Interviews

Y&R’s Mark Grossman Dishes On Tackling One Of Soaps Most Coveted Roles … Adam Newman

July 22, 2019

Photo: CBS

When The Young and the Restless finally decided to resurrect the character of Adam Newman, it was one of the most highly-anticipated returns in the soap genre. After all, when viewers last saw Adam, then played by This Is Us star, Justin Hartley, he was presumed blown to smithereens in a cabin, thanks to first, being tranquilized by a dart gun by an unstable Chloe (Elizabeth Hendrickson), who holds Adam responsible for the hit and run that killed her daughter, Delia.

Fast-forward to summer of 2019 and Y&R fans got a very much alive Adam, vengeful as all get-out, picking right back up where he left off; only this time the role is being played by soap newcomer, Mark Grossman. In what has to be one of the most sought after roles on television for any young actor to play, Grossman nabbed it and has come on to the scene hitting the ground running and is quickly becoming one helluva soapy badass on the Genoa City canvas.

Michael Fairman TV sat down with Mark at CBS Television City where Y&R is taped to talk about: how his journey has been thus far in a role that has put him under the microscope from viewers to critics. Many will agree that in short order, Grossman is making the role of Adam his own, as he has been so in the mix with the iconic staples of the series, to those performers who just made exciting returns.

This week on Y&R, Adam is going to take down his brother, Nick (Joshua Morrow) by any means possible to gain custody of his biological son, Christian. As they face-off in a custody hearing, Adam is up to his chicanery, and viewers will see the fall-out.

Here’s what Mark had to say about his castmates, the opportunity and the pressure of being Adam on the top-rated soap, and why he loves getting to be bad.

Photo: CBS

Adam is so integral and key to the canvas. How are you settling into the pace of Y&R? Did you have any idea that it was going to be this amount of work when you signed on?

MARK: I had an idea, and this is actually my first soap. I had always heard that the amount of volume is a lot, but yeah, it was kind of a steep learning curve, but it got much easier as time has gone on, and the memorization got a lot easier. You adjust to it, and you just get used to it.

A few years back, I attended the premiere of the indie film you were in with Melissa Archer (Ex-OLTL and DAYS) called South32. In that, you played one bad dude. I remember thinking, “That guy plays evil and creepy so well.” Your character was horrible in the film!

MARK: Oh, yeah. My character’s name was Donny. That was a bad guy. That was a really bad guy. I just remember I had a lot of fun because Melissa Archer was great, and Sean Kanan (Ex-GH, Y&R and B&B) was in that too, and they both are in the soap world.

Courtesy/IMDB

So when I saw that Y&R cast you as Adam I was like, “Oh yeah! Great choice! He can play a real jerk!” (Laughs) So, why do you think you play bad so well?

MARK: I don’t know. I just have that face… the jerk face? (Laughs)

(Laughs) Do you practice those looks in the mirror?

MARK: (Laughs) No. I like to think I’m a really nice guy, actually. I think I’ve always liked characters that are more broken and are trying to do the best they can with the cards they are dealt or trying to overcome something. I mean, in South32, that’s a different story. I’ve just always gravitated to those kinds of roles more than a stereotypical love-interest or something like that, or kind of a more vanilla character.

Let’s talk about the audition process for this sought-after soap role. Did you know when you first were in the running for the character that it was to play “Adam Newman”?

MARK: I had no idea because it’s all under codenames.

What was the codename?

MARK: The codename was “Jeremy”, and I had no idea I was auditioning for Adam, because they change all of the names, and I wasn’t up-to-date with everything that had been going on with Y&R. When you’re out there as an actor you are auditioning for all kinds of stuff (and I don’t really watch much TV as it is). I think it was at the network test when a couple of the other actors, who were there, kind of let it slip what part this really was for.

Photo: JPI Studios

You had your screen-test with Sharon Case (Sharon). What was your first impression of her?

MARK: I adore Sharon. She’s wonderful, and she was so, so helpful. She’s coming up on twenty-five years on this show, and that is amazing. I really love working with her.

Once you knew the role was that of Adam Newman, did you begin to do your research? Call people? Phone a friend (laughs)? Take to You Tube?

MARK: Oh yeah! I went way down the rabbit hole. When I did my research I watched tons of scenes on YouTube, and then everything on the internet, Wikipedia, and every site that had information on the role. Before I started, I also had lunch with a couple members of the cast, and they were probably so annoyed at me for asking so many questions about just about everything that came to mind. (Laughs)

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

You follow in the footsteps of other great actors who have played this role; Chris Engen, Michael Muhney and Justin Hartley. Did you have trepidation taking the role knowing the bar was set so high?

MARK: Yes, of course.

In the world of daytime drama, recasts happen all the time; that is just the nature of the beast. You hope the fans will give the actor stepping into a role a chance to establish themselves in the part, because they can get initially very reactionary. In your case, there were some immediate tweets that went out right when you were announced as the new Adam with some fans commenting: “He’s too young!” That happened even before your first episode aired, so no one had seen you embody the part yet. What’s your take on all of that?

MARK: I get it, trust me. You watch somebody for years, and you really enjoy watching this person, and then all of the sudden they’re gone, and somebody new comes on. That’s hard to get used to. So, that was a little daunting, but it just is what it is. You just have to go in and put your stamp on it, and the audience will say what they do. That’s all you can do. Just, “this is what I think it is,” and do your best job with that, and yes, people will say what they’re going to say.

