The Real Woman Behind GH's Carly

GENERAL HOSPITAL star Laura Wright appeared on San Francisco's THE VIEW FROM THE BAY on Monday (not the be confused with Jamie Frame's fictional "A View Of The Bay" book on ANOTHER WORLD). You can watch Wright's appearance below.

Brianne Moncrief Joins GOTHAM

Brianne Moncrief, who recently exited the role of Colby Chandler on ALL MY CHILDREN, has been cast as Samantha on GOTHAM.

Samantha is the sexy young secretary of Richard Manning (played by Michael Park).

Martha Byrne revealed the casting news in a chat with fans on the GOTHAM website on Monday night.

DAYS Ratings Highs: 11 Month W18-49, 10 Month W18-34

From the NBC press release: For the week of November 16-20, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1.4 rating, 9 share among women 18-49, 1.1/7 among women 18-34) ranked #2 among network daytime series in women 18-49 rating and tied for #1 in the women 18-34 demo. DAYS matched its highest women 18-49 rating in 11 months (since the week of December 8-12, 2008) and tied its highest women 18-34 rating in 10 months (since the week of January 12-16).

Compared with the same week last year, DAYS was up 15 percent last week in women 18-49 viewers (946,000 vs. 820,000), 24 percent in women 25-54 (1.064 million vs. 855,000) and 16 percent in total viewers (3.1 million vs. 2.7 million).

Season to date, DAYS is tied for #2 in both the women 18-49 race and the women 18-34 category.

DAYS is delivering its biggest audiences at this point in the season in three years in women 18-49, women 25-54 and total viewers.

Season to date, DAYS is up 10 percent in women 18-49 (987,000 vs. 901,000), up 14 percent in women 25-54 (1.075 million vs. 946,000) and up 14 percent in total viewers (3.1 million vs. 2.7 million). DAYS is generating the biggest year-to-year gains for any daytime series on any major network in total viewers and women 18-49 viewers.

Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”

NEWS: Ozsan, Dempsey, Soapgeist, Beemer, Morrison

INTERVIEW: B&B's Brandon Beemer (Owen)
“I kind of look at it this way: I’m not always going to have it, whatever it is that everybody thinks that I have,” he says. “I might as well embrace it. It kind of makes me laugh sometimes, it makes me shy but it is what it is. If it puts a smile on people’s face to see me run around in a pair of black leather pants on a runway on the show, then I’ll do it.”

Hal Ozsan joins 90210
Though the actor’s name might not be familiar to you, chances are you do know the actor himself. He played Todd Carr on DAWSON'S CREEK, Michael Cassidy on KYLE XY, and was seen earlier this season shaving years off gamblers’ lives on SUPERNATURAL. Ozsan will play the faculty adviser of the school newspaper.

GREY'S Patrick Dempsey on His New Fragrance Campaign — Costarring His Wife
His second fragrance with Avon, Patrick Dempsey 2 is just launching across America, but GREY'S ANATOMY's McDreamy tells People that the inspiration for the follow-up fragrance was surprisingly close-to-home. “The first was about the individual, following your passion and all of that,” he explains of last year’s Unscripted, so for the second fragrance he thought, “Why not take it to the next step and go, ‘this is about two people and the power of the relationship.’”

SOAPGEIST: VENICE Week, Eileen Fulton, Nelson Ratings
It’s VENICE week! Tops of the Decade: Best Y2K Villains! GOTHAM adds more soap vets to its lineup! ONE LIFE's Scott Evans honoured by Out and Instinct! Eileen Fulton sounds off! Top-rated actors and next week’s viewing cheat-sheet!

Charter emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Cable operator Charter Communications has completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Chairman Paul Allen will continue to retain the largest voting interest in the company. Charter said Monday that the restructuring, based on a pre-arranged plan of reorganization, has reduced its debt by approximately 40%, or $8 billion. It also cuts annual interest expenses by more than $830 million.

INTERVIEW: GLEE's Matthew Morrison (Will)
“All the kids in the cast tell me they hated high school, but I had the best time,” he sheepishly admits. “I guess I was one of the popular kids. I played soccer, I was class president—I even dated the homecoming queen.”

Syfy orders drama series based on Stephen King's "The Colorado Kid"
Syfy has given a series order to HAVEN, a drama based on the Stephen King novella "The Colorado Kid." Production on the series will begin in 2010, with the series premiering later that year.

BBC Radio 2 told to put ambition before ratings
Radio 2 must offer "content the licence-fee payer can't hear elsewhere" says David Liddiment, leader of BBC Trust review

Soaps on the Street: Will You Watch GH For James Franco?

In our latest "Soaps on the Street" segment we asked the people of New York City if they knew James Franco had joined the cast of GENERAL HOSPITAL and if it would make them watch. To view previous "Soaps on the Street" segments, you can go to SoapsontheStreet.com.

Day of DAYS: Lauren Boles & Crystal Chappell

Lauren Boles learns from a pro like Crystal Chappell how to handle an interview with the DAYS Insider at this year's Day of DAYS.

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the We Love Soaps "Soap of the Week" poll for the week of November 23-27, 2009. DAYS OF OUR LIVES finished in first place for the eighth straight week. AS THE WORLD TURNS and ONE LIFE TO LIVE swapped places once again. Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

NEWS: Lucci, Colin, Braeden, Moss, Braeden

INTERVIEW: AMC's Susan Lucci (Erica)
"In July we were in Kenya working (with Feed the Children) in the slums of Nairobi. We feel that we gained so much. To have the presence of those beautiful children in our memories and in our hearts, it was more than we ever could have imagined. You try to raise some awareness and help these beautiful children any way you can."

Lucci honored to have served as Grand Marshal of Hollywood Christmas parade
"I saw the list of people that have done this before me and it's amazing - Cecile B DeMille, Sammy Davis Jr, Governor Schwarzenegger, I'm just very honored to be here."

INTERVIEW: Former ATWT star Margaret Colin (ex-Margo)
On her almost 22 year marriage to soap star Justin Deas (the two met as Tom and Margo on ATWT in the early '80s): "I love the one that I heard about the way to make a marriage work, 'just don't get divorced.' I picked a good one, I picked a really good one. He's an amazing man and I if I didn't have him I'd have to go find him, which is what it pretty much boils down to."

