The Young and the Restless’ longest-serving current cast member, Doug Davidson, debuted as Paul Williams in the show’s cast in May 1978. Paul is the police chief of Genoa City and is wed to Christine Blair Williams, his longtime love.
Background
The Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series was awarded to Davidson in 2013. In addition, he received nominations in 2003, 2010, 2014, and 2011 for Outstanding Supporting Actor and the same award. He received Soap Opera Awards in 1992, 1997, and 1990 and 1991 for Outstanding Hero and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
Davidson presided over the Tournament of Roses Parade for CBS for six years, from 1998 to 2003. He also served as the host of The Price is Right’s evening edition. He also acted as a guest star in the CBS series Diagnosis Murder.
He co-starred in the Judith Krantz miniseries I’ll Take Manhattan and The Initiation of Sarah. In addition to hosting the Kenny Rogers Cerebral Palsy Telethon, Davidson served as the master of ceremonies for the Miss California Pageant.
Casting
On May 15, 1978, Doug Davidson joined the cast of the program; the episode premiered on May 23, 1978. Its inventor, William J. Bell, came upon him while Bell was visiting Chicago and Davidson was posing for photographs for publications. When a customer called the actor for measurements, he found out that he had been hired as Paul William.
Prior to appearing in the serial drama, Davidson studied marine biology but gave it up to focus exclusively on acting. His career was significantly impacted by former executive producer Wes Kenny: “Wes taught me to listen, respond, and play the scenario.” Midway through 1979, Davidson agreed to a five-year contract and started getting more airtime.
The actor had made over 3,600 appearances in the daytime drama as of May 2002. Davidson was promoted to recurring status in September 2018. The last time Davidson was seen on Y&R was on November 19, 2020.
Career
From 1989 until 1995, Davidson made multiple appearances as the captain of The Young and the Restless when they competed for charity on Family Feud.
Davidson eventually obtained a role presenting a syndicated, half-hour version of the game program The New Price Is Right starting on September 12, 1994, thanks to the connections he built during those performances.
On January 27, 1995, the show was terminated after only four and a half months. After Bob Barker left The Price Is Right on June 15, 2007, only a select few persons were given the opportunity to audition for the role, which finally went to Drew Carey.
Davidson has also served as the host of The Price Is Right Live!, a live stage adaptation at Harrah’s-run casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a video clip in the bonus round, Davidson made an appearance on the 1996 pilot episode of the legendary game show Card Sharks, which was hosted by Tom Green.
Davidson presided over the annual Tournament of Roses Parade from 1998 to 2003.
Davidson’s contract was reportedly not renewed as of September 12, 2018, according to reports. Davidson acknowledged that he was “not included” in the Young and the Restless’ new direction. After executive producer and head writer Mal Young left the position, CBS revealed on February 19, 2019, that Davidson would be taking up the position.
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