Wednesday, March 31, 2010

CLASSIC CLIPS: Macdonald Carey

Macdonald Carey came in at #40 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actors of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Carey's work on DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

1965: Tom deals with a shoplifting Julie.

1966: Tom and Alice discuss Marie.
1979: The Hortons sing "Always" - this never gets old.

1983: Tom and Alice are happy Marie is finally going to be happy.
1984: Alice tells Tom that she helped Roman.

1984: Tom learns that Roman is dead.
1986: Tom speaks about Eugene.

1987: Tom surprises Alice with a romantic dinner.
1990: A Tom and Alice restrospective on DAYS' 25th anniversary.

1993: Tom Horton's final Christmas.
1994: A tribute to Macdonald Carey at the Daytime Emmy Awards.

ATWT's Eileen Fulton To Celebrate 50 Years With April Show

Eileen Fulton, who stars on the CBS-TV soap opera, AS THE WORLD TURNS, is returning to one of NYC’s premiere cabaret clubs, Don’t Tell Mama, beginning, Friday, April l6 – Sunday, April 18th in a special 3 day tribute concert, aptly titled, "AS THE WORLD TURNS - Celebrating her 50th years on the show."

The original “diva of daytime”, Fulton says of her show, “It’s bittersweet, yet wonderful to celebrate 50 years and what could be a more exciting time than during the AS THE WORLD TURNS Fan Club weekend, here in New York, where the show has originated from for all these years. I get to sing for and personally connect with all my long time devoted fans. The show is almost over, but I’m not over and I’m delighted to be able to present this tribute and spend time with everybody”.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.21 Jo Weil

On Episode 1.21 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Damon L. Jacobs goes on location to the "Gays of Our Lives" weekend event in New York City on March 27, and interviews FORBIDDEN LOVE (VERBOTENE LIEBE) star Jo Weil (Oliver).



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, you can find it here.

Other "Gays of Our Lives" interviews you may be interested in:
- Hal Sparks
- Thore Schölermann
- Scott Evans & Gregory Michael

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:
- Gays of Our Lives
- Jo Weil on Facebook

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

NEWS: Byrne, DWTS, VILF, Newman on L&O

HBO unveils TRUE BLOOD marketing poster - VILF
HBO has unveiled a new marketing effort for its series TRUE BLOOD, an attention-grabbing poster consisting of a single word: "VILF." The poster, a play off the slang word "MILF," is one piece of a 12-part weekly advertising series to promote the vampire drama, months in advance of the show's planned June 13 return.

Shannen Doherty eliminated from DWTS, Aiden Turner survives
Doherty was the first celebrity contestant to be eliminated from DANCING WITH THE STARS this season after performing just two dances. Aiden Turner surived another week. To read our interview with Turner, click here.

Byrne, Kristen & Gregory team up with UNO Chicago Grill for Love Our Children Day
On Thursday, April 8th, the Eastside and Westside locations of UNO Chicago Grill will donate 20% of each check to Love Our Children USA to help keep America’s children safe during the Seventh Annual National Love Our Children Day. And to make the day even more exciting, soap stars, TV news anchors and weather anchors such as Martha Byrne (GOTHAM), Ilene Kristen and David Gregory(ONE LIFE TO LIVE), Mike Woods (Fox 5 News), Elise Finch and Lonnie Quinn (WCBS, ALL MY CHILDREN), Maria Sansone, Siafa Lewis and George Oliphant (LXTV), Andrew Siff and David Ushery (WNBC) and many others will be on hand to help raise awareness and funds by being guest waiters.

Has CAPRICA lived up to the promise?‎
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA's retro-futurist prequel has reached its mid-season finale. Has it done enough to keep you watching?

Robert Newman to guest on LAW & ORDER tonight
Newman tweeted: "Bit part, but a hoot."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Come see Robert Newman perform at "We Love Soaps Weekend." Click here for details.

PCA Soap Opera Panels This Friday

More than a dozen contributors to a forthcoming book on the current state and future of U.S. daytime soap operas will be presenting at the national annual gathering of the Popular Culture Association and American Culture Association in St. Louis this Friday, April 2.

FLASHBACK: Macdonald Carey 1966

A Soap Opera M.D. Again

Macdonald Carey Resumes Practice


By Cynthia Lowry
Associate Press
March 18, 1966

NEW YORK (AP) - Actors are considered by non-actors to be an artistic breed apart. They must be, or why would non-acting journalists constantly ask them why they took this part or that.

And actors, rising gracefully to a silly question, faithfully play the game - the story "excited" them, the part had great "potential." Few ever mention the crass necessity of a job and income, but this is belled by the high proportion of swimming pools and foreign sports cars owned by successful actors.

50 Greatest Soap Actors: #40 Macdonald Carey

NAME: Macdonald Carey
RANK: 40
SOAP ROLES: Tom Horton, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1965-1994); WOMAN IN WHITE (1937), Dick Grosvenor, STELLA DALLAS; Jonathan Hillery, JUST PLAIN BILL; JOHN'S OTHER WIFE (1937); Hickory, YOUNG HICKORY (1937), THE STORY OF ELLEN RANDOLPH

AWARDS:
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award Editor's Choice
1985 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Actor in a Mature Role in a Daytime Serial
1984 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Actor in a Mature Role in a Daytime Serial
1979 Soapy Award win for Favorite Actor in a Mature Role
1978 Soapy Award win for Favorite Actor in a Mature Role
1976 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
1975 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
1974 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
1973 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Achievement by Individuals in Daytime Drama
1968 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Daytime Programming - Individuals

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Damon L. Jacobs:  He played the quintessential grandfather, healer, voice of reason, calm in the storm.  No matter what happened to the residents of Salem, or in the days of my own lives, Macdonald Carey's presence emanated a grounding presence that let us all know that everything would be okay in time.  My mother watched DAYS while pregnant with me, and to this day there are few sounds that soothe me as effectively as Carey's voice reciting, "Like sands through the hourglass..." It is the mark of a profoundly dignified soul, and glacially talented actor, that his spirit remains alive, vital in Salem, and heard five times a week. Daytime would not have been the same without him, and neither would I.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Shirley Jones (ex-Colleen, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 76
Christopher Walken (ex-Mike, GUIDING LIGHT) - 67
Anne Marie Howard (ex-Nicole, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Kimberly, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 50
Emma Atkins (ex-Charity, EMMERDALE) - 35

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

CLASSIC CLIPS: Stephen Nichols

Stephen Nichols came in at #41 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actors of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Nichols' work on DAYS OF OUR LIVES and GENERAL HOSPITAL.

1985: Steve spends Christmas Eve with "The Pawn".
1986: Steve gives Kayla his mother's necklace.

1987: Steve and Kayla in the hot springs.
1987: Steve wants answers from Jo.

1988: Steve and Kayla's wedding.
1990: The Johnsons have a family dinner.

1996: Stefan and Laura island flashbacks.
2003: Stefan has no interest in Sonny's blood money.

