Showing posts with label Vanessa Williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vanessa Williams. Show all posts

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Vanessa Williams Joins 'Days of our Lives' as Valerie Grant

Vanessa Williams
Melrose Place star Vanessa Williams has joined the cast of NBC soap opera Days of our Lives as the new Valerie Grant, a character last seen in 1982. The 53-year-old Williams is 12 years younger than Tina Andrews, the actress who originated the role in 1975. The late Diane Sommerfield was last to play the role in 1981-1982.

Willams revealed the news on Instagram: "This month #VanessaWilliams joins the cast of #daysofourlives @nbcdays @nbctv Don't miss your girl back in #primetime Thanks for all the Love and support! #moretocome"

Look for Valerie to cross paths with her ex, Abe (James Reynolds), and his son, Theo (Kyler Pettis).

Williams is scheduled to make her first Days appearance on October 25. The character was last seen in 1982. She was seen last year in the Indie Series Award nominated ensemble cast of The Bay. She played Rhonda Blair on Melrose Place.



Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Vanessa Williams Cast as Lead in Sony Pictures Telvision Drama 'Satan's Sisters'

Vanessa Williams
Tony, Grammy, and Emmy nominated singer/actress Vanessa Williams has signed on to play the lead role in VH1’s upcoming scripted series inspired by the 2011 Star Jones book “Satan’s Sisters: A Novel of Fiction.” Set in the bright lights of daytime television, the fireworks start every weekday at noon when the hosts of The Lunch Hour -- a long-running popular TV talk show -- discuss life, love, family, politics, and gossip. Williams will play the role of Maxine, the creator and host of “The Lunch Hour;” a formidable, powerful, and decisive woman, but fears she's being put out to pasture.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

'The Good Wife' Sneak Peek: Alicia Done With Eli?

"I think you're perfect...for me," Eli tells Courtney.
Alicia and Lucca defend a surgeon in this week's episode of The Good Wife, airing Sunday, December 13 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. If the network's NFL game runs over, the start time may be later.

In the episode, titled "KSR," Alicia and Lucca defend a well-respected surgeon accused of plotting to commit a crime. Also, Ruth schemes to remove Jason from Alicia's life by trying to persuade Courtney Paige (Vanessa Williams) to hire him for business in another state.

Watch a Good Wife sneak peek below:

Saturday, November 28, 2015

'The Good Wife' Sneak Peek: Kit Williamson Guest Stars as Kip O'Neill

Kit Williamson guest stars as Kip O'Neill.
Alicia and Lucca defend a website accused of racial profiling in this week's episode of The Good Wife, airing Sunday, November 29 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. If the network's NFL game runs over, the start time may be later.

In the episode, titled "Discovery," Alicia and Lucca join forces with Louis Canning (Michael J. Fox) to defend the website against an accusation of racial profiling. Also, Eli and Ruth worry about the nature of Alicia's relationship with Jason and how it could impact Peter's presidential campaign.

EastSiders and Mad Men actor Kit Williamson guest stars as Kip O'Neill.

Watch a Good Wife sneak peek below:

Sunday, November 22, 2015

'The Good Wife' Sneak Peek: Diane Argues a Case Between Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life Advocates

Diane asks the judge to remove himself from her case.
Diane takes on a controversial case in this week's episode of The Good Wife, airing Sunday, November 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Guiding Light actress Orlagh Cassidy guest stars as Heidi.  Former Loving and As the World Turns star Burke Moses Sheriff John Colby.

In the episode, titled "Restraint," Diane is personally conflicted when she is forced to argue a heated case between pro-choice and pro-life advocates in order to retain an important client, represented by attorney Ethan Carver. Also, Alicia and Lucca are desperate for new business and attempt to poach clients from Louis Canning.

