Below is my comments on final nominations. I am including the entire pre-nomination list to highlight the biggest surprises and snubs in each category. The first five are the final nominees.
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Maura West (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Crystal Chappell (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Nicole Forester (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS) - BIGGEST SURPRISE
Jeanne Cooper (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
Michelle Stafford (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
Bobbie Eakes (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Susan Lucci (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Martha Byrne (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Terri Colombino (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Susan Flannery (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Katherine Kelly Lang (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Hunter Tylo (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Deidre Hall (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Alison Sweeney (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Nancy Lee Grahn (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Megan Ward (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Laura Wright (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Kassie DePaiva (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Erika Slezak (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Robin Strasser (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Lindsay Hartley (PASSIONS * NBC)
Tracey Ross (PASSIONS * NBC)
McKenzie Westmore (PASSIONS * NBC)
Melody Thomas Scott (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS) - BIGGEST SNUB
Nicole Forester had her moments but I did not think she would make the final five based on competition in this category. I was hoping that Melody Thomas Scott would finally get her due but no such luck.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
David Canary (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Thaao Penghlis (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC) - BIGGEST SURPRISE
Anthony Geary (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Peter Bergman (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
Christian LeBlanc (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
Thorsten Kaye (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Michael Knight (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Scott Bryce (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS) - BIGGEST SNUB
Jon Hensley (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Michael Park (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
John McCook (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Ronn Moss (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Jack Wagner (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Stephen Nichols (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Peter Reckell (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
James Scott (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Steve Burton (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Tyler Christopher (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Ricky Paull Goldin (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Robert Newman (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Ron Raines (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Michael Easton (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Jerry Verdorn (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Robert S. Woods (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Eric Braeden (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
I'm shocked DAYS received any acting nominations at all based on how the Emmys have been judged for the past several years and especially Penghlis as their lead actor nominee. Scott Bryce was the best actor on soaps in 2007 (sorry Mr. Branco). No other actor could make me feel sorry for his character after giving his wife a drug to make her lose her baby. Bryce was that good.
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Kelley Menighan Hensley (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Heather Tom (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Judi Evans (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC) - BIGGEST SURPRISE
Gina Tognoni (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Tracey Bregman (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
Alicia Minshew (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Sabine Singh (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Marie Wilson (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Colleen Zenk Pinter (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Jennifer Gareis (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Lesli Kay (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Mary Beth Evans (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Martha Madison (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Carolyn Hennesy (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC) - BIGGEST SNUB
Rebecca Herbst (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Kimberly McCullough (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Beth Chamberlin (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Marcy Rylan (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Kathy Brier (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Catherine Hickland (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Bree Williamson (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Erin Cardillo (PASSIONS * NBC)
Melinda Sward (PASSIONS * NBC)
Judith Chapman (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
Adrienne Frantz (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
I was surprised about Judi Evans but in a good way. Again, not expecting any DAYS acting noms and Evans never had the story of a Martha Madison or Mary Beth Evans but I have loved this woman for 25 years and she deserves it! I was sure Hennesy would get a nod this year. Lesli Kay too for that matter.
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Trent Dawson (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Daniel Cosgrove (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS) - BIGGEST SURPRISE
Brian Kerwin (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Greg Rikaart (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
Kristoff St. John (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
Jeffrey Carlson (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Billy J. Miller (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Jacob Young (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Grayson McCouch (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Austin Peck (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
William deVry (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Patrick Duffy (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Dax Griffin (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Bryan Dattilo (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Jay Kenneth Johnson (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Joseph Mascolo (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Bradford Anderson (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC) - BIGGEST SNUB
Rick Hearst (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Sebastian Roche (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Murray Bartlett (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Jordan Clarke (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
John-Paul Lavoisier (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Tuc Watkins (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Phillip Jeanmarie (PASSIONS * NBC)
Christopher Maleki (PASSIONS * NBC)
Eric Martsolf (PASSIONS * NBC)
Ted Shackelford (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
I expected some different nominees in this category. I would have picked Shackelford over the two actual Y&R nominees. Cosgrove is smoking hot but he only appeared on GL for a couple of months so not sure he deserves his spot. I was surprised by Kerwin's nod as well. I thought the uniqueness Bradford Anderson brings to daytime would be recognized so I'm giving him the biggest snub award.
Outstanding Younger Actress In A Drama Series
Jennifer Landon (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Rachel Melvin (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Vail Bloom (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS) - BIGGEST SURPRISE
Emily O’Brien (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS) - BIGGEST SURPRISE
Tammin Sursok (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS) - BIGGEST SURPRISE
Melissa Claire Egan (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Leven Rambin (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Chrishell Stause (ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC)
Alexandra Chando (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Marnie Schulenburg (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
MacKenzie Mauzy (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS)
Shelley Hennig (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Kristen Renton (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Julie Marie Berman (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Kirsten Storms (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC) - BIGGEST SNUB
Mandy Bruno (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Bonnie Dennison (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Caitlin Van Zandt (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Kristen Alderson (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Farah Fath (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Brittany Underwood (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Hannia Guillen (PASSIONS * NBC)
Danica Stewart (PASSIONS * NBC)
Christel Khalil (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
What can I say? I was sitting in the studio at THE VIEW listening to Van Hansis call out the names of the nominees and I thought there must be some mistake. No Kirsten Storms? No Alex Chando? And Y&R had four pre-noms and the best actress of the bunch is the only one to not make it? This category is totally out of whack and Landon will probably win her third in a row.
Outstanding Younger Actor In A Drama Series
Van Hansis (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Jesse Lee Soffer (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Darin Brooks (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC) - BIGGEST SURPRISE
Tom Pelphrey (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Bryton McClure (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
Jake Silbermann (AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS)
Blake Berris (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Matthew Florida (DAYS OF OUR LIVES * NBC)
Dylan Cash (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC)
Josh Duhon (GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC) - BIGGEST SNUB
John Driscoll (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Lawrence Saint-Victor (GUIDING LIGHT * CBS)
Edward Alderson (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Brandon Buddy (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Jason Tam (ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC)
Adrian Bellani (PASSIONS * NBC)
Blair Redford (PASSIONS * NBC)
Hunter Allan (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS)
I want to say I'm surprised by Bryton McClure's pre-nom, but since he robbed Hansis and Pelphrey last year, nothing will surprise me in this category. I was expecting he make it along with Hansis and Pelphrey. I thought Josh Duhon would and should make the final cut as well.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Emmy Reaction From Around The Web
"Hooray: ONE LIFE TO LIVE! Boo: BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL"
Tom O'Neil from the Gold Derby writes: "Hallelujah!" cried journos back in the press room when "One Life to Live" was nommed for best drama series. It's widely perceived to be the best soap on the tube this year. But also beloved right now is "The Bold and the Beautiful," which got snubbed.
Curious oddity in the lead acting races. The lead actor race is full of the reigning older dudes like David Canary, Peter Bergman and Anthony Geary. But the older dames are missing from the leading lady race — except for Jeanne Cooper, who is long overdue to win after more than three decades starring on TV's top-rated soap, "The Young and the Restless."
"I simply don't understand the system"
Elaine G. Flores from Soap Opera Digest writes: So, the 35th Annual Daytime Emmy nominations were just announced a little while ago, and I'm already vexed. I simply don't understand the system: There are countless glaring omissions and a few laughable head-scratchers who made the cut. I can't believe the Younger Actress category could overlook a spitfire like GH's Kirsten Storms (Maxie). Shelley Hennig (Stephanie, DAYS) kicked some serious butt in one of DAYS's most compelling stories with campus rapist Ford Decker. And while three of the Younger Actress nominations went to Y&R, how on earth did Christel Khalil who carried the youth storylines as Lily not get a slot? The perennial snubbing of Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B) is just outrageous. After Brooke's rape last year, there was an episode where she vowed to get her life back. It was very moving and raw, and I distinctly recall getting chills and saying to myself how this was gonna be her year. Apparently not. I hope someone is paying attention to the scenes she had this week at Katie's bedside. Why is Alicia Minshew, who jumps through hoops as AMC's Kendall, not a nominee? And another thing, I know the Emmys love to reward sobbing and screaming, but I wish they paid more attention to the value of endearing quirkiness. As I was howling at my pal Danielle McClure's desk, she goes: "Funny never wins, Elaine. Funny never wins." I adore Bradford Anderson's Spinelli on GH and I wish the people who came up with this list had recognized him. The guy has waaaaaaay more to do than some other people in the Younger Actor category. I know this is a long shot, but another GHer Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) is very talented and would have made a fresh addition to the Supporting category. To my way of thinking, she beautifully exemplifies what it means to be a supporting actress. On the bright side, I'm really glad that ATWT's Trent Dawson (Henry) is there to represent the character actors. And Emily O'Brien's Jana on Y&R is certainly a colorful character, from the Amy Winehouse hair on down. I'm really glad that DAYS received so many nominations, especially that bankable cutie Darin Brooks as Max. But only one for GH? Seriously?
" I only have this to say: ...???...?!?!...???..."
Mallory at Serial Drama writes: According to Mirriam-Webster, synonyms for "outstanding" include exceptional, magnificent, extraordinary and remarkable.
When I think of those words, I do not think of a show so boring and repetitive that it made me fall asleep on multiple occasions, whose boringness was only broken up by terrible stories about porn, an ill-advised recast, a long and mostly pointless prison storyline, a long and mostly pointless political storyline, a poorly written device to write off a core character, appalling hairstyles, a cheesy story about psychopaths with plastic surgery, bad photoshop, a disaster story so wretched that even Bob Guza laughed at it and the continued employment of daytime's only robot cast member.
But that show seems downright brilliant compared to GENERAL HOSPITAL.
"dismayed by the small number of ABC actor nods"
Lauren Flynn from Soap Opera Digest writes: I've just returned from the 35th Annual Emmy Award nominations announced live at THE VIEW! Press was herded to a lounge area (where we had a Whoopi Goldberg sighting!) to watch the noms on TVs. I must admit, as annoyed as I was that I had to watch Tyra Banks blabber her way through an interview with Whoopi, Joy, Sherri and Elisabeth (no Barbara today, sadly) when there was not a single soap-star interview, it was hilarious how Banks managed to dominate the interview. As Joy said during earlier bickering, "There has to be a period on the sentence before someone else starts talking." LOL. As for the noms themselves, boy were there a few, er, surprises. While I totes agree with OLTL, GH and Y&R's nominations for Outstanding Drama Series, I was dismayed by the small number of ABC actor nods and the overwhelming actor nominations for CBS folks. And where, oh, where were ATWT's Martha Byrne (ex-Lily), B&B's Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B), Erika Slezak (Viki, OLTL) and Laura Wright (Carly, GH) in the Outstanding Lead Actress category? Also, I must give a shout-out to Kirsten Storms (Maxie, GH), who IMO, should have taken home the Emmy right then and there. I hope this doesn't deter Storms from attending the ceremony, because I'd like to shake that young lady's hand. All that said, kudos to ALL the nominees and I look forward to the 2008 Daytime Emmys!
Tom O'Neil from the Gold Derby writes: "Hallelujah!" cried journos back in the press room when "One Life to Live" was nommed for best drama series. It's widely perceived to be the best soap on the tube this year. But also beloved right now is "The Bold and the Beautiful," which got snubbed.
Curious oddity in the lead acting races. The lead actor race is full of the reigning older dudes like David Canary, Peter Bergman and Anthony Geary. But the older dames are missing from the leading lady race — except for Jeanne Cooper, who is long overdue to win after more than three decades starring on TV's top-rated soap, "The Young and the Restless."
"I simply don't understand the system"
Elaine G. Flores from Soap Opera Digest writes: So, the 35th Annual Daytime Emmy nominations were just announced a little while ago, and I'm already vexed. I simply don't understand the system: There are countless glaring omissions and a few laughable head-scratchers who made the cut. I can't believe the Younger Actress category could overlook a spitfire like GH's Kirsten Storms (Maxie). Shelley Hennig (Stephanie, DAYS) kicked some serious butt in one of DAYS's most compelling stories with campus rapist Ford Decker. And while three of the Younger Actress nominations went to Y&R, how on earth did Christel Khalil who carried the youth storylines as Lily not get a slot? The perennial snubbing of Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B) is just outrageous. After Brooke's rape last year, there was an episode where she vowed to get her life back. It was very moving and raw, and I distinctly recall getting chills and saying to myself how this was gonna be her year. Apparently not. I hope someone is paying attention to the scenes she had this week at Katie's bedside. Why is Alicia Minshew, who jumps through hoops as AMC's Kendall, not a nominee? And another thing, I know the Emmys love to reward sobbing and screaming, but I wish they paid more attention to the value of endearing quirkiness. As I was howling at my pal Danielle McClure's desk, she goes: "Funny never wins, Elaine. Funny never wins." I adore Bradford Anderson's Spinelli on GH and I wish the people who came up with this list had recognized him. The guy has waaaaaaay more to do than some other people in the Younger Actor category. I know this is a long shot, but another GHer Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) is very talented and would have made a fresh addition to the Supporting category. To my way of thinking, she beautifully exemplifies what it means to be a supporting actress. On the bright side, I'm really glad that ATWT's Trent Dawson (Henry) is there to represent the character actors. And Emily O'Brien's Jana on Y&R is certainly a colorful character, from the Amy Winehouse hair on down. I'm really glad that DAYS received so many nominations, especially that bankable cutie Darin Brooks as Max. But only one for GH? Seriously?
" I only have this to say: ...???...?!?!...???..."
Mallory at Serial Drama writes: According to Mirriam-Webster, synonyms for "outstanding" include exceptional, magnificent, extraordinary and remarkable.
When I think of those words, I do not think of a show so boring and repetitive that it made me fall asleep on multiple occasions, whose boringness was only broken up by terrible stories about porn, an ill-advised recast, a long and mostly pointless prison storyline, a long and mostly pointless political storyline, a poorly written device to write off a core character, appalling hairstyles, a cheesy story about psychopaths with plastic surgery, bad photoshop, a disaster story so wretched that even Bob Guza laughed at it and the continued employment of daytime's only robot cast member.
But that show seems downright brilliant compared to GENERAL HOSPITAL.
"dismayed by the small number of ABC actor nods"
Lauren Flynn from Soap Opera Digest writes: I've just returned from the 35th Annual Emmy Award nominations announced live at THE VIEW! Press was herded to a lounge area (where we had a Whoopi Goldberg sighting!) to watch the noms on TVs. I must admit, as annoyed as I was that I had to watch Tyra Banks blabber her way through an interview with Whoopi, Joy, Sherri and Elisabeth (no Barbara today, sadly) when there was not a single soap-star interview, it was hilarious how Banks managed to dominate the interview. As Joy said during earlier bickering, "There has to be a period on the sentence before someone else starts talking." LOL. As for the noms themselves, boy were there a few, er, surprises. While I totes agree with OLTL, GH and Y&R's nominations for Outstanding Drama Series, I was dismayed by the small number of ABC actor nods and the overwhelming actor nominations for CBS folks. And where, oh, where were ATWT's Martha Byrne (ex-Lily), B&B's Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B), Erika Slezak (Viki, OLTL) and Laura Wright (Carly, GH) in the Outstanding Lead Actress category? Also, I must give a shout-out to Kirsten Storms (Maxie, GH), who IMO, should have taken home the Emmy right then and there. I hope this doesn't deter Storms from attending the ceremony, because I'd like to shake that young lady's hand. All that said, kudos to ALL the nominees and I look forward to the 2008 Daytime Emmys!
