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

Ashland Locke isn’t a man who lets many people into his inner circle. The revelation that he’s dying led him to become more closed off at times, however, the love of a good woman – Victoria Newman – has changed all that. For his performance as a man willing to fight for his life, Soap Hub Performer of the Week for Y&R goes to Richard Burgi, who plays Ashland.

Richard Burgi — Performer of the Week

Ashland and his adulterous wife Tara Locke (the patrician and poised Elizabeth Leiner) acted out another performance of “The Bickersons” in the Abbott living room as they debated how best to tell their son Harrison (Kellen Enriquez) that Dad is terminally ill.

The Lockeness Monster accused Tara of being capable of releasing his medical condition to the media, pointing out she had lied about their son’s paternity for years. “You are a master of turning things around and then, making literally about you,” Ashland marveled to Tara. “Really, it’s a gift!”

Richard Burgi spoke at times in almost whispered tones during the most heated moments of his talk with Tara, aware that Harrison could easily listen from somewhere in the Abbott mansion. His primary commitment is to his son’s well-being (though it’s confusing that Ashland’s love for Harrison alone hasn’t prompted him to seek treatment for his illness).

Ashland announced that he was going to end talks with Tara since she was making things so adversarial and he didn’t want Harrison to be subjected to that negativity. Ashland shows perhaps the most passion when he is concerned about the little boy he loves as his own.

Later, a surprised Ashland overheard Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) giving his endorsement of Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) and Ashland’s relationship. His amazement turned to humble gratitude when Billy agreed to keep stories of his illness off of ChancComm media platforms.

Alone with Ashland, a poignant Victoria poured out her heart to Ashland, telling him that she admitted to Billy that she’s in love with him (Ashland). Her tender and impassioned declaration prompted Ashland to announce a change of heart. “I guess I need to find a way to stay alive,” he said. “I’ll start treatment. Maybe I’ll get lucky and it’ll actually work? I sure as hell hope so.”

Ashland’s story continues to take twists and turns that viewers don’t see coming. In Richard Burgi’s capable hands, we are guaranteed performances that continue to compel us to root for the media mogul, hoping that he survives his illness and becomes a Genoa City mainstay.

The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Genoa City, check out all the latest that’s been posted on Y&R spoilers.