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Y&R's Miles Gaston Villanueva Reveals His Life-Changing Week With Al Pacino, Judith Light & Gina Rodriguez!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
On CBS’ The Young and the Restless, Miles Gaston Villanueva plays the not-to-be-trusted Luca Santori, who soon may just wind up being the husband of Summer Newman (Hunter King), but not if Summer’s mother, father, and grandfather have anything to say about it. If all that daytime drama isn’t enough, Miles has been one busy actor in Hollywood these days working on some exciting projects.
In fact, last weekend Villanueva just completed moonlighting in performances of a workshop production presentation of a new play, God Looked Away. And, it’s not just any play workshop, but one that Miles co-starred with Academy Award-winning actor, film, TV, and stage legend, Al Pacino, and alongside two-time Tony and Daytime Emmy Award-winning actress, Judith Light (Shelly, Transparent and Ex-Karen, OLTL). God Looked Away was directed by noted stage and film director, Robert Allan Ackerman. Quite the heavy hitters!
After what Miles calls a “life-changing experience”, there was more in store for this rising star’s immediate future when he was booked for an upcoming role on the CW’s hit series, Jane the Virgin, opposite series star Gina Rodriguez! On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Miles, as he filled us in about his whirlwind last several weeks, and gave us the Intel on his role in God Looked Away, and his takeaway from his time with the iconic Pacino and Light.
Photo: MVillanueva
In God Looked Away, Miles plays the role of ‘Baby’, who is closely tied to that of Pacino, who portrays the legendary playwright, Tennessee Williams. “The story in the play gives you a peek at Tennessee Williams trying to mount one of his plays, and the struggles he goes through to produce, and write a play in his later years,” Villanueva explains. “It’s joyful, and it’s heartbreaking. My character ‘Baby’ also begins and ends the play talking about Tennessee, and his time with him. ‘Baby’ was Tennessee Williams’ lover for 14 years in the play. The character of ‘Baby’ is based on our playwright, Dotson Rader (pictured with Miles right), who wrote this from his own experiences with Tennessee.”
Before they hit the Great White Way, or London, many plays find their initial creative footing, and financial backing starting in workshop production presentations that are closed to the public, and just for industry only invitees, which was the case for God Looked Away. Miles let us in on how top secret it really was! “We had the workshop production presentations last weekend in a theatre in West Hollywood. We had to keep it under wraps, and very hush-hush. Producers and backers came in mostly from the east coast in New York, and in Los Angeles to see it. They have had meetings this past week following the performances, and they are figuring out what is the next step. The feedback has been very positive, and the word is there is going to be life after the workshop presentation, and likely pretty soon before the year is up.”
Photo: MVilluenuvaFacevbook
So what happened when Miles found out he would be working alongside Al Pacino, known for such classics as: Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Angels in America, and more? According to the young actor, the enormity of it didn’t quite hit him initially! “My manager went: ‘Hey Miles. This is kind of a big deal!’ And I was kind of going: ‘Yeah, that is a cool opportunity.’ However, he kept drilling into my brain that this could be ‘life-changing for me.’ It didn’t sink in till I started working with the man, and sharing the stage with him.” Once Miles was in a collaborative process with the likes of Pacino, nothing but superlatives was what he shared about the nature of the powerhouse talent: “Al is incredibly warm, sensitive, sincere, and so generous. He is incredibly funny both as himself, and in the role that he is playing, and is insightful and creative.” As to if Mr. Pacino gave Mr. Villanueva any acting tips, Miles related: “Al was so encouraging, and he would give me positive feedback on certain things. After we all did our first run-through you could see the excitement on Al’s face, and he said, ‘Can you just imagine what this would be like if we were running this for a few months?’ Our bond was offstage and on, and when you bond offstage, there is more depth on stage.”
Photo Credit: Luke Fontana
Soap fans everywhere would have loved to be fly on the wall when the effervescent Villanueva met up with the one and only Judith Light. Miles says that she is what you would expect and did not disappoint one iota: “She is a glorious woman, both on the inside and out. Judith calls everyone either ‘Darling’ … ‘Sweetheart’ … ‘Baby’… and it’s like everyone is a ‘dear’. She treats everyone with sweetness. She kisses you on the cheek when she greets you, and when she says goodbye. Judith and Al were on the same level with their warmth, and generosity, and their courtesy. There is a complete lack of ego with both of them, and they have every right to have an ego, you would think, but they are not that way at all. She is just as beautiful and fierce as a person, as she is in her work. In God Looked Away, Judith plays the role of Lady Estelle Bagmoor, a longtime friend to Tennessee Williams. And if there ever becomes an opportunity for people to see her in this, she is unbelievably stunning.”
