A Very Special Mother’s Day on Y&R and The Wayne Brady Show
Brady and his grandmother Valerie (who raised him and whom he calls Mom) are both playing themselves in the episode. “We’re coming back into town,” explains Brady. “Apparently, I grew up with Paul and those guys and we drop in for brunch on the way to my aunt’s house.”In a sense, Brady did grow up with his new co-stars. “I’m one of those guys raised on soaps, by accident. I’d come home from school and Mom’s watching them, so I’d sit and watch with Mom. I’ve been following the stuff going on in Genoa City for 16-17 years.”This guest appearance was the perfect Mother’s Day gift for Valerie. “I didn’t have to get the card or chocolate or flowers,” says Brady. “Momma’s a huge fan of the show. The best thing is being able to bring her on the show so she can meet all of these talented people.”The Y&R appearance was also special for Bernsen, who is Jeanne Cooper’s (Katherine) son and has appeared on the show before as Father Todd, but has not shared scenes with his mother. Father Todd, who attends the brunch with his mother, Mary (Carolyn Conwell), when he encounters Katherine.”Katherine’s drinking again and I drink, evidently, as a priest, so we get loaded together!” Bernsen jokes. “No,” he clarifies, “I see this lost, wandering soul and I have to rescue her. I help Katherine get a breath of fresh air.”Cooper thinks this episode comes at the perfect time. “When you present the mother/son or the son/father it lets the world know that the family still exists and it’s a good thing.”On May 6, Cooper and Bernsen will be showcasing that bond on THE WAYNE BRADY SHOW. They join the ranks of many other daytime stars who have appeared on Brady’s program (and whom he’s hit up for autographs and photos for Valerie).THE WAYNE BRADY SHOW will soon be off the air, but Brady will never forget the experience he has had in daytime. “The best part about doing daytime [is] talking to people every single day of the week and people getting a chance to know me. At my concerts there’s the Brady Bunch — folks that tour all around the country to see me. That’s the kind of love you get in daytime and for that, I’ll be eternally grateful.”And he’s excited to go back to his first love, acting. “I hope to be playing a lot of different roles. I hope to play a bad guy, an alien.”
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