The Young and The Restless: Chris Engen Addresses Fans and Public Regarding His Departure from Y&R
Posted by The Y and R Lady - 24/06/09 at 10:06 pm
Hi All:
Below is Chris Engen’s side of the story as to why he was leaving The Young and The Restless. This is a post found on Chris’ myspace blog that includes some apologies and some explanations.
Good Luck Chris in all that you do, you brought a lot to the character of Adam.
Chris’ statement now follows. I have not altered the original content from his myspace statement in any way.
CHRIS ENGEN – STATEMENT TO THE PUBLIC
Good Day. This is the first time in my life that I address an audience so vast and varied. There are a number of heated topics that have become entwined with my recent decision to quit my job, and I feel there are a number of truths that deserve to be stated, a number of untruths that deserve to be rectified, and a few of my own ideas that, by way of circumstance, I am compelled to inject into the debate. This is the only statement I intend to make regarding this subject. I would like first to apologize, as I feel I owe a great many of you at least that. I know that a choice like this appears weak and impulsive. Honestly, it was the last thing I ever thought I’d do – the absolute LAST thing I ever wanted.
The job has been a great challenge, and my hat is off to all my fellow actors who have mastered it so gracefully. I know a great many of you have endured far worse than what you perceive to have been my circumstance, but I do not believe that just because you have suffered a particular injustice, so too must everyone else in order to understand that injustice. I want to apologize to any of my fellow actors who I may have disappointed. I would also like to apologize to those of you who feel slighted by this choice, as I have been branded a “homophobe” by several members of the press. This is, of course, absurd and many of my dearest friends are homosexuals who would be more than happy to speak on my behalf. My decision had nothing to do with religion, or anything I learned at Bishop Montgomery High School. Bishop is a great institution of learning that encourages tolerance and acceptance of others. I do not ascribe to any one religious ideology but do value the truth that exists in them all. I think the unfortunate assumption that has been made is that Catholics are intolerant of homosexuals on the basis of their Catholicism. Intolerance of anything is a product of one’s underlying belief system as an experience of limitation. It is the line we intellectually draw within ourselves that prevents us from understanding those things we reject, because it defines the boundaries of who we are as individuals. We are what we are, but we are also NOT what we are not. Intolerance is a natural reaction that, I believe, we must understand in order to defeat. It is not a fire to be stomped out by an angry foot or extinguished by a inundating stream of media exposure. Homosexuality is a quality of beingness: one of many qualities that make up the rich diversity that humanity expresses.
True — I was not comfortable with many of the challenges they presented before me, but I put my head down and did my job. The fact that I had an opportunity as ostensibly attractive and lucrative as this, particularly in difficult economic times and with so many talented actors and industry professionals out of work was, of course, more than reason enough to be grateful. I considered it part of the challenge and within my job description to do the best with whatever storyline was being written for me, as I was very fortunate to be getting a storyline in the first place. I understand that the writers have a very difficult task. They accomplish more in a week than what other shows do in over a month. I never stormed off the set, nor have I stormed off any set in my 18 years of struggle as an artist. I felt generally unhappy about my contribution to the show, and had greater and greater difficulty making any sense of the challenges they were asking me to face. If that makes me a limited actor, then so be it. I was allowed ONE meeting with Maria Bell, and I called in sick ONCE in my 16 months on the show. In the end, I didn’t feel that decisions were being made in my best interests, personally or professionally.
I learned a great deal in my time there and I am eternally grateful for the challenges that enriched me as an artist and as a man. As a single father, with sole custody of a 10 year-old boy, this was neither a practical decision, nor was it an easy decision to make. I believe that as an actor, and as a human being, I deserve better than to be forced to do something that I don’t feel is right on many levels, and that should have nothing to do with the choices that other people make. My visage and my craft were being utilized to tell a story that I wasn’t inspired to tell. I have a great deal of respect for the show in general and all those hard-working people who make it possible, and it is out of respect for them and a sense of duty toward them that I asked to be removed from my duties. I know this doesn’t conform to contract stipulations and it is regrettable that my personal feelings came into conflict with that precedent, although I don’t think that would have ever been the case if what was being requested of me was not unprecedented. Ultimately, the producers were very understanding and amenable and I, in fact, worked until they told me they didn’t need me anymore. I am sure that more of my colleagues would speak on my behalf if they too weren’t afraid of the possible consequences, and I don’t blame them for that. It has been a difficult journey for me, and many others, on the road to understanding the nature of artistry and what it takes to succeed. Strength is measured by what we are willing to stand for, not by what we are willing to lie down and take. I want to thank everyone who has voiced such tremendous support and encouragement. Much love and gratitude to you all. God Bless. Namaste
Chris Engen
More to come shortly! As usual, I put enough in and left enough out for each of you to add your own ingredients. So get in the Mix!
