Daytime Stars in Primetime Shows: A Guest Star List

For those who have been asking, here's a list of some of the current and former daytime stars who will be making guest stints on primetime soaps in the coming weeks.

OCTOBER
1 BLUE BLOODS - Yvonna Kopac-Wright / Amy Carlson (both have recurring roles)
3 DEXTER - Patrika Darbo / Kathleen Noone
4 CASTLE - Brian Krause
5 NCIS: LOS ANGELES - Camryn Grimes
5 THE GOOD WIFE - Scott Porter
6 CRIMINAL MINDS - Mary Beth Evans
6 HELL'S KITCHEN - Nancy Lee Grahn
7 CSI - Thad Luckinbill / Michael Graziadei

NEWS: Michael Sabatino, Charlotte Ross, Franco, Stuart Damon

Michael Sabatino making a brief return to DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Per Soap Opera Digest, Sabatino, who played the deliciously wicked Lawrence Alamain — is returning soon — albeit briefly. "There's a hallucination, because of Vivian being in the sarcophagus," says Sabatino. Thinking the end is near, Vivian will conjure up her dead nephew for a chat.

Charlotte Ross recommends daytime soaps for young actors
"Since I started rather young, I would say DAYS OF OUR LIVES was kind of like college for me. I was on the soap for 4 years and definitely learned a lot. Then luckily - I moved on or I guess you could say 'graduated' - to primetime after they were nice enough to release me from my contract. I have nothing but awesome memories from my years there and, yes, doing 30 to 40 pages of dialogue a day was wonderful training! I highly recommend this route to new and young actors."

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 2.07 Jake Silbermann (Stuffer)

On Episode 2.07 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb welcomes actor/writer/producer Jake Silbermann, whose film, Stuffer, is currently being submitted to various film festivals around the country. Silbermann explains how the film came to be and what fans can expect from the project. He also talks about what he's learned from this experience.

I've learned a lot. I've learned that I like my voice as a writer. I want to continue doing that. I found it just as rewarding to be behind the camera working, helping in whatever way I could as a writer or producer, to help form a scene. It's really gratifying to see the whole story take shape. I've learned how important a script supervisor is. In the production I wore different hats, as a producer, a writer and an actor. I found them each in their own way just as gratifying and just as interesting. I want to do them all.

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:
- Stuffer Official Website - StuffertheFilm.com
- Stuffer on Facebook

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Van Hansis in Occupant: Trailer #3

Occupant, a new film starring Van Hansis, Thorsten Kaye and Cody Horn, has released a brand new trailer. Check it out below. Is this a film you would watch?

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Barry Williams (ex-Hannibal, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Greg, THE BRADYS) - 56
William Christian (ex-Derek, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Marshall, ANOTHER WORLD) - 55
Susan Keith (ex-Shana, LOVING; ex-Cecile, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Sam, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 51

NEWS: P&G, Sebastian Roche, Susan Lucci, GLEE

P&G, Walmart Find Success as Moviemakers for Their Brands
P&G has long been a leader in creating original content from its early days as the co-creator of some of the first radio soap operas in the 1930s on behalf of brands such as Oxydol to its creation of daytime soaps such as "Guiding Light" and "As the World Turns," each of which just recently ended their decades-long runs on TV and its launch sponsorship of The People's Choice Awards. Next year, the company will produce the first "interactive telenovela" for MTV with Ben Silverman's Electus (PEDRO & MARIA). But what makes P&G and Walmart's partnership more than simply a spruced-up movie of the week is its impact on sales.

What primetimes shows have the highest median age fans?
BLUE BLOODS is the oldest skewing with a median age of 60.4.

PHOTOS: ATAS Celebrates 45 Years of DAYS OF OUR LIVES

The legendary Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes posed for the cameras as NBC’s long-running series DAYS OF OUR LIVES was the toast of the town Tuesday evening when the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences celebrated the show’s 45th anniversary with an exclusive red carpet party, reception, and panel discussion. Past and present cast members were on hand to greet fans, and reunite with each other to commemorate this historic television landmark.

PHOTOS: SID the Science KID Day - Kay, McCook, Martsolf

BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL star Lesli Kay with her husband Keith Coulouris pose with Will Shadley, SID the Science KID, and kids Alec and Jackson at the SID the Science KID Day at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday, September 26, 2010.

More photos below.

THE BAY: Chapter 1 Webisode 3

It's "THE BAY Day" as the show has released a second webisode. Watch the premiere of Lilly Melgar in Webisode 3 below.

Jason Tam & Terrell Tilford Released from ONE LIFE TO LIVE

Soaps in Depth is reporting that Jason Tam and Terrell Tilford have both been released from ONE LIFE TO LIVE. Tam only recently returned to the series after being gone most of the summer doing The Public Theatre's Shakespeare Lab in New York City.

What do you think? Will you miss Markko and/or Greg?

Frank Valentini & Ron Carlivati Sign New Deals with OLTL

TV Guide Magazine is reporting good news for ONE LIFE TO LIVE fans. Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati will be sticking around.

The network recently struck new deals with ONE LIFE TO LIVE executive producer Frank Valentini and head writer Ron Carlivati. Valentini, who yesterday celebrated his 25th anniversary with OLTL, has signed a two-year contract to remain with the show. Carlivati's contract is for three years. Unlike CBS and NBC, ABC actually owns its daytime dramas, so the concept of a show pick-up doesn't really apply here. Thus, this news is as close as it comes to ABC acknowledging its commitment to keep the show on the air.

VENICE Returns For Season Two

VENICE returned on Wednesday with a super-sized episode that aired in two parts on YouTube. Watch it below and let us know what you think. A subscription will be required for subsequent episodes.

THE BAY: Chapter 1 Webisode 2

THE BAY is back with a new webisode today. Watch it below.



Check back later for the second of THE BAY's double-header of webisodes today!

Also, read Part 2 of Jamey's Giddens exclusive interview with THE BAY creator Gregori J. Martin here.

If some success comes your way, you'll have a lot of people who try to bash your show and create rumors and say, "this is being done wrong" and "that is being done wrong," or "they shouldn't be raising money this way" or "they're copying this". You're going to hear all of that and then some. You just have to let it go in one ear and out the other. As long as you stay positive and do things the right way, you'll succeed.

THE BAY The Series Interviews: Nicolas Coster, Part Four

In Parts One and Two, and Three with Nicolas Coster, the beloved and acclaimed actor, who is now appearing on THE BAY, discussed his early years on soaps, as well as his legendary runs on ANOTHER WORLD and SANTA BARBARA.  In this part he shared insights about the world of daytime television, as well as what happened when he returned to AS THE WORLD TURNS.  What really happened to Eduardo Grimaldi? Find out below!

We Love Soaps: Given that you have worked on daytime soaps for the majority of the past fifty years, what do you think the remaining six soaps need to do to stay alive and vital?
Nicolas Coster: To be honest I haven’t kept track of the shows in recent years, so I’m not an expert anymore.  People who have been out of it for awhile and still voice profundities are idiots.  It’s like a journalist.  It's as if you haven’t been there grinding out a daily column, and then you come back five years later from your farm in Connecticut.  I could give you a better opinion about low budget movies because I’ve done seven of them in the past three years.  I don’t consider myself an expert on daytime anymore. 