Watch a Good Wife sneak peek below:

Sunday, November 15, 2015

'The Good Wife' Sneak Peek: Ruth and Eli pursue Courtney Boalt, Played by Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams plays Courtney Boalt.
A case involving a self-driving car that was involved in an accident is at the center of this week's episode of The Good Wife, airing Sunday, November 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Multiple award winner Vanessa Williams appears in the recurring role of billionaire businesswoman Courtney Boalt.

Note: The episode starts later this week due to CBS doubleheader NFL coverage.

In the episode, titled "Driven," Alicia and Lucca join a case involving an automotive executive represented by Lockhart, Agos & Lee, and an employee represented by Louis Canning, who was involved in a crippling accident while test-driving a car operating in "driverless" mode. Also, when Ruth and Eli pursue Courtney Boalt, a potential campaign contributor, Peter moves back in with Alicia to present a united family image.

Watch a Good Wife sneak peek below:

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

NEWS: Drew Cheetwood, Vanessa Williams, Balthazar Getty, Bren Foster, Anjelica Huston, John Stamos

Drew Cheetwood. Photo Credit: Jeremy Fraser
General Hospital's Drew Cheetwood moving to Michigan, but still hopes to appear on the soap
"I gave [executive producer] Frank Valentini the rundown of where my heart was," says Cheetwood, who plays Milo. "He said that he understood 100 percent because he has a ton of family on the East Coast that he misses every day. I said, 'I hope it doesn't mean that Milo can never be a part of the show again. If you guys can group some shows together, maybe I can fly out.'" Valentini let Cheetwood know there was a very good chance that could happen.

Blood & Oil gives North Dakota oilfields soap opera treatment
"We were really interested in the modern-day version of the 1849 gold rush, in that theme of boom and bust" Josh Pate, the show's co-creator, told Reuters.

Balthazar Getty joins Showtime's Twin Peaks
It’s not clear if Getty is playing a new character or taking over an existing one (rumors abound that at least one major role from the original series has been recast).

Vanessa Williams to recur on The Good Wife
Williams will appear in multiple episodes as a love interest for Alan Cumming's character, Eli Gold.

Does all the chatter about a show on social media actually help a network make money on said show?
Anecdotally, the robust social presence for shows like Scandal and Empire seems to have helped pique interest among some viewers — Empire's social engagement numbers, at least, rose in step with its Nielsen ratings. But whether there's a direct, cause-and-effect relationship between the two is still very much an open question.

Kevin Michael Martin and Bren Foster become The Last Ship series regulars
Martin, who recurred heavily in the first two seasons, plays Eric Miller, the well-intentioned seaman and youngest member of Cobra team. Foster (ex-Quinn Hudson, Days of our Lives) plays Senior Chief Wolf Taylor, an Australian naval operator who joined the crew in Norfolk this past season.

Cosmopolitan magazine is set to become an NBC drama
The No. 1 women’s magazine’s editor-in-chief, Joanna Coles, will serve as executive producer on a fictional take on her magazine and her staff.

Smash star Anjelica Huston joins Transparent
Huston will play Maura’s “new friend” in three Season 2 episodes.

Primetime Emmy Awards sinks to its lowest-ever ratings
About 11.9 million tuned in Sunday night while more people were watching the NFC Championship game rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers. That’s down nearly 4 million from last year’s Emmys, which aired on a Monday and aired before the NFL season began.

Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald calls General Hospital star Nancy Lee Grahn a "Twitter troll"
Tweeted McDonald: "So annoying that the day that @violadavis and @UzoAduba made history some Twitter troll is the one trending for trying to tear them down."

Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen tweeted some advice for Grahn: "Nancy Lee Take the pill darling Just take the pill..... #teamviola"

John Stamos: Ex-wife Rebecca Romijn stopped me from starring on Nip/Tuck
Stamos claims Ryan Murphy wrote one of the plastic surgeon roles for him, but his then-wife considered the script too demeaning to women.