Out on the Town - April 30, 2008
Van Hansis outside the ABC studios in New York today following his appearance on THE VIEW where he found out live that he had earned his second Daytime Emmy nomination.
Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award Nominees
Once again CBS dominated the Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award nominations handed out on THE VIEW this morning. I attended the show and couldn't believe how many Y&R acting noms I kept hearing, especially the Younger Actress category. I'll do a thorough review once I've had time to digest all the technical categories.
Nominations by soap
The Young and the Restless 17
Guiding Light 13
One Life To Live 13
As the World Turns 12
The Bold and the Beautiful 9
All My Children 8
Days of Our Lives 6
General Hospital 6
Passions 4
Outstanding Drama Series
GENERAL HOSPITAL
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GENERAL HOSPITAL
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Drama Series Directing Team
ALL MY CHILDREN
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GENERAL HOSPITAL
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
David Canary (ALL MY CHILDREN)
Thaao Penghlis (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Anthony Geary (GENERAL HOSPITAL)
Peter Bergman (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Christian Jules LeBlanc (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Maura West (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Crystal Chappell (GUIDING LIGHT)
Nicole Forester (GUIDING LIGHT)
Michelle Stafford (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Jeane Cooper (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series
Jennifer Landon (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Rachel Melvin (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Vail Bloom (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Emily O'Brien (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Tammin Sursok (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series
Van Hansis (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Jesse Lee Soffer (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Darin Brooks (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Ton Pelphrey (GUIDING LIGHT)
Bryton McClure (The THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Kelley Menighan Hensley (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Heather Tom (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL)
Judi Evans (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Gina Tongoni (GUIDING LIGHT)
Tracey E. Bregman (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Trent Dawson (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Daniel Cosgrove (GUIDING LIGHT)
Brian Kerwin (ONE LIFE TO LIVE)
Kristoff St. John (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Greg Rikaart (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design For A Drama Series
AS THE WORLD TURNS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Outstanding Achievement for a Casting Director For A Drama Series
GENERAL HOSPITAL
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Achievement for in Costume Design For A Drama Series
AS THE WORLD TURNS
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
PASSIONS
Outstanding Achievement in Multiple Camera Editing For A Drama Series
ALL MY CHILDREN
AS THE WORLD TURNS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling For A Drama Series
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
PASSIONS
Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction For A Drama Series
ALL MY CHILDREN
AS THE WORLD TURNS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Outstanding Achievement in Makeup For A Drama Series
AS THE WORLD TURNS
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
PASSIONS
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction And Composition For A Drama Series
ALL MY CHILDREN
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Outstanding Original Song
ALL MY CHILDREN
Song Title: The Me Inside
ALL MY CHILDREN
Song Title: Treasure Of Love
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Song Title: Chemistry
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Song Title: Little Starr
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Song Title: You're the Freak
Outstanding Achievement in Live & Direct To Tape Sound Mixing For A Drama Series
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GUIDING LIGHT
PASSIONS
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction/Electronic Camera/Video Control For A Drama Series
ALL MY CHILDREN
AS THE WORLD TURNS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GUIDING LIGHT
Nominations by soap
The Young and the Restless 17
Guiding Light 13
One Life To Live 13
As the World Turns 12
The Bold and the Beautiful 9
All My Children 8
Days of Our Lives 6
General Hospital 6
Passions 4
Outstanding Drama Series
GENERAL HOSPITAL
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GENERAL HOSPITAL
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Drama Series Directing Team
ALL MY CHILDREN
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GENERAL HOSPITAL
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
David Canary (ALL MY CHILDREN)
Thaao Penghlis (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Anthony Geary (GENERAL HOSPITAL)
Peter Bergman (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Christian Jules LeBlanc (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Maura West (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Crystal Chappell (GUIDING LIGHT)
Nicole Forester (GUIDING LIGHT)
Michelle Stafford (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Jeane Cooper (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series
Jennifer Landon (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Rachel Melvin (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Vail Bloom (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Emily O'Brien (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Tammin Sursok (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series
Van Hansis (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Jesse Lee Soffer (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Darin Brooks (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Ton Pelphrey (GUIDING LIGHT)
Bryton McClure (The THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Kelley Menighan Hensley (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Heather Tom (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL)
Judi Evans (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Gina Tongoni (GUIDING LIGHT)
Tracey E. Bregman (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Trent Dawson (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Daniel Cosgrove (GUIDING LIGHT)
Brian Kerwin (ONE LIFE TO LIVE)
Kristoff St. John (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Greg Rikaart (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design For A Drama Series
AS THE WORLD TURNS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Outstanding Achievement for a Casting Director For A Drama Series
GENERAL HOSPITAL
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Achievement for in Costume Design For A Drama Series
AS THE WORLD TURNS
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
PASSIONS
Outstanding Achievement in Multiple Camera Editing For A Drama Series
ALL MY CHILDREN
AS THE WORLD TURNS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling For A Drama Series
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
PASSIONS
Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction For A Drama Series
ALL MY CHILDREN
AS THE WORLD TURNS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Outstanding Achievement in Makeup For A Drama Series
AS THE WORLD TURNS
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
PASSIONS
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction And Composition For A Drama Series
ALL MY CHILDREN
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GUIDING LIGHT
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Outstanding Original Song
ALL MY CHILDREN
Song Title: The Me Inside
ALL MY CHILDREN
Song Title: Treasure Of Love
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Song Title: Chemistry
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Song Title: Little Starr
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Song Title: You're the Freak
Outstanding Achievement in Live & Direct To Tape Sound Mixing For A Drama Series
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GUIDING LIGHT
PASSIONS
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction/Electronic Camera/Video Control For A Drama Series
ALL MY CHILDREN
AS THE WORLD TURNS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
GUIDING LIGHT
News Brief
Nuke-lear Response from P&G
After months of public speculation that As the World Turns was treating its gay couple, Luke and Noah, differently than other couples, many fans were delighted when the two finally kissed again last week. But there were those who were less-than-thrilled: The American Family Association issued a call for action against Proctor & Gamble, which owns and runs the show, for "using explicit, open-mouth homosexual kissing" and making "the decision to support the homosexual agenda."
P&G doesn't appear to be cowering. The company told EW.com: "P&G has a diverse, global workforce and a diverse group of consumers who use our products. We strive to be a responsible advertiser, and sponsor programming that enables us to connect with a diverse consumer audience. We recognize that there are times when the subject matter on P&G sponsored content will not be acceptable to all viewers, and ultimately, the viewer decides what is right for their personal entertainment choices."
In other words, if you don't like it, don't watch it.
Many Happy Returns on ATWT
It's a week of returns on AS THE WORLD TURNS! INTURN winner Alex Charak is back as Elwood to make trouble for Casey on Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6. Also on May 6, Daniel Hugh Kelley's Col. Mayer once again brings his particular brand of open-minded charm to Oakdale.
Where are they now: Kevin Bacon (Ex-Tim, GUIDING LIGHT)
In the early '80s, as Kevin's acting career began to blossom with regular soap opera work, the Bacon brothers lived for a brief while in the same Manhattan building, where they would, when time permitted, continue to work on songs together. While Kevin was finding success on The Guiding Light, Michael's musical career had taken a lucrative turn toward film and TV scoring. Starting with small, offbeat projects, he has since gone on to win an Emmy for his work on the 1992 historical film The Kennedys, one of many in the renowned American Experience documentary series.
After months of public speculation that As the World Turns was treating its gay couple, Luke and Noah, differently than other couples, many fans were delighted when the two finally kissed again last week. But there were those who were less-than-thrilled: The American Family Association issued a call for action against Proctor & Gamble, which owns and runs the show, for "using explicit, open-mouth homosexual kissing" and making "the decision to support the homosexual agenda."
P&G doesn't appear to be cowering. The company told EW.com: "P&G has a diverse, global workforce and a diverse group of consumers who use our products. We strive to be a responsible advertiser, and sponsor programming that enables us to connect with a diverse consumer audience. We recognize that there are times when the subject matter on P&G sponsored content will not be acceptable to all viewers, and ultimately, the viewer decides what is right for their personal entertainment choices."
In other words, if you don't like it, don't watch it.
Many Happy Returns on ATWT
It's a week of returns on AS THE WORLD TURNS! INTURN winner Alex Charak is back as Elwood to make trouble for Casey on Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6. Also on May 6, Daniel Hugh Kelley's Col. Mayer once again brings his particular brand of open-minded charm to Oakdale.
Where are they now: Kevin Bacon (Ex-Tim, GUIDING LIGHT)
In the early '80s, as Kevin's acting career began to blossom with regular soap opera work, the Bacon brothers lived for a brief while in the same Manhattan building, where they would, when time permitted, continue to work on songs together. While Kevin was finding success on The Guiding Light, Michael's musical career had taken a lucrative turn toward film and TV scoring. Starting with small, offbeat projects, he has since gone on to win an Emmy for his work on the 1992 historical film The Kennedys, one of many in the renowned American Experience documentary series.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Evening News
Predictions: Who'll be nominated for Daytime Emmys?
Matthew Cormier at The Envelope reveals who he thinks will reap bids when nominations are unveiled Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. ET on THE VIEW.
P&G lets consumers act as media planners
AdAge is reporting: The nation's largest advertiser is inviting consumers to weigh in on its controversial media decisions.
Last week, Procter & Gamble set up an option on its main consumer toll-free line in response to a drive from a coalition, dubbed Enough Is Enough, that was urging the company to stop sponsoring hip-hop programs on MTV and BET laced with profanity, liberal doses of the "N word," and scenes the group believes degrade and objectify women.
This week, P&G set up a second toll-free option asking callers to register support or criticism of the "story line" on AS THE WORLD TURNS, from P&G Productions, which featured fairly passionate kisses between daytime TV's only gay couple.
While it's natural to expect complaints to outnumber support on such lines, that may not necessarily be the case. The American Family Association, which asked people to call P&G to protest the gay kissing scene, isn't the only one weighing in on Luke and Noah's love life.
Celebrity gossip site PerezHilton.com this morning posted a reference to the "Nuke" controversy, urging readers to call P&G's hotline in support of the couple. By this afternoon, Kip Williams, a blogger on the HuffingtonPost.com, also had weighed in, also asking readers to call P&G's hotline in support.
Perez Hilton, with an Alexa traffic rank of 430 indicating daily visits by 2.6 million people worldwide, and the Huffington Post, with an Alexa rank of 687 and around 2 million daily visitors, would appear to carry more weight in popular culture than Donald Wildmon, whose AFA.net site has an Alexa rank of 59,596, indicating daily visits from around 30,000.
Daytime TV and the homosexual agenda
Kip Williams blogs on the Huffington Post: Most of the time, I judge people who watch soap operas. And I work hard to make sure everyone around me knows that I'm too good to watch TV. But the American Family Association is dragging me out of the closet again.
Ok, ok...I do have this one guilty obsession: the CBS soap opera As the World Turns has been developing a love story between two men, Luke and Noah. And someone (God bless him!) has been recording just the segments of the show that pertain to their relationship and uploading them to YouTube. Currently, it's broken into 160 parts, and I am SO hooked!
Over the course of Luke and Noah's relationship, CBS has only shown the couple kissing three times, as opposed to the HUNDREDS of kisses between all the heteros. Each time they kiss, the AFA rears its ugly, homophobic head and organizes a bunch of bigots to contact sponsor Procter & Gamble to complain. After the recent kiss on April 23, the AFA is asking P&G to completely remove Luke and Noah from the show. So this time, we're fighting back.
Liveblogging ATWT: This house ain't big enough for the three of us
Brian Juergens' live recap of Tuesday's show.
Jason Segel's spreading the love with Adrienne Frantz
Jason Segel may have gotten his heart broken in Forgetting Sarah Marshall but he's getting nothing but love in real life. Segel was spotting playing tonsil hockey with THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS starlet Adrienne Frantz at Bar Marmont in LA last week. "It didn't look like he'd be forgetting her anytime soon," laughed one spy.
EVENT: Kathy Brier and Friends
"Kathy Brier and Friends," starring ONE LIFE TO LIVE actress and former "Hairspray" star Kathy Brier, will be presented at the Metropolitan Room May 16 and 17. The 10 PM concerts, benefits for the EOS Theater Company, will feature musical direction by Brian Nash and a host of guest performers. Those currently scheduled to perform include Jill Abramovitz, Kristen Alderson, Scott Barnhardt, Justis Bolding, Beth Ann Bonner, Charlotte Cohn, Maya Days, Brooke Fox, Evan K. Harrington, Jacqueline Hendy, Robert Anthony Jones, Austin Lesch, Kate Pazakis, Josh Scheer, Bret Shuford, Jason Tam and Sally Wilfert.
REVIEW: Larson called "cartoonish"
With limited funds, debut features helmer Tom Gustafson expands his short Fairies into a full-scale musical in Were the World Mine, but the clunky script keeps pulling everything to an earthbound level well below the desired airy realm. Ambitious in intent but weak in execution, pic strives for a playful merger of young gay desire with "A Midsummer Night's Dream," as a high school student invokes Puck's magic formula to enchant an entire community. Despite the film's flaws, fest auds have been awarding it their prize, and limited pickup for niche markets seems likely.
Thesps are largely drawn from non-film quarters, and relative newcomer Cohen shows he can both belt out a number and transcend a pedestrian characterization. As Timothy's friend Frankie, Williams (daughter of Robin) gives off a glow that lingers beyond her brief scenes. Same can't be said for Robie or the cartoonish Jill Larson (Opal, ALL MY CHILDREN).
EVENT: DAYS goes fishing
The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is holding its inaugural Celebrity Fishing Tournament Saturday, May 17, to raise funds for United Anglers of Southern California and Hubbs Sea World Research Institute. Anglers who sign up will fish from boats or on the bank with celebrities. Organizer David Mirisch is still lining up celebrities. He has commitments from 10 or so right now. Included in the group are Christopher Knight (ex-ANOTHER WORLD), Brett Cullen, who played the quarterback opposite Keanu Reeves in the movie, The Replacements, and several members of DAYS OF OUR LIVES.
Matthew Cormier at The Envelope reveals who he thinks will reap bids when nominations are unveiled Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. ET on THE VIEW.
P&G lets consumers act as media planners
AdAge is reporting: The nation's largest advertiser is inviting consumers to weigh in on its controversial media decisions.
Last week, Procter & Gamble set up an option on its main consumer toll-free line in response to a drive from a coalition, dubbed Enough Is Enough, that was urging the company to stop sponsoring hip-hop programs on MTV and BET laced with profanity, liberal doses of the "N word," and scenes the group believes degrade and objectify women.
This week, P&G set up a second toll-free option asking callers to register support or criticism of the "story line" on AS THE WORLD TURNS, from P&G Productions, which featured fairly passionate kisses between daytime TV's only gay couple.
While it's natural to expect complaints to outnumber support on such lines, that may not necessarily be the case. The American Family Association, which asked people to call P&G to protest the gay kissing scene, isn't the only one weighing in on Luke and Noah's love life.
Celebrity gossip site PerezHilton.com this morning posted a reference to the "Nuke" controversy, urging readers to call P&G's hotline in support of the couple. By this afternoon, Kip Williams, a blogger on the HuffingtonPost.com, also had weighed in, also asking readers to call P&G's hotline in support.
Perez Hilton, with an Alexa traffic rank of 430 indicating daily visits by 2.6 million people worldwide, and the Huffington Post, with an Alexa rank of 687 and around 2 million daily visitors, would appear to carry more weight in popular culture than Donald Wildmon, whose AFA.net site has an Alexa rank of 59,596, indicating daily visits from around 30,000.