Courtesy/CBS

So, you meet Y&R icon Eric Braeden (Victor). You’re playing his on-screen son, the black sheep of the Newman clan. What was it like meeting Eric, and then actually getting on set and getting to work your first scene with him?

MARK: It was great. He was really supportive. I remember I would get together with him and ask if we could rehearse, and we’d just end up in his dressing room talking for like twenty minutes about the show and life. I just feel so lucky that I get to play you know, the problem child. (Laughs)

It’s fun for actors in soaps to be a storyline catalyst. However, sometimes the catalysts can be short-term roles, and this one isn’t. Catalysts shake things up, and Adam is so entrenched with so many characters and has such a checkered past, and there is much to him. In finding out his back-story; what was the one thing that you were shocked to find out about him? That he ran down Delia?

MARK: That’s a huge thing. There’re people who think that Adam actually really didn’t do it. I mean … then there was … pretending that he was blind … wearing dresses. There’s so much!

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

It’s a great part. Adam would literally do anything to get what he wants. (Let’s not forget he apparently had sex with Rafe).

MARK: It’s a great part. I’m looking forward to what he does next. I hope they throw me in a dress and let me mess around and pretend to be other people. (Laughs)

So, how are you playing Adam’s motivations now? He comes back to Genoa City with amnesia after being in Vegas, and gets shot. He seems a nice guy, but then his memory comes back, and now he is literally back to old tricks and wanting to screw everybody over who he feels wronged him.

MARK: I think he wants his kids back. Adam is going to do whatever he wants to do to get his kids, and I think he is justified. Obviously, the way he goes about it is very shady and sometimes illegal, but I think he comes from a place of really wanting to be a father to his kids because of the stuff that happened with Victor, and being abandoned, and his blind mother, Hope. The issue of where Victor was while he was growing up and how Adam’s life could have been so different always weighs on him. Adam feels, “If there is one thing I need most, it’s to make sure my kids don’t go through what I went through.” I think that’s where he is justified in that regard, but the way he goes about it is obviously very questionable.

Photo : JPI Studios

So, what happened when Joshua Morrow and you met for the first time?

MARK: I met him at my screen-test too. At the screen-test, we had to do scenes together and Joshua is such an awesome guy. He’s a total professional, but he is so funny. He is hilarious. We’ll always have these scenes where we are at each other’s throats, and then we’ll just crack up laughing.

Do you think there could ever be brotherly love between Adam and Nick?

MARK: I’ve actually been thinking about that lately. You know, I have a half-brother in real life. I think there are definitely possibilities for that with Adam and Nick. I think somewhere deep, deep down, on some very small level, Adam could possibly want to have a relationship with Nick. I think it could be possible, but I don’t know, and they’re so different from each other.

Then, there is the return to Y&R of Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea). And another task you were handed was to see if you can create the same on-screen magic for the duo known as “Chadam”.

MARK: I sure hope we can create that. Melissa is another person in the cast who is just so awesome. You probably think I’m lying, but everybody who works on this show is so nice, and they want the show to work. They have the best interests of the show at heart. You feel like you’re on a team here. I had watched Missy on YouTube with the other Adams. So, when I first met her I was all, “Oh, you remember this scene … and this scene … and when you were doing this?”

Photo: JPI Studios

And Missy was like, “No, I don’t remember.” (Laughs)

MARK: She’d go, “No I don’t…” And then she would go, “Oh! That scene!” I had watched as much of her stuff that I could get my hands on. When I first met her, we had a big scene to do. We just kind of had to dive in. She was great.

So, where do you think Adam’s heart lies?

MARK: I think he has a deep love for Chelsea and Sharon.

Why does he love Sharon?

MARK: Oh, Sharon has been there for him when nobody else has, and they have so much past together, but I know there’s always the Chadam/Shadam thing!

Photo: JPI Studios

Welcome! You’re right in the middle of these fan wars between camp Chadam and camp Shadam. That’s not a bad place to be. You’ve also been working with Greg Rikaart (Kevin) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis). Adam has been horrible to Kevin, and poor Kevin is being blackballed by him.

MARK: (Laughs) We have so much fun. Those are great scenes. I really love working with Greg. It’s fun when you get to manipulate and blackmail someone, and Greg, as an individual is great, and obviously he’s been part of this show a long time, and he was really helpful too. So, I asked him questions. You know, “Fill me in on Adam and you before. What was it like, and what was your dynamic like?” Things like that.

There has been a total refocusing of Y&R. They brought in you as Adam, and they brought back Melissa, and Michelle Stafford, and you’re kind of in there with all of them. There have been some great scenes between you and Michelle Stafford, too. There was the scene where Phyllis is sitting alone at Adam’s eating a whole cake by herself with her champagne glass, and it was so funny. I’m like, “Did Michelle make that choice to sit there with the whole cake, or was it written like that?” She is a firecracker!

MARK: She’s great. I love Michelle. She keeps you on your toes. It’s funny, I actually had done a little, independent movie. I popped in for a day. She was in it, so I knew who she was, but I had never met her. She wasn’t there the day I was there. You never know which way she’s going to go in a scene. I enjoy that. You just have to be present because a lot of times we are doing these scenes in one take on Y&R, so you’ve got to be in it. Michelle is really fun to watch.

Photo: JPI Studios

Are your family and friends checking you out as Adam on Y&R?

MARK: I have an aunt who is a big Y&R fan in Pennsylvania. She was so excited when she found out I was playing Adam. My dad is like, “I watch twice a day,” and my mom works during the week, so I think she watches on the computer at night. They live in Arizona.

