Veteran actor Jere Burns is headed to Genoa City.
The prolific performer, known for roles in Death and Other Details, FBI, and more than 100 film and television projects, will make his daytime television debut on The Young and the Restless beginning Monday, June 15. Burns has been cast in the newly created role of Dr. Laurence Markham for a multi-episode story arc.
Burns' arrival comes as one of the show's biggest mysteries continues to unfold: the disappearance of Diane Jenkins.
The actor will share scenes with Susan Walters (Diane), marking a reunion for the pair, who previously worked together on the NBC sitcom Dear John, which aired from 1988 to 1992.
Viewers last saw on Diane on May 14 when she left Jack a heartfelt voicemail expressing hope that they could find a way forward despite their troubles. Since then, her whereabouts have remained unknown, raising questions about whether she left town voluntarily or became entangled in Patty's latest scheme.
Ironically, while Diane has been missing on Y&R, she recently appeared alongside Jack during the ongoing crossover with Beyond the Gates. Due to differences in production schedules between the two series, the couple is seen attending a fundraiser in Fairmont Crest even as Diane's disappearance remains unresolved on Y&R.
"She's there in support of Martin Richardson, and I don't know — maybe she's looking around since she and Jack are having marital problems," Walters told TV Insider with a wink. "She's got some options."
As the mystery surrounding Diane heats up, Walters says she was thrilled to reunite with Burns.
"I loved working with Jere Burns on Dear John, so I was thrilled when I was told that we'd be working together again on Y&R," Walters said. "He was a fantastic scene partner in this upcoming story arc."
With Dr. Laurence Markham about to enter the picture, fans may finally get answers about Diane's disappearance—and whether someone is responsible for keeping her away from Genoa City.
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