Daytime TV and the homosexual agenda
Kip Williams blogs on the Huffington Post: Most of the time, I judge people who watch soap operas. And I work hard to make sure everyone around me knows that I'm too good to watch TV. But the American Family Association is dragging me out of the closet again.
Ok, ok...I do have this one guilty obsession: the CBS soap opera As the World Turns has been developing a love story between two men, Luke and Noah. And someone (God bless him!) has been recording just the segments of the show that pertain to their relationship and uploading them to YouTube. Currently, it's broken into 160 parts, and I am SO hooked!
Over the course of Luke and Noah's relationship, CBS has only shown the couple kissing three times, as opposed to the HUNDREDS of kisses between all the heteros. Each time they kiss, the AFA rears its ugly, homophobic head and organizes a bunch of bigots to contact sponsor Procter & Gamble to complain. After the recent kiss on April 23, the AFA is asking P&G to completely remove Luke and Noah from the show. So this time, we're fighting back.
Liveblogging ATWT: This house ain't big enough for the three of us
Brian Juergens' live recap of Tuesday's show.
Jason Segel's spreading the love with Adrienne Frantz
Jason Segel may have gotten his heart broken in Forgetting Sarah Marshall but he's getting nothing but love in real life. Segel was spotting playing tonsil hockey with THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS starlet Adrienne Frantz at Bar Marmont in LA last week. "It didn't look like he'd be forgetting her anytime soon," laughed one spy.
EVENT: Kathy Brier and Friends
"Kathy Brier and Friends," starring ONE LIFE TO LIVE actress and former "Hairspray" star Kathy Brier, will be presented at the Metropolitan Room May 16 and 17. The 10 PM concerts, benefits for the EOS Theater Company, will feature musical direction by Brian Nash and a host of guest performers. Those currently scheduled to perform include Jill Abramovitz, Kristen Alderson, Scott Barnhardt, Justis Bolding, Beth Ann Bonner, Charlotte Cohn, Maya Days, Brooke Fox, Evan K. Harrington, Jacqueline Hendy, Robert Anthony Jones, Austin Lesch, Kate Pazakis, Josh Scheer, Bret Shuford, Jason Tam and Sally Wilfert.
REVIEW: Larson called "cartoonish"
With limited funds, debut features helmer Tom Gustafson expands his short Fairies into a full-scale musical in Were the World Mine, but the clunky script keeps pulling everything to an earthbound level well below the desired airy realm. Ambitious in intent but weak in execution, pic strives for a playful merger of young gay desire with "A Midsummer Night's Dream," as a high school student invokes Puck's magic formula to enchant an entire community. Despite the film's flaws, fest auds have been awarding it their prize, and limited pickup for niche markets seems likely.
Thesps are largely drawn from non-film quarters, and relative newcomer Cohen shows he can both belt out a number and transcend a pedestrian characterization. As Timothy's friend Frankie, Williams (daughter of Robin) gives off a glow that lingers beyond her brief scenes. Same can't be said for Robie or the cartoonish Jill Larson (Opal, ALL MY CHILDREN).
EVENT: DAYS goes fishing
The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is holding its inaugural Celebrity Fishing Tournament Saturday, May 17, to raise funds for United Anglers of Southern California and Hubbs Sea World Research Institute. Anglers who sign up will fish from boats or on the bank with celebrities. Organizer David Mirisch is still lining up celebrities. He has commitments from 10 or so right now. Included in the group are Christopher Knight (ex-ANOTHER WORLD), Brett Cullen, who played the quarterback opposite Keanu Reeves in the movie, The Replacements, and several members of DAYS OF OUR LIVES.
Tom Casiello: Damn the man. Save the empire.
Tom Casiello has written a brilliant new blog entry which touches on the Nuke controversy and well-told social stories on soaps, which have been severely lacking in recent years:
"NUKE" FANS and ALL soap fans - I don’t care what sexuality you are - this number is IMPORTANT!
Okay, so I've kinda stayed out of the Nuke controversy. Mainly because I know how difficult it is to get ANY kind of social issue story to the screen in this day and age (which is the greatest shame of soaps today, but more on that later), and also because I have no idea what's happening in the ATWT writers' room, but clearly there is some kind of internal struggle going on in regards to what they can show, or what they can't show - and since I have so many close friends and so many people I respect at the ATWT studio, I don't want to comment on rumors or speculation.
Today, I heard from a friend at the studio in regard to Procter and Gamble's 800-number to poll America on whether or not they should further the Noah/Luke love story. (1-800-331-3774) My friend at ATWT says it's been difficult for TPTB at ATWT to do this story justice, but they are committed to it. She encouraged all of us to call the 1-800 number and support continuing the Luke/Noah love story.
Okay, so before you get on me about religion, or your stance on homosexuality, or any of that - consider this for a moment: Did you enjoy the Stone/AIDS story on GH? Or Marty overcoming the horrors of what happened to her at Spring Fling on One Life to Live? How about Beth confronting her father on GL, or Erica Kane facing the toughest choice of a woman's life in the 70's (before history was rewritten two years ago with Josh of course, but that's irrelevant to my point)?
As long as I've been alive, soaps have always been telling stories that teach, that show all perspectives, that are on the cutting edge of what's going on in YOUR world today. Lately, there seems to be this desire to move further and further into escapism - stories that take place in worlds where silliness reigns, and as such, soaps are starting to be taken much less seriously than they were twenty years ago.
Supporting "Nuke", to me at least, is about a lot more than just supporting gays on TV. It's about supporting television that makes you think, that forces you to question your own beliefs, see a different side of the story you might not always agree with - it supports the idea that yes, we watch TV to escape reality sometimes... but we ALSO watch TV to sometimes see realities we might not have any other access to otherwise. We want intelligence in our stories - we want a reflection of what we see in our day-to-day lives. We want to see the human struggle.
Please call. And let them know that yes - even if you do disagree with the story, you still support it because sometimes it's okay to be a little uncomfortable. People were uncomfortable when slavery came to an end, they were uncomfortable when women started working full-time, and they were uncomfortable when Maude got an abortion or when Archie Bunker used the N-Word. And you know what? It's OKAY that you're a little uncomfortable with two guys kissing on TV. I applaud TV that makes me squirm a little, because it opens up new worlds to me, and helps me become a more tolerant, more understanding person. This is a society where we are constantly learning and growing - and a genre that once upon a time, prided itself on being a serious learning tool. Don't let it become a joke.
Damn the man. Save the empire.
"NUKE" FANS and ALL soap fans - I don’t care what sexuality you are - this number is IMPORTANT!
Okay, so I've kinda stayed out of the Nuke controversy. Mainly because I know how difficult it is to get ANY kind of social issue story to the screen in this day and age (which is the greatest shame of soaps today, but more on that later), and also because I have no idea what's happening in the ATWT writers' room, but clearly there is some kind of internal struggle going on in regards to what they can show, or what they can't show - and since I have so many close friends and so many people I respect at the ATWT studio, I don't want to comment on rumors or speculation.
Today, I heard from a friend at the studio in regard to Procter and Gamble's 800-number to poll America on whether or not they should further the Noah/Luke love story. (1-800-331-3774) My friend at ATWT says it's been difficult for TPTB at ATWT to do this story justice, but they are committed to it. She encouraged all of us to call the 1-800 number and support continuing the Luke/Noah love story.
Okay, so before you get on me about religion, or your stance on homosexuality, or any of that - consider this for a moment: Did you enjoy the Stone/AIDS story on GH? Or Marty overcoming the horrors of what happened to her at Spring Fling on One Life to Live? How about Beth confronting her father on GL, or Erica Kane facing the toughest choice of a woman's life in the 70's (before history was rewritten two years ago with Josh of course, but that's irrelevant to my point)?
As long as I've been alive, soaps have always been telling stories that teach, that show all perspectives, that are on the cutting edge of what's going on in YOUR world today. Lately, there seems to be this desire to move further and further into escapism - stories that take place in worlds where silliness reigns, and as such, soaps are starting to be taken much less seriously than they were twenty years ago.
Supporting "Nuke", to me at least, is about a lot more than just supporting gays on TV. It's about supporting television that makes you think, that forces you to question your own beliefs, see a different side of the story you might not always agree with - it supports the idea that yes, we watch TV to escape reality sometimes... but we ALSO watch TV to sometimes see realities we might not have any other access to otherwise. We want intelligence in our stories - we want a reflection of what we see in our day-to-day lives. We want to see the human struggle.
Please call. And let them know that yes - even if you do disagree with the story, you still support it because sometimes it's okay to be a little uncomfortable. People were uncomfortable when slavery came to an end, they were uncomfortable when women started working full-time, and they were uncomfortable when Maude got an abortion or when Archie Bunker used the N-Word. And you know what? It's OKAY that you're a little uncomfortable with two guys kissing on TV. I applaud TV that makes me squirm a little, because it opens up new worlds to me, and helps me become a more tolerant, more understanding person. This is a society where we are constantly learning and growing - and a genre that once upon a time, prided itself on being a serious learning tool. Don't let it become a joke.
Damn the man. Save the empire.
Out on the Town - April 28, 2008
Marnie Schulenburg (Alison, AS THE WORLD TURNS) joined cast members from several Broadway Shows including Sean Bradford, Raymond J. Lee, Jason Michael Snow and Nancy Braun on Monday night in "A Spring Rock Concert - Peep Show" at The Knitting Factory in New York City.Marnie sang the No Doubt song "Spiderwebs" and rocked the house.
Her boyfriend, actor Zack Robidas, was on hand to lend support.
Perez Hilton: Fight the Bigots!
In a blog entry this morning, Perez comments on the AFA's complaints about the latest Luke and Noah kiss on AS THE WORLD TURNS: "The AFA are a bunch of bigoted hate mongers!
Isn't infidelity totally against family values? Why no campaigns against infidelity in the numerous shows that glorify such 'sin'?
Luke and Noah are a committed couple–people in love kiss. Gay people are normal. We're you're brothers, sisters, mothers, father.
The AFA needs to stop drinking Intolerade!"
Isn't infidelity totally against family values? Why no campaigns against infidelity in the numerous shows that glorify such 'sin'?
Luke and Noah are a committed couple–people in love kiss. Gay people are normal. We're you're brothers, sisters, mothers, father.
The AFA needs to stop drinking Intolerade!"
InTurn Season 3 Episode 5: The Love Scene Audition
Back at the loft, Justin, Nell and Audra express their unease over fellow InTurn, Christian.
NPR Covers ATWT's Luke and Noah Again
NPR's "The Bryant Park Project" aired a follow up segment on Luke and Noah from AS THE WORLD TURNS on the Friday, April 25th show. I was asked a few questions for this segment and they used a couple of my answers. You can listen here.
News Brief
Judging fi-core writers
Bernard Lechowick is a two-time winner of the Writers Guild Award and a veteran television staff writer, show runner and series creator. He teaches writing at USC. During the recent strike he lost his job as a creative consultant to the CBS serial THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. He wrote an interesting Op-Ed piece for the Los Angeles Times: "The Writers Guild has an obligation to judge the actions of members who worked during the strike."
Soap stars lining up for Britis Soap Awards
The British Soap Awards will be shown on ITV1 on Wednesday, May 7 at 8pm. BBC One's EASTENDERS and Channel 4 serial HOLLYOAKS are the front-runners. It's neck-and-neck when it comes to the categories voted for by the viewers though, as CORONATION STREET, EASTENDERS, EMMERDALE, DOCTORS and HOLLYOAKS have three nominations each for Sexiest Male, Sexiest Female, Villain of the Year, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Soap, The remaining 11 gongs are voted for by the panel. The awards include Best Dramatic Performance, Best Exit, Best Single Episode and Best Storyline.
PHOTOS: ATWT Fan Club Luncheon
Photos from the annual AS THE WORLD TURNS Fan Club Luncheon event held on April 26th.
Michael Park to perform in "Pure Country" workshop
Producers Randall L. Wreghitt, Chris Presley and Ellen Rusconi announced casting for the current workshop presentation of Pure Country, the new Broadway-bound musical based on the movie of the same name. Its world premiere will be in the 2008-09 Broadway season. Principal workshop casting includes Broadway veterans Michael Park (AS THE WORLD TURNS.) as leading character Rusty, a country singer who reassesses his life..
EVENT: Dusay at 81st Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
GUIDING LIGHT actress Marj Dusay will join the stars of the 81st Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival later this week. Dusay will serve as the Ambassador from the Nations at the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah Designate Jaqui Rice, according to a press release from the festival organizers.
AMC's Budig to attend the Mint Jubilee Gala
ALL MY CHILDREN star Rebecca Budig will attend the Mint Jubilee Gala Fundraiser on Kentucky Derby Eve at the Galt House Hotel & Suites in Louisville.
Budig also appears in a CSI rerun tonight
To fill the 10pm ET slot tonight, CBS is running a rerun of CSI where Rebecca Budig plays an exotic dancer named Candy.
Bernard Lechowick is a two-time winner of the Writers Guild Award and a veteran television staff writer, show runner and series creator. He teaches writing at USC. During the recent strike he lost his job as a creative consultant to the CBS serial THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. He wrote an interesting Op-Ed piece for the Los Angeles Times: "The Writers Guild has an obligation to judge the actions of members who worked during the strike."
Soap stars lining up for Britis Soap Awards
The British Soap Awards will be shown on ITV1 on Wednesday, May 7 at 8pm. BBC One's EASTENDERS and Channel 4 serial HOLLYOAKS are the front-runners. It's neck-and-neck when it comes to the categories voted for by the viewers though, as CORONATION STREET, EASTENDERS, EMMERDALE, DOCTORS and HOLLYOAKS have three nominations each for Sexiest Male, Sexiest Female, Villain of the Year, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Soap, The remaining 11 gongs are voted for by the panel. The awards include Best Dramatic Performance, Best Exit, Best Single Episode and Best Storyline.
PHOTOS: ATWT Fan Club Luncheon
Photos from the annual AS THE WORLD TURNS Fan Club Luncheon event held on April 26th.
Michael Park to perform in "Pure Country" workshop
Producers Randall L. Wreghitt, Chris Presley and Ellen Rusconi announced casting for the current workshop presentation of Pure Country, the new Broadway-bound musical based on the movie of the same name. Its world premiere will be in the 2008-09 Broadway season. Principal workshop casting includes Broadway veterans Michael Park (AS THE WORLD TURNS.) as leading character Rusty, a country singer who reassesses his life..
EVENT: Dusay at 81st Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
GUIDING LIGHT actress Marj Dusay will join the stars of the 81st Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival later this week. Dusay will serve as the Ambassador from the Nations at the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah Designate Jaqui Rice, according to a press release from the festival organizers.
AMC's Budig to attend the Mint Jubilee Gala
ALL MY CHILDREN star Rebecca Budig will attend the Mint Jubilee Gala Fundraiser on Kentucky Derby Eve at the Galt House Hotel & Suites in Louisville.
Budig also appears in a CSI rerun tonight
To fill the 10pm ET slot tonight, CBS is running a rerun of CSI where Rebecca Budig plays an exotic dancer named Candy.
Today's Soap Star Birthdays
Susan Pratt (ex-Claire, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Barbara, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 52
ATWT's Jake Silbermann on GOSSIP GIRL
Jake Silbermann, Noah Mayer on AS THE WORLD TURNS, made an appearance on last night's episode of GOSSIP GIRL.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Evening News
Hilary Duff turns down new 90210 and DEGRASSI's Grimes takes the job
DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION star Shenae Grimes has accepted the role offered to Duff, that of Annie Mills, a theater-loving teen who is the daughter of Lori Loughlin (ex-Jody, THE EDGE OF NIGHT).