2007: Steve does his best Roman Brady impersonation.
2008: Kayla has Steve's blood pumping.

Y&R April Promo: A Nikki Newman Sighting!

CBS.com has released an interesting April promo for THE YOUNG AND RESTLESS with various shots of a masquerade ball. It looks like things will reach an interesting climax during the event. If a few bad guys got their comeuppance I would be thrilled. But I'm most happy to see Melody Thomas Scott's Nikki at the event. Nikki has been my favorite Y&R character for decades and whichever brilliant person in charge has decided she should be a guest star on this show is making a huge mistake. Let's hope this is being rectified soon! No offense to anyone, and love the actors, but I would trade a hundred Adams and Pattys for more Nikki Newman. Watch the promo below.

Catch Up on WE LOVE SOAPS TV

In the past two weeks we've interview Anthony Geary, Scott Evans, Gregory Michael, Ilene Kristen, Bradford Anderson, Hal Sparks, Thore Schölermann, Brandon Barash, Adam Mayfield and many more on WE LOVE SOAPS TV. We also released Nelson Aspen's "Where Are They Now Tour" interview with former soap superstar Larkin Malloy. Catch up on these videos below.


Look for interviews with Jo Weil and Tom Chroust in the coming days as well as full-length episodes featuring the cast of ANACOSTIA and Daytime Confidential's Jamey Giddens.

NEWS: SOAPnet 50% Growth, Rebranding, Refvem, Franco

Will cable drive conglomerates' earnings? SOAPnet 50% growth helping Disney
Cable is still king when it comes to driving the revenue and profits of Hollywood's entertainment giants -- and the degree to which they do will become clear as the conglomerates report first-quarter earnings in a few weeks. SOAPnet is one of the many cable networks helping Disney by growing its audience by 2.5 million viewers last year, swelling by 50%.

How to Rebuild A Cable Network
The cable business has a long history of rebranding networks— with dozens of hits and misses alike to show for it. Oftentimes, it’s a new owner calling for a rebrand in an attempt to grow a new asset. Or perhaps a network has simply hit a rut, or its owners are looking for some fresh attention or a different focus.

Another Corinthos Replaced on GH
A scheduling conflict with an upcoming pilot has led GENERAL HOSPITAL to replace Aaron Refvem with Aaron Sanders in the role of Morgan, the son of Carly and Sonny. Look for the new Morgan starting on April 14, according to a show spokesperson.

Yale University Accepts James Franco for PhD Program
The actor — who played a sociopath serial killer named Franco on GENERAL HOSPITAL — is swapping roles and becoming a real-life doc, now that he’s been accepted into the English Ph.D. program at Yale University.

UK TV Ratings: Double EASTENDERS hits veiwer 2010 low
EASTENDERS double episode was the most watched television program Friday night with 8.35 million viewers. However, it was the show’s lowest audience of 2010.

What's Eating Elizabeth? How GH's Fallen Heroine Can Heal

Poor Elizabeth Webber has seen better days.  Rarely has a woman on daytime been so enamored of cheating, and then felt so mortally guilty for it.  She has been spending the past month in Shady Brook so she can rest, heal, and ponder the errors of her ways.  She is now claiming she is ready to leave the facility and return to her daily life.  But has she received the help she needs? And can she make it in every day life? Let’s find out. 

Elizabeth Webber blew into Port Charles in the Summer of 1997 as a rebellious, independent, cigarette smoking, wise cracking teenager, determined to capture the heart of Lucky Spencer, who was distracted by her older sister Sarah.  Her traumatic rape on Valentine’s Day in 1998 became the foundation of their relationship, as Lucky spent the next year helping Elizabeth learn to heal, to trust, to love, and somewhere along the way, to quit smoking.

Over the next decade, the couple endured numerous make-ups, and breakups including Elizabeth’s disastrous marriage to Rick Lansing, her birth to two sons with different fathers (Zander and Jason), Lucky’s addiction to pain meds, affairs with Maxie and Sam, and a truckload of misunderstandings and assumptions.  Through it all their bond survived and Elizabeth was well on her way to achieving her professed goal of having her “dream house in the country” with Lucky.  That is, until she decided to start sleeping with Lucky’s brother (and former enemy) Nikolas Cassadine.

Rick Springfield In Chicken Soup Book Giveaway!

Great news for We Love Soaps readers.  We have a few copies left of "Chicken
Soup For The Soul: The Story Behind The Song", featuring inspiring stories about the hit songs from Rick Springfield (GENERAL HOSPITAL), Philip Bailey, Taylor Dayne, Melissa Etheridge, Joan Jett, Lisa Loeb, Aaron Neville, Iggy Pop, Brenda Russell, Carly Simon, Diane Warren, Kanye West, and dozens more.

All you have to do to win is answer five questions based on We Love Soaps interviews over this past year.  The first five readers with the correct answers sent to Jacobs@welovesoaps.net will win the book.  [NOTE: please do NOT post the answers on this post].  Good luck!

1. What news did Suzanne Rogers get from her doctor in 1985? How did she respond?

2. Accoring to Tony Geary, what are two simple things people can do to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS?

3. Louise Sorel is an outspoken advocate for animal rights.  What are two organizations she discussed supporting during our interview?

4. Which WLS Weekend star double majored in Psychology and Women’s Studies in college?

5. What book has Adam Mayfield used to challenge and reduce his destructive thought patterns?

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.20 Hal Sparks

On Episode 1.20 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Damon L. Jacobs goes on location to the "Gays of Our Lives" weekend event in New York City on March 27, and interviews former QUEER AS FOLK star Hal Sparks.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, 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:
- Gays of Our Lives
- Hal Sparks on Twitter

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the We Love Soaps "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of March 21-27, 2010. STEAMBOAT finished in the top spot for the second straight week. Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible. Check back on Saturday when this week's polling begins.


Watch/listen to last week's indie soaps:
- ANYONE BUT ME
- AS THE CORN GROWS
- CHICK
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM
- JACLIFE
- PREVIOUSLY ON POINT DUME
- PRETTY
- STEAMBOAT
- TABLE OF CHOICES
- THE LIKE US SHOW

FLASHBACK: Stephen Nichols/DAYS Hits #1 1988

Wedding lifts `Days' to No. 1 soaps rating

By Robert Feder
Chicago Sun-Times
August 17, 1988

There's nothing like an old-fashioned wedding to boost the ratings of a soap opera.

In the case of DAYS OF OUR LIVES, the long-awaited nuptials of Patch Johnson and Kayla Brady helped catapult the NBC daytime drama to the top spot in the ratings for the first time in 14 years. Since the star-crossed lovers (played by Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans) exchanged vows on July 25, DAYS OF OUR LIVES has overtaken ABC's GENERAL HOSPITAL as the most popular soap in the country.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.19 Thore Schölermann

On Episode 1.19 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Damon L. Jacobs goes on location to the "Gays of Our Lives" weekend event in New York City on March 27, and interviews FORBIDDEN LOVE (VERBOTENE LIEBE) star Thore Schölermann (Christian).



