General Hospital- Daytime Soap Operas- News, polls, previews

In all, more than a dozen entertainers are featured on this year�s list, including Scarlett Johansson, Ed Sheeran, Kristen Bell, Adrien Brody, Blake Lively, Ros�, Jon M. Chu, Danielle Deadwyler, Adam Scott, Kristen Wiig, Diego Luna, Hiroyuki Sanada, Mohammad Rasoulof, Hozier, Myles Smith, Yoshiki, and more.

As is its custom, the issue pairs the influential with guest contributors for write-ups. The 22nd annual list features, for example, Shonda Rhimes on Ted Sarandos, Will Ferrell on Lorne Michaels, Amy Poehler on Rashida Jones, Chris Evans on Scarlett Johansson, Hoda Kotb on Snoop Dogg, Patti LuPone on Nicole Scherzinger, Chris Hemsworth on Ed Sheeran, Ryan Murphy on Demi Moore, Elliot Page on Raquel Willis, Ali Wong on Nikki Glaser, Diane Sawyer on David Muir, Lily Collins on Ros�, Keke Palmer on Kwame Onwuachi, Regina King on Danielle Deadwyler, Ted Danson on Kristen Bell, Becky G on Willy Chavarria, Baz Luhrmann on Miuccia Prada, Reese Witherspoon on Amy Griffin, Idris Elba on Ebony Life founder Mo Abudu, and more.

Among those that have previously made the list are Donald Trump (seven times), Elon Musk (six), Mark Zuckerberg (five), Serena Williams (three), Lorne Michaels (three), Simone Biles (three), Kristen Wiig (two), Ed Sheeran (two), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (two), Demis Hassabis (two), Scarlett Johansson (two), Megyn Kelly (two), Blake Lively (two), Javier Milei (two), Miuccia Prada (two), Joe Rogan (two) and Ted Sarandos (two).

Athletes on the list include Biles, Williams, Breanna Stewart, Jalen Hurts, L�on Marchand and Napheesa Collier. Media figures include David Muir, Kelly and Rogan.

The Time100 issue has five worldwide covers: Demi Moore, Snoop Dogg, Serena Williams, Ed Sheeran and co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind Demis Hassabis.

Time will convene the 2025 Time100 list of the world�s most influential people in New York City at the Time100 Summit on April 23 and the Time100 Gala on April 24, which will air as a primetime television special on May 4 on ABC.

The Story Behind Why �Will Trent� Paid Tribute to �General Hospital

Tuesday�s (April 15) episode of the crime drama was titled, �A Funeral Fit for a Quartermaine,� referencing the Quartermaine family featured in the soap since the 1970s.

In the episode, Will helps his childhood frenemy-turned-gang leader Rafael Wexler (Antwayn Hopper) plan the funeral for his beloved grandmother whom they both lived with in their youth. Audiences were first introduced to Rafael and his grandmother in the season opener, �I�m a Guest Here,� when Will returned to the house after Rafael barricaded himself inside and told police he�d only work with Will and no one else from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations or Atlanta Police Department. Will and Rafael then got into a fight with Rafael before Grandma (then played by Marla Gibbs) came in and told them both to join her on the couch for some TV. Then, the two dutifully sat and enjoyed the soap with her.

History repeated itself (through a flashback to the past) in Tuesday�s episode. The show journeyed back to the moment when Will first arrived at Grandma�s house, looking for a place to stay since he�d been kicked out of his foster home after his 18th birthday. Grandma welcomed him with open arms, despite Rafael�s reservations, and invited him to join her on the couch to watch General Hospital, with the title credits transforming into Will Trent-themed character features.

Later, when discussing the casket selections available at the funeral home, Will asked Rafael, �Is it giving Quartermaine?� Rafael responded with, �Don�t do that. Don�t wear my culture as a costume.�

�We have a few GH fans on the writing staff,� co-creator Liz Heldens told TV Insider of the reference. �I used to watch it with my grandmother pretty religiously. We put that idea into the first episode of the season and then doubled down on the idea in this episode.�

We�ll have to wait to see whether Port Charles plays a bigger part in the continued events of Will Trent Season 3 now that Grandma is out of the picture � and Rafael has taken leave of Atlanta under protective custody as he cooperates with the police�s gang investigation. But fans of the show can almost certainly expect to see some more clever cultural allusions as the show finishes the final episodes of Season 3 and returns for Season 4.

Morning Show Appearance

Katie Leclerc & Ryan Carnes To Star In �A Cherry Pie Christmas�

Pic tells the story of an ambitious pastry chef who returns to her small-town roots in Door County, and, over the holidays, needs to decide between her career dreams and her family�s struggling orchard business. The project reunites Stimpson and Leclerc following their work together on several other recent holiday romantic comedies, including A Very Vermont Christmas, Letters to Santa, and A Cape Cod Christmas.

Producers include Mark Donadio and Miriam Marcus of Moody Independent, as well as Staci Griesbach, a Wisconsin native, and Leclerc. Destination Door County, Travel Wisconsin, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation were all cited as key supporters of the production.

Said Stimpson, �Door County is the perfect setting for the film with its local traditions and beautiful scenery, rich agricultural history with cherries, commercial fishing, and dairy farming. Together with the importance of family, all of these elements are integral storylines in the film and are also authentic to the Door County community. Everyone throughout the state has been so helpful in getting this off the ground, it�s been a real pleasure to shoot in Wisconsin.�

Leclerc is repped by Alchemy Entertainment and Meyer & Downs; Carnes by Eris Talent Agency, Zero Gravity Management, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes.

�Y&R� Alum Daniel Goddard Joins �General Hospital� as Mysterious Professor Henry Dalton

For the actor, who portrayed The Young and the Restless� Cane Ashby from 2007 to 2019 (and his twin, Caleb, in 2011), performing wasn�t necessarily on his radar at the time GH came his way. �I was not really thinking about going back to acting,� he reveals. �I had kind of come to terms with that life.�

But in December 2024, he received a call from his former manager, Michael Bruno, who wanted to submit him for a role on the ABC soap. �The funny is, about four or five days before he texted me, out of the blue, I had this really strong, cosmic kind of moment where something about General Hospital was really prominent in my mind,� Goddard shares. �It was really bizarre. It happened about a month before I met my wife in 1998. I said to myself, �I�m ready to meet the one I meant to be with,� and I opened myself up to the acceptance of, �I want this in my life.'�

The role was the recast of Jack Brennan, previously played by Charles Mesure, and getting back in the game put Goddard in an emotional spot. �It�s the first audition I�ve had in many years, and it was a bizarre experience for me,� he admits. �You feel like, in a way, you�re going back to ground zero, back to the beginning of it all, even though you�ve been on a different soap opera for, like, 15 years. It was humbling, but it was more of an awakening, and in that moment, I felt extraordinarily vulnerable.�

Especially when he realized he wasn�t the only familiar name in the mix. �I was standing out in the hallway, and there were four or five other guys there, one of them was Daniel Cosgrove [Ezra Boyle, GH], and I was like, �Oh, wow. There�s a bunch of people here and there�s competition,� so instantly I become fearful of the fact that I didn�t want to fail,� he explains. �So, I kind of felt this incredible pressure, and I walked in the room, and I saw Laura [Wright, Carly Spencer] and Frank [Valentini, executive producer], and the writers, and Mark [Teschner, casting director] and I was like, �Oh, my gosh, this is real. This is really happening.'�

The role ultimately went to Chris McKenna, but GH wasn�t quite done with Goddard. �A few weeks later, Michael called me and he said, �General Hospital called, and they�ve got this character, and they�re writing it, and they want you to do it,'� Goddard reveals. �I was like, �Are you kidding me?� I was just gobsmacked by it. It wasn�t a recast. It was a new character, and I was so blown away. I really felt like the timing was right, and I felt like it was meant to be. I can�t begin to express my gratitude to Frank and everyone at General Hospital and to Michael Bruno for really believing in me and being there.�

Goddard reported to work in mid-March as the enigmatic Professor Henry Dalton, who works at Port Charles University. �He teaches environmental physics, and it seems there are some things in his past that he�s done that have left him in a position of some form of investigation,� teases Goddard. �And from there, it�s an absolute mystery to me.�

And that�s how the actor prefers it. �I said to Frank, �Don�t tell me anything about the character,'� Goddard shares. �I know that the characters that I�ve had scenes with know something about him. I don�t want to know what it is because I don�t want to play it that I know. I�d rather have the character be sort of a clean slate to me. At Young and the Restless, I always used to read the whole script because other characters will talk about you, and you�ll get to know more about you than you know about yourself. At General Hospital, you only get your pages, and I thought, �Woody Allen would do that, where he doesn�t want everybody know what�s going on or what the twists and turns are.� And I thought, �This is going to be cool.� So, I�m allowing myself to go on the journey of who Dalton is from the audience�s perspective, and from my perspective of what is the growth and evolution of him. I will allow it to unfold as the bits and pieces present themselves to me.�

So far, Eden McCoy (Josslyn Jacks) and Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) are some of the actors who have shared scenes with the newcomer, and he has rave reviews for both. �What a blessing to have someone with Finola�s cachet, and her value and her experience and talent,� he praises. �It was just such a wonderful experience. I was like, �You know what I want? I want to have fun. Let�s just have some fun.� And she said, �Oh, God, I would love that.� So, we played these scenes, and they were great. I just love the moments with her. Same thing with Eden � I think she�s fantastic. With Josslyn, it�s professor and student, and a great push and pull there.�

Goddard has already encountered some familiar faces at the set and is looking forward to reconnecting with Genie Francis (Laura Collins) and Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), who played Cane�s parents, Genevieve and Colin Atkinson, on Y&R. �I�ve been waiting for my moment to see Genie and give her a big hello and a big hug,� he says. �I haven�t seen Tristan. I�m not sure where Scorpio is at the moment, but I�ve seen Steve Burton [Jason Morgan, who played Y&R�s Dylan McAvoy], and we had a great chat. I saw Eva LaRue [Natalia Rogers-Ramirez, who played Y&R�s Celeste Rosales], and we had a bit of chat. Daytime is a family and until you�ve been in it, you don�t really understand how tight it is.�

That close-knit feeling among the cast and getting to act in general are some of the many reasons he�s thrilled to be back in the genre. �Here I am, feeling like I belong,� he reflects. �I feel like this is something that is not just meant to be; I feel like this completes something in me that�s been missing. When you act on a daily basis, like Young and Restless for all those years, there�s a part of you that becomes this entity that expresses themselves this way. When you stop doing it, there�s always that part of you that�s missing, and then you start again, and it�s kind of like you take all those things you learned in the past that has sat in your subconscious for all these years, and then you reapply it. And it�s better. You�ve had a chance to metabolize it all, and when you call back upon it, you have this different understanding of how that craft should be applied.�

Goddard looks back on his Y&R experience with fondness, but his relationship with the viewers he met through the job is especially meaningful to him today. �I forever will be grateful to the fans of daytime in general,� he notes. �It goes back to in 2010 when Cane was killed off and fans banded together, rented an airplane, and flew it over CBS with a banner saying, �Bring Daniel Goddard back as Cane.� And I never realized, up until that moment, how the fans of daytime are truly the greatest fans in the world. They see you as the character because you�re in their lives on such a regular basis, and then as the years pass by, they get to know you as your real name. And then you form these relationships through social media and going to fan events, and it�s just a phenomenal fan base that was wonderful.�

One that he hopes follows him to Port Charles, where he is having a great time as Professor Dalton. �It�s been an extraordinary, wonderful experience so far,� Goddard enthuses. �I just got new scripts, and I have four episodes coming up in one week, which I�m so excited about. It makes me feel wanted, in the sense that everything that I�ve gone through in this process up until now is meant to be. I couldn�t be more grateful to be back in what I think is probably the most beloved genre in all of entertainment.�

�The Bold And The Beautiful� Brings Back Jack Wagner

Jack Wagner is set to reprise his popular role on CBS� The Bold and the Beautiful. He returned to the Los Angeles set April 10 to begin taping a story arc; his first episode back will air June 13.

Here�s the plan for Nick�s dramatic return that will occur as Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang), his old flame, finds herself at a crossroads: After a series of tumultuous events in her ongoing relationship with Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye), Brooke is feeling defeated and lost, grappling with heartbreak and the painful realization that her relationship may be irreparably broken. As she struggles with her emotions, Nick�s unexpected arrival brings a rush of memories and unresolved feelings back to the surface. His charismatic and supportive nature offers Brooke a sense of comfort and stability that she desperately needs. Their connection reignites old flames, offering Brooke a chance at happiness and a fresh start away from the shadow of her past with Ridge.

Wagner�s character was introduced on the soap in 2003. Nick, the son of shipping tycoon Massimo Marone (Joseph Mascolo), often was depicted as an adventurous and ambitious man who worked as a sea captain. He now runs Marone Industries.

Throughout his time on the show, Nick engaged in numerous romantic pursuits and conflicts, contributing to the drama surrounding the Forrester, Logan and Marone families. He stood as a rival and ally to Ridge, and despite the ups and downs, he remained a significant figure in Brooke�s life, impacting her decisions and shaping her journey throughout the series.

Wagner gave up the role in 2012 but returned for the sudser�s 35th anniversary special episode on March 24, 2022.

CBS announced this week that it has renewed B&B for three seasons. The re-up keeps the serial, which launched in 1987, on the network through its 41st year in 2027-28. Bradley Bell serves as executive producer and head writer of the daytime series.

�General Hospital� Former Crew Members� Vaccine-Mandate Lawsuit Trial Delayed As Sides Try To Settle

Superior Court Judge Tony Richardson delayed the trial date from May 13 to June 9 after an attorney for ABC, which airs the veteran daytime drama, said during a hearing Tuesday that both sides intend to try and resolve the case next month with the help of a retired Judge Mitchell Beckloff, who presided over the case previously.

Plaintiffs James Wahl and his son, Timothy James Wahl, were stage technicians who worked in close contact with unmasked actors. Both were fired in 2021. In their court papers, the men�s attorneys stated that ABC wrongly characterized the plaintiffs� objections to vaccination �purely as lifestyle choices that it had no duty to accommodate.�

PREVIOUSLY, February 21, 2024: ABC and Disney might be feeling a little under the weather right now.

The network and Mouse House owners have lost their attempt to dismiss a discrimination suit by two General Hospital crew members over Covid-19 vaccine mandates. Now, the religious discrimination action will go to trial unless ABC wants to make a deal to make it all go away.

Unlike ex-GH actor Ingo Rademacher in his own now tossed vaccine mandate suit, father and son James Wahl and Tim Wahl �cooperated� with the soap opera and the network on establishing their �genuine� Christian �religious beliefs� and desired exemptions from getting the then-mandated vaccines.

Of course, cooperation or not, ABC and GH still canned the duo when they refused to abide by the protocols and get the jab. The network told the Wahls that it was �unable to conclude that you are prevented from receiving the Covid-19 vaccine due to a sincerely-held religious belief, practice, or observance.�

While not common, such refusals occurred on several shows and projects with more than a handful of those objecting during the pandemic return-to-work months. In particular, ABC seems to have stumbled more than once in deftly handling religious objections, as the Wahls� case and possible workarounds that were rejected makes clear-ish.

Which means, this week�s decision, even though LA Superior Court Judge Stephen Goorvitch did agree with ABC to jettison an invasion of privacy claim, will see the GH VFX department members get their wish and have a jury make the final judgement on their faith, so to speak.

�Because this necessarily involves a credibility determination, it is difficult to grant summary adjudication of this issue,� wrote Judge Goorvitch in a February 20 minute order. �While defendant�s counsel identifies seeming inconsistencies, plaintiffs raise sufficient facts to give rise to a triable issue, viz., their explanations of their religious beliefs,� he added.

�The jury, not the judge, should determine whether plaintiffs were genuine in their beliefs, given the disputed facts and the necessity of making credibility determinations.�

Fired by ABC and GH in late 2021, the Wahls initially sued for religious and disability discrimination, retaliation and more in June 2022. As the case moved through the backlogged courts, the family members dropped the disability, wrongful termination, and retaliation claims.

Disney and ABC did not respond to request for comment on the decision when contacted by Deadline. If and when they do, we will update this post. On the other hand, the Wahls� main lawyer was very vocal today.

�As many people move beyond the pandemic, this ruling should serve as a reminder of the thousands of people who lost their careers because they asserted their rights and stood up to their employers� efforts to make them violate their conscience,� Scott Street told Deadline. �The pandemic won�t be over until every corporation that violated its employees� rights has been held accountable. We look forward to presenting this case to a jury soon.�

One more thing, if you have this odd feeling you�ve heard this before � you kinda have.

Street was Rademacher�s attorney in the fired actor�s unsuccessful vaccine suit. Adding to the mix, Judge Goorvitch was the LASC judge in that case, too. It was a case he dismissed in June 2023, about a year after the Wahls filed their still ongoing case.

Stamos blasted by �crazy liberals� after MCing fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago

The Full House star served as MC at Saturday�s Palm Beach Ray of Hope Gala, which supports nurses, but apparently that was no reason for him to be at �the wannabe dictator�s house,� according to many people on social media.

The 61-year-old defended himself on his Instagram Stories, explaining that the gig was to promote the non-profit and not anything political.

�I accepted the invitation to MC the Palm Beach Ray of Hope Gala � an evening dedicated to honouring and uplifting our frontline heroes,� he began the post.

�This nonpartisan event supports The Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations � that trains 350-400 nurses every year, directly addressing the critical shortage of health-care professionals in Palm Beach County.

�Supporting nurses isn�t political � it�s essential. These are the people who care for us and our families when we need it most and I believe we should show up for them with the same unwavering dedication they show up with every single day.

�I stand by the importance of health care, of service and of investing in those who care for our communities.�

The former General Hospital star noted that his �values and political views remain unchanged� and asked fans to consider donating to the organization or Democracy Forward.

Stamos had plenty of online supporters, too, with one person writing on Instagram: �John, no need to explain your beliefs to crazy liberals.�

Another user added, �Please don�t tell John Stamos where he�s allowed to attend fundraisers. It�s weird.�

ESPN�s Stephen A. Smith Says He�s �Officially Leaving All Doors Open� To Potential Presidential Bid

After appearing at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, Smith posted an article about the speculation and wrote on X: �Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess. So I�m officially leaving all doors open.�

At the NAB Show, Smith talked extensively about the possibility and said he would �no longer close the door,� according to Forbes.

There�s a big gap between considering a presidential bid and actually launching one, as figures like Dwayne �The Rock� and Bob Iger have entertained the possibility, only to stay out of politics.

Smith�s name has come up in the aftermath of the Democrats� defeat. On The View last month, Smith was asked about polls that showed him among the contenders. �I make of it that citizens, particularly on the left, are desperate,� he said. He voted for Kamala Harris but has been critical of the Democratic Party, appearing on Fox news and shows like Real Time with Bill Maher. Smith also has attacked Donald Trump, lately over the president�s across-the-board tariffs.

Jay North Dies: �Dennis the Menace� Star Was 73

Following a years-long battle with cancer, the actor died peacefully at his home on Sunday morning, according to an announcement shared by his friend and Dennis the Menace co-star Jeannie Russell.

