http://www.soapoperadigest.com/news/breaking/

Big Y&R Casting News: Longtime Star Out!

Digest has learned exclusively that Y&R's Don Diamont, who originated the role of Brad Carlton in 1985, is leaving Genoa City. For now, Y&R is not commenting on the ouster but an insider reports that it's a done deal and details of Brad's exit are very hush hush.

Oh wow, that was unexpected. Brad's not a character I care too much for, but still pretty shocking. But if they had to free up extra cash, this was a good place to start (no offense to the actor) but Brad the cad can use some time away from Genoa City IMO. I hope it's not a death!

Best news ever, never saw his appeal. Maybe his onscreen daughter will be next.

I really hope that somehow Phyllis finds out that he is not really Brad, but instead is George and gets to put him in Jail this time around.

Bye bye George! Don't let the door hit ya on the way out!

YAY! I can move into his house then. Best set on daytime!

I will actually miss Don.

Oh well....

Brad's been USELESS for years, and Latham's constant pimping of that character during her tenure made me hate him forever.

His salary is through the roof too. Probably top 6 on that show...

Maybe someone is returning....

My first reaction was a huge shock, but after just a little bit of thinking I realized I have nothing against it.

I'm shocked by this. No, Brad's not a major character, but he has such great history on the show. He's been there for what seems forever. I'll be sad when he leaves. I was a Brad and Sharon fan, but they never got a real chance after Smith and Alden were demoted and LML's horrible writing came about.

This raises many questions:

1. With Abby getting mentions (and Ashley in Europe to get her now), one would think her daddy would stay in town. I wonder if Abby will stay in Europe, and whether Brad will go be with her? It seems totally odd if Abby returns and Brad leaves at the same time.

2. With Brad in a hot front burner story right now (Phyllis' scheme) it seems like his story should be building (not declining). So, this is odd.

3. Colleen is titularly an Abbott...but with her daddy leaving too, Colleen has nary a genuine tie in Genoa City. Her relationship with her best friend Lily was harmed when she went after Daniel. She has never had meaningful interaction with the other Abbotts...not in ages. She is in no relationship, and has no meaningful job. I feel the writing is on the wall for this character.

4. It suggests, contrary to my hopes, that Sharon-Nick-Phyllis is moving to the front burner. I want Sharon and Nick to be kept apart for many years yet...but it seems like that won't happen.

5. It raises the question of whether the Brad character was soooooooo ruined by what Latham did to him (i.e., the initially intriguing backstory that degenerated into Nazi silliness), that MAB could not find a way to rescue him at this time.

6. Diamont was one of the most publically supportive of Lynn Latham. For example, in an interview with the 7/16/2006 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, this report featured a glowing interview with Diamont:

Latham, who took over at "Y&R" in the past six months, said she didn't do a full-scale housecleaning as some new daytime executive producers do.

"I have leaned very heavily on the actors, too, to help me fill in on the story," she said.

Actor Don Diamont, who plays Brad Carlton, said that's rare.

"To Lynn's credit, by the way, that's not something you'll come across? with every head writer," Diamont said. "Lynn said, 'Can we have lunch? I want to meet each and every one of you and hear what you have to say about the character you've been playing for 20 years. Who is he?'And that's a rarity."

I wonder if he is being punished at some level for disloyalty?

7. I hope this is a "temporary" exit (as in jail time, or going to see his ailing mother, or returning to Italy because he can't get over losing Sharon...something like that). I am fine if he is gone for years...but I don't want this legacy character totally gone.

8. Most importantly: This is a sign that cost-cutting has come to Genoa City! Back in the day, Brad would have been kept around...even without strong story potential (see Doug Davidson). Now, apparently, that won't happen.

How is Brad a "legacy character?" Just because you've been on a show for 20 years, that doesn't make you a legacy character. Brad has no familial ties to any of the major families on the show anymore, and when he's backburned, you'd hardly notice his absence.

I personally don't care if he lives or dies...

No! Brad was my favorite. I hope AMC manages to pick him up.

How is Brad a "legacy character?" Just because you've been on a show for 20 years, that doesn't make you a legacy character. Brad has no familial ties to any of the major families on the show anymore, and when he's backburned, you'd hardly notice his absence.

I personally don't care if he lives or dies...

20 Years makes you a legacy character. (23, if you don't count his time off).

His deep ties to just about all of the core families on canvas (fiance of Nikki, husband of Victoria, potentially the father of Reed...if Victor tampered with the results, legal father of two of the scions of the Abbotts--Colleen and Abby, lover of Sharon, rival of Victor, rival of Nick, rival of Phyllis, rival/ally of Jack, ex-husband (maybe some embers still glowing?) of Ashley, ex-lover of Olivia).

I'm not totally lamenting the absence...it is okay to rest the character. But it is a sign that even Y&R needs to trim costs.