Can you watch your work back? A lot of actors I have interviewed over the years in this medium have told me they do not like to watch their work, as it would then make them to aware of any quirks they may have and detract from their ability to deliver their performance, etc.

MARK: I watch, sometimes. It’s weird, isn’t it? I’ll go back and forth. I’ll watch myself sometimes with the sound off, and then I’ll slowly start creeping the sound up, and I’ll see … and then I’ll rewind it, and I’ll slowly start watching it. I’ve got to ease myself into it. Sometimes; I’ll ask other people if they’ve seen the scenes I was in, and I’ll be like, “Well, how was it?”

Photo: JPI Studios

There is major bad blood between the characters of Billy and Adam. How has it been working with Jason Thompson (Billy), and what do you think of the Adam/Billy dynamic? Billy is considering taking a bullet to Adam and pulling the trigger. Billy holds Adam responsible for the death of his child, Delia and perpetrating much hurt on those he loves.

MARK: That’s a tough situation, and as for Jason Thompson, man. Jason Thompson is just such a great actor, I think. I just love watching him. He’s just so real, you know? You really feel what he is going through and what he is saying. I know there is a lot history between Billy and Adam, and yeah, Billy is becoming a little unglued.

Adam has that effect on people.

MARK: Adam does! It’s such a tragic thing that happened with Delia. How does one get over that? How many times can Adam apologize? So, I don’t know if they can even make amends and be friends.

I don’t think we want them to be friends. Do we? No.

MARK: No. There’s a lot of good drama there.

Photo: CBS

Then, we have Elizabeth Hendrickson as Chloe. So, what does Adam think about Chloe? Does he understand why she is constantly unhinged?

MARK: Yes. I think he understands that you lose a child, and that really affects you. I guess you don’t really know what you’re going to do until something like that happens. I think Adam tried to clear the air … and be honest about what actually happened that night, and say, “Look, if we keep this up, one of us is going to end up dead.” So, we’ll see if she can move on. I don’t know… Adam has got to keep watching his back.

And … watch out for dart guns. (Laughs)

MARK: Look out your window!

Victor thinks Adam is the smartest of his kids. Do you think so?

MARK: I think so. Adam went to Harvard. I think he is the smartest of the three. Obviously, he is the outcast, but I think he is the smartest intellectually of the three.

Photo: JPI Studios

They’re talking a lot on the show, about the missing years when Adam supposedly went to Vegas. So there is a lot to yet be discovered about what happened to him and what he was really up to.

MARK: Maybe he was faking this whole amnesia story because he really wanted Sharon? I don’t know. I would imagine we would be delving into where he was. At least, I hope so.

Would you like to play some scenes where viewers get to see the more tender side of Adam?

MARK: Yes. I would love to explore the real sadness with Adam and Victor and why his father wasn’t there for him. I would love to see more of that, and scenes with the kids… get Connor back, and stuff like that.

Now speaking of doing anything to get back his kids, Adam, who professes to love Chelsea, kind of screwed her over after her new husband Calvin (John Burke) suddenly died, and he is kind of using that to his advantage with her.

MARK: Well, hey! You don’t mess with a man’s kids. It’s his son.

Adam is such a polarizing character and is driving story. Do you open the script and go, “Oh, man! I’m doing this today?”

MARK: Oh, sure. I’m always excited, because I’ll get a new episode, and I’ll open it immediately, and I’m like, “Oh, yes … oh, wow… oh, wow!” I feel like that’s what it’s been like though since I’ve been a part of this show, Adam is always stirring the pot and bringing a lot of that drama to it.

Photo: JPI Studios

This week on Y&R, it’s the custody battle for Christian between Adam and Nick.

MARK: Yes, we are going to be in court, and we are going to go head to head over this custody battle for Christian. I hear Chloe might be back.

Do you get to make a statement as to why you’d be a good father while everybody is like, “Oh, God?” Do you get to say how your kids were taken from you?

MARK: Yeah, I do! Adam pleads his case.

Photo: JPI Studios

It’s going to be interesting to see how this progresses with you as Adam, and how the fans take to him. Will the audience be at all compassionate towards him in certain circumstances, even though he’s screwed everybody over?

MARK: I hope so!

So, are you enjoying Mark’s portrayal of Adam? Who do you hope Adam winds up with romantically? Do you want Adam to get custody of both of his sons? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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43 Comments

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Dean

4 years ago

Yes, I am enjoying Mark’s portrayal of Adam. So great having the character back!

Mary

Reply to Dean

4 years ago

Sorry but I cannot tolerate a man who uses a child to try and force a woman to be with him against her will

su000

Reply to Mary

4 years ago

hi Mary–
It’s only makebelieve..
nothing stays the same in soapland..
It’s really a good story, I hope you can enjoy watching it develope..
(it ain’t real to take it personally 🙂

Avril

Reply to Dean

4 years ago

I hate Adam he is a despicable person I hope he loose both children I also hope Ray dump that dumb Sharon

Ric

4 years ago

Tuned back in for Greg and Michelle returns but Hot Mark got me to stay. Love his portrayal of Adam.

Laura P.

4 years ago

I think you are doing a terrific job! Keep up the good work!

Kay

4 years ago

Absolutely no reflection on Mark but JG can’t do a Bobby Ewing out of the shower episode on us ! You can’t as a decent writer erase five years it happened and it is no reflection on the actors but as a viewer I am in done! Go play your games elsewhere and mm fans read up on how he was treated I will never watch this show again you do not destroy people’s lives

Sunni928

Reply to Kay

4 years ago

Just wondering, who is JG???

