Y&R Report (Saturday, December 7, 2019): 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. 

Did you enjoy the Thanksgiving episode on Y&R?  Wasn't it fitting that Phyllis and Adam, the two most unpopular denizens of Genoa City, ended up spending Thanksgiving together?  Of course, they didn't dine on turkey with all the trimmings.  No, they feasted on take-out Chinese food.  Then there was the storm when the lights went out in GC.  Phyllis, who shows up everywhere (usually uninvited), rode out the storm at Nick's place.  The former spouses ended up having a heart to heart talk about what they really thought of each other.  Billy Abbott was in a bar when the storm hit.  He ran into Amanda Sinclair and they also had a heart to heart over drinks.  Billy told her things he should have been telling his Victoria, his significant other.  When he got home, he decided not to mention his encounter with Amanda.

Summer and Theo are taking a break from each other.  Actually, they are calling it quits.  Theo dumped Snowflake and I'm not really surprised.  However, I think there is reason for the split.  Theo was never interested in building a solid relationship before.  He just wanted to have fun with no strings attached.  Suddenly, he expresses concern that he and Summer are not communicating and that their relationship is not meaningful.  Could this be an excuse for him to clear the way so that he can quietly pursue Lola when Kyle is not around?  He probably hopes that Kyle and Lola will have an argument and that he will be there to step in and comfort her.

Mariah Copeland sometimes sticks her nose where it doesn't belong.  Mariah expressed concern that an unattached Summer would pursue Kyle again.   She grilled Summer and demanded to know what had happened between her and Theo.  She even criticized Snowflake for not being clear about whether she and Theo were "taking a break" from their relationship or whether they had broken up.  Summer rightly pointed out that this was none of Mariah's business.

Mariah thinks she is qualified to determine which couples should be together.  She sees herself as a matchmaker/relationship adviser.  I understand that she wants to protect her friends and help them.  However, she has become too much of a busybody.

Nick Newman's relationship with Chelsea is on thin ice and I don't think there's much chance that it's going to last.  The stars are aligned against them.  Phyllis obviously wants Nick back, so she's planted doubts about Chelsea in Nick's mind by reminding him that his girlfriend was raised by a con artist.  She has also pointed out that Chelsea doesn't have to stay overnight at Adam's place.  She can always leave after Connor falls asleep.

Of course, the reason the writers have come up with Connor's "monster" is that it creates friction between Nick and Chelsea.  That's why the little boy feels better when he is surrounded by both mommy Chelsea and daddy Adam.  Speaking of Connor, he's become a little creepy lately, especially where Sharon is concerned.  To ward off  "the monster" he recites a mantra: "Can't beat three.  Mom and Dad and me."  In private, he adds another line: "Sharon, Sharon go away, never come another day."  That's a rather chilling little ditty.  The website Soaphub has pointed out that Connor sounds eerily reminiscent of Dr. Stitch's son, Max, who tried to kill Abby.  I really hope that this storline goes in a different direction.  I don't think viewers want to watch another psychotic kid as he plots to kill Sharon.  Please, no!

Abby certainly has it bad for Chance.  She is smitten.  Those two will get together, but there will be obstacles and challenges along the way.  In my opinion, there appears to be good chemistry between them.  There's a spark that Abby never had with Dr. Stitch or Arturo.  Have you noticed that ever since Chance came to town., Paul and Rey haven't been seen much at all.  Chance seems to have taken over all the police work in Genoa City.

Abby offered Chance the job of Head of Security at The Grand Phoenix.  That just happens to be Phyllis' job and she won't give it up easily.  Chance will accept the position because it will his character to remain in Genoa City.

Trouble is brewing between Devon and Elena.  He is obsessed with the conflict over Katherine's will.  Elena is losing patience with him.  She has given him a "wake-up call."  I don't think he'll heed her warning.  She will turn to Dr. Nate for comfort, and they will get together.

The writers don't seem to know what to do with Billy Boy Abbott any more than he knows what to do with himself.  First, he suffers mentally over Delia's death. He undergoes therapy and expresses his determination to be good to Victoria and the children.  Then, out of the blue, he decides to resign from his job at Jabot.  He claims he needs to distance himself from the family business and discover what's important to him.  The trouble is that he's still uncertain of who he is and what he wants.  Instead of confiding in Victoria, he has chosen to confide in Amanda.  There is trouble ahead for Billy and Victoria, but that's not surprising.  There has to be conflict.

One couple in Genoa City has managed to stay together for 14 consecutive years.  Lauren Fenmore and Michael Baldwin were married on December 9, 2005.  (Nikki and Vector have been together longer, but they divorced, married others and reconciled several times).

According to online spoilers, Chloe is going to give Kevin the ultimate Christmas gift.  Expect it to be a brother or sister for Bella since Chloe (Elizabeth Hendrickson) is pregnant in real life.

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

I spoke to longtime Y&R viewer, Helen from Scarborough.  Helen had a few observations and opinions.  Here they are:

"Abby does not have the power to fire Phyllis.  An owner can't be fired. (Phyllis owns 25 per cent of the Grand Phoenix)."

"Why does Jack go so out of his way to help Theo, especially when he knows that Theo gets under his son Kyle's skin."  

Well, Helen, I think the writers are using this as a way to create tension between Kyle and Theo.

"Abby does not have the power to fire Phyllis.  An owner can't be fired. (Phyllis owns 25 per cent of the Grand Phoenix)."

"Traci is a good writer, but she sure finished that Abbot family history book fast.  It's amazing how quickly she wrote that book."


