Tonya Lee Williams interview

[Eric83]

You’ll finally be back on Y&R soon!

I go back next week to block-shoot four shows in two days. I just started going back [to Y&R] and then booked She’s the Mayor so it all just came at the same time.

That’s great because fans have been worried. Your film festival celebrates diversity whereas Y&R isn’t so diverse anymore.

No. And you know, [head writer Marie Bell], addressed it with me. She said “I want to get that black storyline up and pumping again.”

That’s great! Victoria Rowell (ex-Dru) did an interview with Buzzworthy Radio last week and she pretty much said that the Barber women should be sticking together during a time of crisis. Lily’s got cancer and her aunt Olivia is nowhere to be found.

You know, we’re just the actors. But I have already shot some scenes and they should be airing in a couple of weeks and I’m definitely going to be more present. It hasn’t been their fault completely. I had a lot on my plate so they’ve been really great.

Have you worked with Darius McCrary (the new Malcolm) yet?

I did. I had a couple of scenes with him and I thought he was wonderful. I like the fact that they’ve gone completely opposite. I think it would have been impossible to get someone that was like Shemar [Moore; ex-Malcolm] because there’s no one else like Shemar. What Maria likes to remind me is that she went back to the original bible and Bill [bell; the show’s creator and former head writer] had always wanted the character to be “this” kind of character. But then Shemar came on the scene and he just went with “that.” But this is originally how the character was meant to be written. To be almost like the Nathan character. A really rough and tough character so when Shemar started the role, it was clear that he was not going to be that kind of character, so they just wrote for him. I think it’ll be interesting. I definitely saw a great scene between [Malcolm] and Neil (Kristoff St. John).

So fans should give him more of a chance.

I think so. I think he’s a strong actor and it’s hard to step into shoes like that.

There’s no doubt that he’s a strong actor, viewers are just wondering why the show couldn’t just create a new black character?

I know. I thought so too, but I think Maria really wanted history in the dynamic. There were things that they wanted to bring up in terms of storyline. So if they brought a brand-new character, the history would not have been there. So I understand [now]. But I did say the same thing to her.

Is there any hope for the future of the black family? With Neil and Devon [bryton James], they’re just props for Lily [Christel Khalil]. Fans want an actual black family back.

Yeah, there’s gonna be more. But fans need to get a little more vocal. I said it would be nice to get Aunt Mamie back!

Where is she?

[Laughs] I actually don’t know. But [they can] find her!

What about Olivia’s parents? Are the parents still alive?

I can’t remember if the mother died or not but the father is still alive. Supposedly, but we never see him. But there’s so many characters that they could bring back. I think if the fans got vocal about it, they’d do a lot more about it. I said to her [Maria Bell] that I hope I don’t play in-between the two brothers again [a triangle with Neil and Malcolm]. I’ve done that to death, so let’s not go there.

Source: TV Watercooler

Maria wants to get "that black storyline up and pumping again" How ignorant of her. Like the black characters can't interact with white ones.

Unless their name is Lily...

[detroitpiston]

Why do TIIC of soaps network television always feel the need to isolate storylines featuring minorities from the ones with straight, white characters?

[DeeeDee]

Cause minorities aren't, weren't never will be their priority.

[wingwalker]

Well now that the "black storyline" will be up and pumping, next we'll here Thom Bierdz is coming back to get the "gay storyline" all lubed up.

[Soapsuds]

Mamie

[bellcurve]

...

BEAT. RAFE LOOKS UP TO THE CEILING LIKE A KID SUCKING ON A PHALLIC LOLLIPOP. TAKE BILLY, COMPLETELY THROWN BY RAFE'S SUDDEN SHIFT IN MOOD AFTER THE UMPTEENTH CONVERSATION ABOUT ADAM.

BILLY

So, what's got that goofy grin on your face?

RAFE(melting)

Phillip took me to the Abbott cabin this weekend.

BILLY

Really?! Cool! So things are going good there.

RAFE

I can't believe it. Our relationship is all by design!

BILLY

That's good. Hey, I gotta run and pork my niece, Abby, but whatever that special guy in your life is doing, I hope he continues it.

RAFE

Thanks Billy.

BILLY EXITS. HOLD ON RAFE'S EXCITEMENT AS HE CONTINUES TO REFLECT ON HIS RURAL CABIN EXPERIENCES AS WE-

FADE TO BLACK

[DeeeDee]

+1.

+1.

[Soapsuds]

With Veronica Redd Forrest gone....they would have to get original Mamie...but I am afraid they will go with an awful recast.

[All My Shadows]

Veronica Redd gone?! What's that supposed to mean? I hope it's not what I think it is...

[Soapsuds]

She passed away. I may be wrong but I think I read it somewhere. I wonder what Marguerite Ray is up to now.

[ReddFoxx]

The black storyline? What is that exactly? That sounds incredibly stupid.

[bellcurve]

Wiki doesn't list a date of death.

[Soapsuds]

I am sure I read it somewhere..more like on tV...but I could be wrong....my bad if I am.

[DeeeDee]

She's alive.

HAM on Whitebread.

[Soapsuds]

Oops..my bad.