Showing posts with label Toni Bull Bua. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toni Bull Bua. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

In Memoriam: Remembering Those We Lost in 2016 (Updated)


As 2016 comes to a close, we want to pay special tribute to those who passed away this year from the world of soap operas, including beloved creators, writers, performers and executives. Watch our tribute below.

Friday, February 12, 2016

'Love of Life' Star Toni Bull Bua Has Passed Away

Toni Bull Bua
Beloved actress and acting coach Toni Bull Bua passed away on Thursday, after battling cancer in recent years.

Many daytime soap opera fans remember Bull from her work as Tess Krakauer Prentiss Randolph on CBS' Love of Life, where she starred opposite Gene Bua, who played Bill Prentiss. Bill and Tess became a fan favorite couple, and made it onto the We Love Soaps 50 Greatest Soap Couples list in 2012. The actors fell in love off screen while their romanced blossomed on the air. The happy duo stayed together until Gene's death in 2012. Together they formed the popular Bua "Acting for Life" program.

Toni Bull and Gene Bua
The Young and the Restless star Tracey Bregman (Lauren Fenmore Baldwin) was a student and close friend of the Buas. She wrote the following on Instagram about Toni's passing: "It is with great sadness that I write that the world lost one it's greatest souls, it's brightest stars, it's most giving angel tonight. I can not tell you how grateful I have been for every moment I got to spend with Toni Bua. We have been 'Soul Sisters' as we called each other,since I was 19 years old. Toni gave so much of herself to so many of us. She and her husband Gene were my teachers, on so many levels and they both taught my son, @landonreedx A time I will never forget. We wrote a musical together called WHEN I DREAM. So many extraordinary memories. And I will cherish every moment including the last ones I was able to spend with you. On wings my sweet Toni. Fly, fly high. I love you forever and a day."

Other Bua students included Drew Barrymore, Ted Danson, Katey Sagal and Brad Pitt.

In 1976, Toni joined Gene on NBC's Somerset, where she played Denny Saunders.

Below is one of my favorite daytime soap opera classic clips featuring Gene's Bill singing to Toni's Tess in that heavenly voice loved my many.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

FLASHBACK: Gene Bua Launches New Career As Singer 1969

Gene Bua: Soap Opera Star Launches New Career As Singer

By Joy Stilley
Associated Press
August 6, 1969

Idol of millions who watch him on the daily soap opera, LOVE OF LIFE, Gene Bua is himself a lover of life especially now that he is launching a new career as a recording artist.

Gene Bua Dead at 72

Actor and teacher Gene Bua has died at age 72. He passed away on November 17 with his wife, Toni Bull, by his side. Bull announced the news of his death:
"The great Master Teacher and my hero and Lion King for 47 years, Gene Bua, passed into the Light on Sat. Nov. 17th at 1:40, after battling 13 years of Parkinson's and yet still going on to teach, write songs, be a mighty friend, and enjoy much of his life. I am surrounded by his power love and radiance as I walk through these coming days with as much Grace as God will allow me. Very much love to you all."
- Toni Bua, carrying on Gene's legacy in my heart and soul.
Trained at New York's prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse, Gene Bua was discovered by famed composer Richard Rodgers who asked him to play the lead in the Broadway revival of "The Boys from Syracuse." After starring in a string of hit shows, Gene became a soap opera idol as Bill Prentiss on CBS TV's long-running daytime drama, LOVE OF LIFE, where he met his co-star, Toni Bull.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

50 Greatest Soap Couples: #48 Bill & Tess From LOVE OF LIFE

COUPLE: Bill Prentiss & Tess Krakauer
SHOW: LOVE OF LIFE
RANK: 48
PLAYED BY:
Bill: Gene Bua
Tess: Toni Bull
YEARS: 1967-1972

STORY:
Bill and Tess had a tortured love story and were married several times over the years. They were involved in a triangle with John Randolph who was eventually murdered with Tess and Bill both going on trial (they didn't do it!). Bill died of a "rare blood disease" in 1972 and Tess left town in 1973.