Credit: Google
Mishael Morgan confirmed on Twitter that she is leaving The Young and the Restless.
Actors come and go. It’s a part of the genre and the show will go on. Y&R existed long before Morgan made her 2013 debut. The #1 daytime soap will most likely still be here in the years to come with the great Victor Newman still ruling Genoa City with an iron fist. Still, I hope Morgan leaves knowing that she carved her own legacy on the drama.
Hilary Curtis, nee Ann Turner, arrived on the scene as a spoiler the Winters family. She could’ve easily been a one note villain and only used to prop the fan favorites. Truth be told, that has been Hilary’s function for most of her time on Y&R. She’s had to carry so many stories and characters who leeched off her growing popularity. It’s a testament to Morgan’s powerhouse performances and charismatic presence that elevated a secondary role into one of the leading ladies of the serial and a beloved half of the supercouple, Hevon.
In recent weeks, that romance has been rehabilitated. Some of the most tender scenes have capitalized on the smoldering chemistry between Morgan and on-screen partner Bryton James. In 2018, there are still so many firsts and Hevon is an example of a Black couple on daytime that is one of the show’s focal points. Shauna’s introduction has added a maternal instinct to Hilary’s presentation while her friendship with Phyllis is its own unexpected pleasure. Women really can get along, especially if they’re scheming together. If Y&R chooses to recast, the bar has set been high for the next actress to weave all the different parts of Hilary that make her a dynamic whole.
Morgan drew fans in and just replacing her with another won’t be that easy. Most of us spent a considerable amount of time calling CBS, leaving voice mails and camped out in the mentions of CBS execs. This isn’t the ending we wanted but it’s nothing but love.
We love hard.
Once soap fans love you, you’re usually staying in our good graces. Renee Elise Goldsberry, Justin Hartley, Shemar Moore, Julianne Moore and Michael B. Jordan are just a few breakouts who got their starts on soaps. Each has always reciprocated the affection. They’re not ashamed and why should they be? We do the most but heart’s are in the right place. Hell, if the money is right, some of us might even splurge on a plane to fly above CBS Television City.
Morgan now has a built-in fan base that will help usher her into the upper echelon of Hollywood, red carpets, magazine covers and other projects she so desires. I did want Y&R to run Mishael her money but I trust her judgment and believe when she says that now is simply time for her to leave. Even if the show had offered her a Queen’s ransom to stay, if her heart wasn’t in it, that’s all there is to it. Living your own purpose is worth more than one more dolla.
Morgan’s time on Y&R is coming to an end but she will grace our screens again. We’ve seen her shine bright to know that for sure. Now we’ll just wait for the rest of the world to catch up. Thanks for these memories in the meanwhile.
Allow me to share one of my favorites.
