Y&R Report (September 15, 2018): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

This is not the best of times for many Y&R fans.  Frankly, the show's treatment of its longest serving cast member is contemptible.  I'm referring to Doug Davidson, who has portrayed Paul Williams on the show for 40 years.  Doug was unceremoniously dumped.  I won't use the word "let go."  He was cruelly "dumped."  According to the actor, his contract was not renewed in January and he went on recurring status until they had new people in place.

Doug maintains that he received "no information and no communication" from the CBS network.  In addressing his exit from the show, he tweeted, "They are doing away with history."  He also wrote that the plan was to diminish his role and that "they have a new direction."  It's obvious that police detective Rae Rosales, who recently arrived in Genoa City, is replacing the Paul Williams character.

It seems to me that the soap is trying to attract younger viewers, especially millennials.  In doing so, it has done away with a beloved character and integral part of the show's history.  The history of the show matters to many loyal and longtime viewers.  Changes could have been made without throwing Doug Davidson under the bus.  This is a man who has earned five Daytime Emmy nominations with a win in 2003 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.  His contribution to the success of The Young and the Restless should not be treated with such a lack of respect.

I've seen Doug Davidson a few times at Y&R events and he has a great sense of humour.  By all accounts he is a great guy,  I know it's a cutthroat business.  However, Doug Davidson deserves much better after devoting four decades of his life to the show.  I urge fans to email CBS and protest the firing of Doug.

Doug Davidson

Why have the writers turned Nicholas Newman into a younger version of his father?  I liked Nick much better when he marched to the beat of his own drummer.  He's a completely different person now.  He's ego-driven and ruthless.  He's also completely oblivious to Sharon's feelings. She doesn't want to move from her home.  She is very happy with her cottage, even though it is on the Newman ranch.  The new insensitive Nick has no clue how much the place means to her.

It now appears that Jack Abbott's biological father is Albert Miller, father of Victor Newman.  If that turns out to be true, then Victor is Jack's half-brother and Kyle's uncle.  Will it tun out to be true, though, or is it just another dead end?  Jack and Victor as brothers would create a great deal of conflict and intrigue.  For both characters, it would be a nightmare.  So, there is a good chance Albert Miller is the daddy.  Still, hold on to your hats.  There may be more twists and turns in this storyline.  If Albert and Jack do not share the same DNA, then who fathered Jack?  There is the possibility that Jack will turn out to be John Abbott's biological son after all.

There is no doubt that Billy Boy Abbot is being consumed by his gambling addiction.  He is going to crash and fall.  So, who will take over as CEO of Jabot?  If it's Jack or Ashley, the "blood Abbott" clause will have to be revoked, unless Jack actually turns out to be John Abbott's biological son.

Phyllis and Billy are headed for a breakup and Phyllis may go after Nick again.  Sharon and Nick have too many secrets and I don't think they will last.  Also, Sharon is not too thrilled about the way Nick has become so much like his father.  I think she may end up with Rae.  Phyllis, on the other hand, relishes the change in Nick.  She likes his ambition and his aggressiveness.

CAST NEWS

Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters) is engaged

Kristoff St. John, who plays the patriarch of the Winters clan, has announced on Instagram that he is engaged to Russian model Kseniya Mihaleva.

Kristoff took a leave of absence from the show last year due to mental health issues stemming from  suicide of his son, Julian, in 2014.  After receiving psychiatric treatment, he returned to the show.  After all he's been through. it's about time he enjoyed some happiness.


Christel Khalil dating Toronto-based businessman Sam Restagno

Christel and Sam

Christel Khalil (Lily Ashby) recently went off contract and has switched to recurring status.  That means she'll be able to spend a lot more time in Canada, where her boyfriend, businessman Sam Restagno is based.  The couple began dating in July of 2016, according to the Soap Opera News website.


Mal Young says "there is no doubt" Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Newman) will be back

Melissa Claire Egan

In an interview with TV Insider, Y&R's head writer and executive producer, Mal Young, stated that Chelsea Newman (Melissa Claire Egan) will be back in Genoa City at some time in the future.  At present, Chelsea is  a fugitive.  She is on the run with her son Connor, whose father is Adam Newman.

Chelsea's return makes sense.  That storyline is hanging there like a bundle of loose ends.  I wonder what her reaction will be when she sees what has happened during her absence.  She won't be too happy about Nick and Sharon's engagement.  Maybe she'll some to town in time to spoil their wedding.  As for Connor, will they age him about ten years?



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Sasha Calle has joined the Y&R cast as Lola Rosales, sister of Rae and Arturo.  She is quite interested in Kyle Abbott, who seems to have had enough of the Snowflake.  Suddenly, however, Summer seems to want Kyle back.  Now she has some competition from a woman who cooks up some meann Cuban food.  This should be fun.

Readers, what do you think of Lola?  Are you impressed?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Are you impressed with Lola?

Yes, I like her.

