Casting Updates for Major Daytime Soaps – Week of July 6, 2024

During the week of July 6, five soaps—*General Hospital*, *The Young and the Restless*, *Days of Our Lives*, *The Bold and the Beautiful*, and *Beyond the Gates*—reported 12 new appearances and four departures. Highlights include Jasmine Burke as June Hughes, John Oliver as WSB head Z, and the exit of Andrew Hawkes (Ross Cullum).

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Jasmine Burke returns as June Hughes, whose reaction to a gift on July 10 sparks a subplot on *Beyond the Gates*. Asher Antonyzyn debuts as Danny Morgan on *General Hospital*, clearing Jason (Steve Burton) on July 7. Kimberlin Brown appears as Sheila Carter Sharpe on *The Bold and the Beautiful* (July 8), and Eileen Davidson joins *The Young and the Restless* as Ashley Abbott (July 10).

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Andrew Hawkes’ six-month run as WSB agent Ross Cullum ends with the character’s death on July 2; Hawkes said he would return if the storyline permits. Ryan Paevey’s final appearance as Cassius Faison airs July 6, while Frank Valentini noted a possible twin-brother return. Bryce Durfee’s stint as Agent Vaughn concludes July 6 after a scene with ex-lover Josslyn (Eden McCoy).

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• July 2–3 – Ross Cullum killed (Andrew Hawkes exits) and Agent Vaughn (Bryce Durfee) appears.

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• July 6 – Vaughn’s final scene; John Oliver cameo.

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• July 7 – Danny Morgan clears Jason; Charlotte Cassadine reacts to Valentin’s return.

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• July 8–10 – Sheila Carter Sharpe’s intentions revealed; Lucy Coe appears; Ashley Abbott returns; June Hughes receives a gift; Darlene Hawthorne reaches understanding.

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Executive Producer Frank Valentini said the series stays open to re-engaging former cast members. Andrew Hawkes told *Soap Opera Digest* he would “say yes in a heartbeat” to a return. Publicists added that new characters aim to deepen arcs and draw both longtime fans and new viewers.

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• “I would love a twin brother and one of us to die, and then that one to come back to life and kill the other one.” — John Oliver, WSB Head Z

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• “In his exclusive exit interview with Digest, the actor said he would “say yes in a heartbeat” if GH somehow figured out a way to bring him back.” — Andrew Hawkes, in interview with *Soap Opera Digest*

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• “The door is always open,” — Frank Valentini, Executive Producer, *General Hospital*

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• “[We] packed up the California sunshine, drove across the country, and we are officially living in Vermont!” — Bryce Durfee & Amber, Instagram post

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No source confirms whether Ross Cullum’s death will be revisited through flashbacks, leaving the character’s narrative unresolved. While Valentini’s comment suggests openness to returns, no concrete casting plans have been announced for the departing actors.

Soap Opera Digest