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June 25th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
It dosent matter why you’re gone. I’m still not happy about it and not really in to the new Adam.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
I am proud of you. I like the real man much better than the character you played. I do not like “Adam”. My two cents about all this with the morals and kissing another man is, if they do put that on the show, I WILL NOT watch the show anymore. I am not a homophobe, but I do have morals. My husbands uncle is gay, and I would do anything in my power to help him in any way. However, I do not agree with his lifestyle. It is Biblical and I stand behind, and in HIS word. It is not Ok, weather on screen or in real life. Blessings to you and your future.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I was very surprised to discover you had left the show when I turned on today’s episode. You did an outstanding job with the character and hated you big time. Your storyline was borderline absurd. Adding a homosexual storyline would likely taken it over the cliff of believability. I totally understand your decision. It’s too bad-you definitely ignited strong audience reaction. I have never commented on a soap actor’s work prior to this writing. Good luck and hope you find work. Many of your peers who leave similar work are never seen again. I doubt if your character will sustain without you at the helm. You left to compelling a presentation to be replaced.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I take it that Adam didn’t like the turn the story-line was taking so he opted not to continue in the role. It happens that my Uncle Dan was the Videotape Editor on the show for years and one day He decided to leave the show. Just took all His Emmys and went home. Oh well. That’s Hollywood.
June 25th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
i will miss chris talent and his great presence on the show i do love evil adam and i’m sad to see this actor go hope he’ll find better opportunities in his acting career
the new actor seems good too we’ll see !!
June 25th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I’m lost! Was there someone on the show that blamed him for being a homophobe? I LUV YNR, but I have to agree with him on his storyline… it was pretty lame. Just my opinion! : )
June 25th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
THE REASON WHY WE SHOULD HAVE A KNEW ADAM IS BECAUSE WE NEED A NICE AND KEEP ON THE MIND WE NEED A KNEW GIRLFRIEND FOR ADAM TO SO WE CAN HAVE A BETER TV SHOW SO PEOPLE CAN SIT THERE AND LAUGH NOT CRY I MEAN NOT GUST HAVE TO SMILE AND WE NEED ALOT OF NEW PEOPLE SO PEOPLE CAN HAVE SO SO MUCH FUN GUST SITTING THERE LAUGHING ALOT.
June 25th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
The character of Adam has deteriorated since Sabrina died. I loved the chemistry between Chris and Vail Bloom. Incredible. The writers have been writing horrible storylines and I really don’t know if I can continue to watch. It is admirable that Chris has stepped away from the sheer cruelty of this character. Who cares about the sexuality part except that Adam would have cheated on a great girl.
June 25th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I too have never commented on the shows that I watch and personally have nothing against the gay community; in fact one of my best friends was gay, but I am sick and tired of seeing it on As The World Turns and now Guiding Light. I think most people would agree what two people do behind closed doors is their own business but I do not need to see it “glorified” on TV. The character of Adam was one you really had to hate, but Chris Engen played it perfectly and I admire him for standing up and refusing to be forced into something that was not right for him. It’s pathetic that the networks just like any other job now a days think that they can walk all over people and force them to do what ever they want just because the economy is so bad. I hope that work finds you soon. I know how difficult it is to be a single parent and to have to worry about finding work on top of that. I am just disgusted by the network. Look at all the athletes and movie stars who are so over paid for what they do. Most of them are drunks or drug abusers who have no respect for anyone. I think the morals and values of today….oh yeah – what morals and values. It appears that most people especially Hollywood does not have them and when one is bold enough to stand up for himself he is crucified. I think it is a shame. Best of luck to you.
June 25th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
We are so sorry to hear you have left Y&R. We will miss you greatly (you as an inspiring actor). We and many others will not watch Y&R again if the homosexual story line continues. This is totally NOT NECESSARY. They should have finished the Adam being blind line a long time ago and found another direction for you story line. Everyone has had enough of the Almighty Victor! Then there is Amber, which she is THE worst actress on the show…talk about Nina whining, we daily tape all Y&R and fast forward with mute when Amber is on. Well Chris, good luck in your future adventures.
