News
Y&R's Miles Gaston Villanueva Interview: The Mysterious & Sexy Luca Santori Hits Genoa City!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Temperatures rose quite significantly for viewers of The Young and the Restless during Wednesday’s episode, when during a shocking entrance, Marissa (Sofia Pernas) was in for the surprise of her life when a handsome “stranger” said “hello” to her. That moment marked the debut of actor Miles Gaston Villanueva in the role of the wealthy and mysterious Luca Santori! As savvy Y&R fans know, this isn’t Villanueva’s first appearance on the number one daytime drama. Back in 2013, Miles played the part of Father Martin, who assisted Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) and Paul (Doug Davidon) search for the child she gave up for adoption, which later proved to be Dylan (Steve Burton).
Now back in Genoa City in his new recurring role, Villanueva is about to set the audiences hearts-a-flutter with his good looks, charm, and acting chops! But just what is going on here? What is the connection between Luca and Marissa? Could this be a husband she never mentioned? Could Noah and Sofia’s romance be headed south? Could this have anything to do with the evil Jack doppelganger, Marco (Peter Bergman)? So many questions left to be answered, but when a new interloper emerges one thing is for sure: the sparks will fly.
On-Air On-Soaps sat down with Miles at CBS Television City to get the lowdown on: how he landed the primo role, and what viewers will learn about what is driving Luca. Miles also weighs-in on: if he would like to play the soap opera bad boy, how he plans to handle being labeled a daytime “heartthrob”, and what is had been like sharing scenes with his new on-screen partners: Sofia Pernas and Robert Adamson (Noah). Here’s our get-to-know chat with Mr. Villanueva. Let the speculation begin!
Miles, how did this all come about that you landed the role of Luca?
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto
MILES: They remembered me! They were looking for an actor and I am sure they had plenty of auditions before they brought me, but Jill Farren Phelps (executive producer, Y&R) said, “Hey, what about that guy that played the priest?” They brought me back in to read for the casting directors, and then I had a producer callback, and to read in front of the network executives. Afterwards, I got a call from my manager that I was booked for Y&R, and I was like, “Yeah!”
What did Jill Farren Phelps say to you when you met her the first time when you were at Y&R playing the role of Father Martin?
MILES: Jill came up to me after they cast me as the priest and shook my hand and had this smirk on her face and said, “I’m the one who hired you!” I thanked her so much, because this was my first TV gig. I have done a lot of theatre, previously. She mentioned: “We could have gone older and more mature with this role of the priest, or we could have gone young and handsome. I chose young and handsome.” (Laughs)
What did the powers-that-be tell you they wanted the character of Luca to possess on-screen?
MILES: I know they wanted the mystery, this edge, sex appeal, and this confidence about him. I know when we did the casting call, Y&R casting director; Judy Blye Wilson came out and gave notes to everyone on what they were looking for. When she mentioned this, I went, “Yes!” I felt like something opened up in my body, and it opened it up for me to go into the audition, and just run with it, and go for it. I think her notes helped me tremendously.
What happened when you found out you were chosen to play the role of Luca Santori?
Courtesy/MilesGastonVInstagram
MILES: I ran into Sofia Pernas (Marissa), after I read with her in the room. I was getting in my car in the parking lot and my agent and manager are talking a mile a minute. I look back out of my window and I see Sofia looking for her car. So, I popped open my window and I go, “Hey, guess what! I booked the part!” She said, “Congrats! I knew you would get it!” She related that after I left the audition room everyone went, “Yes! We found the guy.” I think it was the energy that she and I had, the conversation I had with them, and I think a bit of my history with Jill and having been on the show before, that eventually nabbed me this terrific part.
In your own words, what do you remember happens during your first scene when Luca encounters Noah (Robert Adamson) and Sofia at the Underground?
MILES: Noah says, “Hey buddy. You can’t come in, we’re closed.” And Luca goes, “That’s OK. I’m not in here for business. I’m looking for my wife.” Marissa then turns around and Luca goes, “Hello, Marissa!” She is kind of, ah, surprised! It would appear that Luca has come from Europe and has gone on kind of long trek to find her.
Everyone is speculating that Luca is actually Marissa’s hubby! Anything you would like to share? (Laughs)
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
MILES: There is lots of speculation all over the place: Am I a husband? Am I an ex? There all sorts of different theories.
Do you want Luca to be a bad boy?
MILES: I want him to be complex and layered. The thing is I have been craving to play the anti-hero. So people may not agree with stuff that he is doing, or the way he may be going about it. But, I would love the audience to go, “But, damn. He is charming. He has that vulnerable side, and he looks good in a suit!” (Laughs)
It’s clear from the way he dresses that Luca comes from money! I think it’s always more interesting and intriguing on a soap opera to be a character that comes from wealth; you get to yield some power!