No, she doesn't impress me.

It's too early to tell. I need to see more of her.

I don't know

Other

Please Specify:

Created with Quiz Creator

NOTE TO READERS

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, September 29, 2018.


- Joanne

You wanted to know . . . what happened to Geoffrey Owens of The Cosby Show?

Geoffrey Owens in Cosby Show days

"There's no job that's better than another job.  Every job is worthwhile and valuable."

- Geoffrey Owens
Good Morning America
September 4, 2018


I received a request for information on actor Geoffrey Owens from reader Peter P.

From 1985 until 1992, Geoffrey Owens played the boyfriend and eventual son-in-law of Dr. Cliff Huxtable (Cosby's character) on The Cosby Show.  Geoffrey portrayed Elvin Tibideaux, who married Cliff's daughter, Sondra Huxtable. in 1987.  He then became a regular member of the cast until the show finished its run in 1992.

Geoffrey Louis Owens was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 18, 1961.  He is the son of Major Robert Odell Owens (1936-2013), a prominent Democratic politician, who served in the New York State Senate from 1975 to 1982 and the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2007.  His mother, Ethel Werfel, a music and literature teacher, was Major Owens' first wife.  The marriage of Geoffrey's parents ended in divorce and his father remarried, this time to Maria A. Cuprill.  Marshall Owens died of congestive heart failure on October 21, 2013 at the age of 77.

Major Owens, Geoffrey's father

Geoffrey Owens has two brothers, Chris Owens and Millard Owens.  He graduated from Yale University in 1983.  In 1995, he married Josette Huber and they have a son.  Now 57, Geoffrey is still a working actor with 41 credits on IMDb.  Meanwhile, he has also been toiling as a cashier at a Trader Joe's grocery store in New Jersey.  A woman recognized him there and posted images of him on social media.  "It made me feel really bad,." the woman told the U.K.'s Daily Mail tabloid about her reaction to spotting the actor packing groceries.  "I was like, 'Wow, all those years of doing the show and you ended up a cashier.'"

The story was immediately picked up in a number of media reports, including one from Fox News.  The woman who posted the photos on social media probably meant well.  She doesn't seem to realize however, that her actions embarrassed and shamed Geoffrey Owens.  She hurt him deeply and she should have minded her own business.

People can be so judgmental and snobby.  No one should be made to feel ashamed for doing an honest day's work for a an honest day's pay.  In response to the Trader Joe's story, Geoffrey appeared on Good Morning America today (September 4th.), wearing his Trader Joe's name tag.  He said he had been  job shamed for working at Trader Joe's and that it hurt.  He revealed that he has been employed at Trader Joe's for 15 months and that the job has provided him with the flexibility to pursue acting gigs.  The bottom line is that the actor had bills to pay Trader Joe's provided him with a mean of making ends meet.

In an interview with CNN, Geoffrey Owens delivered a message to job shamers.  He told them to honour the dignity of work.  He reminded them that since The Cosby Show ended, he hasn't been able to find consistent acting roles.  "People don't realize," he asserted, that [the show] ended 26 years ago.  I have hardly ever had an acting job that lasted more than ten weeks"  "Most of the jobs," he explained, "were theater jobs that pay a lot less than television and film.'  The actor was also hurt financially after reruns of The Cosby Show were taken off the air after Bill Cosby was convicted of sexual assault last spring.

Geoffrey is appreciative of the outpouring of support he has received from other actors and celebrities such as Terry Crews, Blair Underwood and Pamela Adlon. and Everybody Loves Raymond's Patricia Heaton.  They realize that not all actors are filthy rich and that they can't always find consistent work in the entertainment industry.  Patricia Heaton summed it up neatly in her Tweet regarding Geoffrey Owens.  She wrote,, "Again, why is this news?  When I worked on Thirtysomething, I was slso summarizing depositions to pay my rent.  Why are you trying to humiliate this honorable hardworking actor?  Shame on you..  Geoffrey Owens - many great blessings are coming your way!"

Geoffrey Owens

- Joanne

Y&R Report (September 1, 2018): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

What is going on with Rae?  We know he is Arturo's brother.  We know he is good handyman.  However, I doubt very much that he is a debt collector.  Judging by his behaviour at Sharon's place and the way he was carrying a gun, I think he's a private investigator.  If that's the case, then who hired him to find the truth about J.T. Hellstrom?  I suspect Mackenzie Browning.  Mackenzie wants answers.  She is motivated to learn what happened to J.T. and I don't think she's just going to let it rest.

We don't know why Rey and baby brother Arturo are on bad terms.  We do know that Rey is married and estranged from his wife (if he is telling the truth).  He seems to get along well with Sharon.  If her relationship with Nick falls apart, she may cry on his shoulder.

What is Tessa hiding?  I'm becoming more and more suspicious of her.  She's always changing her story and making excuses.  I am starting to doubt if she can be trusted.  It doesn't seem as if she's being honest with Mariah or anyone else.  Does she have some kind of connection with the J.T. situation?