Let me tell you the positive instead of the negative.  SANTA BARBARA, ALL MY CHILDREN, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, ANOTHER WORLD at their best, were innovators in storylines.  They were not just going for rich production values and tricky shots, and crazy fantastic plots.  And by “fantastic” I mean unbelievable.  Because that is where they lost the audience: going for unbelievable plots.  Stanislavski meant what he said when he talked about the suspension of disbelief.  I teach a lot.  I teach at the University of Georgia.  I’ve given my first lecture at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios.  I tell my students, “If you don’t believe it yourself, how on earth do you expect your audience to believe it?” On daytime, if you’re showing off a bunch of big hunks and a bunch of pretty girls who are almost naked, then all the audience has to do is turn on HBO, or a lot of other cable channels, and they will see women really bare, and men really bare.  So who needs a tease? Who needs a Russ Meyers 1950s movie on daytime television?  I think that’s a crock.  You can see I’m a man of absolutely no opinions whatsoever [laughs].  

RELEASE: GLAAD WHERE WE ARE ON TV REPORT 2010-11

Los Angeles, CA, September 29, 2010 – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today released the 15th annual "Where We Are On TV" study, a comprehensive review of scripted LGBT primetime characters in the 2010-2011 television season. After more than doubling last year, the overall number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) characters on broadcast networks continues a steady rise, though broadcast networks still report no transgender or black LGBT characters.

The report shows that 23 LGBT characters will account for 3.9% of scripted series regulars in the 2010-2011 broadcast television schedule, up from 1.1% in 2007, 2.6% in 2008, and 3% in 2009. The number of scripted LGBT series regulars found on mainstream cable networks has rebounded after a two year decline, from 40 in 2007, 32 in 2008, 25 in 2009, to 35 in the upcoming season.

HBO's TRUE BLOOD is the most inclusive program currently on television, featuring six regular and recurring LGBT characters.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Ian McShane (ex-Don, DALLAS) - 68
Drake Hogestyn (ex-John, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 57
Roger Bart (ex-George, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES) - 48
Andrea Pearson (ex-Gia, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 33

WATCH: 45 Years of DAYS OF OUR LIVES Webcast

Tune-in tonight at 7:30 p.m. PT for a Special Event Webcast: Celebrate 45 years of the iconic daytime drama DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Join the Television Academy online for a salute to Days' past with a look into its future. You can watch the webcast below.

FOX Cancels LONE STAR

The first official cancellation of the 2010-11 TV season is FOX's LONE STAR. The network has pulled the plug on its critically adored drama after two low-rated episodes.

LIE TO ME, which wasn’t expected to kick off its third season until later this fall, takes over the show’s Monday 9 p.m. time slot beginning next week.

In previous posts, we've debated all the reasons why LONE STAR never connected with a mass audience. Hopefully this doesn't prevent the networks from continuing to give interesting primetime soaps a chance.

NEWS: GOOD WIFE, Clementine Ford, Ann Williams, Craigslist

The Kids are All Right: Ann Williams stories keep bubbling up
The impact of Ann Williams is still being felt and her legacy continues to shine bright.

GLEE's post-Super Bowl episode: Springsteen or Michael Jackson?
Word on the street is that, in GLEE's post-Super Bowl episode, the McKinley High kids will be singing either the songs of Michael Jackson or Bruce Springsteen.

P&O Cruise Ship Sails Into Aussie Soap NEIGHBOURS
P&O Cruises, part of U.K.-based global travel group Carnival, is being featured in two episodes, which air on Wednesday and Thursday this week in Australia. The international company will get more bang for its buck when the episodes are aired in the rest of the 50-odd countries in which NEIGHBOURS is screened in the coming months.

Inside Soap Awards 2010: EASTENDERS Wins Six

EASTENDERS won six awards at the 2010 Inside Soap Awards on Monday night.

The Walford soap took the trophy for Best Actress, awarded to Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater) for the fifth consecutive year, and Sexiest Male, awarded to Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning. Charlie Clements as Bradley Branning in EASTENDERS scooped the best exit for his final, fatal plunge from the roof of the Queen Vic.

EMMERDALE celebrated when Danny Miller (pictured above) picked up two awards – one for Best Actor, the other for Best Dramatic Performance for the scene where he admitted the truth about his sexuality to Paddy.

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of September 19-25, 2010. ANACOSTIA successfully kicked off its second season and landed in the top spot for the week. THE CAVANAUGHS returned with an all-new episode and finished in second place.



Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible. Check back on Saturday when this week's polling begins.

Watch last week's indie soaps below:
- ANACOSTIA
- DESIRE AND DECEIT
- SQUARE ONE
- TABLE OF CHOICES
- THE BEST FRIEND
- THE CAVANAUGHS
- THE PARAGON

RELATED:
- Check out our Indie Soap Beat Fall Preview Guide here.

LONE STAR Falls in Second Airing, Future Looks Bleak

Despite airing an excellent second episode on Monday night, LONE STAR failed to improve upon last week's dismal premiere numbers. The show drew 3.8 million viewers and a preliminary adults 18-49 rating of 1.3 -- the same number as last week. LONE STAR also dropped hugely after its first half-hour, down 44%, and lost to GOSSIP GIRL in the demo.

Most shows were down in their second week and that is expected, but LONE STAR desperately needed a significant bump to survive cancellation. The show was hoping the DVR numbers from last week would help, but they also failed to provide much of a boost.

ABC Family Picks Up Four Pilots, Including One By Chuck Pratt

Deadline.com is reporting that new ABC Family president Michael Riley is making his first development move a month after he took over the cable network following Paul Lee's move to ABC. The soapy cable network has green-lighted 3 pilots, STRUT, NINE LIVES and SWITCHED AT BIRTH. Supposedly, the pickup of a fourth pilot, THE LYING GAME, written and produced by Chuck Pratt Jr., is imminent.

THE BAY Returns Wednesday With Two New Webisodes

New indie soap hit THE BAY returns on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET with two all-new webisodes. You've watched all the "Confessions of The Garretts" and the premiere, now find out what happens next.

In a new interview with Daytime Confidential's Jamey Giddens, creator Gregori J. Martin offers a preview of the show and discusses how AS THE WORLD TURNS fans have tuned in to see their old favorites Mary Beth Evans, Dylan Bruce and Marie Wilson (will will debut later this season). Also, how did he feel about THE BAY being named one of the 10 "Shows Worth Watching" for 2010? Find out here.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Robert Hogan (ex-Vince, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Charles, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-DA Stephens, BRIGHT PROMISE; ex-Tom, PEYTON PLACE; ex-Gillespie, THE YOUNG MARRIEDS) - 77
Jennifer Leak (ex-Olive, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Blanche, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Nurse Klupper, RYAN'S HOPE; ex-Elaine, BRIGHT PROMISE) - 60
Susan Walters (ex-Diane, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Lorna, LOVING) - 47
Todd Rotondi (ex-Bryant, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 36

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 2.06 Kimberly McCullough & Michael Sutton

On Episode 2.06 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Stephen Seidel talks with GENERAL HOSPITAL star Kimberly McCullough and returning guest star Michael Sutton about working together again and much, much more.



Back in the '90s, “Robin” and “Stone” were a groundbreaking couple who both contracted HIV (one of the first times TV explored AIDS with heterosexual couples.) “Stone” eventually died of the disease and “Robin” continues to live a full life today with the virus (a doctor, wife and mother.) A tragedy where “Robin’s” life is in peril causes her to hallucinate and see “Stone” (even though, yes, he really is dead) on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29. This marks the first time the original actor has returned to the role since “Stone” died in 1995.

