What Happened to Paul on ‘Young and the Restless’?
What happened to Paul Williams on The Young and the Restless? It’s been almost two years since Doug Davidson had scenes on the CBS soap. Why isn’t he in Genoa City right as there’s a big police investigation?
What Happened to Paul on Young and the Restless?
Paul Williams began appearing less and less on Y&R when British soap director Mal Young took the helm at the CBS soap. Once the former regime was pushed out and Mal took over, he began systematically sidelining legacy characters and adding randos.
You may recall the outrage of The Young and the Restless fans when Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) was also pushed aside and seen less and less often. Fortunately, in December 2018, CBS daytime axed Mal Young. But things didn’t improve for Doug Davidson.
He scored just 32 episodes as Paul in 2019 after the regime change. But Josh Griffith also sidelined him, giving Davidson just nine episodes before his final appearance as GC’s top cop on November 19, 2020. Yet they keep name-dropping Paul.
First, Rey Rosales (Jordi Vilasuso) came in. Then, they brought in Chance Chancellor (Conner Floyd). And they just mention him now and then, but he remains unseen. So, what happened to Paul Williams? He was pushed aside by Young and the Restless showrunners.
What is Doug Davidson Doing Now?
Actor Doug Davidson made it clear that he loved playing Paul Williams and he’d still like to be on the soap. But he’s also been vocal that the powers that be don’t seem interested in bringing him back.
Also, his good friend Eric Braeden publicly stated many times that Davidson being written out is a travesty. He said he’d like to see them bring back Paul. The soap wrote out Doug Davidson’s scene partner, Lauralee Bell (aka Christine Williams) too.
I normally don’t express my opinions reg the casting on Y&R! That’s the privilege of those who produce the show! However, this is a time when I have to make an exception! I’m still on vacation, hence my comment comes a little late: to let DOUGIE DAVIDSON GO is an egregiousmistaje
— Eric Braeden (@EBraeden) September 21, 2018
It’s been almost two years since he last worked on Young and the Restless. Now, we’re happy to report that Davidson has a new film project. He’ll star in the feature, Season of Rage, alongside Danny Trejo and Emilio Rivera.
Davidson’s also serving as a consulting producer on the film. But it’s clear that he misses being on the soap after working there for more than three decades. His fellow cast members miss him too. But he’s moving on to other projects at last, it seems.
Will Paul Williams come back to Genoa City on Young and the Restless?
Most Y&R fans would love to see Doug Davidson back as Paul Williams after leaving with no warning. But there are no signs that’ll happen. The same people that wrote him out of The Young and the Restless are still in charge at CBS daytime.
So, unless there’s a regime switch, it doesn’t seem likely that Paul’s coming back anytime soon. But we do expect them to keep dropping his name. That way, they can “use” the character without having to bring back Davidson.
It’s frustrating for fans. And the actor, too, no doubt. Doug Davidson still posts frequently about his time on the show and says he misses it and his fellow actors. But for now, there’s no good news. What happened to Paul is a real shame…
The Young and the Restless spoilers are fresh at Soap Dirt.