Y&R: MAB OUT! Hamner OUT! JFP IN! Griffith IN! Sheffer UNKNOWN!

[SOAPSFOREVER]

The biggest mistake new soap producers and head writers make is coming in and immediately making huge changes, especially cast cuts. Doug Marland spoke and wrote at length about this, how a new head writer should really get to know the show and characters before making cuts. Some characters that appear "played out" aren't at all. They're just waiting for a talented head writer to create a riveting story for them. That's why I find suggestions of cutting characters right off the bat, or labeling certain characters "played out" as very disconcerting. Every soap cast can be trimmed, I suppose, but to say Jeanne Cooper can't still carry a major storyline is absurd. To even think of writing off Paul is to write off a huge part of Y&R's history, not to mention a stellar actor in Doug Davidson. JFP don't wait long to put her stamp on a show. She would be wise this time not to move so quickly that she destroys the Y&R so many fans still love and remember, and causing the ratings to plunge even further.

Agreed. Marla Adams was/is untouchable in the role. Replacing her now would be a huge mistake.

[y&r_fan]

I love Doug Davidson but I'd be okay with him going recurring as long as he's still used.

PLEASE backburner Cooper. Her acting has sucked for years.

Hendrickson can go but I'll always have a soft spot for Rikaart. I'd like Kevin to stay in some capacity even if it's just baristing at Crimson Lights.

FWIW, Chapman was featured heavily the last time Griffith was HW. I'd like her to stay on as the comic relief.

[dragonflies]

The start of a GH'er being cast, not a big name, but still a former GH'er

http://abc.soapsindepth.com/2012/08/yr-casts-a-gh-alum.html

[frequentsoapfan]

Isn't Cooper's health a concern? I mean I remember a temp for awhile.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Errol reported this, I think before it was announced JFP was being hired.

[Gray Bunny]

Jeanne Cooper's appearance reminds me of the way Mary Stuart (Meta) looked during her final days in 2002. She had been offscreen for awhile due to health issues, and came back much skinner, frail, and a tiny bit hunched over. I hope Cooper is here for years & years to come her spirit is still so vibrant.

[LoyaltoAMC]

No disrepect intended, but you can't be serious. She's definitely a spry old broad, a true survivor, who's capable of playing a more supporting role, but there's no way she can carry major story.

[DeeeDee]

Yep.

She has several serious health issues but wants to stay with Y&R until her health won't allow it.

[frequentsoapfan]

That's what I read. MAB hired this guy who also appeared on True Blood.

She came back so frail looking I remember everyone on the boards really worried. Of course temp Katherine( that lady who played that cancer victim on GH) looked too young for Murphy.

[DaytimeFan]

Care to elaborate?

As far as Cooper's said publicly, she suffered from pneumonia in November which was why she was replaced by Michael Learned. If you have other information, please correct me.

[Soapsuds]

How old is Cooper? I noticed during the Nikki and Jack episode she looked very frail.

[y&r_fan]

She turns 84 in October.

[DRW50]

Tricia Cast only makes guest appearances and even then is barely used.

Davidson was probably already being pushed out, and Peter Bergman should have been fired years ago.

[y&r_fan]

I doubt it. There's an an article on the official site gushing about how much fans love Davidson and how great the fan response has been to his recent storyline.

Why?

[DRW50]

Paul's story basically amounts to him being a terrible father. I've seen nothing but fan disgust at Paul with this story. Sheffer loathes men like Paul.

Bergman has zero chemistry with most of the women they pair him with, he's become much too soft, and Jack's place on the canvas has been erased.