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, 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:
- Gays of Our Lives
- Thore Schölermann on Facebook

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

50 Greatest Soap Actors: #41 Stephen Nichols

NAME: Stephen Nichols
RANK: 41
SOAP ROLES: Tucker McCall, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (2010-present); Steve "Patch" Johnson, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1985-1990, 2006-2009); Stefan Cassadine, GENERAL HOSPITAL (1996-2003); Carl Canin, MELROSE PLACE (1993); Skyler Gates, SANTA BARBARA (1992)

AWARDS:
1998 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Super Couple: Daytime
1989 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Favorite Super Couple: Daytime
1989 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Hero: Daytime
1988 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role: Daytime
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role on a Daytime Serial

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Nelson Aspen: GH proved there was more to this man than "Patch" and as great as it always is to seem him back in Salem, I'm just glad Y&R had the sense to sign him up and keep us from having to wait for DOOL to wise up.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Justin Deas (Scott, STEAMBOAT; ex-Buzz, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Keith, SANTA BARBARA; ex-Tom, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Bucky, RYAN'S HOPE) - 62
Ian Ziering (ex-Erich, THE DOCTORS; ex-Cam, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Steve, BEVERLY HILLS, 90210) - 46
Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 39

Monday, March 29, 2010

DANCING WITH THE STARS: Vote for Aiden Turner

Aiden Turner and Edyta Sliwinkska danced the Foxtrot on tonight's episode of DANCING WITH THE STARS. You can vote for Aiden and to keep a soap star in the competition at

1-800-868-3409

You can vote 11 times!

Click here to read our interview with Aiden Turner from Monday afternoon just hours before the show.

GOTHAM: Episode #10 is Here

GOTHAM is back with an all new episode tonight and we get some comedy between Doris (Suzan Perry) and Samantha (Brianne Moncrief). But things take a turn for the serious when Elizabeth (Anna Stuart) wants answers from Richard (Michael Park). We also get a litte more insight into the character of Jayqui (LaMont Craig). Enjoy!

CLASSIC CLIPS: Vincent Irizarry

Vincent Irizarry came in at #42 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actors of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Irizarry's work on GUIDING LIGHT, SANTA BARBARA, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and ALL MY CHILDREN.

1985: Lujack's "Out in the Street" video.
1985: Lujack dies in Beth's arms.

1985: Beth dreams of Lujack while "Almost Paradise" plays. Pure soap heaven.
1988: Scott and Heather make love.

1992: Nick and Mindy get handcuffed with Harley's handcuffs.
1993: Nick chooses Eve over Mindy.

2000: David assumes Dixie wants him on Halloween.
2001: David saves Dixie's life.

2008: David and Nikki have trouble on a flight.
2008: Krystle stops David from ending it all.

NEWS: June Havoc, Lifehouse, Benard, ABC Family, Bree

Actress June Havoc dead at 97
June Havoc, who appeared on vaudeville stages when she was 2 as Baby June and went on to a successful acting career — but saw her accomplishments overshadowed by the fictionalized portrayal of her in the 1959 musical “Gypsy” — died on Sunday at her home in Stamford, Conn. She was 97. The death was confirmed by her caregiver, Tana Sibilio. Her last television credit was GENERAL HOSPITAL. She previously appeared on SEARCH FOR TOMORROW. Colleen Zenk Pinter tweeted earlier: "Lost a great friend yesterday. June Havoc. One of a kind. Amazing to all who knew her."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Nelson Aspen has shared a memory of June Havoc with We Love Soaps.

I vaguely remember when June Havoc came in to SFT, working as a day player. Most folks my age had no idea of her rich showbiz history, but as a kid who grew up singing the score to "Gypsy," I was of course most impressed by the "real life" Baby June! Too bad Lisa Peluso (ex-Wendy, SFT) had already departed from the show...she actually portrayed "Baby June" on Broadway when she was a tot...that would have been a cool shared experience for them.

What I DO recall about Ms. Havoc was her annual "Blessing of the Animals" which she held in Connecticut. Lots of her friends from the entertainment industry would head north from Manhattan to attend. My mentor, Mary Stuart, would get her beautiful bearded collie, Mozart, all bathed and brushed for the festivities.

It's nice to think that after such a long and interesting life, Ms. Havoc is now reunited in Heaven with Mamma Rose and sister Gypsy Rose Lee!

(Another SFT degree of seperation: Lisa Peluso's on screen sister, Cynthia Gibb (ex-Suzy), portrayed June's sister Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee in the 1993 TV movie version of Gypsy!)

Bree Williamson expecting first child
"Bree Williamson is thrilled to confirm the very happy news that she and her husband, Michael, are expecting their first child this fall," shares a show spokesperson. There's no word yet on whether Williamson's pregnancy will be written into Jessica's storyline.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Come see Bree Williamson and many other daytime favorites at "We Love Soaps Weekend" May 21-23, 2010.

LAWEBFEST Wraps: Indie Soaps Honored

The Los Angeles Web Series Festival screened 47 web series over the weekend at their first annual event. On Sunday night, an awards ceremony was held honoring the best of the best. DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM, recent winner of the Indie Soap Award as Best Indie Soap, was named Web Series of the Year.

27 shows won 51 awards in 21 categories.

Wins by Web Series
8 SEMI-DEAD
3 ANACOSTIA
3 VENICE
3 PARTY GIRL PLUS ONE
3 BLUE BELLE
3 TRAVELISTA
3 ABIOLA'S KISS & TELL TV
2 THE NEW 20S
2 BILL
2 SAFETY GEEKS
2 THE SEXUALLY
2 ORLANDO'S JOINT
2 OFTEN AWESOME

The ANACOSTIA wins were Supporting Actor in a Drama (Walter Maxfield Jones), Supporting Actress in a Drama, and Best Theme Song. THE NEW 20S won Supporting Actor in a Drama (Erin Wiley) and Supporting Actress in a Drama (David Haley). VENICE won for Outstanding Achievement in a Drama Series, Best Theme Music and Lead Actress in a Drama (Crystal Chappell).

There were multiple winners in each category.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

INTERVIEW: Aiden Turner is Dancing With The Stars

Aiden Turner recently finished a seven and a half year run on ALL MY CHILDREN as Aidan Devane. He then moved out to Los Angeles and hit the audition circuit. He's now starring on this season's DANCING WITH THE STARS partnered with Edyta Sliwinska. The pair scored a lower than expected 15 on last week's premiere episode after doing the Cha Cha Cha. We Love Soaps caught up with Turner this afternoon as he battled a cold and prepared to dance for your votes on tonight's show.

