Brandon Claybon is truly living his dream as he stars in the breakout, historic CBS daytime drama Beyond the Gates. Claybon portrays Congressman and devoted family man Martin Richardson on the highly anticipated sudser, and from the moment the show premiered, it was clear he had officially arrived in daytime.
During a recent interview with Alan Locher on his YouTube series The Locher Room, Claybon opened up about just how long this dream had been in the making. “It was always my goal to be on a soap opera,” he shared. “That started back in 2017 or 2018, I believe.”
Brandon Claybon: Almost Young and Restless
Claybon also spilled a little tea about that early “start” when he revealed that before landing in the “reel” DMV area on BTG, he nearly found himself in Genoa City.
He was up for a series regular role on The Young and the Restless, slated to star opposite Mishael Morgan’s Hilary Curtis as her love interest. Unfortunately, when Hilary met her tragic end following injuries sustained in a car crash, Claybon’s potential role “went up in thin air after that.”
Claybon ultimately made his official daytime debut in 2023 on General Hospital, appearing as Brent Snyder in Port Charles. While the role was brief, it was reportedly meant to expand before plans shifted and the arc came to an end. Still, Claybon had cracked open the door.
Then came 2024 — the year the dream finally came full circle. Claybon landed the series regular role of Martin Richardson on Beyond The Gates. And on February 24, 2025, when the show made its well-anticipated premiere, Claybon — and Martin — officially became part of the daytime family.
As for that missed opportunity with Mishael Morgan? That pairing would have been something to see, no doubt. But can we really complain? No. Martin and Smitty (Mike Manning) have quickly become one of the most talked-about new couples in daytime, and duo viewers are keeping their eyes firmly glued on. All’s well that ends well, right?
Reflecting on his journey from hope to realization, Claybon summed it up best: “Yeah. So, I think it’s meant to be.”
Indeed, it is. And we couldn’t be happier that it is.
Patience, persistence, and timing remain undefeated.
Photo Credit: CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Key Takeaways
- Brandon Claybon aimed to be on a soap opera since 2017 or 2018 and had a brief role in General Hospital before landing his current role.
- He nearly starred in The Young and the Restless, but the opportunity vanished when his to-be character’s love interest met a tragic fate.
- Since its premiere, the romantic pairing of Martin and Smitty has become a highlight in daytime drama.
- Reflecting on his journey, Claybon believes that patience, persistence, and timing brought him to this moment.
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