Monday, September 14, 2015

NEWS: Vanessa Williams, Kayla Ewell, Brook Kerr, Amelia Heinle, Bryton James, Daniel Goddard, Kristoff St. John

Amelia Heinle
Young and the Restless stars coming to Horseshoe Casino
You can meet some of your favorite cast members as Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore hosts a Q&A session from 1-2 p.m. on September 26. The actors scheduled for the fan chat: Amelia Heinle (who plays Victoria Newman Abbott), Bryton James (Devon Hamilton Winters), Daniel Goddard (Cane Ashby) and Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters).

C.A. Tosses Judgment for Actor Claiming Parents Took His Money
Warren, 25—his full name is Christopher Warren Jr.—has been acting professionally since he was nine years old. He is the son of Christopher Warren Sr. and actress Brook Kerr, who starred as Whitney Russell for eight years on NBC soap opera Passions.

In 2012, he sued his parents and Share the Night, Inc., a corporation they formed in 2001 to promote his career. Seeking damages for breach of oral contract and fiduciary duty, and an accounting, he claimed that his parents looted the company, in which he continued to deposit his earnings after reaching the age of majority, in order to pay their personal expenses.

The parents went through a bitter divorce proceeding around the time the lawsuit was filed, with Kerr calling her then-husband a bipolar drug dealer, according to TMZ.

Former Bold and the Beautiful actress Kayla Ewell got married
Ewell (ex-Caitlin, B&B; ex-Vicki, The Vampire Diaries) married her long-time boyfriend Tanner Novlan on Saturday night in Los Angeles. Former Vampire Diaries co-star Candice Accola (Caroline) was part of the wedding, while Nina Dobrev (ex-Elena), Michael Trevino (Tyler) and Sara Canning (ex-Jenna) were in attendance.

The Vampire Diaries is using Game of Thrones as a model for how it moves forward without its lead character
Executive producer Julie Plec says if Game of Thrones can live without Ned Stark, then Vampire Diaries can do the same without Elena Gilbert.

Taraji P. Henson expected Empire to end up on cable
At a cast Q&A, Henson said: "I’m like, my character beats one son with a broom and calls the other the F-bomb! … I figured, we’ll get this awesome piece of work in the can, Fox will choke and it will end up on cable.”

Miss America pageant apologizes to Vanessa Williams on live TV
Williams, who returned as a judge for this year’s pageant, received a formal apology over her forced resignation as Miss America 32 years ago amid a nude photo scandal. Miss America CEO Sam Haskell told Williams: "Though none of us currently in the organization were involved then, on behalf of today’s organization, I want to apologize to you and to your mother, Miss Helen Williams. I want to apologize for anything that was said or done that made you feel any less than the Miss America you are and the Miss America you always will be."

Thursday, May 28, 2015

'Melrose Place' Alums Thomas Calabro and Vanessa Williams Join 'The Bay'

Thomas Calabro, Vanessa Williams and the Melrose Place cast.
Melrose Place meets Bay City when Emmy winning web series The Bay begins shooting its fourth season later this week. Joining the cast is Vanessa Williams, best known for her roles as Rhonda Blair on Melrose Place and as Maxine Chadway on the Showtime cable television series Soul Food. Also joining the cast is Melrose Place veteran Thomas Calabro, noted for his role as Dr. Michael Mancini in all nine seasons and its reboot, who is also recognized as Mr. Puckman on FOX Network’s hit television series Glee.

Appearing in the Season 4 premiere of The Bay, Williams plays the role of the Garrett’s crafty attorney Cleo Harris, a character who delivers life altering news to matriarch Sara Garrett’s (Mary Beth Evans) worried son Pete (Kristos Andrews). Calabro will make his first appearance in The Bay's mid-season finale as the surprising "Mystery Man," a character who threatens to throw a kink in an otherwise open and shut case.

Melrose Place was one of the most iconic primetime soaps on television and was known for its jaw-dropping scandals,” stated The Bay creator, writer, and executive producer Gregori J. Martin. “Considering the mayhem that’s currently happening in Bay City, Vanessa and Thomas make the perfect additions to our amazing cast.”

