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The Young and the Restless star Burgess Jenkins will vacate the role of Billy Abbott in the coming weeks. Jenkins, who joined the cast on June of 2014, is the third actor in recent years to play the role. After three-time Daytime Emmy winner Billy Miller (now on General Hospital) departed at the end of 2013, David Tom returned to the role. Unfortunately for Tom, his return would be short-lived as the series opted to go in a different direction, casting Burgess in May.
The Young and the Restless was Jenkins’ was first stop in daytime television. His credits in film and television include Remember the Titans, The Reaping, One Tree Hill, Army Wives and Nashville.
In a statement to Soap Opera Digest, Jenkins explained his reason for leaving. “It’s been a terrific time, but after a lot of thought I have made the difficult decision to leave The Young and the Restless. Commuting back and forth from the East Coast, where my home and family are based, has been challenging. I’ve had a great ride in Genoa City and I will miss our talented cast and crew tremendously. I would like to thank all of the amazing fans for their support, Jill Farren Phelps [executive producer] and Chuck Pratt [head writer/executive producer] for their excellent leadership, and everyone at Sony and CBS for this opportunity.”
Daytime Confidential was the first outlet to report news of Burgess Jenkins’ exit. According to their report, Y&R is looking to recast the role again. Though there’s speculation that General Hospital’s soon-to-depart Jason Thompson will take over the role, no official announcement has been made.
My Take: It took some time for Jenkins to find his footing in the role but his recent work has great. It will be sad to see him go. Billy Abbott has become the new Kevin Buchanan of daytime, having been recast more than is necessary. Hopefully the next actor to fill the legacy character’s shoes is a good fit and sticks around long enough make the role his own.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
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