As last week came to a close, I learned that Randolph Mantooth (ex-Clay, Loving et al) had passed away.

I didn’t know Randy well — I met him a handful of times through his dear friend Carolyn Hinsey — but he made a lasting impression. He was warm, gracious and had a terrific smile. Rena Sofer (ex-Rocky, Loving) penned a beautiful tribute to him as did Lisa LoCicero (Olivia, GH).

While writing his obituary for TV Insider, I found an interview he did with the Television Academy in 2013. He reflected on his groundbreaking role as John Gage on Emergency! — a performance that became an incredible legacy and inspired a lifelong commitment to advocating for EMTs, paramedics and firefighters. He also spoke about his work in soaps. It’s well worth watching. Rest in peace, Randy.

Sadly, I woke up to the news today that Scott Bryce (ex-Craig, As the World Turns) had also passed away. I was a devoted ATWT fan during his run in the ‘80s, and beyond the fact that he worked opposite Meg Ryan (ex-Betsy), I especially loved his scenes with the late Elizabeth Hubbard (ex-Lucinda), Martha Byrne (ex-Lily), Finn Carter (ex-Sierra) and so many others. Scott was a truly gifted actor, and I’m sending my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him.

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Jade Harlow has been cast in a new recurring role on The Young and the Restless and will make her debut on Monday, August 10. Harlow will portray Marie Kirkland, who is described as a woman “with a complicated past looking to make a fresh start in Genoa City.”

Harlow got her big acting break in 2000 when she was cast as Jessica Bennett on Passions, replacing Mary Elizabeth Winstead in the part. She remained with the soap until 2003. Her next daytime job was as Sheryl Connors on Days of our Lives, where she worked closely with Bryan R. Dattilo (Lucas Horton).

For the past 10 years, Harlow has starred as Lianna Ramos on The Bay, which earned her a Daytime Emmy win as Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Digital Drama Series. She also won Emmys in 2015 and 2016 as a producer on the series for its Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series wins.

On Facebook, she posted, “Thank you Greg Salmon [Y&R casting director] for letting me throw my hat in the ring for ‘Marie.’ You’ll never know quite how much that means to me.”

Tune in alert! Steve Burton returns as General Hospital’s Jason on Monday, July 13, after a four-month break. His return also coincides with the show’s 16,000th episode. Burton last aired on March 25 when Jason was taken into WSB custody. On February 10, the actor announced he would be stepping away from the soap, posting, “Hey everyone, I wanted to share that I’ll be taking a short break from General Hospital. I’m newly married [to Michelle Lundstrom] and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family. I’m grateful for all the support and will be back this summer. Much love.”

On the June 28 episode of his podcast, That’s Awesome, which he co-hosts with Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Burton teased what fans can expect when he’s back. “It’s been a whirlwind for sure,” he noted. “Been a lot going on, a lot of good story. Had a lot of good scenes. It’s good.”

He added that there will be changes for Jason. “We’re shifting directions a little bit, which is going to be interesting for fans,” he revealed. “I think they did a really good job. It’s really given me something to play, which is nice. So, yeah, it’s going to be interesting. It’s shaking things up, which is going to be a lot of fun.”

Congratulations to GH’s Rory Gibson (Michael Corinthos), who married his high school sweetheart Alicia Ruelas in Hawaii on Saturday, July 11. The duo got engaged on Maui in October 2022.

Dean Geyer makes his GH debut as Tristan Roberts on Monday, July 13.

Christopher “Sincere” Cato appears as Alex on B&B on Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14.

Sissy Sheridan is back as B&B’s Jessica on Tuesday, July 14 and Friday, July 17.

Delon de Metz appears as B&B’s Zende on Wednesday, July 15.

Naomi Matsuda returns as Li on B&B on Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15.

Sandie Cameron appears as B&B’s Shelly on Friday, July 17.

Ryan Paevey wrapped his run as GH’s Cassius on Monday, July 6.

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews

As far as captivity rooms go, General Hospital’s Eden McCoy says Josslyn’s was pretty good. “It was funny because when we got into that set — and we were in there all the time — everyone was pretty much in agreement that it was a really nice facility and not a bad place to be kept, low-key,” Eden told me recently. “In my opinion, I felt like I was in an Equinox, so it definitely wasn’t too bad for me to be in there every day. They did such a good job with it, and I did have fun just getting to be in bland clothing every day.”

That she marked 10 years as Josslyn last year, and that she’s held the job since she was 12, means the world to her. “It’s everything to me,” she reflected. “I’m just honored that they still invite me in and invite me to be a part of it, and that goes for everyone that works on the show, and the fans being so supportive over the years. It’s such a constant in my life that is ever-changing and has just been more of a comfort to me than I ever thought it would be. To be a part of such a legacy is just crazy to think about. It’s been such a personal experience, but also, it’s never lost on me what a small fraction of myself is in the big picture of what we do. It’s just crazy to me that people watch it. It’s crazy to me that I’m on TV, so when people have such a response, I’m always floored that it’s a part of their lives and not just my job.”

Being a cast member on Beyond the Gates has been a life-changing experience so far for Sean Freeman (Andre), one that he is still processing.