We Love Soaps: You played an obnoxious anchorman in Manhattanites and I was so impressed with your performance. But now you've impressed me even more by joining the cast of DANCING WITH THE STARS. What made you want to do this show?
Aiden Turner: Live audiences really scare me, and I don't have any professional dance experience at all, and I thought it would be a really good challenge for me. It's something I've never done before and a good experience - being taught how to dance for free and trying to perform it on a show that's live on TV. It's kind of nerve-wracking but I thought it would be a good challenge and experience and something I would look back on and be glad I did. I was shying away from it a little bit and that made me want to do it even more. Like Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS when I chose to sing on stage [at the annual ABC/SOAPnet benefit concert], that was nerve-wracking, but I wish I had the chance to do it again and again. I only did it once. Dancing is, of course, different than singing, but I want to stay in the competition to get more experience dancing in front of a live audience and challenge myself every week.

Ricky Martin Comes Out!

We Love Soaps has learned that Ricky Martin, who played Miguel on GENERAL HOSPITAL in the mid-1990s, came out as a "fortunate homosexual man" today on his website

We praise Martin for having the courage to stand up against whatever elements had kept him from announcing this previously, and choosing to share this information publicly.  Even if daytime television opts to keep gays/lesbians off our screens, we can rest assured that more public figures will provide inspiration for living life authentically.

In this photo, Martin is posing with twin sons, Matteo and Valentino, that he had via a surrogate mother in August 2008.

Part of Martin's coming out message is below:

These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed.

What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment. The word "happiness" takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.

I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.

Alison Sweeney at the LifeStyles Condoms Make Out Booth

You may know the LifeStyles Condoms Make Out Booth that’s made its way to celebrity studded events like the Sundance Film Festival and the Malibu Beach House, bringing us celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan and the girls from THE HILLS / The CITY.

Well, this weekend the booth made it’s way to Perez Hilton’s 32nd Birthday Bash in Los Angeles, and party-goers including DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Alison Sweeney, songstress Leona Lewis, Playboy Playmate Bridget Marquardt and RENO 911 star Niecy Nash couldn’t get enough.

Check out the picture of Sweeney having a good time at last night's event.

Photo Credit: LifeStyles Condoms / the LifeStyles Condoms Make Out Booth, which helps raise awareness for sexual health by dispensing a strip of LifeStyles SKYN Condoms with every photo strip.

Frances Reid Tribute Video

Here is a tribute to longtime soap star Frances Reid put together by her family.

Chicken Soup Give Away Contest!

We have a special treat today for We Love Soaps readers.  We are giving away five copies of "Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Story Behind The Song", featuring inspiring stories about the hit songs from Rick Springfield (GENERAL HOSPITAL), Philip Bailey, Taylor Dayne, Melissa Etheridge, Joan Jett, Lisa Loeb, Aaron Neville, Iggy Pop, Brenda Russell, Carly Simon, Diane Warren, Kanye West, and dozens more.

All you have to do to win is answer five questions based on We Love Soaps interviews over this past year.  The first five readers with the correct answers sent to Jacobs@welovesoaps.net will win the book.  [NOTE: please do NOT post the answers on this post].  Good luck!

1. What news did Suzanne Rogers get from her doctor in 1985? How did she respond?

2. Accoring to Tony Geary, what are two simple things people can do to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS?

3. Louise Sorel is an outspoken advocate for animal rights.  What are two organizations she discussed supporting during our interview?

4. Which WLS Weekend star double majored in Psychology and Women’s Studies in college?
 
5. What book has Adam Mayfield used to challenge and reduce his destructive thought patterns?

Original Bible: AS THE EARTH TURNS, Part 7

Irna Phillips created AS THE WORLD TURNS in 1955 and a pilot was shot in November of that year. AS THE WORLD TURNS debuted on April 2, 1956. In Part 1 of the original story bible for the soap, called AS THE EARTH TURNS at that point, some background details on the concept of the show and the locale were provided. In Part 2, the character of Christopher Hughes was described in detail. In Part 3, we found out more about Chris, his family and career. In Part 4, the original vision for the character of Nancy Hughes was explained. In Part 5, the character description for Edith Hughes, who would be played by Ruth Warrick, was revealed. In Part 6, the characters of Fred (Grandpa) Hughes Bobby Hughes were described. In Part 7 below, Chris and Nancy's other children, Penny and Don, are fleshed out.

AUCTION: ATWT Mondi Coat From Hillary B.Smith

Hillary B. Smith is currently running a weekly auction to raise money for the Willie-Coppee Fund. This week's item, a beautiful Mondi coat, is now up for bid.

The Willie-Coppee Fund is a joint charitable endeavor between Smith and her good friend, television writer and multiple-best-selling author Lindsay Harrison, and services clients of the CA-based Sherman Oaks Veterinary Group. The fund was established several years ago to honor the memory of their beloved dogs, Willie (Lindsay's Bichon Frise) and Coppee (Hillary's Golden Retriever), and serves to discreetly assist pet owners who may be struggling with overwhelming veterinary bills. Endowments that assist pet owners are incredibly important in today's challenged economy, as countless individuals are unable to provide routine care and medically necessary services for their furry friends.

Full item description below.

PREVIEW: Tonight's ABC Family Soap Opera Block

The ABC Family Monday soap block features all new episodes of 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU and GREEK tonight. For GREEK, it's the season finale.

The students of CRU are on Spring Break in Myrtle Beach, which means the year is winding down and the seniors have big decisions looming over their heads. As Ashleigh contemplates her job options, Casey is on edge waiting to see where she’ll be accepted to law school. While Cappie is busy planning a romantic surprise for Casey’s birthday, she worries that not making it into CRU Law could mean the demise of their relationship. Will Cappie and Casey survive Spring Break intact? Find out in the 3rd season finale of the ABC Family hit series GREEK, premiering tonight (10:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT). The episode, entitled "All Children... Grow Up,” was directed by Michael Lange and written by Patrick Sean Smith.

We Love Soaps NCAA Tournament Standings

The NCAA Tournament field is down to the Final Four and there is only one #1 seed left - Duke. Luckily for me, I picked Duke to win it all. And they will have to for my horrible bracket to have a shot.

Here are the standings as of today (rank/team/points/national champ):
1 babslet1 820 (Michigan State)
2 ascinta_2010 670 (West Virginia)
3 telep3 600 (Ohio State)
4 Roger Newcomb 580 (Duke)
5 As the World B. Free 530 (Syracuse)
6 poetlau1 1 480 (Kansas)
7 kathowie 440 (Kansas)
8 tracyj516 430 (Kansas)
9 jbrr1212 420 (Kansas)

NEWS: Tony Geary, Y&R Casting, Ambra, CW, 'ENDERS

Y&R casting African American actress
A Y&R casting call has gone out for "Simone," described as a "fun, breakout role." The character description says: She should be an ample-figured African-American female in her mid-30s. She will be sharp, sassy and bold, street-smart and unafraid of confrontation. She wears her emotions on her sleeve and does not suffer fools gladly. She dresses like she is going to a ball. She loves herself and knows she is "all that." The role is contract and will start around late-April.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Dear Y&R casting, Tichina Arnold has been the obvious choice for a while now. Call her!

