Just as the long memorial day holiday weekend was getting ready to begin word broke that “The Young and the Restless” was recasting the role of Billy Abbott. According to Daytime Confidential, “Y&R” has decided to go in a different direction with the character and has let David Tom go. He is being replaced by actor Burgess Jenkins.
“So excited to be joining the Y&R family! Thanks so much for the outpouring of warm welcome from all the fans!” wrote Jenkins who confirmed his joining on Twitter.
In addition to his role as Sergeant Eddie Hall on Lifetime’s “Army Wives,” Jenkins has appeared in episodes of “Nashville,” “One Tree Hill” and “Drop Dead Diva.” He starred in the ABC Family original movie “Christmas Cupid” alongside Christina Milian.
Tom originated the role of an adult Billy in 1999, for which he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 2000. He remained with the series through 2002 and subsequently appeared on “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” as Paul Cramer, who helped jumpstart the baby switch storyline that spanned from Llanview to Pine Valley in 2004. In 2008, Billy Miller took over the role, which garnered the actor with two Daytime Emmy Awards in 2010 and 2013 in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal. After opting not to renew his contract, it was announced in November 2013 that Tom would return to “Y&R.” The actor began airing in early February.
Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) wished Tom the best on Twitter. “I’ll miss U so much. Don’t let it get u down. U R a fabulous actor, friend & U R my family. Ur talent will take U where U belong,” wrote the actress.
Jenkins will first appear onscreen in late June.