The far reach of Eric Braeden
Jan Jordan writes: "Very rarely do I receive a phone call from my mother unless someone is in dire straights or passed away. So imagine my surprise when she called the other night with very upsetting news. 'Victor quit!' she shouted."

Ronn Moss's Wedding Album
Lorenzo Lamas served as the best man at the wedding last month.

The cultural impact of television soaps
Richard Henley Davis writes: "Christmas is a precious and sacred day for Britain and the rest of the world and television companies should give it the proper respect it deserves. Why should we pay to have the pinnacle of our festive season subjected to the warped depressing writings of those who would wish to impose their version of what our society regards as normal?"

HGTV's DREAM HOME Welcomes Disney, P&G and GM
Scripps Networks Interactive's TV giveaway offers major platform for branded entertainment.

The Stars Come Out For Hollywood Christmas Parade

The stars were out in full force at Sunday's Hollywood Christmas Parade. In addition to Grand Marshal Susan Lucci, other actors from the soap world included Dominic Zamprogna, Julie BermanJudith Chapman, Lorenzo Lamas, Heather Tom, Jennifer Gareis, Jeanne Cooper and Kate Linder (among others).

PREVIEW: Tonight's GOSSIP GIRL

GOSSIP GIRL "The Treasure of Serena Madre" Season 3 Episode 11 - It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving on the Upper East Side if there wasn’t a serving or two of some major drama for the holiday. Blair (Leighton Meester) suspects her mom (guest star Margaret Colin, ex-Margo, AS THE WORLD TURNS) has been keeping a big secret from her, but it turns out to be something else entirely. Vanessa (Jessica Szohr) is supposed to spend Thanksgiving with her parents, but has a fight withher mom (guest star Gina Torres) and shows up on Dan’s (Penn Badgley) doorstep.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

David Lee Russek (ex-Sean, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Chip, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Christos, GUIDING LIGHT) - 41
Christel Khalil (Lily, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 22

It's That Time Of Year

ALL MY CHILDREN star Susan Lucci, who served as Grand Marshall at Sunday's Hollywood Christmas Parade, posed with Santa Claus at the event. MyNetworkTV recorded the parade for nationwide broadcast on December 10

True Colors Cabaret: Hansis, Michele & Groff

Van Hansis (Luke, AS THE WORLD TURNS) hosted Sunday night's True Colors Cabaret concert featuring, among others, GLEE star Lea Michele (Rachel) and former ONE LIFE TO LIVE actor Jonathan Groff (ex-Henry). Michele and Groff are fondly remembered for their roles as Wendla and Melchior in the Tony Award-winning show, "Spring Awakening."

Among the soap stars in attendance were ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Scott Evans (Oliver) and AS THE WORLD TURNS' Noelle Beck (Lily).

The concert, part of a series, is a co-presentation between Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund and Broadway Impact, which was co-founded by Gavin Creel.

WED-LOCKED: Surprise!!!

GUIDING LIGHT stars Zack Conroy (James) and Yvonna Kopacz Wright (Mel) guest star on the latest episode of WED-LOCKED. You can watch below.

HOT STORIES: Sair, Carly, Betty, Danny/Tyler

Here are some of the latest soap opera videos.

SAIR POINDEXTER: Elizabeth Hubbard returned to GOEDE TIJDEN SLECHTE TIJDEN on Friday's episode.

SOMEONE IN MY CORNER: Bo was touched by the story of Carly's daughter and offered to do anything he could to help her on Friday's episode.

LEVEL WITH ME: Once again, Betty arrived in time to help Daniel on Friday's UGLY BETTY. Meanwhile, Claire decided to go to South Dakota to find her son.

WOULD I THINK OF SUICIDE: Julie rejected Danny on Sunday's DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. Later he overdosed on pills. When he woke up he told the nurse his name was Tyler.

Wishing You A Should-less Holiday Season

Soaps typically present the holiday season as a joyous time, when family members get back together, old wounds are mended (at least temporarily), everyone seems to know the right gift to give, and they all have enough time and money to get that perfect present.

Unfortunately, reality can be quite different, and for many people the holidays are a time of stress, depression, loneliness, and disappointment.  But by asking a few simple questions, and challenging some basic "shoulds," I guarantee that you can have a much happier and healthier holiday season.  Please press here to check out my blog entry about "should-less" holidays. And let me know what you think!

The Week in Review: Most Popular Posts

In case you missed them, here are the 15 most popular topics over the past week at We Love Soaps:

- Kevin Spirtas Is Fully "Loaded": The WLS Interview, Part 2
- Kevin Spirtas Is Fully "Loaded": The WLS Interview, Part 1
- Day of DAYS: Crystal Chappell (Video)
- Day of DAYS with Crystal Chappell (Transcript)
- OLTL's Scott Evans Covers Instinct Magazine
- On the Set Of DAYS With Molly Burnett
- Vanishing VENICE?
- Kevin Spirtas Is Fully "Loaded": The WLS Interview, Part 3
- INDIE SOAP BEAT: November 25, 2009
- On the Set of DAYS with Lindsay Hartley
- Pratt's Fall: Helpful or Hurtful?
- On the Set Of DAYS with Wally Kurth
- GOTHAM: The Premiere Episode
- The Wesley Eure Interview, Part Three
- PREVIEW: Kelly and Mark Return to ALL MY CHILDREN

If you missed this week's episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, you can watch it below. International entertainment reporter Nelson Aspen was our special co-host this week.

INDIE SOAP BEAT Extra: Tai Fauci & Jack Monroe

PALISADES POOL PARTY recently launched and has currently aired three episodes. The tagline is: "A popular high school girl sleeps with her rather unpopular next door neighbor causing fallout among her elite social clique that threatens to ruin the biggest party of the year." Co-creators Tai Fauici (who also serves as the show's producer) and Jack Monroe (who directs) gave We Love Soaps the inside scoop on the new web soap.

We Love Soaps: What was the inspiration behind PALISADES POOL PARTY?
Tai Fauci: Jack and I were having a creative meeting and he says, "PALISADES POOL PARTY," then we spent hours figuring out a concept to go along with his inspired title. The title was all his idea; the show was a fully collaborative process, our first as a creative duo.
Jack Monroe: I had a couple of feature scripts I’d been trying to get off the ground, I wanted to direct them, but going after the money was a long, frustrating process. We did have a small amount of money and that’s when Tai introduced me to the idea of doing a web series. It was affordable and we could go into production with what we had; we could essentially green light ourselves! I started watching WE NEED GIRLFRIENDS and PROM QUEEN and some LONELYGIRL 15 and consumed YouTube videos like potato chips. I wanted to get a feel for what we could accomplish creatively in a web series. Around this same time, Tai had turned me onto THE O.C., ONE TREE HILL and VERONICA MARS. So we were thinking about what we could do and, more importantly, where we could do it (an affordable location is the key to any good story, right?). Tai’s parents had a house in the Palisades with a pool and so it was a no-brainer.