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:
- GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Kimberly McCullough on Twitter

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

WORKSHOP: Season Two Promo with Marie Wilson

Phillip Jeanmarie, co-star of WORKSHOP and formerly of PASSIONS, and actress Marie Wilson, formerly on AS THE WORLD TURNS, battle it out for soap supremacy, and to let you know about WORKSHOP Season Two in the new promo below. The second season of the Indie Soap Award nominated series premieres in December at WORKSHOPtheseries.com.

PREVIEW: Tonight's LONE STAR

LONE STAR returns for a second episode tonight on FOX at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Unless there is a significant ratings increase, many feel the show will not survive. So tune in!

Here is the episode synopsis:

LONE STAR “One in Every Family” Season 1 Episode 2 – In order to ease Clint’s suspicions regarding the new windfarm deal, Bob recruits the man who taught him everything about being a con man to help him with the scheme: his father. Meanwhile, Lindsay begins to realize that she may not know Bob as well as she thought, and Cat is forced to repeatedly bail her brother Drew out of trouble

Cast: James Wolk as Robert/Bob Allen; Adrianne Palicki as Cat Thatcher; Eloise Mumford as Lindsay; Jon Voight as Clint Thatcher; David Keith as John Allen; Mark Deklin as Trammel Thatcher; and Bryce Johnson as Drew Thatcher.

Guest Cast: Alexandra Doke as Grace; Sarah Jones as Gretchen; Beth Broderick as Carol; Brandon Smith as Ed; Akai Draco as Bartender; Brent Anderson as Captain; Denton Everett as Officer James; Richard Sanchez as Security Guard; Jeff Kribs as Windfarm employee; Nicolette Doke as Young Grace

Gloria Stuart Dead At Age 100

Gloria Stuart, a blond movie bombshell of the 1930s who resurfaced a half century later as the sentimental heart of the blockbuster Titanic, died Sunday at the age of 100.

She left acting after World War II and turned to painting, where she adopted a primitive style reminiscent of Grandma Moses. She later developed a line of blank artists' books.

In the 1997 film, Stuart played the older incarnation of Kate Winslett's Rose Calvert - the character who turned the movie from a tragedy in which 1,490 people died into a bittersweet tale where a single locket showed love could endure.

NEWS: Bar Codes, Low Budget TV, Britney, Amanda Setton

Bar Codes Add Detail on Items in TV Ads
From the comfort of their sofas, mobile-phone users can scan a bar code embedded in commercials on certain evening shows on Bravo and instantly obtain additional information about a product and a discount to buy it.

IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA: Lighting a path for scripted TV's survival
the show has demonstrated that there's a way to make low-cost, high-quality, scripted comedies at a time when studios are struggling to rein in costs. Now, other networks are seeking to copy the success of SUNNY. They also want to produce a half-hour comedy for $400,000 per episode — about one-fourth the industry average. The survival of Hollywood's bread-and-butter business of scripted TV depends upon it: audiences are scattering, cheap reality programs are multiplying and technology threatens to unravel the entire system.

James Wolk's Appearance in the Nuke Storyline

Sexy LONE STAR lead James Wolk appeared on AS THE WORLD TURNS in 2008 in the special Valentine's Day episode as a sailor (he went by Jimmy Wolk then). If you'll recall, this is the episode in which every couple kissed but Luke and Noah setting off a firestorm of emails and letters from fans to the mainstream media about what was, by then, an obvious kissing ban for the show's gay couple. Watch the clip below.

THE BAY The Series Interviews: Nicolas Coster, Part Three

In Parts One and Two of our interview with the illustrious Nicolas Coster, the actor shared memories of his early stints on YOUNG DOCTOR MALONE, THE SECRET STORM, SOMERSET, and the experience of working on ANOTHER WORLD at the height of its 1970s phenomenal run.  In Part Three below, Coster shares more of the highs and lows of playing Lionel on SANTA BARABARA, as well as his enjoyable run as Steve on ALL MY CHILDREN.

We Love Soaps: Lionel was interesting.  He was always the underdog compared to the Capwells.  We wanted to root for him, but he could also be very tragic and self-destructive. 
Nicolas Coster: He screwed up a lot.  Part of that was his unabashed adventurousness.  When you take risks, you are going to take falls.  To make it spicy, he had to be a bit of a Lothario.  I thought what was interesting is that they made Louise’s character [Augusta] mess around as well.   It wasn’t just a one-sided womanizing guy.

The other relationship I also loved, which they didn’t make much of because we were in a transitional phase, was with Lenore Kasdorf [as Caroline].  She was so special.  I got injured almost fatally in a traffic accident.  Don Stewart filled in for me.  He was a good friend from New York who is now gone.  I went back to work and couldn’t remember my name, much less the lines.  At that time we had cue cards.  I told Lenore, “I don’t know how much I’ll be able to remember. When you’re on camera and I see my red light go off, do you mind terribly if I look at my lines on the cards?” She said, “Nicky, do what you have to do.” She was so patient.  It was the single greatest act of kindness I’ve had on television.  She never let on.  I always like to pay tribute to her because she is some gal.

NEWS: Ron Raines, Precious, Paul Anthony Stewart, Ofcom

VIDEO: Ron Raines and a ‘New Bern Romance' debuts
On Saturday, Raines showed a softer side. He filled the First Baptist Church on Middle Street with the sound of a romance that was sung, performed and written in honor of New Bern’s founding in 1710.

The piece was performed as part of this week’s Carolina Chamber Music Festival by Raines as well as two violinists, a violist, harpist and a cellist. Each year, the festival musicians perform a new work written by a composer-in-residence, said festival co-director Jennifer Lucht. This year’s world original piece was the “New Bern Romance” written by composer Jim Wann in honor of the city’s 300th anniversary.

Paul Anthony Stewart set for "Panama Hattie" at Musicals Tonight!
Musicals Tonight! has announced casting (including Paul Anthony Stewart) for Panama Hattie, to run October 12-23 at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre. Thomas Sabella Mills will direct the production, which will have musical direction by David B. Bishop.

Barbara Bloom: It Is A Time Of Great Change & Opportunity

Advertising Age published a profile of Barbara Bloom, CBS Senior VP-Daytime. Here's an excerpt where she discusses the cancellation of AS THE WORLD TURNS and GUIDING LIGHT, hiring practices, and the future.

"It is a time of great change and great opportunity and more viewing choices," said Ms. Bloom, 49. "Staying at the forefront of making sure you're the choice that is taken is always a battle."

While the decision to cancel the soaps was made at a more senior level than Ms. Bloom's, she is the one who has to navigate through its aftermath. "I've always thought the mandate is to make this the most competitive and engaging daypart as possible, and for a long time, we worked very closely with Procter & Gamble to try to keep the shows able to fulfill that mandate, and then it became clear that wasn't happening," she said.

Ms. Bloom said she tries to keep her audience in mind, and then works to hire people and manage operations so that those viewers are attracted and engaged. "I always try to be really clear about what the universe is that I'm operating in," she said. "Am I empowering the people who are working on those shows? That's the way I work." And that's how she pushes forward during times that test TV executives. " We really are trying to do the best by both our audience and the company."