�Jeanne Russell just called us with terribly sad, but not unexpected news,� wrote Laurie Jacobson in a Facebook post. �Our dear friend JAY NORTH has been fighting cancer for a number of years and this morning at noon EST, Jay passed peacefully at home.�

She added, �As many of his fans know, he had a difficult journey in Hollywood and after�but he did not let it define his life. He had a heart as big as a mountain, loved his friends deeply. He called us frequently and ended every conversation with �I love you with all my heart.� And we loved him with all of ours. A life-long friend of Jon�s, a brother to Jeanne and a dear friend to me, we will miss him terribly. He is out of pain now. His suffering is over. At last he is at peace.�

Born Aug. 3, 1951 in Hollywood, North was discovered after appearing on the Los Angeles children�s show Cartoon Express, which led to appearances on several NBC variety shows, as well as episodes of Wanted: Dead or Alive, 77 Sunset Strip and Colt .45.

At 6, North won a nationwide casting search for his breakout role in the CBS sitcom adaptation of Hank Ketcham�s comic strip. During his time on Dennis the Menace, the child actor was abused by his aunt and uncle, which revealed during a 1993 feature adaptation of the series.

Over the years, North appeared on such shows as The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Lucy Show, My Three Sons, The Flinstones Comedy Hour, Lassie, General Hospital and The Simpsons, as well as movies like Zebra in the Kitchen (1965), Maya (1966), The Teacher (1974) and Dickie Robert: Former Child Star (2003).

�Days Of Our Lives� Sends Tamara Braun Packing Again

Tamara Braun revealed via Instagram that she�s leaving Days of Our Lives on April 3. Given that it�s April Fools, Deadline checked with the Peacock soap to make sure it�s true.

�I wish this was an April Fool�s Joke but it�s not,� Braun wrote on IG. �This is Ava�s last week on Days. Last couple of days really. Sad but true. I�ve been gone since late July of last year but you can still catch Ava on your screens until April 3rd! I miss being with my Days pals. They are a really good group of caring individuals and being with them was a joy.�

Braun originally joined DOOL back in 2008 in the role of Ava. She earned her first Daytime Emmy award in 2009 in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category.

The actress has been in and out of Salem for years. She returned in 2011 as Taylor Walker, taking over Natalia Livingston. In 2015, she reprised her role of Ava when DOOL was celebrating its 50th anniversary before leaving a year later. She then came back in 2020 and 2023.

�The change was solely due to the ebb and flow of daytime storytelling,� a DOOL spokesperson said about her most recent departure.

Braun has previously starred in other soaps like All My Children as Reese Williams and in General Hospital as Carly Corinthos and Kim Nero in separate runs.

Tia Carrere Joins Daisy Ridley & Alden Ehrenreich In Rom-Com �The Last Resort�

Carrere will play Reyna, a boss lady of the highest order, who owns a number of resorts. Production kicks off this month, with Asia Pacific Films producing and financing.

Written by Karen McCullah, the veteran rom-com scribe known for her work on titles like Legally Blonde, The Last Resort follows Brooke (Ridley), who is determined to prove herself worthy of running her father�s hotel empire. When Brooke travels to the Philippines to scout a new resort location, she meets Ben (Ehrenreich), a charming expatriate pilot who helps her discover the beauty of the country � and a newfound sense of freedom. As love and duty collide, Brooke must choose between the life she�s built and the one she�s only just begun to love.

Ernesto (Bong) Sta. Maria. Jr. (Rosario), and Raja Collins (True Memoirs of an International Assassin, The Wrath of Becky) are producing the film, with Manuel V. Pangilinan exec producing. Simon Heo, Akshay Mehta and Rick Dugdale are co-producers, and CAA Media Finance is shopping worldwide rights.

A Filipina-American actress and singer with over 100 screen credits to her name, Carrere is coming off a role opposite Jo Koy in his DreamWorks comedy Easter Sunday. Next up, she�ll be seen starring in the live-action Lilo & Stitch, after taking on a different role in the original 2002 animated film and the Disney series that followed. Pic is scheduled to hit theaters on May 23.

Kim Delaney Charges Could Be �Reconsidered,� L.A. DA Says After �NYPD Blue� Star Released From Custody Following Domestic Dispute Arrest � Update

L.A. DA Nathan Hochman�s team cited �insufficient evidence� against the NYPD Blue star and her spouse James Morgan after the duo were taken into custody by L.A. County Sheriff�s deputies following an incident Saturday. Delaney and Morgan were arrested at 10:15 a.m. PT in their Marina Del Rey home, police reports indicate.

�Based on a review of the evidence to date, the District Attorney�s Office has not filed charges against Kim Delaney or James Morgan,� DA Hockman told Deadline Tuesday. Should additional evidence or witnesses emerge during the course of the investigation, this decision may be reconsidered.�

At the time of arrest, Morgan was taken in by the LASD for misdemeanor domestic violence, while Delaney was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, according to department documents. All indications from law enforcement sources, as other outlets have reported, is that the deadly weapon was a car.

After several hours in custody while being processed by police, Morgan was let go on a $20,000 bond later Saturday. Delaney, an Emmy winner repped by Gersh, was released today, sources says. The actress was expected to be arraigned Tuesday, but that�s moot now.

A potential NYPD Blue revival on ABC in 2019 with Delaney back in the role of Detective Diane Russell never made it to air. Although fellow NYPD Blue alum Bill Brochtrup was on board too, to return as PPA John Irvin, the offering ended up on the network shelf.

The March 29 occurrence isn�t the General Hospital actress� first run in with the law in real life. Last year, she was sued for an alleged hit-and-run with a motorcyclist in Los Angeles in November 2022. A drunk-driving incident in 2002 saw Delaney cut soon afterwards from CSI: Miami. That matter led to a sentence of two years of probation for Delaney and a $300 fine, followed a year later with a stint in a treatment facility for alcohol abuse. In 2005, Delaney lost custody of her son from a previous marriage after she was pulled over for impaired driving while the then-teenager was in the car with her.

Delaney and Morgan�s relationship seems to have been rocky too since their 2022 wedding. Less than six months later, Delaney filed for a divorce. She also had a restraining order put on Morgan, but that disappeared after neither member of the couple showed up for a scheduled court hearing.

In recent months, Delaney has repeatedly posted about the happy state of the couple�s relationship.

John O�Hurley Family Flick

�Days of Our Lives� Star Greg Vaughan Confirms Romance With Shanna Moakler

In honor of Shanna Moakler�s 50th birthday, she and soap actor Greg Vaughan officially confirmed their romance. The couple shared the same sweet photo of them gazing into each other�s eyes.

Moakler reflected on what she learned about herself in her 40s and how excited she was about the decade ahead. �I�m feeling extra blessed�grateful to God, to my beautiful, healthy kids, my family, my tribe� and the man who loves me like no other,� she wrote, the last part of her Instagram caption referring to Vaughan.

The General Hospital alum penned a sweet caption for his love. �The human heart has potential for deep contentment, joy, and confidence� some stories don�t fade with time� they wait for the right moment to be found again,� he wrote.

Moakler and Vaughan have kept their romance quiet, but they were linked together last April when they were spotted leaving a Black Keys release party in Los Angeles. They first met on the set of the 1997 film Poison Ivy: The New Seduction.

The pair have very famous exes. Moakler was married to Travis Barker from 2004 to 2008, and they share two children, Alabama and Landon. She also has a daughter, Atiana De La Hoya, with ex Oscar De La Hoya. Vaughan was previously engaged to Rizzoli & Isles star Angie Harmon. He was married to Touriya Haoud from 2006 to 2016, and they have three sons.

Maybe Moakler and Vaughan will spill details about their romance on Moakler�s upcoming podcast, Bad Bunnies, with former General Hospital star Kelly Monaco. Monaco and Moakler announced their joint venture on March 13. Monaco, who recently left the soap after over 20 years as Sam McCall, and Vaughan were costars on General Hospital when Vaughan stepped in to play Lucky Spencer.

'NYPD Blue' Star Kim Delaney Allegedly Tried to Run Husband Over With Her Car

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the "NYPD Blue" actress called the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Friday night and made a domestic violence report against her husband, James Morgan.

We're told James took off after Friday's alleged domestic disturbance, and when he returned to their home the following morning, Kim called the cops again ... because she didn't want him around.

Our sources say when police arrived, James spoke with deputies and showed them video appearing to show Kim trying to hit him with her car. We're told cops talked to Kim as well -- and then arrested both of them.

As we first reported ... Kim was charged with felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury, and Morgan was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence.

We're told Kim's charge stems from the alleged car incident and James' charge is related to the alleged Friday night fight.

It's worth noting ... Kim was sued in January 2024 by a motorcyclist who claimed she rammed her car into him at a red light and then tried to flee the scene.

Former "NYPD Blue" Star Kim Delaney Arrested For Felony Assault

Kim's real-life drama began around 10 AM Saturday when police were called to her LA home for a domestic disturbance involving her and her partner, James Morgan, according to law enforcement sources.

We're told the two had gotten into a heated argument that turned physical. Our sources say paramedics arrived on scene to see if Kim and John were injured.

After both were medically cleared, police slapped them with handcuffs and locked them up in jail.

Kim was charged with felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury. Morgan was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence.

The irony of being arrested can't be lost on Kim whose most notable role was as Detective Diane Russell on the popular TV series "NYPD Blue." That part won her a 1997 Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Kim has also starred in other TV shows, such as "CSI Miami," "Philly," "Army Wives" and the soap opera, "All My Children."

This isn't Kim's first brush with the law ... In 2002, Kim was busted for drunken driving in Malibu. And, in 2024, Kim was sued by a motorcyclist for allegedly fleeing the scene of an accident in LA.

�When Calls The Heart� Renewed For Season 13 By Hallmark

Based on the novel of the same name by Janette Oke, the period-set series stars Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith. The new season is set to premiere in 2026 on Hallmark Channel and will be streaming the next day on Hallmark+, where all seasons are currently available.

�Hearties are far more than a fan-base � they are a connected community, as loyal and supportive as the characters of Hope Valley,� said Hallmark Media�s Senior Vice President, Programming Samantha DiPippo in a statement. �It is an honor to tell stories of hope, resilience, humor and romance that continue to resonate with millions of viewers for twelve seasons and beyond.�

When Calls the Heart follows a cultured, early-1900s schoolteacher named Elizabeth who leaves her comfortable world in the city for a new life in a frontier town. In Season 12, love flourished between Elizabeth (Krakow) and Mountie Nathan Grant (McGarry) as they embraced the joy of new romance.

When Calls the Heart is an All Canadian Entertainment Production in Association with Brad Krevoy Television and Believe Pictures. Brad Krevoy, Brian Bird, Michael Landon Jr., Joy Gregory, Mike Rohl, Jimmy Townsend, Amy Hartwick, Erin Krakow, Susie Belzberg, and Michael Shepard are executive producers. Vicki Sotheran and Greg Malcolm serve as producers.

Morning Show Appearance

Daniel Cosgrove Joins �General Hospital� as �Consummate Politician� Ezra Boyle

The opportunity to join the ABC soap came his way at the start of the year, but Cosgrove admits he wasn�t sure what to think when he first got the call from his reps. �On January 1, New Year�s Day. I had two missed calls from my agent and my manager, and then a text from my manager saying, �Oh, hey, give us a call when you can,� � he relays. �And I was like, �This is the day that my agent or manager is getting rid of me.� I gave a call, and they asked if I would be interested in reading for a part on General Hospital. If you asked me a few months back, I probably didn�t have an interest, but as soon as the opportunity was presented, I was just like, �Yeah.� �

That role was the recast for Jack Brennan, which went to Chris McKenna � �Which totally makes sense,� says Cosgrove � but there was an upside for the actor. �I got to read with Laura Wright [Carly Spencer], who I hadn�t seen since my Guiding Light days,� Cosgrove notes of the show where he played Bill Lewis and she played Cassie Layne. �And then they asked if I�d be interested in this new character and I said, �Absolutely,� and that was Ezra Boyle. They told me a little bit about him, and one or two people I�d be working with, but they kind of kept things tightlipped. Now, I probably have been filming for the past month and a half.�

Being back on a TV set at all is an unexpected turn of events for Cosgrove, who took a step back from the business in recent years. �I haven�t been auditioning,� he explains. �I took time off with the [actors�] strike [in 2023]. I got a real job,� � teaching acting and selling Jeeps � �and I was kind of thinking I was out of the business. And then this just reignited something in me, such an appreciation and such an excitement and a love. I mean, I get to work hours early and I don�t want to sound corny, but each and every day is just a blessing.

However, Cosgrove admits he had some concerns before his first day. �I thought I was going to have so much rust that memorization was going to be difficult, but not at all,� he reports. �I�ve been able to completely focus on what I need to do. And the way I learn lines, I adlib, I sing them. I do everything.�

As for how his alter ego fits into the Port Charles canvas, Cosgrove reveals, �He is part of the political storyline and he�s a consummate politician. At first, he seems to be aligning with Drew Quartermaine [Cameron Mathison] and there�s some shenanigans going on, but the character is kind of mixing it up with a lot of the cast, from Genie Francis, Mayor Collins, to the Quartermaines, to just kind of creating a little bit of a thorn in the side to some of the good folk of Port Charles. He comes across as maybe a little arrogant and full of himself, but it�s definitely been fun so far. I�m working with such a fantastic cast.�

Reconnecting with Mathison has also been fun for Cosgrove. The actors hadn�t crossed paths since they were on All My Children in the �90s, where Mathison portrayed Ryan Lavery and Cosgrove was Scott Chandler. �I started All My Children in October �96 and I believe Cameron started sometime in early �97,� Cosgrove recalls. �It was his first show, it was my first show. We were in one of these foursome storylines for a little bit in the beginning, and that was a blast. I really hadn�t seen him since probably around that time � maybe I ran into him at an event or something in between � so we were just doing a lot of reminiscing, and we looked at some pictures of those old Pine Valley days and it was really great. At the same time, we�re talking decades, but it just seemed like maybe a couple of years. We were in our mid-20s then and you�re working to get your start. I was single and now here we are, in our 50s, I�m married with four kids, and we�re creating some more memories.�

The East Coast-based actor is commuting to Los Angeles for the new gig, but that�s fine with him. �We�ll see how it goes,� he allows. �I�ve commuted in the past, so it�s just part of the job.�

A job he couldn�t be more thrilled to have at this stage of his life. �There�s just so much gratitude for the opportunity to do this,� Cosgrove reflects. �I was on set and I just had the dialogue in my head of, �This is where my path has led me. This is what I�m best at.� When I�m on a set, I love it. And now, being older and having all the experiences that I have, all of my favorite moments aren�t when I got this job or nailed this scene or did this or that. It�s all my relationships. I think about the people that I have worked with, specifically at Guiding Light, Days of our Lives [where he played Aiden Jennings], All My Children, and other shows. And it�s those relationships with not just actors but with people in the crew, and the laughs and those connections that we�re able to make that I remember. I never really took it for granted when I was younger but now, I have a true appreciation. I�ve lived a bunch, and what I really love is that I get to go to work and maintain these relationships.�

Something he hopes to do in the foreseeable future. �I�m excited when the next script comes for my next show,� Cosgrove enthuses. �It reminds me of waiting for the Sears Roebuck Christmas catalog when I was a kid. I can�t wait to see what�s next for my character.�

Lizzy Caplan, John Stamos, Lucy DeVito & Christine Ko Set Thriller Comedy �Drag� With Jersey Films 2nd Avenue

Raviv Ullman and Greg Yagolnitzer are writing and directing in what reps the pair�s feature film directorial debuts. Danny DeVito, Lucy DeVito and Jake DeVito are producing.

In Drag, a routine robbery at a rural house turns into a nightmare for two amateur burglars when one of them throws their back out. Things spiral out of control as they try to make it out before the homeowner returns.

�As soon as we read Raviv and Greg�s script, we knew we wanted to make this film,� said the DeVitos. �It�s a physical comedy in the classic sense, as the story comes from the performances and the action of the film, but keeps you guessing from the title to the end.�

Additional crew includes DP Ben Goodman, editor Malinda Zehner Guerra, production designer Neil Patel and costume designer Angel Peart.

Produced through Jersey Films 2nd Avenue�s independent financing, Drag is the DeVito company�s first film following the animated series Little Demon on FXX and the sports docuseries Game 7 on Amazon.

Danny DeVito is represented by CAA. Lucy DeVito is represented by Lisa Gallant at Gallant Management and TalentWorks. Caplan is represented by WME, Rise Management and Jackoway Austen. Stamos is represented by CAA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Ko is represented by WME, Rise Management and HJTH. Ullman is represented by Chris Bellant at Vision Entertainment, CESD and legal at Nelson Davis. Yagolnitzer is represented by Lisa Mierke at Mosaic, UTA, and Cohen Gardner lega.

Justin Bruening Reveals If He�ll Have Soap Reunion With Wife Alexa Havins on �GH�

It�s not only his wife who�s over on the General Hospital set, either. Michael E. Knight, who played Bruening�s onscreen father, Tad, on AMC, plays Martin Grey GH as well. So, would Bruening consider joining them?

�I�ll never say never,� he teased. �Man, I got a lot of friends on that. Alexa was kind enough to take me to her holiday party. I was her plus one. I was like, �Aw, that�s sweet of you. I�ll go.� I just went to see Michael Knight. He was there and right away was like, �How do we make this work this season? You could be my�'�

Unfortunately, Bruening wasn�t able to immediately jump at the chance to work with his wife and former costar again. �I was like, �Buddy, I�m kind of busy right now,'� the actor continued. �He�s like, �Oh, that�s right, you�ve got your show. Darn it. Well, I�ll figure it out. I�m gonna keep on it.� He�s already plotting ways.�

Bruening reiterated that he�d �never say never� to making an appearance on General Hospital, adding, �It�d be fun. I love working with my wife, so it�d be fun to pop on. We had a joke that I want to start showing up in just the background as just a random barista.�

The former soap star married Havins in 2005 after proposing on the set of All My Children. They have since welcomed four children together.

Since 2020, Bruening has been busy with his role as Cal Maddox on Netflix�s Sweet Magnolias, although the show hasn�t been renewed for Season 5 yet.

Jon Lindstrom�s Novel �Hollywood Hustle� To Be Adapted By AETH Entertainment

Hollywood Hustle follows a fallen Hollywood star fighting for redemption when the cost of fame turns deadly.

�From the opening pages, Hollywood Hustle grabs you and doesn�t let go � it�s a natural fit for an electrifying cinematic experience,� AETH CEO Eric Woods said.

�So much of my career has been spent in and around the film industry, and I wanted Hollywood Hustle to capture the look and feel of that world behind the camera that most people don�t see,� said Lindstrom in a statement to Deadline. �I�ve had the chance to play so many great characters imagined by other writers. It�s going to be a thrill to see the characters I created come to life on the screen.�

The deal was brokered by Gilbertson Entertainment and Independent Artist Group, who represent Lindstrom, along with Liza Royce Associates. AETH is represented by Gersh.

Lindstrom is a four-time Daytime Emmy nominee for his work on General Hospital and As the World Turns. He played twin brothers Dr. Kevin Collins and Ryan Chamberlain on ABC�s General Hospital. He recently joined the cast of the CBS/Paramount+ soap Beyond the Gates. He also starred on Bosch and True Detective.

Kelsey Asbille, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Ben Platt, Emma Roberts And More To Star In Psychological Thriller �The Technique�

The film is the feature directorial debut of Brian McGreevy, who wrote an original script. Plot details are being kept under wraps.

Miles Skinner of Hypothesis and Andrea Bucko of Raised By Wolves are producing alongside Jordan Drake, David Duque-Estrada, Chadd Harbold, and Russ Posternak. Zak Williams of Hypothesis, Jordan Claire Robbins, and Nini Le Huynh of Raised By Wolves are Executive Producing alongside John Kalafatis, Joanna Kalafatis, and Daniel Cypress of York Films, as well as Chris K. Daniels of Cinelaunch and Emanuele Morretti. Pete McClellan is serving as co-producer. Raised By Wolves is financing the film.

