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It’s been the worst kept secret in daytime for weeks, but now it’s official! Emmy winner and former General Hospital star Steve Burton (ex-Jason, GH) was officially announced as the newest cast member of The Young and the Restless today on The Talk.
News of the actor’s jump to Y&R was announced the day after Christmas, but neither the network nor the actor would confirm or deny the reports. Less than a week later, The Talk began promoting an upcoming appearance from the actor, touting he would be making a huge announcement the following Monday. The Talk brought out the confetti and more during their segment with the actor, discussing his reasons for leaving daytime, why he returned and what viewers can expect from his new character.
Burton credited friend and former boss (now current boss), executive producer Jill Farren Phelps, for his move to CBS. The actor’s been working on a project for television with film star James Franco and Phelps, and while in negotiations with Sony, was approached to join Y&R because of his past work with Jill. Sony wanted to know what it would take to secure a deal.
“I left [General Hospital] originally for a few reasons, but the main reasons – like you said earlier – was to get to Nashville, get my family there, raise my kids there and kind of just get out of LA. I told my manager if I can keep my family there and I can spend time with them and come back and forth, I would do that in a second. Without hesitation, CBS Daytime made that deal really quickly,” Burton said to co-host Aisha Tyler. The actor was appreciative of the network for their willingness to accommodate his wishes. “I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to kind of have the best of both worlds for me and my family because before I couldn’t.”
As rumored, Burton will be playing Dylan McAvoy, a war-veteran turned architect who is running his family’s construction business. Dylan served two tours in Iraq and comes to Genoa City looking for someone. Burton previewed what’s to come for his character, as well as how he’s adjusting. “This is all really new for me right now. And I’m trying to really grasp how he deals with his demons from the war and I know he’s got a bunch of secrets and he’s coming to town looking for somebody special.”
Burton reports to work Tuesday, January 8 and will first air Tuesday, January 29, 2013.
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays at 12:30PM/EST. The Talk airs weekdays at 2:00PM/EST .
My Take: I wasn’t initially too excited when I heard Burton was joining Y&R, but I have to admit, I’m kind of looking forward to it now. It looks like his little break after GH has done wonders for him. He looks fantastic and seemed very excited for his new role. I’m eager to see how he tackles this new role, especially since he’s so emblazoned in viewers minds as Jason Morgan. Burton’s a great talent and very intense actor when given the right material. We’re wishing him all the best!
Also, kudos to CBS and The Talk for treating his move to The Young and the Restless as a big deal because it is a big deal. The synergy within the CBS Daytime lineup has never been better.
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