News
Y&R's Marco Dapper Talks On Being Shirtless, Marcy Rylan & Admitting He Was A Reluctant Soap Star!

Photo Credit: duffimages.com
When The Young and the Restless cast super hunk, Marco Dapper as Carmine Basco on the number one soap, no one knew what to expect, but he has made the role a bonafide love interest for rich heiress Abby Newman played by the cuter than cute, Marcy Rylan!
In a very candid interview with Michael Fairman for Frontiers LA.com, the young star opens up about his original impressions of the stigma associated with working on a soap, taking off his shirt in front of the camera, working with his co-stars, and what might happen with the regime change of Jill Farren Phelps and Josh Griffith at Y&R. Here are just a few excerpts!
Dapper on how he would define his character of Carmine: He is misunderstood. He’s the kind of guy that acts first, and questions later. He comes from Jersey. I think Y&R was riding the Jersey Shore wave with this, but to my happiness without the bad clothing choices. [Laughs] Those aren’t there. The Ed Hardy is not part of the plan. Not to name names. [Laughs] But, Carmine is not your typical Jersey Shore kind of guy. When I got to wardrobe they were like, “Well, we like what you are wearing now.” I was in a T-shirt and jeans. I am a various T-shirt and jeans kind of a guy. They asked me, what brands do I wear? So I wrote down some brands, and literally they went out and got the clothes! It literally looks like my closet at home. It was great. I thought, “At least I will look decent!”
Dapper on finally having a shirtless scene on Y&R! Actually, it took me 15 episodes before I was shirtless! I thought that was great. My buddy kept asking me, “Did you take your shirt off yet?” I was proud to say, “Well, actually I haven’t.” I thought, “Good. They are using me not for my body, but then 15 episodes in … It happened! [Laughs]

Courtesy CBS
Dapper on the relationship between Carmine and Abby: “It’s young lovers being smitten, kind of hot and fast. I think it is what everyone wants love to be. That very passionate, hands-on, touchy-touchy, can’t get enough of that person, that we all enjoy. We have had bedroom scenes and they were fun and went well!”
Dapper on what he thinks will happen to him and the character of Carmine once Jill Farren Phelps and Josh Griffith take over at Y&R: “I hope everyone gets what they want from this whole changing of the guard. I have had people ask me if I will be canned because of the new writer and new EP. I was like, “That is a possibility if they are cleaning house, and they are going to have to get rid of some old items and new items that they don’t need.” Soap fans are very loyal and very protective. So when a new guy like me comes into play with things, most of them aren’t so ready to open their arms. They are very stubborn and that is fine, but I think the powers-that-be are looking at that going, “What can we do to improve ratings?”

Photo Credit: duffimages.com
Dapper on his original attitude about being sent out for a role on a soap and how he has a different outlook on it now: “My manager called and said he had an audition for me for The Young & the Restless and I said, “No! Pass!” And my manager calls me out, swear to God! He is like, “Marco! This year you are supposed to say yes to everything. That is supposed to be your whole mentality.” I go, “OK. You are right.” I decided I was being a snob and a brat. I decided to go to the audition and try it out. I guess one thing led to another and I kept being called back. Then I realized at the chemistry read with Marcy Rylan that I had so much fun with her, and she was a good actress. So I guess my “snobitute” was unwarranted. It opened up my eyes a little bit. When I got on set I then said, “I was an asshole and judging!”
Make sure to read the entire interview on Marco and check out some exclusive images from the Frontiers LA photo shoot, and then let us know what you think of the guy? One of your favorite hotties? Do you like Carmine and Abby together on Y&R? Would you like to see Marco stay on Y&R? Let us know your thoughts!
If he got cut, I wouldn’t be upset. I don’t like the character of Carmine.
Woof.
So this dope thought he ws too good for a soap? Seriously? Other than a good bod, so far he hasn’t exactly lit up the scream with his overwhelming talent.
It looks like there is another twit in the house like Emmy Winning Jeff Branson, another “artist” who is too good for the soaps, except when he can’t get a job anywhere else.
When dolts like these two can offer up a body of work like Jeanne Cooper or Peter Bergman or Debi Morgan, or the other ACTORS on this show, maybe then he can talk. Until then he should just zip it.
There are thousands and thousands of pretty faces and six pack abs walking around Hollywood. And people like him confuse that with talent. With an attitude like that, Mr. Dapper will be lucky if he has any lines other than “Do you want fries with that?” in a few years.
He’s so hot, so is Carmine and Abby together. I love his shirtless scenes and he’s such eye candy and a decent actor that I hope he stays for a long time!
I also love that he owns up to prejudging working on a soap and then had to eat his words. Good guy to do that.
I like him and the character, just waiting to see how JFP is going to jack with my show.
A job’s a job buddy. Yeah, it’s not like he’s been lighting my TV on fire. He’s okay, but like others said, wouldn’t cry if he left.
I think I’m pregnant!! Love the pictures and the interview! What a freakin’ hunk this guy is! Definitely the hottest guy in daytime right now; loving him on screen with Marcy! We want MORE MARCO!!!!!!
ME TOO! LOL
He’s Hawt!!! Too bad they paired him with that boring overacting twit. Didn’t like her on The GL either. Everything about her is annoying. Please recast.
Glad he was honest enough to admit his preconceptions were wrong. I actually think he is good in the role. Carmine isn’t meant to be a front burner, carry a whole show kind of character. Given time he could be a decent recurring character.
He’s hot and he’s sexy and he’s funny. He should be on a sitcom skewed young. He’s like a Joey from Friends but smarter. Seems like he’s off Y and R but I hope he shows up soon on another show.
he disappeared for awhile & now he is back & I really like him. he obviously left an impression & is back without Abby. I would like to see his character expanded.
I think he should hook up with Lauren. I think it would be a good match. A young guy with an older women.
Keep Carmine, seriously…I’m in love with him LOL no lie
Days Of Our Lives
Netflix Canada to Stream Past Episodes of ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’