Neil could not attend Lily's court sentencing as Sofia (Julia Pace Michell), his ex-wife and the mother of their son, Moses, is ailing in the hospital.  Will Sofia die, leaving Neil to raise their son?  In case you've forgotten, Sofia Dupre was brought to Genoa City by businessman Tucker McCall.  She was McCall's assistant at Tucker McCall Unlimited.  She married and divorced Malcolm Winters and then his brother, Neil.

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

In CAST NEWS, there is an item about Hunter King's (Summer Newman) engagement.  Regular readers of Y&R Report know that longtime viewer CC in Etobicoke is definitely not a fan of Hunter King and her Snowflake character.  Here's an email CC sent me about Hunter's betrothal.

That's quite a scoop, Joanne.  I definitely agree with those who say they hope he takes her away on a very lllllllloooooooonnnnnnnngggggg honeymoon.  

Summer is so evil that an exorcist needs to be contacted.  

Finally some intrigue was established at the end of today's episode, both with the Summer/Billy storyline and the Arturo/Ray/Newman storyline.  
Burning?  Is Nikki wearing a "fall" in her hair?

I must say, CC, your comments on Summer are hilarious.  Yes, some intrigue was finally established in those two storylines, but I still think they could move along a little faster.

I'm not sure whether Nikki is wearing a hair extension.  I guess only her hairdresser knows for sure.  What do you thin, fans?  Any thoughts or observations?

I spoke to regular Y&R viewer, Helen in Scarborough, Ontario.  Helen can't understand Victor's thinking regarding Nick.  Why would Victor believe his son would come running back to Newman Enterprises if Dark Horse failed?  Is he delusional?  If Dark Horse failed, Nick would be more bitter and angry at Victor than ever.


Regular contributor Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario, has asked me to remind readers that Aretha Franklin, the late, great Queen of Soul, was a huge fan of The Young and the Restless.  Here are some quotes from Aretha:

1968 publicity photo of Aretha

"The Young and the Restless, one of my all-time favorite shows to watch.  I watch it in the morning, I watch it when I'm home.  I watch it when I'm in concert.  I watch it when I'm asleep.  I watch it."

Aretha especially liked the character of Victor Newman.  Here' what she said about Victor:

"Victor is one of my favorite characters in The Young and the Restless.  I like the way he makes his approach to a woman.  He's the all-time player."

At the 2005 Daytime Emmy Awards, Aretha co-presented the last award of the evening with Eric Braeden (Victor Newman himself).  The two were introduced as the "Queen of Soul" and the "Kiing of Hearts."

CAST NEWS

Hunter King, 24, is engaged

Snowflake is engaged to her boyfriend of two years, Nico Svoboda.  Nico is a camera operator Y&R's sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful.

Nico Svoboda

We'll be seeing less of Cristel Khalil (Lily) on Y&R

Cristel Khalil, who plays Lily Winters Ashby, has decided to go off contract and switch to recurring status on Y&R.  That means we'll be seeing a lot less of Lily.  Cristel debuted as Lily back in 2002 as a 14-year-old.  On her Instagram account, she told fans she was changing  to recurring status.  She said she was not leaving the show, but is ready to explore new things.

As Y&R fans know. Lily faces a maximum sentence for vehicular homicide in the car crash that killed Hilary Curtis Hamilton and her unborn baby.  I don't think Lily will get the full 20-year-sentence, but she will most likely have to serve some jail time since Cristel Khalilwill be on recurring status.  There will probably be scenes of Cane and Mattie and Charlie visiting her in prison.

CAST NOTES

* Y&R is expanding its Cuban-American family.  We will soon meet Lola Rosales, the sister of Arturo and Rey.  Sasha Calle has been cast in the role.  I hope Lola doesn't have a bad case of permanent five o'clock shadow, like her two brothers.

* Beth Maitland resumes her role as Traci Abbott on Friday. September 21 (CBS), Thursday, September 20th on Global-TV in Canada.

* On Monday, September 24 (CBS), Friday September 21 (Global-TV), Jess Walton returns as Jill Atkinson.



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Vilasuso

Arturo's big brother, Rae Rosales (Jordi Vilasuso), remains a man of mystery.  Do you think he's on the right side of the wrong side of the law?  Respond to my poll below.

Do you think Rae is on the right side of the law?

Yes, I think he's a private investigator or a law enforcement agent.

No, I don't trust him. He's hiding too many things.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

- Joanne

Thinking of you, Tim Conway, as you battle dementia

"I had no professional training.  I had a sense of humour and had been in front of a microphone."

- Tim Conway

I was saddened to hear the news that comedian Tim Conway is suffering from dementia.  According to L.A. court documents, filed by Tim's daughter, Kelly, the 84-year-old comedian cannot "properly provide for his personal needs for physical health, food, and clothing, and is almost entirely unresponsive."  Kelly, 56, wishes to be appointed conservator of her father.  She wants to be placed in charge of his medical treatments.

