Monday, April 26, 2021

Poll: The best guest host on Jeopardy! . . . so far


Regular readers of TV Banter will know I am a huge fan of Jeopardy!  Since Alex Trebek's, passing, six people have filled in as guest hosts. The list includes:

Ken Jennings - Jeopardy! champ, (holds the record for the longest winning streak on  the show), author, television host

Mike Richards - game show producer and host, executive producer of Jeopardy!

Mike Richards

Katie Couric - television journalist and TV host

Dr. Mehmet Oz - cardiothoracic surgeon, television personality and author

 Aaron Rodgers - star quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League

Anderson Cooper.- journalist and CNN host

Anderson Cooper

POLL:  Jeopardy! fans, who has been the best guest host of Jeopardy! so far?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Who has been the best guest host of Jeopardy! so far?
Ken Jennings
Mike Richards
Katie Couric
Dr. Mehmet Oz
Aaron Rodgers
Anderson Cooper
Create your own poll vote


FUTURE JEOPARDY! GUEST HOSTS


Sony Pictures has announced some other personalities who will serve as Jeopardy! guest hosts will be.

LeVar Burton - actor, director, educator

George Sephanopoulos and Robin Roberts of Good Morning America,

David Faber- financial journalist and market news analyst for CNBC

Bill Whitaker - television journalist and CBS news correspondent on 60 Minutes

Bill Whitaker

Buzzy Cohen - music recording industry executive, former Jeopardy! champion

Mayim Bialak, - actress (Blossom, The Big Bang Theory), neuroscientist, author

Mayim Bialak, 

Savannah Guthrie - broadcast journalist, co-anchor of NBC news morning show Today

Dr. Sanjay Gupta - neurosurgeon, CNN medical reporter

Joe Buck - sportscaster, author and TV host, best known for his lengthy career with Fox Sport

Joe Buck

It's fun watching the guest hosts, but sooner or later, a permanent host will be announced.  Until then, I will keep you posted.


- Joanne

Saturday, April 24, 2021

Y&R Report (April 24, 2021): 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

Hi fans,

Well, Victor Newman is showing his ruthless streak again.  Ashland Locke had a heart attack right in front of Victor's eyes.  Victor, however, would not call 911 until Locke signed the contract giving him and Adam control of Locke's media company.

However, it is obvious that the contract Locke signed would never hold up in a court of law.  It was definitely signed under duress, while the man was suffering a medical crisis.  Locke could easily prove that and Victor wouldn't have a leg to stand on.  He would not be awarded the company under those circumstances.  - but wait - I've though of something else.  There is a possibility that Ashland might not survive.  What if he doesn't survive?  Where would that leave Tara and Harrison.  As Harrison's biological father, wouldn't Kyle want to step up?  I am doubtful that this will happen., though.  Although he character of Ashland is not indispensable to the show, but Richard Burgi, who plays the business mogul, is such a good actor that Y&R probably wants to keep him for a while longer.

In one way, Ashand's death does make sense.  The widow Tara would pose a serious threat to Kyle and Summer.  However, Ashland makes a great rival for Victor Newman.  I get the impression that Eric Braeden really enjoys playing the dark side of his character.  He seems to take delight when his Victor taunts his enemies, especially his current nemesis "Billy Boy" Abbott.  Yet Billy is not as powerful and imposing as Ashland Locke.  I truly hope Ashland survives and stays around for a while.  He is a much more formidable foe than Billy.

Here's my problem with the "new" Faith Newman, Reylynn Caster.  I find her quite different than Alyvia Alyn Lind.  Alyvia is not only over four years younger and not aa tall, but she played Faith as  more sensitive and vulnerable.  Relynn Caster resembles Sharon, but she seems more like Faith's older sister than Faith herself.  That was very evident in the scene in which Relynn as Faith confronted Jordan.  It was hard to believe that Jordan ever bullied Faith.  It seemed that Jordan was afraid of Faith.  It was difficult to fathom that this "new" Faith was ever intimidated by Jordan.  This Faith is much tougher.  She can handle herself and she didn't need Moses to help her deal with someone at school who was harassing her.  

According to the previews for next week and an online spoiler, Faith will face  a medical crisis.  In the previews, we hear that the teen has fainted.  With her marriage crumbling, Sharon doesn't need another crisis, but she's certainly going to get one.