“I forget that I’m an actor on the show,” Sean told me when I visited the set earlier this year. “I feel like a normal human going to Kroger and Whole Foods just getting cereal, but then someone’s over my shoulder saying, ‘Hey, are you Andre from Beyond the Gates’?’ So it’s been an amazing thing to get used to and I’m honored. I always dreamed of what that would be like and now that it’s happening, it blows me away, but it’s very humbling. I can’t take it for granted. It’s such a pleasure. I love meeting fans.”

Sean revealed that he didn’t know how serious the romance between Andre and Dani (Karla Mosley) would be. “Initially, I never could have imagined we would be where we are,” he added. “Like most people, I thought it was going to be, dare I say, a more mature puppy love, but it’s been a pleasure growing and evolving. I don’t know where it’s going, but I’m here for the ride.”

As far as a dream story he’d want to do with Andre, Sean said it would be to delve more into his past. “I would love, even if it’s more of a flashback, to see a face to his parents,” Sean said. “I would love to see that materialize. Even if it’s a dream or maybe they’re not dead. Maybe they are. I don’t know. But I would like to see that come alive.”

But whatever he’s given to do, he’s just happy to be a part of the cast. “It’s been the most beautiful, interesting new challenge but in the best way possible,” he explained. “I’m learning material so much quicker now. As a professional, I believe that I’m much more skilled, not just on the surface but in my mind. You’re not just responding to your character, you’re actively listening and you’re allowing it to resonate and then you’re responding. So it’s been beautiful.”

Beyond the Gates: Tomas’s public proposal to Kat was so awkward! But I couldn’t look away. I loved that the entire family knew it was a bad move. Vernon’s speech about Kat, when he finally got the chance to make it, genuinely choked me up. She deserved to have her efforts recognized in that moment, just as she deserved Martin’s regret for coming down on her so hard before she agreed to be tested as a match for Eva. And Kat telling the Grands that she’s moving out led to such beautiful scenes. In such a short amount of time, I’ve grown to care about these characters so much…. I am also loving Monica as the new hospital administrator…. I think it’s a fun touch that the show used a love song written for Jen Jacobs (Ashley) by her husband, musician Jesse Ruben, during the bar scenes with Ashley and Grayson.

The Bold and the Beautiful: So, let’s play it out. If Will had told Electra the truth — that Katie was the new creative director at Logan, that Shauna was launching a jewelry line, and that Wyatt had secured the Hope for the Future diamond — would she really have kept quiet and not told her family, the very people who employ her? Will protected her by keeping that information to himself. Also, during Will and Electra’s argument, she kept referring to “the Forresters” instead of saying “my family.” It was a strange choice of words. Finally, R.J. showing up at the beach house was pure stalker behavior, very Remy-like…. Steffy’s crack about how Katie always goes back to Bill fell a little flat, especially considering how many times Steffy went back to Liam and how many times her own mother went back to Ridge…. Speaking of Ridge, why were he and Steffy fielding PR calls? Where’s Eva the publicist when you need her? …. I did love the Bill/Ridge scenes. Don Diamont and Thorsten Kaye work so well together, and it’s great that Don is back in the mix.

Days of our Lives: The scenes between Bonnie and Alex were so good. Is it wrong of me that I sometimes pretend it’s Adrienne? Similarly, Philip telling Alex that he assured Chloe he would look out for joy was a lovely touch…. I’m still not sure what we’re supposed to feel about EJ. His careless attitude about Holly and her Coriseal poisoning made him come across as downright villainous, yet I get the sense the show wants us to invest in him and Cat. I could absolutely care about EJ and Cat — the idea that they spent time together in Italy is intriguing and the actors have strong chemistry — but EJ is being written in such an unlikable way that it’s difficult to root for them. EJ has done some terrible things throughout his time in Salem, but there was usually some humanity or vulnerability woven into his story that balanced things out. I’m just not seeing that at the moment, and it’s unfortunate…. I enjoyed Stephanie and Chanel trauma bonding and trash-talking Joy. Of course, the one message Stephanie deleted is the exact one Alex really needed to hear.

General Hospital: John Oliver did a great job as Z! I hope we see him again! But Carly going to Z to get Josslyn out of the WSB was peak helicopter-mom behavior…. The exchange between Lucas and Josslyn after she was shot was fantastic. Lucas’s realization that Marco died for nothing was heartbreaking…. Congratulations to Nurse Liz Webber, who is somehow doing a better job than the PCPD at figuring out what’s going on with Brennan and Drew. Honorable mention to Chase for actually realizing that Brook Lynn tried to shift suspicion onto Willow…. Sonny and Lulu’s reactions to Valentin and Carly kissing were priceless…. Kelly Thiebaud did impressive work as Britt discovered she never had Huntington’s disease…. I loved Ava pulling out a checkbook to pay Ethan. What a fun throwback moment in 2026…. And Willow reminding Tracy of her own misdeeds, including leaving Edward clutching his chest, was an especially great callback.

