Chance on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS Recast Temporarily
The role of Chance is being recast on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS but don’t worry — it’s only temporary! After Donny Boaz revealed he’d tested positive for COVID-19 and had to quarantine himself, the soap decided to recast the role with Justin Gaston, who originated the role of Ben on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Oh, and he’s also the real-life hubby of Melissa Ordway (Abby)! “Who better to step in than my incredibly talented, handsome husband?” Ordway declared on Instagram when the news was revealed. “I love you, Justin!”
Boaz revealed his diagnosis on Nov. 17, at which point he was already back at Y&R taping scenes again. But the soap says that viewers can expect to see Gaston appearing in a number of episodes beginning on Monday, Nov. 23. While the recast will only last for a few weeks, there will be one benefit to the casting choice — as Gaston is Ordway’s real-life spouse, Chance and Abby can get much closer during scenes than they could with Boaz in the role due to the COVID-19 safety protocols!
The role of Chance has been recast a couple of times in the past. After a series of child actors that included future GOSSIP GIRL star Penn Badgley, John Driscoll stepped in when Nina and Phillip’s son was aged into an adult in 2009. After Chance was written out in 2010, Driscoll made a handful of appearances in 2011, but the character didn’t return full-time until November 2019 when Boaz took over.
“So honored to step into the role of Chance and had so much fun working beside my beautiful wife and the entire cast and crew of Y&R!” Gaston shared of the experience. Keep watching to enjoy Ordway acting opposite her husband before Boaz returns to continue telling Chance and Abby’s love story!
