TELEVISION VIEW; The Young, the Restless And the Socially Aware
By John J. O'Connor
New York Times
July 19, 1992
Ridiculous! Preposterous! Yes, and indestructible! The daytime soap opera, television's most original contribution to popular entertainment, has faced possible extinction more than once over the past decades and then has confounded detractors by striking out in new directions and ending up livelier than ever. And it's happening again.
No daytime executive is likely to insist that, after decades of creeping change, soap operas are now enlightened arenas of social awareness and responsibility. Certain subjects, abortion being the most prominent right now, remain off limits. Lower rungs of the social ladder are virtually ignored; residents of soaps could hardly have been prepared for the recent racial explosions in Los Angeles. Weddings, births and murder trials are still most favored gimmicks for grabbing an audience.
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But there is a new sophistication in both style and content. A broad range of serious issues are being tackled on soaps, and increasingly so. One key reason: Daytime audiences are also privy to the slew of talk shows, from Oprah Winfrey's to Sally Jessy Raphael's, in which every possible sort of human behavior and foible is discussed in excruciating detail. "Next on DONAHUE," promised the announcer on one commercial break, "My Mother Was a Slut." For better or worse, the chance of offending delicate sensibilities grows ever more remote in the tell-all world of the public confessional.
On the soaps, the more sensational topics like rape and incest have never been in short supply. But the writers obviously read newspapers and watch talk shows, and their scripts now encompass other current concerns. The issue of illiteracy, for instance, surfaced this past year for at least two attractive young characters, Dru on the top-rated YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (CBS), and Jason on ONE LIFE TO LIVE (ABC). The problem of alcoholism is drawn in subtler strokes, seen primarily as a disease in the case of young Hayley on ALL MY CHILDREN (ABC), but perhaps growing into a character defect for Asa Buchanan on ONE LIFE TO LIVE.
As more black performers become contract players on daytime dramas -- their numbers are still relatively few but steadily improving -- there has been a noticeable increase in interracial love stories, inevitably featuring a black woman and a white man. Jessica the attorney and Duncan the debonair Scot, perhaps the most successful of these couples, have been cultivating their relationship very, very slowly and carefully on AS THE WORLD TURNS (CBS). (The troubling issue of racial bias is generally shunned by the soaps, one of the few recent exceptions being on ALL MY CHILDREN when young Terence was attacked by white bullies.)
By far the loudest message coming out of audience research, soap executives say, is a desire for women characters to be stronger, more independent and self-sufficient. While the concept of family remains important, viewers are not very enthusiastic about women depicted primarily as appendages to men. Then, of course, there is the blazingly hot issue of sexual harassment. Right now on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Cricket is plotting revenge on Michael, the hotshot lawyer who would boost her new law career in exchange for sexual favors. Michael was clever enough never to have witnesses around, and except for her husband, nobody will believe Cricket. But just wait.
The past several years have been dicey for soaps as ratings dipped, in line with the rest of network schedules, and producers were urged to rein in budgets. After all, game shows and talk formats are cheaper than daytime dramas. Today, though, a new energy can be detected in certain soap quarters.
Among the newer creative collaborations in soaps, one of the more intriguing involves the ONE LIFE TO LIVE team of its executive producer, Linda Gottlieb, and its head writer, Michael Malone. Her production credits include the film Dirty Dancing. He is the author of several favorably reviewed novels, the latest being "Foolscap." Arriving in soapland about a year ago, neither could claim much previous acquaintance with daytime drama, but both were enthusiastic about the possibilities. Their bustling ABC studios in Manhattan, housing a staff complete from directors to costume designers, prompted memories of Hollywood factories in the 1930's, the ones that occasionally turned out something brilliant.
Story lines for ONE LIFE TO LIVE (three or four are usually in simultaneous rotation) have become even shorter, with a greater abundance of middles and ends. Faces aren't always as pretty as the daytime norm, perhaps with more of an "ethnic look." Stories are being tailored more closely to the personalities of the actors, Mr. Malone says, a creative decision similar to that of "doing choreography on a dancer." Ms. Gottlieb brings to the scene a film maker's approach, focused on postproduction editing and elements like music. Lee Holdridge created the show's new theme, and mood music is employed more extensively. Long gone are the days when every other scene faded out, with organ music, on a close-up of a trembling coffee cup.
Mr. Malone, who has taught fiction at Yale, Swarthmore and the University of Pennsylvania, reaches past Hollywood to Shakespeare's Globe Theater to explain his delight at being able to make up characters and then rush over to the studio and see them in flesh and blood. In novels like "Time's Witness," Mr. Malone has written long, rather complicated stories peopled with dozens of characters, his favorites obviously being the most colorful. So it's not surprising these days to find ONE LIFE TO LIVE giving new prominence to Luna, an endearingly spacey young woman whose exploits have already included sessions with an odd radio host, played by Dick Cavett in a Howard Stern fright wig.
Currently the series is exploring, gingerly to be sure, the subject of homosexuality or, to be more precise, homophobia. A boy in his early teens, evidently a virgin, decides that he is gay and looks to his minister for advice. Several weeks ago the secret got out and some of the town's good citizens began harassing not only the boy but the minister who is being supportive. However tentative, this is the kind of continuing story line, scheduled to run through the summer, not likely to be even touched on prime time. Any sympathetic depiction of a homosexual character can still get certain protest groups into a righteous lather. The willingness of ABC and ONE LIFE TO LIVE to take a calculated risk is, at the very least, noteworthy.
Teen-agers have long been among the soaps' most popular characters. Now soaps for younger audiences are by far the busiest trend in current programming, with Fox's "Beverly Hills 90210," Nickelodeon's "Fifteen" and the syndicated "Swans Crossing," not for a moment to be confused with Proust's "Swann's Way."
MTV has recognized that soaps enjoy a widespread following on college campuses, and the music-oriented cable service is trying to crack the market with "The Real World," its cast consisting of seven twentysomething non-actors herded into a Manhattan loft to interact as naturally as possible in front of video cameras. The MTV effort is called "a reality-based soap opera" but the results so far, without the benefit of writers and scripts, only demonstrate that whipping up a soap is not as easy as it looks.
But when they work, their success can be perennial. Even without tracing their literary roots to the the Arabian Nights tales of Scheherazade or the serialized novels of the 19th century, the kind Charles Dickens churned out, soaps can claim an electronic longevity unparalleled in the entertainment business. This year CBS's GUIDING LIGHT, which made its debut as a 15-minute radio serial in 1937, is celebrating its 40th anniversary on network television. Runs of 20 or 30 years are commonplace among the 11 daytime dramas that are presented Monday through Friday, 52 weeks a year.
Each has its own production staff, writers and repertory company of actors, all caught up in a unique enterprise described quite aptly by one veteran executive as "the train that never stops." But the passengers and their attitudes do keep changing, even as the basic story formats, revolving around families and relationships, love and conflict, remain as rigid as any medieval-quest yarn.
The on-screen fates of soap characters are linked to everything from audience research with focus groups to the sudden decision of an actor to leave a series. Although the latter development is becoming less serious a problem as, increasingly, viewers are simply informed by an off-camera announcer that a certain role is being filled, temporarily or permanently, by another performer. Surely, in the sense of being frequently indifferent to questions of consistency and continuity, soaps are the perfect embodiment of trendy postmodernism.
Behind the scenes, landmarks in soap opera history are linked to a relative handful of names: Irna Phillips, who created for CBS the first major half-hour serial, AS THE WORLD TURNS, in the early 1950's; Agnes Nixon, who brought to ABC ONE LIFE TO LIVE in 1968 and ALL MY CHILDREN in 1970; and William J. Bell, who upped the glitz-and-flesh ante in 1973 with CBS's YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, later to be supplemented with THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL.
A key shift in traditional administration took place in 1978 when Gloria Monty took over as producer of ABC's "General Hospital." Instead of a show being controlled by its creator and a stable of writers, it was now overseen by a collaboration of executive producer and head writer. GENERAL HOSPITAL made scenes shorter and sets splashier, eventually hitting a payoff of sorts with the 1981 wedding of the characters Luke and Laura, attended by Elizabeth Taylor (as a character she had portrayed on the show earlier) and racking up the highest ratings ever for daytime television.
In the end, soaps can be glorious grab bags, full of dizzying surprises. In the past year or so, viewers could have found anything from a full-fledged black-and-white film-noir parody of Sam Spade detective stories to a fashion show held aboard the QE2. A memorably nasty villainess on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, mistakenly thought to have been killed in a fire, simply moved over to THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, where she is now plotting further horrors. And then there's Susan Lucci of "All My Children," nominated and passed by 13 times for the Daytime Emmy as outstanding lead actress. Losing has brought her more publicity mileage and respect than winning ever could. At the recent ceremonies, wiping away tears of gratitude, she received a standing ovation from her peers.
That recent NBC broadcast, live from New York, of "The 19th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards" captured the sense of revived spirit as nominees accepted their prizes exuding a zesty combination of justifiable pride and, with a knowing wink, understandable sheepishness. Significantly, the ceremonies, long considered too much like a poor relation to merit a prime-time showcase, became the week's top-rated program.
HOW THE SOAPS STICK TO THE ISSUES
Of the 11 daytime soap operas, all have at least one socially relevant story line currently unfolding. Here is a sampling.
* ALL MY CHILDREN (ABC): The battered-wife syndrome. Carter is out of prison, back in Pine Valley and already making trouble for his wife, Galen, who has been the victim of his physical abuse before.
* ANOTHER WORLD (NBC): The problems of Amerasian children. Lily believes that her father, an American soldier who died in Vietnam, never loved her.