This marks the first feature film primarily packaged and produced by Miles Skinner and Zak Williams� development and production company, Hypothesis. Their growing slate includes the Zach Kuperstien-helmed horror film �The Stairs,� set to begin production in late spring, alongside Matt Creed and India Donaldson�s fugitive road-trip epic �Down To Zero� and Roi Cydulkin�s hard-boiled crime thriller, �Ultra Beige,� among others.

Raised By Wolves is a development fund, finance company, and production banner founded by Andrea Bucko of Sugar Rush Pictures and Jordan Claire Robbins. The company has invested in �Alpha Gang,� written and directed by the Zellner Brothers; �Captivated,� written and directed by Dito Montiel; and Gus Van Sant�s �Dead Man�s Wire.� Along with investing through Raised By Wolves, Bucko has produced these films under her Sugar Rush Pictures.

Asbille is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, and attorney Huy Nguyen. Chavez is represented by CAA and attorney JR McGinnis. Harrier is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, and attorney Michael Mahan. Ben Platt is represented by CAA, Immersive Management, and attorney Michael A. Auerbach. Roberts is represented by CAA, Sweeney Entertainment. Rapace is represented by Gersh and Luz Eterna; her deal was done by Kurt Selling. McGreevy is represented by The Nord Group. Raised By Wolves General Counsel is Neil Sacker of Sacker Entertainment Law. Hypothesis� General Counsel and Production Legal is Larry Weinberg.

Meet Marco on �General Hospital�: Adrian Anchondo Joins as Mysterious New Character

Anchondo�s road to Port Charles began a couple of months ago, when he first auditioned to play the legal eagle and was brought to the studio four weeks later for a session with the producers. �It was very intimidating seeing all the beautiful Latino men there I was going up against, all younger,� he quips. �But I really connected with the character, and I feel like I�ve been playing a lot of good guys going bad or bad guys going good, so I think this character is in my wheelhouse.�

The actor screen-tested with Van Hansis, who joined the show in October 2024 as Lucas Jones, but the two had crossed paths in the past. �Van and I met each other at Williamstown Theater Festival 20 years ago,� Anchondo relays. �I think we did a play with each other. It�s funny because I remember having a little crush on him back then, and we�ve been in the same circles because we have mutual friends. So, I felt totally comfortable. Van has a very comfortable person to be around, regardless if you�ve known him for 20 years or not.�

General Hospital was also familiar to Anchondo from his childhood. �My mom passed away when I was 28, and one of my best and earliest memories of her is when I was 4 or 5 and she would be getting ready on the couch for work, and she�d do her makeup in this compact so she could watch soaps,� he explains. �She loved Young and the Restless and General Hospital and I can still remember watching the show and just how much she enjoyed it.�

As a nod to his mother, Anchondo carried something with him for an extra boost of confidence. �One of the only things I have left of hers is a compact, and I brought that with me into the screen test in my pocket,� he reveals. �So, I think she was there with me.�

Now, another family member is tuning in to the soap. �My grandmother, who�s still around, has been watching General Hospital. She took a long break, but now she�s been getting caught up and she�s like, �Oh, my God, there�s so many storylines I have to remember now.� She�s so excited and proud.�

Anchondo reports that he is getting into a groove with his mysterious alter ego, despite the intimidating legal jargon. �The character has been very sweet and charming, and, of course, it wouldn�t be a soap opera without dark secrets somewhere,� he teases. �He�s also very intelligent and very articulate, which is kind of opposite of who I am as a person. I don�t find myself to be the most articulate person [laughs]. I don�t think I�ve ever played a lawyer. I�ve definitely been on the other end from Viola Davis grilling me on How to Get Away with Murder, so that�ll take getting used to. Van was like, �I gotta play a doctor on here, and there�s so many things about the human body that I�m just learning,� so I�m like, �If he can do it, I think I can handle the legal stuff.��

Prior to joining GH, Anchondo did his fair share of primetime episodic work, appearing on The Rookie, NCIS: Los Angeles and FBI: Most Wanted. �The last thing I did was Law & Order: Organized Crime,� he recalls of his 2023 appearance as Detective Eric Geary. �The main actress on that, Danielle Mon� [Truitt], and I worked on my first recurring role on BET [Rebel]. Eight years later, I still had her phone number and I was flying to New York. I texted her and I said, �Hey, guess who�s gonna be reunited?� And she�s like, �Don�t tell me you got this part. That�s an amazing part.� And as soon as I walked on set, I�m seeing Chris Meloni and I�m so nervous, but her big smile and her hug just put me into the right headspace.�

The role was important to Anchondo, as it touched on a topic close to his heart. �I was playing a gay man who is also a cop who was struggling with coming out to his team,� he says. �It was dealing with something that was really personal to the gay community in New York at the time, because it was a true story where a group of people were targeting gay men in clubs. I loved the part, and it showed my range. I was hoping I would come back, but it�s OK. I�ve got something better going on now.�

While his GH gig is his primary acting focus right now, Anchondo is also keeping busy pursuing his master�s in psychology ahead of his graduation in May. �I knew I was always going to be auditioning, and I wanted to have a job that would be flexible enough where I can make my own hours and I could still focus on my dream,� he explains. �What I love about marriage and family therapy and psychology is that working as an actor and working as a therapist, there are a lot of similarities. We�re studying the mind and the heart, and they go hand in hand. I�m seeing clients now and still finishing my hours. It�s a little challenging with trying to work around the schedule, but I love it.�

As he prepares for his soap debut, Anchondo is especially thrilled to be realizing his goals. �When someone asks me, �What do you do for a living?� � I get that question all the time in L.A. � I�ve always had this anxiety about saying, �I�m an actor.� because then people are like, �OK, well what else do you really do?� � he shares. �And for the first time in my life, I can really feel proud and say, �No, I�m an actor.� It will be really nice to own it and be able to walk around every day feeling like I accomplished something that I wanted all my life.�

Rick Springfield learns he has brain damage from on-stage fall 25 years ago

The "Jessie's Girl" singer, 75, tells PEOPLE that the scan showed he still has brain damage from a fall he took onstage in Las Vegas in 2000.

"I fell 25 feet, hit my head and then wood came down and hit my head, and then my head hit the stage again," he says. "I thought I had just broken my wrist, but on the scan I found out I have some brain damage from the fall, so I'm working on trying to repair that."

While Springfield acknowledges many people "don't want to know what's wrong with them," he's the "opposite."

"My dad died from not wanting to know," he says. "He thought he had stomach cancer for years and never got it checked out. When he finally collapsed one day at home, they found out it was an ulcer that burst, and he died from the loss of blood. It could have been fixed if he had gotten it checked out."

"That was a giant message to me: If you want to live long, you have to be prepared for some bad news now and then," he continues. "I could find out I have terminal cancer tomorrow and be dead in a year, but I can only do all I can do."

Luckily for Springfield, he still feels like he's in his 20s "in my head": �Then I see people dying from old age and disease and go, �Wow, I�m the same age as old people!�"

To keep himself feeling his best at 75, Springfield exercises every day and eats a largely pescatarian diet. He also cut back on alcohol two years ago.

"I was drinking quite a bit, and as you get older, it�s kind of a natural thing to drop all that s---," he says. "I�m not [in] AA � I mean, I know a lot of people it�s worked for. I�ll have a couple of sips of vodka or something when I�m onstage, but I don�t drink any other time."

Springfield says limiting his alcohol use has had a positive impact on his depression, which he's battled since he was a teen. He also recently tried ketamine and LSD as treatments.

"I wanted to see if [ketamine would] open a few things in my brain," he says. "It was a creative experiment and an experiment on depression. I did it for as long as suggested, and I wasn�t a big fan. It made me feel heavy and machinelike. It didn�t change much in me � although I have been writing a lot, so you never know what kind of effect it has later on. It�s not a black-and-white kind of thing."

"I did acid, and that was actually a little better," he says. "I hadn�t done that since I was in my 20s, but it was a great high. I don�t mean to push drugs on anyone, but I�m not averse to anything that helps me be happier and a better person. I could use some help in that area. I�m always searching."

"Wisdom comes with digging and looking at yourself," he says. "It doesn't automatically come."

When it comes to death, Springfield � who recently released Volume 2 of his Greatest Hits album and will set out on his I Want My '80s tour on May 28 � says he's learned "you've got to embrace it."

"It�s not a death wish by any stretch," he says. "But it�s important to be aware of it. I think I have a better handle on dying than I used to. I�ve faced it a couple of times, but my heart still jumps into my mouth when the plane drops. I�m not as evolved as I like to think. You can only put on the party dress, but what happens at the party is up to the gods."

General Hospital�s Ingo Rademacher Shut Down in Fight With ABC After Dragging Steve Burton Into Mess

According to court documents obtained by In Touch, on February 25, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied Ingo�s motion, which asked that the case against the network go to trial.

Ingo, 53, who starred on the soap opera for over 25 years as Jasper �Jax� Jacks, sued ABC in 2021.

He claimed he was fired for refusing to comply with the network�s mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy for cast and crew. In his suit, Ingo claimed he asked for a religious exemption but was denied. The actor claimed he was the victim of religious discrimination and retaliation by the network. He claimed the producers had issues with his political views.

Ingo said he showed support for Donald Trump, which he believed played a role in his firing. ABC denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

The network argued they did not discriminate against Ingo. In June 2023, the case was dismissed before it went to trial.

As In Touch first reported, in December 2024, Ingo and his legal team rushed back to court, asking for the court to review new evidence.

Ingo hoped the new evidence would convince the judge that a jury should hear the case and make a decision.

The new evidence that Ingo presented was the fact that his former costar Steve Burton, who was also fired over his refusal to get the vaccine, was rehired by General Hospital producers in January 2024.

Ingo�s lawyer argued, �ABC�s re-hiring of Mr. Burton undermines its argument that Ingo�s political beliefs did not play any role in its decision to fire him�to �recast� his role�in 2021.�

His lawyer wrote, �Judge Goorvitch credited ABC�s evidence that the political animus that the General Hospital producers showed toward Ingo was irrelevant because, like other people, including GH actor Steve Burton, it simply could not accommodate Ingo�s objection to COVID-19 vaccination and fired him only for that reason.�

�That argument was always specious. But it carries even less weight now, given the newly discovered evidence that ABC re-hired [Steve] for General Hospital but did not re-hire Ingo,� his lawyer continued.

The lawyer argued, �This new evidence is compelling. It undermines ABC�s argument that the political animus the GH producers showed toward Ingo did not matter. It confirms Ingo�s argument that ABC intended to get rid of him � to recast his character � which preceded the Covid vaccination policy. It is additional evidence from which a jury could disbelieve ABC�s explanation and rule in Ingo�s favor.�

Lawyers for the network said Steve was rehired in 2024, �years after the end of the COVID-19 global health emergency and at a time when [ABC�s] vaccine mandate was no longer in effect. Thus, his rehiring has no logical impact on [Ingo�s] claims.�

In the recent order, the court said it cannot say �with intellectual honesty� that Steve�s rehiring, �without more information, would likely result in a different decision� to dismiss the case.

The judge said the mere fact that Steve was rehired does not suggest that Ingo was terminated for his political beliefs. The court said Ingo would have to file a new lawsuit if he wanted to raise this argument about Steve.

Chad Duell Books an Exciting New Role!

Duell and Zach Mendez will star together in the premiere of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written and directed by Bruce Reisman. Stoneypoint Entertainment announced the show in a joint Instagram post with Duell and Mendez. �Today, the cast and production team (producer Dorothy Amos) made it official,� Stoneypoint shared in the March 3 post. �Rehearsals begin with table read next week.�

The �two-hander� play (a program that has only two main characters) is inspired by the real-life friendship in 1939 between American playwright Eugene O�Neill (played by Mendez) and a young sailor � Duell�s Eddie � who is hired as a handyman to rebuild the front porch where the writer penned his magnum opus, Long Day�s Journey Into Night. �These two stage-trained pros will share the stage, alone, for 90 minutes� with no intermission, Stoneypoint continued. �It will be �Acting Olympics� for these guys.�

Yum Yum at Annapolis will make its world premiere in April at the legendary El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood in a full-tech and costumed concert reading in front of an invited audience. �It�s the start of a journey to New York, where an Off-Off-Broadway run is planned for late fall,� announced Stoneypoint.

Duell joined the cast of GH in April 2010, taking over the role of Michael Corinthos from Drew Garrett. He announced in late November that he would be exiting the soap after 15 years, and Michael was written out when Carly accompanied him to a German burn center for treatment after he was nearly killed in an explosion at Sonny�s penthouse.

Jon Lindstrom�s Beyond the Gates Debut Date Revealed!

Lindstrom actually made his daytime debut back in 1984 playing Brady Chapin on the short-lived syndicated soap Rituals. He then played Mark McCormick on NBC sudser Santa Barbara from 1985-86 and Paul Jarre on Generations in 1989. But he became a full-fledged soap star when he joined the cast of General Hospital in 1992 as the villainous Ryan Chamberlin and the following year also playing his good twin, Kevin Collins.

From 1997-2003, Lindstrom brought Kevin over to the GH spinoff Port Charles, and from 2008-10, he took over the role of Craig Montgomery on CBS soap As The World Turns. In 2013, the actor returned to GH again and continues to appear on a recurring basis even as he adds another role to his resume.

�Joey comes from the other side of the tracks,� Lindstrom said during a press junket for BTG. �He has fought his way up in many ways but he�s never lost his charm. Joey runs a casino, which, if you�ve ever been inside a casino, you know a casino is kind of like what a bar is to an alcoholic. So people can get into a lot of trouble around Joey and Joey doesn�t like trouble. He knows how to end trouble, but he doesn�t like trouble.�

If you haven�t jumped in on the ground floor of CBS�s newest daytime addiction, you can easily get caught up by binging all the episodes on Paramount+ so you can be ready for Lindstrom�s shady character to show up on Friday!

Meet Bryce Durfee, General Hospital�s Newest Cast Member!

Now that Brennan has recruited a reluctant Josslyn to the ranks of the WSB, the agency�s newest agent is going to need a handler, and Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Durfee will be making his debut in the Friday, March 7, episode of the soap.

Technically, GH isn�t Durfee�s daytime debut as his resume reveals that very early in his career he appeared as a male model in an episode of The Bold & The Beautiful. That�s a bit of typecasting, as in addition to acting, Durfee is also a very successful model, appearing in campaigns for brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Forever 21, Target, Walmart, and Apple.

After deciding to pursue acting, Durfee has continued to pay the bills modeling while also appearing in episodes of television series like Last Man Standing, Baby Daddy, 9-1-1, Hacks, and Yellowstone as well as movies like Toxic Shark, Lethal Beauty, and Deadly Switch.

Before being cast as Vaughn, Durfee had previously auditioned for GH and was in the running for the role of Harrison Chase, which ultimately went to Josh Swickard, who was a pal from the modeling circuit. �It was down to me, Josh, and I think a third guy,� he told Digest. �And the best man got it! Josh is absolutely fantastic, and I was really excited to run into him on set [at GH] recently.�

Born in Nebraska, and raised in Wisconsin and North Carolina, Durfee now lives in California with his wife, Amber, and their two dogs. Don�t miss his debut on GH and stay tuned to see how Vaughn handles Josslyn at the WBS� and if he becomes something much more!

�General Hospital� Star Cameron Mathison Breaks Down That Epic Drew/Jason Showdown

Mathison raised his arm and suggested that Jason (Steve Burton), Drew�s separated at birth brother, was the bad sibling.

TV Insider chatted with Mathison about the Drew/Jason dynamic, which played out in a big way on last Friday�s episode, and got his thoughts on Drew�s position within the Quartermaine clan and more.

�I regretted it,� Mathison shared with us about calling Jason the �evil twin� when we chatted with him on the red carpet for the 32nd Annual Movieguide Awards that are set to air next month. �I should have said, �I�m the evil twin. Drew thinks Jason�s the evil twin, but he�s not.�

It�s easy to understand why Drew might feel that way. After all, a twist of fate led to Jason being brought up within the bosom of the (granted, dysfunctional) Quartermaine family while Drew was raised by Betsy Frank (Deborah Strang). That all set the stage for their dynamic today.

�Jason and Drew got into it,� Mathison says of Drew blasting Jason for his hypocrisy in Friday�s show. �He lays into him [telling him], �You�ve had everything. You had the cushy life. You had opportunities.� Drew went on to note that despite the fact that Jason, a mob enforcer, is out there �killing people�they still love you.�

And what was Drew�s biggest crime? �I did everything right,� Mathison continues in character as to what he told Jason before telling him to leave his house. �Everyone kicked me out. Carly [Laura Wright] kicked me out for you. And what did I do? I fell in love with somebody [Willow, Katelyn MacMullen].�

Mathison makes an excellent point. If everyone who fell in love with someone that others didn�t approve of �. well, pretty much everyone in Port Charles would be the pariah that Drew has become. �He�s had it,� Mathison says of his character. �He doesn�t care. He doesn�t trust anybody. He�s wrapped up in his own pain.�

Watch for Drew�s angst to possibly continue later this week when Tracy (Jane Elliot) makes a move against her nephew!

The role of Drew Quartermaine can�t be any different from Mathison�s All My Children role as Ryan Lavery, which he played from 1998 to the show�s end in 2011. While Ryan was a hero, Drew isn�t perceived as such.

�I have had trouble,� Mathison says of getting inside Drew�s head. �I�ve needed help. I�ve needed help from the writers� I�ve needed help from the executive producer, Frank [Valentini]� I�ve gone in many times� but, now, I�m all in. It�s hard. [Recently,] I had to say things that were so hard for me to say. I�ve been given a little bit of an arc [of what�s coming up], which helps me.�

The most negative fan response Mathison said he ever received as Ryan was when the show�s writers paired him briefly with Kelly Ripa�s Hayley, whose one true love on (and off) screen is Mateo Santos, played by Ripa�s real-life husband, Mark Consuelos. �People were mad [over Ryan/Hayley], but I wasn�t evil,� Mathison recalls.

Does Mathison miss playing Ryan? �I do,� he says. �He�s in everything I do and in every single role I do in all my Great America Family and other Christmas movies. Ryan�s in there. I miss him a lot. I miss him all the time.�

�Dark Winds� Renewed For Season 4 At AMC; Zahn McClarnon To Make Directorial Debut

The network has renewed the thriller for a fourth season. The news comes ahead of the premiere of its third season on March 9.

Season 4 of the series, which stars Zahn McClarnon, will begin filming in Santa Fe, NM, in March and will air in 2026.

Much like Season 3, it will consist of eight episodes. Seasons 1 and 2 had six episodes each.

The news is not a huge surprise given the boost that Dark Winds seems to have gotten from its airing on Netflix. The first two seasons of the show are currently on the streamer and after they dropped in August, they remained in Netflix�s top 10 for over three weeks. Dark Winds also aired on Warner Bros. Discovery�s Max as part of a two-month pop-up in 2023.

Season four will also feature the directorial debut of star and exec producer McClarnon.

The series, which also stars Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten and Deanna Allison, follows Lt. Joe Leaphorn (McClarnon), Jim Chee (Gordon) and Bernadette Manuelito (Matten) of the Navajo Tribal Police solving mysteries on their reservation as it is besieged by increasingly violent crimes in the 1970s.

The third season picks up six months after the events of Season 2 and follows Leaphorn and Chee as they investigate the disappearance of two boys, with only an abandoned bicycle and blood-stained patch of ground left in their wake. Meanwhile, Bernadette Manuelito (Matten) attempts to settle into her new life 500 miles from home with the Border Patrol, but stumbles across a conspiracy involving human and drug smuggling with far-reaching implications.

