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Y&R’s Jess Walton Dishes On Her 30-Year Milestone As Genoa City’s Jill!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Photo credit: JPI Studios

August has been a month of celebration for The Young and the Restless enduring star, Jess Walton.  The two-time Daytime Emmy-winning actress has played the one and only Jill for now 30 years in Genoa City.  Not an easy milestone to reach, or feat in the world of soap operas.

On Friday, August 18th, at a gathering in her honor: cast, crew, CBS and Sony executives, and Y&R creatives came together to praise and thank Jess Walton for her outstanding performances and efforts as a legacy member of the number-one daytime drama series.  From Y&R’s executive producer and now head writer Mal Young, to Sony’s Steve Kent and Jason Clodfelter, to Walton’s cast mates, Peter Bergman (Jack), Kate Linder (Esther), and Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki), everyone shared fond memories, and their love for Jess, and her one-of-a-kind brilliance, that has made Jill a character soap fans have either loved to love, or loved to hate for over three decades.

When it was her turn to speak, Walton noted those along the way who helped her and meant so much to her with some touching and humorous stories including those of her longtime scene partner, the late Jeanne Cooper (Katherine). In a surprise for Walton, Y&R producer, Jimmy Freeman put together a clip package of memorable Jill moments through the years illustrating the series love for Jess. 

On-Air On-Soaps sat down with Jess following the tribute in her honor to get her thoughts on the 30-year celebration, and her fantastic series run.  To kick things off though, here is what a few of her co-stars had to say about Jess on her big day.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Peter Bergman (Jack): “People always ask who my favorite person to work with is, and I always say Jess Walton, because I have so much fun history with the character of Jill, and our scenes just play themselves.”

Sharon Case (Sharon):  “Jess is amazing.  I have watched her work over the years.  My favorite storyline with Jess was with Jerry Douglas as John Abbott, when they were having a custody battle over baby Billy!  That was just so well-written, and performed so well that it was one of my all-time favorite storylines on Y&R.  Jess is a really powerful actress, and she is so talented that she can play anything. 

JESS WALTON INTERVEW

Jess, you mentioned when you got up to address those in attendance, and to make your speech that it’s hard for you to speak publicly.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

JESS:   Yes.  I don’t like public speaking.  I hate it!  It was harder than I expected and I didn’t know where to begin, because I had so many ideas in my head and so many memories. When I got up there to speak, I thought I couldn’t possibly fit all of this in; people are waiting for their lunch. (Laughs)  So, I just did a hodgepodge of memories.  I remember one of them was Ed Scott (Ex-EP, Y&R) running down the stage to me a million times at the beginning.  I then remember going to Bill Bell (Creator, Y&R) and saying, “Do I have to cry when it says in the script to cry during a speech, because it would always make me freeze up?”   Bill said, “No. You don’t.”    I went to Ed Scott and told him that, and then Ed said, “I’m going to kill him” (Laughs) Ed did not want me to have permission not to cry, because Ed loved seeing the actors cry. (Laughs)

When you watched the stroll down memory lanes in the clip package that was shown featuring those memorable Jill moments, what was your reaction?

Photo Credit: CBS

JESS:   I loved seeing me when I was younger.  I loved the Jeanne Cooper scenes, and I know it would have been magnificent if she was here with us for this, but I know she is watching. Jeanne shaped me so much, and she was such a strong person, that she made me strong.

I don’t know if you are aware, but so many over the years have told me how phenomenal they think you are as an actress, and many out there, who are your peers,  revere you as one of the penultimate actresses of the genre. 

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

JESS:  I can’t believe that, and I have never felt that!  That’s amazing to me and makes me feel very humbled, because all of that makes me uncomfortable, but I am very proud that people think that.  It’s funny, one of the great things and gifts on being with this show is that you could be really mediocre one day, absolutely feel bad about your performance the next day, and then do a kick-ass job on Thursday. So, you always have another chance. It used to be if you were a guest star on a weekly primetime show, if you blew it during your one shot that was it.  I remember when I felt that.  I would want to kill myself for the next month! (Laughs) Now, the crew and the cameramen at Y&R have seen me be good, bad, and indifferent.  I don’t have to prove a thing to them.  They know what I can do.  You can always do your best work when you feel comfortable, and I feel comfortable when working in front of them. 