Marlena De Lacroix is back
In her latest blog entry, "Marlena" reveals her father passed away April 18 after a two week hospitalization for a heart attack. You are in my thoughts, Marlena. :)
Lynn Liccardo on P&G and listening to consumers
"As I watched Charlie Rose's interview with A. G. Lafley, P&G's CEO, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to hear anything about P&G's two long-running soap operas, AS THE WORLD TURNS and GUIDING LIGHT, and indeed, I did not. But what I did hear has enormous and immediate relevance for the current sorry state of these two shows."
Soap baddies front chilling billboard campaign
RIVER CITY's baddies are being unleashed on Scotland's streets in a bid to win new fans. Three of the soap's most hated characters star in bold billboards alongside the tagline 'Dangerously close to real life' as part of a sizzling new ad campaign. The team who designed the posters for BBC Scotland say the ads and new TV spots reflect the soap's new-found gritty storylines and high drama.
BLOG: Former AMC star Eden Riegel
"A lot of you have asked me when I will be on All My Children again. But, unfortunately, I just don't know. I agree that it's weird that Binx hasn't visited her mama in the clink. And nothing would make me happier than hopping on the Cambias jet, slipping a nail file in a cake, and showing some "Kane-woman" support to her in this awful time. I really hope I get the chance to drop in because I am sure nothing could keep Bianca away."
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Amy Stoch (ex-Britta, DAYS)
Amy Stoch's excellent adventure has included a hit TV show, cult movies and motherhood. Now she's about to add "Ph.D." to the list. The actress, who has appeared in DALLAS, DAYS OF OUR LIVES and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, is a doctoral candidate in the theater department at the University of Illinois.
Marcia Cross regrets having her children so late in life
The DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES star gave birth to twins Eden and Savannah just over a year ago, when she was 45. "I wanted to have kids in my 30s, but I just couldn't get it together. I don't think people want to wait. I wish I'd met my husband earlier. It's sad having kids so late, because you want to be alive for as long as possible for them."
DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION star Shenae Grimes has accepted the role offered to Duff, that of Annie Mills, a theater-loving teen who is the daughter of Lori Loughlin (ex-Jody, THE EDGE OF NIGHT).
Marlena De Lacroix is back
In her latest blog entry, "Marlena" reveals her father passed away April 18 after a two week hospitalization for a heart attack. You are in my thoughts, Marlena. :)
Lynn Liccardo on P&G and listening to consumers
"As I watched Charlie Rose's interview with A. G. Lafley, P&G's CEO, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to hear anything about P&G's two long-running soap operas, AS THE WORLD TURNS and GUIDING LIGHT, and indeed, I did not. But what I did hear has enormous and immediate relevance for the current sorry state of these two shows."
Soap baddies front chilling billboard campaignRIVER CITY's baddies are being unleashed on Scotland's streets in a bid to win new fans. Three of the soap's most hated characters star in bold billboards alongside the tagline 'Dangerously close to real life' as part of a sizzling new ad campaign. The team who designed the posters for BBC Scotland say the ads and new TV spots reflect the soap's new-found gritty storylines and high drama.
BLOG: Former AMC star Eden Riegel
"A lot of you have asked me when I will be on All My Children again. But, unfortunately, I just don't know. I agree that it's weird that Binx hasn't visited her mama in the clink. And nothing would make me happier than hopping on the Cambias jet, slipping a nail file in a cake, and showing some "Kane-woman" support to her in this awful time. I really hope I get the chance to drop in because I am sure nothing could keep Bianca away."
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Amy Stoch (ex-Britta, DAYS) Amy Stoch's excellent adventure has included a hit TV show, cult movies and motherhood. Now she's about to add "Ph.D." to the list. The actress, who has appeared in DALLAS, DAYS OF OUR LIVES and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, is a doctoral candidate in the theater department at the University of Illinois.
Marcia Cross regrets having her children so late in life
The DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES star gave birth to twins Eden and Savannah just over a year ago, when she was 45. "I wanted to have kids in my 30s, but I just couldn't get it together. I don't think people want to wait. I wish I'd met my husband earlier. It's sad having kids so late, because you want to be alive for as long as possible for them."
Drama Desk Award Nominees
Nominations for the annual Drama Desk awards were announced Monday and some of the nominees have a soap past (see those categories below). Theh Drama Desks are unique in that Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway compete in the same categories.
Outstanding Actor in a Play:
Bill Champion, Intimate Exchanges
Kevin Kline, Cyrano de Bergerac (ex-Woody, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW)
Bill Pullman, Peter and Jerry
Mark Rylance, Boeing-Boeing
Tobias Segal, From Up Here
Rufus Sewell, Rock 'n' Roll
Outstanding Actor in a Musical:
Daniel Breaker, Passing Strange
André De Shields, Black Nativity (ex-Marshall, ANOTHER WORLD)
Daniel Evans, Sunday in the Park with George
Cheyenne Jackson, Xanadu
Matthew Morrison, 10 Million Miles (ex-Adam, AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Paulo Szot, South Pacific
Outstanding Actress in a Musical:
Sierra Boggess, The Little Mermaid
Patti LuPone, Gypsy
Kelli O'Hara, South Pacific (ex-Leslie, ALL MY CHILDREN)
Faith Prince, A Catered Affair (ex-Diane, LOVING)
Alice Ripley, Next to Normal
Jenna Russell, Sunday in the Park with George
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play:
John Cullum, The Conscientious Objector (ex-Artie, ONE LIFE TO LIVE)
Conleth Hill, The Seafarer
Francis Jue, Yellow Face
Arian Moayed, Masked
Jeff Perry, August: Osage County
Michael T. Weiss, Scarcity (ex-Mike, DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play:
Elizabeth Ashley, Dividing the Estate (ex-Emma, ANOTHER WORLD)
Johanna Day, Peter and Jerry (ex-Marilyn, ALL MY CHILDREN)
Zoe Kazan, 100 Saints You Should Know
Linda Lavin, The New Century
Rondi Reed, August: Osage County
Marisa Tomei, Top Girls (ex-Marcy, AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical:
Danny Burstein, South Pacific
Christopher Fitzgerald, Young Frankenstein
Boyd Gaines, Gypsy
Shuler Hensley, Young Frankenstein
Bobby Steggert, The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island (ex-Samual, ALL MY CHILDREN)
Tom Wopat, A Catered Affair
Outstanding Actor in a Play:
Bill Champion, Intimate Exchanges
Kevin Kline, Cyrano de Bergerac (ex-Woody, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW)
Bill Pullman, Peter and Jerry
Mark Rylance, Boeing-Boeing
Tobias Segal, From Up Here
Rufus Sewell, Rock 'n' Roll
Outstanding Actor in a Musical:
Daniel Breaker, Passing Strange
André De Shields, Black Nativity (ex-Marshall, ANOTHER WORLD)
Daniel Evans, Sunday in the Park with George
Cheyenne Jackson, Xanadu
Matthew Morrison, 10 Million Miles (ex-Adam, AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Paulo Szot, South Pacific
Outstanding Actress in a Musical:
Sierra Boggess, The Little Mermaid
Patti LuPone, Gypsy
Kelli O'Hara, South Pacific (ex-Leslie, ALL MY CHILDREN)
Faith Prince, A Catered Affair (ex-Diane, LOVING)
Alice Ripley, Next to Normal
Jenna Russell, Sunday in the Park with George
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play:
John Cullum, The Conscientious Objector (ex-Artie, ONE LIFE TO LIVE)
Conleth Hill, The Seafarer
Francis Jue, Yellow Face
Arian Moayed, Masked
Jeff Perry, August: Osage County
Michael T. Weiss, Scarcity (ex-Mike, DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play:
Elizabeth Ashley, Dividing the Estate (ex-Emma, ANOTHER WORLD)
Johanna Day, Peter and Jerry (ex-Marilyn, ALL MY CHILDREN)
Zoe Kazan, 100 Saints You Should Know
Linda Lavin, The New Century
Rondi Reed, August: Osage County
Marisa Tomei, Top Girls (ex-Marcy, AS THE WORLD TURNS)
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical:
Danny Burstein, South Pacific
Christopher Fitzgerald, Young Frankenstein
Boyd Gaines, Gypsy
Shuler Hensley, Young Frankenstein
Bobby Steggert, The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island (ex-Samual, ALL MY CHILDREN)
Tom Wopat, A Catered Affair
News Brief
TV Guide Canada's "Nelson Ratings"
Last week’s soap reviews, this week’s viewing cheat sheet, and top-rated actors!
P&G to public: You make call on vid issues
David Hinkley, who wrote a story on ATWT's Luke and Noah during the fan media blitz in late February has written a new article on P&G advertising "issues":
Procter & Gamble is asking America whether it should "change our advertising" on MTV and BET.
The household-products monolith doesn't like its ads appearing in television or radio places that could tarnish the P&G image, and there have been complaints for years that MTV and BET traffic too heavily in videos that degrade women, glorify violence and drug dealing, overemphasize sex and portray black men primarily as thugs.
So P&G has taken the unusual step of setting up a toll-free number, 1-800-331-3774, where anyone can vote "yes" or "no" on whether the company should "change our advertising" on MTV and BET. While there's no option for an explanatory message, P&G will accept faxed comments at its consumer relations department, (513) 983-2881.
Recently, P&G pulled its advertising from radio's Michael Savage show after complaints that Savage became too vitriolic in his criticism of Muslims. Last year, P&G was one of the companies whose withdrawal of advertising helped killed Don Imus' MSNBC show, and several years back, it pulled its ads from Dr. Laura Schlessinger's show after she was criticized by gay activists.
Last week, it seemed to defuse an ongoing complaint when two gay characters on the P&G-sponsored soap opera "As the World Turns" broke a 211-day drought and shared an on-screen kiss. Critics had suggested concerns about P&G's image were behind the fact Noah and Luke did not show the same affection as straight couples.
Don’t change the quirky characters we love!
Quirky characters are a huge gust of fresh air when our more traditional favorites are driving us crazy.
UGLY BETTY wins GLAAD Award
UGLY BETTY creator Silvio Horta, whose show won Outstanding Comedy Series, gave the best acceptance speech at the Saturday night ceremony in Los Angeles: "I wanted to make a show with Latino characters, African Americans and gay characters. Those pesky network execs had me add some straight white people too."
Zimmer benefit earns $125000 for Broadway Grand Rapids
Seating was limited at Broadway Grand Rapids' fourth annual fundraising gala, with about half the crowd standing at cocktail tables around the edge of the room. Many people milled around getting drinks and food during the performnce. Kim Zimmer seemed a little irritated at the chatter and cautioned the audience in the middle of "Ring Them Bells" that they had better listen if they wanted to get the punch line of the song. Following the cabaret, Scott Medema auctioned off seven items, including the pendant necklace Zimmer had been wearing. Zimmer, a big football fan, won the bid on the first item, paying $800 for four tickets to the University of Michigan vs. Michigan State Universty football game next fall.
Freeman and Gallagher talk soaps
Morgan Freeman and Peter Gallagher are starring in "The Country Girl" on Broadway. In an interview with New York Magazine, Freeman brings up soaps to his co-star: "Have you ever done a soap opera? I was on one for a year [ANOTHER WORLD], and you are that person on the screen. P.G.: I did one, for three days [GUIDING LIGHT]. I broke my wrist, so I had to be out of [a theater production] for a while, and they asked me to be in this soap—to play an Olympic pole vaulter with a broken wrist. I’d be walking down my street, and I was assaulted by old ladies: 'You have some goddamn nerve.'"
HOLLYOAKS star pays a visit to Cleethorpes' Pier
HOLLYOAKS hunk Ricky Whittle - aka Calvin Valentine - has been strutting his stuff at Cleethorpes' Pier nightclub.
The 26-year-old actor, who joined the hit teen soap in 2006, met fans on Saturday night. Ricky, on his first visit to the resort, said he had just returned from a photoshoot in Spain.
He said: "I've just been to Spain shooting next year's Hollyoaks calendar. I think the guys got the best deal - the girls did their shoot in Manchester."
Aaron Sidwell: It was time to go
Aaron Sidwell has admitted that EASTENDERS bosses made the right decision by axing his character. Aaron, who plays Steven Beale, told the Daily Star Sunday: "They really did try to keep Steven in. The problem is EastEnders is a realistic show, so with Steven being a larger-than-life character it was always going to be hard having him doing the same crazy things day in, day out."
Last week’s soap reviews, this week’s viewing cheat sheet, and top-rated actors!
P&G to public: You make call on vid issues
David Hinkley, who wrote a story on ATWT's Luke and Noah during the fan media blitz in late February has written a new article on P&G advertising "issues":
Procter & Gamble is asking America whether it should "change our advertising" on MTV and BET.
The household-products monolith doesn't like its ads appearing in television or radio places that could tarnish the P&G image, and there have been complaints for years that MTV and BET traffic too heavily in videos that degrade women, glorify violence and drug dealing, overemphasize sex and portray black men primarily as thugs.
So P&G has taken the unusual step of setting up a toll-free number, 1-800-331-3774, where anyone can vote "yes" or "no" on whether the company should "change our advertising" on MTV and BET. While there's no option for an explanatory message, P&G will accept faxed comments at its consumer relations department, (513) 983-2881.
Recently, P&G pulled its advertising from radio's Michael Savage show after complaints that Savage became too vitriolic in his criticism of Muslims. Last year, P&G was one of the companies whose withdrawal of advertising helped killed Don Imus' MSNBC show, and several years back, it pulled its ads from Dr. Laura Schlessinger's show after she was criticized by gay activists.
Last week, it seemed to defuse an ongoing complaint when two gay characters on the P&G-sponsored soap opera "As the World Turns" broke a 211-day drought and shared an on-screen kiss. Critics had suggested concerns about P&G's image were behind the fact Noah and Luke did not show the same affection as straight couples.
Don’t change the quirky characters we love!
Quirky characters are a huge gust of fresh air when our more traditional favorites are driving us crazy.
UGLY BETTY wins GLAAD Award
UGLY BETTY creator Silvio Horta, whose show won Outstanding Comedy Series, gave the best acceptance speech at the Saturday night ceremony in Los Angeles: "I wanted to make a show with Latino characters, African Americans and gay characters. Those pesky network execs had me add some straight white people too."
Zimmer benefit earns $125000 for Broadway Grand Rapids
Seating was limited at Broadway Grand Rapids' fourth annual fundraising gala, with about half the crowd standing at cocktail tables around the edge of the room. Many people milled around getting drinks and food during the performnce. Kim Zimmer seemed a little irritated at the chatter and cautioned the audience in the middle of "Ring Them Bells" that they had better listen if they wanted to get the punch line of the song. Following the cabaret, Scott Medema auctioned off seven items, including the pendant necklace Zimmer had been wearing. Zimmer, a big football fan, won the bid on the first item, paying $800 for four tickets to the University of Michigan vs. Michigan State Universty football game next fall.
Freeman and Gallagher talk soapsMorgan Freeman and Peter Gallagher are starring in "The Country Girl" on Broadway. In an interview with New York Magazine, Freeman brings up soaps to his co-star: "Have you ever done a soap opera? I was on one for a year [ANOTHER WORLD], and you are that person on the screen. P.G.: I did one, for three days [GUIDING LIGHT]. I broke my wrist, so I had to be out of [a theater production] for a while, and they asked me to be in this soap—to play an Olympic pole vaulter with a broken wrist. I’d be walking down my street, and I was assaulted by old ladies: 'You have some goddamn nerve.'"
