I have been given by the cast and everyone behind the scenes: the writers, producers and Mal Young (EP, Y&R). I am just grateful to be a part of a legacy like this, and to be part of a cast as accomplished as this one, and to be part of a show that is celebrating 11,000 shows.”
Watch Jason’s video interview below! Then let us know, what do you hope happens to Billy once Jack knows the full truth about his duplicity and the affair with Phyllis? Are you rooting for Billy and Phyllis to find their way to each other for good? What have you thoughts of Jason’s run so far on Y&R and becoming a key cast member of this legacy soap opera? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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I find Philly Cheesy-lol
I don’t like Billy and Phyllis together. Sometimes I think Phyllis wouldn’t be doing this if Michelle Stafford were still playing her.
And Villy would have never happened with Heather and David Tom. That’s why there are recasts.
Peter – recast.
Jess – recast.
Amelia – recast.
Gina – recast.
Jason – recast.
Considering the entire storyline involves recasts, I wouldn’t be too worried about one character here since you know, who knows how the original portrayers of these characters would have played it out? Or even if some of these characters would have the connection they do as we all know Heather and David Tom are brother/sister in real life and both played Billy and Victoria.
I thought the same thing, Michelle wouldnt have been in this story.
No, she would not, Mo. You are so on the mark. TPTB would have never allowed that because of Michelle’s fiery character as Phyllis. Gina’s Phyllis is tame in comparison. Yet, Both Jason T and David T, do not fit the role as adults. David was the perfect Billy, as a kid…now? …… I could envision Michelle with Billy M, but not with Jason T. Laurene has a great point…..Amelia and David?….nah, I don’t see that either. It is so hard to find THAT unique actor who covers all the bases ( as my husband would say). Y&R lucked out… Read more »
Celia, as we’ve said before, this whole story is reprehensible. I didn’t like the recasting of Billy with Jason Thompson as I simply don’t think he shades the character with enough variations of good and bad; it’s all simply snark and sarcasm. And I’ve never once believed a ” look of love” from him. Gina T is a wonderful actress but one person can’t melt the block of ice that Billy has become. Between the writing and playing, one of my favorite characters, Billy Abbott, is ruined for me. And you’re quite right that this goes to a deeper level… Read more »
Team Philly all the way.
I’m with you we have to keep on moving we can’t just stay in the past.
I’m sure there will be negativity surrounding the pairing of Philly in the comments but I have greatly enjoyed watching their build and the destruction of Phack. It’s soapy goodness that involves several characters and both main families as everyone will feel the ripple of the affair. Not to mention, the great performances that are coming from Peter, Gina and Jason.
I adore JT as Billy. He came to YR & hit the ground running! He has seamlessly meshed with all the characters,
Philly is my favorite story/pairing. JT & Gina have combustible chemistry .I’m glad the truth’s finally out because everyone will now have to deal & eventually move on.
Philly need to finally seize their happiness & their future together.
GH’s loss is most definitely YR’s gain.
Jason Thompson is all wrong for the Billy Abbott character – he has not impressed me since he began the role – all he does is seethe and grimace – that’s not acting. There is no chemistry between he and Gina Tognoni (Phyllis).
I hope the new head writer dismisses this pathetic story!!
THANK YOU, Tucker! I sometimes feel that only a few of us see this actor’s weaknesses in this role. They should have written him as a new character if they wanted him that badly, because he just ISN’T any Billy Abbott I know. He sure doesn’t have Billy Miller’s range and effortless charm and sex appeal or even Burgess Jenkins’ odd sense of comic timing. He’s like the monolith in 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. He just stands there acting important.
LOVE Billy & Phyllis together. Hope after all the fall-out with Jack that they both come back together. Team #Philly
I followed Jason Thompson from GH to Y&R as I was curious to see what he would do in the character of Billy. I think he’s done an incredible job and really shown what he is capable of doing. His switch from GH to Y&R really underscored for me what some of GH’s shortcomings are. He was wasted on GH. His leading man potential was not exploited. He, like every other GH character, appeared only sporadically in story lines that meandered and sputtered out. These days I am actually more invested in Y&R than in GH because there is more… Read more »
Jason took a swing at GH when he said his new gig at Y&R, he is working harder than ever before. True. On GH, if you are not Carly, Sonny or a OLTL Frank favorite, you bet back burner-ed!