In your 30 years, which were the storylines you disliked, or you thought were real stinkers for your character, Jill?

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

JESS:   I didn’t like when they sent Jill off into the witness protection program with Bobby played by John Enos. I did not like that; to leave to be the nanny to their baby?  Jill hated Brittany Hodges (Lauren Woodland), who was the mother of the baby, and Jill had worked all her life to be an executive at Jabot.  So when Jill says, “I will just go off with you two and be your nursemaid”, I thought, perhaps, that wasn’t the easiest scene to play.  A similar thing happened when I was in scenes with Michael Nouri (Ex-Elliot Hampton), and his character came in to steal Jabot.  Jill was supposed to run off with him and leave all of her family, friends, and everything she worked for behind.  That was another one where I went, “I don’t think so!” (Laughs)

On the flipside, what has been some of your favorite storylines?

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

JESS:  I particularly liked when Jill has both John Abbott (Jerry Douglas) and Rex Sterling (Quinn Redeker) on a string, but they did not know about each other.  I thought that was hilarious, because Jill always had to back herself out of a corner, and it was really a lot of fun.  There was also the storyline with David Kimball played by Michael Corbett.  It wasn’t that long, like maybe two years of the 30 years, but Michael is one of my dearest friends to this day. 

You replaced Brenda Dickson in the role.  What do you recall about that time, and coming on to Y&R as the new Jill?

Courtesy/CBS

JESS:  I did not know much about The Young and the Restless at all, but Nicolas Walker (Ex-Trey Clegg, Capitol) who was my co-star on Capitol, had been on the show for a little bit.  He had come over for a day and filled me in on the story. Nicholas would run lines with me and play Jeanne Cooper’s part as Katherine.  He truly filled me in on a tremendous amount of stuff! 

In closing, you know live in Oregon.  However, when all is said and done, do you want to continue coming back to Y&R, and being part of the fabric of the show?

JESS:  Oh sure, yeah.  I wouldn’t want to do it day in and day out anymore, but I like to come down in chunks.  It has been an amazing run for me on Y&R, and yes, I would like to keep coming back.

Share your congratulations to Jess Walton for her 30 years as Jill Foster Abbott Atkinson in the comment section below.  Then let us know what has been your favorite Jill scene over the three decades, and let us know your thoughts in subjects shared in our conversation with Jess.

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32 Comments
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Jess Walton is always a breath of fresh air. I love her gritty determination that she shows in each and every scene, be they big or small. Her storylines always true and most often are performed with precision and pure talent. Congrats on 30 years Ms. Walton, I am grateful for each and every one!

Jess/Jill thanks for all the tears, the laughter, the love and the tension you so eloquently portray when you come to the show….I’ve watched the Y&R since the beginning and you are one of my favorite charActers.

I live in a small southern time and am widowed ..
Watching the show I can live vicariously and get a piece of the star lifestyle I would never get without you and the show
I really have been enjoying the private pictures of Oregon and you dog.
That’s all I have when I come home now and they are just like your child
.I have 1 son ,50, who has term I al heart disease …he is trying to Take care of me since I have just had foot and leg surgery.
Thanks for giving me something to look forward to everyday…and thanks for being you…love you and wish you 30 more!!!!

I always loved to hate Jill..lol

Two words: Class act!

CONGRATULATIONS TO A REAL CLASSY LADY AND WONDERFUL ACTRESS. FROM THE TIME I STARTED WATCHING ,YOUR SCENES WITH JEANNE COOPER WERE AWESOME……TODAY YOU ARE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND I HOPE YOU WILL RETURN OFTEN…. THANKS FOR SOME OF THE BEST SOAP MOMENTS EVER.

The show needs Jill but not as a baby sitter for Billy or Cane but as the tremendous talent the actress brings to the character. She could fly in and take down Hilary in one clean swoop, put Victor in his place and even Cane.
I miss the character and the actress

Love you, Jess. You are Queen….the epitome of grace, and in-your-face, savoir faire acting.
Wishing you the best of the best in life……and more Jill, please!!

Totally miss her on a day to day basis. The show isn’t the same without her. Yes, a class act!

I love watching Jess own her scenes. She can really give a powerhouse performance when she has to rise above it.

