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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 !
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
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