PREVIEW: Tonight's BROTHERS & SISTERS

"Pregnant Pause" -- As the wedding grows closer, Justin's resolve to stay sober is weakened as he and Rebecca harbor secrets that could make or break their relationship for good. Holly's financial crisis grows much more dire, and Sarah is consumed with worry and jealousy over Nora's newfound romance as she struggles to get over her own heartbreak from her love affair with Luc, on BROTHERS & SISTERS, tonight (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. Series star Matthew Rhys makes his directorial debut.

BROTHERS & SISTERS stars Dave Annable as Justin Walker, Maxwell Perry Cotton as Cooper Whedon, Kerris Lilla Dorsey as Paige, Sally Field as Nora Holden, Calista Flockhart as Kitty Walker, Balthazar Getty as Thomas Walker, Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Walker, Luke Grimes as Ryan Lafferty, Luke Macfarlane as Scotty Wandell, Rob Lowe as Senator Robert McCallister, Matthew Rhys as Kevin Walker, Ron Rifkin as Saul Holden, Emily VanCamp as Rebecca Harper and Patricia Wettig as Holly Harper.

Guest starring are Ken Olin as David Caplan, Jon Tenney as Dr. Simon Craig, Cassandra Braden as the nurse, Irene Roseen as Anya and Alyssa Stec as the waitress.

"Pregnant Pause" was written by Sarah Goldfinger and Jennifer Levin and directed by Matthew Rhys.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

John Ashton (ex-Mickey, DOCTORS/ex-Cahill, EASTENDERS) - 61
Charles Grant (ex-Grant, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL; ex-Evan, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Preacher, THE EDGE OF NIGHT; ex-Connor, SANTA BARBARA) - 52
Kim Delaney (ex-Jenny, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 51
Jane Cameron (ex-Nancy, ANOTHER WORLD)

PREVIEW: Tonight's DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES

"Would I Think of Suicide?" - The residents of Fairview learn the hard way that the world is a dangerous place, on ABC's DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, tonight (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET). In the wake of another attack, Angie decides the time has come for her and her family to leave Wisteria Lane; Bree and Susan are literally up in arms with one another as Bree's affair with Karl becomes increasingly difficult to hide; Lynette's pregnancy causes a rift with Gaby; and a confrontation between Mike and Katherine leads to a harmful and unexpected blow.

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES stars Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer, Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo, Marcia Cross as Bree Hodge, Eva Longoria Parker as Gabrielle Solis, Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Carlos Solis, Doug Savant as Tom Scavo, Kyle MacLachlan as Orson Hodge, Dana Delany as Katherine Mayfair, Drea de Matteo as Angie Bolen, Maiara Walsh as Ana Solis, Brenda Strong as Mary Alice Young, James Denton as Mike Delfino, Andrea Bowen as Julie Mayer, Kathryn Joosten as Mrs. McCluskey, Jeffrey Nordling as Nick Bolen, Beau Mirchoff as Danny Bolen, Charlie Carver as Porter Scavo, Joshua Logan Moore as Parker Scavo, Kendall Applegate as Penny Scavo, Madison de la Garza as Juanita and Mason Vale Cotton as MJ Delfino.

"Would I Think of Suicide?" was directed by Ken Whittingham and written by Jason Ganzel.

Day of DAYS with Peggy McCay and Louise Sorel

I had the fabulous honor to sit between two of the classiest and funniest women ever to grace the daytime television screen, DAYS OF OUR LIVES stars Peggy McKay and Louise Sorel. Please join me to read the highlights from this illuminating and hysterically funny interview.  And press here to watch the complete video. 

We Love Soaps:  For you, Louise, how have the fans been greeting you?
Louise Sorel: They waved a lot.  They said, “Welcome back,” which is very nice to hear.  It’s kind of taken me by surprise.  Rather than saying, “What are you doing here?” I saw something on the internet, our fans are very ferocious.  And I saw something, a slam, and I thought, “I don’t need to read this."

We Love Soaps:  Do fans every blur the lines between fantasy and reality? Do they ever say personal things to you because of Vivian’s actions?
Louise Sorel: Nah.  But it did happen to an actress I know who was hit across the face with a woman who was wearing a ring.  There are certain types of characters, even if they’re mean, that people don’t want to tangle with.  They’re a little uncomfortable with coming at them.  And I don’t really invite that level of attack.

On the Set Of DAYS with Wally Kurth

Wally Kurth made a splash on DAYS OF OUR LIVES when he debuted in 1987 and remained in front burner stories until his exit in 1991.  But does lightning strike twice?  Please read this interview to learn Wally’s perspective, plus the status of 1 DAY WITH... and information about his award winning documentary. 

We Love Soaps:  There were 18 years between your last stint as Justin and coming back.  Did you ever think you’d be coming back to DAYS?
Wally Kurth:  No. Honestly, I didn’t.  And to be honest I didn’t know how it would feel.  I thought maybe I was going to have to have some major therapy.  I was thinking it’s stepping back in time, am I going backwards?  When you’re an actor, or in any profession, you go one step forward and move up.  And I didn’t think I could go home again.  But I tell you, this has been so wonderful, I feel like this show has been therapy.  I’m having so much fun.  Those feelings dissipated within minutes of when I arrived. 

We Love Soaps:  It just felt right?
Wally Kurth:  Really, it totally felt right.  I’m a pretty intuitive guy, I would have known if it didn’t feel right.  Maybe it’s because John [Aniston] is here, Peter Reckell, the state of the soap, the tempo of it, we really cook.  We do seven episodes in five days now.  And we never go overtime.  So this is like live theater.  You go out there and you’d better thrown down because the Executive Producer is not just watching the monitor, but if you screw up they’re going to keep going.  It’s awesome because I come from live theater, I come from Broadway, it an actor’s medium.  And now it’s as if we’re on stage again. 