Courtesy/MilesGastonVInstagram
MILES: Luca dresses like a million bucks, and he obviously comes from money. His last name is Santori and he comes from a very wealthy European family with a deep history. I do think having come from dough on a soap makes for more fun stuff to play! Y&R costume designer, Scott Burkhart put me in my first couple of suits and it’s been amazing to get to dress like that in addition to everything else. I get to feel like a million bucks before I hit the set, and it helps me inform the material, and whatever we craft while we are on-camera.
What can you say about your scene-partners; Sofia and Robert?
MILES: They are incredible. I am a little jealous, because they have been together for awhile. I see the ease, and the connection, and the chemistry. I see it all happening with them. It’s different, because I’m the new guy. I love how they are just messy with their stuff and what I mean by that is: I come from theatre and I am used to rehearsing messiness in a scene, if stuff overlaps or something like that. Robert will take the dialog and add some extras to it. He forces you in a good way to go with it, and the energy within the scene. It can be kind of terrifying some times. I will tell you that watching Sofia and Robert on screen together is really cool, and I get to learn from them too.
Courtesy/MilesGastonVInstagram
I am speculating that Luca is going to put a wrench in the growing relationship between Noah and Marissa, and it will be interesting to see who the audience ends up rooting for! Perhaps, it could end up being Luca! Perhaps, he will be spun off in another story with other connections in Genoa City?
MILES: It’s going to be interesting how the audience responds. I am working with Robert and Sofia … for now. I will be on the show with regularity in the coming months. That’s all I can say, but you will see how it unfolds.
When you portrayed Father Martin you had the opportunity to work with Y&R icons: Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) and Doug Davidson (Paul). What was your takeaway from that experience?
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
MILES: I was fortunate enough my first time here to work with Doug Davidson and Melody Thomas Scott. Everybody knows on Twitter how incredible Doug is. He made my first time here so easy. He was so complimentary, encouraging, and so much fun. He can be so goofy and has such a contagious laugh! Doug took any fears I had away with his sweetness, and his humor.
You have the perfect soap opera name in real life. I’m so jealous, truly! What is your actual ethnicity?
MILES: I’m a mix. I’m a mutt! My dad is Mexican, which is where I get the last name Villanueva. Gaston is the French part of my mom’s European mix. She is: French, Irish, German, and Jewish. That’s my mom; she is like all of that. Gaston is my mom’s maiden name, and all three of my brothers got that as our middle name. It’s a name I love having. My parents are incredibly supportive. I am sure they will be watching Luca’s debut on Wednesday.
How will you handle the soap fans, and the press calling you “sexy” and “heartthrob”? Will you embrace it?
MILES: First of all, it’s crazy. I am in awe of it and I have such gratitude. When people say, “Handsome”, “dreamy” and stuff like that, I just want to say, “Thank you.” I only wish I had them in person so I could hug them. and for them to see how big my smile is when I read comments like that. Here is the deal: compliments such as that can leave you a bit speechless, and that’s alright. When it happens to me in person, I need to get a little better about it and not shy away from it. I had a professor say to me once about things in life, “Own it.” He did not mean that to an arrogant degree. I will be fine with it, and I will be thanking people profusely for their kindness.
Photo Credit: Teren Oddo
You were recently introduced at the 2015 Y&R Fan Event where you said “hello” to the crowd and then signed autographs. How was your first fan club encounter?
MILES: I wasn’t sure what to say when I addressed the crowd, but it was incredible. Fans were coming up to me and some were really effusive and really excited. There was general excitement and curiosity with everybody going, “So … what’s your storyline?” I would smile and go, “Don’t you go trying to find out little storylines!” (Laughs) No one knows me there, and yet I had a good chunk of people who showed interest. I remember signing my first autograph going, “You’re my first one!” (Laughs). The fans feel they know you. They are so invested in your storylines and these characters lives, but I think the fans are unbelievable. I met fans from South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Sweden!
O.K. it’s on! Everyone just saw Luca arrive in Genoa City. What are your hopes from this point forward?
Courtesy/CBS
MILES: I hope Luca will be stirring the pot. I think Luca wants what he feels is rightfully his, and he has his own ways of going about that. I am interested in the Y&R fans first impressions during Luca’s first few episodes this week, and how does he come off, and where they think the story is headed. Can’t wait to see their reactions!