Funny I barely see Sonny or Carly on GH. Maybe once or twice a week. An then usually supporting another SL.
Phyllis and Billy are soooooo Hot!! That’s what draws me to this show!! I’m ready for Philly to be together for real!! Out in the open as a loving couple in GC!!
Jason Thompson is rocking it as Billy. He has really made the role his own. I’m looking forward to seeing all the Philly affair fallout, I know JT and the other actors involved will knock it out of the park.
Although I don’t like Billy with Phyllis , FOR HURTING JACK BUT Jack deserves better anyway I do prefer Gina’s PHYLLIS,And , I finally like Billy for the first time since he was a teen,JASON THOMPSON IS WONDERFUL. I CAN SEE PHYLLIS CHEATING WITH BILLY IF IT WAS B M ,NOT DAVID OR BURGESS ,
Nailed it, Tucker!! You are so right, as far as I am concerned…I, too, see no sexual , psychological or emotional chemistry between him and Phyllis.
I have not felt any stirring from this Billy with any of his ‘girlfriends’.
But, as you can see, many disagree with us. We say ‘tomahhhhto’; others say ‘tomato’. LOL.
Hi, Meg,
Jack deserves everything he gets. His past misdeeds are catching up to him.
Jack did some despicable things to a lot of people. It’s a soap, LOL. As someone said, this is exactly what is to be expected. Later, Meg.
Jack has more paid for what he did in his past ,he isn’t a sociopath like victor, he is a decent human being ,I hope Sally writes him someone better than PHYLLIS..
Hi, again, Meg, I was not comparing Jack to Victor. Victor is in a league of his own. My point was that, albeit TPTB are transforming Jack’s disposition, his sins are catching up to him. Karma. He ruined Patty’s life, and do many more lives. But, I will grant Jack did not act out of intentional evil as Victor. With Victor, it is a compulsion to inflict pain to suit his purposes. However, he is paying as we speak….there’s more to come. He just doesn’t seem to be affected by it. Or, at least, the writers are very selective with… Read more »
Billy & Phyllis? Aw, heck no!!!
Haven’t even watched the programs. Will say Jason is more delightful in person than playing Billy. Then, again, Billy isn’t any Prince Charming. I haven’t quite adjusted to him. Physically he is so different from the previous two. For now, I would let this trio each go their own direction. Give us all a time to recover. Please reconstitute Jack. Make him the strong business person he supposedly is. I don’t know who Phyllis and Billy are; neither appear to have adapted a continuity with the previous players. That’s OK. Change is good. The needed reconstruction hasn’t taken place. Now… Read more »
I think it’s so hard for an actor to step into a “classic character” if you will, and I think Jason Thompson and Gina Tognoni do a beautiful job with poorly written material.
Should those two characters be together? Meh. I dunno…I just know that when I watch Jack and Phyllis kiss, I feel gross. The chemistry just isn’t there.
I would liked to see Jack and Phyllis work their way back to each other. Phyllis was raped by Marco and has never dealt with it. She and Jack, both, pretended it never happened. The fact that Jack and Marco were identical in looks must have made it difficult to be close to Jack. Billy is just a vulture who wants everything that Jack has. Victor never pays for his crimes !!!!! Enough of this !!!!
I absolutely loathe NewBilly and Phyllis. They are simply gross together and JT is all kinds of wrong to play Billy. The affair was seedy and tawdry and doesn’t deserve support. The fact that Billy has been taunting Jack all along while he’s sleeping with Jack’s wife(!) is odious and so is Billy. This seedy affair also isn’t rootable because both of them have been acting like this is Jack’s fault that he didn’t “get” Phyllis. No, sorry but this story should be about Jack and Phack – NOT Billy and Phyllis! This is abominable writing and Pratt should have… Read more »
What did Jack do during a year when he knew Billy’s daughter’s killer was alive?