Jess is the total package! I enjoy every scene she is part of and sincerely hope her presence continues. Living a short distance from Jess, it would be neat to pass her on a sidewalk or spot her out shopping ~~ but alas, no such luck. She deserves privacy and peace and I believe she has found that in OR.

I have always loved Jill. She has always been my favorite character. I loved the cat fights she had with Katherine. Classic soap opera at its best. Also the scenes with Jill and Esther have always been priceless. I am hoping we can see more of this class act in upcoming shows. Especially now, that her bbeloved Cane got himself into such a mess. Here’s to hopefully seeing more of the wonderfulness that is Jess Walton in future episodes. And on a side note, and I know what I am about to say has nothing to do with the abovementioned topic. I was wondering if I was the only watcher of The Bold and The Beautiful who is loving the pairing of Wyatt and Katie. Talk about chemistry. I say bring it on and bring me more. Let papa Bill stew over that a bit. Congrats again to the wonderful and talented Jess Walton.

Soapqueen, I am loving Wyatt and Katie together, wonderful paring and YES, for sure they have chemistry…

I still miss the dynamics between Jeanne Cooper and Jess. What great characters they played. Hopefully Jess can turn up from time to time on Y&R. It always makes me feel good when she’s on. Miss the old days of Y&R.

Yeeeessss, Judith!!!!! Everything you said!!

CONGRATULATIONS on 30 years…and here’s to MANY MORE!!!!! CHEERS!!!!!

See, this is the problem, Jess only wants to come in and work in chunks. NO! Y&R needs that character full time! Jess has earned the right to do what she wants in her life BUT when a production calls for Jill to be front and center, you have to be there. Imagine if Tome Brady only wanted to play 5 or 6 games a year! Its time for Jess to walk away. I love and respect her but they made a mistake not recasting Kathrine and they shouldnt do the same with Jill. Its about the show, not one singular cast member.

Recasting Katherine Chancellor in anything but a short-term stint, a-la Michael Learned’s tenure, would be a major mistake and insult. As for recasting Jill, it’d be a daunting task, but it would be done. Though, I’d rather see Jess Walton continue her portrayal, even if it is in chunks. But more consistent chunks, than pieces here and pieces there, much like Traci Abbott.

Amen to that, Timm. Can you imagine the memories Jess Walton must have after 30 years? The scenes with Jeanne Cooper alone must make her proud. I wish we had more flashback scenes of their best tender and/or explosive moments. Not more of this insane Charlie & Mattie takeover!

Everyone deserves a happy retirement. She clearly enjoys hers.

She’s needed. She’s a great actress. But – and I hate saying this – either they retire the character or they recast.

Congratulations! Can’t wait for you to return to Y&R.

still waiting for tricia cast to return as nina and reignite the jill vs nina feud!
after katherine , nina was jill s second arch nemesis…now that cane s single and broke and a snake maybe he can cozy up to nina?! this could amp up the chancellor war again!
the newmans are tired, give the chancellors some love
…give lily and cane a break, they re better apart. bring back redaric as tyler who had real chemistry with cristell.this jordan characters not cutting it. his lame history with chelsea who is also lame without adams pointless

I like Walton and congratulations on the milestone.

That being said, Walton has barely been on screen for the past 5 years (averaging about 10 shows a year) that I’m having a hard time with the significance of the event.

Mal Young has been with the show for less than 2 years. Anyone else wonder exactly what “memories” Mal Young shared about his time working with Walton on Y&R?? I bet Walton hasn’t been on the show for a total of 30 episodes since Young has been employed there.

I like Walton and hope that she is enjoying her (clearly desired) retirement. She certainly earned it. However, I miss Jill Foster Abbott (none of this inane, “Fenmore business”) and want her back. Jill deserves more than the once a quarter appearances that Walton is lodging as the character. (At this point, Big Foot sightings in Walton’s beloved Oregon are occurring more frequently than an appearance of Jill in Genoa City!!).

The show needs to give Walton a well-deserved pat on the back, wish her well in Oregon, and RECAST THE ROLE OF JILL!!!!!!

I do not watch Y&R .Can’t stand eric B, But I loved Jill on Capitol. She was great with Nickolas. She is a very talented actress.

Congratulations Jess – I have enjoyed your portrayal of Jill Abbott over the years – especially your scenes with Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor).