The Wesley Eure Interview, Part Three

Wesley Eure is best known to soap fans for his long run as Mike Horton on DAYS OF OUR LIVES which ended in 1981. He also made a huge splash as Will Marshall during his run in the popular Sid and Marty Krofft adventure series LAND OF THE LOST. But he also has an extensive background as an author, television writer, producer, lecturer and charity fundraiser. In this exclusive three-part interview with WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Eure covers all those aspects of his life and more including the price he's paid for being an out gay man in the industry. In Part One, Eure talked about his background, how he came into show business and shared some fun stories from DAYS set. In Part Two, Eure recalled Mike Horton's "gay storyline" and revealed how and why he was fired from the soap.

In the third and final part of our interview, Eure talks about the dear friend and former cast member he lost because he was gay, and how he has channeled the energy from the devastating AIDS crisis in the '80s into a positive.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Did you keep in touch with anyone from DAYS after you left?
Wesley Eure: It was an odd time. Patty Weaver, who was on DAYS OF OUR LIVES [as Trish], used to hang out with me and my friends and had a lot of gay friends, then she moved over to her show [THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS] and married an older man who was a writer, Bill Bell's good friend, and suddenly she cut all the gay men out of her life. [She] actually told us she was cutting us out of her life because she was not allowed to have that lifestyle anymore. I lost my friend Patty Weaver. She literally made her bed. Homophobia effects us in a lot of different ways, professionally and personally. Certain things are different but they are nowhere closed to being resolved.

VOTE: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Which daytime soap was your favorite this week? Vote in the weekly We Love Soaps poll and check back on Monday morning for the results.

NEWS: Lucci, E20, McClain, Metcalfe, Lister

INTERVIEW: HOLLYOAKS' Zoë Lister (Zoe)
"Zoe knows that Lydia's going to stand there and lie to Zoe, it's obvious that Lydia planted the knife. Zoe's just wondering what lies Lydia's going to come up with next. Lydia's actually really convincing and after the first day, Zoe almost resigns herself to the fact that she's going to prison. Zoe knows the truth, though - she knows she's innocent, so she really has to fight for justice for Sarah and herself."

HOLLYOAKS star's 'accidental flash'
HOLLYOAKS actress Jennifer Metcalfe accidentally exposed her chest to screen husband Glen Wallace after a waterfight scene, the actor claimed. Glen, who plays Malachy Fisher in the teen soap, said he found the incident more embarrassing than Jennifer, who plays Mercedes McQueen.

Cady McClain 'off' the news
"I have to say, I’m pretty 'off' the news these days. I can’t waste time getting outraged over Sarah Palin’s stupidity right now."

BBC releases its first internet-only soap opera based on drama EASTENDERS
The BBC is releasing its first ever Internet-only soap opera, based on its long running popular domestic drama EASTENDERS. The BBC said Wednesday the show EASTENDERS: E20 will debut in January. EASTENDERS was one of the first television dramas to deal with issues such as domestic violence.

The new show will focus on teenagers living in the same neighbourhood as characters from the main show and the story lines from the two programs will sometimes cross over. EASTENDERS: E20 will not be broadcast on terrestrial television but can be watched on the BBC entertainment Web site. Its scriptwriters are aged between 17 and 22.

Susan Lucci is grand marshal of annual Hollywood Christmas Parade
"She specifically was selected because as Los Angeles knows, the motion picture and television industry is struggling economically as many businesses are and her show is moving from New York back to Los Angeles."

Today's Soap World Birthdays

James Karen (ex-Linc, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Dr. Burke, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 86
Jeffery Byron (ex-Jeff, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Richard, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Mark, PORT CHARLES; ex-Chuck, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL; ex-Vincent, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 54
Gina Tognoni (Sami, VENICE; Kelly, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Dinah, GUIDING LIGHT) - 36
Don Money (ex-Brian, SCRIPTS & SCRUPLES/ROCKLAND COUNTY; ex-Rob, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 30
Mary Elizabeth Winstead (ex-Jessica, PASSIONS) - 25

Giving Thanks with ATWT's Colleen Zenk Pinter

Here at We Love Soaps, we love heart-warming soap stories as much as anyone else.  But sometimes real-life struggles are even more inspirational and uplifting than anything the soap writers can come up with.  In this touching article with The Redding Pilot, Colleen Zenk Pinter of AS THE WORLD TURNS shares the new meaning of giving thanks in her life, and reveals personal details about her recurring cancer this past year.  I dare to you to read this and then still complain about your Thanksgiving this year.

Pinter also spoke with TV Guide Canada this week for an interview you can read here.

If you haven't read the We Love Soaps interview with Colleen Zenk Pinter, you can find it here.

On the Set of DAYS with Lindsay Hartley

Spending eight years at one soap (PASSIONS) can pose it's own set of unique dilemmas and conflicts.  Please read on to find out how Lindsay Hartley has adjusted to life in Salem, and how this wise young actress has applied some hard life lessons. 

We Love Soaps: You played tortured Theresa for eight years on PASSIONS.  What are the main differences you see between Theresa and Arianna on DAYS?
Lindsay Hartley: Theresa had this vision of what she wanted.  And that’s exactly what it was, a vision.  There was not a lot of solid evidence or facts to support this belief she had.  It was more like a prayer.  And it did come true, thankfully.  But it was a gamble.  It was like, “Is this real, is God real, is Santa Claus real,” that kind of thing.  Arianna on the other hand, is more of a factual person.  She knows the facts, she’s got the facts, and she has to deal with the situation at hand.  She’s more realistic, even pessimistic.

We Love Soaps: You worked under one writer, James E. Reilly during all eight of those years.  Now at DAYS you are working under a different writing team with a different style, with a different rhythm and a different tempo. Was it hard for you to adjust?
Lindsay Hartley: I actually like this writing.  It’s easier to memorize. It’s quick to memorize.  I can pass through a show now in a couple of reads and I’ve got it.  Because there is a story involved, there is a beginning, a middle and an end, and there are consequences.  It’s not like you’re memorizing the same scene over and over again.  It’s hard to explain, but with consequences it’s easier to memorize. 

Day of DAYS with Crystal Chappell

Although us eager VENICE fans have to wait one more week to view the first episode of this exciting new web series, We Love Soaps fans can learn more about what is going to happen by reading this interview.  I had the honor to talk with Crystal at the recent Day of DAYS fan event at Universal City, and ask her about her triumphant return to DAYS OF OUR LIVES, as well as how the cancellation of GUIDING LIGHT led to the creation of VENICE THE SERIES.

