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!
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 in recasting both Billy and Adam with Billy M and Justin H.
Does lightening strike more than once?
As far as Jack. He makes me sick; ‘crying’ tears of hurt. He should know better. My husband’s grandfather has a million of Italian sayings….’ The wolf changes its coat, but not its habit’. In other words…Billy IS in the habit of bedding his brother’s wife, namely SHARON…now, Phyllis. So, becoming a father. Losing a child. Life’s sufferings have done nothing to change this screw-up.
TPTB had tried steering Billy in the right direction, at last!!!! But, it all went down the drain, for some reason. Blame the writing.
So, to me this is a matter of coveting ANYTHING that belongs to Jack, his brother. Billy is the typically insecure, destructive spoiled, rich brat….sooooo stigmatized. Not always true in reality.
But, that’s the crux of the matter. A wife is not a possession. Both Jack and Billy need to keep that in mind.
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 of brotherly hate/envy/jealousy on Billy’s end toward Jack. To me, that’s the saddest part of all.
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 there to invest in story-wise. GH is still my soap and they have the best cast in daytime, but they will continue to lose actors if they don’t get it together and start writing stories that are deeper and more compelling. Meanwhile I have added Y&R to my daily viewing thanks to Jason and the other great actors there and also to the show’s storytelling.
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 what they want us to see; or delve into Victor’s core.
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 I will go watch!
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 been fired last year. Major vet Jack has been sidelined in his own story just so the newest show pet can have the spotlight with a leading lady. I’m disgusted and will not watch this garbage. Death to Philly!! #TeamJack
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 I don’t know anymore what, and it looks like scriptwriters are as confused as I am. I understand the need to up the stakes before the reveal – I think that’s why they (suddenly) did this “Phyllis wants to save her marriage so much” two hours after suggesting to live a double life. All the explanations what happened doesn’t make much sense because that’s not what I’ve been seing on-screen for months. It’s quite irritating. There’s one more attempt to explain the affair on Friday’s (Canada)/Monday’s (US) show that explains nothing.
I wonder what happened to the person who was writing this story in Spring. It was a very carefully and with a deep insight written story.
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.
General Hospital
(WATCH THE REPLAY) ‘A Tribute to Jackie Zeman’ Featuring General Hospital Co-Stars

Several of the late Jackie Zeman’s (Bobbie Spencer) former General Hospital co-stars gathered together last Thursday night, to honor the beloved actress during a special livestream event on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Joining in remembrance of Zeman, who passed away in May following a short bout with cancer, were several of the loves of Bobbie’s life including: Rick Springfield (ex-Noah), Brad Maule (ex-Tony) and Sam Behrens (ex-Jake). In addition, Kin Shriner (Scott), Jackie’s longtime GH co-star and dear friend participated, as well as Tamara Braun (ex-Carly, GH, now Ava Days) and Tristan Rogers (Scorpio).
Throughout the hour, love was sent Jackie’s way, not only from the stars, but the fans participating in the live chat. Each actor recalled their first meeting with Jackie, and in Rick Springfield’s case, how it was Jackie who told then GH-EP Gloria Monty, that he was her pick to play Dr. Noah Drake.
Later, Brad Maule shared heart-tugging moments when working with Jackie and how he was pretty much in awe of her throughout their time together on the soap. When the talk turned to the iconic B.J. heart transplant storyline, Brad says it’s still difficult for him to watch even to this day, because of how emotional it was.
Tamara Braun, who was the second actress to play Carly, Bobbie’s daughter, revealed how she tried to, and did find peace in Jackie’s passing, as Kin Shriner gave us the back-story of his over 45-year friendship with Jackie, and Tristan revealed his special connection to her.
In case you missed it, you can catch the replay below. Then let us know what you thought of our tribute to Jackie featuring some of her GH co-stars, who showed up to give us some insights on their time working with Jackie, and to be a part of our special remembrance.
Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives’ Suzanne Rogers Talks 50 Years as Maggie: From Farm Girl, to Becoming a Horton, to Picking Up the Pieces After Victor’s Death

Days of our Lives enduring favorite, Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Simmons Horton Kiriakis), recently chatted on some of the high points and low points throughout her journey, as she looked back on 50 years on the long-running soap opera.
Rogers was interviewed by Michael Fairman on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel during a virtual discussion, which covered a lot of ground including: her debut as a young farm girl who couldn’t walk and on crutches, to becoming a Horton, to more recently, losing her beloved husband, Victor Kiriakis (the late John Aniston), and everything in between.
Suzanne first aired on Days of our Lives back on August 20th, 1973. Throughout her time, she has been “killed-off” the show, only to ultimately return nine months later, after it was revealed her on-screen ‘death’ was part of an overall PR stunt and story arc.

