Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope talk Silly on The Young and the Restless

On The Young and the Restless, Courtney Hope and Jason Thompson’s characters, Billy Abbott and Sally Spectra, have changed a lot over the years. While the pair initially didn’t get along, they’re now growing a romantic relationship and going to Paris just in time for Valentine’s Day. The actors shared their insights on each other, their characters, and where they see the relationship going.

Being “Silly” on The Young and the Restless

The Young and the Restless costars, Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope, sat with Swoon recently to discuss their characters and working together. The pair have known one another for a long time but just recently got to interact onscreen in a friendlier way, which has allowed them to get to know one another better both onscreen and as actors.

Jason shared that they had become big fans of one another. He could see how prepared Courtney was before scenes and how dedicated she was to the role. Their characters, Billy Abbott and Sally Spectra, have changed a lot over the years. For a long time on The Young and the Restless, Billy and Sally didn’t get along; Jason explained that Billy didn’t have a lot of respect for Sally until recently. Now that their characters are in a relationship, they were able to work together more closely. Jason particularly enjoys that they have the same style of preparation. He and Courtney run lines, discuss the scene, and talk about what they can bring to the characters for the performance.

Fans will remember when Sally and Billy first bonded, they had gone to surprise their partners, Adam (Mark Grossman) and Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) and both relationships fell apart soon thereafter. Billy and Sally, who were brokenhearted, commiserated, giving Jason and Courtney the first opportunity to really work together. Courtney said she realized then that there was great potential for her and Jason and thought to herself, “Oh wow, this could really be something cool. I’m excited to see where this goes."

Love is in the air

Now that Billy and Sally are making an effort for romance, Courtney said that she loved their characters’ genuine hearts. “They both have a brokenness that I think that they're constantly seeking a love from somebody else to kind of heal that wound,” Courtney explained.

“One of the things I really enjoy about them is that it feels like they allow themselves to beat themselves as well. I don't feel like she's trying to change Billy or correct or move ever, and I would say vice versa,” Jason added.

Working with Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope

While the couple clearly enjoys working together, their coworker agrees. This week, Y&R’s head costume designer, Mandi Line, complimented both actors on her Instagram. As she strolled backstage, she gave a shoutout to both.

“It’s so refreshing to go to a set with two actors, Jason and Courtney — I always call them Billy and Sally. It’s so nice to be around “Good mornings,” they’re not missing their –it, they’re ready, they’re not complaining. And I know people are like, ‘How’s your show so awesome?’ I’m not even kidding. There’s no crap-talking, there’s no complaining, they’re always on point and not to mention…super hot,” Line shared.

Watch Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope on The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS or stream on Paramount Plus.