WEST HOLLYWOOD—Thom Bierdz is one of the most talented artists in the nation. The handsome star of “The Young and the Restless” recently returned to the top rated CBS soap for a very dramatic storyline. Thom, who portrays Phillip Chancellor III, lost his son Phillip Chancellor IV, or Chance, as he was affectionately known. Bierdz speaks exclusively with Canyon News about the dramatic storyline, which can be compared to real-life for the star. Thom lost his mother, who was killed by his paranoid schizophrenic brother, Troy. Thom wrote an award-winning autobiography titled “Forgiving Troy.” The tome chronicles his life and death battle with his brother, but ultimately proved that forgiveness is a much more powerful weapon than hatred.
Thom joins his longtime friend actress Lauralee Bell, who also recently returned to “Y&R” involving this dramatic Emmy-worthy storyline. I asked if the current storyline is bringing back the memories of the loss of his beautiful mother to murder and the loss of his brother, who committed suicide. The star replied, “No, I have really come to terms with my mother’s murder and my brother’s suicide, Tommy, but what still aches is the loss of our beautiful shepherd-beagle mix a few months ago. He was my son in a way.” Thom and his former partner fought very hard to save his beloved dog’s life. The actor is very emotional when talking about the loss of Bodhi.
Thom spoke about his return to the show where he is well known to viewers. “Viewers love to see Phillip because my character is an integral legacy character. He was born on the show, and has been a lovable character all these years so viewers feel he/I am family,” said the handsome star.
Discussing the emotional fall-out for all of the characters involved in his well-written and dramatic storyline. Thom speculated about love coming out of the emotional turmoil for at least his character. “Everyone is rooting these days for Phillip and Rafe to enter a romance. We saw sparks of their first meeting last week,” added Bierdz. Sparks is a mild term for the chemistry the two handsome characters and stars seemed to exude in a pivotal scene in which Phillip met Rafe for the very first time. Phillip and Rafe are both gay, and viewers miss the Luke, Noah and Reid storyline already on the canceled “As The World Turns.” This is their opportunity to see a real-gay love storyline on daytime’s most groundbreaking drama.
Thom is one of the most popular artists in Hollywood. He often appears at charity events and paints people’s portraits within minutes. The prolific artist says he is often amazed by what pieces he sells from his West Hollywood studio. “A man named Peter ordered this [shown] original painting titled “Apples and Peanuts” off my Website today. I will bring it to him in a couple days and ask him why he felt he had to own this one, of all the hundreds of pieces I have online. I am always curious why people relate to certain pieces,” said Thom.
In response to the question Canyon News readers have been asking, ‘Will Thom and his character Phillip be on the show much longer?’ Thom replied, “I have no idea, Tommy. If viewers want more of me, they can write to audsvcs@cbs.com or go to CBS.com, then go to the bottom of the site, click on feedback and fill in their story ideas.”
“Y&R” airs weekdays on CBS.
Photographs Courtesy: Thom Bierdz by JPI Studios and the painting by ThomBierdz.com
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