Earlier this year, Emmy winner Doug Davidson (Paul Williams) celebrated his 40th anniversary with The Young and the Restless. That milestone made him the longest-running Y&R cast member. Now, according to the actor, he might very well have filmed his final Y&R scenes.
In a series of Q&A posts with fans, Davidson revealed that he had been asked to go on recurring status with Y&R earlier this year. At the time of his posts, Davidson indicated that he had two more taped episodes that had yet to air. One of those aired on September 13, meaning that fans may have just one more chance to see the actor. Davidson states that he has not been given any indication that he will tape any additional shows.
"It does hurt, to be honest," Davidson responded when a fan expressed their anger over his status change, adding that Y&R has "a new direction" of late.
General Hospital alum and chart-topping singer Rick Springfield took to social media to express his surprise at Davidson's fate. Springfield said Davidson is his "best friend forever and was the best actor and mainstay character on the show. An Emmy-winning great human being, a truthful actor with an open heart. Another show needs to snap this giant hearted brilliant actor up!"
@DougDavidsonYR is my best friend forever and was the best actor and mainstay character on the show. An Emmy winning great human being, a truthful actor with an open heart. Another show needs to snap this giant hearted brilliant actor up! Xooxxhttps://t.co/D7GgrQds2u
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) September 12, 2018
Multi-soap vet Stephen Nichols called Davidson's downgrade "an absolute travesty" and called Davidson "a man of the utmost integrity."
This is an absolute travesty. 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!
— Stephen Nichols (@officialnichols) September 12, 2018
Davidson has understandably been moved by the support from his colleagues. He has also received countless likes, retweets, and messages from fans. At last glance, there were several fan-created petitions asking the show to rehire Davidson.
As for whether or not Davidson would consider joining another soap, the actor stated that his "history and loyalty is with Y&R." Moreover, Davidson made it clear that he would return to Y&R in a heartbeat.
Davidson joined Y&R in May 1978. In 2003, Davidson received his very first Daytime Emmy nomination. A decade later Davidson won his very first Emmy in the Outstanding Lead Actor category.
Officially, Davidson is said to be on recurring status.
UPDATE (September 20, 2018)
September 20 marked Doug Davidson's final on-screen appearance. While the actor could return in the future, Davidson confirms that he has no additional airdates scheduled at this time.
What is your reaction to Davidson being taken off contract? Do you think Y&R will reconsider and have Paul appearing in more story? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