HOLLYOAKS star pays a visit to Cleethorpes' Pier
HOLLYOAKS hunk Ricky Whittle - aka Calvin Valentine - has been strutting his stuff at Cleethorpes' Pier nightclub.
The 26-year-old actor, who joined the hit teen soap in 2006, met fans on Saturday night. Ricky, on his first visit to the resort, said he had just returned from a photoshoot in Spain.
He said: "I've just been to Spain shooting next year's Hollyoaks calendar. I think the guys got the best deal - the girls did their shoot in Manchester."
Aaron Sidwell: It was time to go
Aaron Sidwell has admitted that EASTENDERS bosses made the right decision by axing his character. Aaron, who plays Steven Beale, told the Daily Star Sunday: "They really did try to keep Steven in. The problem is EastEnders is a realistic show, so with Steven being a larger-than-life character it was always going to be hard having him doing the same crazy things day in, day out."
Today's Soap Star Birthdays
Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Julia, SANTA BARBARA) - 52
Eric Morgan Stuart (ex-Chris, ANOTHER WORLD)
Eric Morgan Stuart (ex-Chris, ANOTHER WORLD)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Evening News
The death of daytime television drama?
In the past six years, DAYS OF OUR LIVES ratings are down 44% overall , 52% among 18-49 year old women and a stunning 74% among women 18-34. 74% in just six years. The tombstone will read: "Young women no longer watched". The sands in the hourglass appear to most definitely be running out for DAYS.
No soap has bucked this trend completely, though some are better than others. Older women are hanging on to ALL MY CHILDREN and GENERAL HOSPITAL which dropped only 37% and 31% respectively overall, but in the female age demos they’re down more. AMC has lost roughly 43% of its 18-49 year old female base and a whopping 62% of its 18-34 year old females.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL may be holding up better overall, and in the 18-49 demo, where it’s lost 25% and 23% of its overall and 18-49 year old female base respectively since 2002, it still has lost 50% of its female 18-34 year old audience.
AS THE WORLD TURNS and THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS outperform the field in terms of youth drop, being down 29% and 17% overall respectively, but down "only" 19% and 15% among 18-49 year old women. Among women 18-34 they’re down 30% and 37%.
They're not your mother's daytime dramas anymore
On the venerable CBS soap opera GUIDING LIGHT, the fictional Bauer family each year holds a big Fourth of July barbecue. The production crew typically sets up fake smoke, in a fake grill, in a fake backyard.
more stories like this
"That's how it has always been," said Ellen Wheeler, the soap's executive producer. "And we add the sound of sizzling hamburgers."
Now the annual event, set to tape in June, will look a lot different. No more actors in swimsuits with water sprayed on them from bottles. This time, the cast really will be outside, and Wheeler is contemplating the idea of having live sparklers during the scene - an impossibility in a studio setting. "When you really are outside, it changes the feeling for you," Wheeler said.
Soap operas have by and large been shot as if they were an old warhorse like "I Love Lucy," with bulky, 300-pound "pedestal" cameras panning from a distance while actors strut their stuff in front of a three-walled set, Some production tricks are borrowed from old-time radio.
Networks certainly have a reason to make their programs look and feel more like a reality TV show. Research shows that audiences found the programs' look outdated, said Brian T. Cahill, senior vice president and managing director of TeleNext Media Inc., which manages GL and AS THE WORLD TURNS for Procter & Gamble's P&G Productions, owner of the shows.
AFA protest of Nuke's kiss backfiring?
The American Family Association, founded by Rev. Don Wildmon, posted the video below with the headline, "Procter & Gamble promotes explicit open-mouth homosexual kissing." The delicious irony here is that the "As the World Turns" clip that they posted was the #1 video on Youtube Saturday, bringing the soapy gay content to a whole new audience that's probably in school when the show airs.
GL's Zimmer wows the crowd at Grand Rapids event
Broadway Grand Rapids' fourth annual fundraising gala was somewhere over the top Saturday night with Emmy Award-winning actress Kim Zimmer sharing the spotlight -- and friendly barbs -- with local torch singer Kelly Carey.
Zimmer, a native of East Grand Rapids, is best known as Reva Shayne Lewis, the role she has played on television's GUIDING LIGHT since 1983. But Saturday night she was a good natured, bawdy entertainer passing out hugs as she visited with the crowd of about 270 that wandered through the expansive lakeside home of Roger and Kathleen Schiefler.
The highpoint of a 90-minute cabaret show was a medley of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and "Somewhere Out There" with Zimmer mouthing and overacting the words while Carey sat hidden behind her singing.
Fishburne looks back
At 12, Laurence Fishburne landed a role on the soap opera ONE LIFE TO LIVE, a role that lasted three years. He says he still sometimes thinks of himself as "the kid who rode the subway from Brooklyn to get to work."
In the past six years, DAYS OF OUR LIVES ratings are down 44% overall , 52% among 18-49 year old women and a stunning 74% among women 18-34. 74% in just six years. The tombstone will read: "Young women no longer watched". The sands in the hourglass appear to most definitely be running out for DAYS.
No soap has bucked this trend completely, though some are better than others. Older women are hanging on to ALL MY CHILDREN and GENERAL HOSPITAL which dropped only 37% and 31% respectively overall, but in the female age demos they’re down more. AMC has lost roughly 43% of its 18-49 year old female base and a whopping 62% of its 18-34 year old females.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL may be holding up better overall, and in the 18-49 demo, where it’s lost 25% and 23% of its overall and 18-49 year old female base respectively since 2002, it still has lost 50% of its female 18-34 year old audience.
AS THE WORLD TURNS and THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS outperform the field in terms of youth drop, being down 29% and 17% overall respectively, but down "only" 19% and 15% among 18-49 year old women. Among women 18-34 they’re down 30% and 37%.
They're not your mother's daytime dramas anymore
On the venerable CBS soap opera GUIDING LIGHT, the fictional Bauer family each year holds a big Fourth of July barbecue. The production crew typically sets up fake smoke, in a fake grill, in a fake backyard.
more stories like this
"That's how it has always been," said Ellen Wheeler, the soap's executive producer. "And we add the sound of sizzling hamburgers."
Now the annual event, set to tape in June, will look a lot different. No more actors in swimsuits with water sprayed on them from bottles. This time, the cast really will be outside, and Wheeler is contemplating the idea of having live sparklers during the scene - an impossibility in a studio setting. "When you really are outside, it changes the feeling for you," Wheeler said.
Soap operas have by and large been shot as if they were an old warhorse like "I Love Lucy," with bulky, 300-pound "pedestal" cameras panning from a distance while actors strut their stuff in front of a three-walled set, Some production tricks are borrowed from old-time radio.
Networks certainly have a reason to make their programs look and feel more like a reality TV show. Research shows that audiences found the programs' look outdated, said Brian T. Cahill, senior vice president and managing director of TeleNext Media Inc., which manages GL and AS THE WORLD TURNS for Procter & Gamble's P&G Productions, owner of the shows.
AFA protest of Nuke's kiss backfiring?
The American Family Association, founded by Rev. Don Wildmon, posted the video below with the headline, "Procter & Gamble promotes explicit open-mouth homosexual kissing." The delicious irony here is that the "As the World Turns" clip that they posted was the #1 video on Youtube Saturday, bringing the soapy gay content to a whole new audience that's probably in school when the show airs.
GL's Zimmer wows the crowd at Grand Rapids event
Broadway Grand Rapids' fourth annual fundraising gala was somewhere over the top Saturday night with Emmy Award-winning actress Kim Zimmer sharing the spotlight -- and friendly barbs -- with local torch singer Kelly Carey.
Zimmer, a native of East Grand Rapids, is best known as Reva Shayne Lewis, the role she has played on television's GUIDING LIGHT since 1983. But Saturday night she was a good natured, bawdy entertainer passing out hugs as she visited with the crowd of about 270 that wandered through the expansive lakeside home of Roger and Kathleen Schiefler.
The highpoint of a 90-minute cabaret show was a medley of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and "Somewhere Out There" with Zimmer mouthing and overacting the words while Carey sat hidden behind her singing.
Fishburne looks back
At 12, Laurence Fishburne landed a role on the soap opera ONE LIFE TO LIVE, a role that lasted three years. He says he still sometimes thinks of himself as "the kid who rode the subway from Brooklyn to get to work."
Nuke-a-Palooza
Last night following the AS THE WORLD TURNS Fan Club luncheon was the first ever Nuke-a-Palooza, organized by fans of Noah and Luke. Held at Social bar, fans were treated to three hours of fun and good times. Six ATWT stars attended the event including Ewa Da Cruz, Dylan Bruce, Tala Ashe, Billy Magnussen and, of course, Jake Silbermann and Van Hansis. The actors were incredibly gracious with their time talking with fans and taking pictures and enjoying the evening.
With Jake Silbermann and Ewa Da Cruz.
Van Hansis and Dylan Bruce share a laugh.
The ATWT folks pose for a group shot.
With Jake Silbermann and Ewa Da Cruz.
Van Hansis and Dylan Bruce share a laugh.
The ATWT folks pose for a group shot.
AS THE WORLD TURNS Fan Club Luncheon
I had a wonderful time at the AS THE WORLD TURNS Fan Club Luncheon on Saturday. Most of the cast attended and all the fans I spoke with had an excellent time.
Michael Park co-hosted the introductions with Mick Hazen, whose voice had apparently changed this week per Park. When she was introduced, Colleen Zenk Pinter spoke about her battle with oral cancer and received a nice ovation. She encouraged everyone to demand an oral cancer screening from their dentist.
Kathleen Widdoes, Elizabeth Hubbard, Billy Magnussen, Trent Dawson and Van Hansis with Jake Silbermann were introduced to massive screams from the crowd. I attended with a large group of Luke and Noah fans and it was a real pleasure. Michael Park joked that the Hershey Kisses that Luke and Noah fans sent in have impacted his waistline.
After the introductions, the actors were escorted to their tables where they began to take pictures and sign autographs with fans. Below are some of my favorite photos from the day.
With Jake Silbermann and Van Hansis, who left the luncheon with a truckload of gifts from adoring fans.
With Dylan Bruce who was trying to be taller than me.
With Billy Magnussen who entertained fans all day long.
With daytime legend Eileen Fulton.
With Chaunteé Schuler and Wolé Parks. Parks by the way is leading the ATWT AIDS Walk team on May 18.
Michael Park co-hosted the introductions with Mick Hazen, whose voice had apparently changed this week per Park. When she was introduced, Colleen Zenk Pinter spoke about her battle with oral cancer and received a nice ovation. She encouraged everyone to demand an oral cancer screening from their dentist.
Kathleen Widdoes, Elizabeth Hubbard, Billy Magnussen, Trent Dawson and Van Hansis with Jake Silbermann were introduced to massive screams from the crowd. I attended with a large group of Luke and Noah fans and it was a real pleasure. Michael Park joked that the Hershey Kisses that Luke and Noah fans sent in have impacted his waistline.
After the introductions, the actors were escorted to their tables where they began to take pictures and sign autographs with fans. Below are some of my favorite photos from the day.
With Jake Silbermann and Van Hansis, who left the luncheon with a truckload of gifts from adoring fans.
With Dylan Bruce who was trying to be taller than me.
With Billy Magnussen who entertained fans all day long.
With daytime legend Eileen Fulton.
With Chaunteé Schuler and Wolé Parks. Parks by the way is leading the ATWT AIDS Walk team on May 18.
Today's Soap Star Birthdays
Maura West (Carly, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 36
Schae Harrison (ex-Darla, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 46
Taylor Anne Mountz (ex-Kay, PASSIONS) - 26
Schae Harrison (ex-Darla, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 46
Taylor Anne Mountz (ex-Kay, PASSIONS) - 26
Saturday, April 26, 2008
ATWT Fan Club Luncheon
I am attending the AS THE WORLD TURNS Fan Club Luncheon this afternoon. I will return on Sunday afternoon with a full report and pictures.
News Brief
Re-smooch: Fans rejoice that AS THE WORLD TURNS' Noah and Luke have kissed again
Lynn Smith of the Los Angeles Times, one of the first writers in the media to pick up on the initial "Support Luke and Noah in the Media Week" blitz, has now written a follow up article:
"Nuke" fans—that is, fans of Noah and Luke, the gay couple on “As the World Turns” — are busy messaging the media again.
Back in February, they organized an onslaught of e-mails protesting a perceived ban on gay kissing. While all the heterosexual couples kissed, Noah and Luke hadn’t kissed for months. Our article quoted a spokesman for Proctor & Gamble, the show’s sponsor, who explained that soap operas always want to keep viewers wanting more.
If that’s the case, it worked beautifully. After 211 days — and believe me, the fans were watching and counting — another kiss has been recorded. And in another happy blizzard of e-mails, they are celebrating that it wasn’t “just a peck.” Typical subject line: "Rejoice, for the Kissing Ban is Over!!!"
And "Kissing Accomplished."
One wrote, "We expect the show to continue to feature the couple kissing whenever a scene calls for it. If they do, they definitely deserve some major kudos ... . I can imagine the American Family Association ... will be upset with them."
Yes, indeed, activists from the other camp also issued a press release saying P&G promotes "explicit open-mouthed homosexual kissing" and more. A link to the kiss is attached — with a warning.
I expect the 2008 Kiss Watch to continue — with viewer engagement ratings to soar.
VIDEO: DAYS Weekly Preview
Heather Tom's "Horror Vault" available now
The "Horror Vault" which has been in the works for now well over two years was released on April 24. It is now available at www.thehorrorvault.net.
The film is an anthology and consists of nine small stories, very inspired by the pasts Creepshow, Tales from The Crypt and of course Masters of Horror.
"Delusion" is a black/white 50ies style of horror drama, directed by Mark Machillo, starring Jonaton Trent, Heather Tom (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) and many others.
OUT OF THE BLUE, BBC's new Aussie soap, has a British feel
Battered by more than 20 years of 16-year-olds pashing and squabbling, and tear-aways becoming responsible citizens of Ramsay Street and Summer Bay, it is very strange to watch the first five episodes of a new Australian soap opera that doesn't - at this early stage anyway - have a teenage focus. Odder still is that the BBC has commissioned OUT OF THE BLUE to be made in Australia. The logic, and financial sense, of this escapes me - couldn't they just make a new British soap? - but, hey, everyone runs around on the beach in skimpy clothing and it looks pretty.
A BBC spokesman says: "The majority of drama shown across the BBC is UK produced. The BBC commissioned this new production to offer audiences a different flavour and perspective which complements existing UK series such as DOCTORS."
Lynn Smith of the Los Angeles Times, one of the first writers in the media to pick up on the initial "Support Luke and Noah in the Media Week" blitz, has now written a follow up article:
"Nuke" fans—that is, fans of Noah and Luke, the gay couple on “As the World Turns” — are busy messaging the media again.
Back in February, they organized an onslaught of e-mails protesting a perceived ban on gay kissing. While all the heterosexual couples kissed, Noah and Luke hadn’t kissed for months. Our article quoted a spokesman for Proctor & Gamble, the show’s sponsor, who explained that soap operas always want to keep viewers wanting more.
If that’s the case, it worked beautifully. After 211 days — and believe me, the fans were watching and counting — another kiss has been recorded. And in another happy blizzard of e-mails, they are celebrating that it wasn’t “just a peck.” Typical subject line: "Rejoice, for the Kissing Ban is Over!!!"