Thomas David "Tim" Conway was born in Willoughby, Ohio (a suburb of Cleveland) on December 15, 1933.  Amazingly, he succeeded in Hollywood without professional experience.  His wonderful sense of humour was the key to his success and he has brought a lot of laughter and happiness to a lot people.

Tim earned a degree in speech and radio from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.  After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army.  He began working in television in the 1950s.  Throughout his career, from his years on McHale's Navy to his his years on The Carol Burnett Show, Tim has been a master of comedy.  Although he was a frequent guest on Burnett's show, since it began in 1967, he did not become a regular cast member until the beginning of the 1975-76 season, when he replaced Lyle Waggoner.  His sketches with Carol and Harvey Korman and Vicki Lawrence are classics.

Tim has been wed twice and is the father of six children.  He was married to Mary Anne Dalton from 1961 until 1978.  He then married Charlene Fusco on May 18, 1984.  His eldest son, Tim Conway Jr. is a radio host at KFI AM 640 Los Angeles.

In more recent years, Tim Conway has guest-starred on Mike & Molly (2013), Two and a Half Men (2014) and Glee (2014).  Last year, Tim missed the Carol Burnett 50th Anniversary Special and fans began worrying about the state of his health.  Godspeed, Mr. Conway.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.


- Joanne


EDITOR'S UPDATE (September 19, 2018): According to USA Today, Tim Conway has undergone brain surgery.  On Friday, September 14, Tim's wife Charlene and his daughter Kelly (Charlene's stepdaughter) battled it out in court for control of Tim's care.  A final decision was deferred until the comedian recovers in hospital.

Y&R Report (August 18, 2018): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

When Hilary died, I had a great deal of sympathy for Devon.  Yes, he is grieving and he is angry, but does he have to take everything out on Lily?  She feels bad enough and she has to live with what she's done for the rest of her life.  Lily has confessed to the police.  She has taken responsibility for her careless actions.  Why is she beating herself up?  She practically expects to get a 20 year sentence, despite having Michael Baldwin as her lawyer.  What kind of lawyer is Michael if he can't get the sentence reduced or community service and probation for her.  She has no criminal record.

Victoria and Nikki are basking in the glory of being Genoa City's "power couple.  They are so rich and powerful that they have hired Dr. Nate as their personal physician.  They don't have to wait in line to get a family doctor and I'm sure they have medical insurance, unlike millions of Americans.

Nick has spent so much time trying to distance himself from his ruthless father, Victor Newman.  The irony is that he is becoming more and more like "The Moustache."  He even gave his own daughter, Summer, a huge amount of money to keep quiet about his tryst with Phyllis.  That's outright bribery.  Sadly, Nick Newman has fallen to the level of his father.  Nick told Summer he was disgusted with himself, as he should be.  Yet he still offered her the bribe.

As for Snowflake, I have little doubt she'll succeed in her conquest of Billy.  He is weak-willed and undisciplined.  I'm surprised he's held out this long.  Once he learns of Phyllis' infidelity with Nick, he'll go straight to Summer.  Summer will get what she wants, but she may live to regret it.

Who is this mysterious new character in town - Rey?  He resembles Billy a bit and he's somehow linked to J.T. Hellstrom.  He's really out to cause trouble for the Newman family and their associates..  Rey seems to be investigating people linked to J.T,. but we do not know if he is on the right side or the wrong side of the law. He has a bulletin board with J.T.'s photo in the middle, surrounded by photos of the Newmans and others involved with J.T.

What's going on with Neil Winters and Ashley Abbott?  First they agreed to remain friends.  Then Neil began dancing with her and romancing her again.  Now it seems that Ashley is giving him the cold shoulder.  When he phoned her, she abruptly dismissed him and told him she was busy with work.  That's the way she treated Ravi. It looks as though she doesn't want any strong attachments right now.  Business comes first with her and everything else is secondary.


VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

Here are some comments from CC in Etobicoke, Ontario in response to a previous poll question about the most annoying characters on Y&R.  The characters listed in the poll were Shauna, Abby, Arturo, Kyle, Charlie, Summer and Tessa.

These characters, except for Abby and Kyle, have shallow purposes in the plots that have been created for them.  They are not particularly strong actors and add nothing to the drama of the show that is sustainable.  Actually, you can throw Abby and Kyle back into the mix.  Kyle needs to his his mojo back, put Summer in her place and assert himself to be legitimately successful instead of trying to get ahead the sleazy, easy way.  Abby is just wishy-washy, neither a smart and capable businesswoman, nor a good judge of men.

I agree with you that Kyle should stand up to Summer.  With everyone else, he is very aggressive and pushy.  With Summer, it's different.  He's the one who melts in the presence of Snowflake.  He allows her to manipulate him and always does her bidding.