S-o…Jack is ‘hit the hardest’ by Billy and Phyllis’s affair??? Oh, Wah Wah Wah, Cry Me A River and Boo Hoo Hoo!!!!! As far as I’m concerned, Jack WAS ALWAYS, STILL IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE a lying, cheating and two-faced CAD!!!!! Sorry…but Jack gets NO SYMPATHY from me!!!!! NONE!!!!!
Philly is my favorite daytime couple right now, and “the affair” is (or should I say “was”?) my favorite storyline of 5 years. I liked the depth and subtlety of the buildup, love the incredible chemistry between Gina Tognoni and Jason Thompson. It’s always a treat to watch their scenes. Of course, I want this great on-screen couple “to survive” the turmoil. However, I’m getting more and more confused by some of the writing choices in this storyline. Namely, the change in motives. What I’ve been watching for months was a clear love affair. Now they’re rewriting it into something… Read more »
Really love this storyline and JT has done so well in this role. Very happy to see him enjoying himself so much in this leading role. With Adam gone, it really just leaves him and Nick as the hot leading men.
Days Of Our Lives
Steve Burton Talks On: ‘Beyond Salem’, His Co-Stars, Dismissal From ‘General Hospital’ Over Vaccine Mandate, and What’s Next
Two-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and enduring fan favorite, Steve Burton, chats with Michael Fairman in a brand new interview on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he chats on his recent role on the streaming series, Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter Two, which is continuing to stream on Peacock.
In ‘Beyond Salem’, Burton reprises his first ever DAYS and soap opera role of Harris Michaels. Burton made his daytime TV debut in the part back in 1988. Throughout the five episode-streamer, Burton shares pivotal scenes and story with longtime DAYS icon, Kristian Alfonso (Hope).
Photo: JPI
Burton expressed on taping his initial scenes with Alfonso (which were Harris and Hope’s wedding day): “The greatest thing about her (Kristian) was she has amazing eyes as an actress – eyes I can really connect with and it was an highly-emotional day. She helped me stay anchored – just by looking in her eyes. She’s probably going, “Why is this weirdo starring at me all the time?’ (Laughs). She was great, gracious and awesome, but she really did help me out and I told her that and I said, ‘You made my job so much easier today, thank you.'”
The actor also revealed that in story, the door was left open that Harris’ bad guy moves in the streaming series, could turn out to be more complicated than on the surface given the character’s interrogation room final scene.
Steve weighed-in on if he would welcome more ‘Beyond Salem’ or chance to jump to the DAYS mothership on NBC. He shared: “If there is another one, if there is an open door on DAYS at some point, and I don’t know this, I’m just saying, I think they wanted to make it like, ‘Hey, this guy is really not a bad guy, and he’s redeemable.”
Photo: ABC
In addition, Steve opens up about his decision to not adhere to the ABC/Disney Covid-19 vaccine mandate, which ultimately led to him being fired from his long-running soap opera, and pivotal role on General Hospital as Jason Morgan.
Steve played Jason from 1991 to 2012 and then again from 2017 until the late fall of 2021. When reflecting on if he stands by his decision to not adhere to the ABC/Disney Vaccine Mandate policy, which caused him to be let go, Burton expressed: “I do. There was really no doubt in mind, obviously. It was just something that I believed, and I just could not do it. Look, I always say, you’ve got to follow your gut in life. Anytime I’ve ever gone against my gut instinct or conscious, it’s usually not a good result, and that’s why regret is always a guideline, your conscious is your guideline, and I don’t think I could have really lived with myself if I went against it.”