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Many Y&R characters have been unlucky at love or have endured a string of bad relationships.  Who has been the biggest loser in the romance department?  My personal choice is Nicholas Newman.  He's been left at the altar three times, once by Avery and twice by Sharon.  He can't seem to make any relationship work.  His current girlfriend, Chelsea, seems to be reuniting with Adan,  Fans, what do you think?  Do you agree with me?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Is Nick Newman the biggest loser at love on Y&R?

Who is the biggest loser at love on Y&R?

Phyllis Summers

Nick Newman

Victoria Newman

Abby Newman

Sharon Newman

Jack Abbott

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

NOTE TO TORONTO AREA VIEWERS OF Y&R

The eighth annual annual Toronto OpportunitiTea high tea in support of the March of Dimes Canada will take place tomorrow at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.  The event features Kate Linder (Esther Valentine) and her actor friends from The Young and the Restless - Christian LeBlanc  (Michael Baldwin), Sharon Case (Sharon Newman), Mark Grossman (Adam Newman) and Christel Khalil (Lily Winters).  For more information on this event, click on the link below.  By the way, I will be attending and I am really looking forward to meeting Mark Grossman for the first time.  I will report back to you and post photos.

For more information on this event, click on the link below.

http://www.katelinderafternoontea.com/toronto/

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, December 21, 2019.  The November sweeps are over, but I always enjoy watching the Christmas and New Year's episodes on the show.  


- Joanne

Rich Little: Then and Now

    

"If you can make somebody laugh for an hour, that's good.  And it's good for your health!"

- Rich Little
Closer Weekly interview, December 30, 2016

Richard Cruthers Little was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on November 26, 1938, the second of the three sons of Lawrence Peniston Little, a doctor, and  his wife, Elizabeth Maud ((née Wilson), a homemaker.  No one in his family had ever been in show business.  Rich was a big movie fan, however, and he was an usher at the Elgin movie theatre in Ottawa.  The first film star he impersonated was Jimmy Stewart, after taping Stewart's 1954 film, The Far Country, under the screen with a tape recorder.

Rich Little has been nicknamed "The Man of a Thousand Voices" and his official website describes him as "a master mimic of more than 200 voices."  Rich began by mimicking his teachers at school.  "They could never figure out why saying 'good morning' was so funny," he told Closer Weekly in 2016.  Finally they stopped asking me questions, because they didn't want to hear wrong answers in their own voices."

Rich was eventually paid for his impersonations.  He began performing at Shriners conventions, imitating local politicians and movie stars.  He and singer Paul Anka, a fellow Ottawa native, did many shows in the Ottawa area for $10 or $20.  Rich and another impressionist, Geoff Scott, performed in night clubs, imitating the voices of Canadian politicians such as Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and Ottawa mayor Charlotte Whitton.

Rich went on to become a disc jockey, often incorporating his impressions into his show.  In the early 1960s, he was the host of a radio talk show on CJET in Smith Falls Ontario.  In 1963, he issued two recordings in Canada.  The first, entitled My Fellow Canadians, featured Rich and others impersonating figures who were well known in Canada   The second album, entitled Scrooge and the Stars, featured Rich acting out Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol  on his own, playing the roles of 22 characters in the voices of Hollywood stars.

On the basis of his club work and his recordings, Rich was given an audition with singer Mel Tormé, who was then busy helping to launch a new television variety show starring Judy Garland.  Mel, who was performing in a show with Rich in Toronto, made a tape and played it for Judy.  According to Rich, Judy "didn't like impersonators."  However, when she heard heard him imitate her A Star Is Born co-star, James Mason, she said. "Come on!"

Thus, in 1964 Rich headed for Los Angeles to appear on The Judy Garland Show.  Of his appearance with Judy, Rich wrote the following in his memoir Little By Little: "It was the thrill of my life to appear on Judy Garland's television show.  I remembered The Judy Garland Show as being my first American television appearance; but it really wasn't.  I did The Jimmy Dean Show out of New York first. but I hardly remember that appearance.  I have vivid memories of doing The Judy Garland Show.

The Garland episode was aired on January 26, 1964.  The main guests were comedian Martha Raye and Peter Lawford, her co-star from Easter Parade (1948).  Rich performed his impressions of Hollywood stars with Judy seated beside him, laughing.hysterically.  He did a rendition of Judy's song, "The Man that Got Away" from 1954's A Star Is Born, with the voices of Jack Benny, George Burns, Fred MacMurray, Jack Hawkins, John Wayne, Alfred Hitchcock, Walter Brennan and James Mason.

From 1966 to 1967, Rich  had a regular TV role as an eccentric neighbour on the ABC sitcom Love on a Rooftop.  The series starred Judy Carne and Peter Deuel (later known as Pete Duel), as a newlywed couple who live in a rooftop apartment in San Francisco.  Rich's character, Stan, never held a steady job and spent his days working on his inventions and dreaming up moneymaking schemes.

After Love on a Rooftop, Rich made guest appearances in episodes of such sitcoms such as That Girl (1967), The Flying Nun (1968) and Petticoat Junction (1969).  In an episode of That Girl entitled "To Each Her Own," he portrayed Andrew Marshall, a writer who amuses Marlo Thomas' character, Ann Marie, with his impersonations.  In two episodes of The Flying Nun, he appeared as the injury-prone Brother Paul Leonardi, and in the Petticoat Junction episode, "Billie Jo and the Big Big Star," he played comedian Rick Wayne, Billie Jo Bradley'new boyfriend.