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Lifetime Movie 'The Trip to Bountiful' Premieres Tonight, Stars Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams, Blair Underwood, Keke Palmer

The Trip to Bountiful premieres on Saturday, March 8.
Photo Credit: Annette Brown
Lifetime Original Movie The Trip to Bountiful makes its World Premiere on Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The cast of the film includes two-time Emmy winner, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee, and SAG and Tony winner Cicely Tyson (GUIDING LIGHT), Emmy and Grammy nominee Vanessa Williams (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, UGLY BETTY), Golden Globe nominee and Grammy winner Blair Underwood (DIRTY SEXY MONEY, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) and SAG nominee Keke Palmer (90210).

The Trip to Bountiful is a television adaptation of American playwright and screenwriter Horton Foote's Tony nominated play. Set during the final years of the Jim Crow South, the film follows one woman's quest to reconnect with her past in order to ensure her family's future.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

"The Gabby Douglas Story" and "The Trip to Bountiful" Airs Tonight

Cicely Tyson and Vanessa Williams star in The Trip to Bountiful.
Lifetime celebrates Black History Month in February with two all-new original movies featuring major award-winning casts, including The Gabby Douglas Story, starring SAG Award nominated actress Regina King, Golden Globe and Emmy winner S. Epatha Merkerson, Imani Hakim, Sydney Mikayla and Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas; and The Trip to Bountiful, featuring two-time Emmy winner, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee, and SAG and Tony winner Cicely Tyson, Emmy and Grammy nominee Vanessa Williams, Golden Globe nominee and Grammy winner Blair Underwood and SAG nominee Keke Palmer.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Lifetime Presents "The Gabby Douglas Story" and "The Trip to Bountiful" During Star-Studded Black History Month

Cicely Tyson and Vanessa Williams star in The Trip to Bountiful.
Lifetime celebrates Black History Month in February with two all-new original movies featuring major award-winning casts, including The Gabby Douglas Story, starring SAG Award nominated actress Regina King, Golden Globe and Emmy winner S. Epatha Merkerson, Imani Hakim, Sydney Mikayla and Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas; and The Trip to Bountiful, featuring two-time Emmy winner, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee, and SAG and Tony winner Cicely Tyson, Emmy and Grammy nominee Vanessa Williams, Golden Globe nominee and Grammy winner Blair Underwood and SAG nominee Keke Palmer.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

NEWS: ALL MY CHILDREN Shelved? GENERAL HOSPITAL Planing Another Nurses' Ball & Next Summer's Stories! Cheyenne Jackson Joins HBO's OPEN

Is Prospect Park shelving ALL MY CHILDREN too?
Insiders are reporting that Prospect Park is officially shelving its plans to bring ALL MY CHILDREN back for a second season. Staffers reportedly got word from Prospect Park today.

TV Guide magazine's Michael Logan also tweeted about it on Wednesday afternoon: "Is #ProspectPark "shelving" @allmychildren too? I'm hearing big announcement planned for this Friday."

50 Years Looks Good on ABC's GENERAL HOSPITAL
"We were all worried and we had a right to be worried. The show was in a very dark place and Ron [Carlivati] and I managed to come in and shake it up," executive producer Frank Valentini said.

GH marked its 50th anniversary by bringing back its popular Nurses' Ball, where the characters put on a formal ball, complete with musical performances, to raise money for AIDS and HIV research. There are plans for another Nurses' Ball next spring.

Vicki Dummer, executive vice president of ABC Media Group and Primetime Current Series, says she's been a fan of "GH" for more than 30 years and couldn't be happier.

"Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati have done extraordinary work on 'GH' and have really turned the show around," she said in a recent statement, adding that the goal was to "redefine the show and give it a contemporary feel."

Valentini says he's already looking ahead to story lines for next summer.

GLEE's Lea Michele Recorded Song "You're Mine" For Cory Monteith on Debut Album
"It makes me so happy, this song," she says. "It makes me think so much of Cory. It was ours. When I think if him, I play this."

