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What happened to Ashland on The Young and the Restless?

Ashland on Y&R: Why is a new actor playing him?
Ashland has a new face just as his lies are about to explode all around him. Pic credit: CBS

What happened to Ashland on The Young and the Restless? It’s a question Y&R are fans are asking now that a new and familiar actor has taken over the role.

The CBS daytime drama is no stranger to pulling an actor switch on fans. In some cases, like with Chance, the character was written off the canvas when Donny Boaz was fired. Chance resurfaced in November, but with Conner Floyd in the role.

However, in some instances, the character can’t be written off for storyline purposes. The role of Ashland was one of those cases.

What happened to Ashland Locke on The Young and the Restless?

Ashland Locke debuted on Y&R in March of 2021. The character was originated by actor Richard Burgi, who made the business mogul a likable villain.

In January 2022, news broke Richard had exited the CBS soap opera. The news had The Young and the Restless fans buzzing that Ashland would die since he supposedly had cancer.

Then it was revealed Guiding Light’s Robert Newman was taking over the role. Richard used Instagram to set the record straight, sharing he violated the show’s COVID-19 protocols. After expressing how upset he was at his actions, Richards thanked the show for the opportunity and wished Robert the best in the role.

For storyline reasons and because of Richard’s sudden firing, Ashland had to be recast. Y&R spoilers tease that Victoria (Amelia Heinle) soon learns another one of Ashland’s dirty little secrets.

Robert Newman teases Y&R debut as Ashland

Robert is no stranger to the soap opera world. The talented actor played Joshua Lewis on Guiding Light off and on for nearly three decades before the show ended in 2009.

The Young and the Restless used Robert’s previous daytime experience to prepare for his debut as Ashland Locke. Robert walks into Society and declares he’s not in Springfield anymore in a new promo. With a grin on his face, the actor then announces his premiere date, today, February 9.

Ashland on Y&R has a new face, thanks to actor Robert Newman. Richard Burgi’s firing from The Young and the Restless was major news, yet some viewers missed the action and wondered why there was a new actor in the role.

There’s no question it can be challenging to adjust to a recast, especially one known for a previous role on a soap opera. Y&R fans will need some time to adjust to the new Ashland Locke, that’s for sure.

What do you think of the Ashland switcheroo?

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.

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Spencer marrow
Spencer marrow
2 years ago

He looks like an old grandpa compared to the other Ashland. The reasoning for Richards firing was outrageous, but that’s CBS for you. The least you guys could of done is get someone a little bit younger and sophisticated.On the otherhand I guess it will be kind of fun watching to mustache hard core stick to your gut business men go after each other.

Carol Phillips
Carol Phillips
2 years ago
Reply to  Spencer marrow

They are both 63

Don
Don
2 years ago
Reply to  Carol Phillips

Exactly these people just don’t like the recast

Joan Shadinger
Joan Shadinger
2 years ago
Reply to  Spencer marrow

Well Spencer marrow ,you may not like the new Ashland but some of us older people do as he looks practically looks like the old ASHLAND with his little fuzz and hair slightly longer and he certainly studied him enough to imitate Ashland very well! Go for it Robert Newman great job already! Jess

chris eric
chris eric
2 years ago
Reply to  Spencer marrow

This is such bad castig omg who in the world is pulling these strings . Out of touch even for appealing to older fans

Sandy
Sandy
2 years ago

Just shut if off done after decades of watching this show.

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

I liked the old Ashland he was good looking

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Me Too

Kathy
Kathy
2 years ago

These Covid protocols are ruining television! Good actors and actresses leaving roles they have made great because of their beliefs is wrong! I admire these courageous people and hope they band together and voice their treatment!
Entertainment is going downhill!!

Kathy
Kathy
2 years ago

You guys blew it with this actor he looks to old for Ashton’s part. He isn’t even good looking as the old one. For victoria

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago
Reply to  Kathy

Both actors are 63 smh

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

Looks as old as her father, Victor – don’t like

Carol Phillips
Carol Phillips
2 years ago

Love the new Ashland. Y and R did a great job in replacing old one. I’m a big fan of Robert Newman

Jo
Jo
2 years ago
Reply to  Carol Phillips

Robert Newman is awful in the role of Ashland. Big mistake getting rid of Richard Burgi. His Ashton actually had chemistry with the cold hearted Victoria. Newman’s Ashton has zero spark with Victoria and the age difference just seems creepy.
Y&R is truly in self destruct mode with this new casting along with the horrid and never ending baby storyline. Not to mention the terrible idea of killing off the lively Hillary and replacing her with her dreary twin Amanda!
I’m truly sad to say it but I doubt if Y&R will be around much longer unless the writers stop making such stupid cast changes. Also they must stop dragging out horrible storylines like the Dominic custody battle!