And "Kissing Accomplished."
One wrote, "We expect the show to continue to feature the couple kissing whenever a scene calls for it. If they do, they definitely deserve some major kudos ... . I can imagine the American Family Association ... will be upset with them."
Yes, indeed, activists from the other camp also issued a press release saying P&G promotes "explicit open-mouthed homosexual kissing" and more. A link to the kiss is attached — with a warning.
I expect the 2008 Kiss Watch to continue — with viewer engagement ratings to soar.
VIDEO: DAYS Weekly Preview
Heather Tom's "Horror Vault" available now The "Horror Vault" which has been in the works for now well over two years was released on April 24. It is now available at www.thehorrorvault.net.
The film is an anthology and consists of nine small stories, very inspired by the pasts Creepshow, Tales from The Crypt and of course Masters of Horror.
"Delusion" is a black/white 50ies style of horror drama, directed by Mark Machillo, starring Jonaton Trent, Heather Tom (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) and many others.
OUT OF THE BLUE, BBC's new Aussie soap, has a British feel
Battered by more than 20 years of 16-year-olds pashing and squabbling, and tear-aways becoming responsible citizens of Ramsay Street and Summer Bay, it is very strange to watch the first five episodes of a new Australian soap opera that doesn't - at this early stage anyway - have a teenage focus. Odder still is that the BBC has commissioned OUT OF THE BLUE to be made in Australia. The logic, and financial sense, of this escapes me - couldn't they just make a new British soap? - but, hey, everyone runs around on the beach in skimpy clothing and it looks pretty.
A BBC spokesman says: "The majority of drama shown across the BBC is UK produced. The BBC commissioned this new production to offer audiences a different flavour and perspective which complements existing UK series such as DOCTORS."
Today's Soap Star Birthdays
Michael Damian (Danny, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 46
Olivia Birkelund (ex-Arlene, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 45
McKenzie Westmore (Sheridan, PASSIONS) - 31
Jordana Brewster (ex-Nikki, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 28
Charissa Cree Chamorro (ex-Sophia, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 31
Olivia Birkelund (ex-Arlene, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 45
McKenzie Westmore (Sheridan, PASSIONS) - 31
Jordana Brewster (ex-Nikki, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 28
Charissa Cree Chamorro (ex-Sophia, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 31
Friday, April 25, 2008
Evening News
Goutman finally speaks on Nuke
Jennifer Lenhart interviewed AS THE WORLD TURNS Executive Producer Christopher Goutman recently for an upcoming issue of Soap Opera Digest and asked all the right questions. An excert has been released with Goutman making the following statements:
Digest: Let's talk about the Luke/Noah kiss campaign. What was your reaction to the fact that the fans did this?
Goutman: I think it's great. Luke and Noah are terrific. These two actors are fantastic and the response to this story is phenomenal. It's basically moved into the mainstream consciousness internationally, so for us, it's been great.
Digest: Why haven't they kissed?
Goutman: There are so many things that go into telling a story and telling it the right way. What I'm interested in is having a feeling for the constituency and the way to tell the story. We've told it very very slowly. I'm sure you know that Lily and Holden didn't kiss until three years. I really truly believe that everyone will come out thinking this story is really fantastic.
Digest: Yes, but it's been implied that they're kissing off-screen. It almost seems like you're calling attention to the fact that you're not showing it by having them under the mistletoe leaning towards each other and having the camera pan away.
Goutman: It makes people mad, doesn't it?
Digest: It really does.
Goutman: Just as long as we don't make them too mad that they don't keep tuning in.
Digest: Have you gotten hate mail?
Goutman: No. We've gotten a lot of frustration and a lot of very positive things about this couple. They're two boys. They live in a midwestern town. We're not in New York City. We're not in Greenwich Village.
Digest: I just have to come out and ask: Have you specifically been asked to have them not kiss?
Goutman: I've never been asked for them not to kiss. I've been asked to keep in mind all of our constituency, as far as who we serve as an audience. At the end of the day, I think people will be very happy. The story is a continuing story, and as we continue this, the Luke/Noah story will develop in a way that will be incredibly interesting and rewarding.
Conservative Group Fired Up Over Gay Kiss on TV
When it comes to gay kissing and soap operas, you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Just ask Procter & Gamble Co., though its long-lagging soap opera AS THE WORLD TURNS just may be benefiting from the controversy.
Rowell talks foster care in Iowa
A former THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS star was in Iowa Friday to talk about the importance of foster care. Victoria Rowell was the keynote speaker for this year's Children and Families of Iowa "elevate our youth to adulthood event."
EVENT: Universal Studios Hollywood “Eco-Fair
Sat., April 26, 10 am - 4 pm at the Universal Globe Fountain at main entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES stars will autograph reusable bags and give out CFL bulbs at this free eco-fair, featuring over 30 interactive exhibits. Attendees are also invited to bring their household hazardous waste or e-waste to the event for free drop-off -- and free parking! Hybrid drivers can also park free.
Former DAYS star Winter gets raves in Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
"If there's something good about this movie, other than the aforementioned Harris cameo redux, it's DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Eric Winter as the bad guy, Colton. He nails the role, with his disingenuous smile, cocky attitude and glossy good looks."
AMC's Thorsten Kaye updates his NHL playoff blog
No Forsberg, shaky D...but a win. That's what matters.
GH Finally Admits That Mobsters Kill People!
Well, it's finally happened. It's come at a horrible price of a fictional child viewers watched grow up, but it had to happen — GENERAL HOSPITAL has finally figured out that mobsters are murderous criminals, that women who chose to be with mobsters put themselves and their families in the line of fire, that professional killers are not more heroic than police officers and members of the Armed Forces, and, generally, that crime doesn't pay.
6th Annual Omni Youth Musical & Actor Awards Gala
The 6th Annual Omni Youth Musical & Actor Awards Gala, honoring young dancers, singers, actors, instrumentalists, and comedians, will be held Sunday, May 11. Awards will be presented by stars from shows such as DEXTER, BROTHERS & SISTERS, HEROES, MY NAME IS EARL and DAYS OF OUR LIVES.
UGLY BETTY demotes Rebecca Romijn
Alexis Meade will become a recurring character next year.
Jennifer Lenhart interviewed AS THE WORLD TURNS Executive Producer Christopher Goutman recently for an upcoming issue of Soap Opera Digest and asked all the right questions. An excert has been released with Goutman making the following statements:
Digest: Let's talk about the Luke/Noah kiss campaign. What was your reaction to the fact that the fans did this?Goutman: I think it's great. Luke and Noah are terrific. These two actors are fantastic and the response to this story is phenomenal. It's basically moved into the mainstream consciousness internationally, so for us, it's been great.
Digest: Why haven't they kissed?
Goutman: There are so many things that go into telling a story and telling it the right way. What I'm interested in is having a feeling for the constituency and the way to tell the story. We've told it very very slowly. I'm sure you know that Lily and Holden didn't kiss until three years. I really truly believe that everyone will come out thinking this story is really fantastic.
Digest: Yes, but it's been implied that they're kissing off-screen. It almost seems like you're calling attention to the fact that you're not showing it by having them under the mistletoe leaning towards each other and having the camera pan away.
Goutman: It makes people mad, doesn't it?
Digest: It really does.
Goutman: Just as long as we don't make them too mad that they don't keep tuning in.
Digest: Have you gotten hate mail?
Goutman: No. We've gotten a lot of frustration and a lot of very positive things about this couple. They're two boys. They live in a midwestern town. We're not in New York City. We're not in Greenwich Village.
Digest: I just have to come out and ask: Have you specifically been asked to have them not kiss?
Goutman: I've never been asked for them not to kiss. I've been asked to keep in mind all of our constituency, as far as who we serve as an audience. At the end of the day, I think people will be very happy. The story is a continuing story, and as we continue this, the Luke/Noah story will develop in a way that will be incredibly interesting and rewarding.
Conservative Group Fired Up Over Gay Kiss on TV
When it comes to gay kissing and soap operas, you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Just ask Procter & Gamble Co., though its long-lagging soap opera AS THE WORLD TURNS just may be benefiting from the controversy.
Rowell talks foster care in Iowa
A former THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS star was in Iowa Friday to talk about the importance of foster care. Victoria Rowell was the keynote speaker for this year's Children and Families of Iowa "elevate our youth to adulthood event."
EVENT: Universal Studios Hollywood “Eco-Fair
Sat., April 26, 10 am - 4 pm at the Universal Globe Fountain at main entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES stars will autograph reusable bags and give out CFL bulbs at this free eco-fair, featuring over 30 interactive exhibits. Attendees are also invited to bring their household hazardous waste or e-waste to the event for free drop-off -- and free parking! Hybrid drivers can also park free.
Former DAYS star Winter gets raves in Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
"If there's something good about this movie, other than the aforementioned Harris cameo redux, it's DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Eric Winter as the bad guy, Colton. He nails the role, with his disingenuous smile, cocky attitude and glossy good looks."
AMC's Thorsten Kaye updates his NHL playoff blog
No Forsberg, shaky D...but a win. That's what matters.
GH Finally Admits That Mobsters Kill People!
Well, it's finally happened. It's come at a horrible price of a fictional child viewers watched grow up, but it had to happen — GENERAL HOSPITAL has finally figured out that mobsters are murderous criminals, that women who chose to be with mobsters put themselves and their families in the line of fire, that professional killers are not more heroic than police officers and members of the Armed Forces, and, generally, that crime doesn't pay.
6th Annual Omni Youth Musical & Actor Awards Gala
The 6th Annual Omni Youth Musical & Actor Awards Gala, honoring young dancers, singers, actors, instrumentalists, and comedians, will be held Sunday, May 11. Awards will be presented by stars from shows such as DEXTER, BROTHERS & SISTERS, HEROES, MY NAME IS EARL and DAYS OF OUR LIVES.
UGLY BETTY demotes Rebecca Romijn
Alexis Meade will become a recurring character next year.
The One Life To Live 40th Anniversary Trivia Book
"A Fun, Fact-filled, Everything-you-want-to-know-guide to Your Favorite Soap" is how the new "One Life to Live 40th Anniversary Trivia Book" is described on the cover. I received an advanced copy today and I think fans will be pleased.First, there is a year by year breakout of milestones and news items which succinctly summarize the past 40 years. Then there is a detailed look at many of the memorable cast members featured on the show. The book goes on to cover tales from backstage, personal facts about the actors, interesting plotlines, memorable fan ecounters and a recap of OLTL Emmy history.
Some of the interesting trivia samples include:
* What kiss caused an ABC affiliate in Texas to drop the show?
* Plans to launch a doll of which character sparked outrage?
* Which villain spoofed Tom Cruise's couch-jumping antics on "Oprah"?
* Which character was based on Paris Hilton?
* What popular singer agreed to perform on the show only if her grandmother, a longtime fan, could be on the set?
* During which location shoot did one of the show's stars step into an actual pool of quicksand?
You'll find all those answers and much more in the book, available in July from Hyperion Books. ABC will celebrate the 40-year milestone with 40 days and 40 nights of ONE LIFE TO LIVE promotions. The book will worked into that publicity.
The State of Soaps Today
The Chronicles of von Klapp blog has published an article on the state of soaps today. I was interviewed for this story along with hilarious Snark from Snark Weighs In and Timothy Rost from Celebrating the Soaps. We discuss the new GUIDING LIGHT production model, the impact of the writer's strike and more. Check it out here.
Shout-out to Tom Casiello
I was reading the latest blog by Emmy winning writer Tom Casiello and he says some very kind words about me so I wanted to publicly thank him. I met Tom back in 2001 and he is a such a first class guy. His work on the soaps, most recently on DAYS where he was sensational, has been noticed by soap fans eveywhere. But it is his integrity and love for the genre that I appreciate the most. He has been one of the folks in daytime who really "gets it" and I wish him the very best in all future projects. I have no doubt he will continue to be the success he's always been.
News Brief
Susan Haskell returning to OLTL!From her official website: "It's official! Susan is returning to ONE LIFE TO LIVE! First air date to be announced."
Jake's return on AMC is a Goldin opportunity
Jake Martin resurfaces on ALL MY CHILDREN next week as a wounded hostage in Darfur, Sudan, now played by soap vet Ricky Paull Goldin (ex-Gus, GUIDING LIGHT, ex-Dean, ANOTHER WORLD).
"Jake is found on a dirt floor, a hostage of rebel fighters," says Goldin of his new character, who went to Africa in 2003 as a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders (when he was played by J. Eddie Peck).
"They find out this Dr. Martin guy is funded by the high-profile Cambias Corporation, which has very deep pockets. Since they need money, they figure, 'Let's kidnap him and demand a ransom of $5 million.'"
Word gets back to Cambias honcho Zach Slater, who dispatches new head of security Aidan Devane to Africa to rescue Jake.
AUDIO: Interview with Julia Barr and Sonya EddyLong-time ALL MY CHILDREN star Julia Barr appeared on "Buzzworthy Radio" along with GENERAL HOSPITAL actress Sonya Eddy.
Business for Ripple6 grows
Move over, P&G--looks like Gannett and Meredith want in on the branded social network game. The two media giants are the latest companies that have signed on with Ripple6, the social media technology firm that recently developed an online community for P&G's long-running soap opera GUIDING LIGHT. Ripple6's relationship with P&G best illustrates the full potential of the firm's capabilities. In addition to the development and maintenance of the GL community, and a forthcoming project for AS THE WORLD TURNS--Ripple6 crafted P&G's Health Expressions, Home Made Simple and Capessa branded communities.
PHOTO: Middendorf's "The Pavillion"Westport Country Playhouse (Joanne Woodward and Anne Keefe, artistic directors, Jodi Schoenbrun Carter, managing director) will stage a masterful blend of comedy and drama, "The Pavilion," by Craig Wright, award-winning playwright and Emmy-nominated writer/producer. The cast includes Michael Milligan as The Narrator, Tracy Middendorf (ex-Carrie, DAYS) of Westport and Michael Laurence as Kari and Peter, high school sweethearts who re-connect at their 20th reunion.
ATWT's Ewa da Cruz film screening tonight
Matthew Modine’s short film, I Think I Thought, screens (for the first of five times over the next few days) at 10:30pm at the AMC Village (66 Third Avenue). It stars Audrey Hepburn lookalike Ewa de Cruz of AS THE WORLD TURNS and Nick Raynes, grandson of Barbara and the late Marvin Davis, son of Patty Davis Raynes, first cousin of notorious tabloid subject Brandon Davis.
AUCTION: GUIDING LIGHT set visit and mega package
Starting bid is $499. This package contains:
* Set visit for two (2) to the GUIDING LIGHT in New York! Tour the set, meet available cast, ask to bring your camera
* Work with show to book best available date
* Set Visit must be taken by October 2008
* Tax-deduction for every dollar over $1000 bid
* Cast-signed script, Episode #15375
* Baseball Cap
* Two T-shirts (One Womans M and one Mans L)
* Duffle Bag
Samia's birth scenes 'traumatic'
CORONATION STREET's Samia Smith has revealed how hard she found it filming her character's still birth scenes. The soap actress plays hairdresser Maria Connor, who is devastated when she loses her unborn baby, but then has to go through labour. Samia: "There are no two ways about it - it's been awful as it's a really heartbreaking storyline. I'm really tired now! When we filmed the scenes where Maria has to give birth to a stillborn child, the set went eerily silent. I needed quite a bit of time to compose myself after doing it, too."