Below is a photo of Rich in a scene from Petticoat Junction with Meredith MacRae, who played Bille Jo Bradley.

In the early 1970s, Rich became associated with Dean Martin.  He appeared on 24 of the 54 "Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts," a series of television specials held regularly by Martin from 1974 to 1984.  Martin and his friends would "roast" a celebrity, meaning the guest of honour would be subjected to jokes at their expense.  In addition to insult comedy, the roasts would involve some genuine praise and tributes.  The "roastee" would take the jokes in good humour, as they were not intended to be serious criticism or insult.

Rich imitating Jimmy Stewart at Dean Martin Roast

Rich appeared on numerous television variety shows, including those of Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason and Glen Campbell, as well as on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and The John Davidson Summer Show.  From 1973 to 1973, he was a semi-regular on Emmy-winning The Julie Andrews Show from and he had his own variety show on NBC, The Rich Little Show, from 1975 to 1976.  He also starred  in KopyKats, hour-long segments of The ABC Comedy Hour.  KopyKats, originally broadcast in 1972, was filmed in England.  Ir consisted of celebrity impersonations, with the actors dressed in full costumes and makeup for all the sketches.

Rich has been a frequent guest on talk shows and is known for his appearances with Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show and his impressions of Carson's voice and mannerisms were so spot-on that, according to Rich's autobiography, Johnny banned him without  reason or notice from appearing on The Tonight Show after his August 1982 appearance.

In 1978, Rich starred in the HBO special, Rich Little's Christmas Carol, a one-man show, in which he played all the roles as various comedians, such as W.C. Fields as Ebenezer Scrooge..  In 1987, he appeared in We the People 200, The Constitutional Gala, in which he used his impressions to portray historical figures.  For example, he impersonated Henry Fonda as Abraham Lincoln and he delivered a spirited speech as Winston Churchill.

After the 1980s, Rich moved away from the spotlight, but he still remained active.  He guesst-starred in a 1996 episode of The Nanny as an IRS Appeals Officer in an episode entitled "The Taxman Cometh."  He portrayed Johnny Carson in The Late Shift, a 1996 HBO TV movie about the power struggle that occurred when Johnny Carson retired and both David Letterman and Jay Leno wanted to replace him as host of The Tonight Show.  As of February 2018, Rich is a regular performer at the Laugh Factory in the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas.

On his official website, Rich Little is quoted as saying, "An impression is what you think a person sounds like.  It could be an exaggeration or a cartoon.  It's your impression.  I think of an impersonation as more of an exact copy.  Knowing the person personally is not important; it's knowing the speech patterns and mannerisms  (in order) to imitate the person the way the public seems him."  It took Rich seven years to perfect his impression of Frank Sinatra, but only several minutes to create one for Dr. Phil.

Rich Little has been married four times.  He married his first wife, Jeanne Worden, in 1971.  Jeanne was Joey Bishop's secretary.  The couple had a daughter, Bria, but divorced in 1989.  In February of 2005, Rich and daughter Bria attended the "Night of 100 Stars" Oscar party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

On October 29, 1994, Rich, 55, wed for the second time, to comedian Jeannette Markey, 28.  The marriage took place in a penthouse suite at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.  There were 97 guests and Rich said he vows as Cary Grant.  The couple met in March of 1993 when they were both performing at the Riviera Hotel on the Las Vegas strip.  Their marriage ended in divorce in 1997.

In 2003, Rich married Marie Marotta in Hawaii.  However, Marie's life ended tragically.  On July 15, 2010, Rich found her body and a suicide note in the bedroom of the couple's home in the Lake Sahara district of Las Vegas.  She died of a deliberate overdose of sleeping pills.  Rich's longtime friend, retired Canadian radio broadcaster Gord Atkinson, said that Marie suffered from severe migraine headaches that "sometimes knocked her out for days."  According to Atkinson, she left Rich "a loving note and said that she couldn't go on."  Marie Marotta was 45 years old at the time of her passing."

Rich and Marie Marotta

In 2012, Rich wed Catherine Brown.  In 2016, after recently splitting with Catherine, Rich said, "I've been married too many times.  He also called Marie Marotta "the big love of my life."

Rich and Catherine Brown

END NOTES

* Rich Little has a second daughter, Lindsay (born in 1988), whose mother is Lalette Cottrell.  In 1990, Rich sought custody of 1-year-old Lindsay.  At the time, the child's mother lived in Delaware, while Rich lived in California  Lalette fought Rich on the issue of child support.  Rich's lawyer, Geraold Z. Berkowitz, stated that the impressionist had succeeded in having the case heard in Delaware.  Berkowitz said that his client was willing to pay support, but an amount "consistent with the needs of the child," not the $5,000 to $10,000 a month he would have to pay if the case were heard in California.

* Rich is an alumnus of Ottawa's Lisgar Collegiate.  In 2018, he helped launch the high school's 175th anniversary reunion.

* Rich has written a memoir titled Little By Little: People I've Known and Been.

* Rich's talent for impersonations has come in handy in movies when an actor's speech has been affected by poor health.  For example, when David Niven was extremely ill, Rich stepped in and dubbed his voice in Trail of the Pink Panther (1983) and Curse of the Pink Panther (1983).  He did the same for James Cagney in the 1984 TV movie, Terrible Joe Moran, after Cagney's voice was impaired by a stroke.  In the 1991 TV special, Christmas at the Movies, Rich provided an uncredited dub for actor/singer Gene Kelly, who was ailing.

