News
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan On Chelsea’s Battle with Depression: “This Storyline Has Been, and Continues to Be, One of the Most Humbling and Important Experiences of My Life”
The Young and the Restless began to reveal last week just how deep a depression, the character of Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan), finds herself in. On last Friday’s episode, Chelsea is seen considering ending her life by jumping off a building.
As Michael Fairman TV previously posted, we named Melissa Claire Egan’s work, The Power Performance of the Week, and today on the CBS daytime drama, emotional distress continues for Chelsea.
On Monday, Egan took to her Instagram to share her thoughts on being the vessel to tell this all-important storyline of our time; which addresses mental health and those suffering in silence.
Melissa expressed: “This storyline has been, and continues to be, one of the most humbling and important experiences of my life. I’m grateful and honored to be able to tell this story, hopefully in a respectful and responsible way. Mental health is so important and depression is something that affects so many, and does not discriminate. Please know you are loved and not alone. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress or experiencing any thoughts of suicide please call 988 or text SAVE to 741741 to talk to a counselor for free. Or visit save.org. ❤️”
What do you think about the sentiments shared by Melissa’s, and Chelsea’s current storyline on Y&R? Comment below. But first, check out this message from Melissa and co-star Jason Thompson posted ahead of Monday’s episode of The Young and the Restless.
Today’s episode contains sensitive and potentially disturbing content for some audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
In crisis? Call 988. Trained counselors are available 24/7.
Learn more about the warning signs and how suicide can be prevented ➡️ https://t.co/LQyxHS8Hb2 pic.twitter.com/1Zhi76kXLb
— Young and Restless (@YandR_CBS) October 31, 2022
I applaud daytime For its work in illuminating important issues. I hope mental health is seen as an ongoing concern here and not an easy way to explain away bad behavior of characters or mistakes made by writers/producers. That’s been done before with mental health, brain injury and tumors, and other illnesses.
I was so impressed with Melissa’s performance, not realizing there was a agonizing story behind her actions. I feel like a heel—-thinking the writers were trying to educe pity with a serious human malady by using the viewer as a weapon to “like” Chelsea. She has been in the back seat for a while.
The same goes for Jason—well done!! For the first time I see Billy as a hero—-someone who truly cares about human life—-The pain of losing a child changes one’s perspective in life and accelerated true sorrow for someone else’s pain. The writers have displayed this natural, human emotion magnificently.
Well written. My take was from a different and less poignant angle. Thank you all who have felt the import of the message.
Hi, Tani–it’s been a while…Hope all is well.
I didn’t get Chelsea’s mental strain, at first, either. This is a very sensitive, real-life issue which has increased since the Covid “lock-up”—Many of the afflicted are kids —they felt imprisoned, where going to school on a daily basis, gave them purpose. These are the kids who need order and a routine in their lives.
Aside—We are presently #40 in the world, as far as Academia is concerned. Many did not get the guidance, the emotional balance and their mental hunger fed as they would have in a classroom setting.
Tomorrow is a new day….❤️
You know, Celia…back in 1986, “Guiding Light” had a story where Reva Shayne attempted suicide by going into a freezing river. She ultimately fought back before it was too late but not before I’d also had a profound experience. I’d had a badly broken (shredded, really) heart shortly before and am no longer ashamed to admit that I was in the same place as Reva. Somehow seeing an ordinary person with no history of suicidal feelings hit that hard by life deeply touched and strengthened me. After a few months (and a lot of Joni Mitchell records), I knew I was permanently past the heartbreak and knew I was strong enough to deal with anything. I’m happy to say that I still am. But the power of that story was the catalyst to my healing and so I applaud this Chelsea story. If even one person responds to it, it is worth it.
I understan, my friend—very much so. I never contemplated suicide, but after my baby died, I went into a deep depression—I barely ate—spent most of my days and nights in bed, wanting to see or speak to anyone—if anyone saved me, it was my husband—
I had my eldest little boy to think about—That thought ( my Nico himself ) and my husband sprung me out of my “how-do-I-go-on” miserable world.
It has been ten years—I survived, but the sorrow is always under the surface. ..he’s there–in my heart–I am very happy—albeit my tears flow easily as i write this.
Kindred spirits!!❤️Stay well.
General Hospital
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall, General Hospital) has taken to her Instagram for the second time this week and now honors her late dear friend and General Hospital co-star, Billy Miller (ex-Drew Cain) on what would have been his 47th birthday on September 17.
In her post, Monaco wished Billy “a heavenly birthday” and shared a typewritten note from her beloved co-star after he exited General Hospital in the role of Drew Cain. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor played the part from 2014-2019.
Monaco wrote accompanying the photo of Billy’s letter: “He (Billy) sent me this a few years ago, after he left (the show) wanting me to post it… I didn’t/ But… I know he wanted anyone who’s ever supported his work and or got to know him as a friend to read this letter.”
Photo: JPI
BILLY MILLER WON THREE DAYTIME EMMYS FOR HIS WORK IN SOAPS
Billy Miller was one of the most respected actors to ever grace the daytime screens for his portrayals as Richie Novack on All My Children from 2007-2008 and Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless from 2008 until 2014 and of course, his final soap stop on General Hospital. He also appeared on primetime’s Ray Donovan and Suits.
TOUCHING GOODBYE LETTER AFTER EXITING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Here now, is what Billy shared in his letter after exiting GH: “Hello, friends… With a slight air of sadness it is time to ponder what ‘goodbye’ means. However, instead of dwelling on what is gone and sure to be missed, there is another way.”