TV has never seen more transgender characters
Although long known to the gay community, breakout star Candis Cayne became a household name this year with her recurring role as the male-to-female transgender character Carmelita on ABC's DIRTY SEXY MONEY. According to Neil Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, which is holding its 19th annual Media Awards on Saturday at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre (with additional ceremonies in New York, South Florida and San Francisco), "There are fewer gay characters on the broadcast networks than there have been in over a decade ... but the characters that do exist are more fully realized and authentic than characters we've seen in the past, so progress is being made."
AfterElton interviews P&G on the Nuke kiss
P&G answered five questions and said absolutely nothing. I lumped all the answers together here.
"We do not provide information about when stories are written or episodes are taped. We’ve been telling Luke and Noah’s story in a sensitive, respectful way and their romance has evolved over time. Luke and Noah kissing is a natural progression of their relationship, it’s not an 'event' or something to be publicized. We cannot speak for Van and Jake, but everyone at the show is committed to telling Luke and Noah’s story authentically. Of course we appreciate the positive outpouring of support from fans of Luke and Noah, but, as always, we make decisions on how to tell this and all our stories based on what’s best for the show creatively. We're going to continue to tell the love story between these two young men."
DAYS star Joseph Mascolo's parents celebrate 80th!
A Connecticut couple gathered with friends and family in Newington on Wednesday to mark its 80th wedding anniversary. It was all champagne and celebration as Peter and Anna Mascolo celebrated their anniversary. The couple was married on April 23, 1928. The couple renewed their vows in Italian at a family event hosted by the couple's son, DAYS star Joseph Mascolo.
Today's Soap Star Birthdays
Gina Torres (ex-Magdalena, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 39
Lucas Akoskin (ex-Jean-Carlos, SCRIPTS & SCRUPLES) - 29
Lucas Akoskin (ex-Jean-Carlos, SCRIPTS & SCRUPLES) - 29
Thursday, April 24, 2008
P&G promotes explicit open-mouth homosexual kissing
It didn't take long for the crazies at the AFA (American "Family" Association) to come back out of the woodwork to complain about the Luke and Noah kiss on Wednesday's episode of AS THE WORLD TURNS. I seriously doubt these people actually watch the show and probably just found out it while surfing for gossip on Perez Hilton.
Below is their latest Action Alert. Open-mouth homosexual kissing? OMFG!!! There is so much I could pick apart here but their hatred speaks for itself. Meanwhile, they have no issues with the rest of ATWT as all the other characters have such high "moral" values.
Procter & Gamble promotes explicit open-mouth homosexual kissing
Procter & Gamble has resumed using explicit, open-mouth homosexual kissing in their soap opera, "As the World Turns." P&G decided to include this type of content as a commitment to "diversity." P&G stopped showing such scenes some months ago, but has now decided to again help promote the homosexual agenda which includes homosexual marriage.
Gay activists are hopeful that the P&G effort will desensitize viewers to the homosexual lifestyle and help make the unhealthy and immoral lifestyle more acceptable to society, especially to children and youth.
View a scene from the April 23, 2008 episode by P&G. WARNING – content is repulsive!
"As the World Turns" is owned and controlled completely by P&G. No network made this decision. P&G alone made the decision to support the homosexual agenda.
Below is their latest Action Alert. Open-mouth homosexual kissing? OMFG!!! There is so much I could pick apart here but their hatred speaks for itself. Meanwhile, they have no issues with the rest of ATWT as all the other characters have such high "moral" values.
Procter & Gamble promotes explicit open-mouth homosexual kissing
Procter & Gamble has resumed using explicit, open-mouth homosexual kissing in their soap opera, "As the World Turns." P&G decided to include this type of content as a commitment to "diversity." P&G stopped showing such scenes some months ago, but has now decided to again help promote the homosexual agenda which includes homosexual marriage.
Gay activists are hopeful that the P&G effort will desensitize viewers to the homosexual lifestyle and help make the unhealthy and immoral lifestyle more acceptable to society, especially to children and youth.
View a scene from the April 23, 2008 episode by P&G. WARNING – content is repulsive!
"As the World Turns" is owned and controlled completely by P&G. No network made this decision. P&G alone made the decision to support the homosexual agenda.
Evening News
Daytime Nielsen ratings for the Week of April 14-18, 2008
From the ABC press release:
* For the seventh straight week, "General Hospital" stood as Daytime's No. 1 program in Women 18-34 (1.1 rating/364,000), and placed a strong No. 2 in Women 18-49 (1.5 rating/1.00 million).
* In Women 18-49, ABC was home to 3 of Daytime's Top 5 programs: "General Hospital" (#2, 1.5 rating/1.00 million), "The View" (#4T, 1.3 rating/862,000) and "One Life to Live" (#4T, 1.3 rating/841,000).
* In Women 18-34, ABC owned 3 of Daytime's Top 5 programs: "General Hospital" (#1, 1.1 rating/364,000), "One Life to Live" (#4, 0.9 rating/296,000) and "The View" (#5T, 1.0 rating/327,000).
* In direct competition, "General Hospital" more than doubled CBS' "Guiding Light" (3:00 - 4:00 p.m.) in Women 18-34 (109% - 364,000 vs. 174,000), and surpassed the time period competitor by a considerable 40% in Women 18-49 (1.00 million vs. 715,000) and by 16% in Total Viewers (2.82 million vs. 2.43 million).
Following are the Daytime Lineup averages, plus Top 5 Programs Ranks - Week of April 14-18, 2008:
Interview with DAYS actress Kristen Renton
On playing her character Morgan: "I'm still everyday kind of finding new quirks about her and that's part of the fun of it all to be honest. She's quite feisty and every now and then there's a new little thing I find out about her. But we're a lot alike in a lot of different ways, so I do feel like I know her."
Ne-Yo to appear on ALL MY CHILDREN
Ne-Yo is coming closer to Pine Valley. The singer-songwriter will perform his songs "Closer" and "Stop This World" during an ALL MY CHILDREN guest stint set to air May 21 and May 22. Ne-Yo will appear on the ABC daytime soap during the long anticipated second wedding of Angie and Jesse Hubbard, the supercouple played by Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams.
The Hoff in the Hospital
According to his publicist, Judy Katz, former THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS star David Hasselhoff was admitted to the UCLA Medical Center this past Saturday to have something removed from above his eye. "He's fine, he had something removed, he's coming out tonight," Katz said to the Associated Press on Monday, not elaborating on what he had removed. Hasselhoff is still in the hospital, though, according to his assistant, who drove him there.
Elwood back to ATWT
Alex Charak will reprise his role as Elwood on AS THE WORLD TURNS on May 6.
From the ABC press release:
* For the seventh straight week, "General Hospital" stood as Daytime's No. 1 program in Women 18-34 (1.1 rating/364,000), and placed a strong No. 2 in Women 18-49 (1.5 rating/1.00 million).
* In Women 18-49, ABC was home to 3 of Daytime's Top 5 programs: "General Hospital" (#2, 1.5 rating/1.00 million), "The View" (#4T, 1.3 rating/862,000) and "One Life to Live" (#4T, 1.3 rating/841,000).
* In Women 18-34, ABC owned 3 of Daytime's Top 5 programs: "General Hospital" (#1, 1.1 rating/364,000), "One Life to Live" (#4, 0.9 rating/296,000) and "The View" (#5T, 1.0 rating/327,000).
* In direct competition, "General Hospital" more than doubled CBS' "Guiding Light" (3:00 - 4:00 p.m.) in Women 18-34 (109% - 364,000 vs. 174,000), and surpassed the time period competitor by a considerable 40% in Women 18-49 (1.00 million vs. 715,000) and by 16% in Total Viewers (2.82 million vs. 2.43 million).
Following are the Daytime Lineup averages, plus Top 5 Programs Ranks - Week of April 14-18, 2008:
Daytime Rank: Total Viewers Women 18-49 (Rtg/000s)
No. 1 CBS 3.67 million No. 1 NBC 1.4/950,000
No. 2 ABC 2.75 million No. 2 ABC 1.3/875,000
No. 3 NBC 2.72 million No. 2 CBS 1.3/836,000
Top 5 Daytime Programs in Women 18-49 (rank based on rating)
Program Net Rtg/000s
The Young & the Restless CBS 1.7 /1.12 million
General Hospital ABC 1.5/1.00 million
Days of Our Lives NBC 1.4/950,000
The View ABC 1.3/862,000
Bold and the Beautiful CBS 1.3/844,000
One Life to Live ABC 1.3/841,000
As the World Turns CBS 1.3/827,000
Interview with DAYS actress Kristen Renton
On playing her character Morgan: "I'm still everyday kind of finding new quirks about her and that's part of the fun of it all to be honest. She's quite feisty and every now and then there's a new little thing I find out about her. But we're a lot alike in a lot of different ways, so I do feel like I know her."
Ne-Yo to appear on ALL MY CHILDREN
Ne-Yo is coming closer to Pine Valley. The singer-songwriter will perform his songs "Closer" and "Stop This World" during an ALL MY CHILDREN guest stint set to air May 21 and May 22. Ne-Yo will appear on the ABC daytime soap during the long anticipated second wedding of Angie and Jesse Hubbard, the supercouple played by Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams.
The Hoff in the Hospital
According to his publicist, Judy Katz, former THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS star David Hasselhoff was admitted to the UCLA Medical Center this past Saturday to have something removed from above his eye. "He's fine, he had something removed, he's coming out tonight," Katz said to the Associated Press on Monday, not elaborating on what he had removed. Hasselhoff is still in the hospital, though, according to his assistant, who drove him there.
Elwood back to ATWT
Alex Charak will reprise his role as Elwood on AS THE WORLD TURNS on May 6.
Nelson Branco's "Suds Report"
Jason Cook reunites with Kirsten Storms at ‘GH’! ‘OLTL’s Thom Christopher returns! Omigod — Nuke kissed on ‘ATWT’! Gruesome death on ‘B&B’! Read it all here.
Update: May 2 is the day Carlivati’s storylines are set to debut, so mark your calendars for the soap god’s official first day back in Llanview.
Update: May 2 is the day Carlivati’s storylines are set to debut, so mark your calendars for the soap god’s official first day back in Llanview.
InTurn Season 3 Episode #4 The Second Callback
It's the dreaded Callback time again, and the InTurns file in to face their doom. Tensions mount in the callback room when Chris Goutman gives the group his signature review.
News Brief
Eric William Morris returns to ATWT
Due to popular demand, Eric William Morris returns to AS THE WORLD TURNS as Matt on Wednesday, April 30.
Another screenplay in the works for Paul Leyden
Michelle Monaghan has optioned the film rights to Duane Swierczynski's "The Blonde," a noir-techno thriller about a femme fatale who has a time bomb ticking inside her and a hapless airport traveler who will die unless he remains shackled to her. Paul Leyden (ex-Simon, AS THE WORLD TURNS and Monaghan's brother-in-law) will write the screenplay. Leyden vows to be faithful to other elements of the novel -- especially the opening scene. "That is something we're holding on to, no matter what."
Luke and Noah Kiss: Long National Nightmare is Over
AS THE WORLD TURNS' Luke and Noah fans were pleasantly surprised yesterday when their seven-month wait for a kiss between the characters came to an end. Earlier this month, CBS execs denied their strategy for the characters was homophobic. Said daytime chief Barbara Bloom, "The only thing you're going to get out of me is that the pacing is slower with Luke and Noah than it is with other romances on ATWT. But that's good storytelling. We're in the business of getting people to watch more."
Which makes the lack of promotion for the kiss all the more surprsing. Normally, a scene like this would have been teased relentlessly but producers apparently decided on an ambush this time. Surprise!
AS THE WORLD TURNS turning on a kiss
The second-oldest daytime soap on the air is getting younger, and in a year where nearly everything else is down, it’s actually gaining viewers.
CBS’s 52-year-old AS THE WORLD TURNS has seen its median age fall the most for any daytime program this year, down 4 percent from 57.7 years old to 55.6. It’s also one of just two programs to see ratings grow among the key daytime demographics of women 18-49 and women 25-54, up 9 percent in both to an average 868,000 and 979,000 viewers, respectively.
Fellow CBS daytime show THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL is the only other soap to rise in those demos this year, according to Nielsen data through the end of March, the most recent numbers available, and it is up a mere 1 and 2 percent.
Why the growth for ATWT at a time when other soaps are struggling to simply maintain their audience? Probably the same reason many shows see their viewership bump: controversy. ATWT has been embroiled in a controversy over its gay teenage couple, Luke and Noah, but not for the reason one might think. Fans have protested the lack of lip-locking between the two, with their most recent kiss coming last summer.
Essex High Grad Locks Up a TV Role
What’s a nice girl from Essex doing in a show like this? The role is Sherry, the toughest woman and leader of the gang in the prison where Erica Kane (Susan Lucci’s character) is locked up. Sherry confronts and threatens Erica in the prison laundry room. So reads in part the email description from former Vermonter Catherine Eaton, now an actor and playwright living in New York City. And, yes, the show is ABC’s long-running soap ALL MY CHILDREN. Eaton’s debut was on Monday, April 21, and her character, she assures, will appear in other episodes.
FLASHBACK: GH helps Austin reach #1
Throughout the 70s and 80s Patti Austin frequently appeared on the R&B and dance charts, even having a number one club hit, "Do You Love Me/The Genie" in 1981. Though the song "Baby, Come To Me" when initially released failed to crack the top 40, it became a national sensation thanks to its use in the ABC soap opera GENERAL HOSPITAL. Once that happened, the song was re-released and made it all the way to the number one spot in 1983.
UGLY BETTY tries to alter look to suit family hour
UGLY BETTY has always been a major-network variation on the Spanish-language telenovela, equal parts soap opera and saucy satire. Yet when it returns today from the hiatus brought on by the writers' strike at the head of a new ABC Thursday on WLS Channel 7, it finds itself out of whack: too much soap, and not enough satire.
Seth Rogen enlists a Dylan Panther?
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS star Jesse Plemmons (Landry) will make the transition to the big screen with a role in the new Seth Rogen comedy, Observe and Report. Former ANOTHER WORLD star Ray Liotta will star in the film as well.
SHAMELESS actress joins EASTENDERS
The cast of flagship BBC One soap EASTENDERS is set to grow by one. But what a coup for Auntie Beeb to land the talents of Maggie O'Neill, best known for playing Sheila Jackson in Channel 4 series SHAMELESS. She's signed up to play Suzy, yet another of the Branning brood, and even more intriguingly, the newcomer is set to enjoy a romance with none other than balding mechanic Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden)! Speaking of her new role, O'Neill told Digital Spy: "The Brannings are a great family and I am really excited to become one of them. Suzy is a woman to be reckoned with and I'm looking forward to playing her."
BLOG UPDATE: DAYS Rachel Melvin
"So this might come as a shock to some of you, but some of us actors, writers, etc, etc, on DAYS read the message boards. You name it, soapcentral...days....Nbc...my eyes are everywhere! So getting to my point, I was parusing through some of the boards about a month ago, and took notice at a thread called 'Chelsea's Hair'. I was kind of excited because I had just put in some blonde peek a boos and thought that someone had finally noticed them and wanted to comment (mainly cuz my friend is a hairstylist and colors my hair and I was hoping to read people's praise for her), but it was not a thread about it's color, but it's style. And it was not so positive. BUT- as with everything I hear, see, or read, I took the comments with a grain of salt and contemplated my choices. Now, I know you can't please everybody, some people like my hair long, some like it short, but the consensus this time was that I needed something new since I was beginning to look like the girl in The Incredibles as one user commented. While I like the mysterious rocker edgy look, I started noticing that it was a bit distracting, and not as 'awesome' looking on camera. So after much thought, I decided it was indeed time for a change."
