Does Theo have more deep dark secrets? Y&R's Tyler Johnson talks pandemic life, if he is sticking around on Y&R, what to expect and more. Check it out here--->>>
Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS
The cast of The Young and the Restless is back at work, doing their endeavor best to bring fans five episodes a week as per usual. The cast is, however, working under a new norm and Soap Opera News got the esteemed pleasure of talking with Tyler Johnson (Theo Vanderway) about that, what's to come for his character, working with Y&R legends and more.
The cast was ecstatic to get back to work and bring viewers new episodes as Johnson states, "More than anything: we are all
excited to be back at work! While the procedures may be different, the spirit
is the same." He continued, "The show is being produced following strict health and safety
guidelines/protocols which includes testing, social distancing, and wearing a
mask at all times (except when taping scenes), which is definitely new for
everybody. We have a wonderful supervisor on set to ensure our safety, and we
all have taken the opportunity and responsibility seriously, which I feel has
only added to the intensity of the scenes."
They've been away from production for quite some time and Johnson notes, "It’s been a long stretch, as I know it has for a lot of people, and
staying busy amidst a lockdown and a global pandemic is no easy feat! But, like
many of my contemporaries, I survived through exercise, good food… and getting
a puppy! Her name is “Echo” and she’s my little quarantine dream!"
He couldn't give away much but he was sure to tease, "Theo is at a crossroads, which is always dangerous. He’s locked in an
internal struggle of intent: money, success, power… or love. Not that they should
be mutually exclusive, but for Theo, his pursuit of one often comes at the
expense of the other."
Theo's love life is a mess and it looks like it will continue to be, "I think Theo’s nickname could well as be “Thorn,” so I don’t foresee
any less rabble-rousing, any less mischief, any less drama. He may be righting
his path, but he’s still a wild one at heart."
There's certainly a lot to look forward to, particularly Theo's dark past. The actor said, "The well of Theo’s secrets is dark, deep, and murky. You never know
what’s lurking beneath the surface, waiting to pounce."
Kyle (Michael Mealor) and Theo may be calling a truce on-screen but Johnson revealed that it could be more than meets the eye. "I enjoy their banter. I enjoy the way in which they challenge one
another. I think the relationship has the potential to evolve to a place where
their mutual competition only serves to actualize their ambitions. It has a
real potential to get spicy."
Johnson has worked with legendary stars such as; Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott), Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott), Marla Adams (Dina Mergeron), Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott) and more and he shared, "It’s both fun and exhilarating. It requires the highest degree of
preparation and presence to stand in the same light as these actors, and it’s
not something I take lightly. I’m so grateful to be on the same stage and I
understand the responsibility I have—my aim is to show the depth of my
gratitude through my work."
The big question was with such a character like Theo, was he here to stay. Johnson noted, "In a town like Genoa City, anything is liable to happen, but I know
Theo Vanderway is hell-bent on making his mark. He is not someone to slink into
the shadows, to fade away, he’s going to burn, either as a shining star… or
well… a four-alarm fire."
In regards to his short film called Across the Room with his Y&R co-stars, he said, "It’s currently making its rounds on the festival circuit and is the
brainchild of one of our former writers, Mellinda Hensely and Matt Clifford, to
whom I give all the credit for its success. It was a joy to work on. As for
debuts, I’d direct you to their social media profiles for the most up-to-date specifics."
Does he have any projects on the horizon? He told us, "I am currently focused on Y&R and bringing a new depth to Theo
Vanderway." He went on further to share, "I tend to be myopic with my work, so I am singularly focused on that
goal. I believe good work in the shadows begets good work in the light, so I’m
spending my time developing aspects of myself I can bring to the character and
to the show. It’s the best way I know to show my love for the craft and my
gratitude for the work."
You can watch Tyler Johnson weekdays on CBS' The Young and the Restless!
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