‘The Young and the Restless’: Former ‘Guiding Light’ Actor Robert Newman Recast as Ashland Locke

The Young and the Restless character Ashland Locke (Richard Burgi) will live to see another. After Burgi announced his upcoming exit from the show, fans speculated on the status of Ashland. Well, viewers will see a lot more of Ashland; however, it’ll be a new actor in the role.

‘The Young and the Restless’ Robert Newman will play Ashland Locke

With Burgi out, The Young and the Restless producers didn’t waste time recasting Ashland. According to Soap Opera Digest, Robert Newman will make his debut as Ashland next month. Newman is a daytime veteran and is best known to soap opera fans as Josh Lewis on Guiding Light.

Newman played Josh from 1981 until the show’s finale in 2009. Throughout his career on Guiding Light, Newman was nominated for two Daytime Emmys. Josh’s relationship with Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer) earned him popularity, and the pair became the show’s super couples. The finale had Josh and Reva reuniting and driving off to their next adventure.

Reason for Richard Burgi’s departure

Ashland has become a popular character on The Young and the Restless, and viewers loved Burgi in the role. News of his departure came as a shock, with fans speculating on the reason. Well, Burgi has finally broken his silence about the reason for his exit.

In an Instagram story, the actor says his firing is because he “inadvertently violated the show’s COVID policy.” Burgi explained he tested positive for COVID after visiting family on the east coast during Christmas break. Burgi then took five-day isolation before returning to work instead of following the show’s guideline of 10-day isolation.

While Burgi is upset over his departure, he respects the show’s decision. As for his replacement, Burgi had nothing but kind words for Newman. “I truly wish the gentleman who’s coming in to play Ashland a wonderful time. He’s going to be working with the most incredible actress and a great, great cast.”

Reaction to Robert Newman as the new Ashland Locke

Newman taking over as Ashland on The Young and the Restless is huge news. Longtime fans of Newman’s voiced their excitement about his new role on Twitter. “Unexpected and going to be interesting. But at least I get to see Robert Newman regularly on TV again,” wrote one user. Another commenter chimed in with, “Great news, Robert is a great actor and a really wise choice to hire him. A great addition to the cast.”

However, not everyone is thrilled with the casting choice. “Nothing against the new Ashland, but there’s something wrong behind the scenes at Y&R when perfectly fine actors are fired,” wrote one viewer. “Ugh. The current Ashland really grew on me. I hate when they switch the actors up,” another user replied.

Newman will have big shoes to fill as Ashland. Fans will have a chance to judge Newman’s performance when he debuts on The Young and the Restless next month.