Young And The Restless (Y&R) veteran actor Doug Davidson recently opened up about his 40 plus years of playing the iconic role of Police Chief Paul Williams.
“When I started this show, (Y&R Creator) Bill (Bell) would talk to you about everything except story. He never wanted any storyline suggestions,” Davidson said in an interview with Soap Opera News. “My job is to give life to the material that is given. You just figure out what will make it real for you and go from there.”
Landing the role of Paul in 1978 was actually a fluke and a stroke of very good luck for the actor. He was friends with Mark Lambert, who was married to Victoria Mallory, who portrayed Leslie Brooks on the Y&R. Mallory called Lambert and Davidson because her car wouldn’t start. While the pair waited, Y&R’s executive producer came outside and the two were introduced.
Young And The Restless News – Davidson Won An Emmy Award For His Portrayal Of Paul Williams
“I didn’t think any more about it until I got a call and they asked me to come in for an audition,” Davidson said. “But it was kind of a divine way all this worked out.”
The rest, of course, is history.
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Davidson remained a regular cast member for almost 40 years and won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series in 2013.
When news spread in September 2018 that Davidson had been let go from Y&R, fans were outraged. Viewers even started a petition and an online campaign to return Chief Williams to the soap. Davidson triumphantly returned in March of 2019 and gave much of the credit to his fans.
Young And The Restless News – Remains Touched By The Loyalty Of All His Fans
“I have been so touched and amazed by their loyalty, kindness, and sensitivity. Some of the messages I get are overwhelming, he said. “They’re so kind and loving. They have touched my life and I certainly hope through the forty-one years that I have touched theirs as well.”
He’s excited that he’s still a part of the Y&R canvas, even though his appearances have been sporadic.
“And now I’ve sort of come to peace with whenever they want to write me in and I’m available,” Davidson said. “I’m not sitting by the phone waiting for it to ring anymore. I’ve made peace with a lot of it.”
Fans won’t have to wait long for the actor’s next appearance on the soap. Viewers will see Paul in action on December 19th and 20th. Keep reading The Soap Scoop for more Young And The Restless news and spoilers.