It will also feature guest stars including Jenna Elfman as FBI Special Agent Sylvia Washington, Bruce Greenwood as Tom Spenser, Raoul Max Trujillo as Budge, Tonantzin Carmelo as Border Patrol Agent Eleanda Garza, Alex Meraz as Border Patrol Agent Ivan Mu�os, Terry Serpico as Border Patrol Senior Chief Ed Henry, Derek Hinkey as Shorty Bowlegs, Phil Burke as Michael Halsey, and Christopher Heyerdahl as Dr Reynolds. A Martinez also returns as Scarborough Police Department Acting Chief Gordo Sena and Jeri Ryan returns as Rosemary Vines.

The series, which is based on Tony Hillerman�s Leaphorn & Chee book series, was created by Graham Roland, who exec produces alongside showrunner John Wirth, McClarnon, Robert Redford, George R.R. Martin, Chris Eyre, Tina Elmo, Jim Chory, Vince Gerardis and Anne Hillerman.

�When we greenlit the first season of Dark Winds, we saw the potential for an authentic and long-running franchise that could live alongside the worlds we were building around The Walking Dead and Anne Rice,� said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks. �That is exactly what this cast and creative team delivered, and the fans have responded. It starts with Tony Hillerman�s unforgettable novels, cared for and attended to by a producing team that includes the likes of Robert Redford, George R. R. Martin, Chris Eyre and our showrunner John Wirth, and � at the center of everything � the truly extraordinary Zahn McClarnon and the entire cast. Fans have embraced this series on AMC/ AMC+ and made it a top 10 show on Netflix for a solid month last fall. There is so much great storytelling yet to come in these expanded third and fourth seasons.�

�I�m looking forward to exploring and inhabiting the character of Joe Leaphorn once again in Season 4, and I�m excited to make my directorial debut on a show that means so much to me,� added Zahn McClarnon. �I�d like to send my gratitude and appreciation to Kristin Dolan, Dan McDermott, and all of the hard-working folks at AMC Networks for their support and commitment to Dark Winds. And of course, I�m most thrilled to be spending time with this wonderful cast and crew whom I have grown to love.�

Season 3 will simulcast on AMC, BBC America and SundanceTV, as well as stream on AMC+ at 9pm on March 9.

SAG Awards 2025 Winners

Female Actor in a Leading Role � Motion Picture
Demi Moore / Elisabeth � The Substance

Charlie Besso Cast as Tobias on General Hospital!

Fans will recall that when Aiden first came out to his mother, Elizabeth while baking cookies in December 2023, he confessed to having a crush on a boy at school named Tobias. Well, now Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Besso will make his debut in the role the week of Feb. 17, 2025! (GH is off schedule by a couple of days due to some recent preemptions, so the soap is celebrating Valentine�s a little late this year.)

Raised in the South of France before moving to California, Besso graduated from NYU Gallatin in 2023. While he is only beginning his acting career, Besso can already be seen playing Vincent Conte in The Calling, Tommy in Fallout, Joey in Will Trent, and Young Tom�s in The Night Agent. Besso is also a talented artist and musician, with two EPs and five singles available for streaming on Spotify.

After a series of twins, Liz and Lucky�s son, Aiden, was played by Jonathan Jackson�s real life son, Titus Jackson from 2011-12. GH recast the role in August 2012 with Jason David, who played Aiden until March 2021. In August of that year, Enzo De Angelis stepped in for a run that lasted until May 2024 when he was replaced with Tristan Riggs. However, in September, Aiden was once again recast, this time with Colin Cassidy.

Hopefully, Tobias and Aiden will be able to enjoy Valentine�s Day together and this will be the start of something special. Of course, this being a soap opera, we should probably expect some drama if they�re on camera for too long!

General Hospital Temporarily Recasts Lucky With Guy Wilson!

Soap Opera Digest broke the news that with the Tuesday, Feb. 18, episode, the role of Lucky on GH will be temporarily recast with Guy Wilson. According to the soap, it�s just for a �handful of episodes� and Jackson is already back on set taping again and will be back on screen by the end of February. No reason for the recast was given.

Wilson is best known to soap fans for taking over the role of Will Horton from Chandler Massey on Days of Our Lives and playing the character from 2014 until he was murdered by the Necktie Killer in 2015. However, this isn�t the actor�s first visit to Port Charles � back in 2006, he played a teenage Luke in a fantasy sequence where Luke and Tracy imagined what it would have been like if they�d met when they were younger.

In addition to his work on DAYS, Wilson has appeared in episodes of shows like Castle, NCIS, Bones, Hawaii Five-0, Breaking Bad, and NCIS: Los Angeles. In 2023, he played Det. Kevin Long on Bosch: Legacy.

Jackson debuted as Lucky Spencer on GH back in 1993 and remained until 1999 before returning for another stint from 2009-11. After a brief visit in 2015 as part of Anthony Geary�s final storyline as Luke before retirement, Jackson returned to the role again in August 2024 for an extended run. But again, fans shouldn�t worry that his run has been cut short � this is just a temporary replacement so the storyline won�t be interrupted by Jackson�s brief absence!

Jon Lindstrom & Cady McClain Join �Beyond the Gates� � Plus, More Scoop on the New Soap

In addition to the previously announced talent � Tamara Tunie (ex-Jessica Griffin, As The World Turns) as Anita Dupree, Clifton Davis as Vernon Dupree, Karla Mosley (ex-Maya Avant, The Bold and the Beautiful; ex-Christina Moore Boudreau, Guiding Light) as Dani Dupree, and Daphn�e Duplaix (ex-Rachel Gannon, One Life to Live; ex-Valerie Davis, Passions) as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson) � popular soap favorites Jon Lindstrom (Kevin Collins, General Hospital) and three-time Daytime Emmy winner Cady McClain (ex-Dixie Cooney, All My Children; ex-Rosanna Cabot, ATWT; ex-Kelly Andrews, The Young and the Restless; ex-Jennifer Horton, Days of Our Lives), have been tapped to join the star-studded roster.

�I�m just so thrilled to be a part of this incredible cast and this amazing show,� says McClain, who will play Pamela Curtis. �I think it is so exciting. It�s such a beautiful production and such amazing actors, and I have the great pleasure of getting to work a great deal with Karla. We have so much fun �probably too much fun. We play very, very, very, very, very dear old friends, and we get up to a bit of trouble.�

As for what drew Lindstrom, who will play Joey Armstrong, to the project, he says, �Michele Val Jean. Everybody knows that Michele is the best writer in the business, and they don�t want to admit it, especially if they�re another writer, but she is the very best in the business. And to be able to come down here to this brand-new studio and every day, every single member of this cast � this incredible cast � and this crew, who are so happy to walk through those doors every day and be a part of something, I think it is so groundbreaking. That�s the most special part of it all.�

Val Jean, who has toiled on a host of shows, including B&B, Generations, and GH, has been working on Beyond the Gates for decades, so to see it finally make it to air is a surreal experience. She credits Sheila Ducksworth, President, CBS/NAACP Production Venture, for helping to make her dream of a Black soap a reality. �The origin was over 20 years ago when I met Sheila Ducksworth through Vivica [A.] Fox [ex-Stephanie Simmons, Y&R],� Val Jean relays. �I�d created a nighttime pilot about a rich Black family, and Sheila read it, and she really liked it, and she said, �You know, I can�t do anything with this right now, but you and I are going to work together one day.� So fast forward all these years later, she became the president of the CBS/NAACP Venture, and she called me and she said, �This is the time.� And I said, �You know, I�m not sure I know how to do that.� And she says, �Yeah, you do. You just don�t know you do.� So, I didn�t think anything would come of it, because we all know how soaps have been canceled, not greenlit, so, I just figured it would be a nice COVID project. I kept writing my scripts for Bold and the Beautiful, and I worked on the Bible. And four years later, here we are, amazingly enough.�

Ducksworth says she was excited about the project from the moment she heard the pitch from Val Jean all those years ago. �What I really loved about the idea of this premise is that I love to work with things that are real and authentic,� she explains. �And many people don�t know that the DMV area � Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia � is one of the most affluent areas for Black Americans in the entire country. And it�s a place where many Black Americans are living in gated communities, on big, park-like grounds. I�m not a writer. That is Michele, writer, and creator. But the idea of a big sprawling Black family, in this area in the DMV where we could explore the upstairs and the downstairs of it all, and have it be really real and authentic and something that people can check the demographics and say, �This exists,� was important in that regard. And yes, Michele was the only person that I really felt could capture that world, and she did it in a huge way.�

After getting the go-ahead for the series, casting began and Tamara Tunie � who hadn�t been on a soap scene since a brief appearance as Judge Weston on Days in 2011, but had great success in primetime on shows like Law & Order: SVU � was tapped to play matriarch Anita. �Back in September, end of August, I got a call from my rep saying, �There�s this new African American soap that they�re going to be shooting in Atlanta, and they�d like to offer you the role of the matriarch of the show,�� Tunie recalls. �And I said, �Well, let me read something, and then let me sleep on it.� And so I woke up the next morning, and what was uppermost in my mind was the historic nature of this project, and the glass ceiling breaking of this project � to have an affluent African American family lead a daytime drama for the first time in history was very, very enticing to me.�

Tunie asked to speak to Val Jean and Ducksworth before she officially got on board, and when she heard who was in consideration to play her husband, she was even more intrigued. �Over a period of a week or two, whatever it was, we came to an agreement, and I joined the family,� she says. �And as soon as I joined the family, I sent an email to Michele and Sheila and said, �By the way, I just spent five days with Clifton Davis in Winston-Salem at the International Black Theater Festival. And if you�re still talking to him about Vernon Dupree, just know that we�ve connected, we�re friends, we�ve got a nice chemistry, and I�m just throwing it out there,� and I left it at that. And so, a week or so after that, Clifton and I did a camera test together over Zoom, which was fun. And then the next morning he was Papa Dupree.�

TV and film veteran Davis had to do some quick shuffling to make it to the set on time. �I got the call to confirm the role on Thursday, and I had to be in Atlanta on Monday,� he shares. �So I had to organize myself to find a hotel, to get an apartment, to start life in Atlanta. And with my darling wife�s assistance, Monica, I was able to do it and to show up. And I got to tell you, at my age, to get a job is a wonderful thing. My first television show was the Melba Moore-Clifton Davis Show in 1972. I remember starting the first day of That�s My Mama on ABC in 1974. I remember starting Amen in 1986. I remember getting the recurring role that lasted five years on Madam Secretary in 2014.

�And here we are in 2024, 2025, doing another television show. That brought tears to my eyes just to look back and see how this business has advanced since those first days when African Americans� jobs on Broadway and in television were few and far between. And to look around and see Black crew, Black writers, Black actors, and everything, it was overwhelming. And I am so humbled by this, and I�m so proud of what we�ve accomplished. And as many years as I can give you, that�s what I�m going to do.�

For Karla Mosley, who lives in Los Angeles, her past relationship with Val Jean played a role in her accepting the part of Dani. �I have been friends with Michele since working on Bold and the Beautiful, and when she was working with Vivica [Fox], on Ambitions, she was always saying, �I�d love to rope you in on something,� � Mosley recalls. �You hear that in the industry time and time again, but then I saw her at her birthday party, and she said, �It�s happening, Karla, it�s really happening.� And I was just over the moon for her and so excited. And she said, �It�s shooting in Atlanta.� And I was like, �I�m not moving to Atlanta.� But then, a couple months later when they were contacting people, they sent a script, and I read the script, and I read Dani, and I texted her, and I was like, �Damn it, Michele.� And here I am.�

Duplaix says she waited weeks to find out whether she booked the role of Nicole � �I felt like I was being tortured,� she jokes � but when her team reached out with the news, it was worth the wait. �My manager sent me a test and he said, �Pop a bottle. It�s yours,� � she relays. �Just being an actor in this business, you want to do great work. It�s what we do. It�s what we have a passion for. And then when I really thought about the magnitude of what we were creating, what Sheila and Michele had put together, I was like, �Oh, my God, this is big. This is really big.� And so I�ve just been so excited and so proud to be a part of this groundbreaking show.�

Seeing the production go from the page to the stage was an overwhelming moment for Tunie and Co. �I�ve spent 40 years in this business, and the majority of that time, I�ve spent being the only Black person on a set,� Tunie concludes. �And so to walk into this production, which is not exclusively Black, but is predominantly Black, and to be shooting it here in Atlanta when there�s such a wealth of incredibly talented Black practitioners, whether it�s hair and makeup, whether it�s acting, whether it�s camera operating, whether it�s crew � to walk into the studio and see all of these extraordinarily beautiful Black faces and to walk into Black excellence on the level that this is overwhelmed me. It brought tears to my eyes, and all I could feel was absolute joy.�

Beyond the Gates will premiere on CBS on February 24. From February 17-21, CBS will air a five-part special, Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood, in BTG�s future time slot, 2 p.m. ET. Hosted by Sheryl Underwood and Entertainment Tonight�s Kevin Frazier, the special will go behind the scenes and show how the new soap came to life, showcase the cast and sets, offer a sneak peek of what�s ahead and so much more.

Beyond the Gates, Series Premiere, Monday, February 24, CBS, Check Local Listings.

Soap Star Jason Thompson Reflects on �General Hospital� Supercouple Patrick & Robin

His relationship with Robin evolved into GH supercouple status. When asked about his favorite soap supercouple, Thompson immediately thought of Patrick and Robin.

�They were one of my favorite couples ever,� he told Swooon. �Now that I�ve had time to look back on that, I think it was a very special pairing. It was a time in their life, what they went through personally, you know, Kimberly being on the show since she was young, the HIV storylines that we got to play, all that kind of stuff. I thought it was a very special couple.�

Just like any soap couple, Patrick and Robin endured many highs and lows throughout their romance, but their love prevailed. The couple currently lives in Berkeley, California, with their son, Noah. Their daughter, Emma Drake (Braedyn Bruner), recently returned to Port Charles.

Bruner told TV Insider that she prepared for the role of Emma by �going back and watching old episodes and YouTube videos of what I could find of Robin and Patrick and what their relationship was like with Emma and also what Emma�s relationship was like with Anna [Finola Hughes].�

The actor made his final appearance on General Hospital in January 2016 to head over to Genoa City to play Billy. He spoke to Swooon about his character�s burgeoning romance with Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope). �I think there�s a lot that these characters could do together, however it goes, but I think there�s a lot of passion between the two of them,� he said. �So, I�m personally a big fan of the two of them together.�

Thompson certainly knows a thing or two about great soap couples, so maybe he�s on to something here with Billy and Sally.

Irish Film and Television Award Winner

Hank Northrop, son of late Days of Our Lives actor Wayne and General Hospital's Lynn Herring, is headed to Salem

The son of Wayne and General Hospital actress Lynn Herring, Hank's previous acting work includes appearances on TV shows such as Insecure, The Morning Show, and 9-1-1: Lone Star, plus, four episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful in 2017. This year, he'll play a security guard in Antoine Fuqua's biopic of Michael Jackson, called simply Michael, where he appears alongside Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller.

The elder Northrop died Nov. 29, of complications from Alzheimer's, at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home in Los Angeles, Herring announced Dec. 1. "Wayne was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's six years ago," she said at the time. "He took his last breath in the arms of his family. We wish to thank the most caring and amazing place the Motion Picture and Television Home for taking such great care of him. Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humor and wit." She recognized him as "a husband for 43 years, the best dad ever to his two boys, Hank and Grady, and a rancher who loved his cows and was a friend to many."

Northrop starred on Days of Our Lives from 1981, when he originated the role of Roman Brady, to 1984, then returned for a stint from 1991 to 1994. From 2005-2006, he played the character of Alex North. In addition to the more than 1,000 episodes of Days that he did, Wayne appeared in other sudsers, such as Dynasty and Port Charles.

Herring herself has starred on more than 800 episodes of General Hospital since 1986, but she also had a role on As the World Turns and worked with Wayne on Port Charles.

Her son said she's "ecstatic" about his new project. "She wants to scream it from the rooftops. She has been so supportive," he told TV Insider in an interview published Friday. "She gave me so much great advice before my first day and gave me so many tips heading into it. She's been the best support system I could possibly ask for."

"It's honestly, for our entire family, just such a healing moment for the tough times of going through losing Wayne," he said. "I'm just so honored now to get to honor my own father on the show that he loved so much. It's just so special."

In fact, the actor said that he had an emotional reaction to learning � on his birthday, no less � that he'd been cast.

"I got the call saying, 'Congratulations, you've booked Days of Our Lives.' And I just immediately broke down in tears," Hank said. "It was so cosmic. It was almost like my dad had given me a birthday present, the first birthday after his passing, to help me through the trauma of dealing with his passing. You can't script it. It gave me the ability to cope with it a little more. It was just such a beautiful full-circle moment."

Though Hank didn't reveal any details about his new role, he told TV Insider he shares his first scenes with James Reynolds, who plays Abe Carver and starred alongside his father for years. He also noted that he and Reynolds had an emotional first meeting on set: "We honestly couldn�t stop hugging each other. He was just like, 'Oh, my gosh, you're Wayne's son. This is the best thing. I'm so excited. I loved your dad so much.' I could not ask for a better first-scene partner on Days. He took me under his wing and taught me the ropes."

Daytime Emmy Exec Explains New Acting Category That Could Have Your Favorite Newcomer Taking Home the Gold

TV Insider spoke exclusively with Rachel Schwartz, Head of Daytime and Children & Family Emmy� Awards to get the scoop.

How did the new Daytime Emmy category come about � Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series? It sounds exciting.

Rachel Schwartz: Absolutely, and I�m glad to hear that you�re excited about this new category because we are also excited about this new category. Last year, we unfortunately had to make the decision to get rid of the younger performer category. There just were not enough entries to consider it a viable category any longer. But it was never really our desire to remove a chance for some of the amazing on-screen talent in daytime to receive an Emmy.

So, this is going to be a new category specifically for people who are on their first daytime contract, so there is not necessarily an age parameter with it. Although, I do imagine that some of the people that enter into the category will be on the younger end of the spectrum.

There will be a limitation that you can enter the category for the first 2 years that you are on the program, and then at that point you�re no longer going to be considered �emerging,� and you also, if you win the category, then you can no longer enter it as well.

One of the inspirations for the category was actually a couple of months ago, the passing of Helen Gallagher, who, of course, was a three-time Daytime Emmy-winner for her role as Maeve Ryan on Ryan�s Hope. Before she started there, Helen was already a two-time Tony Award winner and was well-known to New York theater audiences. She then transitioned to becoming a very well-known, well-respected daytime performer.

Do contenders have to be contract? Shows have used performers in front burner stories with actors who may not be on contract for economic reasons.

You need to have a speaking role and you need to have at least one continuous story arc in order to be eligible for this new category.

How recently � or how far back � can a performer have joined a show to be eligible?

They can be on the show for up to two years and also enter the category for those two years � unless they win. Then, they will be, of course, still eligible to enter the lead or supporting categories if they remain on their program.

Not right now. Our contract with CBS expired last year. Switching the Daytime Emmys to October was mainly driven by our desire to move other Emmy awards � news and documentary � to earlier in the year.

'General Hospital' Star Leslie Charleson's Cause of Death Revealed

According to documents, obtained by TMZ ... Charleson died from "sequelae of blunt head trauma" -- basically the long-term effects of a head injury she suffered.

It's unclear when she sustained the injury ... though we do know several falls in recent years prevented her from appearing on "General Hospital."

