Y&R: Richard Burgi Out — Robert Newman In!
■ After Richard Burgi (Ashland) revealed on Instagram that he was done at the No. 1 soap, he was quickly replaced by GUIDING LIGHT vet Robert Newman (ex-josh).
In his initial video message to the fans, Burgi, who debuted as the media mogul last March, announced he was leaving, but provided no details about the reason. Two days later, Burgi clarified why he was out in another video post. “I just want to set the record straight,” he began. “My wife had said something about it being the show’s choice, which is true, but the reality is, that I naively and inadvertently violated the show’s Covid policy.” Burgi explained that he had traveled to the East Coast for the holidays, and tested positive around Christmas. “[I] took the necessary five days the CDC had recommended, came back, and then went and tested twice negatively at the studio, Tuesday and Wednesday, tested negative and showed up to work, but it was not within the show’s guidelines, which was a 10-day protocol, so I inadvertently violated the show’s Covid rules and protocols, and I felt terrible about it, I still do. It bothers me mightily but it is what it is. I respect whatever the show’s decision is. They’re doing the best they can, as we all are. I truly wish the gentleman who’s coming in to play Ashland a wonderful time. He’s going to be working with the most incredible actress [Amelia Heinle, Victoria] and a great, great cast. It’s an amazing show, I have nothing but good memories and good wishes for it.”
Within 48 hours of Burgi’s announcement, the show tapped Newman to replace him. During his appearance on Dishing With Digest in 2020, the actor said of a possible return to daytime, “I think it would have to be a contract role of some kind .... I think it would just depend on what the role was.” Look for the beloved soap alum to make his Y&R debut next month.