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

Another big blunder to the show’s self distruction. The first one was “shared custody.” Not worth watching.

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

Well the writers already gave me a half
Hour back of my life with the ridiculous adult
Children of Steffy and Thomas on Bold and the Beaitdoul. I’m sure this actor is talented but he is completely wrong for Victorias spouse. Seriously writers do you even give a damn about the loyal fans who have kept you employed for decades

Joan Shadinger
Joan Shadinger
2 years ago

Hey Robert Newman welcome to Genoa City and have fun replacing Ashland Locke too! I saw you today on your first day and you have really been studying Ashland Locke’s Character great job by the way!! Also good to see you again after watching you & Reva for so long on The Guiding Light! I miss you all from that show too! Good luck and again Welcome Robert Newman! Funny how that sits well with The Newman Family! Joan from way back!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

This guys to old for Victoria’s husband. Gimme a break

Don
Don
2 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

He’s the exact same age as the other actor 63

Marian Griffis
Marian Griffis
2 years ago

What a great replacement for Ashland Locke. Robert Newman has the mannerisms down pat & unlike a few other reviews I read I believe Mr Newman is a very handsome Man & doesnt look any older than the old Ashland. Some folks don’t or can’t adapt well to changes. I can & it has served me well in real life. Again good job on the replacement of Ashland Locke.

Lea
Lea
2 years ago

You know everyone makes mistakes and Richard should’ve been given a second chance I am not crazy about Billy or Sally need to get rid of them – and a bit tired of Mariah and Tessa with all this kissing

Laura Stewart
Laura Stewart
2 years ago

Do not like the new Ashland and don’t ever think of getting rid of the one and only Victor Newman!

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago
Reply to  Laura Stewart

Victor is my favorite of ALL TIME.

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

Agree100%

Violet Rome
Violet Rome
2 years ago

I am thrilled that hes taking the part. I missed him since he left with Reba on Guiding Light! I was so happy

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago
Reply to  Violet Rome

REVA, not Reba.

Marilou G. Angelastro
Marilou G. Angelastro
2 years ago

I’m glad to see him back in the afternoons. He was one of my very favorites on Guiding Light, wishing all the best in his future.

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

What ?? No way this guy can match up with the old Ashland . Even if both actors are 63, the old Ashland had
much more chemistry with Victoria. Over the last month the story lines are getting really boring with the same Billy crap, Devon, Mariah & Tessa, Sally, ugh. I’ve watch this show since 1983 ..

Cynthia A Edgerton
Cynthia A Edgerton
2 years ago

I hate the new Chance and he will never be the fit that Donny was. CBS is politically correct and they have no regard for the fans. The actors have suffered with all this covid BS; it’s time to stop the madness and discrimination.I will miss the old Ashland.

We will not be cancelled
We will not be cancelled
2 years ago

It’s the wokeness coming down from the primary sponsor P&G. Woke corporations are in sync with the left. It’s the great reset coming your way. You will be cancelled. If you don’t go along.

Bonnie
Bonnie
2 years ago

Do not like the new Ashland. There is no chemistry between him and Victoria like there was with the other Ashland. Also think he is too ruthless – the old Ashland was likeable……..can’t we get over being afraid of COVID? It is turning out to be like the flu. I believe it will alsways be around and that we’ll need a shot yearly just like with the flu….enough already!

Trish
Trish
2 years ago

Richard was more handsome and I thought there was great chemistry between Riichard and Victoria.

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

I miss the old Ashton (Robert B.) I never comment on anything regarding Y &R but the new guy is a mismatch for Victoria. Please return the old Ashton.

Eva
Eva
2 years ago

The new Ashton does not fit the character and certainly does not fit with Victoria. Please bring back Robert B.

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

The new character does fit the role and certainly does not fit with Victoria. Please bring back Robert B.

Lorielle
Lorielle
2 years ago

I thought he looked familiar. Would have been nice if they could’ve cast Ben Masters (Julian from Passions) or even better Joe Lando (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman). He’s still ?!

jurlogg
jurlogg
2 years ago

Acovid protocol mistake is a handy excuse, but could it have been more than that? Say the time about a week before he was gone that he put his arms around ‘Victoria” and she had to push his hand away from its dangerously close to her breast position?

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

To those of you who are old enough, remember we had to take various shots to go to school back in the day. No one made a big deal. The shots were taken and everyone went about their merry way. (measles, mumps and what have you) I get my flu shot every year. No one had an issue with that. I know some people don’t get the flu shot. I got mine so I don’t get sick.At 69 I am not feeling it.