Transcribed below are portions of our interview together.  Click here to see the full video.

We Love Soaps: How are you enjoying this today?
Crystal Chappell: It’s been great.  I don’t usually get to hang out with the whole cast so that was really fun.  And the fans have been so welcoming and kind.  Yes, that’s a relief.

We Love Soaps: Were you concerned that DAYS fans would not embrace Carly?
Crystal Chappell: I like to think positively, I was hoping that they would.  But there’s this big assumption that she’s going to be a foil.  I actually like how they're writing the story.  And I like Carly 2.0. She’s fun, edgy, and she’s got secrets.

We Love Soaps: Are there Otalia fans here today?
Crystal Chappell: Oh yes!

We Love Soaps: They really did carry over from GUIDING LIGHT to DAYS.
Crystal Chappell: Yes, they are the best.  They are so supportive of me.  What more can you ask for?  They are kind, they are funny, they are bright, and generous beyond belief.  I’m a really lucky girl to know them. 

We Love Soaps: I did an interview with Claire Labine recently.
Crystal Chappell: I love Claire!

We Love Soaps: I was asking her about writing ONE LIFE TO LIVE and GUIDING LIGHT and she told me how much she loved writing for you.  Specifically in 2000 with starting to transform Olivia into a more sympathetic character. 
Crystal Chappell: I’ve been a fan of hers for years.  Not just her talent and her writing, but she’s just a terrific woman.

We Love Soaps: Now do fans who come to this event know about VENICE?

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Joseph Campanella (ex-Harper, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Joe, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Jonathan, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 82
A Martinez (ex-Ray, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Cruz, SANTA BARBARA; ex-Roy, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 61
William Fichtner (ex-Rod/Josh, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 53
Robert Doran (ex-Jamie, ANOTHER WORLD) - 51
Fisher Stevens (ex-Henry, RYAN'S HOPE) - 46
Sean Kenniff (SURVIVOR; ex-Doctor, GUIDING LIGHT) - 40

PREVIEW: Tonight's UGLY BETTY

"Level (7) with Me" -- Daniel lets the leaders from the Community of the Phoenix call the shots at Mode, and Bennett's promises to reunite Daniel with his dead wife prompt Betty to action. She schemes with Claire on breaking through to him with an ingenious plan and finds unlikely allies in Matt and Amanda. Meanwhile, Wilhemina has let herself go, wearing sweats and garden clogs in public, prompting a tabloid feeding frenzy and spurring Marc to dig deeper into Nico's mystery, on UGLY BETTY, tonight (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Note: This program was originally scheduled to air November 20.

UGLY BETTY stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Eric Mabius as Daniel Meade, Tony Plana as Ignacio, Ana Ortiz as Hilda, Judith Light as Claire Meade, Becki Newton as Amanda, Michael Urie as Marc, Mark Indelicato as Justin, Daniel Eric Gold as Matt Hartley and Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater.

Guest starring in "Level (7) with Me" are Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Natalie, Dylan Baker as Bennett Wallis, Alec Mapa as Suzuki St. Pierre, Sarah LaFleur as Molly, Yaya DaCosta as Nico Slater and Piter Marek as Oskar Castelar.

The episode was written by Chris Black and directed by John Fortenberry.

A Funny Christmas From James Franco and SNL

According to Examiner.com, GENERAL HOSPITAL guest star James Franco will be hosting the December 19th episode of NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHT, the last episode to air before Christmas.

This is the first time I can remember an actor hosting the show while currently appearing on a daytime soap. But will SNL use this as an opportunity to ridicule Franco's appearance on GENERAL HOSPITAL and mock the entire genre as a whole?  Will you watch? 

UPDATE:
I've been reminded of Susan Lucci's memorable SNL appearance in 1990. Thanks, readers!

On the Set Of DAYS With Molly Burnett

Molly Burnett has come along way since starting in the role of Melanie Layton on DAYS OF OUR LIVES in July, 2008.  To say fan reaction was negative would be an understatement.  But through much endurance, patience, and good humor, this delightful talent has turned the tables and impressed fans and critics alike. 

We Love Soaps: I want to say how much I’m enjoying your performance on the show.  When you started on the show, a lot of people were not necessarily welcoming towards you.
Molly Burnett:  I got booed [last year] at Day of Days. 

We Love Soaps: Seriously?
Molly Burnett: Openly booed.  My dad was there, I had never been to a fan event before, I was super nervous, and I said [in crying voice], “Oh my God I’m never going to do this again!”

We Love Soaps: Why do you think people responded to Melanie like that?

Happy Thanksgiving To We Love Soaps Readers!

Dear We Love Soaps Readers, 

We wanted to take advantage of this Thanksgiving holiday to say a mighty THANK YOU to all the readers and watchers of We Love Soaps.  We are so appreciative that we have been able to do the podcasts, the videos, and interviews this past year, and also for all the comments and feedback we have received.

Most of all we'd like to say how grateful we are that there are so many intelligent, interesting, and caring readers who take precious time during their day to check out our website.  Together we have honored the history of soaps, mourned the passing of a beloved 72-year treasure, and embraced the future of web-based dramas.   We can't wait to see what happens next, and look forward to having many more lively discussions in the future.

With Much Thanks,
Damon + Roger

'Ma Perkins' Celebrates Thanksgiving

Caption: "Thanks to a bumper turkey crop, CBS Radio's 'Ma Perkins' has ample quantities of the all-American festive favorite for the dual celebration of a long holiday season and her daily program's entry on its 24th year of broadcasting. Virginia Payne stars as 'Ma Perkins.'"

Photo Date: November 29, 1956

Thanks to Rob Wargo

ANOTHER WORLD Thanksgiving Speeches

ANOTHER WORLD's Mac Cory was famous for his holiday speeches. Below are the last two Thanksgiving toasts before his portrayer, the late, great Douglass Watson, passed away on May 1, 1989, just before the show's 25th anniversary. Mac's wife, Rachel, gave the Thanksgiving toast that year. His "I give you life" speech in 1988, Mac's last one on Thanksgiving, was replayed many times later in the show's run.

Mac's Thanksgiving toast, 1987:
"Dear friends, dear family. Well, how fortunate we are just to be able to say those words. How fortunate we are that the past year has brought us the most precious gift of all: the gift of life itself. And we could live it as we choose in this land that is our land. How fortunate we are that the coming year will give to each of us innumerable choices. May we all choose wisely. May we choose the right. And may we live our choices joyfully. To the future!"

