Soap Hub Performer of the Week for Y&R: Richard Burgi

Even before Ashland Locke debuted on The Young and the Restless, viewers had gotten an earful that the character was a powerful force. Once the daytime and primetime series veteran Richard Burgi was cast in the role and arrived in Genoa City, we’ve witnessed Ashland’s strengths. Now, we’re seeing his vulnerability in light of the media mogul’s terminal medical diagnosis. Soap Hub is bestowing Performer of the Week for Y&R on Burgi for his performance as a man facing his own mortality.

Richard Burgi — Performer of the Week

Ashland was already vulnerable having found out that little Harrison (Kellen Enriquez), the son he raised since birth is actually the biological child of Kyle (Michael Mealor). He showed further vulnerability when he opened up to Victoria (Amelia Heinle) after they ventured to New York together. He shared with his business associate that he’d gotten the news he has terminal cancer from his doctor.

Tenderly, Victoria supported Ashland however, she agreed with him it was a bit unusual in that they’re practically strangers. “Much to my amazement, I don’t feel you’re a stranger at all…it seems like we’ve always known each other,” Ashland said, softly.

Victoria asked Ashland if he was afraid. “I never thought I would be,” the stoically responded. “I’ve jumped out of planes and climbed Kilimanjaro but those were risks I decided to take, you know. This is something different and not of my choosing.”

Burgi bringing such vulnerability to his character has humanized Ashland. We may or may not be rooting for him to win custody of Harrison however, we’re certainly hoping he beats his illness. Ashland told Victoria he was glad she didn’t think he was making up his fatal diagnosis prompting the Newman heiress to say he wouldn’t do that. Would he though? Is there more to Ashland than we’ve been told? If and when Y&R expands his story, giving Burgi other levels to play in the process, we have no doubt that the actor will make those scenes equally compelling. Stay tuned. The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.