Bryton McClure has been in your life for quite some time, even if you haven't realized it yet. From his role as Richie on the popular sitcom Family Matters, to his current portrayal of The Young and the Restless' Devon, this multi-talented young man has literally grew up in the spotlight. Now join me as we chat about the past and present and what McClure hopes to accomplish in the future.

It wasn't very long before I realized that I have always been aware of Bryton McClure myself. He was a part of the cast of Family Matters from ages three to eleven and still has contact with a few co-stars. "I do still keep in touch with Thelma Hopkins, who played my mother on the show," McClure shares, "Occasionally I've spoken to some of the kids who were on the show. Well, they're not kids anymore, but Darius McClaren, Kelly Williams, just off and on... not too frequently. Everyone kind of went their own ways to do their own thing after the show."

I am not surprised to hear that musician McClure has maintained ties with Hopkins, not only because he grew up in her arms, but because Hopkins is a formidable musical talent in her own right. Inevitably, our conversation quickly turns to the state of the art, as far as music is concerned. The actor is currently working on a new album and says, "I'm recording and writing at home, and at the studio close to where I live. I'm mostly focused on my work on the show, but in my free time I'm continuing to write, with a definite goal of pursuing music and getting something going." Having been raised by a guitar-player father, McClure learned a "broad appreciation of music" early on. He cites Led Zeppelin and Michael Jackson as personal influences, adding " I grew up from a little kid watching Led Zeppelin videos and listening to their CD's, then to Michael Jackson....I think everybody strives to be the best at what they do and when you think of that, I guess you could think of Mr. Jackson."

Does he believe that music is no longer as timeless as it use to be? "I definitely think that the different genres are very much separated....I think that music definitely needs to start coming back to what it was." After we both express a love for the "old school" style of music, McClure reflects, "They made hits back then; classic songs that never die. And the songs that are coming out today, I don't think twenty years from now, you're going to want to hear those songs on the oldies stations. They are just not the classic songs that are going to stay around. So I think music like that needs to come back."

In the meantime, McClure is thoroughly enjoying his presence in Genoa City. What would he like to see happen to Devon? "Well, seeing that he's in a good stable home environment with the Winters family, I would love to see him grow into someone who's ambitious to work and make something of his opportunity, to be in a good situation, and to make something of his life, whether it be work, or talent or anything in his life." While McClure treks his way through the genre of soaps, he admits that comedy and primetime still hold appeal. "I love to do comedy," he shares, "I love primetime stuff because that's my personality with anyone who gets to know me." However, being on daytime also proved to be rewarding and the actor continues, "With soaps, it's a completely different feeling, especially seeing what you've filmed afterwards and hearing other people's reactions. The stories that you play out and the feelings that you make the viewers feel, it's incredible to be able to do that and to have people really believe what's going on and feel emotion for these characters that are just on screen."

Being in the company of one of daytime's most talented casts is another plus and McClure says enthusiastically, "When I first came onto the show, I was working a little bit more with Eric Braeden (Victor). I love doing scenes with him. He's a fantastic actor and his character is just so powerful! On screen and off, he's a great guy." Of his on-screen "mom" Victoria Rowell (Dru), McClure gushes, "I love doing scenes with Victoria! She's incredible as well." But what of Devon himself? We've covered the parental figures, how about a love interest? "Oh I'm sure there will be," he says hopefully, "I don't know any specifics myself, but I can pretty much bet that there will be something in the future." As for the near future for his character, "There are so many doors open for things to happen with Devon," McClure previews, "It's been mentioned in the past before about Devon's real mother and father and him knowing some information about that." But, he continues, "I'm guessing what can happen, and I see a lot of doors that can be open for him on the show!"

While McClure awaits a romantic entanglement to capture his character's heart, he himself has already had his heart won over and no, it's not a lucky lady. This young man has given his heart to the charity he founded, RADD-Kids (Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drunk Driving - Kids) "I wondered to myself and I asked my dad, 'Why don't they have something like this for kids to be a part of?'...My father and I pitched an idea to the adult division (of RADD) to have something for youth, we got it developed and we have eighty-five celebrity kids that are part of the program," McClure says proudly. The idea came to him while still with Family Matters and McClure found himself participating in a music video at the invitation of Sir Paul McCartney. "He was doing a remake of "Drive My Car" and he asked me to be a part of it." McClure's idea took flight in 1996 and he enlisted the help of other young celebrities as well. "We travel around the country to different schools and different events and speak to youth about safe choices and safety issues," he states, "It's grown quite a bit. We've gotten a lot of support from different actors and actresses."

McClure is obviously a busy young man, but he does find the time to relax and do things that he enjoys, like playing basketball. "I'm in the gym as much as I can playing basketball. I love it!" He also finds the time to tune in and confesses, "Oh yes, I'm really into watching basketball and rooting for the Miami Heat." The Miami Heat? Oh dear, says this Phoenix Suns fan. "Hopefully they will meet in the finals!" McClure laughs, which didn't happen as  both the Suns and the Heat found themselves eliminated, shortly after this interview took place.

Between his role on The Young and the Restless and his extracurricular activities, chances are you will being seeing and hearing from Bryton McClure for many more years to come.

Soaptown USA would like to take this opportunity to thank Bryton McClure for taking the time for this enjoyable chat and to Charles for making this interview possible.

 Photos courtesy of:

www.bryton.net