CBS’s newest daytime drama Beyond the Gates marked its first production anniversary this week, and the show’s stars are celebrating the milestone with heartfelt tributes. Among them, Daytime Emmy nominee Daphnée Duplaix, who plays Nicole Dupree. The actress gave fans a rare behind-the-scenes treat, sharing the audition tape that landed her the role and changed her life.
On November 1, Duplaix posted on Instagram, reflecting on her Beyond the Gates journey and sharing a heartfelt tribute to the show she now calls home and the audition tape that won her the role.
“Oct 28th marked our one year anniversary of the first day of shooting Beyond the Gates, and my heart is still so full. 💫” Duplaix wrote in her caption, reflectin on the moment that brough her and her castmates together.
Reflecting on her whirlwind journey, Duplaix recalled, “From recording my audition tape on August 2nd with nothing but hope and prayers, to September 21st when I got THE CALL that changed everything, to October 28th—Day One—watching Nicole Dupree come to life (still gives me chills), to our beautiful first table read where this incredible cast became family, and finally, that ribbon-cutting ceremony where it all became real.”
The actress expressed her deep gratitude for the experience, writing, “This show has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Every early morning call time, every emotional scene, every laugh between takes—it’s all been magic. Nicole Dupree has stretched me as an actor in ways I never imagined, and I’m so grateful I get to tell her story.”
Duplaix also gave special thanks to those behind the scenes, “To our phenomenal cast and crew who became my second family. From depths of my soul, thank you to my amazing producers Shelia Ducksworth, Michele Val Jean, and Julie Hanan Carruthers, who trusted me with this beautiful character. To our phenomenal writers who continue to make Nicole an absolute joy to play—every script peels back another layer, revealing depths and complexities you never saw coming and to everyone who has supported Beyond the Gates from day one—thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
She closed her message with optimism, writing, “Here’s to the memories we’ve made and all the ones still to come.”
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Fans React
Fans shared their reaction to seeing the beloved actress audition for the iconic role, One user wrote, “So cool seeing your audition! I remember that exact scene on the actual show too. Casting did an amazing job with you all. Cheers to many more years of BTG 👏🏾” A second user added, “I love seeing these auditions and then what the scenes actually turned out to be. ❤️” With a third hoping for longevity, “I can’t wait to still be watching this soap in 25 years 🥰”
Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+. Fans can also revisit the series from the beginning on Paramount+ or on Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.