Kyle is very impatient, as you point out, and refuses to wait for advancement.  He wants business success and he wants it now.  He refuses to wait his turn.  He doesn't want to take the time to climb the ladder. of success.  He wants to go right to the top rung, while skipping all the other rungs, even if it means being sleazy and underhanded.  He even dug up Philip Chancellor's grave.  When it comes to Summer, however, Kyle becomes a big blob of jelly.  She wraps her little finger around him and has him right where she wants him.

It's a shame because Kyle is smart and talented.  He could go far if he (to use your words) if he asserted himself legitimately."  He also has to stop fawning over Summer.  She just uses him.

Abby is not the sharpest knife in the drawer and you are also absolutely right about Abby's judgement of men. She has a tendency to get involved with the wrong ones.  Just look at her track record - Daniel Romalotti, Austin Travers (Summer's husband), Dr. Stitch, Zach (criminal, ran a sex ring), Scott (boyfriend of Sharon).  Wow!  Abby really knows how to pick them.  At least Arturo doesn't have a girlfriend or a wife (although we can never be too sure of that).


CAST NEWS
Jordi Vilasuso joins Y&R cast as the mysterious Rey

Jordi Vilasuso is the newest mystery man in Genoa City.  The 37-year-old Cuban-American is a native of Miami, Florida.  He is best known for his role as Tony Santos on Guiding Light from 2000 to 2003. He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Series for his portrayal of Tony. Y&R is Jordi's  fourth soap.  He also played Griffin Castillo on All My Children and Dario Hernandez on Days of Our Lives.

Jordi has been married to actress Kaitline Riley since August 25, 2012 and they have two children.



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Sharon and Nick are about to tie the knot for a second time.  However, I wouldn't give their second try much chance of success.  They are both keeping huge secrets from each other.  Nick doesn't know about Sharon's part in the J.T. fiasco.  Sharon doesn't know about Nick and Phyllis.  So, the marriage might not even happen.  What do you think, fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know if you think the wedding will happen.

Do you think the wedding of Sharon and Nick will take place?

Yes, all the secrets will come out after the wedding.

No, Sharon will find out about Nick and Phyllis.

I'm not sure.

Other

Please Specify:

Create Online Quizzes

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, September 1, 2018.


- Joanne

The real names of 30 television stars #2

On February 2, 2016, I posted a list of the real names of 30 televisions stars.  Today I posted a list of 30 more.

1,  JASON ALEXANDER (Seinfeld) was born Jay Scott Greenspan on September 23, 1959 in Newark, New Jersey, USA.  He is the son of Alexander B. Greenspan, whose first name he used to create his stage name.

Jason Alexander

2.  ED ASNER (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant) was born Yitzhak Edward Asner on November 15, 1929 in Kansas City Missouri.  Ed's  parents immigrated from Russia and he was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family.  Ed was president of the American Screen Actor's Guild from 1981 to 1985.

3.  ROBERT BLAKE (Baretta) was born Michael James Gubitosi on September 18, 1933 in Nutley, New Jersey.  As a child actor, he was known as "Mickey Gubitosi."   In 1942, while a member of the Our Gang cast, he acquired the stage name "Bobby Blake.  He was not billed as "Robert Blake" until 1956.

4.  SHIRLEY BOOTH (Hazel) was born Marjory Ford on August 30, 1898 in New York City. In the 1905 New York state census, she was listed as Thelma Booth Ford. From 1961 to 1966, Shirley portrayed the busybody but well-meaning maid, Hazel Burke.  Shirley passed away on October 16  1992.  She was 94 years old at the time of her death.

Shirley Booth as Hazel in 1962

5.  JOEY BISHOP (The Joey Bishop Show) was born Joseph Abraham Gottlieb on February 3, 1918.  He was born in The Bronx, New York to Polish-Jewish immigrant parents.  From 1961 to 1965, Joey starred in his own television comedy series, The Joey Bishop Show.  He later hosted a late night talk show, also called The Joey Bishop Show.  A young Regis Philbin was his sidekick.  Joey passed away on October 17, 2007 at the age of 89.

Joey Bishop in 1967

6.  JAMES BROLIN (Marcus Welby, M.D, Hotel, Life in Pieces) was born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin on July 18, 1940  in Los Angeles California.  He has been married to Barbra Streisand since July 1, 1998 and is the father of actor Josh Brolin.

7.  MICHAEL CONSTANTINE (Room 222) was born Gus Efstratiou on May 22, 1927 in Reading, Pennsylvaia.  He is the son of Greek immigrants.  He played the role of principal Seymour Kaufman in the high school comedy drama Room 222, which ran from 1969 to 1974.

8.  DONNA DOUGLAS  {The Beverly Hillbillies) was born Doris Ione Smith on September 26, 1932 in Pride, Eat Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, USA.  She played the role of Elly May Clamppett on The Beverly Hillbillies from from 1962 to 1971.  Donna died of pancreatic cancer on January 1, 2015.  She was 82 years old.