What is going on with Chance?  He has contacted Abby but there seems to be something dark in the offing.  The music and the atmosphere surrounding Chance seems bleak and forbidding.  Wil return or will he be killed in the line of duty?  Is Abby destined to be a widow and be forced to bring up her baby without Chance?  In a previous edition of Y&R Report, I mentioned that Y&R was sending out a casting call for a 30-something adventurous male.  That certainly fits the description of Chance.  However, according to an internet spoiler, Princess Victoria Newman is going to cause a stir in Genoa City when she starts spending a lot of time with a new business colleague.  Could that be the 30-something male who will be joining the cast?


CAST NEWS

Mishael Morgan (Amanda Sinclair) replaced temporarily due to eye surgery - but not for long


Mishael Morgan



Karla Mosley


Mishael Morgan, who portrays legal eagle Amanda Sinclair on Y&R, was replaced temporarily while recovering from emergency eye surgery for a detached retina.  Mishael's replacement, Karla Mosley (ex-Maya Avant on The Bold and the Beautiful and ex-Christina Moore on Guiding Light), will be seen on screen next week.  On April 15, Mishael tweeted, "I am so grateful this beautiful and talented woman stepped in for me on such short notice and allowed me to heal.  I can't wait to be back, but it comforts me to know that Amanda is in such great hands."

Karla's stint on   Y&R was very brief.  Mishael is already back filming new episodes.  She wrote on Instagram, "First day back and it's like riding a bike!"


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Jordi Vilasuso (Rey Rosales)

Should he stay or should he go?  Should Detective Rey Rosales still try to salvage his marriage to Sharon or should he cut his losses and tell her that he is absolutely finished with Adam's interference in their marriage?  Rey seemed to have had enough, but now he's wavering again.  What do you think, fans?  Should Rey leave Sharon?  Reply to the poll below and let me know.

Should Rey leave Sharon?
Yes. How much more can he take? He'll always play second fiddle to Adam.
No. Rey and Sharon are still newlyweds. They should try to repair their relationship.
Maybe, as long as Adam is completely out of the picture.
I don't know.
Other
Please Specify:
Create your own Polls

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.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

That's all for now.  Please remember that next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, May 8, 2021.  The May sweeps will soon be upon us, so there should be much excitement in Genoa City.

Take care and stay safe.

- Joanne

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Keeping up with John Davidson

 
"They don't come any nicer than John Davidson.  The dark-haired, Pittsburgh-born singer/TV personality . . .  is highly defined and sometimes cursed by his clean-cut, fresh-faced, apple-cheeked handsomeness."

- Internet Movie Data Base (IMDb) biography, by Gary Brumburgh

John Davidson certainly fit the definition of handsome, with his engaging smile, his dimples, his perfectly-coiffed hair and his baritone voice.  John was even voted "best looking" in his high school yearbook.  Yet he has built his career on far more than just a handsome face.  He has always been a consummate entertainer and he has taken on some difficult dramatic roles.

From the late 1960s to the early 1990a, John was a fixture on American television.  He was ubiquitous  
as an actor, singer, game show personality and host.  He showed up everywhere on North American TV screens,  A frequent guest on the original Hollywood Squares with Peter Marshall, John also hosted variety shows and made guest appearances on a number of popular comedies and dramas.

John Hamilton Davidson was born on December 13, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. the son of two ordained Baptist ministers. John's father, Rev. Dr. James Allie Davidson was minister at Knoxville Baptist Church in Pittsburgh from 1934 until 1940.  Dr. Davidson met his wife, Elizabeth Peck of Pittsburgh, when they were at the Newton Seminary in Boston.  They married in 1933.  In addition to John, they had three other sons: David Beck (born 1937), Porter (born 1938) and William Lee (born 1950).  Porter passed away in 1967.

Although John was born in Pittsburgh, he lived in Brocton, Massachusetts from age two to age 14.  The Davidson family eventually moved to White Plains, New York, where John's father served at the First Baptist Church of White Plains for 17 years.  In 1959, John graduated from White Plains High School.  He then earned a B.A in theatre arts from Denison University, a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio.  He majored in theatre arts because he thought it would help him become a minister like his parents.  However, John soon decided that preaching was not for him.  He realized that he enjoyed theatre but did not wish to get involved with organized religion.  He preferred to sing about love, not preach it.  So, he did some summer stock and went to New York City to launch a career in show business.  In 1964, he made his Broadway debut in a production of Foxy, starring Burt Lahr. 