Listed among the other significant medical conditions ... the L.A. County medical examiner notes Leslie had a history of asthma, arthritis, atrial fibrillation, and normal pressure hydrocephalus -- a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, according to Johns Hopkins.

As we told you ... Leslie passed away on January 12 -- with reports saying she died after a long battle with an illness.

Charleson's big break came in 1977 when she took over the role of Monica Bard from actress Patsy Rahn on 'GH.' Between 1977 and 2023, Leslie appeared in 2,079 episodes of the hit show.

She also appeared in episodes of "Mannix," "The Wild Wild West," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Happy Days," "Cannon," and "Barnaby Jones."

Dorian Awards: �The Substance� Dominates With Best Film, Performance For Demi Moore & Three Others

The Best Picture Oscar nominee also picked up prizes for Genre Film of the Year and Campiest Flick.

I Saw the TV Glow � which had a leading nine nominations � Challengers and Will & Harper scored a pair of wins each; Emilia P�rez won LGBTQ Non-English Language Film of the Year; and Wicked�s Ariana Grande took Supporting Film Performance of the Year. Her co-star Cynthia Erivo received the 2025 GALECA LGBTQIA+ Film Trailblazer prize. See the full winners list below.

The Nine Inch Nails duo of Trent Reznor and Atticus Finch bagged the Film Music prize for Challengers, and Nickel Boys took Visually Striking Film of the Year.

The Dorians go to both mainstream and LGBTQ-themed content, celebrating what the group calls �the expert Q+ eye on entertainment.� All of Us Strangers won Best Film last year.

�In our 16th year, GALECA�s members still have wicked fun toasting their favorites in film both mainstream and LGBTQ-themed,� said group president Walt Hickey. Added VP Diane Anderson-Minshall: �I�m certain even some ultra-conservatives who are out to erase all sorts of �woke� words and letters � not to mention history � are secretly taking note of our winners. Everyone appreciates the expert Q+ eye on entertainment.�

GALECA�s members tentatively are scheduled to toast winners and nominees in a Sunday brunch on February 16.

BAFTA Film Awards: Guest Presenters Will Include Mark Hamill & Pamela Anderson

Gasc�n is nominated for Leading Actress at the BAFTAs but is not on a guest list for the night, suggesting that the transgender Spanish performer will skip Sunday�s ceremony. She was the first openly trans actress to be nominated for a BAFTA Film Award.

Gasc�n has already missed the Critics Choice Awards, PGA Awards, and the Goya Awards, but the BAFTAs is arguably the highest-profile event she will not attend. Netflix and her reps did not respond to requests for comment.

Other Emilia P�rez nominees, including Zoe Salda�a and Selena Gomez (both competing for Supporting Actress), are expected to be in London for the Royal Festival Hall event. Salda�a and Gomez will also present a prize.

In a statement last week, Gasc�n effectively withdrew from the awards trail, saying that she wanted to let the work do the talking. Gasc�n said she hopes �my silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is,� adding: �I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way.�

It follows Gasc�n�s controversial social media posts being unearthed by journalist Sarah Hagi last month, exploding a campaign in which the actress was expected to make history as a transgender award-winner for her role as a transitioning drug lord in Emilia P�rez.

Gasc�n wrote that Islam was a �hotbed of infection for humanity,� described George Floyd as a �drug addict swindler� and said that the 2021 Oscars were an �ugly� �Afro-Korean festival� after triumphs for Minari and Judas and the Black Messiah.

Elsewhere, Gasc�n pondered that she does not �understand so much about the world war against Hitler, he simply had his opinion about Jews,� and regularly used a Spanish word that translates as �faggot� in English.

Other nominees expected to attend the BAFTA Film Awards include Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Timoth�e Chalamet for A Complete Unknown, and Colman Domingo for Sing Sing.

Guest presenters will include Mark Hamill, who could play a role in giving Star Wars co-star Warwick Davis his BAFTA Fellowship. Pamela Anderson and Lupita Nyong�o will also hand out prizes. Performers on the night will include Take That and Jeff Goldblum, who will play piano for the In Memoriam section.

Here�s the full list of guest presenters: Adam Pearson, Adam Scott, Anna Kendrick, Camila Cabello, Celia Imrie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Colman Domingo, Gwendoline Christie, Hannah John-Kamen, Isabella Rossellini, James McAvoy, James Norton, Jessie Eisenberg, Joe Alwyn, Letitia Wright, Leo Woodall, Lupita Nyong�o, Marisa Abela, Marisa Tomei, Mark Hamill, Michelle Monaghan, Naomi Ackie, Orlando Bloom, Pamela Anderson, Ralph Fiennes, Simon Pegg, Shazad Latif, Stephen Merchant, Thomasin McKenzie, Vanessa Kirby, Vanessa Williams, Will Poulter, Will Sharpe, Tom Felton, Wunmi Mosaku.

David Tennant is hosting the BAFTA Film Awards for the second consecutive year. The ceremony will be broadcast on Sunday, February 16, at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Demi Moore Continues Her Inspirational Speech Streak With Critics Choice Win: �Dreams Do Come True�

�This has been such a wild ride, I can�t tell you when I started this journey on this film, I could never imagine being here,: she said onstage tonight at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. �It�s so far beyond what I hoped for.�

She praised the Critics Choice Association for recognizing �what this film is about, what it�s trying to convey. � Your acknowledgement is the elixir, it�s the healing bomb to the issues that the film brings forward.�

While Moore didn�t have as much time in her acceptance speech as she did at the Globes, she punctuated the end of her time at the mic with, �For anybody out there who is still on their journey, who is still struggling to find their way, because it hasn�t happened, it doesn�t mean it�s not happening, dreams do come true.�

During the Globes when she took home Best Actress � Drama, the former Ghost thespian said, �Thirty years ago I had a producer tell me I was a popcorn actress and at that time I made that mean that I wasn�t allowed to have this, that I could do movies that were successful and made a lot of money but that I wouldn�t be acknowledged and I bought in and I believed that.

She continued then, �In those moments when we don�t think we are smart enough or pretty enough, or skinny enough or successful enough or basically just not enough, I had a woman say to me just know you will never be enough, but you can know the measure of your work if you just put down the measuring stick. I treat this as a marker that I do belong.�

The Substance writer-director Coralie Fargeat also won for Original Screenplay tonight at the Critics Choice, and picked up a trophy for Hair and Makeup, helping it tie with Emilia P�rez and Wicked for the most wins overall on the film side.

The Mubi movie repped the streamer first big splash with a wide release. The Substance premiered at Cannes where it received an 13-minute standing ovation and won Best Screenplay for Fargeat. The film has grossed close to $77 million worldwide.

Critics Choice Awards Winners

Talk Show Appearance

Tiffany Haddish, James Franco & Christopher Meloni Join Psychedelic Comedy �Toad�

Architect have launched worldwide sales on the eve of Berlin�s EFM. Pic is due to shoot in Q2, 2025 in Atlanta.

James Paxton and Oliver Wyman play Sam and Alex, two hapless but lovable stoners, who accidentally find themselves in the service of crime lord, Charles (Robinson), when they are made to transport a mysterious box from LA to Vegas. Almost immediately, their childlike curiosity gets the better of them and upon opening the box, they find a bunch of live, psychedelic Sonoran �acid� toads. When the toads begin to overheat, the duo make an ill-advised attempt at mouth-to-mouth, thereby dosing themselves with extreme amounts of the toads� psychedelic secretion.

What follows is a very trippy journey to Vegas, accompanied by the life-size, talking toad spirit-guide, �Earl� (Williams), and a host of colorful characters, including a dangerous biker gang, a sex cult, a chainsaw wielding maniac, and a deranged five star French chef, who all want the precious toad cargo for their own nefarious reasons.

Toad is the first movie to be produced under the Laugh Factory Presents banner, a feature film venture helmed by David Fuhrer, John Weiser and Laugh Factory founder Jamie Masada. Mark O�Sullivan at DLNQNT will serve as an executive producer.

The movie was co-written by Piers Ashworth and Rifkin and is produced by Brad Wyman (Monster) and Michael P.J. Gerstein of futureIII Entertainment Corporation, as well as producer Mike Kolko. Vincent J. Guastini (World War Z) is handling the SFX creature creation. Completing the in-camera creative term are Augenblick Studios.

Producer Brad Wyman said: �Adam Rifkin�s entire career has prepared him for directing Toad. It�s that offbeat, almost surreal type of comedy where the absurdity of the situations and characters escalate to ridiculous levels, making it impossible not to laugh out loud. Rifkin�s Toad is the antidote motion picture audiences are seeking right now.�

Director Rifkin commented: �I believe the producers and Laugh Factory have done an incredible job of securing top-notch talent that will really drive this story forward and make viewers belly laugh. I�m also delighted Architect will be representing this project worldwide. Truly, I couldn�t be more excited right now.�

�General Hospital� Shake-Up: Chris McKenna on Replacing Charles Mesure as Jack Brennan

In a statement to Soap Opera Digest, a representative for GH stated, �Charles Mesure opted to exit the role of Brennan. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. General Hospital looks forward to continuing Brennan�s exciting storyline with Chris McKenna in the role. �

For McKenna, who got his daytime start as One Life to Live�s Joey Buchanan from 1990-93 then popped up again on The Young and the Restless as Mark Harding from 2014-15, it was a quick hiring process. �I got word late on a Sunday night that Frank Valentini [executive producer, who was also the EP at OLTL] wanted me to chemistry read with Laura Wright [Carly Spencer],� he begins. �I know Laura, but I hadn�t seen her in 30 years, so I said, �Well, of course, I�ll be there.� On Tuesday, I went in, and Laura saw me in the hallway and ran over. We hugged and said hello and we caught up really quick and she wished me luck. The last time I saw her, I think she was the pitcher and I was the catcher at a Make-A-Wish softball game in 1994. So, it was trippy.�

McKenna was a teenager the last time he worked for Valentini, who had to adjust to the fact that he�s now a man. �I�ve run into Frank over the years a couple of times, but he still thinks of me as 14 years old,� notes McKenna. �So, I thought I was finally going to get in front of him and remind him that I�m an adult now [Laughs]. As soon as I finished the read with Laura, which seemed to go pretty darn well, Frank said, �You were not this good when you were 12.� And I said, �No s**t!� �

McKenna reveals that he had no idea who he had been called in to play when he first arrived at the studio. �They wrote a scene for the audition that was in the spirit of Brennan, but they didn�t use the name,� he explains. �So, it was a unique scene just to get the feel of the character and to see how the chemistry was between Laura and me, and it was great. It was a lot of fun reading with her for the first time in forever.�

McKenna found some other familiar faces on the set as well. �It was crazy,� he marvels. �Some of the writers knew me from One Life to Live when I was a kid and said so. And I said, �Well, don�t think of me that way now. I was going through puberty on TV. It�s a whole other thing. I�m a cool spy now.� Having Frank on set again is great, and one of the cameramen, Bruce, was one of the cameramen on One Life to Live and my favorite guy. I had no idea he was going to be there, and it was so great to see him. One of the directors, Gary Tomlin, was there, so I really felt comfortable right off the bat, and it felt a lot like coming home.�

The last time McKenna was on a soap was in 2016 when he did a brief run as Dr. Hayden on The Bold and the Beautiful. Nevertheless, he wasn�t intimidated by the challenge of stepping into a front-burner tale. �I was excited about it,� he shares. �That�s how I grew up; it�s the first thing I did. The lines and the speed were always easy for me because that�s how I learned. My first day, I had 40 pages to do, and Laura very sweetly wrote me a message and said, �Listen, don�t be daunted by the amount of pages. I�ll work with you and Eden [McCoy, Josslyn Jacks] will work with you and we�ll read together and it�ll be great.� And I wrote her back and said, �Not daunted. Looking forward to it. Bring it on.� And it was great. Y&R moved faster than One Life and GH moves faster than Y&R, but I love it. I�m really comfortable there.�

He�s also enjoying getting to know the ins and outs of his new alter ego. �I�m still learning who the guy is and figuring it out, but it is a lot of fun to get a chance to have a meaty character like this,� McKenna notes. �This is the type of character that I�ve been playing a lot the past decade, but a new version. I don�t usually play the guy in the suit; I�m in a tank top in the jungle, that kind of a CIA agent. So, this is a fun little twist on it, the more Bond-ian guy, if you will. It�s a lot of fun to be able to establish a new version of a character and have a new relationship with Laura and learn what�s in store. Every script is really exciting, so it�s fun.�

In between his soap gigs, McKenna worked steadily on a slew of primetime shows. He credits his daytime experience with helping him succeed in other mediums. �It�s hard to overstate the amount of training that you get doing 100 pages a day, getting new scripts, having a consistent job for years, and learning and getting better,� he declares. �I teach acting classes now, and I tell them how much they can learn on soaps and what a valuable training ground it is and how the actors on soaps are the hardest working actors in this industry and don�t get nearly enough credit.�

His most memorable nighttime gig was the 2014-15 series State of Affairs. �State of Affairs was great,� he recalls. �It had an amazing cast � Katherine Heigl, Alfre Woodard, David Harbour, just to name a few, and I had such a great character. Katherine Heigl had to go to bat for me and we had so much fun. It ended up being only a one-season deal, but that really changed everything for me and my career and the way I was perceived and really ushered in the next chapter where I got to play really cool guys like CIA agents and FBI agents. So, I�ll never forget that.�

He will also never forget the importance that One Life to Live played early in his career. �Growing up on TV was a crazy experience,� he reflects. �And now because I�m having all these memories unlocked going back, I hear Bruce�s voice, I hear Frank�s voice, and I feel like I�m right back there again. I didn�t realize how much I�d remember Laura�s laugh, but when heard it, it was I immediately like, �Oh, my God, it�s 1991.� So I feel like there�s been a time jump, but It was really an amazing time back then and it was so important to my career and my life.�

He even heard from his soap mom when he booked his new role. �Erika Slezak [Viki Buchanan] apparently had just talked to Frank, and he told her that I was on the show, and she squealed and was so excited and she wrote me immediately to congratulate me, which is really great,� McKenna says. �She sends me Christmas cards and we exchange little messages, but that was the longest thing she�s written me, and I feel like we reconnected again because of that, so that was really cool. She�s my second mom. So, it�s really fun being back on daytime again with people who knew me back then and having another run at it.�

Talk Show Appearance

Finola Hughes, Laura Wright, Cameron Mathison, Donnell Turner, Tanisha Harper, and Maurice Benard ("General Hospital")

Talk Show Appearance

Corbin Bernsen & Stephen Tobolowsky Wrap On Indie Comedy Pilot �Woodstockers�

The original logline for the dark generational comedy teased the story of �two guys who went to Woodstock in �69 and never left,� with Bernsen and Tobolowsky respectively playing friends Lenny Baker and Cal Reddick. But per Bernsen, who relocated to the Hudson Vally six years ago, �Early on I had the good fortune to connect with Michael Lang, one of the original organizers of Woodstock, and quickly discovered a deeper story about the 60�s and a generation who espoused �Love and Peace,� but failed in their early attempts to �change the world.� At the same time, I witnessed a new generation dusting off the �hippie� mantra and giving it their own spin.�

Woodstockers� cast also includes Oscar nominee Barbara Hershey (The Portrait of a Lady) as Lenny�s wife Rebecca, and Maggie Lawson (Psych) as Bernsen�s ultra-conservative daughter, Alice. Others on the call sheet included Susan Ruttan (A Man on the Inside), John Glover (Smallville), Lea DeLaria (Orange Is the New Black), Lee Wilkof and Willie C. Carpenter (Reacher).

Bernsen co-wrote additional drafts of the pilot with Joshua Michael Stern (Jobs). Oliver Bernsen directed, having also recently wrapped production on his first feature Bagworm, which is scheduled to premiere this year. Zoe Rosenberg produced along with Bernsen through her Choxiee banner.

Indie TV pilots have been having a moment of late, with Mark Duplass�s Penelope being one notable success story, striking distribution deals with Netflix and Fremantle after premiering at last year�s Sundance Film Festival. At Sundance 2025, Cooper Raiff unveiled his independently produced series Hal & Harper, in which he stars opposite Lili Reinhart and Mark Ruffalo, with Lionsgate TV repping it for sales. Recently, we were also first to report on Books, an indie TV pilot starring Spencer Grammer and Ajay Naidu, from director Micah Khan.

Next to be seen on Apple TV+�s Your Friends and Neighbors and J.J. Abrams� Max series Duster, the elder Bernsen is repped by Paradigm and Randy James Management. Seen on the hit Netflix series Nobody Wants This, Tobolowsky is repped by Innovative Artists and Framework Entertainment. Stern is with Innovative and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

Demi Moore To Be Feted By Santa Barbara Film Festival With Career Retrospective And Conversation

As part of a just-announced career retrospective for newly minted Golden Globe winner Demi Moore, the Santa Barbara Film Festival will be hosting a free 2 p.m. screening at the Arlington Theatre of her Oscar-nominated performance and film The Substance, followed by an in-person conversation with the star.

The retrospective actually begins on Friday, February 7 at 5:40 p.m. PT at SBIFF�s Film Center with a screening of Adrian Lyne�s Indecent Proposal, in which Moore co-starred with Robert Redford and Woody Harrelson. It will continue February 10 when the festival will host a free screening of Jerry Zucker�s Oscar-winning Ghost at 11 a.m., also at the Arlington.

Coralie Fargeat�s critically acclaimed body horror feature The Substance, in which Moore stars alongside Margaret Qualley, premiered in competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered rave reviews and won the Screenplay award. Following it�s September 20 theatrical release, Moore went on to receive SAG, BAFTA, Critics Choice and Oscar nominations for her performance, so far winning the Golden Globe.

Moore most recently starred in Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans and Paramount+�s Landman from Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, in which she stars alongside Jon Hamm and Billy Bob Thornton. It was also recently announced that Moore will star in Boots Riley�s I Love Boosters alongside Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield and Naomi Ackie.

Moore set a record in 1995 when she became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, known for her work in such films as St. Elmo�s Fire, About Last Night, Ghost, A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal, Disclosure, G.I. Jane and many more.

Free screening of The Substance, followed by Q&A with Demi Moore, 2 p.m., Arlington Theatre

Demi Moore Reacts to Her First-Ever Oscar Nomination: 'Beyond My Wildest Dreams'

Moments after she was named one of the five performers up for Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards on Thursday, Jan. 23, the star of The Substance shared her reaction to the news.

�Being nominated for an Oscar is an incredible honor and these last few months have been beyond my wildest dreams,� Moore, 62, said in a statement.

�Truly there are no words to fully express my joy and overwhelming gratitude for this recognition. Not only for me but for what this film represents. I am deeply humbled,� she continued.

�This is a time of incredible contrasts and right now, my heart is with my friends, family, neighbors and community here in L.A.� she added, referencing the destruction in many parts of the city.

�The fires have devastated so many lives but to see the way our community has united leaves me in awe of the resilience and compassion that defines us, and this moment is a reminder of how incredible we are when we stand together."

In the pitch-black horror comedy The Substance, Moore � who has previously starred in hits like Ghost, St. Elmo's Fire and A Few Good Men � plays an actress named Elisabeth Sparkle. She's abruptly fired from her exercise show when her creepy boss (Dennis Quaid) decides to hunt for younger talent to be the face of the series.

Desperate to stay relevant, Elisabeth starts taking a mysterious drug known as the Substance, which causes her body to create a younger version of herself, Sue (Margaret Qualley).

Elisabeth and Sue must alternate their time in public � one week for Sue, then one week for Elisabeth � but things go horribly awry when the balance is upset.