Donna Douglas in 1967

9.  BUDDY EBSEN  (The Beverly Hillbillies, Barnaby Jones) was born Christian Ludolf Ebsen, Jr. on April 2, 1908 in Belleville, Illinois.  He died in California on July 6, 2003.  He was 95 years old at the time of his passing.

10.  BARBARA EDEN  (I Dream of Jeannie) (Harper Valley PTA) was born Barbara Jean Morehead on August 23, 1931 in Tucson, Arizona, USA.

11.  WILL FERRELL (Saturday Night Live) was born John William Ferrell on July 16, 1967 in Irvine, California, USA.  In the 1990s, he established himself as a comic actor when he became a member of the cast of the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live.

12.  JAMES GARNER (Maverick, The Rockford Files) was born James Scott Bumgarner on April 7, 1928 in Norman, Oklahoma, USA.  He died on July 19, 2014 at the age of 86.

13.  BRAD GARRETT (Everybody Loves Raymond, 'Til Death) was born as Brad H. Gerstenfeld in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California on April 14, 1960.  Brad played Raymond's police officer brother, Robert Barone, on the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005) and Eddie Stark on 'Til Death (2006-2010).

14,  DON GRADY (The Mickey Mouse Club, My Three Sons) was born Don Louis Agrati on June 8, 1944 in San Diego, California, USA.  In 1957, Don began his television career as one the Mickey Mouse Mouseketeers.  He then played middle brother Robbie Douglas on the long-running sitcom My Three Sons (1960-1972).  Don died of bone cancer on June 27, 2012 at the age of 68.

Don Grady

15,  STEVE HARVEY (Family Feud) was born Broderick Stephen Harvey on January 17, 1957 in Welch, West Virginia, USA.

16.  KEVIN JAMES (The King of Queens, Kevin Can Wait) was born Kevin George Knipfing on April 26, 1965 in Mineola, New York, United States.

17.  DAVID JANSSEN (The Fugitive) was born David Harold Meyer on March 27, 1931 in Naponee, Nebraska, USA. His parents divorced in 1935 and his mother later married Eugene Janssen,  David used his stepfather's surname when he entered show business.  On February 13, 1980, David Janssen died after suffering a heart attack.  He was 48 years old at the time of his passing.

18.  TOM JONES (This is Tom Jones) was born Thomas John Woodward in Glamorgan. South Wales on June 7. 1940.  In the 1960s, his manager, Gordon Mills, gave him the stage name "Tom Jones" after a popular Oscar-winning 1963 film of the same name.  From 1969 to 1971, the Welsh singer hosted a variety TV series entitled This is Tom Jones.  The show featured guest stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, Cher, Dusty Springfield, Stevie Wonder, Peter Sellers Mary Hopkin, Bob Hope, Liza Minnelli, Janis Joplin and The 5th Dimension.

Tom Jones

19.  TED KNIGHT (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Too Close for Comfort) was born Tade.  usz Wwladyslaw Konopka on December 7, 1923.  He was born to Polish-American parents in Terryville, Connecticut.  Ted died of colorectal cancer on August 26, 1986.  He was 62 years old.

20.  DON KNOTTS (The Andy Griffith Show, Three's Company) was born Jesse Donald Knotts was born July 21, 1924 in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.  He passed away on February 24, 2006 at the age of 81, due to complications from lung cancer.

21.  JAY LENO (The Jay Leno Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno) was born James Douglas Muir Leno on April 28, 1950 in New Rochelle, New York.  His mother, Catherine, was Scottish-born and her maiden name was "Muir"  His father, Angelo, was the son of Italian immigrants.

22.  ROY ROGERS (The Roy Rogers Show) was born Leonard Franklin Slye in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 5, 1911.  He was known as the "King of the Cowboys."  The popular Western star appeared in over 100 movies and in many radio and television episodes of The Roy Rogers Show, often with his wife, Dale Evans.  He acquired the stage name "Roy Rogers" during his film career in the late 1930s.  When  Gene Autry, the original "Singing Cowboy,"  demanded more money for his work, there was a competition for a new "Singing Cowboy."  Leonard Slye won the competition and Republic Pictures changed his name to Roy Rogers, using the surname of cowboy humourist Will Rogers.  Roy Rogers died on July 6, 1998 at the age of 86.

23.  ISABEL SANFORD (All in the Family, The Jeffersons) was born Eloise Gwendolyn Sanford on August 29, 1917 in New York City.  When she played the role of the maid Tillie Binks in the 1967 film Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, she was credited as "Isabell Sanford."  Norman Lear noticed her and cast her as Louise Jefferson on All in the Family.  She and her TV husband, Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson) became so popular that Lear spun the character off into their own weekly series, The Jeffersons.  The Jeffersons ran for 11 seasons.  Isabel died on July 9, 2004 at the age of 86.

