
Michele Val Jean, the seven-time Daytime Emmy winner behind ‘Beyond the Gates’, expressed surprise when she said, ‘I didn’t expect this to happen; I’m still in a bit of shock.’ Four years ago, executive producer Sheila Ducksworth approached her with the idea of writing a bible for a Black soap opera. As a scriptwriter for CBS’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, she initially thought nothing would come of it. However, she decided to give it a try, thinking it would be an enjoyable side project that would provide some extra income, allow her to exercise unused creative muscles, and eventually lead to retirement. ”
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“Michele Val Jean, the seven-time Daytime Emmy winner of ‘Beyond the Gates’, was taken aback when she admitted, ‘I didn’t anticipate this; I’m still a bit dazed.’ Four years ago, executive producer Sheila Ducksworth proposed writing a bible for a Black soap opera to her. At that time, Val Jean was a scriptwriter for CBS’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, and she didn’t think much of it. Yet, she decided to give it a go, reasoning it would be a fun project to work on, bring in some extra money, help her explore new creative avenues, and eventually set her up for retirement.