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Daytime Soap of the Week" poll for the week of September 20-24, 2010. ALL MY CHILDREN returned the top spot for the week. Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

EVENT: Anthony Geary Stars In "Into The Woods"

From the shadows of a giant warehouse in a brand-new Downtown LA art/performance complex, renown director Calvin Remsberg and critically acclaimed theater company Lucid by Proxy will bring Los Angeles a darker, uncluttered interpretation of Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine's classic Broadway musical, "Into the Woods." Among the cast is Emmy winner Anthony Geary, who was voted the Greatest Soap Actor of all-time earlier this year by a panel of critics assembled by WE LOVE SOAPS TV.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Peter Simon (ex-Ed, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Scott, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Ian, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 67
A Martinez (ex-Ray, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Roy, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Cruz, SANTA BARBARA) - 62
Patrick Muldoon (ex-Austin, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 41
Tom Casiello (Writer, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-ANOTHER WORLD; ex-ONE LIFE TO LIVE)
Derrell Whitt (Will, THE BAY; ex-Lucas, SCRIPTS & SCRUPLES) - 22

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 2.05 Florencia Lozano

On Episode 2.05 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Damon L. Jacobs travels to the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater to share an intimate interview with ONE LIFE TO LIVE star Florencia Lozano. Lozano's "underneathmybead," a new play she wrote based on her own life, is currently in production at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in New York City. Lozano also discusses keeping the secret that Téa was not leaving the soap and more.



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:
- WLS Theater Review: "underneathmybed"
- Tickets for "underneathmybed"

Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist seeing individuals and couples in New York City at Mental Health Counseling & Marriage And Family Therapy Of New York. He is also the author of "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve." 

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

Preview of CORONATION STREET's 50th Anniversary Week

CORONATION STREET producer Phil Collinson has said that the show's 50th anniversary week will be full of "absolutely unmissable drama".

Speaking to The Daily Star, Collinson hinted at the scale of the plans saying, "It's a week of television that people will remember forever. A week full of big ideas, big ambitions and absolutely unmissable drama. But this week does have to be special. How do we top what we’ve done in the past? Well, with a tram crash, a death, a wedding, another death, a birth, a murder, a fire and another death. Yes, all of that in one week! I was lucky to have been given some extra money for the anniversary week. I’m a little terrified about the live episode but with plenty of rehearsals I’m sure it will be fine."

Collinson said of the plans for a tram crash on the cobbles: "The tram crash will cut through the lives of every resident on the Street. It’s the most ambitious week of episodes this soap has ever seen."

New Dawn For Daytime. And ONE LIFE TO LIVE?

There was an interesting article by Joanne Ostrow published in Sunday's Denver Post about the changing landscape of daytime television. Here are some of the more interesting excerpts from the story.

"The serial is our chosen form of dramatic entertainment," TV Guide's Logan said over the phone last week. "Most reality fits into it, as well. The cliffhanger, the catfights, from AMERICAN IDOL to SURVIVOR to THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL it's all coming in the same kind of stew pot now."

This isn't new, but very true. Almost everything is serialized now, and most of the non-daytime soaps are based more on human emotions more the cliched soap staples of back from the dead characters, evil twins, etc. Daytime soaps have the opportunity to explore current issues in a way no other medium can but they mostly don't seem interested.

Some mourned the passing of the ancient soaps, despite their questionable quality. As a defender of daytime TV, Logan sees irony in the buzz for such shows as MAD MEN, which draws some 2 million viewers a week on AMC, while AS THE WORLD TURNS was cancelled with 2.5 million watching five days a week.

We say this all the time. This is one reason why WE LOVE SOAPS TV posts ratings for all soaps together - daytime, primetime and cable. It's interesting to hear reports of daytime dying, yet ABC Family, The CW and AMC Network all tout successful series with the same or worse ratings.

ABC owns its soaps, unlike the CBS relationship with P&G. ABC's ONE LIFE TO LIVE is soon to announce a deal to live two more years.

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.   AS THE WORLD TURNS Finale: Deleted Scenes
2.   Sno'Ball Avalanche at NBC Studios
3.   Colleen Zenk: The We Love Soaps Interview, Part Six
4.   Colleen Zenk: The We Love Soaps Interview, Part Five
5.   WE LOVE SOAPS TV's Indie Soap Beat Fall Preview Guide
6.   The End of the World: Thoughts on ATWT's Final Episode
7.   NEWS: Jean Passanante on Reid, Kim Zimmer, Barbara Windsor
8.   THE BAY The Series Interviews: Nicolas Coster, Part One
9.   EVENT: "The Busy World is Hushed" Opens Oct. 2
10. NEWS: The End of AS THE WORLD TURNS
11. WE LOVE SOAPS TV Interview Archive: Elizabeth Hubbard
12. NEWS: Daniel Kennedy, French Stewart, Daniel Cosgrove, Bree
13. 50 Greatest Soap Opera Actresses: The Complete List
14. NEWS: Susan Flannery, Eric Braeden, Gaius Charles, Kelli Giddish
15. Colleen Zenk: The We Love Soaps Interview, Part Four

If you missed any of the latest episodes of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, which included a visit to the premiere party of THE BAY, the Season One finale with Jerry verDorn and the Season Two premiere with Trent Dawson, you can watch them below.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Olivia Newton-John (ex-Bitsy, SORDID LIVES) - 62
Linda Hamilton (ex-Lauren, KING'S CROSSING; ex-Lisa, SECRETS OF MIDLAND HEIGHTS) - 54
Stephen Markle (ex-Mel, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Ted, THE EDGE OF NIGHT)

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite last week? Support your favorite continuing drama and vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below. Check back on Tuesday morning for the results. Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from September 19-25, 2010 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly. If an indie soap aired this week and is not on the list, feel free to cast your vote in the comments section. Results will not display once you have voted.


Watch this week's indie soaps below:
- ANACOSTIA
- DESIRE AND DECEIT
- SQUARE ONE
- TABLE OF CHOICES
- THE BEST FRIEND
- THE CAVANAUGHS
- THE PARAGON

WATCH: ANACOSTIA Season Two Premiere

ANACOSTIA is back, better than ever, and shouldless! The second season of Indie Soap Award winning soap premiered on Saturday night. You will notice hilarious "news items" at the bottom of a special news report (see screen shot above) including a shout out for the Indie Soap Award victory. For those who don't like the shorter length of most indie soap operas, ANACOSTIA may be the show for you. The first episode is just over 25 minutes.

You'll also notice a certain book by Damon L. Jacobs makes an appearance.


Check it the Season Two premiere below.

The Bay The Series Interviews: Nicolas Coster Part Two

In Part One of our interview with the legendary Nicolas Coster, the prolific actor discussed his roles in the early days of soaps including THE SECRET STORM and YOUNG DOCTOR MALONE, and why his name came up in a U.S. Senate hearing on "immorality." In Part Two below, Coster remembers his time on ANOTHER WORLD and ONE LIFE TO LIVE, the accident that almost ended his career, and beginning on SANTA BARBARA.

We Love Soaps: Your time on ANOTHER WORLD (1972-1976, after originally being introduced in 1970 and moving to SOMERSET for two years) is regarded as one of the most beloved and financially successful times in daytime history. 
Nicolas Coster: No doubt about it.

We Love Soaps: Your character of Robert Delaney was being written by Harding Lemay at that time.
Nicolas Coster: He took over for Bill Bell.  Bill was a great writer, and then Harding Lemay came in and he did an awfully good job.  Also, I had already done several plays of Harding’s when he was an unknown playwright at the New Dramatists Guild.  We had known each other for a long time.