Photo: JPI
Rogers has also had her real-life chronic autoimmune neuromuscular condition, myasthenia gravis, written it to the show, even though she was originally against it. She has been married on-screen to two of the more complex men in the history of the show, John Clarke (ex-Mickey) and John Aniston (ex-Victor). As well, through the years, Maggie learned that she had more children that she thought! In addition, Maggie is an alcoholic, who has been known to have her battles with the bottle throughout the years. It was her performance in Maggie’s original bout with alcoholism that won her the very first Daytime Emmy in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category back in 1979.
Here are just a few of Suzanne’s comments on some key subjects throughout her five decades on DAYS.

Photo: JPI
On filming the recently aired scenes, where Maggie learns Victor has perished in a plane crash, and how it brought back emotions of John Aniston’s passing: “It was hard. I think right back to the memorial service (for John Aniston). That was a hard day. All I kept thinking in my mind is he’s not in any pain anymore. I kept saying that. So, I had to play the scenes. It was all surreal. It really was surreal. The fact that he was no longer gonna be there. There’s a tribute to him on the set. I just look at that all the time and I’m right there with him.”
When addressing her fears and concerns about being seen with myasthenia gravis, and being asked to come back to the show: “The producers, Al Rabin and Wes Kenny, said, ‘We would like for you to come back to the show.’ I said, ‘I think you ought to see me first.’ I just didn’t want to shock anybody. We met at Du Pars (coffee shop). It didn’t register on their face that I looked any different, but I did. I really did. They said, ‘We’ll work around you, whatever you need. If you need to come in at noon, that’s fine. We’ll put a sofa in your dressing room so you can lie down.’ (Fast-forward) Then, the audience started seeing me on camera. The first day I saw myself on camera, I turned off the TV, and I started crying. I thought, ‘Well, I guess God wants to see me, see myself like this. So, I put it back on and I forced myself to watch … and it didn’t look like me, to me. Then the audience, of course, got a hold of it, and they said, ‘What’s the matter with her? Is she drinking? What is wrong?’ So, they figured they had to write it (myasthenia gravis) into the show. I said, “Only if it has a happy ending, because I plan on beating this. That was the criteria that we went with – that they would write it in the show, but they had to have a happy ending.”

Photo: NBC
When recalling being killed-off the show in 2003, after Marlena clubbed Maggie over the head with a whiskey bottle, only for Suzanne to return to the show months later: “I thought I was gone and then to see yourself 10 feet tall. I mean, it was at least 7 feet tall that (movie) screen. It was more than I could handle. I really thought that was the end. I thought, ‘Well, this is a big sendoff.’ Marlena hit her with a bottle and smashed her in. I thought, ‘Oh, my goodness gracious’. It wasn’t a pretty scene. And no, I didn’t know (I was coming back). I had brought my mother out here, and I had added on to my house, and I thought, ‘I’m going to lose this house.’ It wasn’t a joke, you know? But then, we were all brought back on April the first. Hello!”
On the audience reaction to Maggie becoming an alcoholic: “Well, I think the first time, I knew the audience right off the bat, hated it. They didn’t like the Maggie character getting soiled in any way. But it led to the Emmy!”