* In 2010, Rich became a naturalized American citizen.  At the suggestion of the judge, he was sworn in using the voice of John Wayne.


* Rich has a granddaughter named Alaina.

* Rich entertained at both of Ronald Reagan's presidential inaugurations and has impersonated every American president from John F. Kennedy to Donald Trump.

* Rich has been inducted into four prominent walks of fame.  In 1998, he was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto. Also in 1998, he was honoured with a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California Walk of Fame. In addition, he has star on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

* Rich is supportive of charities such as Wounded Warriors and the Gay Sinise Foundation.  After his wife Marie died, he created The Marie and Rich Little Foundation, which focuses on supporting children, the homeless and animals in need.

* Rich is a talented artist.  He began sketching at a young age and, according to his official website, drawing family and friend.  He has also drawn many sketches of the politicians and celebrities he impersonates.  He displays several of these charcoal sketches in his shows.

* Rich's greatest feat is, not surprisingly, getting a sore throat.

* Rich Little currently lives in Las Vegas and has a one-eyed cat named T-Bo.


SOURCES:  Los Angeles Times, "NAMES IN THE NEWS: Rich Little Files for Custody," February 23, 1990; People magaazine; "Marrying Rich,", November 19, 1994; Closer Weekly, "Rich Little chats with Closer about comedy, fatherhood and being a grandpa," December 30, 2016; Little By Little: People I've Known and Been,, by Rich Little; Rich Little's Official Website (therichlittle.com); Wikipedia; Internet Movie Data Base (IMDb.com)


- Joanne

Y&R Report (November 23, 2019): 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. 

The Young and the Restless first came on the air in March of 1973, in the midst of the Watergate hearings.  It was frequently preempted due to the hearings.  Now, here we are, 46 years later, and the show has been  interrupted once again, this time because of  impeachment hearing involving President Trump.  That means Y&R fans have seen fewer episodes of the show lately.  However, there is more than enough to talk about.

In the  last edition of Y&R Report (November 9, 2019), I wrote that "Nicholas Newman's political career will come to an abrupt and screeching halt."  It sure did.  In fact, it never really got off the ground.  I also predicted that Nick's relationship with Chelsea would come to an abrupt end too.  That hasn't happened just yet, but it will.  Nick is going to get more and more upset about Chelsea running off to stay with Adam and Connor.  He's already been joking around with Phyllis and flashing his dimples at her.  She's been flirting with him outrageously.

It seems that whenever Nick is unhappy with his current flame, he runs to Phyllis and really messes things up.  That's exactly what he did when he thought Sharon had broken their engagement.  He didn't even bother to discuss the matter with Sharon.  He just ran to Phyllis.  Is it any wonder why Nick's relationships don't work out?

That crazy Australian con artist, Colin Atkinson (Tristan Rogers) has returned for two episodes.  Jill tracked him down the crooked Aussie in a hotel suite in the Maldives.  Colin was frisky and eager to offer her champagne.  She fired questions at him about Katherine Chancellor's will and.he claimed to have"righted a wrong," accusing Tucker and David Sherman of committing fraud.  He said that the new pages of the will are legitimate.  He also admitted to Jill that he was the one who knocked out Candy Cane Ashby, his own son and then left the new pages on the table.  Colin is such a despicable cad!  Yet Jill can't resist him.  She slapped in the face and then kissed him.

By the way, the best line between Jill and Colin occurred after Colin referred to Katherine as "the old bat."  Jill shot back that she was the only one who could call Katherine an" old bat."

Romance seems to be in the air for Chance (Donny Boaz) and Abby (Melissa Ordway).  You can sense the attraction between them.  Could Abby finally be lucky at love?  We'll have to wait and see.  Phyllis appears impressed with Chance too.  She may go after him or just cause problems for him and Abby.

There may also be another romance in the offing: Dr. Nate and the mysterious Amanda Sinclair.  Amanda informed Nate that she was too busy for a relationship, but she did joke about the look on Devon's face if they were to date.  The Hilary look-alike is hiding something about her connection to the Chancellor will.  According to online spoilers, we will find our her secret soon.

The Chancellor will storyline has not been well written.  As if Devon would not have his own lawyers check the authenticity of the will before just handing over his fortune to Cane.  It seems as if this plot was written on the fly as a way to have a spectacular exit for Cane, since Daniel Goddard has been let go from the show.

It's pretty clear who Theo really wants, and its not Summer.  Sorry, Snowflake, it's Lola!  Every time
Theo sees Kyle and Lola kissing, he looks uncomfortable and displeased.  As for Kyle, he is going to have to work with Theo.  Theo isn't going anywhere. He turned down Ashley's offer of a job in Paris.  At Jack's suggestion, he's going to take over Summer's job because she's been promoted to Director of Markenting.  This is all happening because Billy Boy Abbott dropped a bombshell.  He announced that he's resigning from Jabot and leaving the corporate world.  However, Kyle will not be running Jabot on his own.  Jack wishes to return as CEO and top dog.  Kyle and Lauren will serve as co-Cheif Operating Officers or COOs.  Lauren hasn't been on screen for a while.  This new position may mean that we'll be seeing a lot more of her.

Now that Billy's unemployed, what is he gong to do with himself.?  His next move should be very interesting. I can't picture him sitting around twiddling his thumbs.  If he gets bored, he may be tempted to join a poker game.


CAST NEWS

Faith and Fen will be home for Christmas

Faith Newman hasn't been around much since she was sent to boarding school.  Alyvia Alyn Lind, who portrays Faith, has been playing the role of Angelica on the new Netflix series, Daybreak, and she has completed filming of the show's first season.