Ryan Murphy Developing GLEE Spinoff Show For Lea Michele
“They’re making the deals now and it also presents a viable exit plan for the main GLEE series itself — in that some of its core cast would also migrate to the Lea Michele project as GLEE is showing signs of aging.”

New Project For Eric Winter and Roselyn Sanchez
Eric Winter (ex-Rex, DAYS), currently starring in WITCHES OF EAST END on Lifetime, and wife, Roselyn Sanchez (Carmen, DEVIOUS MAIDS) have gotten involved with a new venture. "It's an animated project called LA GOLDA, created by my good friend George Valencia, who developed it with our good friend Judy Reyes [Zoila, DEVIOUS MAIDS]," he explains. "The moment I heard about the concept, the adorable lead character, and what the project stands for, I knew this little girl, La Golda, was a winner! Now that I’m a parent, the importance of the content we allow our children to watch is that much more significant. LA GOLDA is the perfect character to teach my child about the importance of education, respect and giving back all in a fun and vibrant way." [Kickstarter campaign]

Cheyenne Jackson Joins Ryan Murphy/HBO Pilot OPEN
OPEN, which Murphy co-wrote with Lauren Gussis, is described as a modern, provocative exploration of human sexuality and relationships. It centers on five central characters played by Michelle Monaghan, Scott Speedman, Wes Bentley, Anna Torv and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Jackson reportedly will be playing a handsome meth addict.

Deadline.com, Nikki Finke Cut Ties
A post on the site reads "we've learned that no one is indispensable," while Finke tweets, "Jay Penske has just told me I am free to leave. He tried to buy my silence. No sale."

CW Developing 1880s Paris Drama With Dan Jinks, ‘Hourman’ Adaptation With Dan Lin
Based on the book by Cathy Marie Buchanan, THE PAINTED GIRLS is set in 1880s Paris against the backdrop of the turbulent and exciting world of “La Belle Epoque” – decadence, poverty, sex, drugs and a serial killer running rampant throughout the city. It revolves around three sisters studying at a top ballet academy, one of whom becomes the muse for Edgar Degas and his famed paintings of ballerinas.

Lifetime Adapting Broadway’s ‘Trip to Bountiful,’ Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams to Reprise Roles
They will be joined by Blair Underwood alongside Keke Palmer. Michael Wilson, who directed the play, will make his television directorial debut with the project.

Jason Ritter Calls Suzanne Somers' THREE'S COMPANY Spinoff Idea "Very Sweet," but...
"To be honest, there are probably actors who are much better," Ritter said of the spinoff where he would play the son of Jack and Chrissy. "It sounds weird, it sounds like I'm not telling the truth, but I think there would be actors better suited to do that, who are funnier and better. I would feel like I was just getting the part for a stupid reason."

LOW WINTER SUN Star James Ransone: ‘It Wasn’t a Good Show’
“It wasn’t a good show,” Ransone told TheWrap. “I had higher expectations going in. They can’t all be winners.”

Saturday, November 10, 2012

PREVIEW: 666 PARK AVENUE ("Downward Spiral")

Photo: ABC
The first season of 666 PARK AVENUE continues on Sunday, November 11 at 10:01 p.m. ET on ABC.

In "Downward Spiral," Henry's political career continues to rise when he receives a special commendation from the Mayor for his heroic actions. However his exultation is tempered by Jane's ever-changing mood about staying at The Drake, where she no longer feels safe.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

PREVIEW: 666 PARK AVENUE ("Diabolic")

Photo: ABC
The first season of 666 PARK AVENUE continues on Sunday, November 4 at 10:01 p.m. ET on ABC.

In "Diabolic," the aftermath of the Dorans' Halloween party leaves everyone with an emotional and psychological hangover. Jane, traumatized by the terror she experienced, is even more devastated by the lack of support not only from the detectives investigating the case, but from Henry, leading to repercussions in their relationship.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

PREVIEW: 666 PARK AVENUE ("A Crowd of Demons")

Photo: ABC
The first season of 666 PARK AVENUE continues on Sunday, October 28 at 10:01 p.m. ET on ABC.