Photo: NBC
On her working relationship with John Clarke (ex-Mickey): “Susan Flannery (ex-Laura) told me the very first day that I was on the show, ‘He’s (John) got to fall in love with you, or he can’t work with you.’ I said, ‘Oh, my.’ So, I remembered that in my mind. So, when we were off-stage, he would say, ‘Let’s go out to dinner.’ I said, ‘no’, because I knew Patty, his wife, and all of his kids. I just don’t mix business with pleasure. You just don’t. That’s just not a good thing. I thought, ‘Let’s just keep the two separate, and that’s what I tried to do.”‘
Make sure to check out watch our full conversation with Suzanne below.
Now let us know, what has been your favorite storyline of Maggie’s through the years? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
General Hospital
Kin Shriner and Marcus Coloma Chat On General Hospital Departures, John Stamos, Avery Pohl & New Season of ‘2D’s’

Two former stars of General Hospital, Kin Shriner (ex-Scott) and Marcus Coloma (ex-Nikolas) opened up about their exits from the ABC daytime drama series, their focus on the second season of their comedy series, the ‘2Ds‘, and more on their recent livestream conversation with Michael Fairman on his You Tube Channel.
The first season of ‘2D’s’ was posted to Coloma’s Instagram account, and it featured many of his former GH co-stars including: Finola Hughes, Jon Lindstrom, Carolyn Hennesy and other former GH cast members, Michelle Stafford, Billy Warlock with his wife, Julie Pinson (ex-Port Charles, ATWT and Days) and more.
During the livestream conversation, Coloma, who has Avery Pohl (Esme, GH) guest-starring in episode one of season two of the comedy series, opened up about his diciest plot point to portray while GH, that of Nikolas hooking up with Esme.
Marcus expressed: “That was a very interesting time, because I love working with Avery. She’s just a great actress and super professional. She’s also just a really fun person to hang out with. And so, sleeping with Esme was very stressful, because for so long I set up this strong relationship with my son (Spencer), and this popped in (the storyline) that, ‘you were going to sleep with Esme’. It would really stress me out to be honest with you, because I would try to play as real as I possibly could and I would try to justify it on how I would get to that place. On top of that, in real life, I’m 44 and Avery is 21. I’m like, “God, I am going to make out with this kid.” I was stressed about it. At the same time, I really enjoy working with her.”

Courtesy/ABC
The actor, who was finished at GH after his three-year contract as the dark prince of the Cassadine clan, shared his thoughts on his exit after several months away from the soap opera. Coloma said, “It really turned into that thing where you go on a date and fall in love with a girl . By the end of the three years, you fall in love with your castmates, you fall in love with the character. You fall in love with a lot of things about it, the fans. And, I was surprising very sad, when I found out that it was going to end. I wasn’t sad like, ‘I think we should make this thing work’. I agree, I don’t think this should continue, but I was really sad about it. Now, I’m very happy because in this silly show the  I have found my happy place.”

Photo: JPI
Kin Shriner, who for six decades had played Scott Baldwin on GH, a few months back shared he was not coming back to the soap anytime soon. However, as we have seen before, Scott has resurfaced. Shriner weighed-in: “I don’t know what to tell you about that, and I am going to turn back up like a bad penny, and hopefully it’s going to be fun. My focus went from him over to this guy in the black trench coat and I’m having fun. So, I haven’t really thought about Scotty Baldwin … he’s in the closet right now.”

Photo: JPI
In the season one finale of the 2D’s comedy series, Shriner’s long-time budding, John Stamos (ex-Blackie, GH) made a cameo capping off the story. Just how did Kin get John to participate? Kin gave the back-story: “I kind of pitched it to him a couple of different ways and getting John to commit to anything is tough, but I think in the end, he probably looked at a couple of episodes (before agreeing). Stamos has been so busy with his book that I could only get him on this way (with iPhone video), but I think he is going to be willing to let me come to his house and shoot live. So we are looking forward to that and maybe he will be in the finale of season two!”

Photo: JPI
John and Kin first met when John started on GH in 1982. Kin recalls, “I took John under my wing when he was merely an 18-year-old kid that showed up eager and I taught him the ropes. He was from Orange County and he was raw, but he was tremendous at comedy. He was funny. We kind of just had fun, and then we moved to New York and hung out, and then his career took off with Jack Klugman and then Full House. John had innate comedy timing, which Marcus has, and either they have it, or they don’t.”
This weekend starting on August 19th, Marcus and Kin are hosting several fan opportunities in the SoCal area. Check out ticket info here.
In case you missed it, watch our full chat with Kin and Marcus below.
Now let us know, what did you think about the departures of Scott and Marcus from GH? Are you enjoying the 2D’s comedy series and all of the soap opera guest stars within it? Let us know in the comment section.
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