Alyvia was last seen on Y&R in July.  However, the good news is that her Faith character will be back in Genoa City for the holidays.  I am pleased that a new actress has not been chosen to play Faith (at least not yet).  I hope that Y&R will not age the character because I like Alyvia in the part., but her careering is really skyrocketing.  I doubt she'll remain on Y&R for too much longer.  The youngster is very talented and she's going places.

It is not known yet whether Alyvia's return is only for the Christmas season.  After seeing what a mess her parents (Nick and Sharon) have made of their lives, poor Faith may be anxious to return to boarding school.

Alyvia Alyn Lind

Fenmore Baldwin, son of Lauren Fenmore (Tracey Bregman) and Michael Baldwin (Christian LeBlanc), will also be home for Christmas.  If you remember, Fen had been trying to make a name for himself in the music business.  He wasn't very reliable, so Devon sent him on tour.  Apparently, he became involved with drugs again.  Adam was going to use that information about Fen to blackmail Michael.

Zach Tinker will reprise his role as Fen for the holiday season.  Y&R announced the news on Twitter along with the following photo of Zach with his TV parents.

Special episode celebrates Peter Bregman's 30 years on Y&R

Peter Bregman began his three decades as Jack Abbott on November 22, 1989.  The Young and the Restless will be airing a special episode to mark the anniversary.  The episode is scheduled to air on Monday, November 25th on CBS.  Viewers of Global TV saw it yesterday, November 22nd.  This is a must-see episode.  Don't miss it!


Justin Hartley files for divorce 

Justin Hartley, ex-Adam Newman, and star of This Is Us, has filed for divorce from his wife, Chrishell, after two years of marriage.  According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, the couple's case is listed as a "dissolution without minor children".(Justin has a daughter from his first marriage).  The 42-year-old actor married former Passions star Chrishell Stause in October 2017.  The divorce papers were submitted yesterday, November 22, 2019.



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Donny Boaz

Donny Boaz has taken over the role of Philip Chancellor IV, better known as "Chance."  We haven't seen a great deal of him yet, but do you like what you've seen so far?  Has he made a good impression on you?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Has Donny Boaz made a good impression on you as the new Chance?

Yes, I really like him and I think he's a good actor.

No, he has not made a good impression on me. His performance has not been good.

It's really too early to tell. I definitely need to see more of him.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Free Survey Maker

MESSAGE FOR TORONTO AREA VIEWERS OF Y&R

The eighth annual annual Toronto OpportunitiTea high tea in support of the March of Dimes Canada will take place at the Royal York Hotel on December 8th, 2019.  The event features Kate Linder (Esther Valentine) and her actor friends from The Young and the Restless - Christian LeBlanc  (Michael Baldwin), Sharon Case (Sharon Newman), Mark Grossman (Adam Newman) and Christel Khalil (Lily Winters).  For more information on this event, click on the link below.  By the way, I will be attending and I am really looking forward to meeting Mark Grossman for the first time ( I have seen the others before and they are wonderful.

For more information on this event, click on the link below.

http://www.katelinderafternoontea.com/toronto/

Readers, I would appreciate your feedback.  Please let me know what you think about the show.

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, December 7, 2019.



- Joanne

A Letter to Alex Trebek

Dear Alex,

Jeopardy! is my favourite television game show.  It is challenging, intelligent and fun.  I have to admit, however, that I would not make a good contestant as I would be much too slow on the buzzer.  So, I think I'll just stick to watching the show at at home.  I'll leave the official competition to the Ken Jennings of this world.

I am not only a fan of Jeopardy!.  I am also a fan of Alex Trebek.  (We are both Canadian, both from Ontario,).  Last March, I was saddened when you announced that you had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  You noted that your prognosis was not good but that you would fight the cancer aggressively in hopes of beating the odds.

In the face of such devastating news, you have comported yourself with the utmost dignity and grace.  I greatly admire your courage and I believe you have been an inspiration to others who suffer from the same terrible affliction.  Since your diagnosis, you have simply carried on with your work. You have continued to host Jeopardy!, as you have done for over 35 year, since 1984.

In September of this year, you resumed chemotherapy. In a recent telephone interview with USA Today, you said you were feeling okay and you stated that "some days are better than others."  You are still experiencing the effects of chemotherapy, which you described as wearing on you.  Jeopardy's production schedule has had to be changed in order to accommodate your illness.  Still, you are scheduled to host the Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time tournament, a primetime special event, featuring the shows three biggest winners - James Holzhauer, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter.  Two matches (four games total) are slated to be taped in early December.  The tournament will air on ABC in January of 2020.  Fans will really be looking forward to that and you know that all of us wish you well.

Alex, you told USA Today that it's "pure adrenaline" that keeps you going.  I'm sure the outpouring of support from your family, friends and fans has especially gratifying to you during this difficult time.  I have written this letter to add to that support.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.


- Joanne

What's going on with Richard Simmons?

Richard Simmons has often been described as flamboyant, energetic, campy and eccentric.  The world famous fitness guru was a fixture on television for decades.  He is known for his exercise videos based on  his "Sweatin' to the Oldies" workout routine.  He is also known for his trademark attire - glitttering tank tops decorated with Swarovski cyrstals, and his signature candy-striped Dolphin shorts.  In recent years, Richard has become quite reclusive and has shunned the spotlight.  The 71-year-old "clown prince of fitness" has not made any major public appearances since 2014 and his fans have been concerned about him.  So, what's really going on?

