Will Abby end up being a single mom on The Young and the Restless? Donny Boaz, who plays Abby’s new husband Chance on the CBS soap opera, has taken to social media to share that his last airdate is imminent.
Donny Boaz Exits
“Sad news: Tomorrow, Monday, 02/01/21, as of now… will be my last airdate on ‘The Young and The Restless,'” Boaz shared on his Instagram account. “I’d love to say that this was my choice, that I’ve booked the next big project and leaving of my own accord… but that wouldn’t be the truth.
“Here’s what I know…” said Boaz. He shared a timeline of events in a post (that has since been edited): “Dec 22nd: I received my schedule with filming dates through March 2021. Dec 23: filmed our last day of 2020. Flew to Dallas for the holidays with family. Dec 24th: At 4 pm, I received a phone call, from the powers that be, telling me that Y&R was not going to renew my contract for another cycle. Merry Christmas.”
If there’s any part of this Boaz can take solace in it’s that he’s been told the reason for his exit is purely financial. Plus, there’s a door being left often for him and/or the character to return. “I was told that Chance is NOT being replaced or killed off…”
Boaz added that added production costs for COVID testing and safety protocols affected the budget, which necessitated his exit. “I thought for sure Chance and Abby (Melissa Ordway) just married, having a baby and Victor Newman (Eric Braeden), the Godfather of daytime tv, saying ‘Welcome to the family, son,’ [meant] that I was safe… I was wrong.
“Regardless the reason… I am not angry or bitter,” Boaz adds. “I am sad. I invested a year of my life into a storyline and didn’t get to see it through. Overall, I am grateful and thankful for this amazing opportunity.”
Boaz is remaining philosophical about this setback. “A lot of people lost their jobs in 2020,” the actor notes. “I feel blessed to have had a job during the craziest time of our lives. I know that I’m walking away from this better at my craft than before I started. 108 episodes.
“I want to thank #yr for this amazing opportunity,” he adds. “I want to thank the fans. You all have been AMAZING. Thank you. I want to thank everyone associated with Y&R, my castmates and the crew. You will be missed. I want to thank my agents and manager for bringing this opportunity into my life. We are optimistic for what is to come.”
Boaz has a special message for his soon-to-be ex-leading lady. “@mel_ordway I know I said I wanted us to be the greatest daytime tv couple ever, I aimed high, I’m sorry we didn’t get to see it through,” he adds. “Working with you has been my absolute pleasure and I can easily say that you are one of the greatest actresses I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. You deserve an Emmy… this year.
“And… that’s a wrap,” Boaz concludes. “I am now a free agent. Time to get to work.” Check out Boaz’ full post below. The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for airtimes.
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