Mac's Thanksgiving toast, 1988:
"Well, everybody... It's been a hard year to get through for many of us. Yet, here we all are, for Thanksgiving. And together. I'm very happy Iris is with us after all those years. And as I look at Jamie, Matthew, Amanda, Sam, and then Alexandra, I am grateful for the awareness of the sheer munificence of life as it keeps on rolling on despite our little problems. Sharing our lives with our friends and our family is far stronger than anything that world out there can do to us. Today especially, though indeed every day, Rachel and I our truly blessed. Our riches are at this table with us today. [Looking to the viewer] As indeed you are in our hearts every day. And so I give you, all of us, I give you life!"

Rachel's Thanksgiving toast, 1989:
"Well, here we all are once again. And here I am, trying to stand in for Mac. Pretty hard act to follow ... Where would I be without all of you? I feel very blessed. I love you all. To our unique American family."

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Rue McClanahan (Peggy, SORDID LIVES; ex-Caroline, ANOTHER WORLD) - 75
Marcy Walker (ex-Liza, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Eden, SANTA BARBARA; ex-Tangie, GUIDING LIGHT) - 48
Brandon Buddy (Cole, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 24

ROMANOVICH: Option Activated To Produce 2010 Emmys

Jim Romanovich, ATI president of Worldwide Media and Entertainment, has offered We Love Soaps a look back on the world of soaps in 2009 and revealed that ATI has picked up their option to produce the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 2010! So now the process begins to make the show a reality.

You heard quite a bit from me as we were ramping up towards the Daytime Emmys broadcast in August. There was a lot to say. I also said that after the Emmys my relevance will have dissipated and therefore you wouldn’t hear from me much. So the fact that you’re hearing from me now must signify something important. I’m about to share with you our decision about The Daytime Emmys that wasn’t easy to make but you’ll know why we made it as you read further. It seems apropos this announcement comes as we wind down 2009 and we can look back at what has been, to say the least, a transitional year for the daytime soaps.

One thing is certain. The health of the soaps were riding on the success of 2009. This was the year everyone was measuring as to whether they felt the soaps were still relevant or becoming passé.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV Extra: Day of DAYS with Joseph Mascolo

WE LOVE SOAPS TV's Damon L. Jacobs recently attended the Day of DAYS event at CityWalk Hollywood at Universal Studios. He interviewed most of the cast including Joseph Mascolo. We debuted a portion of this fascinating conversation on last week's episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV but you can watch the entire interview below.



RELATED:
- Day of DAYS is Here! (Photos)
- Day of DAYS: Casey Deidrick & Jay Kenneth Johnson
- Day of DAYS: Shelley Hennig & Mark Hapka
- Day of DAYS: Peggy McKay & Louise Sorel
- Day of DAYS: Wally Kurth & Nadia Bjorlin
- Day of DAYS: Crystal Chappell
- Day of DAYS: Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes
- Day of DAYS: James Reynolds, Renee Jones & Terrell Ransom Jr
- Day of DAYS: Taylor Spreitler & Dylan Patton
- Day of DAYS: Lauren Boles
- Day of DAYS: Eric Martsolf & Lindsay Hartley
- Day of DAYS: Lauren Koslow & Bryan Dattilo

INDIE SOAP BEAT: November 25, 2009

In this week's "Indie Soap Beat" feature, we take a look at the latest happenings from around the world of independent soap opera production including the launch of GOTHAM and a sneak peak at our interview with the creators of PALISADES POOL PARTY.


GOTHAM launched on Monday night at GothamTheSeries.com following a chat with producer/star Martha Byrne. The premiere seemed to be well received by most. The biggest complaint by fans was wanting longer episodes (which is actually a good thing). During the chat, Byrne revealed that longtime GENERAL HOSPITAL star Kin Shriner was joining the cast. Look for more casting news soon.


PALISADES POOL PARTY creators Tai Fauci and Jack Monroe offered We Love Soaps insight into their indie soap in a new interview coming soon. Fauci reveals: "Jack and I were having a creative meeting and he says, 'PALISADES POOL PARTY', then we spent hours figuring out a concept to go along with his inspired title. The title was all his idea; the show was a fully collaborative process. Our first as a creative duo."


It is only nine days until the premiere of VENICE on December 4. If you haven't watched the show's teaser video you can do so here. YouTube has restored the teaser after removing it unexpectedly the day after it rolled out. Look for a make-over of the show's website before the show's premiere. Check out our recent Day of DAYS interview with VENICE producer/star Crystal Chappell here.


REALITY BYTES is looking for a theme song and may have found one. You can listen to "Swank," a potential theme, here and then let the producers know what you think.


The fourth episode of WED-LOCKED, "What's on the tube?" was released on Sunday at Saint-Victor.net. Who hasn't argued with their partners over what to watch on television? If you missed our video interview with with WED-LOCKED producers and stars Lawrence Saint-Victor (Robert) and Karla Mosley (Denise), you can watch it in three parts here, here and here.


Episode #8 of FANTASY OVER REALITY, "State of the Union," is now online on the show's website. Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte will appear on next week's show.


THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS star will no longer be appearing on THE REPUBLIC, scheduled for a February 2010 launch. According to the show's website: "Melody was enthused about starring in THE REPUBLIC, and planned to give it her all, but at the last minute 'an emergency' came up and she had to withdraw. We’re glad she told us up front, because that was very helpful. We hope her emergency resolves and we wish her well."

EDITOR'S NOTE: You can find all our indie soap coverage at IndieSoapBeat.com.

NEWS: Prinz, Mambo, Kennedy, Fox, Thompson

Career world still turns for Rosemary Prinz
Through her long, busy career, Prinz has been fortunate enough to play women along every significant part of life’s journey, from the ingenue Penny, to middle-aged M’Lynn and now Grandma. She deadpans that the best thing about having been on a soap was “the check,” and says that although she went back to AS THE WORLD TURNS a couple of times for Very Special Episodes, returning “is not something I want to do now.”

That’s too bad, because soaps have become the province of model-pretty, mannequin-talented young’uns. Still, Prinz says, growing up on a soap opera is beneficial to inhabiting a character for a very specific reason — “You can follow the trajectory of the character because you’ve lived through it. When you reminisce about something, you’ve actually done it. When Jeff (Penny Hughes’ lover) died, I actually went through it.”

