News Brief

Ricky Paull Goldin's moments on the red carpet
Carolyn Hinsey of the New York Daily News reports:
Last Friday's Daytime Emmy Awards in L.A. were stressful enough in the 100-plus-degree heat without having to a.) host a live red carpet pre-show on SOAPnet and b.) dodge bosses from the show you just quit.

"There were a lot of my old producers there, so I did have to deal with certain energy fields," said Ricky Paull Goldin, who recently quit GUIDING LIGHT (where he played Gus) to join ALL MY CHILDREN (as Tad's brother, Jake Martin). "It's like when you break up and then you run into your old girlfriend. But it was fine."

UPDATED: Nelson Branco's "Suds Report"
DAYS Alison Sweeney preggers — but is Sami? Duhon's final GH airdate! Plus: Find out who Branco endorsed as Adonis 2008!

Lauper gives gay teen advice as guest star on soap
Cyndi Lauper to the rescue. Luke and Noah, the estranged teenage couple on AS THE WORLD TURNS, are broken up. But have no fear, Lauper is here. Lauper is slated to guest star on the soap July 3. Playing herself, she will try to get the two boys, played by Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann, to get back together.

"I’m here to do intervention for true love and I think true love should always win out. I think it’s actually a monumental show that I’m on."

FOX 411: Dody Goodman and ATWT's sinking ratings
Dody Goodman, who was so much fun as Mary Hartman’s ditzy mother back in the mid '70s, died this week at age 93. In her earlier career, Goodman had been the comic foil to Jack Paar on THE TONIGHT SHOW (this was before Johnny Carson). It’s hard to appreciate her just from clips, but she was sublime. Check out YouTube to see a little of her by searching under MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN.

Of course, MARY HARTMAN was the very clever parody of daytime soaps. From what I hear, over at a real soap, CBS’ AS THE WORLD TURNS, things could not be worse. The ratings are spiraling downward week after week since the ouster of star Martha Byrne. Once third of eight shows, it’s now No. 7.

Daytime TV Goes Gangsta with Snoop Dogg
Quentin B. Huff reports: "...soap operas and hip-hop aren’t as oddly matched as I initially thought. Soap operas don’t purport to be reality-based, as some hip-hop albums do, and nobody talks about 'soap opera culture' the way we speak of 'hip-hop culture,' but there are similarities."

OLTL's Hickland raising awareness about women's heart health
When you see a group of stunning red dresses displayed you are likely to stop, and that's the goal as Project Red Dress works to raise awareness of women's heart disease.

"I have made so many great friends in Jonesboro. I don't even know how many times I come here anymore. Whenever I come here I eat at the same restaurants, I meet new people, I have great friends," said Catherine Hickland.

"I lost my father to heart disease and my mom has had open heart surgery twice, so I really have to be interested in this, " said Hickland.

The goal for Project Red Dress is to raise awareness of women's heart health.

Best. Gay. Week. Ever.
Michael Jensen of AfterElton looks back on this week in gay TV featuring Luke and Noah from AS THE WORLD TURNS, John Paul and Kieron from HOLLYOAKS and Olli and Christian from FORBIDDEN LOVE.

Deep Soap: This Column Was Brought To You By Pepto Bismol
Sara A. Bibel blogs: "As soaps desperately search for ways to become profitable, they’re turning to product placement. I’m not going to condemn this trend. If putting some Florida Orange Juice on a breakfast table can help a show’s bottom line, then so be it. I’ll accept being pulled out of a scene for a moment by a brand reference if that’s what it takes to keep a show going. After all, product placement has been a part of the genre since soaps were fifteen minute long radio serials."

Deli owner gaining TV attention
Damon Carney is reaching for stardom of the Hollywood kind, but his feet are very much rooted in Arlington. The part-time actor/restaurateur has a recurring role in SWINGTOWN, a new CBS series that debuted June 5. He has been listed as a "guest star." Before SWINGTOWN, he was often cast as a cop. He’s also been in beer commercials as well as spots for TXU and AT&T. He recalled a forgettable role as a plumber in one episode of THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL. More recently he had roles on FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (he was a coach) and PRISON BREAK.

INTERVIEW: Y&R's Christian LeBlanc
"Sometimes families just come together on shows, with the casting and stuff. As soon as Greg came on, he was my brother. There was no question about it. Kevin was there, fully realized. Then, Joan Van Ark came on as Gloria, and it was supposed to be a short-term role, because she didn't want long-term. She was wonderful. Then, Judith took over the role and just made it her own. The transition was seamless. She is Gloria. You can't even think of anyone else playing the part."