SURVIVOR'S James Clement wants to be on Y&R
"I wanna be on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. That would be funny. I love that show! It's be nice, whatever. I just wanna have more fun. I'll just be in the background."

INTERVIEW: GH's Anthony Geary (Luke)
"It is difficult to express what Gloria [Monty] meant to me. She was the guardian angel of my career. She taught me to believe in myself as an actor in a profound way. She expanded my limited vision of myself as a supporting player, by giving me a role that embodied all the elements of the outsider that I identified with while employing elements of the classic leading man that I thought were beyond me. She created a true anti-hero and placed him at the center of her show. She literally handed me a lifetime of work in the form of one character.

"I came from the stage and had been a regular on two soap operas, BRIGHT PROMISE and THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, so I was in my element. Ms Monty and I were comfortable with each other immediately. To say we 'hit if off' would be a gross understatement."

Ronnie Marmo receives Robert Pastorelli Rising Star Award
Marmo said when he first went to Hollywood, with only 68 cents in his pocket, he had hoped to make one movie that his friends could rent at the local video store. His credits now include actor, writer, director and producer for the big screen, stage and television. He has been playing Ronnie DiMestico, an undercover cop on GENERAL HOSPITAL since July.

Another plot twist coming in the saga of EASTENDERS' Christian & Syed
The storyline will reportedly come to a head at the end of next month, with Amira finding out about her husband's sexual orientation. Christian is then attacked by a Muslim character. Although it is not yet known who is responsible, Amira and Syed's fathers will both be in the frame for the attack. The Muslim Public Affairs Committee has already criticized the gay storyline and said last year that the BBC had missed the chance to present a "normal friendly Muslim character" to the British public.

CW to Double Ads in Web Shows
The U.S. network, a joint venture of CBS Corp. and Time Warner Inc., plans next TV season to double the commercials in Web versions of its shows, including GOSSIP GIRL. That's a steep increase from the one or two ads per online commercial break that have become more standard as media companies jockey to keep Web video from undermining the traditional TV business.

Television networks are being forced to rethink their Web strategies as more viewers turn to Web video and ad revenue there remains paltry. The wide availability of TV shows online could lead younger viewers to ditch pay-TV subscriptions, from which TV companies reap tens of billions of dollars a year.

Ambra twins starring on AS THE WORLD TURNS
They're just 7 months old but they are already cashing paychecks. Joseph and James Ambra recently traded their residence of East Stroudsburg for the fictitious town of Oakdale.

"I started contacting talent agencies, and one called me back right after they received the twins' pictures," said the boys' dad, Thomas Ambra. "She told me the kids were adorable and told me about the soap opera. She asked for updated pictures, and the next day I got a call that the soap opera wanted to meet the kids."

PHOTOS: Michael Park and the cast of "The Burnt Part Boys"
The cast and creators of "The Burnt Part Boys," the new musical co-produced by Playwrights Horizons and Vineyard Theatre, greeted the press during a March 26 rehearsal.

GLEE returning at odd time of 9:29
GLEE's Spring Premiere will air at a special time on April 13th at 9:28/8:28c after AMERICAN IDOL.

Tika Sumpter Still on Contract With OLTL?
Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Sumpter is still on contract with ONE LIFE TO LIVE, not recurring.

Colin McEnroe: WWE is like a soap opera if....
"WWE really is a lot like a soap opera if there was a soap opera on which, every time the characters would ordinarily make out, they smashed each other with aluminum chairs instead. Unless the characters were both women, in which case they would just continue to make out."

FLASHBACK: Vincent Irizarry 1993

'Guiding Light' Fans Delighted At Return Of Vincent Irizarry

By John Goudas
King Features Syndicate
July 25, 1993

When Vincent Irizarry left GUIDING LIGHT in 1985, he had gained quite a following playing Lujack, a rebellious young man who could turn any woman's head with his sexy smile. Fans kept writing the soap asking when Irizarry would be back. And the producers told him that he could come back anytime he wanted. However, Irizarry went to Hollywood and branched out into prime-time, winning the coveted role of the gangster-father in Jackie Collins' miniseries Lucky/Chances, among other parts. When he returned to soaps, it was on SANTA BARBARA, where he met and married Signy Coleman, who is currently in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. (They have since divorced and have a young daughter named Siena.)

WE LOVE SOAPS TV Extra: Vincent Irizarry

WE LOVE SAOPS TV reporter Stephen Seidel traveled to the set of ALL MY CHILDREN in February 2010 and spoke with several members of the cast including Emmy winner Vincent Irizarry. You can watch that interview below, and watch the entire episode here.

50 Greatest Soap Actors: #42 Vincent Irizarry

NAME: Vincent Irizarry
RANK: 42
SOAP ROLES: David Hayward, ALL MY CHILDREN (1997-2006, 2006-present); David Chow, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (2007-2008); David Hayward, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (2005); Riggs, BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 (1997) Nick McHenry Spaulding, GUIDING LIGHT (1991-1996); Scott Clark, SANTA BARBARA (1987-1989); Brandon "Lujack" Luvanoczeck, GUIDING LIGHT (1984-1986)

AWARDS:
2009 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
2005 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor
2002 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1999 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Villain
1986 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Younger Leading Man in a Drama Series
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Favorite Daytime Super Couple on a Daytime Serial
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Young Leading Actor in a Daytime Serial

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Alan Carter: Two indelible marks on daytime as Lujack and evil Dr. David...

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the We Love Soaps "Daytime Soap of the Week" poll for the week of March 22-26, 2010. DAYS OF OUR LIVES remained on top for the ninth straight week. ALL MY CHILDREN moved into the Top 3 for the first time. Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Christopher Lawford (ex-Charlie, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 55

WLS Chicken Soup Giveaway Contest Coming Today!

We have a special treat today for We Love Soaps readers.  Later we will be giving away five copies of "Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Story Behind The Song, featuring inspiring stories about the hit songs from Rick Springfield (GENERAL HOSPITAL), Philip Bailey, Taylor Dayne, Melissa Etheridge, Joan Jett, Lisa Loeb, Aaron Neville, Iggy Pop, Brenda Russell, Carly Simon, Diane Warren, Kanye West, and dozens more.

All you have to do to win is answer five questions based on We Love Soaps interviews over this past year.  Please come back at 3 p.m. ET to see the questions.  The first five readers with the correct answers sent to Jacobs@welovesoaps.net will win the book.  Good luck!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Original Bible: AS THE EARTH TURNS, Part 6

Irna Phillips created AS THE WORLD TURNS in 1955 and a pilot was shot in November of that year. AS THE WORLD TURNS debuted on April 2, 1956. In Part 1 of the original story bible for the soap, called AS THE EARTH TURNS at that point, some background details on the concept of the show and the locale were provided. In Part 2, the character of Christopher Hughes was described in detail. In Part 3, we found out more about Chris, his family and career. In Part 4, the original vision for the character of Nancy Hughes was explained. In Part 5, the character description for Edith Hughes, who would be played by Ruth Warrick, was revealed. In Part 6 below, we find out more about the character of Fred (Grandpa) Hughes and his grandson, Bobby Hughes.