In a 2011 interview with Greg Palmer, John explained how he first became involved the entertainment business.  "With my theatre arts college degree in hand, I headed for Broadway after doing three seasons of summer stock.  Bob Banner, the TV producer found me in a Broadway show and molded my career.  He advised that I be a pitchfork rather than a spear.  He helped me develop myself into a multifaced performer.  That has been my survival."

Bob Banner, who co-produced The Carol Burnett Show from 1967 to 1972, cast John Davidson.in his television debut in The Fantasticks.  John played Matt in the 1964 Hallmark of Fame TV version of that musical.  During the 1960s, the busy entertainer hosted his own daytime talk show, many beauty pageants and the Kraft Summer Music Hall, a 1966 comedy music variety show  which featured regulars Flip Wilson, George Carlin and Richard Pryor.  In 1967, he  appeared in an episode of the first season of The Carol Burnett Show.  

John as host of Kraft Summer Music Hall in 1966

During the early1970s, John guest-starred in several popular television shows.  Most notably, he appeared in episodes of The Interns (1971), The F.B.I. (1972), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (1972) and Here's Lucy (1973).  In the Here's Lucy episode, "Lucy and the Professor" (Season 5, Episode 19, Air Date: January 29, 1973), John portrayed Professor John Kleindorf.  In the episode. Lucy's daughter Kim, played by her real life-daughter Lucie Arnaz, dates the young professor.  Lucy, however, mistakenly believes that the professor is an old man and makes a date with him herself to prove that he is a two-timer.   

John and Lucie Arnaz on Here's Lucy

From 1973 to 1974. John co-starred with Sally Field in the short-lived fantasy sitcom The Girl with Something Extra.  The series aired on NBC for one season (22 episodes).  It was about the misadventures of a newly married couple named John and Sally Burton.  John Burton, portrayed by Davidson, discovered that his wife, played by Sally Field, had the power to read people's mind, also known as ESP..  

Although The Girl with Something Extra, aired right after the popular Sanford and Son, it never caught on with viewers.  It was cancelled after its first season due to low ratings.

Below is a publicity photo of John Davidson and Sally Field for The Girl with Something Extra.


John Davidson proved that he could take on challenging dramatic roles.  He received favorable reviews for his performance in a 1974 episode of The Streets of San Francisco entitled "Mask of Death" (Season 3, Episode 4, Air Date: October 3, 1974).  He played professional female impersonator Ken Scott, who suffered from mental illness.

In the late 1970s, John served as one of four guest hosts, along with Joey Bishop, McLean Stevenson and Joan Rivers, on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.  In fact, he filled in for Johnny over 80 times.   

From 1980 to 1984, John Davidson was one of the three hosts of the realty show That's Incredible!.  The other hosts were Fran Tarkenton and Cathy Lee Crosby.  That's Incredible! was similar to Ripley's Believe it or Not.  It featured people performing stunts or displaying rare talents, as well as scientific or technological innovations. There were also reenactments of reportedly paranormal happenings.  At the end of an especially amazing segment of the show, the host would utter the catchphrase "That's incredible!"

Below is a photo from Left to Right:  Fran Tarkenton, Cathy Lee Crosby and John Davidson as hosts of That's Incredible! 

In the 1980s, John guest-starred in episodes of Fantasy Island, Hotel (1983) (1984), The Love Boat (1985) and Spenser For Hire (1986).  In the Spenser For Hire episode, "At the River's Edge' (Season 1, Episode 20, Air Date: March 25, 1986), he portrayed a crusading preacher, Rev. Bobby Freemont.  Freemont is linked to the murder of a 19-year-old girl who was murdered by an ex-convict.

In 1985, John hosted Time Machine, a game show on NBC, in  which contestants competed to answer trivia questions on popular culture and recent history.    From 1986 to 1989, John hosted an updated version of The Hollywood Squares called The New Hollywood Squares  


John Davidson has been married twice.  On December 29, 1968, he wed singer-actress Jackie Miller.  Jackie was an original member of The New Christy Minstrels and she was once part of a  female folk duo called Jackie and Gayle.  Her partner, Gale Caldwell, was also a former member of The New Christy Minstrels.  Jackie is known for her role as Toby Carr in the 1965 film Wild on the Beach.  Her credits also include a an appearance in a 1964 episode of the George Burns TV comedy Wendy and Me.  She and Gayle performed on The Red Skelton Hour in 1965 and 1966.

