Earlier this year Beyond the Gates introduced viewers to Alex Cheeks, who plays the son of Vanessa (Lauren Buglioli) and Doug (Jason Graham). In a new interview, Cheeks reflected on his experience joining the CBS daytime drama and addressed whether fans can expect to see him again.
In an interview with YouTuber Cornelius Hocker, Cheeks discussed what it was like steeping into the world of Beyond the Gates. “My first day was in early June. I had three scenes,” he said. “My first episode, the first one I had ever filmed, was with Maurice [P. Kerry], who plays Randy.”
Cheeks recalled that the shoot didn’t go as planned due to technical delays. “There were a lot of technical issues going on,” he explained. During his downtime, he and Kerry prepared together. “I told him, ‘Hey, this is my first day. This is my first scene.’ He was just so excited to have shot my first scene with him and it was super fun.”
Cheeks described Kerry as “a really good first scene partner” and said the actor was incredibly supportive. “I learned a lot from him,” he added.
Cheeks’ other two scenes were filmed with Ernestine Johnson (who plays Shanice) and Buglioli. Explaining his connection to his TV mom, the actor shared, “Ever since ever since my first day, me and Lauren just clicked, We talk almost every other day.” “She’s been a great TV mother figure.” “Even before I had met her, I had all these producers telling me that ‘Lauren’s just the best,’ ‘You’re going to absolutely love her,’ and she really delivered on that promise.”
Cheeks added that Buglioli went out of her way to help him prepare for the role. “She’s been so supportive, she jumped on a Zoom call with me before I had my first day,” he said. “She explained to me what’s going on, how she interprets her character and their situation. That kind of helped me out with thinking about my character as well.”
Cheeks praised Buglioli’s support throughout his time on set, calling her “an amazing human being” and shared, “the one thing I’ll take away from the experience is the relationship I’ve developed with her. She’s just amazing.”
Cheeks also confirmed that his character will continue to appear on the show. “I’m actually still filming a little bit, so I’ll fly back a little bit to film some,” he shared. He added that the production has been accommodating with his school schedule, “I just really appreciate that.”
Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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