Young and Restless: What a wild week. I am still truly confused by what happened with Detective Burrow, Diane, Patty and Christine. From what we saw on screen, it was clear that Diane and Kyle arrived home to the Abbott mansion at the same time and discovered Jack stabbed and bleeding. So how Diane ended up being booked on charges based solely on the word of known psychopath Patty is baffling. Kyle was never even questioned! Doesn’t the Abbott mansion have security cameras outside? It’s 2026! What actual evidence did Christine have to arrest Diane? None of it made sense. That said, I did appreciate the show using the studio hallways and stairways for the Patty/Diane/Kyle chase…. Jack waking up after Traci’s beautiful speech was perfect. And welcome back, Ashley! More Eileen Davidson, please…. Audra and Sienna fighting over Noah seems very high school…. And Victor “allowing” Nikki to move back home, with Victoria and Claire celebrating it, felt strange. Victor should be falling over himself apologizing to his wife after the way he spoke to her and kicked her out.

MONDAY, JULY 13

Beyond the Gates: Bill is rushed to the hospital; Andre and Dani try to get on the same page; and Nicole worries her daughter’s latest decision was made for all the wrong reasons.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Will turns to Bill for guidance, and Sheila pleads with Finn for another chance.

Days of our Lives: Alex is puzzled by what he hears from Joy; Stephanie makes a confession to Kayla; Lexie reveals her secret to Marlena; and EJ steps up his game against Kristen.

General Hospital: On the show’s 16000th episode, Jason returns to Port Charles; Anna receives a warning; Laura’s choice appalls Tracy; Britt makes an accusation; and Carly is caught off-guard.

The Young and the Restless: Diane sits vigil at Jack’s bedside; Lauren reminisces with Ashley and Traci; and Billy commiserates with Kyle.

TUESDAY, JULY 14

Beyond the Gates: Dani gets a call that causes her to make an impromptu visit; Chelsea, Naomi and Madison present a united front; Hayley’s advice causes Tomas to clash with Naomi; and Ted is flabbergasted by Kat’s recent actions.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Daphne receives a devastating diagnosis, and Jessica encourages Dylan to make her move.

Days of our Lives: Theo is furious to learn that Abe conspired with EJ; Chanel and Paulina share marital woes; Julie reaches out to Marlena; and Belle and Chad search for clues in connection to Stefano’s chessboard.

General Hospital: Jason explains his actions; Kai becomes privy to shocking information; Jordan strikes out; Elizabeth stands her ground; and Valentin is suspicious.

The Young and the Restless: Victor gives Kyle a warning shot; Sally accuses Adam and Chelsea of sabotaging her company; and Nikki struggles with her new condition.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

Beyond the Gates: Doug’s final words startle Joey; Deanna sets a dastardly plan in motion; Jacob accompanies Naomi to her oncology appointment with Monica; and Kayley and Randy plot to accelerate their con.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Will is consumed by regret over not being honest with Electra, and Steffy offers Daphne comfort and support.

Days of our Lives: Stephanie and Theo bond; Alex steps up for Joy and Kelsey; Javi and Gus have an awkward encounter with Leo; and Belle and Chad make a breakthrough in their investigation.

General Hospital: Anna seeks answers; Josslyn reveals a secret; Nina and Brennan plot their next move; Curtis voices his gratitude; and Gio and Trina get big news.

The Young and the Restless: Victor accuses Nikki of betrayal; Jack and Diane find their way back to each other; and Kyle bargains with Patty.

THURSDAY, JULY 16

Beyond the Gates: Naomi updates her cousins on her health status; Vanessa, Joey and Deanna have a tense dinner; and Pamela bolsters a guilt-ridden Dani.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Ridge and Eric hope the latest couture showing will shift attention away from Logan; Will attempts to get through to Electra; and Carter and Daphne’s marriage is tested.

Days of our Lives: Cat sees EJ in a new light; Lexie shocks Kristen; Marlena worries about Rachel; and Holly struggles under mounting pressure.

General Hospital: Emma and Gio discuss their future; Obrecht lashes out; Anna interrogates Britt; Isaiah interrupts Portia and Curtis; and Cody delivers difficult news.

The Young and the Restless: Victor plays hardball with Spectra-Charles; Victoria and Claire honor Cole’s memory; and Nikki is concerned about Nick’s sobriety.

FRIDAY, JULY 17

Beyond the Gates: Leslie interrupts father-daughter time between Ted and Eva; Dani and Hayley lock horns; Kat’s surprising sentiment shocks one of her siblings; and Ted has an admission that leaves Shanice stunned.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Steffy and Finn find themselves at a defining crossroads; Eric draws a hard line, demanding Will stay away from his family; and the women at Bikini try to help Will move on.

Days of our Lives: EJ receives bad news; Abe apologizes to Theo; Holly and Ari find common ground; and Tate makes a shocking discovery.

General Hospital: Carly draws a boundary with Sonny; Valentin makes his feelings clear; Trina and Josslyn clear the air; Lulu cautions Ethan; and Nina opens up to Brennan.

The Young and the Restless: Victor and Nikki agree to a fresh start; Lily and Nate worry about Devon; and Matt Clark causes problems for Noah and Sienna.

Check out these recent articles I’ve written for tvinsider.com.