The longtime daytime star also weighed-in on if he had been concerned that he would not work on another daytime show, given his stance on the vaccine mandate. Steve said, “No, things are changing daily with things all the time. I didn’t really worry about it. I felt if things change at GH, sure, I could probably go back. I was on The Young and the Restless, there could be a door open there. I never really thought about DAYS too much, but I do visualization every day and I thought about all four shows. I would go, ‘Hey, if there’s a job there, awesome, bring it.” I’m open to it. It’s daytime … it’s my home … but t I didn’t think it would be this way (with Beyond Salem) – I had no idea it would work out this way.”
Photo: SBurtonIG
During the conversation, Burton shares his sentiments on his former GH co-stars including: Kelly Thiebaud (Britt), who just won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Laura Wright (Carly) and reiterates, how again, Maurice Benard (Sonny) was instrumental in his development as an actor and shares behind-the-scenes details from his younger days as Jason.
Steve, who has been in the news of late after filing for divorce from with his wife of over two decades, Sheree Gustin, reveals during the conversation how he has faced a challenging year personally and professionally, and the lessons he has learned to get him get through the hard times.
Currently, Burton continues to travel the country with his former GH co-star, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) as their comedy show, Stone Cold and the Jackal plays multiple venues and details during the interview, why their creative and business partnership works, plus previews his new Steve Burton fitness app and workout venture and more.
Check out the full interview with Steve below.
Then let us know, do you hope to see Steve land on Days of our Lives and continuing the story of Harris Michaels? Did you enjoy him with Kristian Alfonso on ‘Beyond Salem Chapter 2″? What did you think about the sentiments he shared for his former GH co-stars, Kelly Thiebaud, Laura Wright and Maurice Benard in this interview? Do you hope someday that Jason will return to GH in the form of Burton? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Head Writer Ron Carlivati Talks ‘Beyond Salem Chapter 2’, Summer in Salem, Daytime Emmys & OLTL Favorite Moments
If you ever wondered about the thought-process of a head writer of a daytime drama, who also has the task of a creating a limited-streaming series in the same vein, then look no further then Michael Fairman’s latest interview now on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel with DAYS head writer, Ron Carlivati.
Coming off his third Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, Carlivati not only shares the high points of his Emmy night, but how the win was made extra-special and emotional because of the passing of DAYS writing team member, Elizabeth Snyder, who was key to the writing of one of the winning episodes.
Photo: Courtesy/CBS
Starting on Monday July 11th, Carlivati and team’s latest creation, Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter Two will drop on Peacock with a new episode each day through Friday, July 15th. During this interview, Ron details how Peter Reckell (Bo), Kristian Alfonso (Hope) and Steve Burton (Harris) all signed on to the project, and how he approached the story for each of their characters, and how at its core this second edition of ‘Beyond Salem’ will be a must-see for any longtime Bope fan.
Photo: Peacock
Ron also talks on the on-screen debut of Abigail Klein as the new Stephanie Johnson in ‘Beyond Salem” and how she will land on NBC DAYS, and more. He also addresses the recent on-screen exodus on the mothership at Days of our Lives of Marci Miller (Abigail), Lamon Archey (Eli) and Sal Stowers (Lani) and Victoria Konefal (Ciara) and Rob Scott Wilson (Ben). Though as has been reported and speculated, Wilson will be returning to the soap opera.
Photo: Peacock
In a DAYS summer preview, Carlivati shares that Abigail’s murder mystery will take many twists and turns, how Sami (Alison Sweeney) and Lucas (Bryan Dattilo) nuptials could all blow up if Sami were to find out the man she is marrying was her kidnapper, plus what will Sami do when she realizes her sister, Belle (Marths Madison) has gotten oh-so-close with her man, EJ (Dan Feuerriegel)?
Photo: Peacock
The head scribe also teases that another major character will die in the coming months .. .but who will it be?
We wrap up the conversation with some rapid-fire questions for Ron on his favorite soap characters, storylines, etc, which if you are One Life to Live or Knots Landing fan, you will want to find out his answers.
Check out the full interview with Ron below.
Now, let us know, are you looking forward to ‘Beyond Salem: Chapter Two’? What do you think will go down this summer on Days of our Lives? Share your thoughts on this and more from our conversation in the comment section.
Days Of Our Lives
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