As we approach the one-year anniversary of Paul Williams’s last appearance on The Young And The Restless (Y&R), actor Doug Davidson has once again clarified his status to querying fans. Well, as best as he can, anyway!
“I don’t see me going back,” Davidson replied to a Twitter fan on October 13th. “But all of you are so incredibly wonderful. Thank you.”
So what’s his status, then? Cue the “man shrugging” emoji. After all, Davidson is still listed as a current Y&R cast member, despite receiving no communication from the CBS soap about any future appearances.
“It’s the state of television. I find it remarkable that after 42.5 years I haven’t heard from the network at all,” he continued, in response to another supporter. “No thank you for your service, a phone call. Many gifts from the first 25 years… not a peep from this group.”
“I don’t think it’s personal,” he added. “New era. Still grateful.”
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Davidson’s caliber as a legacy character is beyond dispute. Not only is he the longest running current cast member — the word “current” being used rather loosely, at this point — but Davidson’s absence from the show is clearly a contentious issue among viewers and co-stars. Paul Williams last appeared onscreen in November 2020.
When a fan pointed out that he is the actor most frequently requested to return to the Y&R canvas, he tried to distance himself from the subject. “I don’t care. I have been so blessed for 42+ years, it doesn’t matter,” he responded. “The Bells [Y&R producers] have been wonderful.”
However, he later corrected that comment, tweeting, “I DO care. I should have said it doesn’t make any difference. I had a GREAT run!”
Indeed, Davidson has had a singular career, even winning the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2013, the later stage of his career.
As we close in on one year since anyone’s seen Genoa City’s police commissioner, the mystery surrounding his status on Y&R will only intensify.
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Ryan Pratt
Ryan is an avid runner, reader, hiker and music collector. When he isn't writing and editing for Fame10 Soaps, he's relishing in the fine company of his two cats, Penny and Gus.