Courtesy/VillanuevaFacebook
Miles admits he did have a moment to exchange some soap biz chat with Judith, especially because of their collective daytime experience: “Yes, we talked. Judith knew I was doing double days. I would shoot Y&R and get called in at 7:30am in the morning, and then I would finish at 11:30am or noon, and then I would go rehearse the play. I talked to her about the challenges of doing both, and the dialog line load, and all that stuff. Judith is nominated for a primetime Emmy for Transparent, so when we found out she was nominated, she came into the theatre for rehearsal, and we all applauded her. But, I have to say I did look up that courtroom scene of hers from One Life to Live and it was pretty nuts, and she was amazing. Judith was fascinating to watch in it!”
When the weekend performances were over it was time for Judith, Al, and Miles, and the cast and crew to go their separate ways: “Judith said: ‘See you soon’ which I thought was lovely. The director Robert Allan Ackerman, the playwright, and the crew, we all are a family now. While it was a whirlwind, (we rehearsed for five weeks and then we had three presentations of it) it all of sudden seemed like, ‘Well, that’s it?’ We were all hopeful, and are hopeful, we will do this again.”
Photo: MVillanuevaTwitter
As fans of Villanueva know, he announced via social media that he landed a role on an upcoming episode of season 3 of Jane the Virgin! But one should look no further than the magic created on stage during God Looked Away that sent him in the direction of working opposite series star, Gina Rodriguez: “I actually had a casting associate for Jane the Virgin come see me in God Looked Away on opening night, and then he texted my manager right afterwards and said, ‘We want to bring Miles in for this role.’ So, I came in to see them on Monday and I booked it a day later.” For Miles it was a joyous capper to his God Looked Away experience: “This has been incredible, surreal, and profound working with Judith and Al, and our director Robert Allan Ackerman, who has worked with everyone in this business.”
Photo: MVilluenuvaInstagram
Miles ended his week working with Gina Rodriguez on the set of Jane the Virgin, who he says is “unbelievable.” And just what will he play when he guest-stars on the CW series?
Miles teased: “My airdate is tentatively October 17th. What I play is a secret! I could be a rival, cousin, a brother … you will have to tune-in and see! I was telling my all my friends, especially my female friends who are huge fans of Gina, ‘What ever you think she is, she is that times 100!’ I have to say we have gotten along famously. We have talked about all sorts of things, life, love, relationships, and career. It’s just a pretty stunning thing to be working with her.”
So, what do you think about Miles Gaston Villanueva’s last six weeks of workshopiing a play with Al Pacino and Judith Light, and the experience he shared? Are you excited to find out what he will play on Jane the Virgin come October? And isn’t is nice when a performer can share his triumphs with his fans as he continues to build his career as Miles has? Share your thoughts on his story in the comment section below and of course continue to watch what plays out in the coming weeks for Luca Santori on The Young and the Restless.
What a fantastic experience for him working with Al Pacino and Judith Light at the same time. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He must have been through the roof excited. Congratulations to Miles as his career continues to grow.
Oh, we are all so lucky!
LOL, Timmmy!!
HE IS A SWEETHEART ,HAPPY FOR HIM .HOPE HE DOESN’T LEAVE Y&R THOUGH.
wow – he was totally with some heavy hitters of acting – good for him!!
I don’t like Luca and hope the character gets his.
I can’t stand Summer. UGH.
Prophetic words, Mo. Away with Luca’s head. Do not like this character one bit. And, in my opinion, he can never be redeemed.
I am somewhat befuddled by the ridiculous communication between him and Travis?
What the hey? I thought they were mortal enemies……now, they are chatting away as best buds would discuss a ball game? So confused!! Now Luca is warning Travis Victor is pinning the oil-thing on him????
I was confused by that too. And why would Travis trust anything Luca says? Travis knows Luca is a liar, only out for himself. Maybe Travis will call Victoria to warn her. We can but hope.
I hope this is not an excuse to bring FBM back! [Travis, is Fake Billy Miller!]
@Timmm.
Now, that’s funny, Timmmy. I think fake Billy Miller is so much hotter than Billy Miller. LOL.