Sunni928

Reply to Sunni928

4 years ago

Just realizing, you meant Josh Griffith, Executive Producer.

Meg

4 years ago

I love Adam and sick of the way the Newman’s treat him And Chloe not getting it was a accident because Billy left her alone

Kym

Reply to Meg

4 years ago

I totally agree Meg!

Boop

Reply to Meg

4 years ago

You and I are on the same page about the daughter. These soaps have practically the whole town hating a person because one person hates him. Not a soul blames Billy for leaving the little girl in the car alone. Plus, Adam checked around the perimeter of the car after he swerved to avoid hitting the dog. At one point Victor mentioned that Billy left the child in the car alone which places part of the blame on him. I wouldn’t be surprised if the police officer from a few years back didn’t hit Delia and allowed Adam to take the blame. I never believed that Adam killed her.

su000

4 years ago

I like Mark as Adam, good casting
however;
there are times I can not see his eyes!!
He is quite tall and the camera seems to have a bad angel on him..
they have to find a way to show Adams’ eyes!

Damien

4 years ago

Mark is owning Adam. For sure my favorite portrayer. He s made me forgot the last actor to play him. He even resembles a young Eric Braedan. He does evil so well. The amount of material he s been given off the jump is tremendous and he hasnt stopped. Mvp!!!

Tim

4 years ago

He has been doing a phenomenal job in the role, especially since he’s been in nearly every episode since he debuted. He has great chemistry with everyone and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.

Fay Schmidt

4 years ago

I absolutely HATE Adam Newman! You should NEVER have brought him back!

Toscanti

4 years ago

I am loving Mark’s portrayal of “Adam”. He’s one of my favorite characters and I didn’t think anyone could play the role as well as the two previous actors, I was wrong. The entire show looks and feels familiar again. I’m just waiting for Billy Miller to return as “Billy” and Judith Chapman as “Gloria”.

Dawn Godsil

4 years ago

Hes doing a specktacular job as Adam goodlooking n evil rolled n one.. We fans just love too hate him!!keep up the good work cutie❤ a forever Y&R Fan ❤

Shari

4 years ago

Sorry, but still don’t like him as Adam.

Tony

4 years ago

He is amazing. Love him!

Patricia Wragg

4 years ago

I want Adam to get both of his sons back! I also want to see Cadam!! I absolutely love Mark as Adam!! He had big shoes to fill and he has filled them perfectly!! Keep up the great job Mark Grossman!!

Boop

Reply to Patricia Wragg

4 years ago

I want him to get his sons , also.

Barbara Mannino

4 years ago

MG is doing a great job as Adam who is a complex character. He’s villainous, but there are moments of humanity—and Mark Grossman is playing all of this so well.

Joyce

4 years ago

Mark does look to young for the part but i like him. No he should NOT get custody of either child. it is great to have the character back but he shouldnt “win” every time. Nobodys THAT smart. Chelsea is fighting her feelings for him already. her husbands death was to coonvienant even for a soap. there has got to be more to it than that. He is living in the penthouse that was theirs. I think i would like to see Chelsea, Conner and Adam back together again. Just before one of them get arrested for murder.

Timmm

4 years ago

Well, its like losing your starting quarterback. I liked Muhney, hands down my favorite Adam. BUT, we have a new starting quarterback now, owners choice, F the fans, BUT Mark is doing well. He has jumped in and has had a ton of scenes. He is new to the show and new to soaps. I give the man a ton of credit. He clicks with whoever he is on the screen with. Maybe it comes out that Nikki did kill D and Adam and Chloe connect? You never know. Keep up the good work Mark and thanks for an honest and insightful interview.

Jennifer W.

4 years ago

I’m a huge Michael Muhney fan, and Justin Hartley was never Adam to me the way he was written. But I love Mark Grossman in the role – he’s is doing a great job; and I liked him right away which doesn’t always happen. Great recast. I’m hugely disappointed in Adam & Chelsea’s reunion, given they were the love of each other’s life; as well as some of the re-writing of history. But MG is making the role his own. And those cheekbones LOL.

MANGO

4 years ago

MARK PLAYS ADAM VERY WELL.I HOPE HE NEVER GETS HIS KIDS BACK,BUT IF HE HAS TO END UP WITH ONE OF THE WOMEN IT SHOULD BE SHARON.THEY DESERVE EACH OTHER.EVERY ONE FORGETS YOU CAUSED THE ACCIDENT THAT KILLED NICKS WIFE.LOVE HAVING THE REAL PHYLLIS BACK.

Boop

Reply to MANGO

4 years ago

Get those kids back because they are yours, Adam! Nick shouldn’t get them.

Charlotte

4 years ago

I think Mark Grossman is awesome as Adam Newman!! He is doing a fantastic job!!!

Cyndy

4 years ago

Hes a great actor, that’s why we all don’t like him. I love to know the relationship between the actors in real life.

Val

4 years ago

Love Mark Grossman!! Great acting and storyline. He is the best Adam ever.

I think they need to put Nick & Sharon back together though….and Adam and Chelsea

Sue Easton

4 years ago

Do not like Adam. He does not need custody of anything much less a child. Why doesn’t he ever get punished? He and Sharon deserve each other. Do not like the idea of a show using kids like this. It happens to often in real life. Don’t need on tv.

Boop

Reply to Sue Easton

4 years ago

What we don’t need on tv is someone else getting custody of kids who aren’t theirs. What you should dislike is arrogant Nick’s attitude.