Milton Teagle "Richard" Simmons was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 12, 1948, the son of Leonard Douglas Simmons Sr. and Shirley May (née Satin).  Richard and his older bother, Leonard Jr., grew up in the city's famed French Quarter.  Leonard Sr., who was raised a Methodist, worked as a master of ceremonies and then in thrift stores.  Shirley May, who came from a Russian Jewish background, was a travelling fan dancer and later became a store cosmetics saleswoman.

Below is a photo of Richard and his parents and his brother, Leonard Jr. known as "Lenny."  Richard is the younger boy on his mother's lap.

At a young age, Richard converted to Catholicism and attended Cor Jesu High School (now known as Brother Martin High School) in New Orleans.  He later enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, but switched to Florida State University in Tallahassee, where he earned a B.A. in Art.  While in college, he changed his name to "Richard" to honour a beloved uncle who had helped him with his tuition payments.  After college, Richard went to New York City, where he worked in advertising and was also employed by Revlon and Coly Cosmetics.

Richard Simmons had been an overweight child and was obese by the time he graduated from high school.  He attempted to lose weight via pills, laxatives and fad diets.  He finally decided to turn to healthier methods such as exercising and eating more more nutritious food.  In the early 1970s, Richard moved to Los Angeles, where he started out as a maitre d' at a restaurant there.  In 1974, he began his weight-loss and fitness career by opening a fitness studio called "The Anatomy Asylum" in Beverly Hills, California.  It was designed especially for obese people. and its name was eventually changed to 'Simmons Studio."
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In the 1980s, Richard hosted his own TV talk show, The Richard Simmons Show, which was nominated for seven Daytime Emmy Awards and won four.  The show ran for four years, from 1980 to 1984, and was a big hit.  It focused on personal health and fitness.  Richard has also been a frequent visitor on the late night television and radio talk show circuit.  He was a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Howard Stern Show.  He has also made appearances on celebrity game shows such as Body Language, Super Password and Lose or Draw.

Richard guest-starred as himself in episodes of shows such as CHiPs ("Meet the New Guy," Season 6, Episode 1, Airdate: October 10, 1982) and The Larry Sanders Show,,"The Warmth Episode.,"  Season 1, Episode 11, Air Date October 24, 1992).

When Richard Simmons suddenly disappeared from the public eye in February of 2014, his absence sparked many rumours and much speculation.  Not only did he retire from public life, he stopped teaching his regular fitness classes at his gym.  He even ceased corresponding with his fans.  Although Richard assured people that he was fine via audio tapes, some members of the media and of of the public remain skeptical to this day.

In June of 2016, Richard was hospitalized.  His housekeeper said he was behaving strangely., but Richard issued a statement saying he was suffering from dehydration.  There were rumours that this housekeeper was holding Richard hostage.  In an audio interview with Today host Savannah Guthrie, Richard vehemently denied the allegations.  He stated, "No one is holding me in my house as hostage.  You  know I do what I want to do as I've always done, so people should just believe what I have to say because I'm Richard Simmons."

There was also speculation that Richard was transitioning into a woman.  Simmons is very private about his personal life and doesn't discuss his sexuality.  He has never publicly stated that he is a homosexual.  (In May, 2017, Richard sued the National Enquirer, Radar Online and American Media for libel and false claims that he was undergoing gender reassignment.  In September 2017, he lost the lawsuit).

In October of 2016, Richard announced on Facebook that his landmark Simmons Studio would be closed down on November 19th of that year.  He hadn't been seen at the studio in years.  In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Richard wrote: "In 1974 I opened Simmons to help people make positive changes in their lives by having fun while exercising.  It was a place to make friends, listen to and learn from others, lose weight and gain confidence  . . .  I've dedicated my life to helping others feel better about themselves and they helped me do the same.  Thank you for always  supporting and loving me.  I will take the time for myself to be the best I can be and so should you.  I love you - always keep sweatin'!"

On February 15, 2017, the first episode of the podcast Missing Richard Simmons was launched.  Its purpose was to investigate why Simmons left the media so abruptly and without notice. It hosted by journalist Dan Taberski, former producer of The Daily Show, and was created by Stitcher, First Look Media and Pineapple Street Media.

In March of 2017, Los Angeles police detectives conducted "welfare check" of Richard's home.  The LAPD issued a statement that he is "perfectly fine" and that right now he is doing what he wants to do and that it his business."

The March 22, 2017 edition of People magazine had a cover story about Richard Simmons'' withdrawal from the public spotlight.  According to the  People article, "many of Richard's inner circle say that his life of solitary seclusion is self-imposed."  Richard's brother, Lenny, was quoted as saying, "My brother is fine.  He's not sick.  There's nothing medically wrong with him at all.  These things about him transitioning into a woman are ridiculous.  My wife Cathy and I were out there for Christmas and spent five days with him and I can assure you, he's not transitioning into anything but himself."

Lenny provided a simple explanation for Richard's absence from public life.  "After 40-some-years," said Lenny, ''he just decided that he wants to rest.  He's 68 years old now and he just wants time for himself."

According to Lenny, Richard keeps busy at home by watching television, cooking, reading, tending to his pets - he tends to a multitude of hummingbirds - and gardening.  His hair is greyer and he has grown a beard.  Lenny told People that Richard must be exercising because he looks fit.

In June of 2019, USA Today reported that, according to Tae Bo master Billy Blanks, Richard "may return to the public eye soon."  Blanks said that he believes that his friend will make a comeback after taking time to care for himself.  Simmons' representative, Tom Estey, refused to comment on Blanks' statement.