* AS THE WORLD TURNS (CBS): Interracial romance. Duncan, who's white, and Jessica, who's black, are engaged. Tune in for an August wedding and see which of their friends and family stand by them.
* THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (CBS): Late-in-life pregnancy. Sally, who is in her 50's, went through amniocentesis and learned about the risks to herself and her child. Now the baby's here, but Clarke has left her.
* DAYS OF OUR LIVES (NBC): Sexual harassment. Gavin, a college professor, attacked Molly, a student who also works for him. She's pressing charges.
* GENERAL HOSPITAL (ABC): Alcoholism. A. J. Quartermaine still doesn't realize that his drinking is a problem, though it led to a car accident that almost killed him and Nikki. Karen Wexler's mother, Rhonda, has the same problem.
* GUIDING LIGHT (CBS): Breast cancer. Lillian, a nurse, has had her mammogram, biopsy, treatments, support-group meetings and a bout with denial.
* LOVING (ABC): Custody. Trisha and Trucker are fighting for the child she gave birth to after leaving him.
* ONE LIFE TO LIVE (ABC): Homophobia. Billy, a teen-ager, told his minister he was gay. The town is in an uproar, assuming the minister, because of his sympathetic reaction, must be homosexual, too.
* SANTA BARBARA (NBC): Child abuse. B. J., who was molested at the age of 10 by her godfather, has carried the secret for years. That's about to change.
* THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (CBS): HIV testing. When Victoria asked Ryan to be tested, he said no. When Nina asked, he said yes. So far all tests are negative. But who does Ryan really love?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
GUIDING LIGHT: JOSH & REVA
As we mourn the passing of GUIDING LIGHT, I can't help but remember all of the characters and couples we have loved over the years. Right now, I'm thinking of Josh and Reva and their tempestuous and tortured romance.
But if there is anything I like more than a good soap couple, it's a good love song associated with a couple! "Always" indeed!
RELATED:
- Zimmer: "I Want To Go Off With Robert" / "Unforgettable"
- Kim Zimmer: You'll Always Be My Giants Fan
But if there is anything I like more than a good soap couple, it's a good love song associated with a couple! "Always" indeed!
RELATED:
- Zimmer: "I Want To Go Off With Robert" / "Unforgettable"
- Kim Zimmer: You'll Always Be My Giants Fan
The Return of Danny & Michelle to GUIDING LIGHT
Paul Anthony Stewart and Nancy St. Alban will be reprising their roles as Danny and Michelle at the Bauer barbecue starting July 2.
News Round-up: SuBo, HUNG, Dempsey, Joost
Joost Scales Back; CEO Steps Down
Joost, the mega-hyped and mostly disappointing online video platform which features the CBS soaps, today said it would undergo a major shift in its business model. It will no longer focus on its consumer-aimed video site Joost.com; instead, it will work toward becoming a back-end technology vendor for other media companies looking to distribute video on the Web. An undisclosed number of layoffs are expected.
GL shoot at Matheny
GUIDING LIGHT shot on location at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack recently, and two of the show's biggest fans got to meet the actors. Laura Daidone is the mother of Matheny's director of adult services; Tara Hopko is a Matheny occupational therapist. Matheny is a special hospital and educational facility for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities.
FX Sets Fall Schedule
NIP/TUCK will return in October.
New Fragrance Alert: Patrick Dempsey’s Second Act
Just last summer Patrick Dempsey launched his first signature fragrance, Unscripted. And now he’s back, and poised to launch his second masculine scent with Avon this November. Patrick Dempsey 2, WWD reports, will contain notes including mandarin, nutmeg, spiced wood accord and patchouli at a budget-friendly price of $35 for a 2.5-oz. bottle.
Susan Boyle to UGLY BETTY?
The BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT sensation - nicknamed SuBo - has been offered a cameo in the show. UPDATE: ABC denies.
Michael Urie: “I don’t think it’s really newsworthy if the gay guy from UGLY BETTY is gay or not”
Urie was recently interviewed by New York Magazine about his refusal to discuss his sexuality even though on his website he describes himself as “a member of the LGBT community.”
HBO's Sunday huge with HUNG premiere
The series premiere of HBO's HUNG delivered 2.8 million viewers in its 10 p.m. timeslot Sunday. When its midnight replay is added, the series drew 3.7 million viewers its first night. That makes HUNG, a drama about a down-on-his-luck high school coach who becomes a gigolo, the highest rated HBO series premiere since JOHN FROM CINCINNATI.
INTERVIEW: CORONATION STREET's Ryan Thomas (Jason)
"I've always said that he'll always hold a flame for Sarah - and he makes little jokes about the situation and you could tell her loved her when he was with Becky - but now, he's really playing it down, almost like he's over her. He's not forgotten her, but he's starting to move on."
Joost, the mega-hyped and mostly disappointing online video platform which features the CBS soaps, today said it would undergo a major shift in its business model. It will no longer focus on its consumer-aimed video site Joost.com; instead, it will work toward becoming a back-end technology vendor for other media companies looking to distribute video on the Web. An undisclosed number of layoffs are expected.
GL shoot at MathenyGUIDING LIGHT shot on location at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack recently, and two of the show's biggest fans got to meet the actors. Laura Daidone is the mother of Matheny's director of adult services; Tara Hopko is a Matheny occupational therapist. Matheny is a special hospital and educational facility for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities.
FX Sets Fall Schedule
NIP/TUCK will return in October.
New Fragrance Alert: Patrick Dempsey’s Second ActJust last summer Patrick Dempsey launched his first signature fragrance, Unscripted. And now he’s back, and poised to launch his second masculine scent with Avon this November. Patrick Dempsey 2, WWD reports, will contain notes including mandarin, nutmeg, spiced wood accord and patchouli at a budget-friendly price of $35 for a 2.5-oz. bottle.
Susan Boyle to UGLY BETTY?
The BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT sensation - nicknamed SuBo - has been offered a cameo in the show. UPDATE: ABC denies.
Michael Urie: “I don’t think it’s really newsworthy if the gay guy from UGLY BETTY is gay or not”
Urie was recently interviewed by New York Magazine about his refusal to discuss his sexuality even though on his website he describes himself as “a member of the LGBT community.”
HBO's Sunday huge with HUNG premiere
The series premiere of HBO's HUNG delivered 2.8 million viewers in its 10 p.m. timeslot Sunday. When its midnight replay is added, the series drew 3.7 million viewers its first night. That makes HUNG, a drama about a down-on-his-luck high school coach who becomes a gigolo, the highest rated HBO series premiere since JOHN FROM CINCINNATI.
INTERVIEW: CORONATION STREET's Ryan Thomas (Jason)"I've always said that he'll always hold a flame for Sarah - and he makes little jokes about the situation and you could tell her loved her when he was with Becky - but now, he's really playing it down, almost like he's over her. He's not forgotten her, but he's starting to move on."
SOAPnet Adds Another Reality Show
SOAPnet continues to broaden its commitment to original programming, ordering a new reality series, pushing special HOLIDATE into series form and picking up scripted drama BEING ERICA for a second season. Unfortunately, none of this original programming involves actual soap operas.Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney ABC Television Group said BANK OF MOM NAD DAD, adapted from a BBC format, is an original reality series where women in their 20s and 30s have to face their mom and dad moving in for one week and also receive advice from financial Farnoosh Torabi during a fiscal intervention, as the parents must approve every dollar their progeny spend. Torabi, best known for her work on CNBC, MSNBC and Real Simple, will help plan a road map for change and the tools to make it happen. Produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, Bank of Mom and Dad has been picked up for 10 episodes and is scheduled to premiere Sept. 30 at 10 pm ET.
Previously announced as a one-hour special, HOLIDATE has been greenlit for 10-episode series and will premiere Wednesday July 29 at 10 p.m. The reality series, from ABC Media Productions, takes two women, per episode, who are looking for love but having no luck with the suitors in their individual cities and transports them into each other's lives. Women from cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, Dallas and Chicago will be featured.
BEING ERICA, which brought over a half-a-million new viewers to SOAPnet in its first season has been picked up for 12 additional episodes, with the first new installment scheduled for early 2010. In the first season, the series followed the life of single 32-year-old Erica Strange (Erin Karpluk) who with the help of mysterious therapist Dr. Tom (Michael Riley), was able to relive a past regret each week, in order to come back and make a positive change in her present. If season one introduced Erica to time travel, season two has her questioning and exploring its dynamics. We also learn more about the mysterious Dr. Tom and his colleague Dr. Naadiah (Joanne Vannicola).
The three series join SOAPnet's most recent reality series entry SOUTHERN BELLES: LOUISVILLE which premiered May 21. The series, produced by Endemol USA in association with ABC Media Productions, premiered as the network's top reality series to date among total viewers, women 18 to 34 and women 18 to 49 and was the second-most-watched premiere in the net's history, behind only the debut of its GENERAL HOSPITAL spinoff, GENERAL HOSPITAL: NIGHT SHIFT.
The Latest in Soap Videos: Stause, Geneva, CZP, AMC
Here are some of the latest soap videos to hit the web.
SECRETS OF A HOLLYWOOD BODY: ALL MY CHILDREN's Chrishell Stause appeared on this TV Guide Network special on Sunday.
GENEVA SWIFT: Trent Dawson hosts a backstage look at his latest female character on AS THE WORLD TURNS.
COLLEEN ZENK PINTER: The AS THE WORLD TURNS star was recently awarded with the prestigious 2009 Harry Strusser Memorial Award for Public Service.
ALL MY CHILDREN: Liza gave "birth" to a son on Monday's episode.
SECRETS OF A HOLLYWOOD BODY: ALL MY CHILDREN's Chrishell Stause appeared on this TV Guide Network special on Sunday.
GENEVA SWIFT: Trent Dawson hosts a backstage look at his latest female character on AS THE WORLD TURNS.
COLLEEN ZENK PINTER: The AS THE WORLD TURNS star was recently awarded with the prestigious 2009 Harry Strusser Memorial Award for Public Service.
ALL MY CHILDREN: Liza gave "birth" to a son on Monday's episode.
The Latest in Soap Tweets: Schmidt, Clifton, Muhney, Keifer
Here are some of latest tweets from the world of soaps.
Don't forget to follow We Love Soaps on Twitter.
@kevingschmidt (Kevin G. Schmidt) Another early morning at Y&R! Someone very close to me has died. On the soap that is...
@Cheetrock1 (Derk Cheetwood) Had a great Monavie meeting tonight, Congrat's to all those who want a better life and are willing to do something about It!
CJLeBlanc (Christian LeBlanc) Stacy Haiduk, who plays Mary Jane, is absolutely one of the most enthusiastic, joyful people to be around...that cat!! I beg, beg I tell you, to have a scene with her and that cat...the cat slays me...!!
@michaelmuhney (Michael Muhney) Twitter Twitter on the wall, who's the [nerdiest 6'1" H-list celebrity with a birth mark that looks like a playboy bunny] of them all?
@CliftonsNotes (Scott Clifton) The downside of seeing "UP" in 3D? Stupid glasses are heavy und uncomfortable. The upside? Nobody can see my cry like a girl.
@beth_chamberlin (Beth Chamberlin) Today is my mom's 75th birthday! I'm at work. Scenes w/ Grant & Tina
@eakcik (Liz Keifer) Today is Bobby's Birthday, (my husband.) I find myself searching for hockey equipment for my daughter. shouldn't I be at the studio?
@Marth27 (Martha Madison) is NOT opening on the 7th!...Stay tuned....AGAIN! Many thanks to the city of Los Angeles. Couldn't have done it without your sorry ass!
Don't forget to follow We Love Soaps on Twitter.
Daytime Emmy Creative Arts Awards
There will be a single Daytime Emmy Creative Arts event held in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 29th. This ceremony celebrates all Daytime categories not included on the telecast and will be hosted by Alex Trebek.
News Round-up: Hickland, Ortiz, McFadden, SAG
SAG warned on AFTRA attacks
The Screen Actors Guild's top attorney has warned the guild's elected leaders -- again -- that they're not allowed to bash the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists.
SAG general counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland issued the admonition Sunday during the early portion of the annual meeting of the Hollywood division, attended by about 200 members. SAG and AFTRA had no comment about Crabtree-Ireland's warning.
UGLY BETTY's Ana Ortiz Delivers Baby Girl
The new mom and her hubby, musician Noah Lebenzon, welcomed their first child, Paloma Louise Lebenzon, in New York City on Saturday.
Hickland's tribute to Michael Jackson
ONE LIFE TO LIVE actress Catherine Hickland (Lindsay) dedicated her BlogTalk Radio show to Michael Jackson on Sunday night.
EASTENDERS McFadden becomes a father
EASTENDERS actor Steve McFadden (Phil) became a father yesterday. McFadden welcomed his 6lb 3oz daughter into the world yesterday after his partner Rachel Sidwell gave birth via caesarean section at London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Secret romance set to rock CORONATION STREET
A secret romance between Kevin Webster and his best friend's wife, the neglected Molly, has been brewing and it's sure to keep viewers glued to the screen in the coming weeks.
"It started off a bit of a slow-burner," says Michael Le Vell, 44, who plays garage mechanic Kevin. "But it's something uncontrollable for both parties."
ANOTHER WORLD TODAY: Episode #9
Check out the latest installment of the AW revival text series.
The Screen Actors Guild's top attorney has warned the guild's elected leaders -- again -- that they're not allowed to bash the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists.
SAG general counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland issued the admonition Sunday during the early portion of the annual meeting of the Hollywood division, attended by about 200 members. SAG and AFTRA had no comment about Crabtree-Ireland's warning.
UGLY BETTY's Ana Ortiz Delivers Baby Girl
The new mom and her hubby, musician Noah Lebenzon, welcomed their first child, Paloma Louise Lebenzon, in New York City on Saturday.
Hickland's tribute to Michael Jackson
ONE LIFE TO LIVE actress Catherine Hickland (Lindsay) dedicated her BlogTalk Radio show to Michael Jackson on Sunday night.
EASTENDERS McFadden becomes a father
EASTENDERS actor Steve McFadden (Phil) became a father yesterday. McFadden welcomed his 6lb 3oz daughter into the world yesterday after his partner Rachel Sidwell gave birth via caesarean section at London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Secret romance set to rock CORONATION STREET
A secret romance between Kevin Webster and his best friend's wife, the neglected Molly, has been brewing and it's sure to keep viewers glued to the screen in the coming weeks.
"It started off a bit of a slow-burner," says Michael Le Vell, 44, who plays garage mechanic Kevin. "But it's something uncontrollable for both parties."
ANOTHER WORLD TODAY: Episode #9
Check out the latest installment of the AW revival text series.
Happy 57th TV Anniversary GUIDING LIGHT
GUIDING LIGHT debuted on NBC Radio on January 25, 1937. On June 2, 1947, GL moved to CBS Radio. On June 30, 1952, 57 years ago today, GUIDING LIGHT moved to television. The show continued on radio as well until June 29, 1956. In today's television landscape where many primetime shows only last a few episodes being yanked, it's hard to imagine another television show will ever last this long again (or even come close).
Here are a couple of classic scenes from 1952 in honor of this amazing anniversary.
Here are a couple of classic scenes from 1952 in honor of this amazing anniversary.
Update on the Martinez/Ehlers Situation
ALL MY CHILDREN's J.R. Martinez (Brot) was the guest on "Stardish Radio" on Monday night. Beth Ehlers (Taylor) made an appearance at the beginning of the show to clear the air following her comments about him on "Stardish" on June 17. She talked about how she spent four days in Florida with him immersing herself in his life to get a better understanding of his situation and how they became good friends working on the storyline together. The two of them had spoken earlier on Monday to share their feelings with each other.
Ehlers wanted to make sure people know there is no feud and they are friends.
Martinez agreed stating they were friends and they had both worked hard to tell their story on AMC.
Listen to the entire interview.
Ehlers wanted to make sure people know there is no feud and they are friends.
"If I say something, and my friend tells me I've hurt him, I take that seriously. I don't need people who don't know us to get involved. It got really mean. I kind of heard about it a little bit last week after J.R. had texted me. I misspoke and didn't have a chance to qualify it because the woman who was talking jumped in and interrupted me mid-sentence. I felt terrible and said I give him a few days we'll talk. But then all this happened and when we spoke today we were both kind of like, 'Damn,' that really got out of hand. And it got mean and nasty and people who don't know us were saying nasty things about both of us. We just wanted an opportunity to say we love each other, we're friends, stop, stop, enough, you've made your point.
Martinez agreed stating they were friends and they had both worked hard to tell their story on AMC.
One of the biggest things is I think that there were a lot of things that factored in from Beth’s time on the show. When I heard about it, it was something that there were a lot of frustrations. In a sense of people and their own opinions and have their frustrations about the writing so on and so forth and you know, just a lot of things that factored in. And for me, it was just when I heard it, I heard it at the moment, and it was just kinda like 'Ohh, it crossed the wrong way. It was like the choice of words, and I immediately put it up on Twitter and Facebook the next day like, 'Hey guys,there is no feud.'
You have people in you love in your life, whether it be your mother, father, your wife or husband, and you don’t always agree with certain words, I mean that’s just a part of life, everyone chooses different words, certain things may come across in a different way.
We talked today, and we were like the best thing to do, instead of hiding it, and allowing it to continue to grow is to let’s just put it to rest and allow people to understand. We are friends, and we do care for one another, and we did work very hard to tell this story and for the public to understand what it is that we were trying to tell along with the network.
Listen to the entire interview.
CLASSIC CLIPS: GH June 30, 1998 & 2003
11 years ago today on GENERAL HOSPITAL, Lucky didn't want Liz anywhere near her suspected rapist, Mr. Murty. However, he agreed to be there for her as she tried to prove that Murty was her rapist. Six years ago today, Emily thanked Nikolas for urging her to fight her cancer with everything she had and they ended up in a passionate kiss.
Today's Soap World Birthdays
Clifford David (ex-Rod, RYAN'S HOPE) - 77
Brian Bloom (ex-Dusty, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 39
Josh Ruben (ex-Ultra Violet Bartender, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 26
Brian Bloom (ex-Dusty, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 39
Josh Ruben (ex-Ultra Violet Bartender, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 26
Monday, June 29, 2009
MAKE IT OR BREAK IT Q&A: Josie Loren & Cassie Scerbo
Last Thursday I participated in a Q&A session with MAKE IT OR BREAK IT stars Josie Loren and Cassie Scerbo. Loren plays Kaitlyn, who is trying to juggle her gymnastics dreams and a secret boyfriend. Scerbo is the bad girl who will stop at nothing to get her way. They took questions from the press in this special question and answer session and the transcript is below. MAKE IT OR BREAK IT airs Monday nights on ABC Family is co-executive produced by former THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL actress Joanna Johnson.Elizabeth Gilbert (Pink Lemonade): How fun is it to be playing somebody who is so driven to win that they would go to any lengths to do so?
Cassie Scerbo: Oh my, God. Honestly, I wouldn’t pick any other character to play. I love playing Lauren. She’s got a ton of spice, and I mean it’s really fun just stepping out of the box every day and being able to come to work and be someone completely different. And, I mean, obviously when we’re off set, all the girls know that I love them and that I’m really not that mean, but I mean I love it, and that’s what it’s all about. And it’s really fun, and sadly enough, there are people out there that really will take it to that level. So, I mean, it’s somewhat realistic, and it’s really fun to just step out of the box and become this really mean character.
Elizabeth Gilbert (Pink Lemonade): Well, I have to say thank you because you have provided with the pilot a very good teachable moment for my little gymnast about ethics and cheating and all that kind of stuff.
Cassie Scerbo: And karma.
Continue reading...
Elizabeth Gilbert (Pink Lemonade): Exactly. That’s right.
Cassie Scerbo: Because it got thrown back in her face.
Elizabeth Gilbert (Pink Lemonade): That’s right. I guess my other question is for both of you. Are there any plans for cameos by big name gymnasts like Shawn or Nastia in the future?
Josie Loren: I think, well, so far in this series, we haven’t had any cameos. We hope to have some for the last episode when we actually get to nationals, but nothing has been said and done yet.
Elizabeth Gilbert (Pink Lemonade): Then my last question is for either of you. What appealed to you about this show that made you want to be a part of it when you read the script?
Cassie Scerbo: I think what’s so great about it is that we just got off the Olympics and it’s got a lot of female power to it. A lot of, you know, I mean, it’s such a great sport for males and females, but I think it really let’s women take a stand, and I think it’s just – I don’t know – it’s such a great script for girls, and, you know, it’s athletic, and I love athletic scripts. I’ve done two before this, and it’s just really fun to be able to basically work out and act at the same time, and just like all the athletic involvement is really fun. And, like I said, just coming off the Olympics with Nastia and Shawn being such idols to young teenage girls and to many people around the world right now is just, I think it’s just really fun, I mean, because it’s really cool coming right off the Olympics and being able to do a gymnastics show right after that.
And actually, Nastia did stop by the set, so we’re hoping she wants to do a cameo or something in our show, one of the upcoming episodes, but she did stop by the set, which is really cool, and she was a big sweetheart, so hopefully we can see more of her in the future on the show.
Jamie Ruby (Media Boulevard): This question is for both of you. What got you started in acting in the first place?Josie Loren: I started acting when I was like five in monolog competitions at this private elementary school. Ever since then, it’s kind of progressed. From there, I went to magnet art schools for middle school and for high school, but I was always involved in musical theater, and I went to one summer camp for TV and film, and that kind of sparked the other direction, I guess, for acting in the TV and film world, and so I’ve just kind of been doing it every since I was little.
Cassie Scerbo: I really couldn’t tell you when that interest sparked for me because it’s just been something that I’ve wanted to do forever. Like I literally came out of my mother’s stomach singing before I can talk, and dancing before I can walk, and just, ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to be a performer. I started in charm schools, I mean, at the age of four or five, dancing, singing, and acting. And I just, I like telling the story, no matter what it is. Singing, acting, or dancing, I’ve just, I’ve kind of always been a performer.
And my parents have always said, well, don’t you have a Plan B? You have to have something to back it up in case it doesn’t happen, and I was just always like no. I don’t have a Plan B. I’m not setting myself up for failure, and I just kind of always stuck with that, and I’ve always just been really driven, and I guess I kind of was just born wanting to be in this industry and tell a story, do what I do, and if I could and can change lives while I’m doing it and throughout the course of everything. Yes.
Jamie Ruby (Media Boulevard): Great. Now I know the show is supposed to be set in Boulder, Colorado. Is any of it filmed there, or are you all filming in California?
Josie Loren: Absolutely none of it is filmed in Boulder, Colorado. We film in Santa Clarita so actually in the middle of the desert, which could not be more different than Boulder, Colorado, but some of it, obviously like the external shots, they get that footage from Boulder, Colorado, but it’s not filmed there.
Jamie Ruby (Media Boulevard): For both of you, what’s your favorite part about working on the show? What do you enjoy the most?
Josie Loren: I think what I enjoy the most about it is the fact that I get to play a gymnast on TV and be passionate about something on television. I think a lot of the shows right now are a lot of just pretty much revolve only around relationships and drugs and alcohol and sex. And what I love about it is that we get to show a different aspect of teenage lives and show teenagers who are passionate about something, who are driven about something, and that’s my favorite part of just being on the show, being able to bring a different element to the stereotypical teenager.
Cassie Scerbo: I used to say one of my favorite things about being on the show obviously is that I get to play the mean girl once again. It’s really fun. Like I said, it’s really stepping outside the box, and the cool thing about my character is that when you watch that person for the first, about two to three episodes, you’re just going to think, oh, this girl. She’s such a big brat, but it’s really cool because you see where it comes from, and a lot of her anger and a lot of her impulses and the way she acts towards people, all her bratty moments comes from a place of pain, which is really interesting. And, as the show progresses, I think the viewers are going to find it really interesting what’s really going on in Lauren’s life and why she has so many issues. And I think that really she just masks everything with this huge attitude. It’s just basically one big façade because she has had so many issues in her life, as all the girls are having issues going on in their lives.
And it’s so cool because it’s like watching the Olympics, yet a really cool teen drama at the same time. And I think it just has something for everyone, and I love being able to be a part of something that teens can watch with their friends, and boyfriends can watch with their girlfriends, and mothers can watch with their daughters, and it’s just really got something for everyone. It’s just, there are so many different life situations going on and different love triangles and relationship drama. And yet, you still have, like Josie said, a really awesome sport that these four girls are so passionate about that they basically give their lives up for, and it’s just really interesting.
It’s cool that it has all the gymnastics along with all the drama. It gives it something different and a whole new dimension. And, like I said, it’s really cool that we have a broad casting of adults. We have kids, teenagers, and there’s basically just something for everyone, and I like being a part of that.
Sarah Fulghum (TotallyHer.com): The show has aired its first episode. What reactions have you both experienced so far?
Josie Loren: think we were all very shocked with the exceptional ratings that we got, so just, I mean, a lot of praise and surprise and pleasant surprise, obviously. So just, I guess, the message that I’ve got in this past week is just keep doing what you’re doing because what you’re doing works. Basically what my dad says is that the formula that you’re using, you know, it works, so keep doing it and finish off the season with a bang so that you can start – so you can finish just as well as you started.
Cassie Scerbo: I was really, really excited about the ratings. I think it’s really cool that we got the second highest ratings for ABC Family’s premieres, for any TV show, and I also thought it was really cool that – I don’t know exactly the age range, but there was a certain age range that we actually got the highest ratings for – I think was teenage girls, somewhere in that age range. I don’t remember what it was, but I think that really just means a lot to me because it shows that there’s all these teenage girls watching us, and we have to really remain role models and show them – you know, be able to express that we really have this amazing passion for this sport, and anyone can have a passion for what they’re doing and take it to that next level as long as they focus and concentrate. And, I don’t know, just remain focused, like I said. I think that was really cool that we got all these young girls, women viewers, so that was one of my favorite things about when we got the ratings.
Josie Loren: I also, I heard a lot of wow, you know, ABC Family has, you know, this is a great, wholesome family show that they, you know, parents aren’t afraid to sit their kids in front of the television to watch, and that’s also really nice to hear because we have the dramatic conflict in it, but it’s not the drama that parents shy away from or is taboo. It’s something that I think more kids should be exposed to because then they’re kind of channeled to focus on one thing, whether it be gymnastics or whatever sport, or it could be simply baking. But do something that you love to do, and so that’s like the message that it gives, and I think that’s why it’s such a – parents are really embracing it.
Sarah Fulghum (TotallyHer.com): How do you handle the body image pressure of playing gymnasts?
Josie Loren: Well, I think it’s just a matter of, my motto is always, everything in moderation. I still, I obviously, I eat healthy. I just have kind of amped up the workouts, try to go a couple times a week to the gym and take, you know, tae bo, whether it be tae bo classes or yoga classes, just keeping very, very active. I mean, we play gymnasts, so we have to look like gymnasts. We just do it in the healthiest way possible.
Cassie Scerbo: I just honestly have been blessed with a really supportive, large Italian family that has always basically supported me and made me feel confident and beautiful no matter what was going on in my life or whatever, and I think I just remained really confident about everything and just staying, like Josie said, just eating healthy and going to the gym and being able to work out on whatever downtime we have. I mean, yes, there are tons of people that are basically going to be judging us and staring at us, and even here on set, there’s tons of people just staring at us … and I think you just need to remain confident. And everyone is beautiful in their own way, and I think that we all have been working really hard and training to have the best gymnast body we can possibly have.
And, yes, I just, I mean, by eating healthy and staying in shape, that’s, I think that’s the best way to go. I’m not really bulimic like Lauren is in the show, and I do not believe in it, so just embracing what you have and loving who you are and being confident and feeling wonderful in your own skin, and just eating healthy and staying fit.
Josie Loren: And I do have to say that a lot of people I’ve heard are commenting on the fact that we don’t have the typical gymnast body, and I just have to say that it doesn’t matter how much we work out, because we’re not doing what Olympic gymnasts are doing with their bodies, we cannot do those tricks. We are not skilled to do those tricks or trained to do so, our bodies will never look like what theirs look like just because that body is a product of, you know, doing this intense, intense physical training and these skills. So it doesn’t matter how much we go to the gym. Unfortunately, we’re never going to reach that goal, but we strive to it as much as possible.
Cassie Scerbo: Yes, I mean, it’s a TV show, and we would just … back to like if people could just understand that and realize that we work as hard as we can as actresses to be gymnasts. We’re not truly Olympians, so we just try to work as hard as we can to get there, but, I mean, we haven’t been training since we were four years old, so naturally we don’t have, you know, the physique that some of these women have, some of the Olympian doubles on our set and some of the girls. But we try our hardest, and yes. We have been definitely telling craft services to not put out as much junk food, although it’s hard.
Kendra White (Side Reel): You guys are saying it’s great to be role models to young girls watching the show and show them how it’s great to be passionate about something and do it in a healthy way, but then there’s also a portrayal of issues with eating disorders.
Cassie Scerbo: Well, I think it’s really cool because it’s showing teen girls that nobody is perfect, and girls do have problems, and no teenager out there is perfect. There are girls that have problems with their bodies and turn to bulimia and anorexia, and it’s really sad, and it’s showing that here are these strong, wonderful women who are training for the Olympics, yet even they have problems. Even they have bulimia issues and body issues, and no one is perfect. So I guess the whole, being a role model, that will be shown in how passionate we are about our sport, and I hope that young girls become passionate and realize how passionate we are, and they become passionate about what they’re doing. But they can also see the risks that we’re taking that aren’t working like maybe my bulimia is not working for me.
I mean, I think that they’ll be able to see both sides of the spectrum, like the way that we’re, you know, the places that we’re progressing and the places that, the things we’re doing that aren’t helping us like maybe being in relationships and having all that drama in the show isn’t helping us focus on the sport. Having bulimia issues and problems is mentally not helping us with the sport, so it’s going to show both sides of the spectrum, which I think will be really important because no one is perfect, and I think it will be important for girls to see that.
Josie Loren: To be honest, after the pilot, those issues aren’t – they’re not addressed again, the bulimia, the anorexia. That kind of, I think, was an idea that was introduced in the pilot, and they didn’t follow up with it because they wanted to make us role models for young girls, and show young girls that you can be these fantastic athletes and not go to these lengths of eating disorders. But then again, we do have the comment in the scripts later on, you know, that some girl, one of us might not be very happy with our bodies. We watch what we eat, to show that flaw that we’re not perfect. We might not have eating disorders, but we definitely have the concerns that every other girl has because no one is perfect, and everyone has their own issues. But the anorexia and bulimia is definitely dropped after the pilot.
Cassie Scerbo: Yes.
Kendra White (Side Reel): Thank you. My other question, as far as the advanced gymnastics moves and everything that we’re seeing on the show, how do those scenes work? Are there stunt doubles popping in here and there, or how are those scenes filmed?
Josie Loren: We have the most phenomenal stunt doubles ever. They’re definitely stunt doubles. Some of them have been in the Olympics. I mean, one of them was like a three-time national champion. So basically we do the move, the beginning of it and the very end of it, the landing. All the dancing of it, like the floor routines, the beam routines that aren’t the actual tricks, we actually do that. We learn those routines, and we perform them to the best of our ability. But all of the tricks are done by doubles. Sometimes they fly them in. Others they’ve recruited from the LA area, just a great, great team of gymnasts that really work hard to make it all seem realistic and look the way it does.
Cassie Scerbo: Yes. If it was up to me, I’m like the biggest daredevil ever, and I’m sure Josie feels the same way. We would love to be able to learn how to flip and do all these crazy stunts. I’m not doing it because I’m being lazy. I know none of the other girls are either. We would love to be able to learn some more stuff and learn how to vault, but the thing is, you have to also realize there’s liability issues and there’s laws and certain regulations where we can’t get hurt in our contract, so that's the reason why we also need – also because we’ll never be able to do some of the things they can do, but that’s just another reason we need the stunt doubles there, just for safety, and so that none of us get hurt during the time that we’re filming.
But we do try to learn as much of the routines as possible, and we have all learned a few tricks here and there on the beam and the bars, and we try to do as much as we can to show how much we do respect all the gymnasts out there and how hard they work. I mean, it is tough. It’s not easy, so we have the utmost respect for everyone, for all the gymnasts out there.
Roger Newcomb (We Love Soaps): In what ways are you similar to your characters, would you say?
Josie Loren: I feel I have a lot of differences from Kaylie, but also a couple of similarities. I think Kaylie deals a lot with the internal conflict of wanting to be this amazing Olympic gymnast, and also just wanting to be a regular teenager, and I feel that sometimes, actually a lot of times. You know, at being a young girl, sometimes I wish I just had the regular college life that doesn’t have a care in the world really, can be a little reckless, and not have as many responsibilities. But then again, I want to be the absolute best actress I can be and do these wonderful projects.
So I feel that a lot, so I completely feel for Kaylie and understand where she’s coming from when she’s having this relationship with Carter behind her father’s back because another element of Kaylie, she’s a people pleaser. She wants everyone to be happy, whether it’s her dad, her boyfriend, her coach, her friends. She literally bends over backwards to please people, and in a lot of ways I can relate to that. I do have a breaking point that comes a lot quicker than Kaylie’s but I do try to make everyone around me happy with my performance, with my performance, whether it be as a student or as an actress. I’m 3,000 miles away from my family, but I try to be the best daughter, sister, aunt I can be. So I feel for Kaylie a lot because I feel like she’s just torn in so many different directions. That’s how, I mean, that's how mostly I relate to her with that internal struggle and just kind of being pulled, and not knowing what she wants a lot of the time.
Cassie Scerbo: I really don’t have many similarities with Lauren. I mean, it’s so completely different from my life. In the show, Lauren plays basically an only child. She lives with her dad. She’s daddy’s little girl. Her mom is out of the picture, and you guys, everyone, all the viewers will come to see why, as the show progresses, but her mom is out of the picture. And in my real life, I come from a very large family. I’m a mommy and a daddy’s girl, and it’s just my living situation is so different from the show’s living situation.
And also, you know, obviously Lauren is this huge brat, and I think it really just comes from holding so much inside that when it comes out, she just acts out on impulse, and she doesn’t really – she doesn’t even realize a lot of the times that she’s hurting people. She just is so determined to hide her pain and her anger that she just acts out on these impulses.
I would say the one thing that’s similar between Lauren and I is that we’re very, very driven. There’s never – I can’t really think of one thing that I’ve pursued in my life that I haven’t given literally like my blood, sweat, and tears. Everything I do, I become a perfectionist, and I think Lauren is the same way, although she tends to go to the limit and actually hurt people, and I would never do that. But, yes, there are not many similarities between her and I.
Roger Newcomb (We Love Soaps): That's probably good. What’s a typical work week like for you guys? Do you film one episode in a week or what’s the schedule?
Josie Loren: The schedule changes for each of us based on the episode. We film a one-hour episode every seven working days, so it takes a little bit longer than a week. Sometimes we have 12-hour days, 14-, 16-hour days, and then other days, you know, it’s one scene, and we’re out of there. Usually those days are few and far between, but some days we get lucky, and other days we’re just in there forever.
Cassie Scerbo: Yes, forever. We get very delirious.
Lisa Hiser (Shine On Media): What kind of training did you have to go through for this show?
Josie Loren: We started working out with a personal trainer about a month before the show, and we did – I think we worked out like every other day, and we did different workouts. A lot of the times we would work out on the beach, in the sand, on Muscle Beach in Santa Monica. Other days we would work out in the gym where we did a lot more gymnastics training, so we would be – we would get a lot more comfortable on the apparatuses. Other times we did workouts in a dance studio, and our trainer would, you know, put up different sections that each of us kind of rotated through, so it was just a series of workouts that were strength workouts, and also workouts that just gave us a lot more knowledge about the gym in general.
Lisa Hiser (Shine On Media): On the show, each character kind of has a different background, and I know you said you’re kind of different from your characters and the like, but is there another character on the show that you relate more to?
Josie Loren: I actually, when I first read the script, I related a lot more to Payson’s character. I actually was like, oh, that’s so perfect for me. I’m extremely driven. I’m one of those people that, like Cassie said, I see something. I set a goal, and I go for it wholeheartedly. And I’m very, very focused, and very disciplined, diligent with my work, so I don’t know. I relate a lot more to Payson. I’m not Kaylie in the sense that she kind of lets her gymnastics go to the wayside for a boy. Cassie can tell you. I’m like the last boy crazy you’ll ever meet. I’m not a boy crazy girl, and I would never let a boy get in the way of what I want and what I’m going for, so Payson is like that, and that’s why I’ve always just related a lot more to her.
Cassie Scerbo: I really, there’s no one character, I think, that I relate to completely, but I think there’s a piece of each character inside of me. I think that’s what’s going to be so important for our viewers is that there’s really something for every single teenage girl, and there’s like every stereotype, every family problem you can think of, and I just, I think I just have a little bit of everyone inside me, and maybe except for Lauren, who I actually have to play, but that’s the best part about it that she’s so opposite, and it’s just really fun, so yes.
Lisa Hiser (Shine On Media): And the next one is for Cassie. Your character is kind of the mean girl. Are we going to be able to see her maybe take a turn towards the end of the season, or is she always going to stay mean?
Cassie Scerbo: You know what, Lauren takes turns throughout the entire season. She a lot of the time just goes back to her mean, this mean mentality and all her brattiness and attitude. And, like I said, it does come from a place of insecurity and disappointment and betrayal and abandonment, and just so many different things. That’s what’s so cool about Lauren is that, as the show prevails, as the show progresses, people are going to see that a lot of her anger and a lot of her impulses come from a place of pain, truly, and she just tries to mask it and always wants to act like she’s perfect and everything is okay. And that's why everything comes out so awful, and she looks so mean. And she is really mean. I’m definitely not making excuses for her. She’s a huge brat, but it’s really cool because she takes tons of unexpected turns, and there is a reason that she is so mean, and that's what’s so cool about her.
And I hope that it shows teenage girls out there that are getting bullied or that have that annoying click in their school, that mean girl click. I hope it shows these girls that maybe those mean girls just have insecurities of their own, and to not let these bratty girls’ insecurities hurt them when they act out impulsively, and that every girl has their own problems and situations. So if it can teach anybody anything, I hope that I can do that for young girls out there.
Lisa Hiser (Shine On Media): For both of you, you’ve done a lot of work in TV, and you also did movies like, Cassie, you were in Bring It On, and Josie, 17 Again. What’s the biggest difference between filming a TV show and a movie?
Josie Loren: Personally, I enjoyed filming. Obviously I enjoy any project I get to work on, especially films, but it’s been so nice being a series regular just because since I’m Kaylie all day, every day, I don’t have to work as hard when it comes to like an emotional scene or scene work with the other girls, like my relationship with other girls because, after a while, after you’ve played this certain person all day, every day, you just start to believe the circumstances. Where before, if I was on a film, I would have to really work on like emotional triggers to get emotional in a scene, or I’d have to really, really analyze the relationships, which I did all of that with Kaylie, but I did it more in the beginning, and now, as we’re – more in the beginning and the middle, and now as we’re ending, we’re closing the season, it just comes naturally to me.
I don’t have to work so hard in emotional scenes because I just believe my circumstances so much more, and that just comes from being this character so often, so that’s just been something kind of nice that I’ve noticed and I’ve never experienced it before because every project for me has either been a film or a guest starring role. It’s like, wow, this is so much easier when you’re doing it every day.
Kaylie is just, it’s something that I can just snap into. I’m not a lot like Kaylie, but I understand where she is coming from, so it’s a lot easier for me to tap into now, which before was a lot more difficult just because she is very, very different. And also, the fact that we get to bond with the people around us because we’re with them all the time, so when Cassie and I are in a scene today and we’re laughing, we’re not fake laughing. Like we don’t have to work hard to be friends. The friendship that you see on screen is real because we’re together all the time and, fortunately, we all get along so, so well, and that’s just another blessing of being a series regular on a TV show brings to you. Your relationships just become real, and you don’t have to act it or try so hard to achieve that.
Cassie Scerbo: Yes. Sorry, guys. No gossip. We actually get along for once, like, in a TV show, especially with four girls. We get along so well, it’s honestly unheard of and such a blessing. And, for me, I would just say, like Josie said, being on the set all day, every day, like, people just call me Lauren now, and I do something like, oh, yes. What’s up? Oh, we’re ready for lunch. You just really become like your character as well.
You’re with these people all day long. You become one big family. You learn each other inside out, and I feel the exact same way. Sometimes I come onto set, and if we have a short scene, I’ll just learn it here in my trailer because all I have to do is learn the words. The emotional placement is already there. I already, you know, have relationships with all these girls, have a special bond with all these girls, and when I’m in a scene, it really, just like Josie said, especially an emotional scene, it’s just, it’s so real because we know each other as people, not just actresses, and we love each other as people, and we understand each other as people, and it makes it so much easier in a scene.
It makes it so much more realistic, and it really does trigger those emotions so much quicker just by being with these people all day, every day, and just knowing them inside out, their families, their situations. It’s just, it’s really beautiful being on set with these people all the time. It makes the job so much easier.
Lisa Hiser (Shine On Media): I grew up watching FULL HOUSE, so I’m a huge fan, and I’m really excited that Candice Cameron is back on TV. What was it like getting to work with her?
Josie Loren: I mean, when I heard that we got picked up, I was excited, but I don’t know why I didn’t freak out like the other girls did. But when I heard that Candice Cameron was casted as Summer, I freaked out. That’s when I had my freak out. Like, I grew up watching FULL HOUSE, watching DJ kiss Steve and oh my, gosh. I lived vicariously through DJ. So being able to work with Candice, well, the first time I saw her, you know, I kind of, I got really, really nervous, and now she’s just – I mean, now she’s a friend. We see her all the time. We know about her and her life, and we’ve met all of her family. They come to set often, and I kind of, you know, I get a little high saying, hey, I’m friends with DJ. That's awesome. Once you got over the fact that, okay, she’s DJ Tanner, she’s just another, you know, working actress who is one of the nicest people I have ever met, with literally like the prettiest family I’ve ever met too, but that’s….
Cassie Scerbo: They’re like a Barbie and, like if Barbie and Ken were to have babies, that’s like her family. They’re just amazing.
Josie Loren: For sure.
Cassie Scerbo: But for me, when I found out, and then I didn’t know for sure if it was a rumor or not because I found out I was going to have some sort of relationship with her. I really could not believe it either, just like Josie said. That was one of the most exciting things that I’ve heard since we found out about the show. I was literally on cloud nine. I mean, like I remember growing up watching FULL HOUSE with my sister. Like I still to this day sometimes get like just so weirded out, like I’m sitting next to and acting with DJ Tanner. It’s so weird because, I mean, who didn’t watch Full House, and who doesn’t know? I mean, DJ Tanner is a household name, so it’s just really a blessing, and I respect her and her craft, and she was also a young, working, female actress, you know, so we can learn a lot from her and everything as well.
And she’s just such a great person, and I hate that I have to be so terrible to her, but when we cut, I always give her a big hug, and I’ve also been really lucky and very fortunate, and I’ve been able to have great emotional scenes with her as well. As the season progresses, you guys will be able to see that. We have some great moments and great bonding moments because, you know, she comes into my life because my father wants to marry her. She’s going to be my soon to be step-mom. So basically it’s just, it’s been really fun and really great, and what a coincidence that we’re Tanners, and everyone knew of her as DJ Tanner. It’s just, it’s so funny, and my dad in the show, his name is Steve, and her boyfriend forever was Steve, so it’s just really funny, and it’s been an amazing experience already, and I can’t wait for hopefully the up and coming season.
Josie Loren: I have to say that when I got casted in the pilot, and then the pilot was picked up for ten episodes, my little brother was like, oh, you know, congratulations, Jo. It was like a pat on the back. That’s great. When I found out that DJ, well, that Candice was cast, he was the first person I called, and he was just like, oh my, God, Josie. You have arrived. You are seriously now famous. Like, you know, that's how big it was for us, so it’s really a treat to have her on set.
Cassie Scerbo: Yes, I agree.
Lisa Hiser (Shine On Media): What kind of acting advice would you give for young girls that want to aspire to be like you?
Josie Loren: I guess, I mean, I don’t know. I just started in theater, so I get that question all the time. Yes, you can, I guess, look for an agent or whatever, but I think it’s about just kind of doing as much of it as you can, whether it’s a school play or reading plays or taking voice lessons and dance lessons and there’s acting classes that you can enroll in and summer camps. Just do it as much as possible, and then you’ll find your niche, whether it’s theater, whether it’s TV, whether it’s film, comedy, drama. And then things, I think things kind of fall into place for you if it’s really meant for you to do this.
But as a kid, I mean, like I said, I started off doing monolog competitions and kind of fell in love with it from there. And every opportunity that I had, whether it was like, I mean, I was in musical theater, touring companies, and in local theaters. I didn’t have an agent when I was young. I didn’t get an agent until three years ago when I came out to LA three and a half years ago. So I just kind of took every opportunity that I could get and did as much of it as possible to get better and better. And if you love it, you continue to do it, and things fall into place.
Cassie Scerbo: My number one quote, it’s something I’ve always said, and I’m actually going to be having an organization, a nonprofit organization named after it is nothing’s impossible, so if you – you know, you can do whatever you dream of, but just like Josie said, you have to be willing to give it your all, you know, blood, sweat, and tears. You have to be willing to, you know, never stop learning, never stop reading, and never stop taking classes. And I don’t know. You have to be very passionate about it. I’m a big believer in being passionate about everything you do.
My favorite acting quote is acting is half shame, half glory. Shame for exhibiting yourself, and glory when you finally forget yourself. Being an actress, I’ve learned that the hardest, yet easiest thing is just being able to let go. It seems so easy, but it’s actually the hardest thing, and if you really just want to become a character, you have to let go of everything and be able to face up to your own fears and really just let go and forget yourself, and that’s basically what I do what I do. It’s the most amazing feeling in the world.
And for those true aspiring actors out there, all I have to say is just strive for that feeling and that moment when you completely forget yourself, and you’re just so in the moment, and everything else in your life is just gone, and it has just disappeared, and you’re just in that moment because it’s the best feeling in the world. And if you’ve experienced that, then I’m sure you understand, and don’t give up on what you’re doing, and keep going because it’s not easy, and you have to be willing to take rejection and take the haters and take just all the nonsense, and just throw it to the side and stand above it, and take anything that's thrown in your face every day.
I’ve actually had an agent since I was ten, but I didn’t get to come out here to Los Angeles until about four years ago, and I didn’t get to move here until two years ago. Like I literally had begged my parents forever. That's how passionate I was about it. But just from doing it since I was little, you have to really be able to take that rejection and be able to just take it, and use it, and grow from it. And I guess I would have to wrap. I can go on forever when it comes to acting, but that would have to wrap up my speech, just to be passionate about what you’re doing and nothing is impossible. So if it’s something that you really love, then keep going, and don’t give up on it.
RELATED:
- MAKE IT OR BREAK: Q&A With Chelsea Hobbs & Ayla Kell
The Latest in Soap Videos: Gay Daytime, ATWT, OLTL
Here are some of the latest soap videos to hit the web.
OTALIA: Natalia wondered why she was feeling sick on Monday's GUIDING LIGHT. Meanwhile, Father Ray was less than supportive with her, and Olivia was a sounding board for Doris who wanted to tell Ashlee she was a lesbian. Watch Part 2.
STOP IT, CASEY, HE'S YOUR BROTHER! & I'D LIKE TO REPORT A FUGITIVE: Casey arrived at Tom and Margo's and found a shot and blooded Margo lying outside with Riley kneeling over him on Monday's AS THE WORLD TURNS. Casey flipped and Margo told him Riley was his brother. Meanwhile, Noah was shocked to find out his father was alive and later had to make a critical choice on whether to turn him in or not. Watch Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.
ADAM & RAFE: On Monday's THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Adam manipulated Rafe into keeping quiet by seducing him. We saw them in a near kiss and then putting their shirts back on. Compared to the "Nuke" sex scene in January that garnered much attention, the sexual tension here was disappointingly non-existent. To be fair, Adam had sex with Heather later and it was on a tad bit more graphic (Adam was shirtless). But we did "see" the two of them kissing. Daytime's double standard continues.
ONE LIFE TO LIVE: Jared and Natalie threatened Kyle on Monday's episode so he lead them to Shane's father's room. The Roxy scenes were hilarious. Ilene Kristen continues to amaze after 34 years since her daytime debut.
OTALIA: Natalia wondered why she was feeling sick on Monday's GUIDING LIGHT. Meanwhile, Father Ray was less than supportive with her, and Olivia was a sounding board for Doris who wanted to tell Ashlee she was a lesbian. Watch Part 2.
STOP IT, CASEY, HE'S YOUR BROTHER! & I'D LIKE TO REPORT A FUGITIVE: Casey arrived at Tom and Margo's and found a shot and blooded Margo lying outside with Riley kneeling over him on Monday's AS THE WORLD TURNS. Casey flipped and Margo told him Riley was his brother. Meanwhile, Noah was shocked to find out his father was alive and later had to make a critical choice on whether to turn him in or not. Watch Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.
ADAM & RAFE: On Monday's THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Adam manipulated Rafe into keeping quiet by seducing him. We saw them in a near kiss and then putting their shirts back on. Compared to the "Nuke" sex scene in January that garnered much attention, the sexual tension here was disappointingly non-existent. To be fair, Adam had sex with Heather later and it was on a tad bit more graphic (Adam was shirtless). But we did "see" the two of them kissing. Daytime's double standard continues.
ONE LIFE TO LIVE: Jared and Natalie threatened Kyle on Monday's episode so he lead them to Shane's father's room. The Roxy scenes were hilarious. Ilene Kristen continues to amaze after 34 years since her daytime debut.
News Round-up: De Matteo, Donovan, Mauceri, Alfieri
Trevor Donovan cast on 90210Trevor Donovan, known for his 2007 role as Jeremy Horton on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, is joining the cast of 90210 as Teddy, Entertainment Weekly reported. Teddy, a tennis pro, will apparently catch the eye of Naomi Clark (AnnaLynne McCord) and Annie Wilson (Shenae Grimes), but his love will belong to Erin “Silver” Silver (Jessica Stroup).
ABC Confirms Carlotta Recast on OLTLA show representative has confirmed Daytime Confidential's report of Saundra Santiago being tapped to replace Patricia Mauceri in the role of Carlotta Vega on ONE LIFE TO LIVE. OLTL was unable to discuss any details about why Mauceri was let go.
Ada Maris as Aurelia Rivera - who is she?
Fulfilling the role of Aurelia Rivera on ONE LIFE TO LIVE is Ada Maris – a sunny actress who we’ve seen on our television screens many times since the mid-80s when she appeared in THE COSBY SHOW. She is married to award-winning actor Tony Plana, who is currently recognized as Betty Suarez's father on the ABC show UGLY BETTY.
Alfieri back to B&B
Look for Victor Alfieri (ex-Franco, DAYS) to return to B&B on July 16 as L.A.'s favorite sexy photographer, Giovanni.
Drea de Matteo joins DESPERATE HOUSEWIVESDrea de Matteo is joining DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES this season. De Matteo has been cast in a series regular role, an ABC rep confirms, ostensibly offsetting the loss of Nicollette Sheridan's Edie, who perished toward the end of Season 5. De Matteo's Bronx-bred Wisteria Lane newcomer arrives in town with a husband and 19-year-old son in tow.
ION Broadcasts Mobile DTV in N.Y., D.C.
ION Media Networks says it is now offering a multiplex of HDTV, standard-definition and mobile DTV program streams in both New York and Washington, D.C. through its local stations there. ION, whose chairman and CEO Brandon Burgess has spearheaded much of broadcasters’ effort to create a mobile DTV standard, calls the multiplex its Digital Broadcast “Triple Play,” though the mobile DTV streams can only be received for now by technology vendors and other industry insiders with prototype mobile DTV receivers. The programs being transmitted in ION’s 19.4-megabit-per-second DTV pipe include flagship network, ION Television, in high-definition; two additional standard-def networks, Qubo and ION Life; plus mobile DTV content.
GUIDING LIGHT PROJECT: If Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates
Lynn Liccardo writes: "The very nature of soaps demands more of viewers than other dramatic media when it comes to suspending disbelief. It's a delicate balance. And more than any other dramatic medium, outside elements can intrude upon how viewers take in what's on the screen."
Deep Soap: New Blood
Sara Bibel writes: "I find myself in the strange position of enjoying the numerous newbies on GENERAL HOSPTIAL more than the rest of the show. First of all, they can all act. I expected Martha Byrne to do a good job, but her take on politician’s wife Andrea Floyd has been a revelation."
We Love Soaps Expands: Welcome Damon L. Jacobs
We Love Soaps continues to expand. First, Michael Goldberg and I would like to welcome Damon L. Jacobs to the team. The three of us are all lifelong soap fans who really love the genre and Damon will fit right in with what we are trying to do here. Second, we are launching a podcast, "We Love Soaps Radio," on July 7th at 10am ET so stay tuned for more details on that. Lastly, you'll be seeing some additional video coverage of various events as well as video interviews in the coming weeks and months.
Some people have asked about our new logo and it actually has a couple of meanings. We wanted an image that reflected the three contributors to the site, as well as the fans who love soaps as much as we do.
For those who aren't familiar with Damon, he is Licensed Marriage Family Therapist who has a very unique way of approaching people and situations. He is also author of "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve," which is a must read, with another book in the works. Like Goldberg and myself, Damon was practically born watching soaps and his knowledge of the genre is quite impressive. Combine all these things and you get a unique perspective on the genre you really can't find anywhere else. Prior to joining We Love Soaps, he wrote numerous columns over the past year as the "Soap Shrink." Also, his interviews at MarlenaDeLacroix.com have been as insightful and interesting as any in the soap world. In recent months he has published interviews with Van Hansis, James DePaiva, Melissa Claire Egan, Elizabeth Hendrickson and many more. His first interview for We Love Soaps will be fascinating and you can hear part of it on the July 7 podcast.
Please help us welcome Damon to We Love Soaps.
TV Guide Canada's "Nelson Ratings"
The latest "Nelson Ratings" from TV Guide Canada's Nelson Branco are now online.
Branco names the top soaps, storylines and moments to watch this week, as well as the top actors, actresses, duos and rivals. Pay special attention to this week's guilty pleasures.
He also breaks the news about our upcoming podcast series and a number of interesting "Suds Flashes" from around the world of soaps.
More on "Daytime Gives Back" from ATI
ATI president of Worldwide Media and Entertainment Jim Romanovich has offered We Love Soaps some additional insights on the upcoming "Daytime Gives Back" effort to benefit Feed the Children.
The long and short of the cliffhanger is that Susan Lucci, Anthony Geary, and Kelly Monaco are representing Feed The Children in Kenya in which we will document their journeys. Each will have their own cameras to document their experiences as well. This will be the first time you'll see these actors in this context. You'll also see what the power of giving back is all about.
The "twist" is that not only Susan Lucci will be going to Kenya-but so will her alter ego ERICA KANE. In my discussions with Julie Carruthers, EP on AMC, she felt this trip was so powerful that she wanted to include Erica Kane as well. Yes, ATI is shooting separately for AMC at their direction. It is a great story potential for Susan's character (not sure how yet, but I can only imagine some epiphany must occur). I was told that ABC is going full throttle forward on this press.
By our working with Feed The Children we have now found a reason for doing the Emmys. Daytime is all about what's current. It's about awareness of issues and hardships, as well as trends and fashions. So let's make it mean something.
I want to thank Julie, Susan and ABC for getting behind this. It is thrilling to also have Tony join us as he very rarely makes these kind of public appearances, but he so much wants to help these kids. Same for Kelly. You're going to see a side of her you never realized. Everyone here is extremely honored to have them join us. We also have Montel Williams, The Massey Brothers and Erik Estrada (who was on B&B, if you recall)
The follow up news was that due to the success of this trip, I'm organizing a second Daytime Gives Back for the Emmys which will be in Manhattan in which many NY based daytime stars will attend. This should happen late July/early August and will be shown in the telecast as well as teased in the pre-show on the CW.
Maybe next year we can can have one character from each of the soaps go to Kenya and tie in a global unified story to each show and have each interact with the other in character. Works for me if networks can put politics aside.
I told you from the beginning that we were planning to make this show into an event and something worthy of continuing. If we use our clout to help as many kids in the world as possible, then it's all worth it. Isn't it?
“Daytime Gives Back” to Benefit Feed the Children
Three of Daytime TV’s biggest stars – Susan Lucci (ALL MY CHILDREN), Anthony Geary (GENERAL HOSPITAL) and Kelly Monaco (GENERAL HOSPITAL) - will travel to Kenya next month with Feed the Children, an international, non-profit relief organization that supports more than 100,000 children in Kenya’s slums. The three will document their journey with their own cameras as they aid Feed the Children founders Larry and Frances Jones in delivering food and items to the needy and accompany them on visits to local schools as well as an abandoned baby center built by Feed the Children.
Part of the footage they shoot while over there will air as a segment entitled “Daytime Gives Back” during the Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards, airing Sunday, August 30th at 8:00p.m. ET/PT on the CW Television Network. ALL MY CHILDREN will also incorporate the trip in to their show, in a yet to be determined storyline involving Lucci’s character Erica Kane.
Lucci, Monaco and Geary will be traveling to Kenya with other celebrities including Montel Williams, Devon Werkheiser (Nickelodeon's "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide"), Christopher Massey, Kyle Massey and Erik Estrada to shoot a full length documentary that will be produced and distributed by Emmy Award winning production company Associated Television International. The documentary will provide the American public with an up-close and personal look at Kenya and its wonderful people thru the eyes of these popular celebrities.
Feed The Children, founded in 1979 by Larry and Frances Jones, is a Christian, international, nonprofit relief organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disasters. Since its founding, the organization has reached out to help children and their families in all 50 states and 118 countries around the globe. For more information, please visit www.feedthechildren.org
Part of the footage they shoot while over there will air as a segment entitled “Daytime Gives Back” during the Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards, airing Sunday, August 30th at 8:00p.m. ET/PT on the CW Television Network. ALL MY CHILDREN will also incorporate the trip in to their show, in a yet to be determined storyline involving Lucci’s character Erica Kane.
Lucci, Monaco and Geary will be traveling to Kenya with other celebrities including Montel Williams, Devon Werkheiser (Nickelodeon's "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide"), Christopher Massey, Kyle Massey and Erik Estrada to shoot a full length documentary that will be produced and distributed by Emmy Award winning production company Associated Television International. The documentary will provide the American public with an up-close and personal look at Kenya and its wonderful people thru the eyes of these popular celebrities.
Feed The Children, founded in 1979 by Larry and Frances Jones, is a Christian, international, nonprofit relief organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disasters. Since its founding, the organization has reached out to help children and their families in all 50 states and 118 countries around the globe. For more information, please visit www.feedthechildren.org
Y&R AND GH: WHERE THE SEX IS!
This summer, the residents of Genoa City and Port Charles have been friskier than usual. Jack and Sharon have had multiple partners on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and we can't count out Billy, Nick and Phyllis. On GENERAL HOSPITAL, not only does it seem that everyone is hitting the sheets, but a strange phenomena has developed. A certain song seems to play everytime a couple makes love. I'm not sure where this song has come from or if it's ever going away. What do you think of GH's new "sex song?" Take a look at the videos below and sound off!
Soap Stars Raise Hope For The Congo
Deidre Hall (ex-Marlena, DAYS OF OUR LIVES), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) and Daren Kagasoff (Ricky, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER) were among the many celebrities at Sunday's Raise Hope For The Congo Event at Janes House in Los Angeles.
PREVIEW: Tonight's MAKE IT OR BREAK IT
As The Rock tries to pick up the pieces, the girls take their mission for answers on the road in “Where’s Marty,” an all-new episode of MAKE IT OR BREAK IT premiering on ABC Family tonight (9:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT).
With The Rock in shambles after the defection of Marty and Lauren, the parents try to pick up the pieces to get things ready in time for the girls to be ready for Nationals. The gymnasts aren’t motivated, the coaches are unorganized and Emily is worried what this all means for her scholarship. While the parents have a meeting to discuss the future of the gym, Payson, Kaylie and Emily decide to go to Denver to confront Marty and get some much-needed answers. But when they arrive at The Denver Elite Gymnastics Club and see what they’re up against, will the girls lose their nerve or really give Marty and Lauren a piece of their minds?
Meanwhile, Lauren is starting to rethink her decision to leave her friends at The Rock behind when she gets a less than warm welcome to her new gym.
MAKE IT OR BREAK IT stars Chelsea Hobbs, Ayla Kell, Josie Loren, Cassie Scerbo, Zachary Burr Abel, Peri Gilpin, Candace Cameron Bure and Susan Ward (ex-Meg, SUNSET BEACH).
MAKE IT OR BREAK IT is executive-produced by Holly Sorensen, Paul Stupin and John Ziffren, along with co-executive producer Joanna Johnson (ex-Caroline, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL. John J. Sakmar and Kerry Lenhart are consulting producers, with supervising producers Michael Gans and Richard Register and producer Nancy Haas. The new original series’ recurring cast includes Anthony Starke, Nico Tortorella, Marcus Coloma, Rosa Blasi, Jason Manuel Olazabal, Brett Cullen, Erik Palladino, Mia Rose Frampton, Wyatt Smith and Neil Jackson.
PREVIEW: Tonight's SECRET LIFE
On tonight's episode of ABC Family’s hit series THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER, "What's Done is Done," Grace (Megan Park) believes her actions (read: sex) are responsible for her father's death, and is understandably very guilty, while Ben (Kenny Baumann) searches for a place in Amy's (Shailene Woodley) life.The series cast includes Shailene Woodley, Molly Ringwald, Mark Derwin, India Eisley, Ken Baumann, Daren Kagasoff, Francia Raisa, Megan Park and Greg Finley. Alice Hirson, Phillip Anthony-Rodriguez, Paola Turbay, Ben Weber, Allen Evangelista, Amy Rider, Luke Zimmerman and Steve Schirripa also guest star. Special guest stars include Jennifer Coolidge and Josie Bissett. Created and executive produced by Brenda Hampton.
News Round-up: DALAN, Bell, Saints, Carlotta
Soap brings message of change to rural Nepal
Every Sunday night for a year, entire villages across the country have gathered around a single television for the latest instalment of DALAN, or ‘Exploitation,’ a historical saga set in Nepal’s rural west. In a nation more attuned to the noisy glamour of Bollywood movies from neighbouring India, the popularity of the slow-paced serial about a family of Dalits — the lowest social caste — has taken everyone by surprise, not least its makers.
DALAN is a very simple show and we really didn’t expect it to be the huge success it has become,’ said producer Purna Singh Baraily of the soap, which has fans as far away as Dubai, Hong Kong and the United States, where it is shown via satellite.
Deep Soap: Guide To Recognizing Your Daytime Saints
Sara Bibel writes: "I am not sure why soaps feel the need to canonize deeply flawed characters. It would be so much more interesting to remember them as they actually were."
Why Soap Operas Should Be Taken Seriously By Gays and Straights
Lisa Szefel of HNN writes: "Recent work by cognitive scientists, psychologists, philosophers, and literary scholars likewise contends that moral judgments have as much to do with aesthetic sensibility as logical reasoning. Resetting the default images conjured with the words 'gay' and 'homosexual' from scenes of swinging bars, angry marches, and ugliness, to kitchens, parenting, and beauty, can promote empathy, a first step to understanding and acceptance."
OLTL: Patricia Mauceri FIRED; Saundra Santiago Cast as Gay Friendly Carlotta
Jamey Giddens of DC reports Patricia Mauceri has been reportedly fired from the recurring role of Carlotta Vega on ONE LFIE TO LIVE and replaced by former GUIDING LIGHT actress Saundra Santiago.
Bell co-charing MOCA
Maria Arena Bell has been elected co-chair of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA). Bell and her husband, William J. Bell, Jr., have been involved with MOCA for many years and have made significant financial and art contributions to the museum. Bell is chair of MOCA’s Acquisition and Collection Committee. She also served as the chair of the Opening Gala for MURAKAMI. Maria Bell became a Trustee in 2008 after her husband served from 1997–2008.
MOCA has raised nearly $57 million in the last six months, and the museum’s Board of Trustees voted June 25 to contribute $4.25 million to MOCA’s endowment assets, which will be matched by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, for a total $8.5 million contribution. Additionally, the Board elected three new trustees and its officers for 2010.
Every Sunday night for a year, entire villages across the country have gathered around a single television for the latest instalment of DALAN, or ‘Exploitation,’ a historical saga set in Nepal’s rural west. In a nation more attuned to the noisy glamour of Bollywood movies from neighbouring India, the popularity of the slow-paced serial about a family of Dalits — the lowest social caste — has taken everyone by surprise, not least its makers.
DALAN is a very simple show and we really didn’t expect it to be the huge success it has become,’ said producer Purna Singh Baraily of the soap, which has fans as far away as Dubai, Hong Kong and the United States, where it is shown via satellite.
Deep Soap: Guide To Recognizing Your Daytime Saints
Sara Bibel writes: "I am not sure why soaps feel the need to canonize deeply flawed characters. It would be so much more interesting to remember them as they actually were."
Why Soap Operas Should Be Taken Seriously By Gays and Straights
Lisa Szefel of HNN writes: "Recent work by cognitive scientists, psychologists, philosophers, and literary scholars likewise contends that moral judgments have as much to do with aesthetic sensibility as logical reasoning. Resetting the default images conjured with the words 'gay' and 'homosexual' from scenes of swinging bars, angry marches, and ugliness, to kitchens, parenting, and beauty, can promote empathy, a first step to understanding and acceptance."
OLTL: Patricia Mauceri FIRED; Saundra Santiago Cast as Gay Friendly Carlotta
Jamey Giddens of DC reports Patricia Mauceri has been reportedly fired from the recurring role of Carlotta Vega on ONE LFIE TO LIVE and replaced by former GUIDING LIGHT actress Saundra Santiago.
Bell co-charing MOCA
Maria Arena Bell has been elected co-chair of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA). Bell and her husband, William J. Bell, Jr., have been involved with MOCA for many years and have made significant financial and art contributions to the museum. Bell is chair of MOCA’s Acquisition and Collection Committee. She also served as the chair of the Opening Gala for MURAKAMI. Maria Bell became a Trustee in 2008 after her husband served from 1997–2008.
MOCA has raised nearly $57 million in the last six months, and the museum’s Board of Trustees voted June 25 to contribute $4.25 million to MOCA’s endowment assets, which will be matched by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, for a total $8.5 million contribution. Additionally, the Board elected three new trustees and its officers for 2010.
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