The Young and The Restless: Quick update on Thom Bierdz

Hi All:

Over the last few weeks there has been alot of chatter about Phillip III (currently being called "Langley" by Cain) who he is, what he is up to and the list goes on. In an attempt to be one of the first to crack the "Chancellor Saga" I came across information on Thom Bierdz. It made me realize that he was on The Young and The Restless 20 years ago, not 10, plus a lot of interesting facts that I did not know about Thom Beirdz , the man, not Phillip III.

Thom Bierdz has lived a life full of joy and sorrow since leaving The Young and The Restless so many years ago. He has written a best-selling memoir entitled, Forgiving Troy, where he speaks of his Mother's death at the hand of his younger brother Troy, who has paranoid schizophrenia, as well as his older brothers Greg's suicide 10 years later and finding forgiveness. Despite the appearant tragedy that has struck this talented actor he has still found success and happiness through his paintings, as he is also a succesful artist.

During Bierdz time on The Young and The Restless he also carried a secret that he wanted to tell. For years he worked under the guise of a straight actor and desired to come out then, however it was the 80's and the world had just begun to be familiar with AIDS and he had to be conscious of that. He spoke of the surgeries he underwent in an attempt to look "more manly", the fear he faced and the advice he was given to not come out then because of the overall lack of understanding about AIDS and the stereotype that it was a "Gay desease". He was cautioned by his manager and agent about letting the industry know and what that could potentially do to his career. Now out and proud of it, Bierdz currently speaks with great enthusiasm about how times have changed and that he now longer feels as though he has to play charades to hide who he is. He feels that his sexuality is now appreciated. (Ok I have to slip in to Y&R mode here, could he be Rafe's potential love interest that I asked about last week? I AM GOOD!!! To my Twitter pal you know who you are, they did not have a casting call). Alas, being the professional that he is, he does an excellent job of not dropping any hints with regards to his return to Y&R or how his role will develop. Only that he is optimistic and that he has expressed interest as to what he would like to do.

If you are interested in his book I have added to this post and will also add in the margin, in case you want to come and get it later!




More to come shortly! As usual, I put enough in and left enough out for each of you to add your own ingredients. So get in the Mix!

PS theyandr.blogspot.com is like a playground everyone that plays, must play together nicely!