We are sure you will obtain a better position as an actor than with Y&R. Look at Shemar Moore (Malcolm Winters), now a big star in Criminal Minds! Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move on with a happy face. You Can Do It! All the best.
June 26th, 2009 at 2:10 am
I love Amber first off! Nick and Sharon belong together… Phyllis stole him at a time of crisis… her time is up! Whooo hoooo!!!!
Heather’s attempt to continually procecute innocent people is really getting annoying… I doubt she is the great detective that she thinks she is on the show… it makes her very hard to swallow or take seriously.
Now with Adam, while I really don’t like all the deceptive things he’s been doing to Ashley to get back at Victor at least the actor did a good job. I am very ready to move past the storyline. I have no problem with a homosexual storyline but an actor should not be pressured into doing those types of scene if they are personally not comfortable and additionally, as a viewer it makes no sense of this character. It seems random and pointless. Good luch to Chris in his future endeavors. Shame to this show for not taking better care of it’s actors… I do love Y&R and am a very very very big fan. Most of my life I have been in/out of watching this show so I remeber all the characters throughout the years and I watch religiously now but I hate knowing that someone felt pushed out from the character they develop due to the beleifs they hold personally… I don’t get that he’s homophobic… more likely a typical guy who doesn’t feel comfortable kissing another guy.
June 26th, 2009 at 4:19 am
the weak run with tail between legs…how hard would it have been to show love to another human or even fake it?
i thought you were an excellent actor, but career suicide has come…people are sick of seeing it all ready, so what!….welcome to the real world, folks….you can’t run from it…its everywhere you turn….real actors can get the job done…good luck on feeding your kid…anyway, who knows how kids may turn out these days…
June 26th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
what,,is the gay stuff,did i miss something?
June 27th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I wish you all the luck in the world chris.you stood by your morals and nobody could blame you for that. i didnt like the storyline and what they were doing with your character. it doesnt make any sense of how they wrote that storyline. i am surprised you didnt speak up sooner. you will get another job im sure. you are a great actor and you played that part perfectely. i dont think your replacement is going to cut it. some actors are just irreplaceable. like victor and nikki. no one can replace them. and dru is another person they cant replace. good luck to you and hope you get work soon. i think we will be seeing you on tv real soon.
June 28th, 2009 at 12:21 am
too bad to lose a great actor, but can understand the reasoning for leaving, I have been watching the Y and R since the show first aired. Disappointed they decided to go with the gay thing since there is so much story going on in the show.
June 30th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
It was only a role and the smarts out there know that. However, when something doesn’t sit well with me, I make that decision at all costs to me and I find I am being true to myself and my family. I am proud that you stood your ground. Perhaps, more people should be more like you. Good luck and all the best. (things always worked out for me in the end).
Dianne
June 30th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Chris, I miss your superb acting. I wish you blessings in your life and in the life of your son.
July 1st, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I agree with many-HATE the homophobic storyline and Adam still being blind. I do not like the new Adam at all-he’s a terrible actor.
GL Chris-hope to see you on another show soon :]
October 20th, 2009 at 1:49 am
Bravo Chris, thank you for standing up for your ethics. I have watched Y&R since 1973. I love the show – the actors and characters. I have enjoyed evil, absurd storylines like Killer finding his demise in a trash compactor, etc. but when the storyline attacked a pregnant woman, it was too much. A blind man wiping up a miscarriage is disgusting and offencive. This coupled with men making out on daytime TV left me hurt and disillusioned. You are a magnificent actor, and will always do well in your profession. I can’t tell you how much I miss your presence every weekday. I am sorry that you had to be the ‘fall-guy’ to make the writers change the direction of the story. Your bravado was instrumental and most appreciated. May all things happen for your benefit – and according to your heart. Love, Susan
November 12th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Best of luck to you Chris.
I loved hating you on the Y & R you played a real good Victor’s son. I checked to see if you were his real son. You played that part so well. I hate the other actor even more because he does not play the part as well as you did. I hope to see you again soon on another show. I saw no good reason for that storyline I feel that it did nothing for the show. Best of Luck you. You are truly missed. Hope to see you again real soon on the big screen.
Leona
January 8th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
man you need to keep that story about sharon’s baby to your self because sharon is going to leave your tale