On The Young and the Restless, Michael Baldwin (Christian LeBlanc) is a “man who is an island" until his family gradually entered Genoa City, and became his biggest nuisance.  In 2003, he was shocked when his half-brother Kevin Fisher (Greg Rikaart) arrived after landing in a heap of legal trouble.  To help Kevin get a fresh start, Michael allowed him to stay with him.  They were soon joined by their mother Gloria, who was then played by Joan Van Ark and now portrayed by Judith Chapman.

In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Christian LeBlanc talks about what it's like for his character to be part of the wacky Baldwin/Fisher clan.

“It was fascinating, because it wasn't planned,” LeBlanc told Soap Opera Digest.  “Michael repeatedly said he had no one.  It was such a definitive and devastating thing to say, ‘I'm alone in this world,' especially for me, who has such a huge family.  Then you learn he said this, but he was lying.  What would make you lie all those years?”

Of course, when Michael finally reunited his family, LeBlanc understood why his character had to keep this a secret.

“What pain is there?  I still think there's a lot of the story not told,” he added.  “Judith [Chapman] and I always discuss what possibly has gone on that has warped them so badly.  [Michael's father] Lowell is another piece of the puzzle.  It goes all the way back to him.  You don't know what set them on these tracks.  Then, there's Gloria's past.  Where did she come from that she fell for this guy and had a baby at 15?”

At present, the Baldwin/Fishers have emerged as one of the most interesting families ever on The Young and the Restless.  According to LeBlanc, that's because his character's family is very relatable.

“Like most people, they're capable of something really good and something really bad.  You never are as despicable as when you're dealing with brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers.  The ones you love the most, you will attack the hardest,” the Young and the Restless actor explained.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Soap Opera Digest
(Image courtesy of CBS)