MaryLee Comparetto

4 years ago

He plays Victor’s son to the “T”! I really like his character; therefore, I want him to see him get custody of his son even though I’m a big fan of Nick.

Anita

4 years ago

No one can be the Adam Justin H. But he’s okay not my favorite but I guess he’ll do since this is us took Justin away I was

Nancy J.

4 years ago

This Adam bores me. He is one dimensional and the only feel8ng he evokes is anger. Bad casting.

Boop

Reply to Nancy J.

4 years ago

If this Adam bores you , Justin evidently sent you over a cliff since he was a hum drum Adam. I liked him in the role; however, he didn’t give it that I hate you feeling.

Kimber

4 years ago

He’s missing all of the mannerisms Adam has. That’s why Justin H was able to nail the part so well. Seems like he studied all of that right down to the tiniest details. Things like running his hand down the back of his hair when he was frustrated, knowing when to invade people’s personal space and change his tone of voice and measurement of his speech. Mark needs to go back and study those things if he wants to portray a believable Adam. Right now he comes off as whiney, immature, and reactive rather than wicked, refined and measured.

Tauna Woolley

Reply to Kimber

4 years ago

Mark G is nailing this Adam! He has his own mannerisms, and is definitely the best Adam ever. He definitely makes the show amazing!!❤️❤️

Linda

4 years ago

I cannot believe what a WONDERFUL actor this new Adam is!!!! I thought no one could fill those shoes. He stepped in magically and brilliantly.

I just hate that the writers are forgetting about the great, stand up guy, stand behind his family, Adam was at the time of the explosion and that they are having him have barely any allies! It bothers me immensely watching everyone in Genoa City hating on him and wanting his demise!

When will everyone admit it was a bloody accident with Delia and give Adam some Mercy. I love seeing him win and I love his masculine I have your back way of being! Why is Chelsea being such a b*atch! She loved him. It doesn’t make sense that she wouldn’t still love him based on what they had.

I really wanted to see Chelsea back with Adam and Nick having to learn to accept it and respect it.
I want Adam to find true love with someone who understands and loves him, build him up and makes him happy.

His should have custody of his son. And give joint custody to Nick.

And what is going on that the writers would have Victor give up on his son and go against him Victor should be standing for the family reconciling and having peace. Not being against Adam after all the heartache and tragedy Victor has caused in his life.

Go Adam Go!

He hasn’t done a thing wrong and is not evil.

And the person who tried to shoot him twice? Getting off Scott free…what is up with that?

Give Adam a break! Let him shine in his greatness just as the old Adam (Justin) did!

Jeri Ann

4 years ago

I’ve been watching Y&R since it’s first day. I’ve seen them come and go. I’ve been happy about them and sad. I absolutely love the storyline with Adam. It was so boring with Mal. Now there’s drama, surprise and suspense at what will happen next. I’ll be watching for sure. Adam, you’re doing a phenomenal job & keep up the good work. When your voice breaks arguing with Victor, I wish he’d give you a hug.

Tauna Woolley

4 years ago

I love Mark’s portrayal of Adam! What an amazing, incredible actor! He has to win the Emmy for best actor! I am definitely routing for “the bad guy”!! Team Shadam!!

Kelly Mcbride

4 years ago

Adam and chelsey were my favorite couple for sure would love to see them back together!! Mark is brilliant in portraying Adam let alone he’s dreamy and those eyes oh my! I was mad when Justin left and I thought no one could filll his shoes well I was wrong! I record the show and watch it every evening without fail and have for 20 plus years.

Interviews

(INTERVIEW) B&B’s Annika Noelle Reveals Her Lead Actress Emmy-Nominated Scenes, and the Ups and Downs of a Tough Year

April 27, 2024

When the nominees were announced last week for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards, six women wound up in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category and that included The Bold and the Beautiful’s Annika Noelle (Hope Logan) who had quite the heavy on-screen story.

For months, Hope initially tried to hold her marriage to Liam (Scott Clifton) together, gave into her passion for Thomas (Matthew Atkinson), and became a stronger more independent woman in the process. Noelle was previously nominated in 2020 in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category, but this marks her first-time presence in the highly-coveted Lead Actress race.

On Friday, April 26th, The Bold and the Beautiful celebrated their leading 12 nominations, as well as being the show with the most acting nominations going into the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards set to air live on Friday, June 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Photo: JPI

During the on set celebration, when B&B’s Emmy-nominated executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, introduced each of the acting nominees, they took a moment to address their colleagues, and for Annika, her speech was touching and emotional. She expressed, “I’m so grateful to Brad Bell for believing in this dark brunette, and allowing me to be a part of this family. And when we say that we’re a family, it’s not just because we get along. It is really because we are here for the majority of the year with each other. I know for a lot of people, 2023, was a difficult year. The thing about this beautiful show is that it was my constant, and it’s what I could depend on during a tough year. And there are beautiful days like this when you come in and everything in your life is going amazingly. And then, there are days where your world is falling apart. And the crew, honestly, you guys kept me afloat this year and that’s why this is so meaningful to me.”

Photo: MFTV Inc

Annika added, “I don’t think I could have gotten through this year without the love and support from this family. So, thank you for being there for me on days that I needed the strength and you gave that to me. I’m so grateful to my co-stars and who I get to share these beautiful scenes with. I just wanted to say, I appreciate all of you and thank you so much. You all mean more to me than you will ever know.”

