 Ashley Bashioum 1999-2002 |
 Kelly Kruger 2002- |
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Bashioum and Thorpe Off In a surprising move, Ashley Bashioum --- one half of Genoa City’s premier teen couple, Mac and Billy --- has announced she’s leaving. "I’ve had to pass up a lot of opportunities by being on the show, so I decided I didn’t want to pass up any more," confides Bashioum, who joined in 1999. "I’m going to go to college, then probably medical school. I’m not going to stop auditioning. But a priority for me is family and school. I don’t think it’s healthy to have acting as a priority. That’s just for me. I need to have other things on the side that I’m also proud of." Insiders also report that Bashioum’s decision came as a shock to the cast. "I was surprised to hear it," admits co-star David Lago (Raul). "I have mixed emotions. I’m sad that she’s leaving, but at the same time, I’m happy for her. She definitely created that character." "I think it was a bit of a shock to [Head Writer] Kay Alden," Cooper adds. "When Ashley started out, she had a lot to learn. She was willing to take criticism and try things. Kay adored her and really fostered her, so I think she’s just as saddened as I am. At this moment, if she changed her mind tomorrow, Kay would jump with glee. So would I." "She’s at a great age to explore her options," explains Alexis Thorpe (Rianna). "I’m so proud of her for making such a bold decision and for following through with it." Thorpe, too, will be exiting this month. "It’s going to be, like, two days before Ashley leaves, so I beat her out," laughs Thorpe. "She not the first one to go. It’s sad, though, because so many people are bolting at the same time. But I think it’s going to be good for everybody." The actress, who made it known that she wanted to pursue other projects, was recently bumped to recurring status. "I like the way they’re doing it," says Thorpe of Rianna’s exit. "She’s graduating early and going to Spain as part of an exchange program. As for me, I’m excited. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity because so many things are starting to happen for me career-wise." |
What TV guide said....
Ashley Bashioum, who has been playing Mackenzie Browning — Kay's granddaughter —
since Feb. 1999, has opted to leave the show. "She's leaving at the conclusion
of her contract," shares a Y&R spokesperson, who adds that the show has been
very pleased with actress's onscreen contributions over the past two years.
Bashioum will most likely pursue other projects in prime time and film. Her last
airdate is Feb. 15. The role will be recast.
sid.com says that a new contract could not be worked out. And also that Nicole (who played her temp) was not being considered for the fulltime spot. |