WLS Interview Archive: Joseph Mascolo

In November 2009, I attended the Day Of DAYS event and spoke with Joseph Mascolo, who came in at #43 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actors of All Time list. In this interview, Mascolo explained how he perceives Stefano's nefarious deeds, as well as why the fans still clamor for him after 27 years on the show. 

We Love Soaps: Mr. Mascolo it is such an honor to meet you.  At events like this, do fans ever blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction?  Do people ever address negative things to you as Stefano?
Joseph Mascolo: No. This is one thing I don’t know if I should be prideful about or not.  But no one has ever come up to me in a negative sense.  If anything it’s the opposite.  They’ve come up to me and said, “We love what you’re doing, keep doing it.”  I’ve worked at trying to make him palatable.  He’s lived over 20 years so I guess it works. 

We Love Soaps: And he’s “died” over 20 times!
Joseph Mascolo: Well he doesn’t ever die.  That would be kind of weird.  Soap operas get stupid sometimes but not that bad.  He doesn’t die, he disappears.  That’s the reason why he has the code name “The Phoenix.”  Pat Falken Smith was the person who created Stefano, brilliant woman.  I came from the theater and wanted to do plays every chance I got.  At that time Burt Reynolds had a theater down in Florida, I went down and did a play there very year.  She came up with the idea that when I left or disappeared for any reason, and I came back, I’d have that code name because he’s rising from the ashes.  That’s how that came about.

Broadway Cares 2010 - Adam Mayfield Interview

We Love Soaps had the profound privilege of attending the Broadway Cares Equity Fight AIDS benefit concert in New York back on March 21, 2010, and speaking to many ABC stars about their reasons for participating in this event. Please enjoy this series of interviews spotlighting the commitment and devotion of these talented stars.

ADAM MAYFIELD (Performed “I Slept With Someone Who Slept With Lyle Lovett" from "High Fidelity")

We Love Soaps: Adam! We haven’t talked since you went back to L.A.  How is it to be back there?
Adam Mayfield: It was weird at first.  I wasn’t expecting to be back so soon.  Not to mention following in love with New York made it strange to come back.  But I’m over it.  I have a million friends out there, I’ve reconnected with everybody.  I’ve got a great place, it takes me just as long to drive to the studio there as it did to walk the studio here. 

We Love Soaps: You told me in our interview that one of the things you were looking forward to most about moving back to California was being able to go camping.  Have you been?
Adam Mayfield: No, I haven’t had any time yet.  But I’m going to Yosemite two weeks from now.  I’ve never been to Yosemite, and I’m stoked.

Beau Davidson - Interviewed By Nelson Aspen

I first met Beau Davidson a few years ago when I was a member at the Beverly Hills Country Club. Not long after we were introduced, he relocated permanently to his home state of Tennessee to pursue his musical aspirations full time. It didn't take long to pay off. I got back in touch with him when Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban gave birth to their daughter, Sunday Rose. I thought his resemblance to country singing Keith would be a fun opportunity to wish the new parents well. "How quickly do you think you can come up with a song for Sunday Rose?" I asked. In no time at all, Beau delivered me a gorgeous song in honor of the new celebri-tot, I put him on my New Zealand TV show (Keith is a Kiwi, after all!) and a viral hit was born! (See Beau perform "Sunday Rose" here) You see, once I have a talented artist in my clutches, I don't let go, LOL!

I was thrilled when he told me the news that he'd landed himself a role on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL...getting to do what he does best: sing! Here are some of his thoughts, straight from the set. Make sure to look out for him this week on Tuesday and Friday!

We Love Soaps: Last time I saw you, you were in NYC competing for the title of Cosmo's Bachelor of the Year! Is that what led to your soap break?
Beau Davidson: Not exactly. When I lived in LA, I got to meet Lee Phillip Bell and Bill Bell, the creators of BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL and YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Everyone in the soap world knows what legends they are. Lee is an alumna of my alma mater, Northwestern University, so we had a connection. Their sons run both shows now, so she was kind enough to introduce me to them. At that time, Brad Bell, her son who runs B&B, was creating a music-related plot-line for then-current IDOL castoff, Constantine. I was hopeful that I could do something of that sort, so I stayed in touch and would send them different songs or things I was working on. Perhaps the Cosmo honor helped my cause, but more accurately, it was a good relationship and being patient that led to this opportunity.

Broadway Cares 2010 - Ilene Kristen Interview

We Love Soaps had the profound privilege of attending the Broadway Cares Equity Fight AIDS benefit concert in New York back on March 21, 2010, and speaking to many ABC stars about their reasons for participating in this event. Please enjoy this series of interviews spotlighting the commitment and devotion of these talented stars.

We Love Soaps: I am here with the one, the only, the beautiful, the sensational, the gorgeous, Ilene Kristen! I wasn’t sure we would get to see you tonight.
Ilene Kristen: I came to see everybody perform, that was wonderful.  And to support the cause which is so important. 

We Love Soaps: And that is one thing I admire about you is how much you support this cause, often in ways that we don’t see publicly.  How have HIV/AIDS causes become so important to you?
Ilene Kristen: Fortunately, people are now living with AIDS and not dying of AIDS.  I lost so many people.  Forty or fifty people, and really close friends.  I have friends that are living it now and doing really well.  So obviously the money must mean something.  I know we don’t hear about a lot of other cases.  But all the news, from what I’ve been seeing and feeling, is pretty good.  But we have got to keep on raising money.

CLASSIC CLIPS: Joseph Mascolo

Joseph Mascolo came in at #43 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actors of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Mascolo's work on DAYS OF OUR LIVES and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL.

1982: Stefano and Anna plot against Roman.
1982: Stefano, Tony and Renee find out Renee is a DiMera.

1983: Stefano takes Marlena hostage.
1984: Stefano lectures Andre.

1984: Stefano conducts an imaginary orchestra.
1985: Tony locks Stefano in the secret room.

1993: Stefano, Marlena, Roman and John all have a friendly little chat.
1993: Stefano lures Sami to his hospital room under false pretenses.

2001: Stefano leaves Salem.
2003: Massimo and Jackie are in an airplane accident.

2005: Massimo and Ridge take on Sally.
2006: Massimo learns of Taylor's indiscretion.

Broadway Cares 2010 - Melissa Archer Interview

We Love Soaps had the profound privilege of attending the Broadway Cares Equity Fight AIDS benefit concert in New York back on March 21, 2010, and speaking to many ABC stars about their reasons for participating in this event. Please enjoy this series of interviews spotlighting the commitment and devotion of these talented stars.

MELISSA ARCHER (Presented and sang in “9 to 5” from "9 to 5")

We Love Soaps: How was it for you to be here tonight?
Melissa Archer: It was really exciting.  It was so much fun, I enjoyed it a lot.  I was kind of nervous to be honest.  It was a lot of memorizing.

