Robert Newman Is the New Ashland on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS!
Well, the mystery has been solved — Robert Newman is the new Ashland Locke on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS! When Richard Burgi announced recently that he was exiting the soap, it was unclear if the character would be written off or recast. But since Ashland is now married to Victoria and an important part of the canvas, it makes sense that with Burgi’s departure, the soap would tap another actor to step in to continue his storyline.
And Newman is a fantastic choice to take over as Ashland. The daytime vet is best known for playing Josh Lewis on CBS sudser GUIDING LIGHT from 1981 until the soap’s end in 2009 (earning two Daytime Emmy Nominations for Lead Actor along the way). But the actor made his daytime debut as Prescott Harrell on GENERAL HOSPITAL in 1985 and played Kirk Cranston on SANTA BARBARA in 1986. After GL was canceled, Newman focused on the stage, appearing in Peter Pan, Nine, Death Trap, and Gypsy.
The character of Ashland Locke was introduced to Y&R in March 2021, played by veteran actor Burgi, and quickly became a major part of Genoa City society. Although introduced with a terminal illness, Ashland underwent treatment while falling in love and marrying Victoria, and is apparently in remission so he’s not going anywhere.
Which made it quite a surprise to fans when Burgi announced that he was “moving on” from the soap. Thankfully, Newman was available to step right in and take over the role. While no specific airdate has yet been announced for the changeover, Newman is scheduled to make his Y&R debut in February. So stay tuned!