So, who do you think Luca will ultimately turn out to be? Marissa’s husband, an-ex, someone trying to run a scam on her and Noah? What do you think of the casting of Miles Gaston Villanueva? What did you think of what he had to say as he teased what to expect from the wealthy Luca? Share your thoughts and theories in the comment section below!
Next week, Days of Our Lives welcomes back fan favorites Colton Little (Andrew Donovan) and Christopher Sean (Paul Narita) when they reprise their roles for an upcoming special episode which contains Deidre Hall’s 50th anniversary as Marlena Evans.
Circle Monday, June 22 when the married couple comes back to Salem. Paul is the son of Marlena’s beloved and late husband, John Black (Drake Hogestyn). Andrew is the son of iconic couple Shane Donovan (Charles Shaughnessy) and Kimberly Brady (Patsy Pease).
According to the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of June 22-26, Andrew scolds Cat (AnnaLynne McCord). Let’s remember Andrew is ISA. Meanwhile while Marlena thinks back on her fifty years in Salem, Paul arrives back in town.
Photo: JPI
ANDREW AND PAUL
Christopher Sean began playing Paul Narita back in 2014. He has come and gone from the show over the last decade. He was last on-screen back in November of 2025, when Paul arrived back in Salem for the dedication of the Tom Horton Free Clinic as part of the Days of Our Lives 60th anniversary celebration.
Colton Little, first began playing the all grown-up Andrew Donovan in 2022 on the Peacock limited series, Beyond Salem: Chapter 2. Little eventually moved to the mothership and Days of Our Lives in 2023. He was last seen on the soap opera back in March of this year in scenes with Peter Porte (Dimitri Von Leuschner) and Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark).
In story, Andrew and Paul tied the knot in front of family and friends on June 24, 2025, which followed the heartbreaking funeral of Paul’s father, John Black, who had passed away several weeks earlier from injuries sustained in an explosion.
Photo: JAnchondoIG
Michael Fairman TV also confirmed the romance exclusively of Colton Little with former General Hospital actor, Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco Rios) at the end of December of 2025.
Anchondo shared at that time, “I reached out to him (Colton) when I got the job on GH. We knew of each other through mutual friends; so I knew of him for a long time. I started asking Colton about what his experience was like on soaps and asked about SAG health insurance, etc. We met up one night and were hooked from then on.”
So, are you excited to see Andrew and Paul back on your screens? Share your thoughts and if you would like to see them stay longer in Salem in the future, with a story all of their own via the comment section. But first, check out the just released promo for the action on Days of Our Lives entitled “Conspiracy” below featuring Christopher and Colton.
News
Judith Light Reveals She Originally Picked ABC Show About Soap Opera Writers Called ‘Staff of Life’ Before Landing ‘Who’s the Boss?’
Two-time Daytime Emmy winner, primetime Emmy winner, and two-time Tony Award winner, Judith Light was the very special guest on the Thursday, June 18 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Light was on-hand to promote her two current projects.: The AMC+ anthology series, The Terror: Devil in Silver where she plays Dorry and Disney+ and Marvel’s The Punisher: One Last Kill where she plays Joy.
During the discussion with Clarkson, who is a huge fans of Judith’s work dating back to her leading role as Angela Bowers on Who’s the Boss, Light recalled the transition from leaving her signature soap role of Karen Wolek on One Life to Live, to her first foray into the world of TV sitcoms.
Credit: COLUMBIA PICTURES TELEVISION
STAFF OF LIFE VS. YOU’RE THE BOSS
Judith explained, how she landed her role on Who’s the Boss, when in actuality, ABC had Light in consideration for three shows all at once and the one she picked to initially appear in was about soap opera writers!
“First of all, I had been this girl who came from the soap opera,” recalled Light. “I went in and I read for the producers, and I read one scene, and then they said, ‘Could you read another scene?’ And I said, ‘Yes, and can I read another scene and another scene?’ I ended up reading the whole script for them.”
Next, Judith added, “There were three shows I was up for at ABC and it was called ‘You’re the Boss” at the time and I didn’t pick that one. I picked another one, which was called Staff of Life.I picked it because I thought it was like a sign that I was supposed to do this because it was about a bunch of soap opera writers. So I thought, ‘I’ll pick, Staff of Life.'”
However, that was not to be! “This is where the universe comes in and says, ‘no, no, no, no, no.’ I had done an audition with Tony Danza and there was a wonderful director named Bill Persky, and we did the audition together. And he said, ‘That’s the chemistry’. He said, ‘That’s it. That’s where the show lives.”