“Maybe our goodbye is really a remembrance of love felt, an appreciation for lives shared and the lifelong reminiscences that come from embraces given and received, Maybe our goodbye is an earnest hope for the brightest path forward for us all,” expressed Miller. “Maybe our goodbye is honoring growth and lessons learned.”
The beloved star added, “Now, instead of sadness, I am filled with gratitude for all your support, encouragement and every emotion shared. I cherish the journey we have taken together, Thank you for allowing me into your homes and lives. With every ounce of myself, I thank you for being you. I would be remiss in this crazy, unpredictable world we all love so much if I did not hold out the possibility that maybe our goodbye is really… until next time.”
Sadly, Billy died by suicide three years ago on September 15, 2023, just two days shy of what would have been his 43rd birthday. You can check out Kelly’s post below.
Now, share your remembrances today of Billy Miller and the touching letter he wrote after leaving General Hospital, that Kelly Monaco posted in tribute to her friend and co-star via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
News
Patrika Darbo and Ashley Campbell Set to Appear on ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Shirley and Coco Spectra
As the nuptials of Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) and Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) are drawing near in October on The Young and the Restless, a few of Sally’s family will be showing up in Genoa City for the big day.
The Young and the Restless has confirmed that Patrika Darbo, who originated the role of Shirley Spectra on The Bold and the Beautiful and last appeared on Y&R back on video calls in story in 2021 with her granddaughter, Sally, will be back on-screen next month.
Darbo originated the role of Shirley, the sister of the legendary Sally Spectra Garrison (the late Darlene Conley), first on B&B from 2017 to 2018. Known for countless television and film roles, Patrika Darbo is best known for her run on Days of our Lives as Nancy Wesley.
Photo: JPI
THE SPECTRAS ARE COMING TO SUPPORT SALLY
Joining Darbo will be Ashley Campbell in the role of Coco Spectra. The role was last played on B&B by Courtney Grosbeck. Coco is the younger sister of Sally’s. Grosbeck was seen in the role on The Bold and the Beautiful from 2017-2018 and was involved with the character of R.J. Forrester.
Campbell is a model and an actress who has previously appeared on HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls and the film Spellbound.
Previously, Y&R’s executive producer Sally McDonald teased Bill and Sallys upcoming wedding: “Billy is his own worst enemy now more than ever as his need for revenge takes over his life. He will receive a reality check from Sally, leading them both on planning the wedding of the year. Sally will find herself navigating politics in her personal life when she is faced with major decisions about the wedding. Adam (Mark Grossman) and Sally always seem to find their lives intertwined whether they like it or not, and this fall will be no different. Billy and Sally’s nuptials will be the wedding of the year, and you should expect the unexpected!”
So, excited to see Sally’s family joining her in Genoa City in time for her wedding to Billy? Do you think Sally and Billy’s wedding will say “I do?” Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Blythe Howard Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ as Monet: Who is She Connected to in Port Charles?
General Hospital continues to add new characters to the canvas. Now comes word of the arrival of Monet, a savvy lawyer played by Blythe Howard. Look for Monet to debut in Port Charles next week on the Wednesday, September 23 episode.
According to TV Insider, “Monet arrives in town as a litigator who recently joined Miller & Davis, the firm run by Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) and Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn), and meets with a Port Charles resident in need of legal counsel.”
In a statement, General Hospital’s executive producer, Frank Valentini shared, “I am very excited to welcome Blythe Howard to the cast of General Hospital. Look for her to have an unexpected connection to a beloved Port Charles resident.”
FROM TELEVISION TO CANCER SURVIVOR TO GIVING BACK
If Howard looks familiar you may have seen her on several television series including: Yellowstone, Power Book IV: Force, Walker, 9-1-1: Lone Star, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, CW’s Dynasty, Silicon Valley plus David Fincher‘s Mindhunter.
Photo: ChemoQueens
Blythe is also a cancer survivor having cofounded Chemo Queens with her sister Kelsey Howard. The company creates products for people undergoing cancer treatment, including a patent-pending cold cap design.
In recent months, General Hospital has brought in several new actors for brand new roles or recasts. They include: Alimi Ballard (William Baines), Jonathan Bennett (Joe Fitzpatrick), Kearran Giovanni (Dr. Nichols), Dean Geyer (Tristan Roberts), Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin), Kayden Brennan Tokarski (Scout Cain) and Troy Lennon Appel (Hudson Parker). You can now add Blythe Howard to this list.
So, who do you think Monet has an unexpected connection to that is a “beloved” Port Charles resident as teased by Frank Valentini? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: The WSB Extradites Nina After Drew Frames Her for Jack’s Disappearance
DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 35 Premiere Night Two: Which Women Stole The Show? Who Went Home?
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
Patrika Darbo and Ashley Campbell Set to Appear on ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Shirley and Coco Spectra
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase Walks Out on Brooklyn, Anna and Valentin Share Poignant Moments as She Urges Him to Go to Carly
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson to Star in New Holiday Movie
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
RATINGS: ‘General Hospital’ Shows Most Gains in Total Viewers Week-Over-Week and Up in Key Demo
Y&R’s Co-Head Writer Jamey Giddens, Ahead of November Stories and Scripts Debut with Dan O’Connor, Explains How Fall Tees Up Their Plans for Genoa City
DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 35 Premiere Night Two: Which Women Stole The Show? Who Went Home?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase Walks Out on Brooklyn, Anna and Valentin Share Poignant Moments as She Urges Him to Go to Carly
DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 35 Premiere: Which Male Impressed on Night One? Who Was Sent Home?
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Carter Has a Way Out and Implores Steffy, “Say You’ll Be Our Donor and Surrogate!”
Soap Alums Remembered During In Memoriam Segment at 78th Emmy Awards; Patrick Muldoon Omitted
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