We Love Soaps: You had a lot of important information to memorize.  What’s it like to walk out onto a Broadway stage and have all these people yelling and cheering your name?
Melissa Archer: It’s amazing.  It’s such a wonderful event.  It’s so cool to have everyone come together to do this.  And seeing all your friends and being able to cheer them on, it’s really great.

We Love Soaps: Anything you can preview for us about Natalie?
Melissa Archer: How can I tease this? Natalie might be getting into a bit of trouble coming up pretty soon.  And it involves Marty and John.  That’s all I’m saying. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to learn more ways to take action against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and want to learn more about the current HIV Vaccine Clinical Trials, please visit Hope Takes Action, or contact Damon at Jacobs@welovesoaps.net.

RELATED:
- WLS TV # 17 - Broadway Cares Event 
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Anthony Geary Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Cornelius Smith, Jr. Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - BethAnn Bonner & Bree Williamson Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Jason Tam Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Kristen Alderson Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Brandon Barash Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Ron Carlivati Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Mark Lawson Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Bradford Anderson Interview

Broadway Cares 2010 - Bradford Anderson Interview

We Love Soaps had the profound privilege of attending the Broadway Cares Equity Fight AIDS benefit concert in New York back on March 21, 2010, and speaking to many ABC stars about their reasons for participating in this event. Please enjoy this series of interviews spotlighting the commitment and devotion of these talented stars.

BRADFORD ANDERSON (Performed the song, “That’s All," with his right leg in a cast)

We Love Soaps: Bradford! What a trooper!
Bradford Anderson: I’m a bit of a mess, but I’m here, and happy to be so.  I was saving a baby from a burning building...no I was actually playing basketball on the Soap Cruise.  David Beckham has the same injury, us supreme athletes have a tough life. 

We Love Soaps: We are so grateful you are here despite your injury.
Bradford Anderson: I wouldn’t miss this.  This is an event that is very special to a lot of us.  It’s fun to be here, it’s fun to participate with the great Broadway Cares people, it’s fun to be able to perform for the viewers we love dearly, and doing it in the name of a great charity.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.18 Scott Evans & Gregory Michael

On Episode 1.18 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs go on location to the "Gays of Our Lives" weekend event in New York City on March 27, and interview ONE LIFE TO LIVE star Scott Evans as well as GREEK/DANTE'S COVE actor Gregory Michael. Evans discusses the end of Kyle and Fish on ONE LIFE while Michael reveals he will be returning to GREEK next season.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, 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:
- Gays of Our Lives
- Gregory Michael on Twitter
- Scott Evans on Twitter

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

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:

1.   Original Bible: AS THE EARTH TURNS, Part 1
2.   50 Greatest Soap Actors Countdown
3.   Original Bible: AS THE EARTH TURNS, Part 2
4.   Original Bible: AS THE EARTH TURNS, Part 3
5.   PHOTOS: ALL MY CHILDREN Set Visit
6.   Gays on Indie Soaps: We Have Arrived!
7.   50 Greatest Soap Actors: #47 Ron Hale
8.   New Liberty Cast on AS THE WORLD TURNS
9.   50 Greatest Soap Opera Actresses: The Complete List
10. Original Bible: AS THE EARTH TURNS, Part 4
11. 50 Greatest Soap Actors: #46 Jerry verDorn
12. 50 Greatest Soap Actors: #49 Jonathan Frid
13. EMPIRE Season Two Trailer! Season Two Starts April 27
14. 50 Greatest Soap Actors: #48 John Aniston
15. Anna Stuart: The We Love Soaps Interview, Part Five

If you missed any of the latest episodes of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, you can watch them below.


If you haven't booked a room for "We Love Soaps Weekend" on May 21,23, 2010, you can find out how to sign up here.

FLASHBACK: Joseph Mascolo 1985

Pinch-hitter Mascolo brings his villainy to 'Santa Barbara'

By John N. Goudas and Eve Lubin
Miami News
December 7, 1985

Can villainy turn SANTA BARBARA around? With Joe Mascolo wandering about the California beach town as the greedy Carlo, it looks like NBC is borrowing a page from GENERAL HOSPITAL and its own DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

Not too long ago DAYS was struggling. In came Mascolo as the nefarious Stefan, the Mafia warlord ready to kill off the entire town of Salem to have his way. Ratings picked up in this obvious plot steal from GENERAL HOSPITAL, soap opera's leader of trends.

50 Greatest Soap Actors: #43 Joseph Mascolo

NAME: Joseph Mascolo
RANK: 43
SOAP ROLES: Stefano DiMera, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1982-1985, 1988, 1993-1996, 1996-2001, 2007-present); Massimo Marone, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (2001-2006); Nicholas Van Buren (Domino), GENERAL HOSPITAL (1989); Carlo, SANTA BARBARA (1985); Ed Lucas, WHERE THE HEART IS (1970-1973); Jack Lander, FROM THESE ROOTS (1961)

AWARDS:
1997 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Villain
1985 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Villain in a Daytime Serial
1984 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Villain in a Daytime Soap Opera

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Connie Passalacqua Hayman (Marlena De Lacroix): It's the character actors who keep soaps interesting, and as the great Stefano DiMera on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Mascolo is never less than interesting in every scene and not comic for a second. Mascolo is an opera fanatic in real life and his oft returned Stefano is Prince of Manipulators himself -- a great opera all unto himself.

Victoria Rowell: Soap Diva Glam-nesia

Here's the latest promotional video from Victoria Rowell for her new book, "Secrest of a Soap Opera Diva," out May 4 (the same day as Ken Corday's DAYS OF OUR LIVES book). Pre-order Rowell's book here.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Ken Howard (ex-Garrett, DYNASTY) - 66
Richard Backus (ex-Ted, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Barry, RYAN'S HOPE; ex-Jason, LOVERS AND FRIENDS; Writer for AS THE WORLD TURNS; ONE LIFE TO LIVE; DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 65
Janice Lynde (Peggy, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM; ex-Leslie, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Laurel, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Gloria, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Tracy, ANOTHER WORLD) - 62
Todd Curtis (ex-Jordy, CAPITOL; ex-Skip, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 51
Siena Goines (ex-Callie, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Valerie, PASSIONS) - 41
Annie Wersching (ex-Amelia, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 33

Also born on this day, the late Tom O'Rourke, who played Justin on GUIDING LIGHT for several years, among many other roles. He died last September, a few days before the GUIDING LIGHT finale.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

CLASSIC CLIPS: Nicolas Coster

Nicolas Coster came in at #44 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actors of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Coster's work on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, SANTA BARBARA, ANOTHER WORLD and AS THE WORLD TURNS.

1983: Anthony and Delila (and the whole town of Llanview) go on a treasure hunt at the grand opening of the Vernon Inn.
1984: Evidence builds against Lionel.

1984: Lionel and Augusta highlights.
1985: Lionel meets Julia when she arrives in Santa Barbara.