John with Jackie Miller

John and Jackie had two children, a son called John Davidson, Jr. and a daughter, Jennifer Davidson.  Jennifer became a professional figure skater and John Davidson, Jr. became an entrepreneur.  He is also speaks to other entrepreneurs about his program which his website describes as "getting back the freedom, confidence and earning power lost by all the financial trapping of success."

John Davidson, Jr.

John and Jackie divorced in 1982 and John married second wife Rhonda Rivera on December 10, 1983.  John first met Rhonda while doing his 1969 daytime talk show, The John Davidson Show.  Rhonda was a member of Blush, his back-up trio of women. The two have been married for 38 years and they have a have a daughter, Ashleigh Davidson.  

Rhonda

As John Davidson approaches his 80th birthday in December, he still takes delight in his music and he is still a troubadour. Music has always been his passion and he plays the guitar and the banjo. He has never had a No. 1 single and he says he enjoys performing in front on an audience rather than working in a recording studio.

John sings in English, French and Spanish.  He and Rhonda wanted to experience what it would be like living outside the United States.  So, when John turned 60, the couple moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where they lived for six years.  While in Mexico, John studied Spanish and learned several Spanish love songs.  

John and Rhonda returned to the United States and currently reside in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  In a 2020 article in New Hampshire magazine, John wrote the following about how much he enjoyed living in the Granite State: "Pine trees everywhere.  Snow: I'd rather be cold than hot and sticky in Florida.  Cold makes me want to jump up and down.  I love jumping up and down.  Beautiful homes at amazing prices.  And even more, my feeling that in New Hampshire there is a sense of individualism, self-reliance and, yes, healthy skepticism.  Being a progressive, I of course, came here in search of other progressive liberals, but I've also encountered open-minded conservatives who have been an inspiration."

John Davidson still has a head of thick hair, although it is silvery white now.  He continues to do what he enjoys most - performing,  In 2016, John was asked to provide some advice "for young musicians struggling to get their music heard in these tough times.  He replied, "I'm still trying to figure it all out myself.  But I know that nothing beats performing again and again anywhere, for anyone, street corners, friends, family.  Sing at the drop of a hat, even if you have to drop the hat."

Does John have any plans to retire?  "I don't think I'll ever retire," he told the Palm Beach Post in 2013.  "I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing.  I love performing.  I love the act of singing, the act of breathing correctly.  It's a physical workout.  Singing feels good in my head, and I love being a story-teller."

John the troubadour

END NOTES

* On the night of May 28, 1977, John Davidson was was the headline performer at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky. A fire broke out and raged through the club.  165 people lost their lives.  Fortunately, John was not physically injured.

* John and Ashleigh Davidson appeared in a 2005 musical production of Shenandoah at the Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, New Jersey.  Father and daughter also appeared in a 2007 production of the musical farce A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, also at the Surfllight.

* John is known for his roles in Disney movies such as The Happiest Millionaire (1967), starring Fred MacMurray and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968), starring Buddy Ebsen, Walter Brennan and Lesley Ann Warren.

* John's father, Rev. Dr. James A. Davidson died of cancer in Los Angles in 1984.  He was 75 years old at the time of his passing.  It's interesting to note that Dr. Davidson officiated at the weddings of many celebrities, including his son John's and those of Kenny Rogers and Dick Clark.  

* On January 19, 1969, John appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show along with Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Liza Minnelli, The Lennon Sisters, Scoey Mitchell, Shelley Berman, Wayne & Shuster and Victor the Bear.  

* John and his wife, Rhonda, designed a series of card games called Borderline USA, to help children learn geography.