I have also enjoyed the smartalic comments that use to go back and forth between Jill and Jack Abbott when she was married to John Abbott

I miss seeing Jess Walton, Excellent actress.

She’s amazing and always has been!

We love Jill…she is such a professional!

I doubt that there is an actress who could fill Jess Waltons’ shoes as Jill! She was/is inimitable in that role!

I have watched Y&R since Jess was a manicurist on the show. Jess is one of the greatest actress and miss her a lot. Wish she was on more often. Love that she shares with us on face book. A beautiful lady!

My favorite schene was the time Kathryn and Jill’s mom was dying and didn’t know at the time about Jill’s mother whom was actually Kathryn Chancellor. When the time they told Jill, I thought she was going to have a heart attack or just have a moment without words but she was just Jill and said you got to be kidding me. But it was true and Jill’s mom whom raised her all those years wanted Jill to know, because, sorry, can’t remember Jill’s mom at this moment but she like and loved Kathryn and wanted Jill to know and to accept her has her mom, because Kathryn helped Jill’s mom whom raised her without Jill ever knowing it even though they had some big brawls thru the years when she was a young lady as a stylist. Jill was a rebel and she still is but has made all these years because she was a maverick and made it a strong character to this very day. Don’t ever stop Jessica, because you are the greatest.

Congratulations you are a focal point on Y&R and your bubbly personally can always be felt!! Well deserved !!!

Interviews

‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom Talks Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and What’s Behind Katie’s Deep-Seated Issues with Dylan (Exclusive)

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Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom (Katie Logan) is heading into the 53rd annual Daytime Emmys next month with a chance to win not one, but two gold statuettes to add to her collection of six!

Heather is once again a nominee for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series, and for the first time a nominee as part of B&B’s writing team in the Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Drama Series category.

Currently, Heather is tied with One Life to Live icon, Erika Slezak (Ex-Viki) as the actresses with the most wins in Daytime Emmy history. An acting victory by Tom would break the tie, although Slezak’s wins have all been for Lead Actress, while Tom literally grew up before our eyes over 35 years in daytime, and has won in all three actress categories: Younger, Supporting and Lead.

Photo: JPI

Whether Tom wins the gold this year, next year is looking even like stronger lock with Heather delivering some of the best work of her career, over the last several months. Who can forget Katie’s showdown with her sister Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) over the creation of her own fashion house named Logan, that slap from Brooke, and eventually being disowned from the Logan family by Brooke and their sister, Donna (Jennifer Gareis). 

This fall, Katie is in full momma bear-mode and being overprotective of her son Will Spencer’s (Crew Morrow) heart and pocketbook. In story, Katie has a massive distrust of Melissa Dylan, who has made her move on her son, while Will is still trying to deal with the break-up with the love of his life Electra Forrester.

During a live chat this week on the Michael Fairman Channel, Heather opened up on a myriad of subjects, including why Dylan gets under Katie’s skin in such a major way, and what scenes earned her a shot at Lead Actress gold at the October 30th Daytime Emmy ceremony.

Photo: JPI

HEATHER TOM’S DAYTIME EMMY SUBMISSION

In daytime, Heather Tom does it all, she acts, directs and writes for The Bold and the Beautiful. When deciding what material to submit for Emmy competition with its eligibility rules of episodes from 2025, it relayed heavily on scenes with her longtime B&B scene partner, Don Diamont (Bill Spencer).

“I submitted material having to do with the Luna (Lisa Yamada) storyline and having to do with Katie and Bill. I love that Katie and Bill have been really trying to find their way back to each other for, honestly, five years. He’s been trying to woo her back. Katie’s been like, ‘No.’ However, they come together, especially over their son, Will (Crew Morrow) and they have a very real relationship-type of discussion. It wasn’t an argument. It was more about, ‘I know you. Don’t do this.’ That’s always kind of been Katie’s relationship with Bill. The scenes with Don Diamont were about Katie and Bill’s history, the pain, and the drama, and especially about their son, seemed very familiar to me.”

Heather added, “There’s also a couple scenes with Will and Luna, when Katie finds out that Luna is pregnant. Katie was like, ‘Nope! Our son is having a baby with somebody, and we’re going to figure this out. We’ve got means and the ability to do this. I don’t care if we have to take this baby away from Luna because she’s crazy, we’ll figure it out.’ They were some really good scenes that I felt very proud of. I thought to myself, “OK, this is Katie really taking a stand for her son, and having these conversations with Bill where I just felt they were real and honest.”