We Love Soaps: You shared many scenes Beverlee McKinsey.  What was that like?
Nicolas Coster: Well, I have to admit, it was not the most pleasant experience I ever had.  She had a photographic memory, and she was patronizing of people who did not.  Let’s leave it at that.

ATAS to Celebrate 45 Years of DAYS OF OUR LIVES

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is recognizing the 45th anniversary of DAYS OF OUR LIVES by hosting a panel and celebration this Tuesday, September 28, 2010. The panel will feature various members of the cast and crew who have had an impact on DAYS and its success. Details are below including an opportunity for fans to attend and watch the live stream.

WHAT: The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and DAYS OF OUR LIVES presents “Celebrating 45 Years of DAYS OF OUR LIVES.” Moderated by Detroit’s own Local 4 WDIV-TV NBC Affiliate, Jon Jordan, the evening will highlight the show with six panels featuring talent, producers, and executives who have been a part of the drama for the past forty-five years. These panels will touch upon subjects such as character discussions, growing up in Salem/on set, and the business side of the show.

Special Deal for Sean Ringgold and Shenell Edmonds Fan Events!

Exciting news for WE LOVE SOAPS TV fans! You are entitled to receive a discount to both Sean Ringgold and Shenell Edmond's upcoming fan events, October 8th and 10th, just by reading this website! Here are the details:

The 4th annual Sean Ringgold Fan Celebration
Friday October 8, 2010
6:30-9:30 p.m.
HB Burger's Sunken Bar in Midtown Manhattan near Times Square

Tickets $55:00 PP, $65.00 at the door
Ticket price includes food, soft drinks, an exclusive 8x10 Color photo, 1 entry for the door prize raffle and lots of social time with Sean and his cast mates.

For ticket information email seanringfan@aol.com

The 1st ever Shenell Edmonds Dance Party
Sunday October 10, 2010
6:30- 9:30 p.m.

HP Burger's Sunken Bar In Midtown Manhattan near Times Square
Tickets are $65.00 and include music, dancing, food, soft drinks, dessert, an exclusive 8x10 color photo and lots of time with Destiny and other members of the Evans family.There will be a few exclusive items for auction and some great raffle prizes too.

**Anyone purchasing tickets to either (or) both events before September 30th and mentions code "We Love Soaps" will get $10.00 off one ticket or $20.00 off when purchasing 2 or more tickets at one time.**

For ticket information email seanringfan@aol.com

NEWS: CORRIE's 50th, Patrick Duffy, Sean Kanan, Adirondack

CORONATION STREET goes into 'lockdown' to stop 50th anniversary story lines leak
Even the show’s actors are not privy to the nature of the story lines. The only thing known is that a tram will crash onto the street.

"We're actually being given scripts with just our own parts in it. We don't read the other people's parts,” original cast member William Roache said.

Patrick Duffy excited about DALLAS remake on TNT
"They're going to do a pilot. It will be centered on the younger generation but they have been in conversation with Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and myself to sort of anchor and add a pedigree to it. I've read scripts when they've tried to do films of it and they were absolutely horrendous and this is actually a brilliant script. It'll be surreal if we actually end up playing those parts and going back to Texas and South Fork. I'm 60 years old now and I started Bobby when I was 28. It'll be surreal but it'll also be enjoyable, Larry and Linda are my dearest friends ever in the world"

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Josh Taylor (Roman/ex-Chris, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Jed, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Quint, GUIDING LIGHT) - 67
Mark Hamill (ex-Kent, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 59
Todd Davis (ex-Bryan, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Josh, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Reuben, HOME AND AWAY)
Hal Sparks (ex-Michael, QUEER AS FOLK) - 41
Justin Carroll (ex-David, PASSIONS)
Hunter Garner (ex-Billy, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 31
Van Hansis (ex-Luke, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 29
Alexis Manta (ex-Amanda, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 21

Soap Opera TV Ratings September 13-19, 2010

Compiled from a list of several sources, here are the Nielsen ratings for the week of September 13-19, 2010 for all the daytime and primetime television soap operas.

PARENTHOOD (7.7 million, 5.0/9) - season premiere
FLASHPOINT (6.15 million) - season finale
GREY'S ANATOMY (5.8 million, 3.9/7) - Thursday 10 p.m. repeat
SOY TU DUENA (5.49 million) - Thursday
SOY TU DUENA (5.44 million) - Tuesday
SOY TU DUENA (5.43 million) - Friday
SOY TU DUENA (5.38 million) - Monday
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (5.05 million, 3.5/13) - daytime airing only
GREY'S ANATOMY (4.9 million, 3.2/5) - Thursday 9 p.m. repeat
BOARDWALK EMPIRE (4.81 million, 2.7/4)
GLEE (4.7 million, 3.0/5) - Tuesday 8 p.m. repeat
HASTA QUE EL DINERO NOS SEPARE (4.595 million) - Tuesday
GLEE (4.5 million, 2.9/5) - Tuesday 9 p.m. repeat
WWE RAW (4.49 million, 2.6/4) - 10 p.m.
SOY TU DUENA (4.46 million) - Wednesday
HASTA QUE EL DINERO NOS SEPARE (4.44 million) - Monday
HASTA QUE EL DINERO NOS SEPARE (4.39 million) - Thursday
HASTA QUE EL DINERO NOS SEPARE (4.299 million) - Wednesday
WWE RAW (4.21 million, 2.6/4) - 9 p.m.
HASTA QUE EL DINERO NOS SEPARE (4.05 million) - Friday
NIKITA (3.4 million, 2.1/4)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (3.19 million, 2.3/8)
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (3.0 million, 1.9/3)

CORONATION STREET Celebrates Guinness World Record

With the cancellation of AS THE WORLD TURNS, CORONATION STREET has entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the current longest running TV soap in the world. William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, has also become the world’s longest-running active soap actor.

Both the soap and Roache were presented with awards today, as ITV held a street party on the set of CORRIE to launch the countdown to the program's 50th anniversary in December.

Executive Producer Kieran Roberts said: “These days it’s rare for any drama to run for more than a few years. In fact, back in 1960, CORONATION STREET was originally commissioned for just 13 episodes. Therefore it truly is an extraordinary achievement, that fifty years later, the show which first aired just after The Beatles were formed remains hugely popular in Britain and around the world.”

NEWS: Zach Gilford, Kyle Killen, Britney GLEE, Heather Locklear

VIDEO: Preview of the Britney Spears GLEE episode
Check out the sneak peek which also features John Stamos.

Hans Obma made his GENERAL HOSPITAL debut on Friday
He recently filmed three episodes as a Russian named Horvat, who shares scenes with Babak (Dimitri Diatchenko).

FNL's Zach Gilford cast opposite Aimee Garcia in ABC midseason drama
Garcia will play a local who falls for Gilford’s plastic surgeon character in multiple episodes. The Shonda Rhimes-backed OFF THE MAP centers on a group of doctors that work at a remote medical clinic in South America.

Creator Kyle Killen wants to save LONE STAR, writes open letter to fans
“For us to survive we’re going to have to pull off a minor miracle. Statistically, new shows tend to lose viewers in their second week. We’re aiming to gain them. In fact, screw it, let’s just double our audience.”

VOTE: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Which daytime soap was your favorite the week of September 20-24, 2010? Vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll and check back on Monday morning for the results.

Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com

What's Underneath Florenica Lozano's "Bed"?

