The folks at "The Young and the Restless" have lost their minds. They are saying goodbye to Doug Davidson (Paul Williams), who has been with the show for 40 years.
There was speculation of Davidson's exit on Tuesday when some "Y&R" fans read that he had apparently been fired. A fan took to Twitter to see if the news were true, asking, "They haven't let you go, have they?" Davidson responded, "It seems so."
He continued to thank his fans on Twitter and hinted at the fact that the show let him go because they were "going in another direction."
Davidson confirmed the news on Soaps.com saying: "My contract was not renewed in January, I went on recurring, but just until they had new people in place. I have only 2 shows that haven't aired and no dates. So, as far as I know, I am gone."
Davidson first appeared on "The Young and the Restless" in 1978 as bad-boy Paul, who would later become a detective. His role on the classic soap would earn him five Daytime Emmy Award nominations, with a win in 2013 for outstanding lead actor in a drama series.
Former "Y&R" actor Stephen Nichols, who played Tucker McCall, did not mince words in his reaction to the show's latest casting decision.
"This is an absolute travesty," Nichols tweeted. "What is going on over there? This man has not only acted his ass off at #YR for 40 years but is a man of the utmost integrity. I am saddened by this news. Much love, Doug!" Nichols was cut loose from "Days of Our Lives" earlier this year after almost 30 on and off years on that soap. Steve Burton (Jason on "General Hospital") played Davidson's son Dylan on "Y&R," and raved about working with Davidson.
There is no word yet on when the two remaining episodes will air.
Davidson was literally discovered in the CBS parking lot. He was on the set to deliver a package. Bill Bell (the creator, head writer and producer of the show) asked if he was an actor. Davidson replied he would like to be. The show provided more than a job. He met his wife, Cindy, when she had a part on "The Young and the Restless."
No disrespect to the actors who have the following roles, but without Paul, we will see more of Tessa, Shauna and several more characters that audiences don't care much for. From Jack not being an Abbott to the JT murder mystery, right now the show is a hot mess.
To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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