SOURCES: John Davidson's Official Website (www.johndavidson.com); New Hampshire Magazine, "Acting Your Age: John Davidson, January 16, 2020;  John Davidson interview with Greg Palmer, Jan 4, 2011; The Palm Beach Post, "The Scene Maker:John Davidson," by Janis Fontaine, March 3, 2013, T. Max's Music Site, John Davidson interview by A.J. Wachrwl, November 1, 2016; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Obituary for Rev. Dr. James Allie Davidson, April 3, 1984; Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

- Joanne


EDITOR'S UPDATE (May 28, 2021): I received an email this week from a TV Banter reader in Ottawa, Canada, who shared her memories of John Davidson.  Here is the email:

"Hi Joanne,

I read your blog on John Davidson a few weeks ago.  It brought back memories.  I used to have a big crush on him!  I was looking through my scrapbook today and found the info about the show I had seen him in at Ottawa Exhibition in August 1969.  Wow, so long ago!  He was the opening act for Art Linkletter.  Can you imagine?  As I wrote in my scrapbook, I was one of the lucky ones.  Mt girlfriend and I went backstage and he gave me his autograph.  The price of the tickets for the show at that time:  $2.50, 1.50 and 1.00.

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Y&R Report (April 10, 2021): 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

Hi fans,

Well, it didn't take Ashland Locke very long to ascertain he truth about Kyle Abbott's dalliance with his wife Tara.  First of all, how did Locke figure it out so fast?  At that rate, it won't take him much longer to suspect that Kyle is his son Harrison's biological father.  Secondly, why would Locke show his cards so soon in the game?  Why would he let Kyle know that he's on to him?  I guess he's playing head games with Kyle.  Kyle himself thinks that Ashland is toying with him.

Ashland Locke is after something and I think I know what it is.  I think he's after control of Jabot and he'll have to bring down Jack and Kyle in order to achieve his goal.   When he discovers the truth about Harrison's paternity, he will be more determined than even to oust Kyle and Jack.  It will become extremely personal.

The whole Adam/Sharon/Chelsea/Rey storyline is rather convoluted.  It is not very credible, even for a soap.  It's a real head scratcher.  I'm  still trying to figure how Chelsea managed to pull it off, even with the support of Chloe, especially since Chloe was unaware of Chelsea's plan.  How did that poison get into Rey's shaving cream?  I had to laugh when Chelsea told Chloe that she didn't use enough poison to actually kill Rey.  Really!

So, Jack is disillusioned with Sally Spectra right now, and with good reason, but at least Sally came clean about her shady past.  She told Jack everything about her sordid life in Los Angeles - the kidnapping, faking a terminal illness etc.  Jack's own son, Kyle, has not been so forthright.  He has conveniently neglected to tell his father about Harrison.  Jack doesn't know that he's a grandfather yet,

Lauren is a smart boss and a good businesswoman.  I liked the way she put her foot down with both Sally and Summer.  She was quite firm, but fair, with the two of them.  She told them to get their act together and did not take sides.  Will Sally and Snowflake be able to settle their differences?  Somehow, I don't think so.

We got our first glimpse of 16-year-old Moses Winters.  He seems like a very personable young man, although quite nosey.  He is especially interested in the love lives of Devon and Dr. Nate.  He is very curious about whom they are dating.  Naturally, Moses is smitten with Faith.  Will they call it puppy love?

VIEWER FORUM

Your feedback is very important to me and is much appreciated. 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 is an email that I received from longtime Y&R viewer Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario. 

Adam has been nicely set up by Chelsea.  I hope she gets caught.  Alyvia Alyn Lind, the young girl who plays Faith, is leaving the show and being replaced.  I figured the Good Samaritan who rescued Faith was Adam.  Things should heat up with Ashland Locke. That's for sure.  Instead of getting rid of Chance, they should have gotten rid of Kyle (Michael Mealor).  He's a terrible actor and I fast forward a lot of scenes with him and Summer.

Adam is no angel but I also hope Chelsea will get caught soon.  She's become far too smug and she's always been a con woman.  She's been unfair to her friend Chloe and I'm tired of seeing her in those velour tracksuits.  

Yes, it was pretty obvious that Adam was the one who rescued Faith.  It was an interesting development because it makes Adam more complex than ever.  He has many sides to him.  The fact that he saved Faith has drawn Sharon closer to him.  It has become a source of harsh conflict between Sharon and Rey.  Rey hit the roof when he discovered that Sharon knows where Adam is hiding out and that she has not revealed his whereabouts to the police.  He isn't too pleased that his wife has been protecting a fugitive.

I don't think Michael Mealor is a great actor either.  However, he is believable as an entitled rich kid.  Unfortunately, we don't get to choose who leaves the show.  Sometimes the actors themselves decide to move on, as in the case of Alyvia Alyn Lind (Faith).  