The term "magical realism" refers to an artistic piece that incorporates fantastical elements into realistic circumstances.  This inclusion underlies an emotional and/or political message that allows the viewer to be impacted and have a heightened dramatic experience that s/he may not ordinarily absorb from a down-to-earth linear story.  Great authors such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Isabel Allende, and Laura Esquivel, have all incorporated facets of magical realism into their literary works with great success.  Following in the vein of these prolific storytellers comes Florencia Lozano and her dramatic new play, "underneathmybed."

The play centers on the Jiminez family, living in a Boston suburb on March 1, 1982.  Pre-adolescent daughter Daisy introduces us into this world where there exists much arguing, strife, resentment, and tension.  Her father Esteban is constantly expounding to his daughters (and anyone who crosses his path) of the violent atrocities occurring in Argentina which led to the family fleeing to the United States.  Young Daisy hears about these detailed acts of violence and consequently has nightmares and vivid fantasies of such traumas being committed against her.  She is terrified of what is under the bed, around the corner, behind the stairwell, to the point of being unable to sleep, eat, or control spontaneous vomiting.  "I can't stop the bad thoughts," she shares, as she constantly fears being attacked. That, combined with the normal fears and challenges of becoming a teenager, has led Daisy to become one stressed out and emotional kid!

Join Our We Love Soaps Pilot!

"CASTING CALL: WHAT INSPIRES YOU?"

Emmy winning makeup artist Vanessa Elese

Good news: The deadline has been extended to September 27th! WE LOVE SOAPS TV has teamed up with Emmy winning makeup artist Vanessa Elese to bring our readers a very special opportunity!

Do you consider yourself a Devoted Soap Fan? Has a Daytime Drama story or character ever inspired you to radically change your life or to cope with a devastating situation?  We want YOU! A new web television pilot is calling ALL Soap Opera fans in the New York and surrounding areas to submit on‐camera auditions for consideration and a chance to win a televised makeover from Vanessa Elese, 2010 Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist from ALL MY CHILDREN and Celebrity Hair, Color and Wardrobe Stylists. Submit for your chance to experience the behind the scenes glamour and a true day in the life of a Soap Star.

Men/Women submit your taped auditions to include the following:

*Your Name, City, State, Phone Number and Email address

*Which soap opera story line/actor/actress has impacted your life the most or inspired you for a life change and why?

Example #1: Colleen Zenk, who played Barbara Ryan on AS THE WORLD TURNS, is a two time cancer survivor whose story was written into the actual show.  She gave me hope, inspiration and the spirit to fight through and know there are other people like me feeling the same things.

Example #2:  I was inspired by Luke's coming out on AS THE WORLD TURNS to tell more people in my life that I am gay.  Although I was terrified of being rejected, Van Hansis' performance as Luke offered me the bravery and determination to be more honest and open in my own life.

*Who is the star from your favorite soap that inspired you and why?

*In light of the inspired life change: give us a brief description of why you deserve this makeover and how this would help further impact your transformation?

*Travel accommodations not supplied. Must be willing to travel.

*Submission Time Limit: 2 minutes

*Submission Form: on‐camera submissions to be viewed as Quicktime (.mov) files and YouTube ONLY. (All other forms of submissions will not be considered)

*Send to:  info@vanessaelese.com

*Submission Deadline: Monday, September 27th, 12:00 a.m. ET

Today could be your day to let YOUR guiding light shine!

 

NEWS: Trent Dawson, ONE TREE HILL, MMTVN

Trent Dawson cast in Václav Havel's "The Memorandum"
Jenn Thompson will direct the production, which will play the Beckett Theatre, October 25-November 27, with an opening on November 4. The play is a spiky satire of bureaucracy gone mad. When the managing director of an enormous organization discovers that all office communications are suddenly being written in "Ptydepe," a newly invented and impossibly complicated language, his attempts to get one memo translated lead him through an increasingly ridiculous maze of red tape.

CW Orders More HELLCATS, ONE TREE HILL Scripts
While this is not an order for new episodes, the script pickup is nonetheless a good indication of the net's confidence in the shows' performances. Both series are currently ordered for 13 episodes.

Florencia Lozano To Guest Star on BLUE BLOODS

ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Florencia Lozano will guest star on the new CBS drama BLUE BLOODS on October 8. She will play Sophia Calso in an episode titled "Priviledge."

Former GUIDING LIGHT actress Yvonna Kopacz-Wright recurs as Ava Hotchkiss on the series and will also appear in this episode. She debuts on October 1. Former ANOTHER WORLD star Amy Carlson recurs as well as Linda Reagan.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Jacqueline Courtney (ex-Alice, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Pat, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Diane, LOVING; ex-Kitty, THE EDGE OF NIGHT; THE DOCTORS; ex-Ann, OUR FIVE DAUGHTERS) - 64
Paul Michael Valley (ex-Ryan, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Cal, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Josef, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 44
Megan Ward (Kate, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 41
Michelle Ray Smith (ex-Ava, GUIDING LIGHT) - 36
Justin Bruening (ex-Jamie, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 31
Nicholas Galbraith (ex-Zac, AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Spencer Treat Clark (ex-Steven, ANOTHER WORLD) - 23

TRIVIA: Born on this day in 1918 was the late Audra Lindley who played Liz Matthews on ANOTHER WORLD. In 1923 former ALL MY CHILDREN and DARK SHADOWS actor Louis Edmonds was born. Irene Daily, who played Liz the longest on AW, died on this day in 2008.

NEWS: ARMY WIVES Renewed, Hapka/Burnett, James Sutton

ARMY WIVES renewed for a fifth season
Lifetime announced that it picked up a fifth season of Army Wives and a third of Drop Dead Diva to premiere in 2011. Each season runs for 13 episodes. “Army Wives and Drop Dead Diva have lead Lifetime’s charge in scripted programming and are key components to our success,” said Nancy Dubuc, President and General Manager of Lifetime Networks, in a statement. “We are so happy with these two special programs and are excited to pick them up for new seasons, which allows us to launch our next generation of scripted series.”

VIDEO: Mark Hapka and Molly Burnett in "Dramatic Human Situations"
The DAYS stars created this "dramatic" video for their "ACME Saturday Night" hosting gig.

EVENT: 7th Annual Evening With The Stars Oct. 9

It’s not your typical gala, black tie affair, auction or fundraiser, the Desi Geestman Foundation has a new event on its calendar that can best be described as both “glamorous and heartwarming”! The 7th Annual Evening with the Stars Celebrity Gala being held on October 9, 2010 at a beautiful Los Angeles Landmark at the Farmers Market will be an event you won’t want to miss!

This hallmark event gives guests an unprecedented opportunity to meet, mingle and dine with some of the most popular stars of daytime television. National networks represented include ABC, NBC, CBS, and SOAPnet with stars from top shows such as GENERAL HOSPITAL, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL.
Funds raised at this event will go to support the mission of the Desi Geestman Foundation where over 85% of all contributions are used to directly improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families by providing emotional and financial support.

More details below.

EVENT: Stephen Nichols & Mary Beth Evans Fan Club Sept. 25

If you are a fan of "Steve and Kayla" and in the Los Angeles area, you don't want to miss this! 

Please join Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans in the Starlight Room of the Sportsmen’s Lodge Events Center in Studio City, CA from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on September 25, 2010 for a meet and greet.