In "A Crowd of Demons," as Olivia works to put the finishing touches on the lobby for the annual Drake Halloween costume gala, it brings to mind another memorable Halloween night in 1929, when murder and mayhem reigned in the building. However, now it's Jane who finds herself in the crosshairs of the spirit from the suitcase.

Meanwhile, Gavin receives cryptic texts from an unknown source threatening Olivia's safety, and Henry meets a media consultant interested in propelling his political career. A jealous Brian questions Louise about her rendezvous with Dr. Evans while she was recovering from her elevator accident, and one of Gavin's most crucial personal possessions is missing by the end of the evening.

Watch a sneak peek below:

Saturday, October 20, 2012

PREVIEW: 666 PARK AVENUE ("Hero Complex")

Vanessa Williams - Photo: Eric Liebowitz/ABC
The first season of 666 PARK AVENUE continues on Sunday, October 21 at 10:01 p.m. ET on ABC. Fans will be able to submit questions and receive real-time responses from actor Dave Annable (Henry Martin), who will be up on Twitter at @DaveAnnable10 during the East Coast broadcast of the show.

In the episode, "Hero Complex," Henry learns that Gavin is under investigation for questionable real estate transactions, and must choose between loyalty to his boss or his friendship with Gavin. Jane, unaware of Henry's dilemma, has her own decision to make after she discovers the identity of the thief at The Drake. Meanwhile, the eerie apparition of the little girl reappears with a warning about the contents of the suitcase Jane retrieved, and Nona is troubled by alarming visions of Henry's future. Finally, Annie begs for Gavin's help when her "creation" of Kandinsky goes awry, and he offers her a dangerous quid pro quo as a solution.

Watch a sneak peek below:

Sunday, October 14, 2012

WATCH: 666 PARK AVENUE New York Comic Con Video Preview

Residents of television’s most mysterious address — 666 Park Avenue — were out in full force at New York Comic Con (NYCC) on Sunday, October 14, as the stars — including Terry O’Quinn (LOST) and Vanessa Williams (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, UGLY BETTY) — and executive producers of the seductive and spooky series checked in to the East Coast’s biggest pop culture convention.

For those who couldn’t make it to NYCC, below is the highlight reel prepared specifically for the convention.

PREVIEW: 666 PARK AVENUE ("The Dead Don't Stay Dead")

Vanessa Williams - Photo: ABC
The first season of 666 PARK AVENUE continues on Sunday, October 14 at 10:01 p.m. ET on ABC.

In the episode titled "The Dead Don't Stay Dead," more mysteries begin to unfold at The Drake as Jane repeatedly glimpses a little girl - or an apparition? - who beckons her to a room with a strange suitcase.

Meanwhile, Henry and Jane are drawn closer to the Dorans, Gavin manipulates a possible career change for Henry, and Olivia shares a painful secret with Jane about her daughter Sasha's death ten years ago. Finally, Gavin offers to help Annie Morgan, a budding young journalist residing at the Drake, who suddenly discovers that anything that she writes becomes the truth -- with terrifying results.

Watch a sneak peek below:

Sunday, October 7, 2012

PREVIEW: 666 PARK AVENUE ("Murmurations")

Photo: ABC
The first season of 666 PARK AVENUE continues on Sunday, October 7 at 10:01 p.m., ET.

In the episode titled "Murmurations," Jane makes a terrifying discovery about what lies behind the walls of The Drake as she begins to renovate Mr. Barlow's apartment.

Meanwhile, Henry wrestles with whether he should tip Gavin off to inside information he has on one of his big projects, and lonely Drake resident Danielle Vincent gets a much needed assist from Gavin with a romantic tryst with a business associate of his. Finally, Brian struggles with his continuing temptation for Alexis, and Jane determines to continue her investigation of the mysterious door in the basement.

Watch a sneak peek below: