News Round-up

Sabato in Hawaii looking for wife
VH1 is on the Big Island to film an as yet untitled, several million-dollar, 10-episode reality series -- they call it a docu-soap -- starring soap opera actor Antonio Sabato Jr., who also is producing the series with Mrs. Wright Productions.

In the non-scripted show, Sabato teams up with professional matchmakers at VH1 to help find that special someone. The actor, best known for his leading roles on MELROSE PLACE and the daytime dramas GENERAL HOSPITAL and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, is taking a page from the book of Flavor Flav for the dating reality series scheduled to debut on the network this year. The Sabato series may air in June.

Familiar face is admitted to HOSPITAL
"Her name is Rebecca," says Natalia Livingston of her new alter-ego. "She is more confident than Emily, more sexual. She's not as easy to trust other people."

Livingston exited the soap after five years to try other things, but soon ran smack into some new realities.

"I got the call from [head writer] Bob Guza in November and I was excited to come back. I love the pace of daytime. It's a job I already know I love, with people I love. We are all lucky to be working right now with the state of the economy."


The highly anticipated action-packed online series ANGEL OF DEATH starring Zoe Bell and Lucy Lawless is set to premiere as a special programming event on Monday, March 2, 2009 on Crackle.com, Sony Pictures Entertainment's online video network. Y&R's Vail Bloom also stars.

Y&R's Tonya Lee Williams on her 2008 return to Y&R
"I think of the writers as God. I put my trust in the writers and this is a character that I am proud of."

SIU-E super-model wins coveted role on Y&R
Monet Stunson of Glen Carbon is headed for the big time with her role in an upcoming episode of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Stunson, a first runner-up in last year's Miss Illinois USA pageant, is the daughter of Bonjour and Joyce Stunson. She is a 2004 grad of Metro-East Lutheran High School and a junior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She found out she had won the soap role on live television on KMOV (Channel 4) on Monday. Stunson was one of 10 finalists and show execs told her she had to be on "Great Day St. Louis" for a final "test," which was just a way to get her on the show to surprise her with the information that she had the role. When she was told, Stunson looked stunned and got tears in her eyes. Gail Lasater of West Model & Talent Management in Chesterfield has been Stunson's agent for the past four years. She said on Thursday that everyone in her office screamed when they watched Stunson get the news on TV.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Matthew Cowles
"Two-time Emmy nominee Matthew Cowles (ALL MY CHILDREN) will star in 'THIRST: a spell for Christabel,' a new play by Monika Bustamante, based on the unfinished gothic poem "Christabel" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. First Light Theater Group will present the play at HERE Arts Center, March 10-April 12, with an opening set for March 17. Elena Araoz will direct."

Jensen Ackles' Not-So-Hot Love Scenes
"It was my screen test for DAYS OF OUR LIVES. I had to kiss Christie Clark during the audition. Ironically, I endedup playing her brother on the show. Anyway, Christie said I did a good job, and I did get the part."

INTERVIEW: Gordon Thompson
The former soap star was a guest on "Brandon's Buzz" last night.