In conclusion to standing by her choices of scenes, Heather explained, “It was nice to see Bill and Katie operating as a parental unit and have her be like, “Yep, we’re not doing this. You know, you can’t force Luna to do anything, so let’s just figure out how we’re dealing with this.” Katie was kind of the adult in the room. Then, the scenes where Bill says to Katie, “You have to come back to me and I need you,” while Katie shed a few tears, she still didn’t take him back, not yet.”

Photo: JPI

DYLAN BROKE THE ‘GIRLFRIEND CODE’

There are specific reasons why Katie has it out for Melissa Dylan. In fact, Dylan went so far as to get her mother Darcy Dylan to town to shut down Katie’s suspicions of her, but it still isn’t swaying Katie away from her stance on the matter. Heather revealed how she is playing the scenes.

“So, here’s the deal. It’s multifaceted,” began Tom. “This girl pushes Katie’s buttons. She reminds her of her sister, Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang), and what Katie’s going through with her sister right now is very unpleasant. I think she looks at this girl and says, “This girl is going to crawl over anyone to get what she wants. And right now, she wants my son, and she’s willing to throw her best friend (Electra) under the bus.”

Heather also said, “Honestly, there’s something known as the ‘girlfriend code.’ Would you like to know what the girlfriend code is? ‘The girlfriend code’ is if your girlfriend, who is also your best friend, dates a guy and is especially in love with him, it doesn’t matter if you break up, that guy is off limits. You need to find yourself another guy.”

KATIE’S TROUBLES WITH BROOKE AND DYLAN MAKE HER TAKE A STAND

Katie clearly draws a similarity to her sister Brooke and Melissa Dylan which is also driving her attitude, which Heather confirmed. “So to Katie, it’s like Dylan broke that code. She is someone who follows her heart just like Brooke and leaves carnage in her wake,” said Tom.

She continued, “I think Katie looks at her and goes ‘Okay, one, you were living in your car. You didn’t call your mother who clearly loves you and ask her for help, but you were more than willing to take help from this, lovely rich guy.’ I think Katie feels like the fact that Dylan has been so expressive of how in love she is with Will, I think she finds that a little weird.  She’s telling him that she’s e in love with him, and he doesn’t say it back to you. So, clearly he’s in not in love with you.”

In story, Katie can’t trust a young woman, who knows her son doesn’t feel the same way about her and yet is still hanging around. Heather shared Katie’s viewpoint to Dylan: “He’s clearly in love with your best friend. So, isn’t it a little unsettling that she kind of keeps saying she’s in love with him? So that’s my multifaceted reason why Katie doesn’t like her. It really has nothing to do with the fact that she came from humble beginnings because Katie did too. That being said, the Spencers are billionaires, so she would have to also look out for that. However, I don’t think that’s the main reason why she doesn’t like this girl or doesn’t trust her. I really don’t.”

You can check out the full conversation from our livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel below.

Now let us know, are you rooting for Heather Tom to win the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? What did you think of the scenes she submitted? Will Katie be proven right about Melissa Dylan, or will her distrust blow up in her face and she will wind up respecting Dylan when all is said and done? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Kelly Sullivan Talks Becoming Darcy Dylan, Who’s Melissa’s Dad, and Future Love Interest (Exclusive)

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Kelly Sullivan

Kelly Sullivan made her triumphant return to daytime on recent episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful in her new role as Darcy Dylan, the mother of Melissa Dylan (Sydney Bullock).

In story, Melissa, better known as just “Dylan,” phoned home to her mother to come to Los Angeles, in an effort to calm the waters with Will Spencer’s (Crew Morrow) nosy mother, Katie Logan (Heather Tom), who doesn’t trust Dylan one iota.

Soap fans remember Sullivan from her previous Daytime Emmy-nominated role sas Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri on General Hospital and as Sage Warner on The Young and the Restless. During a livestream conversation exclusively on the Michael Fairman Channel, Kelly spoke about her time on GH and Y&R, and the wonderful co-stars she shared the screen with, and her excitement on her brand new role on B&B.