Michael Fairman TV caught up with Annika immediately following the Emmy nominee celebration, to her thoughts on this momentous occasion in her professional life and what it means to her personally, plus what did she choose for her scenes when Hope had such, shall we say, a torrid year of story to choose from. Here’s what she shared below.

Photo: JPI

Dare I say, I called this nomination for you? Back on New Year’s Eve, I revealed My “Best Of” Picks for 2023 and I had you as the Best Overall Performance by an Actress for the year, and alongside your fellow nominee, Cynthia Watros (Nina, GH), to boot!

ANNIKA: Thank you for believing in me that I could do it.

How did you to tackle your Emmy-nominated reel and what you were hoping to showcase?

ANNIKA: I was just so grateful to have the story to be able to pick from, and to really try to show the character growth and the arc of everything that happened to Hope Logan in the past year. For me, I really wanted to take the voters on a journey from her really being heavily influence by everyone’s opinions and everyone else’s voices, to her really coming into her own and going, “I don’t care if it’s the right or wrong choice, it’s my choice.”

Photo: JPI

What scenes did you end up submitting the landed you this Lead Actress Emmy nomination?

ANNIKA: I started with this great scene that our producers, Casey Kaspryzk and Rachel Herman actually remembered, where Hope walks in on her mother in her lingerie flirting with Ridge. And they remembered that scene. So, that really launched us off to Hope being kind of in this deep denial of, “I’m nothing like you. I’m not going to follow in your footsteps. I don’t have feelings for Thomas.” Cut to Liam confronting her about watching her give into her desires in Rome. And him saying, “Where were you Hope? At the Colosseum?” and then kind of in a roundabout full circle way, Brooke finding Thomas and Hope in bed together and then Hope really kind of going toe to toe with her mother. Then, ending with her kind of fully coming into her own as a woman and saying, “You wanted a divorce, Liam, here’s your divorce.” I really wanted to show the journey of her finding her own voice and advocating for her own choices and finding that inner strength, basically.

Photo: JPI

Was choosing the reel difficult given you had so much material within the 2023 calendar year of eligibility to consider?

ANNIKA: It was hard to pick and choose. There were a few I ended up leaving out. There was a really beautiful scene with Thomas where she realizes he overheard her kind of talking ill of him. That one was really hard to let go of. I was also considering another scene with Liam where they actually signed the divorce papers. I’m just so grateful to even be able to have the material to choose from.

Photo: JPI

How did you find out you were nominated?

ANNIKA: Eva Basler, our VP of Communications & Talent Relations, called me and it meant so much to me to get that call from her. I tend to get nervous and have anxiety, so that day I just had to not think about it. So, I was out on a walk with my love, and my dog. We’re just in the middle of a cul-de-sac and my phone starts ringing. And it was the best surprise ever! Then, when I found out that Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B) got nominated alongside me, I immediately FaceTimed her. It was the funniest thing because she literally picks up and she is wearing a sun visor and sunglasses wrapped up on top of a horse as she’s in the middle of a mountain and in a valley on this beautiful white horse. It was the most picturesque thing.

Photos: ABC, JPI, NBC

I believe you know some of the women you are nominated with, obviously Katherine, but also Tamara Braun (Ava, Days), Finola Hughes, (Anna, GH), Cynthia Watros (Nina, GH) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R). What are your thoughts on these nominees?

ANNIKA: Well first, I’m just so excited to be in this category with the other women. Tamara Braun, who I was nominated with previously in the Supporting Actress category I’m excited that she’s in this category with me. Michelle Stafford, who I see in the hallway all the time, is great, and Finola Hughes, I’m just like obsessed with from afar. I even watched her on Watch What Happens Live! Cynthia, I hear her work is tremendous, and with Katherine, I’m just really grateful to get to share this with her. To be honored amongst these legends of daytime is amazing. Just to be seen in that way, that means more to me than anything.

Photo: JPI

You mentioned during B&B’s on-set Emmy celebration that this past year was a difficult one for you, and that everyone at the show really helped you through it. What meaning would winning the Emmy hold for you?

ANNIKA: That would be overwhelming. I wouldn’t even know how to describe it – an honor, a privilege, a blessing? It would mean the world to me, especially after this past year. That’s why it’s so significant, because even on the darkest days, the storms passes. You just have to hold on for that brighter day.

So, what did you think about the scenes Annika submitted for Lead Actress? Were they some of your favorite moments from the Emmy season? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

Interviews

Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”

April 25, 2024

When the nominees were revealed for the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards, a fresh face was in the running for the first time as The Young and the Restless Allison Lanier (Summer Newman) scored her very first Emmy nod.

Lanier took over the highly-coveted role of Nick (Joshua Morrow) and Phyllis’ (Michelle Stafford) daughter from two-time Daytime Emmy-winner Hunter King, who won gold for this role in the now defunct Younger Actress in a Daytime Drama Series category.

During the Michael Fairman Channel’s 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special on Friday night, April 19th, Allison was one of the nominated guests, who shared her reaction to the news that she was a first-time Emmy nominee earlier in the day.

Photo: JPI

When speaking of how challenging it can be to be a recast on a soap, and in particular on the top-rated drama, The Young and the Restless, Lanier filled us in how she dealt with it.

Photo: JPI

Allison related, “I’m decent at compartmentalizing, but yes, it was daunting. Being a recast is daunting. Going on a show, especially, one where we work the way that we do, that’s just daunting in and of itself. I do think that when you’re sort of having to follow in somebody’s footsteps, they’re (the audience) automatically going to compare you to somebody else. That’s daunting. But I do think that I was able to hold that was happening for me, but also I have to ignore that and I do have to make it my own thing, because we’re different people. We’re bringing different things to the character and that was really the only way forward for me.”