Canadian soap opera fans, this October looks to be bringing you classic American television show favorites via Netflix. The streamer has reportedly licensed a large slate of iconic favorites including Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless.
Beginning the week of October 26 via Netflix Canada (hopefully, soon in other regions too), the streamer will post previously aired catalogue episodes of both iconic series. No word yet from where they may be starting from, although many of the other series in the retro line-up are from the 80s and 90s.
Meanwhile, all-new episodes of Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless will continue to be available and shown via Corus Entertainment Canada.
This week also marks the beginning of Y&R’s season 54 which officially begins on Thursday, October 8! And come November 11, new material from the head writing team of Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor make their debut. The series debuted on March 26, 1973.
Peacock’s Days of our Lives is entering into their 62 season. The soap was officially renewed back in July of 2025 through its sixty-third season, which runs during the 2027–2028 television and streaming season. DAYS tapes ten months in advance of dropping new daily episodes of the drama in Salem. The series debuted back on November 8, 1965,
Before DAYS and Y&R drop on Netflix Canada, none other than ABC’s Dynasty comes your way with all nine seasons beginning on October 12 along with full seasons of Bewitched, Charlie’s Angels, The Facts of Life, The Love Boat, and The Twilight Zone.
Previously, Netflix Canada added Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman featuring One Life to Live favorite, Joe Lando (ex-Jake Harrison) and Diagnosis Murder, which featured Victoria Rowell (ex-Drucilla, The Young and the Restless).
So, looking forward to finding out what years Canadian fans will get of Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless when its served up later this month on Netflix Canada? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
News
‘Another World’s’ Mark Mortimer, Who Played Nick Hudson, Dies at 59 from Cancer

It’s been a rough week for Another World fans with the news of both the passings of Mark Mortimer (ex-Nick Hudson) and as previously reported Robert Kelker-Kelly, (ex-Sam, Bobby Reno/Dr. Shane Roberts). Sadly, Mortimer died following a courageous fight with cancer. Mark was just 59-years-old.
Mortimer died back on September 23 in the greater Chicago area and was laid to rest in St. Charles, Illinois. He made his television debut on Another World in 1996, becoming the third actor to take on the role of Nick Hudson following Justin Chambers and Kevin McClatchy. In story, Nick was introduced as the son of Michael Hudson (Kale Browne) and the half-brother of twins Vicky and Marley (Jensen Buchanan). Mortimer remained with the soap until it came to its heartbreaking end in 1999 after 35 years on NBC.
Mark credited his AW costars with helping him develop as an actor. Speaking with Soap Opera Weekly in 1999, he shared, “My fondest memory of being on the show was getting an opportunity to work with fine actors like Jensen Buchanan, Eric Morgan Stuart (ex-Chris Madison) Anna Stuart (ex-Donna Love) Tom Eplin (ex-Jake McKinnon) and Timothy Gibbs (ex-Gary Sinclair). They’ve really been great. When I came on the show, I didn’t know much about acting, but they’ve been very helpful to me. It’s been like one big class for me, which has been really rewarding.”
MARK MORTIMER CHOSE TO HELP OTHERS AS HE FOUGHT CANCER
According to his obituary, “Cancer became part of Mark’s story in 2024, but it never became the definition of it. Instead, Mark chose to use what he was experiencing to help others. Together, Mark and (his wife) Christie founded the Integrative Access Foundation, created to give people facing cancer access to integrative therapies that might otherwise be financially out of reach. What began in the middle of their own difficult journey became a mission of hope for other families.”
Mark leaves behind his wife Christie; daughter, Hunter; Mom, Sharlene Pearson; Father Emil (Belinda) Mortimer; Siblings: Micheal Mortimer, Michele (Bill) Doyle, Martin (Shannon) Mortimer, Melissa (Bob) Gassmann, David Mortimer, Tyler Mortimer; In-law’s John & Barbara Allen, Chad (Jeanne) Allen and Beth Allen. Many Nieces and nephews, his IOC Construction family; and countless friends who touched his life immeasurably.
In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family asked for memorial donations to be made to the Integrative Access Foundation to continue Mortimer’s mission of helping others facing cancer.
You can check out this segment below from Monday night’s Entertainment Tonight on Mark’s passing.
Now, share your condolences and remembrances for Another World’s Mark Mortimer in the comment section.
General Hospital
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.
Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.
When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Photo: ABC
LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES
Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.
In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.
“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS
Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.
Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”
The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”
So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.
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