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Did gay plotline lead to switch in actors on Y&R?
There has been a cast chance on The Young and the Restless that is a little tricky to write about.
Chris Engen (pictured, left) had been playing the role of Adam Wilson on the show until, according to TV Guide, he walked off of the set earlier this week. Chris reportedly was not at all happy with what was happening to his character and the straw that broke the camel’s back was when it was scripted that his character – straight up until now – was to kiss the new gay character of Rafe Torres (played by Yani Gellman).
If Chris had other issues with the writing fine but I don’t feel very sorry for him for being asked to kiss a man – especially one as attractive as Yani. Gay actors kiss women onscreen all the time. And plenty of straight actors have kissed othger men on screen – passionately – including Matthew Rhys and Jason Lewis on Brothers & Sisters, Gale Harold on Queer as Folk, and Shawn Pyfrom and Ryan Carnes on Desperate Housewives just to name a few.
But until we hear from Chris, we won’t know the entire story of why he quit in the middle of his contract.
Meanwhile, the soap moved quickly to recast the role.
Adam will be played by Michael Muhney (pictured, left) of Veronica Mars fame. His first episode is scheduled to air June 25th. Yeah, I can wrap my head around Michael kissing Yani!
We Love Soaps shared Muhney’s Tweet about his first day on the set:
My first day on the set was crazy and fun and quite a wild ride. I had to hit the ground running at full speed. I think I need a new pair of shoes, but in these economic times I’ll just have my shoes resoled. I’m honored to be a part of such an iconic piece of work and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this thing.
Comments
(All comments are reviewed before being published, and I review submissions several times per day.)
Paul says:
What a shock! Chris created the role of Adam and did a brilliant job of bringing in both the qualities of his parents: the gentleness of his mother and the ruthlessness of his father. That said, where is Chris going to get an acting job as good as this one? He has a huge fan base and I’m sure, a pretty good salary. I’m thinking of other actors who gave up hit shows and the question is always “Where are they now?” So very disappointed in Chris. Thanks for reporting. Nobody does it as well as you.
Mo says:
When I read on TV Guide dot com about the re-casting of Adam, I wondered “why???” because it has to be a sweet acting job. Thanks for the story, Greg. Sorry to hear that Chris Engen isn’t man enough for the role.
Here’s looking forward to what Michael Muhney will bring to the complex, dastardly character (hopefully some hot scenes with Yani Gellman’s Rafe!). Cannot wait to see Heather’s reaction when she realizes her beau is locking lips with his lawyer, and of course – lord only knows how Victor will blow his top over this one!
Y&R is one show that keeps getting better and better, and I’m happy to see some gay action thrown into the mix!
Watch Veronica Mars says:
I like to watch Veronica Mars episodes as well Lost. I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.