AUDIO: ATWT 1980s theme - rare CD version
Rare full-length version of the popular 1980s AS THE WORLD TURNS theme song I had never heard before.
Due to popular demand, Eric William Morris returns to AS THE WORLD TURNS as Matt on Wednesday, April 30.
Another screenplay in the works for Paul Leyden
Michelle Monaghan has optioned the film rights to Duane Swierczynski's "The Blonde," a noir-techno thriller about a femme fatale who has a time bomb ticking inside her and a hapless airport traveler who will die unless he remains shackled to her. Paul Leyden (ex-Simon, AS THE WORLD TURNS and Monaghan's brother-in-law) will write the screenplay. Leyden vows to be faithful to other elements of the novel -- especially the opening scene. "That is something we're holding on to, no matter what."
Luke and Noah Kiss: Long National Nightmare is Over
AS THE WORLD TURNS' Luke and Noah fans were pleasantly surprised yesterday when their seven-month wait for a kiss between the characters came to an end. Earlier this month, CBS execs denied their strategy for the characters was homophobic. Said daytime chief Barbara Bloom, "The only thing you're going to get out of me is that the pacing is slower with Luke and Noah than it is with other romances on ATWT. But that's good storytelling. We're in the business of getting people to watch more."
Which makes the lack of promotion for the kiss all the more surprsing. Normally, a scene like this would have been teased relentlessly but producers apparently decided on an ambush this time. Surprise!
AS THE WORLD TURNS turning on a kiss
The second-oldest daytime soap on the air is getting younger, and in a year where nearly everything else is down, it’s actually gaining viewers.
CBS’s 52-year-old AS THE WORLD TURNS has seen its median age fall the most for any daytime program this year, down 4 percent from 57.7 years old to 55.6. It’s also one of just two programs to see ratings grow among the key daytime demographics of women 18-49 and women 25-54, up 9 percent in both to an average 868,000 and 979,000 viewers, respectively.
Fellow CBS daytime show THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL is the only other soap to rise in those demos this year, according to Nielsen data through the end of March, the most recent numbers available, and it is up a mere 1 and 2 percent.
Why the growth for ATWT at a time when other soaps are struggling to simply maintain their audience? Probably the same reason many shows see their viewership bump: controversy. ATWT has been embroiled in a controversy over its gay teenage couple, Luke and Noah, but not for the reason one might think. Fans have protested the lack of lip-locking between the two, with their most recent kiss coming last summer.
Essex High Grad Locks Up a TV RoleWhat’s a nice girl from Essex doing in a show like this? The role is Sherry, the toughest woman and leader of the gang in the prison where Erica Kane (Susan Lucci’s character) is locked up. Sherry confronts and threatens Erica in the prison laundry room. So reads in part the email description from former Vermonter Catherine Eaton, now an actor and playwright living in New York City. And, yes, the show is ABC’s long-running soap ALL MY CHILDREN. Eaton’s debut was on Monday, April 21, and her character, she assures, will appear in other episodes.
FLASHBACK: GH helps Austin reach #1
Throughout the 70s and 80s Patti Austin frequently appeared on the R&B and dance charts, even having a number one club hit, "Do You Love Me/The Genie" in 1981. Though the song "Baby, Come To Me" when initially released failed to crack the top 40, it became a national sensation thanks to its use in the ABC soap opera GENERAL HOSPITAL. Once that happened, the song was re-released and made it all the way to the number one spot in 1983.
UGLY BETTY tries to alter look to suit family hour
UGLY BETTY has always been a major-network variation on the Spanish-language telenovela, equal parts soap opera and saucy satire. Yet when it returns today from the hiatus brought on by the writers' strike at the head of a new ABC Thursday on WLS Channel 7, it finds itself out of whack: too much soap, and not enough satire.
Seth Rogen enlists a Dylan Panther?
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS star Jesse Plemmons (Landry) will make the transition to the big screen with a role in the new Seth Rogen comedy, Observe and Report. Former ANOTHER WORLD star Ray Liotta will star in the film as well.
SHAMELESS actress joins EASTENDERS
The cast of flagship BBC One soap EASTENDERS is set to grow by one. But what a coup for Auntie Beeb to land the talents of Maggie O'Neill, best known for playing Sheila Jackson in Channel 4 series SHAMELESS. She's signed up to play Suzy, yet another of the Branning brood, and even more intriguingly, the newcomer is set to enjoy a romance with none other than balding mechanic Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden)! Speaking of her new role, O'Neill told Digital Spy: "The Brannings are a great family and I am really excited to become one of them. Suzy is a woman to be reckoned with and I'm looking forward to playing her."
BLOG UPDATE: DAYS Rachel Melvin
"So this might come as a shock to some of you, but some of us actors, writers, etc, etc, on DAYS read the message boards. You name it, soapcentral...days....Nbc...my eyes are everywhere! So getting to my point, I was parusing through some of the boards about a month ago, and took notice at a thread called 'Chelsea's Hair'. I was kind of excited because I had just put in some blonde peek a boos and thought that someone had finally noticed them and wanted to comment (mainly cuz my friend is a hairstylist and colors my hair and I was hoping to read people's praise for her), but it was not a thread about it's color, but it's style. And it was not so positive. BUT- as with everything I hear, see, or read, I took the comments with a grain of salt and contemplated my choices. Now, I know you can't please everybody, some people like my hair long, some like it short, but the consensus this time was that I needed something new since I was beginning to look like the girl in The Incredibles as one user commented. While I like the mysterious rocker edgy look, I started noticing that it was a bit distracting, and not as 'awesome' looking on camera. So after much thought, I decided it was indeed time for a change."
AUDIO: ATWT 1980s theme - rare CD version
Rare full-length version of the popular 1980s AS THE WORLD TURNS theme song I had never heard before.
Today's Soap Star Birthdays
Thad Luckinbill (J.T., THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 33
Courtnee Draper (ex-Mary, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 23
Sean Rademaker (ex-Jonathan, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Kirkland, ANOTHER WORLD) - 18
Courtnee Draper (ex-Mary, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 23
Sean Rademaker (ex-Jonathan, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Kirkland, ANOTHER WORLD) - 18
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Ripa and Consuelos join TLC
TLC will strengthen its programming roster with a pair of celebrity hubby-wife teams. Former ALL MY CHILDREN co-stars Kelly Ripa and husband Mark Consuelos have joined the TLC team to develop a number of scripted series, one of which will star Ripa. The TLC announcements came at Discovery Communications’ upfront presentation to advertisers here Wednesday afternoon a Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Jason Cook Joins GH
SOAPnet.com has confirmed that Jason Cook is joining the cast of GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason is best known as Shawn Brady, the DAYS OF OUR LIVES character he played from 1999 to 2006. Shawn was one half of "Shawn and Belle," known by longtime fans as "Shelle" -- the pair who put the "super" back in supercouple in fictional Salem. And just who played Belle? That's right: Kirsten Storms, aka resident GENERAL HOSPITAL fashionista Maxie Jones.
Jason will be playing a doctor who joins the staff at Port Charles's infamous hospital; no first airdate has been set, but he'll likely start appearing in June. We CAN tell you his character will be crossing paths with Maxie very early on. Could there be a "Shelle" redux? You'll have to stay tuned for more details!
Evening News
Blogging with Carolyn Hinsey: Nuke Edition
Hinsey writes: So, I'm watching ATWT today and I catch another one of those lame scenes between Luke and Noah where they are talking about Ameera and Noah is saying, "You know I'd rather be with you, Luke, blah blah blah," when all of a sudden THEY START KISSING WITH TONGUE! Since we have been asking the press reps at Procter & Gamble to make sure and flag any moments of real closeness between these two so that we can in turn alert our readers, I naturally think, "Maybe I missed something." So I go flying down the hall to Digest editor Stephanie Sloane's office, and, lo and behold, ATWT editor Jennifer Lenhart is in there raging. "I am steaming mad!" said Jen. "I mean, I'm happy about the fact that Luke and Noah had another kiss, but I just did a whole interview with Executive Producer Chris Goutman, about 10 minutes of which was wasted on a coy back-and-forth about when they're going to kiss again! A little heads-up would have been nice."
Gay couple kisses on ‘As the World Turns’
After 214 days and an e-mail campaign by angry fans that generated international coverage, the gay teen couple on CBS soap opera AS THE WORLD TURNS finally got to share their third on-screen kiss.
Liveblogging ATWT: It's Ameera's party and she'll bore us to tears if she wants to
Live blog of today's episode of AS THE WORLD TURNS featuring the kiss between Luke and Noah.
Noelle Beck hopes ATWT's audience is patient
Effective May 8, Noelle Beck is the new Lily Snyder on AS THE WORLD TURNS. The actress will replace fan icon Martha Byrne, whose last episode aired yesterday. Byrne quit the soap in a volcanic contract dispute, but she's handling the transition like a pro.
"I received an incredible bouquet of flowers from Martha on my first day of work," Beck told TV Guide's Michael Logan. "To have her support makes me feel great. She's one very classy lady." Beck is no stranger to daytime suds — she spent nine years as Trisha on Loving — but the mother of three has lately stuck to recurring roles (the conniving Cilla on Cashmere, Tommy's almost-lover, almost-sister Mariel on Rescue Me).
"We had to take a family vote about the ATWT offer," says Beck, who is married to hotshot New York restaurateur Eric Petterson. "Everybody said, ‘Go back to work!' I thought they were going to say, ‘Please, don't work full-time!' I'm such a crazy soccer mom; I think they want me off the field." As for Byrne's controversial exit, Beck says, "I can't get involved with the politics. Hopefully, the audience will be patient and supportive of the change. If not," she adds with a laugh, "I'm back on the soccer field!"
ATWT: Lily V.4
Soap vet Noelle Beck becomes the fourth actress to tackle the role of ATWT's Lily Walsh Mason Snyder Grimaldi Snyder on May 8, 2008.
AFTRA agrees to postpone talks
Though big gaps remain between SAG and the majors, negotiators have made enough progress toward a feature-primetime deal to keep negotiations going for an extra week until May 2. Wednesday’s announcement - the first substantial positive sign from eight days of talks - came a few minutes after AFTRA disclosed that if had agreed to postpone next week's start of its primetime negotiations unitl May 5, in response to a request by the AMPTP.
VIDEO: Interview with GL's Beth Ehlers
Beth Ehlers talks about working on GUIDING LIGHT and the show's new "realistic" look.
VIDEO: Interview with GL's Murray Bartlett
Murray Bartlett discusses GUIDING LIGHT's new production model and recently joining the cast.
Thorsten Kaye NHL blog update
Kaye looks back on the Red Wings-Predators series where my Nashville Predators were eliminated in six games.
Welcome to the world: Cash Joshua Morrow
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS star Joshua Morrow is celebrating after becoming a father for the third time. The actor's wife Tobe gave birth to little Cash Joshua Morrow on Monday (21Apr08) afternoon at a Los Angeles hospital. Morrow, 34, tells People.com, "Mum is amazing and beautiful as ever and Cash is perfect. It was a very drama-free birth." The pair, who have been married for six years, also have sons Cooper, five, and Crew, who turns three in May (08).
EVENT: DAYS Alum Joe Gallison
Former DAYS OF LIVES star Joe Gallison will play on Saturday and Sunday at the 16th annual Coastal Carolina Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Landfall's Dye Course.
Hinsey writes: So, I'm watching ATWT today and I catch another one of those lame scenes between Luke and Noah where they are talking about Ameera and Noah is saying, "You know I'd rather be with you, Luke, blah blah blah," when all of a sudden THEY START KISSING WITH TONGUE! Since we have been asking the press reps at Procter & Gamble to make sure and flag any moments of real closeness between these two so that we can in turn alert our readers, I naturally think, "Maybe I missed something." So I go flying down the hall to Digest editor Stephanie Sloane's office, and, lo and behold, ATWT editor Jennifer Lenhart is in there raging. "I am steaming mad!" said Jen. "I mean, I'm happy about the fact that Luke and Noah had another kiss, but I just did a whole interview with Executive Producer Chris Goutman, about 10 minutes of which was wasted on a coy back-and-forth about when they're going to kiss again! A little heads-up would have been nice."
Gay couple kisses on ‘As the World Turns’
After 214 days and an e-mail campaign by angry fans that generated international coverage, the gay teen couple on CBS soap opera AS THE WORLD TURNS finally got to share their third on-screen kiss.
Liveblogging ATWT: It's Ameera's party and she'll bore us to tears if she wants to
Live blog of today's episode of AS THE WORLD TURNS featuring the kiss between Luke and Noah.
Noelle Beck hopes ATWT's audience is patientEffective May 8, Noelle Beck is the new Lily Snyder on AS THE WORLD TURNS. The actress will replace fan icon Martha Byrne, whose last episode aired yesterday. Byrne quit the soap in a volcanic contract dispute, but she's handling the transition like a pro.
"I received an incredible bouquet of flowers from Martha on my first day of work," Beck told TV Guide's Michael Logan. "To have her support makes me feel great. She's one very classy lady." Beck is no stranger to daytime suds — she spent nine years as Trisha on Loving — but the mother of three has lately stuck to recurring roles (the conniving Cilla on Cashmere, Tommy's almost-lover, almost-sister Mariel on Rescue Me).
"We had to take a family vote about the ATWT offer," says Beck, who is married to hotshot New York restaurateur Eric Petterson. "Everybody said, ‘Go back to work!' I thought they were going to say, ‘Please, don't work full-time!' I'm such a crazy soccer mom; I think they want me off the field." As for Byrne's controversial exit, Beck says, "I can't get involved with the politics. Hopefully, the audience will be patient and supportive of the change. If not," she adds with a laugh, "I'm back on the soccer field!"
ATWT: Lily V.4
Soap vet Noelle Beck becomes the fourth actress to tackle the role of ATWT's Lily Walsh Mason Snyder Grimaldi Snyder on May 8, 2008.
AFTRA agrees to postpone talks
Though big gaps remain between SAG and the majors, negotiators have made enough progress toward a feature-primetime deal to keep negotiations going for an extra week until May 2. Wednesday’s announcement - the first substantial positive sign from eight days of talks - came a few minutes after AFTRA disclosed that if had agreed to postpone next week's start of its primetime negotiations unitl May 5, in response to a request by the AMPTP.
VIDEO: Interview with GL's Beth Ehlers
Beth Ehlers talks about working on GUIDING LIGHT and the show's new "realistic" look.
VIDEO: Interview with GL's Murray Bartlett
Murray Bartlett discusses GUIDING LIGHT's new production model and recently joining the cast.
Thorsten Kaye NHL blog update
Kaye looks back on the Red Wings-Predators series where my Nashville Predators were eliminated in six games.
Welcome to the world: Cash Joshua Morrow
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS star Joshua Morrow is celebrating after becoming a father for the third time. The actor's wife Tobe gave birth to little Cash Joshua Morrow on Monday (21Apr08) afternoon at a Los Angeles hospital. Morrow, 34, tells People.com, "Mum is amazing and beautiful as ever and Cash is perfect. It was a very drama-free birth." The pair, who have been married for six years, also have sons Cooper, five, and Crew, who turns three in May (08).
EVENT: DAYS Alum Joe Gallison
Former DAYS OF LIVES star Joe Gallison will play on Saturday and Sunday at the 16th annual Coastal Carolina Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Landfall's Dye Course.
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