Isabel Sanford

24.  MARTIN SHEEN (The West Wing) was born Ramón Gerard Antonio Estévez in Dayton, Ohio, USA.  He is the son of a Spanish-born father and an Irish-born mother.  From 1999 until 2006, Sheen portrayed U,S. President Josiah Bartlett on the TV drama The West Wing.  He adopted the stage name Martin Sheen by combining the names of the CBS casting director, Robert Dale Martin, and the televangelist Catholic archbishop, Fulton J. Sheen.

In a 2003 interview with Actors Studio, Sheen stated, "Whenever I would call for an appointment, and I would give my name, there was always that hesitation and when I'd get there, it was always gone.  So I thought, I got enough problems getting an acting job, so I invented Martin Sheen.  It's still Estévez officially.  I never changed it officially.  I never will.  It's on my driver's license and passport and everything.  I started using Sheen.  I gave it a try, and before I knew it, I started making a living with it and then it was too late.  In fact, one of my great regrets is that I didn't keep my name as it was given to me.  I knew it bothered my dad."

Martin Sheen in The West Wing

25.  INGER STEVENS (The Farmer's Daughter) was born Ingrid Stensland in Stockholm, Sweden on October 18, 1934.  She died from a drug-related overdose on April 30, 1970.  At the time of her passing, she was 35 years old.

26.  SUZANNE SOMERS (Three's Company, Step by Step) was born Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946 in San Bruno, California.  She is best known for her roles as Chrissy Snow on Three's Company and Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step.

27.  LILY TOMLIN (Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Grace and Frankie) was born Mary Jean Tomlin on September 1, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan.  She is known for her portrayal of Ernestine, the telephone operator, on Laugh-In.  She currently co-stars with Jane Fonda in the Netflix web TV series Grace and Frankie.

28.  ALEX TREBEK  (Jeopardy!) was born George Alexander Trebek on July 22, 1940 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.  His father was a Ukrainian immigrant and his mother was a Franco-Ontarian.  He began his television career in Canada and appeared on the CBC.  He then hosted game shows in the United States.  He has hosted Jeopardy! since 1984.

29.  BURT WARD (Batman) was born Bert John Gervis Jr. on July 6, 1945 in Los Angeles, California.  At 19 years old,, he won the role of Robin the Boy Wonder in the Batman series that aired from 1966 to 1968.  He also adopted the name "Burt Ward."  Feeling that the soft G in "Gervis" was difficult to pronounce, he used his mother's maiden name, which was "Ward."  He also changed the spelling of his first name to "Burt" to add "punch."

Burt Ward as Robin

30.  ADAM WEST (Batman) was born William West Anderson on September 19, 1928 in  Walla Walla Washington, USA.  From 1966 to 1968, he portrayed Batman and his alter ego, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne.  Adam West died on June 9, 2017 at the age of 88.



NOTE: To view my original list of 30 names, click on the link below.

http://www.tvbanter.net/2016/02/the-real-names-of-30-television-stars.html

- Joanne

Y&R Report (August 4, 2018): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hilary has gone out in a blaze of glory.  Given that Mishael Morgan had announced her departure from the show, there was little doubt that Hilary would survive.  The tragic nature of her death was played up to the utmost degree.  I have to admit, I've never seen anyone drink champagne in an ICU before.

I am not a fan of Shauna.  Her character is annoying and she is a troublemaker. By running away, Shauna set off the chain of events that led to Hilary's death, yet she had the nerve to put all the blame on Lily. She also confronted Lily at the worst possible time and she disrupted Hilary's funeral.

In the first place, however, Cane was wrong to hide the truth about Lily running the red light.  He was trying to protect Lily, but he  only made the situation worse for her.  Of course, Lily was very careless. Of course, she shouldn't have allowed herself to get so distracted that she ran through a red light; but she didn't do it purposely. She didn't murder Hilary. Why would she have risked her own life?  Why would she have risked son Charlie's life, as he was also in the car?  Why does Shauna have to play the blame game anyway?  Hilary's death was a tragic accident, caused by negligence.  Hilary called it an "accident" herself.  Devon shouldn't play the blame game either.  However, his anger is understandable since he is grieving.

I am disappointed that Mischael Morgan has left the show, although I am glad that another actress will not be playing the role of Hilary.  Since Mishael is pregnant in real life, I wonder how she felt when she had to portray Hilary losing her baby.

I'm curious as to what will happen to "The Hilary Hour" and GC Buzz.  Mariah can't fill Hilary's shoes as host of the shoe.  Hilary had the right personality for the show.  As Jack declared at her funeral, "Hilary was made for television."  However, Devon wants Mariah to host the show for now.

That scene at Top of the Tower with Nikki, Princess Victoria and Snowflake Summer grovelling over Victor Newman made me nauseated  It was sickening the way they bowed down at  King Victor's feet.  After all that grovel, I needed some Gravol for my sick stomach.