GREEK casts Cappie's parents
Lea Thompson has been cast as Cappie’s free-spirited mother, April, while Jim Abele will play his non-conformist father, Tobias.

“Meeting his parents will have a big impact on Casey,” says a GREEK insider, adding that the modern-day hippies will appear during the second half of the show’s upcoming 10-episode cycle (debuting Jan. 25).

Former GL actor Kevin Mambo starring in "Fela" on Broadway
“We looked at between 60 and 70 guys, and Kevin, like Sahr, made an impression I never forgot,” says director Bill T. Jones.

Then again, he adds, “Kevin was a big guy and I couldn’t imagine seeing him in pink spandex” — a fabric of which Fela was fond.

That was 45 pounds ago. Two gyms, two trainers, one diet — lots of raw fish, no carbs — and regular six-mile runs through Central Park slimmed Mambo down to shimmying speed.

Fox Sets Midseason Schedule; GLEE to follow IDOL
Fox has set its midseason schedule, announcing the season premiere dates for its new and returning shows. GLEE will return with new episodes starting Tuesday, April 13 at 9 p.m., giving it the post-AMERICAN IDOL slot it originally launched with.

AMC's Daniel Kennedy attends “Celebration of Life” event for cancer survivors
“It’s wonderful to be a part of this event honoring the survivors,” said Kennedy. “I also have cancer survivors in my family, so this celebration is a victory for the health care professionals and the patients as well.” Kennedy also added that the hospital was “gorgeous, warm and friendly” and that he enjoyed the celebration.

Arabs Hate American Foreign Policy, but Bring on the TV!
There may be no love lost between nations of the Middle East and Washington, but American dramas and sitcoms, like DAYS OF OUR LIVES and FRIENDS, are as beloved to the Arab world as the ‘hookah’. Shows like DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, GREY'S ANATOMY and LOST are the daily bread and butter of residents of the Middle East who often plan their schedule around their favorite shows.

PREVIEW: Tonight's GLEE "Hairography"

GLEE "Hairography" Episode 11 - Concerned that Sue is up to no good, Will pays a visit to an instructor of a competing Glee Club (guest star Eve) to see what information Sue may be leaking, which leads to the club getting a look at their hair-rising competition. Meanwhile, Kurt gives Rachel amakeover to impress Finn, but he may have ulterior motives in the all-new “Hairography” episode of GLEE airing tonight (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Jackie Hoffman On How To Lose A Viewer After 30 Years

Jackie Hoffman is known to Broadway audiences as Prudy Pingleton in Hairspray and Calliope in Xanadu.  She is best known to soap viewers as the primary prickly protester of gay marriage on ONE LIFE TO LIVE's infamous gay wedding episode [the one who ended up getting a huge smackaroo from Roxie at the end].  On a fabulous interview with our friends at Feast of Fun on 11/23, she discussed her role on ONE LIFE, and how ALL MY CHILDREN lost a loyal viewer of 30 years!

"I watched ALL MY CHILDREN and I did a few spots on ONE LIFE TO LIVE.  I gave up watching ALL MY CHILDREN because it became so baby-centric.  Everybody became, “I have to have a baby, I want a baby, I want a baby.  If I don’t have a baby, I’m not fulfilled.  If I don’t have a baby, I’m not a woman.” I was like "Fuck off", and I stopped watching it after 30 years. You are too baby-centric for my ass!

Press here to listen to the entire fascinating and entertaining interview.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Charlie Holliday (ex-Dr. Campbell, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 71
Paul Copley (ex-Ivor, CORONATION STREET; ex-Ted, DOCTORS) - 65

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.05 Nelson Aspen

On Episode 1.05 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Hollywood's happiest TV personality Nelson Aspen joins Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs for dish on the latest soap hot topics, soap history and Aspen's book, "Hollywood Insider Exposed."

We cover most of the current and many of the classic soaps and if you were a fan of SEARCH FOR TOMORROW you especially don't want to miss this episode. By the end of the show we've discussed everything from Jennifer Aniston to Mary Stuart to Charles Pratt Jr.

We also hit the streets of New York city in our latest "Soaps on the Street" segment and ask fans if they will tune into GENERAL HOSPITAL to watch James Franco.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, you can. The TV show has a different link than our audio podcast. You can find it here.

If you are in the New York City area and would like to be in the audience during a taping of a future episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, email us at audience@welovesoaps.net and we will keep you posted on our upcoming schedule.

Check out these links related to this episode:
- Nelson Aspen Official Website: NelsonAspen.com
- Nelson's Book: "Hollywood Insider Exposed" on Amazon

An Inside Look With GENERAL HOSPITAL's James Franco

James Franco and the GENERAL HOSPITAL cast talk about the nature of his character Franco.

HOT STORIES: Janet, Schuyler, Franco, Thanksgiving

Here are some of the latest soap opera videos to hit the web.

CARJACKED: Janet found Jack on Tuesday's AS THE WORLD TURNS. Unfortunately for her, he was asleep in bed with Carly.

I FEEL DIRTY ALREADY: Schuyler had a hard time coping with the news that Stacy was having "his" baby on Tuesday's ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

FRANCO BLINDFOLDED AND SPUN AROUND: After some playful banter with Franco (James Franco), Maxie ripped his shirt open and they passionately kissed on Tuesday's GENERAL HOSPITAL.

THANKSGIVING IN GENOA CITY: At the Chancellor estate, Chloe blurted out that Mac was going to carry Cane and Lily's baby. Meanwhile, at the Abbott's Ashley and Abby bolted early from dinner.




BONUS:
- The ABC soap stars sing "Jingle Bell Rock" in a new SOAPnet ad.

Kevin Spirtas Is Fully "Loaded": The WLS Interview, Part 3

In Parts One and Two of the WE LOVE SOAPS TV interview with Kevin Spirtas, the actor discussed he role in the new play, "Loaded," reflections on his past roles on DAYS OF OUR LIVES and ONE LIFE TO LIVE, as well as insights into his successful career.  In the final part below, Spirtas shares more about hopes for "Loaded" and his own future. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Were you ever concerned when you were on DAYS that you would be outed?
Kevin Spirtas: No.  I wasn’t leading with that. I still don’t lead with that.  I think there were times when I was nervous about the industry’s point of view about it.  I had a lot of people on the set who knew without asking me anything, without pointing out anything.  If you’re smart, you’re going to figure out who your co-workers are.  I never walked on the set and said, “Boy I had a great date with my girlfriend last night!” I never did any of that stuff.  There was no withholding, I just never overcompensated.