Photo: JPI

When speaking of the nominees along with her in the Supporting Actress category, of course, she is close with Y&R co-stat and fellow nominees, Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra): “I’m not as familiar with everybody from the other shows quite yet, but I can’t wait to get to know them and to see what they’re putting out there and watch their episodes and their scenes. However, I am so glad that Courtney Hope is nominated in this category. Her storyline was so heartbreaking and the way that her and Mark Grossman (Adam Newman) played that, it just like shot me straight in the heart.”

Photo: JPI

As far as what scenes were on her nominated-reel, Allison shared she first had a reel of 30-minutes in length, just to see how all the scenes played out she was considering, before whittling it down: “So, what ended up on my reel was Summer confronting Diane (Susan Walters) directly after the gala after Phyllis “died.” It’s this kind of heartbreaking moment of anger mixed with pain and grief. I included the scene where Kyle (Michael Mealor) informed Summer that it is time for a divorce in her hotel suite. There was also one scene with Daniel (Michael Graziadei) after Summer knew Phyllis was alive, and I also had another scene with Michelle Stafford when Summer found out that her mother was alive.”

Photo: JPI

To check out the full interview with Allison, watch the Daytime Emmy Nominations Special below featuring ten of this year’s nominees chatting live.

Now let us know, do you think Allison has made the part of Summer her own? Happy to see her nominated? Comment below.

Days Of Our Lives

Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston

April 24, 2024

During our 2023 year-end honors at Michael Fairman TV, we named Wally Kurth as our pick for Best Overall Performance by an Actor for his double-turn as both Ned Quartermaine on General Hospital and as Justin Kiriakis on Days of our Lives. So, it was absolutely no surprise to us that Wally landed a Daytime Emmy nomination for his riveting work as a grieving Justin in the Supporting Actor category for the upcoming 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

On DAYS, Justin had been put through the emotional wringer, of first, losing his beloved Uncle Vic, played by the late John Aniston, and then finding out that Victor was the supposed biological father to Justin’s son, Alex (Rob Scott Wilson). If you didn’t reach for the hankies during some of Kurth’s work in these scenes, we don’t know what will make you do so.

Michael Fairman TV caught up with Wally to get his reaction to his fourth Daytime Emmy nomination in the last six years. Kurth was nominated in the Supporting category in 2018, 2020 and now 2024 and Lead Actor in 2021.

In addition, Wally shares what scenes were on his nominated reel, how John Aniston impacted his work, how he has changed as an actor over the years with a new outlook, and being the only actor out there with two long-running roles on two long-running soaps, and much more. Here’s what Wally had to share below.

Congratulations on your well-deserved nomination. You decided to submit yourself this year for Emmy contention in both Lead Actor for GH and Supporting Actor at DAYS, correct?

WALLY: I did. I thought the DAYS reel was a little more dramatic, much more emotional. I had thought with the way the judging goes that it might be a little bit more, winnable, if you will. I enjoyed and was proud of my work at General Hospital, so it’s all good. I’m thrilled. It’s always nice to be nominated.

Photo: JPI

What scenes did you ultimately choose for your Supporting Actor reel?

WALLY: I started chronologically, as always, trying to tell a little bit of a story. I actually started with a scene where Justin has to tell Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) that Victor’s (the late John Aniston) plane went down and it was not found. Then, the scene with Bonnie (Judi Evans) where I sort of have to let it all out, and grieve the loss of this man who was practically Justin’s father, but it was his Uncle Vic. We have a little scene talking about Victor, and then there is a short snippet at the funeral where Justin eulogizes Victor. Next, we jump to scene where Justin discovers the letter where Angelica admits that indeed Victor is Alex’s father (Rob Scott Wilson). So then, Justin has to tell Alex, and then I also sort of grieve the fact that I’m no longer his father. Justin basically lost his son. It was very dramatic and very emotional. I was guessing the judges would be like, “Hey! Enough with the crying! Stop, you big baby!” But, they didn’t. They must have thought that it was convincing enough that it felt really truthful at how Justin was upset about these two unfortunate realizations.

Photo: JPI

You bring up a really good point. I talk to actors all the time about crying on Emmy reels. Sometimes, many feel it might put voters off. But obviously, this time it worked well for you!

WALLY: What I liked about the crying scenes was that, like in real life, you’re not crying all the time when something bad is happening, right? I think crying happens and it takes you off guard. It happens without you realizing it. These were all moments when Justin was alone, really. Bonnie comes in the room where Justin is just kind of like dealing with it. And then her coming in, opens up Justin and she is there to hold him. I think that often happens in real life. I thought that was correct for the writers to do that, you know, that Justin would break down when he was alone.

Photo: JPI

Did you feel the pressure of wanting to get these scenes when Victor died and at his memorial, just right due to the enormity to it, and to do justice for John Aniston?

WALLY: I allowed myself to use my heartbreak over John Aniston. I loved him. I just sort of allowed his presence for me in the scenes. It was sweet. It was good for me. I’m just thinking about it now and I feel teary-eyed. John was such a sweet man. He led by example, and he really did teach me how to be a professional actor, and he was a mentor. He never told me anything specific, but he was just John, and in the scenes, this was the time for me tell him how I feel.