Amazingly, Light shared, “I hadn’t picked that. I hadn’t put it in first place, but all the executives at ABC had seen the audition. They said, ‘No, we’re not putting her in Staff of Life. We’re putting her on You’re the Boss!”
Courtesy/NBCUniversaal
PRIDE MONTH AND JUDITH’S CONTINUED ADVOCACY
June is Pride Month and one of the LGBTQIA+ fiercest advocates for decades has been Judith Light. Clarkson asked Judith how she became so involved in the cause for equality for the community.
“I was losing my friends,” simply explained Light. “When you’re in the theater community and you start reading about this one you’ve lost, somebody you haven’t seen for a while, and then there’s another person that you’ve lost. Also the injustice of this, of the way the people in the LGBTQIA+ community were being treated. I thought that I could say something. I had done this movie, called The Ryan White Story.”
“Ryan White was this extraordinary young man, and he died of AIDS, and he was very connected with Elton John, and they were friends,” shared the actress. Ryan was being interviewed on the Phil Donahue Show, who was extraordinary and has since passed. Phil was interviewing Ryan and he said to Ryan, ‘Your community didn’t treat you well, and if somebody else in your community had HIV and AIDS, how would you have been?’ Ryan said, “I would be scared of it, but I wouldn’t have been cruel.”
You can check out the entire conversation between Judith and Kelly Clarkson below.
Now, let us know. Would you have like to see Judith in a TV comedy about soap opera writers? Did you love her as Angela Bowers on Who’s the Boss? What do you think of her continued and tireless advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
News
Y&R’s Michael Graziadei and Michelle Stafford Strike a Pose at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival (Photo Shoot)
Earlier this week, The Young and the Restless on-screen mother and son duo, of Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti) represented the CBS soap opera in Monaco, at the 65th annual Monte-Carlo TV Festival.
The Y&R stars participated at the fan fest event where they signed autograph and took photos, but also were in a whirlwind of media from around the globe during their press day.
The three-time Daytime Emmy-winning Stafford, shared on her Instagram a little BTS of her time at the TV festival alongside Graziadei expressing, “All day press day with the Grazzz ❤️❤️❤️”
Photo: JPI
In addition, Michelle took her two children, Natalia and Jameson to Monaco as well, so in her off time from doing press for the top-rated soap, she could share the experiencing of with them and she expressed, “Monaco… (and Eze) Crazy Beautiful.”
While at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival, Michael and Michelle took some moments for a little photo shoot and you can check some of these out below!
Photo: JPI
One of the all-time greats of the soap opera genre, Michelle Stafford.
Photo: JPI
Michael Graziadei is just too cool for school!
You can check out more from Monaco below with Michelle and Michael.
Now let us know, do you think Phyllis and Daniel are one of the better on-screen mother/son duos of the soaps? What did you think of these pics? Let us know via the comment section.
View this post on Instagram
Christopher Sean and Colton Little Make a Return to ‘Days of Our Lives’
Judith Light Reveals She Originally Picked ABC Show About Soap Opera Writers Called ‘Staff of Life’ Before Landing ‘Who’s the Boss?’
Y&R’s Michael Graziadei and Michelle Stafford Strike a Pose at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival (Photo Shoot)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell Surfaces; A Twist in Britt’s Condition
‘SNL’s’ Sarah Sherman and ‘Good Hang’s’ Amy Poehler Share Love of ‘General Hospital’
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Michael Puts Willow On Notice After Tracy Is Arrested
Christopher Sean and Colton Little Make a Return to ‘Days of Our Lives’
Judith Light Reveals She Originally Picked ABC Show About Soap Opera Writers Called ‘Staff of Life’ Before Landing ‘Who’s the Boss?’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell Surfaces; A Twist in Britt’s Condition
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Dante and ‘Nathan’ Have It Out, Valentin and Carly Share Passionate Moments Which May Be Their Last
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell Confirms Monaco Remote and ‘Secret Story’ Involving Steffy, Sheila, Ridge, Brooke and Finn
-
General Hospital4 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital4 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
-
General Hospital6 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Michael Puts Willow On Notice After Tracy Is Arrested
-
Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Reveals Top Three Favorite Storylines She Has Ever Written For, and All From ‘General Hospital’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Adam J. Harrington Joins the Cast of Prime Video’s Thriller Drama ‘Bishop’
-
Beyond the Gates1 day ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Karla Mosley Weighs-in on Dani Dupree’s Love Life Endgame: Are You Team Bill or Team Andre?
Luca is Marissa’s dirty secret..
It’s gonna be good because Victor was right again.
Now Noah will have to bend lol ..