Registration will start at 9am with the event starting at 9:30am.  A buffet breakfast will be served.  There will be a Q&A and opportunities for photos and autographs with Stephen and Mary Beth.

We will be giving away an Apple iPod Touch, $50 Cheesecake Factory gift card and a $25 California Pizza Kitchen gift card as door prizes.

Tickets are $75 each ($78 via Paypal).  Please note we can’t accept checks or money orders from foreign counties (including Canada).  You must either send US cash or use Paypal. Our apologies for the inconvenience, but our bank charges a substantial fee for processing those.

NEWS: Daniel Kennedy, French Stewart, Daniel Cosgrove, Bree

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: AMC's Daniel Kennedy
“Being laid off from AMC was the perfect opportunity to reevaluate my purpose on this earth. All these things that have happened in the past year I credit to my participation at Landmark Education, a training and development organization. In two weeks, I am completing a 7 month-long leadership course that I credit for giving me the tools to create as many possibilities as I want.”

Daniel Cosgrove returning to ALL MY CHILDREN
Cosgrove will replace Adam Mayfield as Scott in December.

Y&R's Graziadei & Luckinbill To Guest on CSI Oct. 7

A vampire and werewolf convention is at the heart of a murder investigation in Las Vegas, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Thursday, Oct. 7 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Actors Thad Luckinbill and Michael Graziadei from CBS's THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS guest star as vampire and werewolf enthusiasts in the episode entitled, "Blood Moon." Comedian Andy Dick guest stars as an armory dealer.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Mary Kay Place (ex-Loretta, MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN) - 63
Patty Weaver (Gina, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Bernadette, SPYDER GAMES; ex-Trish, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 55
Keri Lynn Pratt (ex-Amy, BROTHERS & SISTERS) - 32
Aubrey Dollar (ex-Marina, GUIDING LIGHT) - 30

Inspired By A Soap? Share Your Story On Our New Web Series

"CASTING CALL: WHAT INSPIRES YOU?"

Emmy winning makeup artist Vanessa Elese

Good news: The deadline has been extended to September 27th! WE LOVE SOAPS TV has teamed up with Emmy winning makeup artist Vanessa Elese to bring our readers a very special opportunity!

Do you consider yourself a Devoted Soap Fan? Has a Daytime Drama story or character ever inspired you to radically change your life or to cope with a devastating situation?  We want YOU! A new web television pilot is calling ALL Soap Opera fans in the New York and surrounding areas to submit on‐camera auditions for consideration and a chance to win a televised makeover from Vanessa Elese, 2010 Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist from ALL MY CHILDREN and Celebrity Hair, Color and Wardrobe Stylists. Submit for your chance to experience the behind the scenes glamour and a true day in the life of a Soap Star.

Men/Women submit your taped auditions to include the following:

*Your Name, City, State, Phone Number and Email address

*Which soap opera story line/actor/actress has impacted your life the most or inspired you for a life change and why?

Example #1: Colleen Zenk, who played Barbara Ryan on AS THE WORLD TURNS, is a two time cancer survivor whose story was written into the actual show.  She gave me hope, inspiration and the spirit to fight through and know there are other people like me feeling the same things.

Example #2:  I was inspired by Luke's coming out on AS THE WORLD TURNS to tell more people in my life that I am gay.  Although I was terrified of being rejected, Van Hansis' performance as Luke offered me the bravery and determination to be more honest and open in my own life.

*Who is the star from your favorite soap that inspired you and why?

*In light of the inspired life change: give us a brief description of why you deserve this makeover and how this would help further impact your transformation?

*Travel accommodations not supplied. Must be willing to travel.

*Submission Time Limit: 2 minutes

*Submission Form: on‐camera submissions to be viewed as Quicktime (.mov) files and YouTube ONLY. (All other forms of submissions will not be considered)

*Send to:  info@vanessaelese.com

*Submission Deadline: Monday, September 27th, 12:00 a.m. ET

Today could be your day to let YOUR guiding light shine!

 

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of September 12-18, 2010. PLACES PLEASE remained in the top spot for the second consecutive week. THE BAY debuted in second place.



Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible. Check back on Saturday when this week's polling begins.

Watch last week's indie soaps below:
- 8.13
- AS THE CORN GROWS
- CELESTE BRIGHT
- DESIRE AND DECEIT
- OBLIVION
- PLACES PLEASE
- ROOMIES!
- SQUARE ONE
- THE BAY
- THE BEST FRIEND
- THE PARAGON
- WINDSOR HILL

RELATED:
- Check out our Indie Soap Beat Fall Preview Guide here.

THE BAY The Series Interviews: Nicolas Coster, Part One

His track record in daytime is legendary.  He is the self-proclaimed holder of the most daytime roles in history.  His scene stealing turns on each of these soaps have earned him critical acclaim and fan loyalty.  But how does the profoundly gifted Nicolas Coster perceive his career, and his responsibility to give back to others? Please join me for this revealing interview in which we review Mr. Coster's nine television soaps, plus his exciting new role as the Mayor of THE BAY.

We Love Soaps: We are so excited about the beginning of THE BAY.  How did this project come your way?
Nicolas Coster: Gregori Martin is adventurous and I just love his spirit.  He has this friendly and assertive manner.  I’ve been so fascinated by the internet and Facebook.  I have a whole legion of new fans, young women and men, as well as some of my more mature audience from yesteryear with whom I correspond.  Some of them have become such good friends of mine.  So it’s kind of terrific at my advanced stage of disrepair to have a whole new legion of interested people.  They are interested in what I’m about to do.  So Gregori asked me if I was interested.  I saw him create stuff so quickly and with such craftsmanship.  I’ve rarely seen anybody his age with such sharp craft in his writing, his plotting, and character development.  I really wish him well. 

We Love Soaps: You are playing the mayor of THE BAY?
Nicolas Coster: Yes, Jack Madison. There will be a spin-off.

We Love Soaps: Is he on the up-and-up or does he have some skeletons in his closet?
Nicolas Coster: He's got a whole lot  of things in his closet.  He has a secret agenda, or agendas.  I don’t think he’ll be boring.

NEWS: John Wesley Shipp, GLEE Ratings, Hasselhoff off DWTS

John Wesley Shipp returns to daytime soaps
Soap Opera Digest is reporting that John Wesley Shipp has been cast in the role of Eddie, the much-mentioned bad dad of the Ford brothers on ONE LIFE TO LIVE. Shipp is known to soap fans for his Emmy winning stints on AS THE WORLD TURNS and SANTA BARBARA and his unforgottable run as Kelly on GUIDING LIGHT. Shipped was voted the #21 Greatest Soap Actor of All Time in the WE LOVE SOAPS TV critics poll earlier this year.

GLEE returns with great demos
The season two debut of GLEE delivered 12.3 million viewers and a 5.5 preliminary adults 18-49 rating. That's up a whopping 20% from its premiere last fall and easily ranked as the highest-rated show of the night. The GLEE rating comes despite the musical comedy launching Fox's lineup at 8 p.m. instead of receiving a lead-in at 9 p.m. like last year.

David Hasselhoff gets the boot on DANCING WITH THE STARS
So now the show that has traditionally operated as a celebrity popularity contest as much as (or more than) a dance competition has only two genuine showbiz-type stars: 76-year-old Florence Henderson and the terminally stiff Michael Bolton, neither of whom is a contender.