Things are going too well for Arturo and Abby.  There has to be a complication.  Dr. Nate is single and unattached.  I wonder if he'll take a shine to Abby?  I don't think he's met her yet.  The Newmans and Abbotts are very impressed by social status.  Abby may like the idea that he's a doctor.  On the other hand, maybe she's had enough of doctors after her bad experience with Dr. Stitch.  Here's who I think is more likely to become involved with Dr. Nate.  According to Soap Central, Y&R has put out a casting call for the role of "Candace," a single 30-something African-American woman.  "Candace" is an executive from Chicago with a background in science, so she'll probably show up at the hospital.


VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

Here are some comments from Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario.

The Y&R writers have a weird imagination.  I thought Nick wearing the J.T. mask was so stupid.  I like Nick and Phyllis together so I would not have a problem with her trying to get him back.  
As for Jack's father, that is a mystery.  But at some point, I thought it could be Mr. (Stuart) Brooks.  

I am not disappointed that Hilary is leaving the show.  Her character was so irritating.  But I am disappointed that Ashley is leaving.  I would imagine they will replace her character.

Yes, Carly, I think they could have resolved the J.T. mystery in a better way.  As for Nick and Phyllis, I have to disagree with you there.  I like Nick and Sharon better together and I am not a fan of Phyllis.  I find her nosy and bossy.

The identity of Jack's biological is still a mystery.  It's been on the backburner for a while due to Hilary's accident and death.  However, I think it's going to be front and centre again soon.  I don't think that the late Stuart Brooks was his father.  It wouldn't have much impact on the storyline.

We also disagree about Hilary.  I liked her and I am disappointed about Mishael Morgan left the show.  However, we agree about Ashley (Eileen Davidson).  I too am disappointed that Eileen is leaving the show.

I also received the following email from Rosie in Richmond Hill:

How about the action on Y&R!  Hilary's last scenes were quite emotional and Kleenex-worthy.  Poor Lily, though.  She is going to be raked over the coals.  I get the feeling that Shauna will be the new Hilary in town.  Charlie had better watch out as she provides emotional support to Devon.  Summer is the queen of shamefulness.   I'm sure that Nick and Phyllis will "twist" again in the near future.  I think Phyllis mentioned she had to go to Chicago . . . watch Nick end up there as well for some Dark Horse business!

Yes, Rosie, Hilary's death was definitely a Grade A tear jerker and Lily is being raked over the coals.  I think Shauna may become more like Summer than Hilary.  She may provide "emotional support" for Devon, the way shameless Snowflake is doing with Billy Boy.  Devon has already asked her to stay at the condo with him.  It funny how he puts all the blame for Hilary's death on Lily and ignores Shauna's part in it.

Kyle spilled the beans to Summer about Phyllis and another man.  Snowflake doesn't know the identity of the other man yet. but she will.  You can bet she'll take advantage of the information to get what she wants - Billy Boy.  By the way, Summer just used Kyle.  She pushed him away once she found out the information she wanted.

As for Nick and Phyllis, I think you are absolutely right.  Those two will not stay away from each other.  Things can't go perfectly for Nick and Sharon because Y&R is a soap.  There has to be conflict.  Nick has a cheating heart and he will not resist the temptation of Phyllis.  He will eventually regret it, but it will be too late.  He'll lose his chance with Sharon again.  I think Nick is headed for a big fall, both personally and professionally.  Victor will get the better of him, as he always does.

Regular Y&R viewer, Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario, almost fell over laughing at one particular scene on the show.  It was the scene where Jack burst into a discussion between Billy, Nick and Phyllis.with the question, "Is this a meeting of all the exes of Phyllis?  They were all wearing sunglasses and Billy and Nick were trying to conceal bruises they received due to their their fight.  Fifi thought Jack's comment was hilarious.  I also thought so.



CAST NEWS
Jason Canela (Arturo) is now on contract

Good news for fans of Jason Canela, who plays building contractor Arturo Rosales.has been placed on contract on Y&R.  On social media, Jason wrote: "I'm proud and honored to officially be a full time member of the Young & Restless family."

I wish Jason well, but I am not a fan.  Arturo is not a favourite character of mine.


Jordi Vilasuso will join Y&R cast as mystery man

Jordi Vilasuso will join the cast of The Young and the Restless.  The Cuban-American actor will play a mysterious stranger named Rey.  Jordi has appeared on other soaps such as Day of our Lives and All My Children.  Will his character compete with Arturo for Abby's affection.

Jordi is scheduled to make his Y&R debut on August 17th CBS (August 16th on Global-TV in Canada).


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Is there a certain character on Y&R who really bugs you.  Here's your chance to vent, fans.  Respond to the poll below and let me know which character really annoys you.

Which of these Y&R characters do you find the most annoying?

Shauna

Abby

Arturo

Kyle

Charlie

Summer

Tessa

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, August 18, 2018.  


- Joanne