Photo: JPI

Then, you had the heartbreaking scenes with Rob Scott Wilson where Justin tells Alex he is not his father!

WALLY: I thought that was just really challenging material. As I get older, I just trust the material, and don’t get ahead of myself. I trust myself with the emotion. Just let it happen if it happens. When I first read it, I kind of imagined what it could look like and then you just let it unfold from there.

You’ve got Robert Gossett (Marshall, GH), A Martinez (Nardo, The Bay), Mike Manning (Caleb, The Bay), and Bryton James (Devon, Y&R) all in your category. Robert has won two Daytime Emmys in a row, last year for Supporting Actor and the year before for Guest Performer.

WALLY: l love Robert. I worked with the character Marshall on General Hospital, and we had so much fun. He’s a great guy and a really good actor. A Martinez is the best guy ever. I have such admiration for him. Whenever I see him, we always really connect and to be in included with him is great. Bryton James, I don’t know, but I know he beat me in this category in 2020. Mike Manning, I didn’t get the opportunity to know when he was at DAYS as he weren’t in scenes together, but I hear good things about him, too.

Photo: JPI

When you are judging Emmy reels, what do you look for when you’re voting on a performance?

WALLY: That’s a really great question. And because let’s face it, there’s just a lot of terrific talent in daytime. This year, I judged two categories. I don’t just go with, “Okay, who’s crying the most.” I really try to go with the one who’s touches me the most, who surprises me and moves me. And so, if you go with that, you’re probably going in the right direction. I also think that upfront you do need to kind of give them something in the first couple minutes that shows you know what you’re doing and don’t make it too repetitive.

Who did you first tell you were nominated?

WALLY: My manager, Michael Bruno called me. I was in Chicago with my daughters having a late breakfast and I knew the nominations were going to happen around 11 am Chicago time. I didn’t tell my daughters about what was happening, just in case, I didn’t get nominated. So, when Michael called, I went, “Oh, boy!” I told my daughters who were sitting at the table with me. So, they were the first two people that I could tell, and that was really nice. We had champagne which was really funny because I bought three little glasses of champagne, and as soon as I bought it, we toasted. They said, “We don’t really like champagne.” So, I ended up drinking all three glasses. (Laughs)

Photo: JPI

What do you think of Eric Martsolf (Brady), your Day Players Band member, and DAYS co-star getting a Lead Actor nomination?

WALLY: I remember, I was like talking to him and I was like, “Eric, are you going to submit yourself?” And he is like, “I don’t know. I don’t really have anything …” And the next thing you know, he’s nominated. I’m like, “Wow! I guess he found something!” (Laughs) I love Eric. I have such respect for him and his gift, and he works really hard. So, I was very happy for him. I’m glad we weren’t in the same category, however.

How many years now have you been playing Justin on DAYS?

WALLY: I started here 37 years ago in 1987. I was there for four years and then I left. Then, 18 years later, Ken Corday (EP, DAYS) invited me back in 2009 and I’ve been on the show now for 15 years. So, I guess a total of 20 years on and off over the last 37 years. Everyone remembers 1987-1991 … those were big, big years for Justin and Adrienne who back then were a supercouple.

Photo: JPI

Have you determined who you would thank in your acceptance speech if you win this year’s Supporting Actor Daytime Emmy?

WALLY: I feel like this year I kind of have an idea of what I would say. I think I can remember all of that without writing it down. If I had gotten nominated for both shows, I was definitely going to point out and thank the powers-that-be for giving me dual citizenship and how much I appreciate that. I do think that being on both soaps, I will go to my grave believing that it’s made me a better actor. In fact, since I’ve been doing both shows, I’ve been nominated for Daytime Emmys. I’ve become a better actor. I feel like maybe it’s just that I’ve gotten older and wiser, but I feel as though when I go in there to work, I’m really focused and I’m really prepared. I know I pretty much get one shot to get it. We’re in the business of “one takes” now in the soaps.

Photo: Peacock

People are so lucky to even have one enduring role in their careers, but you’ve been able to have two, and they’re completely separate characters on two legacy shows; one which just turned 61, General Hospital, and the other Days of our Lives which will soon celebrate 60 years, as well.

WALLY: I didn’t plan on it. I must have done something right. Back in 2009, Ken called me up and invited me back to DAYS. I really jumped in. I’d been out of work for four or five years. I went back with a whole new attitude about the work, about the genre. In 2004, when I left General Hospital, I was kind of burnt out. Looking back on it, I didn’t have a good attitude and I was just done. I was kind of tired. New writers come in and sometimes, when you have new writers that look at your character differently, it can be very difficult, because you just know that their passion is not with your character. However, in this case, I’m like, “I’m going to take whatever the writers give me and do the best I can and do my job. Let the writers do their job.” I think the writers also know that I really respect them and I’m not going to complain. I’m not going to tell them what to do and I’m going to stay out of it. They have enough to work out. They have enough to do. I’m going to be the problem solver, not the problem creator. There are enough problem creators. Believe me when I tell you that every time I leave those sets, I’m like, “Thank you. I love it. See you the next time I see you.” I know how lucky I am to do both shows and to have this opportunity to act at my age and still be sent scripts. I love the art of acting. I’d do it for free. The fact that they’re paying me and I am able to do this and work with these great, wonderful, talented actors every day, it’s kind of mind-blowing.

So, will you be rooting for Wally to take home the gold in this year’s Outstanding Supporting Actor in Daytime Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards on June 7th live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+? Let us know if you remember his nominated scenes from Days of our Lives via the comment section below and how they affected you.