The film has earned Moore some of the best reviews of her career, not to mention a Golden Globe win for best actress in a comedy or musical film.

The actress, who began her career four decades ago, was visibly emotional while accepting the honor.

�I really wasn�t expecting that. I�m just in shock right now. I�ve been doing this a long time, like over 45 years and this is the first time I�ve ever won anything as an actor," she said on stage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, adding that a producer once dismissed her as a �popcorn� actress.

"At that time, I made that mean that this wasn't something that I was allowed to have, that I could do movies that were successful, that made a lot of money, but that I couldn't be acknowledged. And I bought in, and I believed that, and that corroded me over time, to the point where I thought a few years ago that maybe this was it, maybe I was complete, maybe I've done what I was supposed to do," she continued

"And as I was at kind of a low point, I had this magical, bold, courageous, out-of-the-box, absolutely bonkers script come across my desk called The Substance, and the universe told me that you're not done," Moore said, in one of the most touching moments of the night.

The other four women up for Best Actress are Wicked's Cynthia Erivo, Anora's Mikey Madison, Emilia P�rez's Karla Sof�a Gasc�n and I'm Still Here's Fernanda Torres.

The 2025 Oscars, hosted by Conan O'Brien, will air live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2 at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu.

2025 Oscar Nominations

Actress in a Leading Role
Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Karla Sof�a Gasc�n, Emilia P�rez
Mikey Madison, Anora
Demi Moore, The Substance
Fernanda Torres, I�m Still Here

Actor in a Supporting Role
Yura Borisov, Anora
Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice.

Knots Landing's Donna Mills, Joan Van Ark and Kathleen Noone Reunite � and Announce Exciting News About the Soap

At the recent Hollywood Show in Burbank, Calif., stars of beloved past series including Deadwood and Head of the Class reunited to swap stories about their time on set and share what's next.

Among the big names were Knots Landing stars Donna Mills, Joan Van Ark and Kathleen Noone, who greeted fans together and shared the news that a rewatch podcast on the beloved primetime soap opera is in the works from Mills, Van Ark and costar Michelle Lee.

According to Remind magazine, the show � a Dallas spinoff that ran on CBS from 1979 to 1993 � is seeing a resurgence now that it's streaming on Prime Video and Plex.

�I think it�s late to the party in a way because I think we deserve attention and [it should have been] sooner than this,� Van Ark, 81, said. �But we�ll take it at any point.�

Knots Landing followed Ted Shackelford's Gary Ewing and Van Ark's Valene Clements as they moved to Los Angeles for a fresh start, settling into a suburb alongside characters played by Lee, Don Murray, John Pleshette, William Devane, Constance McCashin, James Houghton, Kim Lankford and later, Mills, Noone, Nicollette Sheridan and Alec Baldwin.

"They had a very good cast. They had a very talented cast," Baldwin told PEOPLE in 2020. "That changes everything when you go to work. You don�t care if it�s a soap, if you�re working with somebody who�s great, everything goes up. I loved it."

"It's that kind of investment in characters that make television special," he continued. "Daytime TV and TV in general, you have a different relationship with the audience because they see you all the time. You have to go somewhere and buy a ticket and watch a movie. With television, we�re people that are in your living room."

Noone echoed that sentiment at the Hollywood Show, per Remind, calling the cast "supportive."

�The fact that they welcomed me and helped me get my feet, I�m forever so appreciative," Noone, 80, shared.

Van Ark added, �We were a family both on and off the screen, and that has ties that are deep and special and treasured. There�s love underneath all of it � true family � and taking care of one another."

Dorian Awards Nominations

FILM PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Adrien Brody, The Brutalist (A24)
Daniel Craig, Queer (A24)
Colman Domingo, Sing Sing (A24)
Karla Sof�a Gasc�n, Emilia Per�z (Netflix)
Cynthia Erivo, Wicked (Universal)
Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hard Truths (Bleecker Street)
Nicole Kidman, Babygirl (A24)
Mikey Madison, Anora (Neon)
Demi Moore, The Substance (Mubi)
Justice Smith, I Saw the TV Glow (A24)

SUPPORTING FILM PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Michele Austin, Hard Truths (Bleecker Street)
Yura Borisov, Anora (Neon)
Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain (Searchlight Pictures)
Ariana Grande, Wicked (Universal)
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Brigette Lundy-Paine, I Saw the TV Glow (A24)
Clarence Maclin, Sing Sing (A24)
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist (A24)
Margaret Qualley, The Substance (Mubi)
Zoe Salda�a, Emilia Per�z (Netflix).

Online Film Critics Society Awards Nominations

Best Supporting Actor:
Yura Borisov � Anora
Kieran Culkin � A Real Pain
Clarence Maclin � Sing Sing
Edward Norton � A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce � The Brutalis.

�The Yeti� Casts Brittany Allen, Eric Nelsen & More Ahead Of New York Shoot; Radiant Inks Pre-Sales

Production will begin later this month in Buffalo, New York, on the horror film from recently launched Torfoot Entertainment Group.

As we previously revealed, Radiant Films launched sales at last year�s AFM. The company has inked pre-sales for UK, Germany, and Italy with Plaion; Turkey with Aqua Pinema; India with Empire Networks; Middle East with Phoenicia; and Australia and New Zealand with Rialto. Sales will continue at the upcoming EFM in Berlin.

Pic is co-written and will be co-directed by Gene Gallerano (The First Wave) and William Pisciotta (Thunder Road).

The synopsis reads: �Oil tycoon Merriell Sunday Sr. and renowned adventurer Hollis Bannister have disappeared without a trace. Their last known location is northern Alaska. Ellie Bannister and Merriell Sunday Jr., set out to search for their missing fathers and the truth behind what made them vanish. As the rescue team heads deeper into the heart of this frozen landscape, danger mounts. Something has taken notice of their trespassing expedition�and that prehistoric something is now stalking them�hunting them.�

Creature design is spearhead by Wayne Anderson and Ali Gordon, known for their creature design on projects including The Predator, Jurassic World and Stranger Things. Stunt coordinator/second unit director will be Freddie Poole (Tulsa King) and production designer will be Frank Coppola (Nightmare Alley).

Torfoot is an LA-based film and TV firm spearheaded by producer Johnathan Brownlee (The Standoff At Sparrow Creek) and casting director-turned-producer Ross Meyerson (Damages).

Radiant CEO Mimi Steinbauer said of the multi-territory European deal: �We�re very excited to be partnering with Plaion on this project, they recently distributed Terrifier 3 which has been a huge box office success worldwide so we know the film will be in good hands.�

Brittany Allen is represented by Luber Roklin Entertainment; Eric Nelsen is represented by TCA; Corbin Bernsen is represented by Randy James Management and Paradigm Talent Agency; and William Sadler is represented by Insurge-Ent.

�General Hospital� Writers Tease �Volatile & Sexy� Future: A Glimpse Into Port Charles 2025

Here, for the first time since they were paired, Korte and Van Etten share their vision for Port Charles in 2025.

Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten: We have a collaboration in the truest sense. Soap opera requires generating such a volume of story that we never stop riffing. One of us may throw out an idea and the other will build on and embroider it. One example is crafting Kristina�s [Kate Mansi] fall. In the process of bouncing around ideas, we found a number of ways to expand the fallout beyond those characters immediately involved.

Most importantly, we keep the atmosphere safe for voicing any idea, even the ludicrous ones. Sometimes when we rein it in, the ludicrous idea is the most exciting one. There are times when our ideas are in conflict; but in those circumstances we have space to talk it through and find common ground such that we can proceed in a direction that speaks to the characters and to the larger canvas. We hear one another out and never feel handled.

Elizabeth, you have been at the show for 30-plus years. What does it mean to you to hold this position? How does your history with GH inform your writing?

Korte: Co-Headwriting GH is an honor and a challenge � daunting at times but I am loving it. I could not ask for a better collaborator and writing partner than Chris, who brings so much creativity, enthusiasm, and experience to the task. I hope that my history with the show enables me to understand the characters, to hear their voices clearly, to honor their complex history, and to track off that history as we move them forward. The audience invests their time and passion in the show, and we want to honor that investment � what they watched, what they care about � as we build new story.

Van Etten: I�m grateful for the opportunity. I�ve [loved] GH since Frisco [Jones, Jack Wagner] wooed Felicia [Scorpio, Kristina Wagner] and Anna [Devane, Finola Hughes] danced with Duke [Lavery, Ian Buchanan]. Writing for GH is a dream twice come true, and I thank Frank [Valentini, executive producer] and Nathan [Varni, executive director of drama programming, ABC/Hulu] for their generosity, and the cast, directors, producers, and crew for their trust and derring-do. And it�s an honor to work with our team of writers, and especially Elizabeth. She has a steady hand, abundant empathy, and an awesome imagination.

Korte: The returns of Jason [Morgan, Steve Burton], Lucas [Jones, Van Hansis], Ric [Lansing, Rick Hearst], Lucky [Spencer, Jonathan Jackson] and Lulu [Spencer, Alexa Havins]. The arrivals of [Jack] Brennan [Charles Mesure], Isaiah [Gannon, Sawandi Wilson] and Gio [Palmieri, Giovanni Mazza]. Kristina�s fall and the aftermath. Sam�s [McCall, Kelly Monaco] death and the aftermath. Willow [Corinthos, Katelyn MacMullen] and Drew�s [Cain, Cameron Mathison] affair and all the messy fallout. Curtis [Ashford, Donnell Turner] and Drew�s rivalry. Gregory�s [Chase, Gregory Harrison] tragic death. All the drama at the Quartermaines.

Van Etten: All of the above! Additionally, the heartbreaking task of bidding goodbye to Bobbie [Spencer, Jacklyn Zeman]; seeing Lucky and Lulu reunited with Laura [Collins, Genie Francis], their families, and loves; Anna getting her groove back; [Hamilton] Finn�s [Michael Easton] spiral and redemption; expanding the Scorpio family and giving Robert [Scorpio, Tristan Rogers] and Holly [Sutton, Emma Samms] their Casablanca moment; anything Heather [Webber, Alley Mills], everything Tracy [Quartermaine, Jane Elliot]; watching Rena Sofer [Lois Cerullo] and Amanda Setton [Brook Lynn Ashton] develop their on-screen mother-daughter relationship.

Van Etten: I don�t, but there are a few trusted fans in my circle who are glad to give me their two cents when solicited � and often when not. [Winks]

What does it mean to you both to be writing a show that has been on the air for over 60 years?

Korte and Van Etten: It�s an incredible responsibility. We must honor the show�s history and the audience�s love for it, as well as the work of all those who preceded us � all while creating new story to challenge and grow its characters. We�re privileged to write for such a talented cast, many of whom have embodied their roles for decades. It�s humbling. We work daily to earn and maintain the trust of our audience and colleagues.

Johnny Wactor Death: Two Defendants Sentenced After Conviction On Lesser Charges � Update

WGA Awards Nominations

Days of Our Lives, Head Writer Ron Carlivati Writers Sonja Alarr, Kirk Doering, Christopher Dunn, Jamey Giddens, David Kreizman, Henry Newman, Ryan Quan, Dave Ryan, Katherine D. Schock; Peacock

General Hospital, Head Writers Elizabeth Korte, Chris Van Etten Writers Nigel Campbell, Ashley Cook, Emily Culliton, Suzanne Flynn, Charlotte Gibson, Lucky Gold, Kate Hall, Catherine LePard, Patrick Mulcahey, Dan O�Connor, Shannon Peace, Stacey Pulwer, Anne Schoettle, Scott Sickles, Micah Steinberg; ABC

The Young and the Restless, Head Writer Amanda L. Beall Writers Susan Banks, Jeff Beldner, Marin Gazzaniga, Lindsay Harrison, Marla Kanelos, Rebecca McCarty, Madeleine Phillips, Dave Ryan; CBS/Paramount +

Man Involved in Killing of �General Hospital� Star Johnny Wactor Is Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Prison

The 22-year-old�s sentencing came after he entered a no-contest plea in October 2024. Meanwhile, Leonel Gutierrez, who is also due to be sentenced on January 15, is facing up to four years and eight months behind bars following his September 2024 guilty plea to attempted robbery and grand theft.

The remaining two defendants, Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, are set to appear in court on January 22 to face charges of murder, attempted second-degree robbery, and grand theft involving a firearm. Barceleau is facing the possibility of life in prison without parole due to a charge of killing in the commission of a robbery, as well as allegations that he intentionally discharged a firearm that caused Wactor�s death.

New accusations filed in December 2024 allege that Barceleau and Estrada committed the crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

Wactor was fatally shot on the morning of May 25, 2024, in Downtown Los Angeles. The 37-year-old was leaving a bartending shift with a co-worker when he was confronted by men trying to steal car parts. All four defendants received their charges in August 2024.

�Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being,� the late star�s agent David Shaul told Variety. �Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.�

Leslie Charleson, �General Hospital� Icon Known as Monica Quartermaine, Dies at 79

�It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,� �General Hospital� executive producer Frank Valentini announced. �Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on �General Hospital� alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew. I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at �General Hospital,� my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.�

The beloved actress who joined the soap in 1977, has had some health ups and downs over the past few years, which has limited her time on the ABC soap, where she hasn�t appeared since December 2023. In recent years, she has suffered several falls that prevented her from getting around. Although it impeded her mobility and resulted in her need for a walker, it never got her spirit down. She was hospitalized last week after one such fall.

The Kansas City native began her long career on daytime television in 1964 when she was just 19 in the short-lived ABC soap opera �A Flame in the Wind.� A few years later she began a 3-year-run on CBS�s �Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,� where she played Iris Donnelly Garrison, who was in a popular love triangle with characters played by Donna Mills and David Birney. In 1970s, she guest starred on many of the best known shows of the time, including �The Rockford Files,� �The Wild West,� �The Streets of San Francisco,� �Marcus Welby, M.D.,� �Mannix,� �Ironside� and �Happy Days,� where she played divorc�e Dorothy Kimber and was the first on-screen kiss for actor-director Ron Howard (who played Richie). In 1973, she starred opposite Shelley Winters in the film �The Day of the Dolphin.� She fell in love with the aquatic mammal and collected dolphins for the rest of her life.

In later years, she guested on �Dharma & Greg,� �Diagnosis: Murder,� �Friends� and starred alongside fellow soap stars Deidre Hall (�Days of Our Lives�) and Colleen Zenk (�As the World Turns�) in the 1993 made-for-television movie �Woman on the Ledge.�

Although her primetime time appearances were plentiful, she returned to the world of soap operas in 1977, when she was hired to replace Patsy Rahn as Monica Bard on �General Hospital.� Charleson used to joke that she wasn�t received with open arms by many of the cast and crew, who were upset that her predecessor was given the heave-ho. However, her humor quickly won them over.

During her 40-plus years on �GH,� Charleson�s Monica was part of one of daytime�s biggest and most popular love triangles (Rick/Monica/Alan), has given audiences doses of both comedy (she had a thing for slapping people and was as a member of the super-wealthy, perennially quarrelsome and dysfunctional Quartermaine family) and drama (including surviving breast cancer and the loss of three children), and has been shot and held at gunpoint more than once. Along the way, she earned four Daytime Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actress.

After 30 years on �GH,� she was taken off contract and reduced to recurring status in 2010, for which her fans and fans of the show protested. In 2017, Charleson tripped while walking her dog and injured her leg, causing her to be replaced for two months on the show by one-time child star Patty McCormack while she recovered. Several years later, she suffered another fall and was once again recast for a single day. Last October, it was announced that it was unlikely she would return. Monica, however, continues to be mentioned in storyline when the Quartermaines are gathered, referring to her as being upstairs in their mansion.

I personally knew Leslie. Very well, in fact. She was a very good friend to me. No one was more kind, fun-loving, loyal and generous. I remember times at her beautiful house, when she�d let her turtle wander in her luscious backyard and it would disappear into the bushes; when we�d sit in the kitchen nook and gossip; when I would tease her about her love of Elvis Presley and the Eagles. She was a good laugher, she was. It was deep and seemed to work its way up from her feet. And the things she loved most: her horse and �General Hospital.� She loved the show and being a part of its legacy. And the fans, she loved them with her whole heart. I hope she knows how much she was loved back� and how much she will be missed.

Cameron Mathison Tearfully Recalls 'Nothing Left' After Losing Home in Fire

�General Hospital� Star Cameron Mathison Loses Home to Palisades Fire as ABC Soap Warns of �Difficult� Upcoming Fire Storyline

The actor�s home is one of many houses to burn down in the fires that have been blazing since January 7. He confirms that he and his family are safe, but he�s grieving over the loss of the home that his children were raised in. Mathison shares two children, daughter Lelia, 18, and son Lucas, 21, with his ex-wife, Vanessa Arevalo.

�We are safe. But this is what�s left of our beautiful home. Our home where our kids were raised and where they wanted to raise their own someday,� he wrote on Instagram. �Thanks to all who reached out and checked in. Can�t respond to all so wanted to give an update here. Sending so many prayers to everyone being affected by these fires.�

He�s walking through a yard at the start of the video, and the house is completely leveled behind it. There�s no structure left to the building and small fires are still blazing underneath the rubble. Large fires are still raging on in the background of the video.

(Video) Mathison documented more of the damage on his Instagram Story in videos taken while in a car driving around the impacted areas, including his neighborhood.

The actor is one of many who has lost their homes to the wildfires that local fire departments are still working to put out. Adam Brody and Leighton Meester�s home burned down, as did Anna Faris� and The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag�s.

Other celebrities have posted on social media saying that they�re unsure about the fates of their homes after they evacuated the areas.

The fires began on Tuesday, January 7 in the morning (PT) during a powerful Santa Ana windstorm. The fires prompted the 2025 SAG Awards nominations to be announced via press release instead of live and have caused the Critics Choice Awards to postpone the show that was set to take place this Sunday, January 12 live in California.

Daytime, News & Documentary Emmys Move Dates

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is moving the News & Documentary Emmy Awards from September to June, while the Daytime Emmys are moving from June to October.

�For nearly half a century, the News & Documentary Emmys have honored the best in broadcast journalism and documentary programming,� said NATAS President and CEO Adam Sharp. �Moving the ceremony earlier in the Emmy schedule shines a brighter light on the timely nature of the incredible content being recognized.�

This means 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards will have an adjusted timeline. Entries open on January 9, regular deadline is January 24, final entry deadline is February 7, the judging window is now March 3 � April 13 and the nominations will be announced the week beginning April 28 before the event in June.

The eligibility window remains the same; all content originally broadcast in calendar 2024 is allowed.

This comes after the 45th Annual News & Documentary Emmys were celebrated on September 25 and September 26, 2024 with lifetime achievement honors given to the likes of Jane Pauley and Alex Gibney.

As a result, the 52nd Daytime and Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be held in October.

The 51st awards were held in June 2024 with Netflix�s African Queens: Njinga and Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones scoring three wins each.