In September of 2019, it was reported that the U.S. government claimed that Richard Simmons owed a grand total of $23,018.80 in back taxes (between 2007 and 2015).  That news sparked more speculation about Simmons' well-being.  It seems that the press and the public can't believe that Richard would voluntarily leave the limelight for some rest and relaxation.


END NOTES

* Richard Simmons made appearances on the daytime soap General Hospital.  His appearance occurred in 1979 and his last appearance occurred in 2013.

* Richard once studied to be a priest.  After finishing high school, he spent almost two years at a Dominican seminary in Iowa.  In 1984, he told the Chicago Tribune that "I didn't look anything like a priest . . . I was rather on the loud side."

Richard replaced Alex Trebek as host of Value Television, a 1987 home shopping show.  However, the show was short-lived.

* Richard had a cameo in the movie Space Jam, a 1996 action/animated sport comedy starring former NBA superstar Michael Jordan.

* In September of 2005, Richard appeared on Entertainment Tonight to discuss the impact of Hurricane Katrina on his hometown of New Orleans and his campaign  to aid those affected by the disaster.

* In 2008, Richard became politically active by supporting legislation mandating non-competitive physical education in American pubic schools as part of the No Child Left Behind Act.

* Richard lives alone in his Hollywood Hills home with his pet Dalmatians. According to the Denver Post, he named his three canines Scarlett, Pittypat and Melanie, after characters from Gone with the Wind.  Richard seldom leaves his house, which he has attributed to an injured knee.

* Richard has written a memoir entitled Still Hungry After All These Years: My Story (1999).

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SOURCES:  USA Today, "Tae Bo creator Billy Blanks believes Richard Simmons will be back 'soon'," by Cydney Henderson, June 2, 2019; Blast (theblast.com), "Richard Simmons Owes Thousands in Back Taxes, Fueling Speculation About Well-Being," by Mike Walters, September 17, 2019,  Answersafrica.com, Richard Simmons - Biography, Net Worth, Is He Gay, Dead or Alive?"; People magazine, "Why Richard Simmons Hasn't Been Seen in Public for Three Years: 'He's Fine, He's Not Sick,' Says Brother Lenny Simmons," by Liz McNeil, March 22, 2017, People.com, "Watching Wheel of Fortune, and Tending to His Hummingbirds: Inside Richard Simmons' Life  Out of the Spotlight;"by Gabrielle Olya and Liz McNeil, March 23, 2017;  Daily Mail, "Richard Simmons closes down his famed exercise studio after two year absence of public life, Oct 21, 2016, Wikipedia, Internet Movie Data Base (IMDb.com); The Vintage News, "Sweatin' to Richard Simmons - Revealing Insights into his Outsized Personality," by Steve Palace, April 6, 2019


- Joanne

Y&R Report (November 9, 2019): 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. 

Nicholas Newman is about to enter politics, but his political career will come to an abrupt and screaming halt, as will his relationship with con woman Chelsea Lawson.  Chelsea learned the tricks of the trade from her grifter mother, Anita (Catherine Bach).  When her money laundering of the ill-begotten money of her late husband, Calvin, becomes public knowledge, as it most certainly will, boyfriend Nick's run for City council will be toast.  Nick Newman has got to be the biggest loser in Genoa City.  He cannot sustain a relationship and he cannot succeed in his business and political endeavours.

The chickens have come home to roost for Chelsea.  She's in full panic mode, but I can't muster up much sympathy for her. She didn't have to get involved in illegal money laundering. She is wealthy enough and she is a partner in the Grand Phoenix.  She is just plain greedy.  Chelsea foolishly risked everything, including her relationship with Nick.  As a result, she has been stalked and threatened by the shadowy Simon Black.  Her frightened son, Connor, is in grave danger and Adam has had to step in.     

Chelsea also drew Kevin and Chloe into her money laundering scheme.  Those two, who have never displayed good judgement, foolishly went along with it  When the truth comes out, Kevin will lose his job at the police station.  Paul Williams will be terribly angry and disappointed with him, as will his long-suffering brother, District Attorney brother, Michael Baldwin

Well fans, I never thought I'd see the day when Victor Newman would be retired and watching The Price is Right.  Yet that is what he told Nikki he had been doing.  Say it ain't so!

Theo Vanderway is behaving too well.  It can't last, at least not on a soap opera.  I still don't trust him.  His intentions may be sincere.  He may be trying to change and to turn over a new leaf.  However, he's facing financial difficulties.  His "influencing" business is not going well.  He's starting to get desperate.  He's eventually going to want a piece of the Abbott pie, especially after having read that Jabot is cashing in on its merger with Ashley's company.  He'll reason that since he's Dina's grandson, he has a legal right to some of her fortune (which is true).  I also think Theo could be falling for Lola.

Kyle Abbott is wise to keep his guard up where his "cuz" is concerned.  He should also listen to Uncle Billy Boy's advice. When Kyle told Billy he regarded Theo as a nuisance, Billy was very blunt and realistic.  He warned Kyle in so uncertain terms that Theo was a "threat."  Kyle needs to change his strategy.  He has been playing his cards all wrong.  He should not be so openly hostile to Theo.  Theo is definitely taking a smarter approach.
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By outwardly showing his disdain for Theo, Kyle is driving a wedge between himself and Lola, especially since Theo has been acting like an angel lately .  Kyle should keep his doubts to himself.  His attitude toward Theo makes him appear petty and immature to Lola and the rest of his family, while Theo, on the other hand, seems respectful and reasonable.