CAST NEWS

Alyvia Alyn Lind (Faith Newman) has left Y&R

Alyvia Alyn Lind

It had to happen sooner or later, didn't it?  Alyvia Alyn Lind, the talented young actress who portrays Faith Newman, was not going to stay on Y&R forever.  Unfortunately for Y&R fans, it happened sooner rather than later  It also happened when Alyvia's character was right smack in the middle of a major storyline,  Sheesh!  This is the second time in recent months that an actor has left while front and centre in the plot.  Donny Boaz, who played Chance, recently left the show in an abrupt manner.  So, this is a double whammy for Y&R fans.

Alyvia Alyn Lind is such a good actress that it is no surprise that she was scooped so quickly.  She's departed Y&R for a regular role on Chucky, Syfy's horror series.  She's been replaced by Reylynn Caster, whose first appearance on CBS will be on Monday, April 12th.  I viewed Reylynn's debut as Faith yesterday on Global TV.  She's got a bit more of an edge to her than Alyvia.  She's taller and not as sweet.  Time will tell what she does with her role.  

I certainly understand that Alyvia Alyn Lind wanted to move on.  However, here's what disturbs me.  One of the things I liked about the Faith character was that we viewers were able to watch Alyn Alyn Lind grow up on screen.  She aged naturally.  She didn't suddenly become five or six years older after attending boarding school.  Alyvia Alyn Lind is thirteen years old.  She will turn fourteen in July.  Reylynn Caster is 18 years old and that makes a big difference.  No matter how hard she tries, Reylynn cannot play the role the same way.  I only wish that Alyvia Alyn Lind's replacement was someone her own age.  

I don't blame Reylynn Caster and I wish her well in her new role.  She was offered a big part on the Y&R and nobody would expect her to turn it down.  She deserves every chance to prove herself.  However, I really would have enjoyed seeing how Alyvia would have handled her storyline with Moses.  Alas, it is not to be.

Reylynn Caster

Reylynn Caster was born in Wichita, Kansas on March 3, 2003.  She also plays the role of Lola Wright on the Netflix Original/WWE production The Big Show Show. She had a recurring role as Brie Witherspoon on ABC's American Housewife and she starred as Nori on Me, Myself and I, an ABC siticom.

Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) expecting baby this summer


Melissa Claire Egan, who plays Chelsea Lawson, shared some good news on Instagram.  She is pregnant.  She and her husband, Matt Katrosar, are expecting a baby boy in August.  Melissa has had two miscarriages, so the news was very heartwarming.  She wrote: "As happy as we are, the journey to get here has been filed with lots of tears, stress, sadness, hopelessness, and 2 miscarriages.  To anyone going through this fertility process or any kind of fertility issues, I feel you, I see you, you're not alone."

How will Melissa's pregnancy affect her Y&R's storyline?  What will it mean for her character, Chelsea? Since Melissa will be on maternity leave, Chelsea, won't be seen on screen for a while.  She will probably be charged with the attempted murder of Rey or she will run away to escape the law.  So, Chelsea will likely find herself behind bars or on the lam.

Chance may be coming back, but not Donny Boaz

According to Soap Central, Y&R is in the hunt for a new leading man, some one who fits the description of Chance Chancellor, a dashing adventurer in his mid-30s.  Could Chance be returning to Genoa City?  He hasn't been seen since February, when the character was written out of the storyline and DonnyBoaz  left the show.

Nothing is confirmed, but there is a strong possibility that we could see a new actor in the role of Chance, just in time to celebrate Mariah's pregnancy.


The CBS network will air the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards as part of a new two-year deal with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. (NATAS).  This year's show is scheduled to air primetime on CBS on Friday, June 25, 2021.  It will be streamed live on Paramount+ at the same time.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Jacob Aaron Gaines (Moses Winters)

Moses Winters (Jacob Aaron Gaines) has arrived in town.  What do you think of the aspiring doctor so far, fans?  Are you impressed?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

What is your impression of Moses Winters?
I like Moses. He's friendly and he has a goal in life. He wants to be a doctor.
I'm not too impressed with Moses. He is too nosey.
I'm not sure yet. I need to see more of him.
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, April 24, 2021.

Take care and stay safe,

Joanne