2025 SAG Awards Nominations

Female Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries
Kathy Bates / Edith Wilson � The Great Lillian Hall
Cate Blanchett / Catherine Ravenscroft � Disclaimer
Jodie Foster / Det. Elizabeth Danvers � True Detective: Night Country
Lily Gladstone / Cam Bentland � Under the Bridge
Jessica Gunning / Martha � Baby Reindeer
Cristin Milioti / Sofia Falcone � The Penguin

Female Actor in a Drama Series
Kathy Bates / Madeline Matlock � Matlock
Nicola Coughlan / Penelope Featherington � Bridgerton
Allison Janney / Vice President Grace Penn � The Diplomat
Keri Russell / Kate Wyler � The Diplomat
Anna Sawai / Toda Mariko � Shogun

Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Adam Brody / Noah Roklov � Nobody Wants This
Ted Danson / Charles Nieuwendyk � A Man on the Inside
Harrison Ford / Paul � Shrinking
Martin Short / Oliver Putnam � Only Murders in the Building
Jeremy Allen White / Carmen �Carmy� Berzatto � The Bear

Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Kristen Bell / Joanne � Nobody Wants This
Quinta Brunson / Janine Teagues � Abbott Elementary
Liza Col�n-Zayas / Tina � The Bear
Ayo Edebiri / Sydney Adamu � The Bear
Jean Smart / Deborah Vance � Hacks

Female Actor in a Leading Role � Motion Picture
Pamela Anderson / Shelly � The Last Showgirl
Cynthia Erivo / Elphaba � Wicked
Karla Sof�a Gasc�n / Emilia/Manitas � Emilia P�rez
Mikey Madison / Ani � Anora
Demi Moore / Elisabeth � The Substance.

General Hospital's Chad Duell Leaves Series with a Shocking Ending

The Jan. 6 episode of the long-running soap opera marked the beginning of the 37-year-old actor's exit storyline when his character Michael Corinthos caught fire after a shocking explosion.

After Michael served Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) divorce papers in D.C. with her lover Drew (Cameron Mathison) by her side, she grew angry and fearful that Michael was looking for vengeance when he asked for full custody of their children, Wylie and Amelia.

Michael eventually broke the news to his dad Sonny (Maurice Bernard), who encouraged him to punish Drew.

"Diane's advice was to go for an aggressive first strike so I did," he told Sonny. "The hope is that after my initial demands, Willow and I can negotiate and I can settle for what I really want, which is which is shared custody."

"I don't want to punish Willow. I just want what's best for me," he continued, to which Sonny replied, "I understand, but you're going to start getting angry, right? Because I know you will. That's when you take it out on who deserves it the most, Drew."

"What kind of man goes after his nephew's wife?" he asked, before Michael suggested he deserved to have his company taken away from him.

"I spent many nights trying to figure out how we went so wrong," Michael theorized. "I'm starting to believe that Willow survives by becoming whoever other people want her to be."

Eventually, Jason (Steve Burton) arrived at Sonny's apartment to go over business matters and offered to help with whatever Michael may need during this challenging time. "You're not alone in this, son. Not by a long shot," Sonny told Michael before leaving the room with Jason.

As Michael wandered the place alone, he heard a sudden ticking before an explosion broke out and he was set on fire. Sonny and Jason rushed back into the room, but it was too late � Michael was engulfed in flames and screaming in pain, kicking off the tragic end of his character's storyline.

In November, Duell announced he would be leaving General Hospital with an emotional post shared to Instagram.

"After many incredible years with General Hospital, I�ve decided to step away from the show," he wrote. "This wasn�t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life. I�m beyond grateful to [executive producer] Frank Valentini, the cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey."

"To all the fans: thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and for letting Michael Corinthos be a part of your lives. Your love and encouragement has meant the world to me," he concluded, adding, "This isn�t a goodbye � it�s a see you later. Much love, Chad."

Demi Moore Brings Down The House With Speech About Her Comeback After Winning Golden Globe For Her Performance In �The Substance�

�Thirty years ago I had a producer tell me I was a popcorn actress and at that time I made that mean that I wasn�t allowed to have this, that I could do movies that were successful and made a lot of money but that I wouldn�t be acknowledged and I bought in and I believed that,� Moore said. �A few years ago I thought that this was it, maybe I�ve done what I was supposed to do and then I had this magical bold courageous out of the box absolutely bonkers script come across my desk called The Substance and the universe told me you�re not done.�

Other nominees Moore beat out included Mikey Madison in Anora, Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Zendaya for Challengers, Amy Adams for Nightbitch and Karla Sofia Gascon for Emilia Perez. This marked the first win of the night for The Substance.

Moore would finish her speech by saying what this win means going forward and how she did belong now.

�In those moments when we don�t think we are smart enough or pretty enough, or skinny enough or successful enough or basically just not enough, I had a woman say to me just know you will never be enough, but you can know the measure of your work if you just put down the measuring stick. I treat this as a marker that I do belong,� Moore said.

�General Hospital� Star Steve Burton Engaged to Michelle Lundstrom

Burton and Lundstrom announced their engagement on social media on January 4 with a carousel of photos from the proposal, including the moment when Burton got down on one knee. The couple actually got engaged a day earlier on January 3.

�Engaged 1/3/25,� their caption began. They also included a verse from Jeremiah: �For I know the plans I have for you,� declares the Lord, �plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.�

Many of the actor�s GH costars sent their love in the comments. Kimberly McCullough wrote, �Congratulations!� Rick Hearst said, �Steve and Michelle I wish you both a long, loving and fruitful life together! Congratulations.� Finola Hughes added, �Oh Steve!!!! Congratulations! I wish you both all the happiness in the future, you are a wonderful couple! Congratulations Michelle!�

Burton and Lundstrom began dating in 2024. He confirmed his new relationship in May 2024 to Daily Drama. The couple made their red carpet debut at the 2024 Daytime Emmys a month later.

At the start of 2025, Lundstrom reflected on her past year with Burton. �Some years you wish you could just fast forward & forget,� she began. �I�ve had a few of them for sure. Then one day you�re living life differently�welcoming big changes, feeling content & full of LOVE. I hope to remember the memories from this last year forevaaaa and for that I�m grateful.�

Lundstrom is a recipe creator best known for being a Netflix�s BBQ Showdown competitor. She was a contestant in Season 2 and came in third place.

This will be the second marriage for Burton. He was previously married to Sheree Burton for 23 years before their separation in 2022. �I wanted to clear something up. Sheree and I are separated,� he wrote on his Instagram Story at the time. �She recently announced that she�s expecting her 4th child. The child is not mine. We are still co-parenting our three beautiful kids. We would appreciate privacy at this time. Much luv, Steve.�

He filed for divorce in July 2022. Their divorce was finalized in 2023. They have three kids together.

Chad Duell Reflects On �General Hospital� Exit: �A Lot Of Stuff�s Been Going On In My Life�

In a new interview, the actor opened up about why he chose to leave the long-running soap.

�It�s a life adjustment,� Duell said during a recent appearance on the Daily Drama Podcast with Steve Burton & Bradford Anderson. �A lot of stuff�s been going on in my life. There�s a few things behind it but one thing I did say is my dad passed away and I�m still coming to terms with that.�

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks during a campaign rally on the Ellipse on October 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. With one week remaining before Election Day, Harris delivered her "closing argument" speech where she outlined her plan to moved America forward and urged voters to "turn the page" on Republican presidential nominee, former U.S.

Duell also noted wanting to spend more time with his partner and their baby son, adding, �I�m preparing myself for next chapter. Right now, I�m just trying to grow in ways that maybe I feel like I stifled myself in certain aspects and sometimes you need to take drastic steps or make yourself feel uncomfortable and that�s not what I�ve done in a long time.�

The actor said the door was left open to return in the future possibly, but Duell says he has �a few things planned� for himself, adding, �It�s different because I have a kid now. But also for him and me as well and everybody, doing what�s best for me � spiritually, mentally, everything � will only reflect my energy in a better way towards everybody around me, and I want to make sure that I take care of myself as well, which I haven�t always done.�

It was in November when Duell announced he was leaving General Hospital, saying in a statement on Instagram, �After many incredible years with General Hospital, I�ve decided to step away from the show. This wasn�t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life. I�m beyond grateful to Frank Valentini, the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey.�

John Capodice, �General Hospital� and �Ace Ventura� Actor, Dies at 83

Capodice�s passing was confirmed by a listing on New Jersey�s Pizzi Funeral Home website. A cause of death was not disclosed. �John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him,� the obituary reads.

Born on December 25, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, Capodice was a member of the US Army from 1964 to 1966, serving in Korea. After returning to the U.S., he began his acting career, appearing on stage, television, and in many films.

His first on-screen role came in the late 1970s when he starred as Lloyd Lorn in six episodes of the ABC soap opera Ryan�s Hope. He would go on to appear in numerous other classic TV series, including Kate & Allie, Moonlighting, Seinfeld, Murder, She Wrote, Murphy Brown, Law & Order, Will & Grace, and many more.

In 1994, he joined General Hospital as Carmine Cerullo, appearing on and off until 1996. He continued to pop up on TV shows throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, including Six Feet Under, The West Wing, Everybody Hates Chris, CSI, Monk, and Without A Trace.

On film, Capodice was best known as the dismissive police officer in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994). His other film roles included Q (1982), Family Business (1989), The Doors (1991), See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989), Naked Gun 33+1?3: The Final Insult (1994), Speed (1994), Independence Day (1996), and Enemy of the State (1998).

In more recent years, he provided a voice for the animated film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) and appeared in five episodes of the 2024 streaming series Conversation With Mobster.

�With Love, Meghan�: Netflix Drops Trailer For Meghan Markle Lifestyle Series

Mindy Kaling, Alice Walters, Roy Choi and more, along with husband Prince Harry, are aboard With Love, Meghan, which fans can view in the trailer above, as Markle attempts to �reimagine the genre of lifestyle programing.� The eight-part series will launch in a fortnight�s time on January 15 and feature a ream of celebrity guests and friends of Markle�s, along with her spouse.

In the trailer, Markle can be seen cooking, gardening and shopping with friends. The synopsis says the show will see Markle �share personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected.�

With Love, Meghan comes from Markle and Harry�s overall deal between their Archewell Productions and Netflix. The project was revealed by Deadline last year alongside a show about professional polo, which recently launched.

With Love, Meghan is produced by Archewell with Sony Pictures Television-backed The Intellectual Property Corporation. EPs are Markle, Chanel Pysnik, Aaron Saidman, Eli Holzman and showrunner Leah Hariton. Director is Michael Steed.

Yesterday, Markle returned to Instagram after a seven year absence with a video of her running on a beach and inscribing �2025� in the wet sand.

PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE �82ND ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES

Presenters for the 82ND ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES include: Andrew Garfield, Anthony Mackie, Anthony Ramos, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ariana DeBose, Aubrey Plaza, Auli?i Cravalho, Awkwafina, Brandi Carlile, Catherine O�Hara, Colin Farrell, Colman Domingo, Demi Moore, Dwayne Johnson, �dgar Ram�rez, Elton John, Gal Gadot, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Coolidge, Kaley Cuoco, Kate Hudson, Kathy Bates, Ke Huy Quan, Kerry Washington, Margaret Qualley, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Keaton, Michelle Yeoh, Miles Teller, Mindy Kaling, Morris Chestnut, Nate Bargatze, Nicolas Cage, Rachel Brosnahan, Rob McElhenney, Salma Hayek Pinault, Sarah Paulson, Seth Rogen, Sharon Stone, Vin Diesel, Viola Davis and Zo� Kravitz.

The Golden Globes, often referred to as �Hollywood�s Party of the Year�,� is the largest awards show in the world to celebrate the best of both film and television. Multi-Emmy Award�-winning producing duo Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment (WCE) will return as executive producing showrunners for the 82ND ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES. Dick Clark Productions will plan, host and produce the 82ND ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES, which has been viewed in more than 185 countries and territories worldwide.

�General Hospital� Star Risa Dorken Details Christmas Week in Hospital

Dorken took to her Instagram page on Sunday, December 29, where she detailed how an eight-month battle with ill health resulted in emergency gallbladder removal surgery and a week in the hospital over the Christmas holidays.

�First, I�m doing well. My 8+ month diagnostic journey came to climax while I spent Christmas week in the hospital,� the actress began her post, which included a series of photos of herself at the hospital. The images included Dorken in her hospital bed, preparing for a CT scan, at home recovering, and pics with her husband, Bo Clark.

�After 3 ER trips, 7 Dr. visits, pelvic & abdominal ultrasounds, countless blood lab visits, 2 CT scans, 3 MRIs, a HIDA scan, low fodmap diet, echocardiogram and a treadmill stress test- with teary eyes, and an *invisible* problem- I had almost accepted my new reality,� she continued in the post�s caption.

�BUT! I know my body better than anyone,� the Boardwalk Empire alum added. �The pain was intolerable and I knew it wasn�t normal. So I tried a different hospital, and they listened! Thank you, UCLA for your professionalism, care & kindness.�

She went on to list her various ailments over the past eight months, including �emergency gallbladder removal surgery,� �jaundice,� �pancreatitis,� and more surgery �to remove a missed/lodged stone.�

�None of those prior scans showed a �real� problem, but in reality, my gallbladder was in reallyyy rough shape,� she noted.

Dorken, who has portrayed Amy Driscoll in General Hospital from 2016 to 2024, went on to thank the nurses, doctors, and other medical staff who have helped her in her health journey. She also thanked her husband for being by her side throughout the challenging experience.

�We have answers & are healing because I stood up for myself,� she stated. �It�s *sometimes* hard for healthcare providers to take you (me) seriously, when they look at your chart, see mental health conditions, run their tests, and tell you nothing is wrong- �it�s your anxiety.� It�s devastating to feel dismissed, especially when your health (& happiness) are at stake. Wellll *sometimes* scans are off & it�s a ticking time bomb organ rotting inside you� just saying. Health. Mental Health. It�s all that matters.�

Concluding her post, Dorken shared a message for the new year, saying, �Be nice to each other. Why not, ya know? Being a human is hard. Wishing you all a healthyyyyy 2025! Take care of yourselves.�

Sean Kanan Says �Fear of Losing� His Wife Was �Ultimate Catalyst� for His Sobriety

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE alongside wife Michele Kanan, the Bold and the Beautiful star, 58, opened up about what motivated him to quit drinking nearly five years ago. He recalled the moment when Michele made a candid plea that hit him "like a lightning bolt."

"She said to me at one point, 'I have put my heart and everything into this relationship. Please tell me that I didn't back the wrong horse,' " says Sean, who has portrayed Deacon Sharpe � a character who similarly struggled with alcohol issues � on the daytime soap since 2000.

"I had been trying for a very long time to get sober, and I had intermittent periods of success followed by fairly catastrophic setbacks, let's say. But when I heard that, I don't know. The skies parted," he continues. "It set something in motion that was different than everything before."

Sean says it was the thought of losing Michele that gave him the push he needed to make a lasting change.

"I believe there's two forces in the universe that create profound and lasting change in human beings, and that's fear and love. I was motivated by both," he explains. "I was in fear of losing the thing that I loved the most, which was Michele, and that was the ultimate catalyst that finally got me to get it together."

Michele quickly clarified that she wasn't giving Sean an "ultimatum," but rather offering him a "safe space" to inwardly reflect and do the work to set himself on a path toward sobriety.

"I told him, 'Look, this is our life together, and it's either going to be painful and you're going to watch me slowly die because I love you, and I see that you're hurting yourself for some reason that I can't fix, and that's going to slowly kill me as well. So, we're in it together. Whatever you want to do, the ball is in your court,' " she tells PEOPLE.

She continues, "To me, being a partner is you take the good and the bad. I always knew that that guy was in there. I just was waiting for him to see that it was okay to come out. I figured if I provided a safe space for him, that he would be able to do it."

"I'm definitely the kind of guy, you put your finger in my chest and you're not going to get the reaction that you want, but if you give me positive reinforcement and allow me the space to do a little critical thinking, I almost always make the right decision. That's what Michele did," he explains. "I mean, she really played the long game. She understood this was not going to be a quick fix, but given the right environment and the right positive reinforcement, that I was going to get it."

The Cobra Kai star says his hard-fought sobriety has had "a profound effect" on his life and taught him a valuable lesson.

"Somebody said something to me once, and it sounds so simple, 'Would you give up one thing to have everything?' I gave up this one thing, and I have everything. I mean, I truly have everything," Sean says. "That doesn't mean that I don't strive for more, but my life is amazing. Probably the most incredible part about [giving up alcohol], aside from my relationship with Michele, is that I don't miss it. It's not like I'm white knuckling it and I'm hanging on."

"I attribute it to God, to my relationship with the Almighty that there has been something that has been fundamentally removed from me that I didn't ever think could be removed," he continues, adding, "I also attribute a lot of it to my love and relationship with Michele."

The pair � who married in 2012 � share some of their relationship wisdom in their book Way of the Cobra Couples, released on Oct. 8. According to a synopsis, the book promises to teach readers "the mindset, philosophy and battle-tested strategies that led [Michele and Sean] to a life of meaningful happiness together."

Michele credits their open communication and unflinching honesty with each other for leading them to a place where their relationship is now stronger than ever.

"When I first met Sean, he was going through some things, and I was also going through some things. We were in this really troubled time in our life, and we didn't try to hide them or pretend that it wasn't happening," she explains. "We just trudged through them. I feel like we came out the other side and are stronger because of it."

She adds, "Our relationship works because we inherently talk to each other. We inherently care about each other, and we're respectful to each other."

Ingo Rademacher Demands Trial Against ABC for �General Hospital� Firing After Steve Burton�s Return

According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, Rademacher, 53, filed a motion on Thursday, December 26, requesting a new trial against the network citing there was new evidence.

In the filing, Rademacher alleged that Burton�s recent return to General Hospital �undermines� ABC�s argument that Rademacher�s �political beliefs did not play any role in its decision to fire him� back in 2021.

In November 2021, both Rademacher and Burton were fired from General Hospital due to their refusal to comply with the show�s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Rademacher, who played Jax on the ABC soap for 25 years, was vocal about his beliefs on vaccination requirements. Before his firing, he advocated for �medical freedom� via his Instagram page.

One month after his exit from General Hospital, Rademacher announced he was taking legal action against ABC for their policy. Rademacher followed through and engaged in a legal battle with the network where he accused ABC of religious discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and violation of his right to privacy.

ABC denied Rademacher�s allegations. The network claimed their decision to let Rademacher go was based on health reasons, not due to his religious beliefs. In June 2023, a judge sided with ABC.

Burton, for his part, did not seek legal action against the network. Instead, he joined the cast of Days of Our Lives in April 2022, reprising his role of Harris Michaels whom he played in 1988.

�I just shot my final scenes here on Days of Our Lives and I just want to say, thank you so much to the cast [and] to the crew. It�s been amazing,� Burton said in a January video uploaded to the Daily Drama�s YouTube page. �I can�t believe it�s been a year already! So, thank you so much to the fans. It�s just � I�m always so full of gratitude. So thank you. Stay tuned.�

Two months later, it was announced that Burton was set to return to General Hospital to reprise his role of Jason Morgan, three years after his firing. He made his first reappearance on the soap opera in March.

�Look who�s back in the ring!,� the show�s official Instagram teased in March. �@1SteveBurton has officially returned to Port Charles � and that�s all we can tell you (for now). #GH #GeneralHospital.�

What�s Next on �General Hospital� in 2025: Lulu & Dante, Michael�s Exit, Trina & Kai, and More

Check out what else they have to say about what the denizens of PC will be up to as the new year unfolds.