Photo: JPI

As to her thoughts on if Darcy will ultimately prove to be a gold-digger, opportunist, but still has a heart of gold (as we saw in recent scenes with her daughter, seemingly), Sullivan explained, “Characters like Darcy can be dangerous. I think Darcy is a survivor and she can charm. She’s a flirt. She knows what she wants. Darcy is self-made, according to her, and she made it.”

THE DYNAMIC BETWEEN DARCY AND HER DAUGHTER, MELISSA DYLAN

However, Melissa plays a big role in what’s next for Darcy! Kelly explained, “She’s got this beautiful daughter and that was her entire life who is now making her way. Let me tell you, I don’t know what Darcy’s retirement plan is, but one would assume she doesn’t have much savings. This is a great opportunity for her to connect with her daughter and get the lay of the land.”

Finding out that Melissa has been dating Will Spencer from the rich and powerful Spencer family in Los Angeles, while initially a shock, could prove interesting if the mother/daughter were to work together for a common cause, their survival.

Sullivan explained, “Darcy’s all about the tabloids and all about this life of illusion and the haves and have-nots, essentially. She would never shy away from an opportunity to see what’s around the corner. I think the interesting thing for me, that I’m excited about is to explore the dynamic between Darcy and Melissa and what is that going to become?”

From all accounts, Darcy is here to stay in Los Angeles, and fans will see much more of Sullivan on their-screens. “Darcy’s not going anywhere”, confirmed Kelly. “I always said to Sydney Bullock, Darcy didn’t buy a round trip ticket. If you think about it, Melissa could be her ticket. She might be Darcy’s only hope. There are serious stakes here if Darcy has been waiting for this moment.”

Photo: JPI

SHARING SCENES WITH HEATHER TOM

Last week, Sullivan had her first on-screen confrontation with Heather Tom. In the scenes, Katie was disapproving of Dylan and let Darcy know it. Eventually, Darcy takes Dylan with her to leave Will’s beach house apartment, but Will stops Dylan.

Recalling the taping of the scenes, Kelly said, “Heather Tom is a real special artist. In the story between Katie and Darcy, you’ve got momma bear and you’ve got momma bear. You can’t fault either of these women for how they feel, and how protective they are of their children.”

There are many things viewers and perhaps the writers have not totally fleshed out about the Dylans. Are their Dylan sisters coming, or to be revealed to rival the Logan sisters? Who is Melissa’s biological father? Plus, some more nuggets as Kelly revealed.

“I think there is a juicy, juicy story there of the Dylans,” previewed Sullivan. “It would also be interesting if they decide who Melissa’s dad is. Who is that? I mean, that’s interesting. You know, when I auditioned for this role, it said on the page that the character was charming, from the Midwest, and dance skills a plus. and I was a Broadway dancer. So, I hope this means there might be an opportunity to dance on the show at some point.”

Photo: JPI

DARCY DYLAN AND WYATT SPENCER PAIRING?

As for the men on the canvas, Kelly was asked what she thought of a potential Darcy and Wyatt Spencer (Darin Brooks) pairing? To which she responded, “That would be so much fun. I’m such a fan of Darin’s work. Oh, I would have a ball working with him. One of the things that really excited me about Darcy when I was coming into audition for her was that they said that they wanted her to have a  comedic sensibility, comedic chops as they said it.”

Sullivan concluded, “To work with Darin, I would be so lucky. He’s such a great actor and he’s got great comedic timing and he’s just really present and phenomenally talented. He’s a great actor, so I would love that. I mean, anyone on the show would be really fun.  You throw it at the wall (in daytime) and say, ‘Is there a thing? Is there something here?’ Chemistry is chemistry.”

Now below, and in case you missed it, you can check out our full video livestream chat with Kelly Sullivan below.

So, what have you thought of Kelly’s performances thus far as Darcy? Do you think Darcy will turn out to be an opportunistic woman, but who deeply cares and loves her daughter, or will it turn out to be a ruse? Would you like to see Kelly paired with Darin Brooks on-screen as a love interest, and who do you think truly is Melissa Dylan’s biological father? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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General Hospital

GH and OLTL Alum Patrick J. Gibbons Reveals the Story Behind Writing Trina’s Song on ‘General Hospital’ (Exclusive)

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Patrick J. Gibbons

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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