BIG BROTHER 12's Rachel Reilly and Brendon Villegas to appear on B&B
Reilly and Villegas are appearing on Oct. 25 and 26 as a Bikini Beach waitress and bartender. The pair will be in scenes with B&B's Hope, Liam, Bill, Katie and Amber.

UK BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL fans launch Facebook Campaign
The campaign is to get the soap back on television after it was dropped yesterday by digital broadcaster DIVA TV. For the past three years episodes of the soap have aired on DIVA TV where it has become the broadcasters top-rated program with two episodes airing a day on the broadcaster.

Lindsay Hartley To Guest on SMALLVILLE

"We are thrilled to have Lindsay on SMALLVILLE. We've all been looking for a fun opportunity for the last year," executive producer Kelly Souders says.

Though Lindsay and husband Justin Hartley won't share any scenes, she will "have her hands full with Clark," says Souders. "Her character is a woman who takes matters into her own hands, and those hands are wickedly dangerous."

Hartley, who last airs as Arianna on DAYS OF OUR LIVES in October, debuts as Cara on ALL MY CHILDREN on December 8. She will appear in SMALLVILLE's eighth episode of the season.

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Backstage Tour with Nelson Aspen

As promised, Nelson's backstage tour of B&B for Aussie TV! Visit him at www.nelsonaspen.com.

THE BAY: Confessions of the Garretts, Part 6

More about The Garretts of indie soap THE BAY is revealed in the latest "confession" below featuring Mary Beth Evans. You can also watch a re-mastered version of the premiere webisode with some new shots, revised score, source music, credits, and improved sound.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Lynn Herring (ex-Audrey, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Lucy, GENERAL HOSPITAL/PORT CHARLES; Lisanne, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 52
Daniella Alonso (Brenda, MY GENERATION; ex-Carlotta, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS; ex-Pilar, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 32
Michael Graziadei (Daniel, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 31
Chase Ellison (ex-Noah, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 17

Save LONE STAR!

Uh oh! One of the best new "soaps" to launch in primetime in recent years is on the chopping block...after ONE episode.  According to The Hollywood Reporter, the ratings for Fox's LONE STAR were so abysmal in its first night that the network may cancel it before airing another. Could airing a pilot at the same time as the Season Premiere of DANCING WITH THE STARS have had anything to do with the low ratings? And THE EVENT? And the CBS juggernaut Monday lineup?

This is not good news, soap fans.  LONE STAR is a quality production all the way.  It does has familiar aspects to it, no doubt.  There are clear influences ranging from DALLAS to NURSE JACKIE, as this show presents intriguing conflicts of power, deceit, and the cost of living a double life.  It is unusual these days for network television to broadcast a scripted drama that isn't an easy-to-figure out formula (ie, the LAW & ORDER and the NCIS franchises).  This show is unpredictable, suspenseful, sexy (see photo), and requires a certain amount of attention from its audience.

As of this writing, this did not appear to be a sealed deal.  If you want LONE STAR to stay on the air, please take some time to let Fox know what you think. The mailing address is:

FOX Broadcasting Co.
P.O. Box 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90213

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Previous stories directed fans to contact 20th Century Fox and David Madden. This is incorrect. The Fox network is the entity who has the power to cancel LONE STAR so give them a call or write them a letter instead.]

UPDATE: NYMag.com has confirmed that Fox is going to give LONE STAR at least one more airing before pulling the plug on the show. Watch the show on Fox.com now.

NEWS: Jean Passanante on Reid, Kim Zimmer, Barbara Windsor

Former ATWT head writer Jean Passanante on why she killed the character of Reid
Asked how the show settled on this particular ending, Passanante says, “In the back of our minds we thought we'll end the show with a death, a birth, a wedding, a funeral and a retirement. We were sort of trying to encapsulate what happens on a show, in a town, and in life in a short period of time.”

Asked if she’s aware of the backlash from fans, Passanante answers emphatically that she was. “I am aware of it. I was at the Paley Center doing a panel and a couple of people kind of accosted me – this is before it even aired. … The fact that it happened to be a gay guy that died is completely arbitrary and coincidental. I'm a little stunned that there's this attitude that, you know, we can't interrupt a gay romance, as if we haven't done exactly that with straight romances.”

Kim Zimmer on her return to ONE LIFE TO LIVE
"I'm definitely not trying to step on anybody's toes or take anybody's airtime, by any means. And I've been made to feel very welcome. Erika called me three times before I agreed to the role, just to put a little bee in my bonnet about how fun it would be to work together again. She was very terrific and supportive. But I understand the fans. There are people on the show like Ilene Kristen [Roxie] who would love to be working more. I just think it's a sign of the times at OLTL that the producers and writers are looking for ways to shake things up."

Meet the Napster of Television - ivi, Inc.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, ivi, Inc. has raised $1 million in venture funding with a self-proclaimed "legal strategy" to rebroadcast television online without the permission of broadcasters or content-owners. If right, the company would be able to offer a service that would essentially be the Napster of television.

The company offers users a free 30-day trial and then makes them pay $4.99 a month, and an extra $0.99 a month for DVR functionality. ivi, Inc. has filed a complaint with the networks that they're retransmission of their signals is legal.

CEO Todd Weaver says his 18-employee company won't harm the TV business as it provides viewership data to Nielsen so that broadcasters can factor this in when they sell advertisements.

PREVIEW: Don't Miss Tonight's GLEE Premiere

USA Today's Robert Bianco agrees that tonight's GLEE is can't miss: "Don't tune in late, because GLEE is at its humorous best in tonight's opening moments. With tongue firmly in cheek, it addresses and mocks most of the summer's Internet-fed rumors and complaints. Have you heard that one of the cast members may be difficult to work with, or no one likes it when Matthew Morrison raps, or some dismiss the musical performances as Auto-Tuned karaoke numbers that 'sound like they come from a drag queen's iPod'? Apparently, so have the writers."

After more than disappointing numbers for Fox's hot new soap, LONE STAR, last night, the network will be anxiously waiting on Wednesday morning to find out how many people tuned into its other soap, GLEE. Will you be watching?

FLASHBACK: He's (Bill Bell) Wed to a Celebrity 1958

He's Wed to a Celebrity

She's Lee Phillip--and Their Marriage Is Successful

By Norma Lee Browning
Chicago Daily Tribune
August 27, 1958

What's it like, being married to a celebrity wife?

"It takes some adjusting," admits Bill Bell Jr., who still hankers to be known by his own name instead of Mr. Lee Phillip.

Lee happens to be Mrs. Bill Bell Jr., [instead of vice versa] but her public knows her as Lee Phillip, that wholesomely beautiful blonde darling of television. She and Bill have been wed three and a half years.

He was disconcerted at first to hear his wife mumble sweet nothings in his ear that were really television commercials.

"But," he explains, "she's a hard working girl and it takes her hours to learn those TV bits."

Fortunately he has a broad minded outlook on fame. Lee lightly accuses him of marrying her out of sympathy. He says she married him to acquire a script writer.

Calling All Superheroes!

Calling all superheroes! Kai Soremekun, the writer, star, creator (and everything else) of the hit web series CHICK needs your help!  

Please take 3 minutes to take this survey to help Kai bring you Season Two in a way that is the most creative and financially viable.   

Then read our complete interview with this amazing talent in which we discuss CHICK and how real life events inspired her to create this compelling series. 

As mentioned last week with the loss of AS THE WORLD TURNS, it can be so easy to help others who are working toward maintaining creative and inspiring shows.  Taking this survey will help!