It seems that anyone can just saunter into Lola's kitchen and she always seems to be working alone there.  I can't imagine that any kitchen in any respectable restaurant would allow that.

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 I received in an email from regular contributor CC in Etobicoke, Ontario:

Hi Joanne

As far as the storyliens are concerned, although I am not a fan of the character of Theo or the actor who plays the role, the storyline that he is Dina's grandson could lead to future intrigue.  It may open the door for a quick exit for Dina's character.  

Poor Nick.  He has never been able to find his passion when it comes to his life's work.  Being in politics may put him in the hot seat for future storylines, but he will need to hone his character to sustain it.  

Chelsea can never shed the stigma of her original persona . . . a con artist . . . like mother like daughter.  I don't think fans can forget that she's Johnny's biological mother, especially when she's being so effusive in protecting Connor.  The writers need to get a fix on that.

So far, Hilary's look-alike character, Amanda, has been a wash, but I expect that will change soon.

I am not a fan of Theo's character either, CC, but I think Tyler Johnson, the actor who plays him, is doing a good job.  I agree with you that his storyline as Dina's grandson will lead to future intrigue.  Dina has met Theo and she mistook him for his father, Eric, the son she gave up for adoption.  She had a sense of relief that her son had turned out all right and she was touched that she had met him.  This means that Dina will probably pass away soon.  As her grandson, Theo will consider himself the legitimate heir to a chunk of her fortune.

Yes, Nick can't seem to succeed in his career or his love life.  Some of his problems have been due to bad luck, others to poor choices.  His longest relationship was his ten year marriage to Sharon.  I think he is best suited to Sharon, but the writers broke them up for storyline purposes.  Although Sharon is with Rey right now, I think she will reunite with Nick sometime in the future.  As for his career, Nick has tried various business endeavours - The Underground Restaurant, Restless Style magazine and a real estate company called Dark Horse,  His foray into politics will fail, due to Chelsea.

You made a good point about Chelsea.  We have never seen her give much of a thought to Johnny, the son she gave up to Billy and Victoria.  It's almost been forgotten that she's his biological mother.  Maybe sometime in the future, when Johnny is older, his relationship to Chelsea will come into play.  Also, Connor doesn't know he has a brother.  He is bound to learn about that someday.

It looks as if Mishael Morgan's new character, lawyer Amanda Sinclair, is sticking around.  She's going to defend Dr. Nate Hastings in his case regarding Victor Newman's fake death.  She may become romantically involved with Nate or possibly with Devon.  That will be interesting.  Amanda is very mysterious and her past has not yet been revealed.

Meanwhile, Philip Chancellor IV, known as Chance, has finally surfaced.  A different actor is playing the role.  He seems meaner and has much more of an edge to him.  Has something happened to him or have the writers just changed his personality?


CAST NEWS

William Wintersole (Mitchell Sherman) dies 

Longtime Y&R fans will remember William Wintersole.  He portrayed Mitchell Sherman, Katherine Chancellor's lawyer and friend,  from 1986 until 2011.  The veteran actor passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 due to complications from cancer.  He was 88 years old.

William Wintersole's film and TV career began in the 1960s.  He appeared in episodes of Mission Impossible, Emergency!, I Dream of Jeannie, Kojak, Little House on Prairie ,The Fugitive and Star Trek: The Original Series.  He also played Ted Ballantine on General Hospital from 1980 to 1986.


Donny Boaz is the new Chance

Donny Boaz

It's about time!  Philip Chancellor IV, better known as "Chance", has finally surfaced in Genoa City.  The role of Chance has been recast and Donny Boaz is now playing the part of Jill's grandson.  He seems meaning than the old Chance and he has much more of an edge.  We will soon find out what's happened to this "boy scout."

Donny Boaz was raised in a small town south of Dallas, Texas.  He played college football and modelled for Abercrombie and Neiman Marcus.

Donny is going to stay around The Young and the Restless for a while.  He tweeted that he has signed a multi-year deal with the show.  He is new to daytime TV, but fans will recognize him from his roles as Max Burns on NCIS: New Orleans and Bo McCabe from the Dallas reboot.

CAST NOTE: There is some sad news to report.  Mishael Morgan's (Amanda) father, Michael, died at the age of 67 on November 5th.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Mark Grossman

Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) has had relationships with both Chelsea and Sharon.  Which woman suits him best or should he become involved with someone else? What do you think, fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Who is the best match for Adam?

Sharon

Chelsea

He should find someone new

He should get his life in order first.

Other

Please Specify:

Make Quizzes

MESSAGE FOR TORONTO AREA VIEWERS OF Y&R

The eighth annual annual Toronto OpportunitiTea high tea in support of the March of Dimes Canada will take place at the Royal York Hotel on December 8th, 2019.  The event features Kate Linder (Esther Valentine) and her actor friends from The Young and the Restless - Christian LeBlanc  (Michael Baldwin), Sharon Case (Sharon Newman), Mark Grossman (Adam Newman) and Christel Khalil (Lily Winters).  For more information on this event, click on the link below.  By the way, I will be attending and I am really looking forward to meeting Mark Grossman for the first time ( I have seen the others before and they are wonderful.

For more information on this event, click on the link below.

http://www.katelinderafternoontea.com/toronto/

That's all for now.  Don't forget that  next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, November 23, 2019.  The November sweeps will be in full flight, with American Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner.


- Joanne