Marisa should have taken Victor’s check and left GC! BTW, how stupid are ALL these people who are offered all this money on soaps to leave town and EVERY TIME, they rip up the checks! TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN!
Timmm..
I would have told Victor;
”You insult me with half a million, make it a million and I’m gone”
Oh the ladies and men are going to love this guy! Handsome BUT, can he act?
I like him–saw him today and the screen crackled with energy and charisma.
He is gorgeous sexy. Where’s my hug? 😉
Hello Luca! I think he will bring some great excitement to the show and the story.
I think he’s Marissa’s husband. Another of her secrets.
Why didn’t Victor have a background check done on her? He could have send someone to her country (Peru?) to find out about her.
UGH!
Yet another unnecessary character created out of desperation to sadly explain another unnecessary character (Marissa).
Pratt, you have ruined “Y & R”!!
SOMEBODY MAKE THIS SHIZZ STOP!!
And a character who will cause probs for Noah, no less.
Why can’t the writers let Noah be happy for more than
5 minutes??
So far I am not impressed. I do not find him as good-looking as proclaimed!!!! Tiny, little rodent eyes.
At the risk of sounding repetitious and have fellow-posters be annoyed with me…why is Miles given an Italian name? ‘Luca’ is as Italian as all-get-out…..and, ‘Santori’ is one of the oldest Italian surnames. His eyes are all wrong….everything about him does not speak of an Italian. Why do TPTB do that? Why not get a real Italian to play the role? It is one thing for Jack to play Marco….he could pass as a Northern Italian. But Miles’ look does not fit any regional area of Italy. More Hispanic.
I am wondering why Marissa has suddenly become such a viable character already??? Again, I say…why does her accent keep swaying back and forth? Sometimes she sounds she could be from Connecticut…other times from Mexico or S. American. Huh? Oh, well! She is one beautiful woman, though. LOL.
Totally agree, CeeCee!
And maybe I am just so newbied-out, but I am not impressed
with him at all on any level. And I was liking Marisa but now if
she is going to have yet another secret from her past…well, yuk.
No, Nanci. Being newbied-out has nothing to do with it. You’re right. It seems that TPTB have to pile mystery after mystery on a newcomer to make her/him appear more appealing. Thing is, I lose interest. I am not vested enough in this character to care. I like her too, Nanci. But, the writers always find ways to make us resent a character in more ways than one. This girl is only 26, but TPTB have already managed to make her seem as jaded as can be. How could she have been entangled with Marco….old enough to be her grandfather, years and years ago….and married, too? How old was she 10? LOL. Not realistic. This is a gimmick, used by the writers, to engage us….not working for me. The paragon thing “ain’t” doing it for me either. Everything is at a standstill, as far as I’m concerned.
Am I complaining? You bet. I am so demoralized here; in the fear of losing yet another soap. Instead of making a story interesting, this is what they do; Example: Sharon; how many times can we watch Sharon losing it? How many times can we watch another woman miscarry? How many times can we watch Nikki go on a drinking fest? And, please, Nanci, I don’t even want to get started on Neil.
Mishael Morgan going on maternity leave could have been written differently. This is so dumb.
Ok, people, let me have it. I can take it….LOL.
Luca is not a strong enough persona to strike a spark for me. His aura is off. His eyes are not alive. I hope I can withhold my antipathy….after all, I am just a drop in the bucket, in the grand scheme of things. What do I know, right? Later, Nanci.
@su. Good one, su. Great wisecrack/comeback…LOL. I applaud your comment. Why stop at a million? Make it ten…Victor can afford it.
Hi Cee Cee, I had been thinking the same thing – Marisa had a husband, as
well as having had all those years with Marco, like huh? She’s so young!
Certain things just don’t ring true the way they are written. And like you, I also think
there were lots of other options for a s/l allowing Hilary’s portrayer to have
her maternity leave. This one is terrible. Even subtle things I am finding stupid,
like when they check inventory at the Underground bar. Why check it? No one
ever comes in to actually drink, so inventory never changes anyway.
Sharon…lost interest in her so long ago. It is always the same with her.
I will continue to hang on and watch, but I soooooo wish things improve soon.
Love Luca he’s mysterious and good looking. Can’t wait to find out more about him.
Well I think he is handsome and such a great addition to Y& R and his acting is good in time he will develop the same way as Summer did when she first came to town ! I remember when Sharon and Nick came on all those years ago and now they are seamless in their rolls Luca will be the same in a few years please give this kid a chance he’ll be an exciting character to watch, I wish you good luck & happy times in Y& R.
Love him!! Sexy man with charisma!! He’s a keeper!!
He is a pretty good actor and he will progress his career!