1987: Lionel and company sing "O Come, All Ye Faithful" at Christmas.
1989: Robert returns to Bay City for Brava's 25th anniversary.

1990: Lionel has just returned from the "dead."
1990: Laken is shocked that Lionel is alive.

1993: Lionel tries to help Warrent snap out of a momentary funk at his wedding on the final episode of SANTA BARBARA.
1994: Eduardo encourages Damian to avoid Holden.

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite this week? Vote in the weekly We Love Soaps poll and check back on Tueday morning for the results. Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from March 21-27, 2010 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly.


Watch/listen to this week's indie soaps:
- ANYONE BUT ME
- AS THE CORN GROWS
- CHICK
- DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM
- JACLIFE
- PREVIOUSLY ON POINT DUME
- PRETTY
- STEAMBOAT
- TABLE OF CHOICES
- THE LIKE US SHOW

Broadway Cares 2010 - Mark Lawson Interview

We Love Soaps had the profound privilege of attending the Broadway Cares Equity Fight AIDS benefit concert in New York back on March 21, 2010, and speaking to many ABC stars about their reasons for participating in this event. Please enjoy this series of interviews spotlighting the commitment and devotion of these talented stars.

MARK LAWSON (performed “What Is it About Her” from "The Wild Party")

We Love Soaps: What a great performance! How did you choose that?
Mark Lawson: To be honest, I didn't choose it, I let the musical director choose what he wanted me to sing this year.  When I first heard the song I e-mailed him and said, “Did you mean to send this to me? This is a really tough song. I’m not sure I’m the right guy.”  He kind of threw the gauntlet down and challenged me, and I’ve been busting my tail to get it right.

We Love Soaps: You were challenged this year?
Mark Lawson: Absolutely.  I’ve never performed a song that has such a high register and this one does.  I was sweating bullets.

Broadway Cares 2010 - Ron Carlivati Interview

We Love Soaps had the profound privilege of attending the Broadway Cares Equity Fight AIDS benefit concert in New York back on March 21, 2010, and speaking to many ABC stars about their reasons for participating in this event. Please enjoy this series of interviews spotlighting the commitment and devotion of these talented stars.

RON CARLIVATI (Head writer of ONE LIFE TO LIVE)

We Love Soaps: What might you say to someone who thinks HIV happened a long time ago and has passed? 
Ron Carlivati: I think that’s one of the great things about an event like this.  It raises awareness that this is an ongoing issue that needs to be dealt with, and people need to realize this is real.  Especially young kids.  We write for a lot of younger characters issues around sexuality and it’s as important, if not important, today.

We Love Soaps: What might someone who does not have a platform of a stage do to support people with HIV and AIDS?
Ron Carlivati: There are all kinds of grassroots organizations, volunteer organizations that you can be a part of in your own community.  Like God’s Love We Deliver is a fantastic organization that brings meals to people.  Just get involved.

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to learn more ways to take action against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and want to learn more about the current HIV Vaccine Clinical Trials, please visit Hope Takes Action, or contact Damon at Jacobs@welovesoaps.net.

RELATED:
- WLS TV # 17 - Broadway Cares Event 
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Anthony Geary Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Cornelius Smith, Jr. Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - BethAnn Bonner & Bree Williamson Interview
- Broadway Cares 2010 - Jason Tam Interview

Broadway Cares 2010 - Brandon Barash Interview

We Love Soaps had the profound privilege of attending the Broadway Cares Equity Fight AIDS benefit concert in New York back on March 21, 2010, and speaking to many ABC stars about their reasons for participating in this event. Please enjoy this series of interviews spotlighting the commitment and devotion of these talented stars.

BRANDON BARASH (performed “What Am I Doing?” from "Closer Than Ever" and "Dirty Rotten" from "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" with Anthony Geary and Nathan Parsons)

We Love Soaps: I have followed your career since you were Jamie on GILMORE GIRLS.  I know that supporting these causes fighting HIV and AIDS is very important to you.  Why is supporting these causes important to you?
Brandon Barash: Because we are in a position to stand high in a public platform, and use our fame or celebrity, whatever you want to call it, to bolster these charities and really bring more awareness to HIV and AIDS, whatever it is.  I work closely with the muscular dystrophy association.  I’m their celebrity ambassador this year.  It’s really important that we accept  the responsibility as public figures to heighten awareness that it’s not easy for everybody.  It’s nice to play a part.  It never seems like we can do enough.

Broadway Cares 2010 - Kristen Alderson Interview

We Love Soaps had the profound privilege of attending the Broadway Cares Equity Fight AIDS benefit concert in New York back on March 21, 2010, and speaking to many ABC stars about their reasons for participating in this event. Please enjoy this series of interviews spotlighting the commitment and devotion of these talented stars.

KRISTEN ALDERSON: (Performed "Honey, Honey" from "Mamma Mia" & "Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind" from "Spring Awakening" with Jason Tam)

We Love Soaps: I loved loved your number in this.  "Spring Awakening" is one of my favorite musicals. 
Kristen Alderson: I was so excited to do it, but I was really sad, because Brittany Underwood (Langston on OLTL) was supposed to do it with Jason but she was so swarmed with work and college so I stepped in and sang it instead.  I felt really lucky I was able to do it. 

FLASHBACK: Nicolas Coster 1992

"Quality acting is quality acting, anywhere," Nicolas Coster says.

By Connie Passalacqua
Lawrence Journal-World
June 17, 1992

To me, there are no soap actors, no movie actors, no stage actors. There are just well-trained actors and Nick is certainly that. So says SATNA BARBARA executive producer Paul Rauch, revealing the key to the endurance of actor Nicolas Coster, who currently plays Lionel Lockridge on the NBC daytime soap.

50 Greatest Soap Actors: #44 Nicolas Coster

NAME: Nicolas Coster
RANK: 44
SOAP ROLES: Eduardo Grimaldi, AS THE WORLD TURNS (1993-1995); Robert Delaney, ANOTHER WORLD (1970, 1972-1976, 1980, 1989); Lionel Lockridge, SANTA BARBARA (1984-1987, 1990, 1992-1993); Steve Andrews, ALL MY CHILDREN (1988-1989); Anthony Makana, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1983-1984); Lyle Sloan/Joe Morris, DALLAS (1978, 1980); Robert Delaney, SOMERSET (1970-1972); Paul Britton, THE SECRET STORM (1964, 1968-1969); John Eldridge, OUR PRIVATE WORLD (1965); Mark Steele, YOUNG DOCTOR MALONE (1962-1963)

AWARDS:
1992 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1991 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1988 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
1998 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role: Daytime
1986 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1998 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role on a Daytime Serial

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Alan Carter: (what soap WASNT HE ON!?) No particular role puts him on this list for me...he is always spot on as the grifter/con man/bad boy who is so cool ice wouldn't melt in his mouth...smart, charming, and very funny...it was the rare soap that wasn't captivated by or with Nicholas Coster.