Thursday, May 28, 2015

NEWS: Jessica Collins Leaving 'The Young and the Restless'; Plus, Kristoff St. John, Nicholas Rodriguez, Chrystee Pharris, Louise Shaffer, Jake Wood

Jessica Collins - © 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC Alexx Henry
Studios, LLC / Jeremy Lee
Jessica Collins Leaving 'The Young and the Restless'
Collins is leaving the role of Avery Clark on Y&R. Reports Jamey Giddens: "What Chuck [Pratt] originally planned for Avery would have been the worst thing the soap had ever done," said a set side source. "It would have been Armageddon."

The status of Collins and co-star Scott Elrod (Joe) have rumored in recent weeks but Y&R has only confirmed the exit of Collins this summer.

Mental health facility bosses respond to Kristoff St. John lawsuit
St. John is suing executives at La Casa and its sister company Telecare for negligence, negligent supervision, negligent retention and wrongful death, and he is seeking an unspecified amount in damages. on Wednesday, bosses at La Casa fired back and denied being served with papers from St. John.

A statement issued to Entertainment Tonight reads: "The staff and management of La Casa Mental Health Rehabilitation Center want to express their deepest sympathies to the family of Julian St. John following his tragic suicide in November 2014. La Casa has not been served with the lawsuit by the St. John family. We believe it is important to state that the California Department of Health Care Services reviewed the case and on May 5, 2015 found that La Casa was in compliance with all applicable licensing laws and regulations. Similarly, the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health concluded that Mr. St. John's treatment and care at La Casa was reasonable and in line with clinical procedures, given his mental condition. For over 30 years our staff has provided excellent, compassionate care to those suffering from mental illness in the Los Angeles area, and we are proud of the dedication and hard work of our team of professional care-givers. We agree with the public comments of the family of Mr. St. John that the nation would be better served by focusing more attention on the issues affecting the mentally ill."

'Y&R' Showrunner Jill Farren Phelps Set to Begin Contract Negotiations
Her contract isn't up until fall, but Phelps is set to begin negotiating with Sony and CBS Daytime shortly.

Roger Crew, husband of 'Ryan's Hope' star Louise Shaffer, has passed away
Shaffer shared thanks on Facebook for the outpouring of support: "Thank you for the love and the support and the prayers. I guess one of the sadder things about this is, how much Roger would have enjoyed this outpouring. He and I were married for thirty five years. He was funny, smart -- I don't know too many people who consider Faulkner light bedtime reading -- talented in more ways than he ever knew, and his heart was huge. He was the only man I ever could have loved and the only man I ever could have married. He kept me from being lonely for over three decades."

Jake Wood taking a a year-long break from 'EastEnders'
"I have been at EastEnders for nine years and I feel the time is right to give Max [Branning] a break. It won't be for too long as I shall be back next year to see Max face another chapter of drama."

'Coronation Street' stars are reportedly furious that they've been banned from performing in the theater
Bosses are said to have told actors they can't sign up for festive plays until they've left the ITV soap, despite stars from rival dramas securing six-figure sums for roles.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper : "People think it's unfair. Stars can make as much for three or four weeks' work over Christmas than in an entire year. People were saying, 'If they can do it, why can't we?' Some of the younger cast aren't on a lot of money so to be able to boost their income would be a dream come true. It's not a happy ship."

'Passions' Actress Chrystee Pharris Turns Career Into Ministry; Recalls Praying for Wiccan On Set
Pharris is currently starring in Queens of Drama on Pop.

"It was one of those things I remember telling my friend, 'I want a reality show based around soap opera people.' She was like 'sure enough you're going to get it,'" Pharris recalled. "One week later I got the call like 'here you go.' She was like ' you prayed about it I knew you were going to get it! You always have so much favor."

It's so sad Nigel was killed off, says 'Archers' boss: Show's editor suggest team regret death of much-loved character that prompted 450 complaints
At the time editor Vanessa Whitburn was in charge of the program and responsible for a number of controversial plots, which helped to boost ratings and transformed The Archers from a sedate tale of rural life to a serial of sensational storylines, including an arson attack and a torrid extra-marital affair.

Sean O’Connor took over in 2013 and when asked by an audience member if he regretted the decision, Mr O’Connor said after a pause: "I think it was very sad that Nigel died. That is what I think. I wasn’t there, I’ve been there for over two years, but I wasn’t there. So I think it was very sad that he died."

Listen to Soulful New Tracks from 'One Life to Life' Alum Nicholas Rodriguez's Solo Debut Album
Rodriguez, who made his Broadway debut in "Tarzan" and played Nick Chavez on One Life to Live, will release his debut solo album "The First Time..." on the PS Classics label next month. In anticipation of the release, Playbill.com shared two of the tracks.

The album, which will be released digitally June 2 and in stores June 19, will include songs by Stephen Sondheim, Frank Loesser, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, Joni Mitchell and Sara Bareilles. Also featured will be Phil Collins' "You'll Be in My Heart" from "Tarzan."

Listen to "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" and "Conversation" below:



2 comments:

  1. Pratt is a disgrace. Phelps needs to go as well. Y&R keeps sinking into their swamp. Awful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've been friends with Roger's widow, Louise Shaffer, since the 80s and in those early days I got to work with them on a sitcom pilot they were writing. To a young guy in his 20s, I thought they were the perfect couple...sympatico in every way. He was a smart, talented, quirky and charismatic guy: and perfect for Louise. Thoughts and prayers for them both.

    ReplyDelete