We all got along great.  I loved working on that set, I really, really did.  There were storylines that were outrageously over the top and crazy, but we had a great family.  I can only speak for myself, but I think Patrika [Darbo] and my being there was a very important ingredient for the success of the show at that time.  I know that we were breaking through to a non-conventional form of relationship being seen in that venue of soap opera.  We had fun.  And I knew if we were having fun, then everyone else had to be having fun. 

Weigh In On Potential REALITY BYTES Theme Song

REALITY BYTES, the upcoming web soap from Tristan Rogers and Kate Lang, has put a potential theme song, "Swank," online. What do you think?


RELATED:
- REALITY BYTES for Tristan Rogers & Kate Lang, Part One
- REALITY BYTES for Tristan Rogers & Kate Lang, Part Two

Helen Wagner Returns To ATWT For Thanksgiving

We haven't seen the legendary Helen Wagner for months as Nancy Hughes McCloskey, and only once since September 2008, so it will be a real treat when the 91-year-old actress appears on Wednesday's episode of AS THE WORLD TURNS. The Hughes family will be celebrating Thanksgiving at Tom and Margo's house. Don't miss it!

News Round-up: Byrne, Hulu, Tivo, Web TV, Eakes

Google pacts with Tivo for TV ad data
In its bid to make TV advertising more accountable -- and to sell more of it through its online auction service -- Google has teamed up with TiVo, the companies are set to announce Tuesday.

TiVo will provide Google TV Ads with second-by-second viewing patterns of time-shifted programs in order to "enhance the measurement and accountability of ad impressions," they said.

Hulu's Massive Traffic Bump? Thank ABC, New TV Season
Fueled by the fall TV season and the addition of ABC shows to its library, traffic to Hulu backed by NBC, ABC and Fox spiked nearly 47% in October from the prior month, the biggest single-month percentage gain of the past year.

INTERVIEW: GOTHAM producer/star Martha Byrne
"All parties involved in GOTHAM have decades of daytime television experience. We consider this show a give back to the dedication of the legions of fans that have made soap opera successful."

Most new Web TV shows are created by advertisers
Webisodes — part of a trend called branded entertainment — are growing because marketers feel compelled to find new methods to reach consumers in an era when the traditional media are losing eyeballs, ears, hearts, minds and perhaps other body parts to the Internet.

Daytime soap's best celebrity cameos
James Franco on GENERAL HOSPITAL is the latest in a nutty legacy that includes Elizabeth Taylor and Snoop Dogg.

Eakes and Indelicato to appear at Philadelphia Thanksgiving parade
Bobbie Eakes from ALL MY CHILDREN and Mark Indelicato from UGLY BETTY are among the celebrities who will be on hand at the 2009 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade.

Firms channeling apps to TV
Consumer electronics makers and software companies are hoping to take a page from Apple's App Store and turn the TV into a dynamic, evolving platform for widgets and applications.

Behind 90210's SoCal style: Costume designer Frank Helmer reveals the secrets of his trade
“Our manifesto was to make our show the representation of Southern California style,” explains Helmer.

OLTL's Scott Evans Covers Instinct Magazine

ONE LIFE TO LIVE star Scott Evans (Fish) appears on the cover of the December 2009/January 2010 issue of Instinct Magazine.

The increasing visibility of Fish (as the character’s fictional friends tenderly call him) hasn’t only padded the wallet of the blond, Massachusetts-born actor but has stimulated the wider GLBT community as well. Unbeknownst to Scott at the beginning of the year, Officer Fish was to be the catalyst for an important story line in the daytime drama—a story line that would bring the show’s gay subplots to a boil. In early summer, and after some speculation, the fictional boy behind the badge came out of the closet—a Fish out of water, so to speak.

Highlighting the story’s impact, gay and straight viewers alike have responded in droves by writing to the daytime star. “I’ve gotten letters from people saying that my story line has helped them, that they are in the closet and don’t know what to do. It’s extremely sad,” he laments. “The writers have been doing such a fantastic job with making it so real that a lot of people can relate to it.”

PREVIEW: Today's DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Victor questions Vivian about her motives for coming to Salem on today's episode of DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

Thanksgiving Holiday Soap Schedule

As usual the daytime soaps will be interrupted due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Here is a rundown of the pre-emptions:

ABC
Thursday the soaps will air encore episodes (not to be confused with classics) and Friday all three shows will not air.

Thursday's encores will include ALL MY CHILDREN presenting the labor-filled episode where Amanda gives birth ... and Liza pretending to give birth. On ONE LIFE TO LIVE, you can re-live the episode where Blair came tumbling out that second-story window. And on GENERAL HOSPITAL, you get a second chance to watch James Franco's GH debut from last week.

CBS
AS THE WORLD TURNS and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL are pre-empted Thursday and Friday. CBS will air encore episodes of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS both days.

NBC
DAYS OF OUR LIVES is pre-empted on Thursday but will air an all new episode on Friday.

SOAPnet
"Holiday for the HOLIDATES" marathon on Thursday (no comment) and a "Chillin' with Dylan" BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 marathon on Friday.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Roscoe Born (Mitch, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Trent, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Tom, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Jim, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Joe, RYAN'S HOPE; ex-Quinn, SANTA BARBARA; ex-Warden, PASSIONS; ex-Adamski, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 59
Wortham Krimmer (ex-Andrew, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Cal, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 59
Lisa Howard (ex-April, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Meg, RYAN'S HOPE) - 46
Sarah Hyland (Heather, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Rain, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Karen, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Ali, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 19

Kin Shriner Joining The Cast of GOTHAM

In case you missed the lively chat Martha Byrne held with fans last night at GothamTheSeries.com, the actressed confirmed that soap veteran Kin Shriner (Scotty, GH; Keith, ATWT; et al.) would be joining the cast of her indie soap, GOTHAM.

The soap had a smashing debut last night and left fans guessing who the mystery voices here on the phone and wanted to see what happens after Richard saw Catherine.

In case you were wondering about the opening song, it was "Ali for Cody" by Senses Fail. Director/writer Lisa Brown's son is th lead singer of the band. You can purchase their music in the GOTHAM Shop.