Congratulations to Miles. I like him and think he could go places but I can’t stand him as Luca. I think if he had been paired with Natalie or Mariah I would like him more but I can’t stand Summer or anyone she’s paired with.
Miles, the human, good luck! Miles, the character known as Luca, go pound salt! I cannot stand Luca! His skin tight vests, his beady eyes and his stale delivery! I hope he is casted full time on JANE like his future “Wife” is on PIECES! Good bye to both!
I’m so excited to hear about and see all that Miles Villanueva is doing. He’s a very versatile and so great on stage and on screen. I hope he stays on Y&R for years to come but also gets to do other exciting shows and projects like acting alongside Al Pacino! Wow, how amazing. Way to go Miles, living the dream!
Wow…sounds like he has a bright future..as well a great present one…wish him the best…another one too good for Y&R…….I come home from work & take a nap while I play Y&R back…it’s so boring…
Well, Y&R would be better off without Luca, Summer, Billy and Gina. Th-th-that’s all folks.
I mean, Phyllis…oops!!
PUZZLE: Chelsea (new character), new Billy (Jason Thompson), and new Adam (Justin Hartley) asked Chloe (an established character) why did she return to Genoa City.
In Fairman’s Interview With Bergman and Thompson, Thompson said: “I didn’t know if Chloe was ever going to come back on the canvas, but that is exciting.”
Is an actor privy to such information before signing a contract and taking over a role? Billy and Adam are established characters, but I see them as “newbies” because the actors are new to the roles.
NO NO NO ! We’ll have to agree to disagree on some of that CeeCee my friend. I love Gina, Billy well I can take or leave. Now Summer!!!! She gives me time to go to the washroom, wash my hands & peel my potatoes for supper. I’ve come to realize that without her supper would be late!
@Nikki.
You know I love you, right, Nikki? LOL.
I love Gina. I meant Phyllis. I can’t get Michelle out of my head. However, more than anything else, I have lost all respect for Phyllis. Cheating grates on me.
Are you Canadian? You said ‘washroom’…..LOL.
I just got back from Toronto.
Your last two sentences cracked me up. Keep ’em coming.
I will just blame Summer’s naiveté on her youth. But, considering the less-than-honest relationships she’d had, she should know better.
I do feel the same way, though. Summer is very forgettable, and not very ‘convincing’. I can take her or leave her…..more ‘leave’.
The guy has some screen presence and, if he is landing jobs with someone like Al Pacino, he has a promising future.
That being said, I don’t see much future for him on Y&R. His character was poorly introduced (ex-husband of a woman who hadn’t been on the show for 6 months and is now barely seen). It is difficult to invest in him. The character suddenly appears and, within a month, is in the middle of everything.
I’m no fortune teller and not a soap writers. But, it seems to me that the show is writing him to an exit. They’re clearly building up to some backstory about him. I figure he’ll cause some havoc in the next couple of months before being gunned down by Paul/Dylan/Victor while he has a knife at the weeping Summer’s throat.
Good luck to the actor….. just not on Y&R.
Excellent news for the actor. Big time stuff. Can’t stand the Luca character. Wish they had paired him with Kevin instead
Luca’s role and the writing for that role have not panned out. One fantasy show had him playing the piano, pounding away with a wonderful smile. That looked far more natural for him than any of what he had been given to work with on the “Young and the Restless.”
However, reading this he must have a very deep acting talent in addition to the more happy side I spotted. That perhaps tells me he could have played the son of a Mafia King given a better tension in the scripts as a struggle was emerging from a role inherited or the continued devious role.
How exciting to have such possibilities. All the best!
VERY TALENTED MAN AND I AM HAPPY FOR HIM…….HOWEVER, HE IS BACKED IN A CORNER ON Y&R AND WHEN HE GETS HIS , I REALLY HOPE HE TAKES SUMMER WITH HIM….HAVENT WE HAD ENOUGH OF SUMMER TO LAST FOREVER????
VERY TALENTED GUY BUT I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF HIM AND SUMMER AND CHRISTINE ADAM AND HIS WIFE MY KIND OF PEOLPE GONE GIRL
One play with Al Pacino and all the doors are opening..Hollywood is above all about connections, timing and opportunity…and if you are talented and good looking well bonus..It seems this actor very soon will be successfull in bigger and better projects than a daytime soap opera..good for him !
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
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