�We�re thrilled by Alexa�s [Havins] addition to the cast. She�s exceeded our expectations and brought new energy and spirit to Lulu. And she�ll need it! As we enter 2025, Lulu is determined to bring her daughter home and will pulverize anyone who stands in her way. Valentin [Cassadine, James Patrick Stuart] can run, but he can�t hide. Her quest to reunite with [daughter] Charlotte [Cassadine, Scarlett Fernandez] will set in motion a game of life and death. As for Dante [Dominic Zamprogna], Lulu is as in love with him now as she was the day she fell into a coma. But his life is much changed. He�s grieving Sam [Kelly Monaco], and the family she left behind is shattered. Lulu can�t even bring herself to tell him how she feels, much less intrude on his mourning. But the longer she waits, the greater the chances that someone else will catch his heart � or hers.�

�Alexis [Nancy Lee Grahn] works double time to bring her two remaining daughters together, but Kristina�s [Corinthos, Kate Mansi] resolve to settle her score with Ava [Jerome, Maura West] threatens to set back any progress and then some. At the same time, Alexis must navigate a tricky situation with Drew [Quartermaine, Cameron Mathison], whose pariah status has him considering relocating with [daughter] Scout [Quartermaine, Cosette Abinante].�

�Sonny [Maurice Benard] is hit with an existential crisis that has him re-examining his personal and professional lives. He�ll be forced to make a big decision about his future; and anything that impacts the reigning mob boss of Port Charles will impact everyone on the canvas.�

�Drew and Willow�s [Corinthos, Katelyn MacMullen] affair has Michael�s [Chad Duell] family crumbling around him. But he doesn�t take their transgression lying down. He�s ready to fight back � when a shocking act of violence has his plans go up in smoke.�

�Carly [Laura Wright] has her hands full when she takes a lead role looking after Michael�s best interests. How far will she go to stick up for her son?�

�Drew and Willow double down on their relationship, which will result in a raft of enemies aligning against them. An unlikely alliance is formed in an effort to rip the blinders off Willow. Her commitment to Drew will face a grave test as we get deeper into the year.�

�Sasha [Sofia Mattsson] charts a new course for herself and the baby she�s carrying. The Scorpios and others coalesce to provide support, but she�s determined to maintain her independence. That will prove easier said than done while working for the nosy Quartermaines, and even more so when a request from Michael puts Jason [Steve Burton] in Sasha�s path. For his own part, Jason is thrust into uncharted territory when he must disappoint Sonny � twice. And Carly�s strengthening connection to [Jack] Brennan [Charles Mesure] poses a slew of problems all their own.�

�Ava�s future is at stake when she allows Ric [Rick Hearst] deeper into her life. But someone ought to warn Ava that Elizabeth [Rebecca Herbst] is never far from Ric�s mind. Meanwhile, Ava�s indelible connections to the Corinthos and Davis clans will either save her bacon or prove her downfall.�

�Just when she thought she was out, WSB intrigue draws Anna [Finola Hughes] back in. Past is prologue when Valentin finds himself in deep trouble. Can Anna pull him out, and make up for her mistakes? She can do one or the other, but maybe not both.�

�Emma [Braedyn Bruner] is a live wire, more Scorpio/Devane than Drake. She�s got a heart of gold and knuckles of brass. Her return to Port Charles means headaches and fun in equal measure for Josslyn [Jacks, Eden McCoy] and the Scorpios, Anna especially.�

�The Quartermaines are rocked when a certain employee�s misconception takes on a life of its own. On another front, Tracy [Quartermaine, Jane Elliot] takes up arms against Drew, but he proves a formidable enemy � especially when he enlists Martin�s [Grey, Michael E. Knight] legal aid. Martin will prove a match for Tracy � perhaps in more ways than one.�

�Laura�s [Genie Francis] mettle as mayor, mother and grandmother is tested. Her heart is full thanks to Lucky�s [Spencer, Jonathan Jackson] return and Lulu�s restoration, but wherever those two go, trouble follows. She�ll get no respite in the office, either � PC�s mayor faces crises on several fronts as Martin�s shenanigans create conflict across the canvas; and much worse, Cyrus [Renault, Jeff Kober] looks to take more victims. And looming overall is [Jenz] Sidwell [Carlo Rota], whose resettlement in Port Charles poses a unique challenge for our mayor. Port Charles will need her level best � and so will her old friend, Sonny. They�ve had many ups and downs, more down than up recently. Will Laura be there for Sonny in his time of need?�

�The WSB does not put down stakes anywhere just �cause. Brennan is running a long-term operation, one that will have a life-changing impact on a number of residents. But his success is imperiled by something a seasoned cynic could never have anticipated � genuine romantic feeling. Carly could be his undoing.�

�We are beyond happy to have Jonathan Jackson back. Lucky and Elizabeth�s romance is foundational to our vision of General Hospital. But they�ve been apart a long time. She may not be able to trust him with her heart, but she will trust him with her life. And she�ll have good reason to as they team up to uncover the truth about Sam�s death. Sparks will fly, but the closer they get to Cyrus, the closer he gets to them.�

�Josslyn takes drastic measures to unmask Dex�s [Heller, Evan Hofer] killer. Doing so will bring her to a crossroads. Her choice will change her life forever.�

�Kai [Jens Austin Astrup] and Trina [Tabyana Ali] try to find common ground as the new year begins and the football season ends. As 2025 progresses, they�ll be confronted by burgeoning feelings, crises, intrigue and adventure. A conflict elsewhere on the canvas will have Kai watching his back, but maybe by then Trina will be watching it for him.�

�Brook Lynn [Amanda Setton] and Chase�s [Josh Swickard] marriage is tested by a medical setback, a secret she�s keeping � and a secret being kept from her, about her. But only one person can keep a secret, and even Cerullos have lapses. The coming revelations will have profound impacts on Brook Lynn and Chase�s marriage, and on the Quartermaine, Cerullo, Falconeri and Corinthos families. Meanwhile, Brook Lynn and Lulu�s mutual hostility makes a diplomat out of Maxie [Jones, Kristen Storms]. But her attempts to strike a peace may prove no match for the long-standing issues between her two friends.�

�Cyrus�s motives will become clear early in the new year. His hit list is growing� but if he doesn�t take care, he�ll find himself in the crosshairs.�

�Lucy [Lynn Herring] provides entr�e to PC society for moneybags Sidwell. But nothing is free with Lucy. She has designs to expand Deception and will need more than Sonny�s capital to make it happen. That�s where Sidwell comes in. He alone possesses the resources needed to grow Deception, and she�s glad to avail herself of them � much to her partners� chagrin. But is their corporate angel just a devil in disguise?�

�Cody [Josh Kelly] gets into more trouble with the law, but his reckless streak may ultimately prove financially and romantically rewarding. And he may prove a key role in what comes as Quartermaine secrets come to light.�

�The rift between Curtis [Donnell Turner] and Drew widens, threatening to erupt into a full-blown war. Selina [Wu, Lydia Look] strikes a deal that will have troublesome repercussions for the Ashfords. When faced with further trouble, Portia [Brook Kerr] may find herself resorting to tactics similar to those she deployed against Heather [Webber, Alley Mills]. A chance run-in makes a confidante of Isaiah [Sawandi Wilson]. His budding relationship with Jordan [Tanisha Harper] is called into doubt when she undertakes a dangerous mission to rid Port Charles of a growing threat.�

�We take our hats off to Van Hansis, who has breathed new pathos, humor and authenticity into the role of Lucas. We look forward to developing Lucas�s role at the hospital and in his family and giving his romantic life a shot in the arm. Brad [Parry Shen] aims to get back with Lucas, but Brad being Brad, he�s prone to trusting more to his schemes than in his own personal growth. One wrong move could stop the looming reunion in its tracks � and leave Lucas vulnerable to the advances of a handsome and mysterious stranger.�

General Hospital Star Brooklyn Rae Silzer Speaks Out About 'Sad' Exit from the Show After 13 Years: 'Forever Thankful'

On Monday, Dec. 23, the 18-year-old actress spoke out on social media after she was replaced as Emma Drake following 13 years of playing the character. In a heartfelt message posted the same day Braedyn Bruner took over the role, Silzer expressed gratitude for her time on the soap.

�To my amazing General Hospital family who have supported me and watched me grow up over the years as Emma I am forever grateful,� she wrote. �Although sad my time as Emma has come to an end I will cherish all of my memories and friendships made. I am so lucky to have been casted as Emma 13 years ago and to have had the opportunity to grow her character over the years.�

�I am so excited to see how Braedyn takes care of Emma and bring new layers to her character,� she added of 24-year-old Bruner. �I am forever thankful for General Hospital and Emma will always hold a special place in my heart.�

She captioned it: �A little note to my @GeneralHospital family and fans who have loved me over the years ?? B xoxo�

Silzer was 5 years old when she began playing Emma in 2011. She remained a series regular until 2016 but continued to make guest appearances on the show.

Fans took to the comments of her post to react to her exit, with many saying they would miss seeing her on their screens and others wondering if it was her decision to leave.

�Brooklyn, I enjoyed watching you as Emma for all these years,� one person wrote. �You are a shining star! You will always be remembered as Emma. Much love and luck in all your future endeavors. You will be missed ??.�

�You ARE Emma to us,� commented another. �I'm hoping this was your choice. If so best of everything to you in your future.�

Someone else wrote: "Loved watching you grow up on G.H. wish you all the best! Like [stated] before I hope this was your decision."

General Hospital lost several longtime cast members in 2024, including Michael Easton, who had been in more than 940 episodes over 10 years. In a video posted to Instagram in June, Easton revealed he only had one episode left on the show.

�I�ve always been partial to the Irish goodbye,� he said in the clip. �That�s where you leave the party without actually telling anyone you�re gone. But I thought you all deserved better, so I just wanted to let you know that I just filmed my final scenes here at General Hospital.�

�I�ve loved every minute that I�ve been here,� he continued. �I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage this past 10 years. Most importantly, I want to thank all of you for the kindness and love you�ve shown me and my family. I won�t ever forget you. And as I walk out here for the last time, and with apologies to the great Lou Gehrig, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.�

Kelly Monaco also departed from her role in October after 21 years as Sam McCall � and she hinted at the time that it wasn�t her choice to leave.

In a since-deleted response to a comment on Soap Hub�s Instagram that read, �What do you got concrete in your head she wasn�t fired she didn�t take the pay cut so she had to leave,� the actress offered up her own reaction.

��No primary role�.. do your homework. When Billy Miller was fired, Sam�s storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had,� she wrote. �Something I worked for decades to build� Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience. Call it what you will� retaliation at it [sic] finest. I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.�

�The Bay� To Honor The Late Jacklyn Zeman With Special Episode

Zeman played Sofia Madison on the series for eight seasons, prior to her passing in 2023 at the age of 70.

The episode titled �Sofia� will feature several special guest stars including Dee Wallace (E.T., Cujo) as Sofia�s sister Charlotte Grace and two of Zeman�s former General Hospital castmates Tamara Braun (Days of Our Lives) and Leigh McCloskey (Dallas) as important characters who show up in Bay City.

The special words written to describe Zeman�s character in the episode were written by Zeman�s real-life daughters, Cassidy and Lacey Rose.

�It was an honor for us to have Jackie�s daughters Lacey Rose and Cassidy contribute beautiful words to describe their mother that we implemented into our script and will play on screen this Friday,� said Creator Gregori J. Martin in a statement.

Martin also thanks Beyond The Gates Executive Producer and Creator Michele Van Jean for suggesting the name of Tamara Braun�s character, Rita Elise Kennedy, as it symbolizes everal important relatives to Zeman.

Zeman joined General Hospital in 1977 and appeared in more than 800 episodes. She joined The Bay in 2010. She was a five-time Daytime Emmy nominee � four for GH and one for starring in The Bay as Sofia Madison.

The special episode will air live at 5p ET / 2p PT on December 27 with encore presentations at 10p ET / 7p PT and again at 1a ET / 10p PT on PopStar! TV.

Filmed at Associated Television Studios in Burbank, CA, The Bay is written, directed and produced by Martin and is owned by the independent production company LANY Entertainment, in association with She Mogul Media. The drama series airs weekdays on Popstar! TV and is available live on Plex, STIRR, Local Now, and Distro.

The Popstar! TV app is available on several major platforms including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Vizio.

Harvey Guill�n & Adrianne Palicki To Lead Pickleball Mockumentary

The film�s cast also includes Pej Vahdat (The Old Man), Kristine Froseth (Sharp Stick), Eric Nelsen (1883), Ryan Cooper (Rough Night), Lindsey Morgan (The 100), Sam Humphrey (The Greatest Showman) and the film�s screenwriter Jared Bonner.

The homemade mockumentary �directed� by Arash Bardot (Vahdat) follows the weirdly lovable Barney Bardot (Bonner), who returns to civilization after a shameful, televised loss in Ping Pong eight years before Angus Caan (Cooper), which led him to recluse in the woods. Arash hopes for a �return to glory� story to save their family home from the estate agent at the door, Gayle Plankton (Guill�n). But, with too much trauma surrounding his Ping Pong history, Barney cannot return to the small table.

Fortuitously, they meet the sweet and savage community pickleballer Mia Presley (Froseth) and reconnect with Angus, who acclimates Barney back to civilian life and a new racquet sport, where he must best Hawk Kai (Eric Nelsen) and his past.

Palicki stars as �Carla Plankton�, Nelsen as �Hawk Kai,� and Sam Humphrey as �Gunther.�

Cindy Cowan (Miracle on 42nd Street), Ryan Cooper (Texas Cult House), Jared Bonner (Dance Dads), Josh Flanagan (Day 5) and Josh Folan (Ask For Jane) are producing. Bob Morrison, Adrianne Palicki, Philip Jackson, Cori Stolburn, Hayden Lindsey, Tiffany Lindsey, and Brad & Josalyn Cline are executive producers. The film is a co-production of Cooper�s Flew The Coop Productions and Bonner�s Fly Over Films.

Josh Flanagan is repped by UTA and David Greenblatt. Guill�n is repped by Innovative and Yorn, Levine, Barnes. Palicki is repped by Paradigm and Anonymous. Vahdat is repped by TalentWorks, Neon Kite, and Schreck Rose Dapello. Froseth is repped by CAA, Anonymous, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller. Nelsen is repped by TCA and The Booth Group. Cooper is repped by CESD and Authentic. Morgan is repped by Innovative and Luber, Roklin Entertainment. Humphrey is repped by CMT Management, Shushu Entertainment, and Biletsky Law.

Broken English Sets Women Director�s Initiative Winners; Jaina Lee Ortiz, Lindsey Morgan & Mauricio Mendoza To Star In Short Films

Each winning new filmmaker receives a $30k grant to produce a short film and additional resources to bring their projects to fruition. Additionally, they will count on the participation of Jaina Lee Ortiz (Station 19, The Long Game), Lindsey Morgan (Walker, The 100) and Mauricio Mendoza (Final Vow) as actors in their projects which will premiere at a special screening sponsored by Soho House.

The initiative was created by Jolene Rodriguez, CEO of Broken English Productions, to support and empower new women directors in the film industry through mentorship and support to help bring their creative visions to life.

�I�m stoked for the world to see what these lovely women create. They�re incredibly talented, and I�m beyond proud of them,� Rodriguez shared in a statement to Deadline. �Thank you to Women in Film, Sony Pictures, Soho House and the amazing talent attached for their support.�

Johanna Brinckman
Title: By Your Side
Logline: Julie�s father taught her many lessons, but nothing could prepare her for his loss. As she copes with her grief, a chance encounter helps her feel her father�s enduring love, transforming her sorrow into a gentle celebration of their bond. �By Your Side� highlights the importance of memories, showing that love goes beyond life and invites the audience to find hope and reconsider their views on grief.

Bio in their own words: Born and raised in Germany, Johanna discovered her passion for visual storytelling early through experimenting with film and photography. She launched her photography career at 21, working with leading magazines and entertainment clients while traveling internationally to bring her creative vision to life. In 2019, Johanna moved to Los Angeles to expand her opportunities and has since become known for blending artistic direction with authentic expression. Now stepping into directing, she seeks to explore deeper narratives, creating powerful stories that combine visuals, music, and compelling concepts.

Ini Ishola
Title: Seneca, Speak
Logline: A young girl named Seneca copes with her mother�s death while trying to find solace with her father. When her pregnant stepmother goes into labor, Seneca discovers a surprising secret about her father. She faces a difficult choice: to keep her father�s secret or to protect her stepmother�s dignity.

Bio in their own words: Hailing from the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Ishola is a Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-raised filmmaker whose stories aspire to delve into the depths of the human subconscious under the strain of intense emotional pressure and high anxiety, and she possesses an equally intense drive to create stories that explain these mysteries to the curious. Ishola and her work seek to unravel the human psyche and decision-making processes, revealing the profound similarities that unite people across diverse backgrounds. As a result of her experiences, she is enlightened on what continues to be the most crucial fact of her life: when she forges stories that emerge from the deepest part of her, that is when she is utterly free.

Marta M�ndez Cross
Title: iChild
Logline: A struggling woman, grappling with addiction and personal chaos, sets out to seek her child�s forgiveness, only to ultimately find her path to redemption and self-forgiveness.

Bio in their own words: M�ndez Cross is an actress and writer based in Los Angeles, recognized for her roles in films like Side FX and popular TV shows such as Criminal Minds and NCIS: LA. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, she gained attention from Shonda Rhimes in Off The Map and starred in the Lifetime series Life with Olivia, which focused on breast cancer awareness. She won the Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival for her work on Lost In Shadowed Sand. Currently, she is collaborating with Hallmark on their first Latinx Christmas drama, Feliz Navidad, and is working on the feature film Sisters, where she stars and produces, emphasizing her dedication to representing underrepresented communities.

London Critics� Circle Film Awards Nominations

Greg Kinnear, Kate Berlant, Nazanin Boniadi, Ron Perlman & Colleen Camp Join Darkly Comedic Thriller �The Saviors�

Directed by Kevin Hamedani from a script he co-wrote with Travis Betz, which was featured on the 2018 Black List, the film is about a suburban couple whose life spirals into paranoia and danger when they rent their garage to mysterious tenants, leading to a shocking revelation with world-altering stakes.

Kinnear plays Jim Clemente, an eccentric detective who the couple hires to investigate their new tenants. Berlant plays Scott�s character�s conspiracy theorist sister, Cleo. Boniadi plays Jahan, one of the mysterious tenants. Perlman and Camp play the parents of Scott�s character, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison.

Matt Smith and Dan Gedman of Highway 10 are financing and producing the film, as the first under their new shingle, alongside Adam Scott and Naomi Scott of Great Scott Productions, Nicholas Weinstock and Divya D�Souza of Invention Studios, and Bradley Gallo and Michael Helfant of Amasia Entertainment. Deadwyler, Alyssa Roehrenbeck, and Josh Sathre are the executive producers.

�We�re absolutely thrilled to be working with such an extraordinary group of actors,� said producers Smith and Gedman. �Kevin and Travis have created a bold and compelling screenplay and their vision attracted the most amazing group of actors whose talent, passion and creativity elevate this film in every conceivable way.�

Added Weinstock, President of Invention, �We�re thrilled to have such a knockout cast onboard this bold and beautiful thriller. It�s a wildly dynamic showcase of both beloved and emerging actors � and a total privilege to watch them bringing the story to life with such brilliance.�

Kinnear is repped by CAA, Anonymous Content, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman; Berlant by UTA, Rise Management, and Felker Toczek Suddleson; Boniadi by CAA, The Artists Partnership in the UK, Jordan Lee Talent, and Glaser Weil Fink Jacobs; Perlman by Gersh and Link Entertainment; and Camp by Gersh and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols.

Cameron Webber Is Back on �General Hospital�! First Look at William Lipton�s Return

The actor, who started on the show in 2018, left in 2023, and made an appearance earlier this year, says he was contacted by the show months ago to return. �I was scrolling through my phone and I got a text from two of my favorite people on the planet, Mark Teschner [casting director] and Frank Valentini [executive producer], asking if I had any time later in the year to come back and say hi to my GH family,� Lipton recalls. �Obviously, I was super stoked to receive that message, and I was happy that they were willing to work with me and my kind of insane schedule to make it happen.�

Driving through the gates again felt very familiar to the young performer. �It was so nostalgic,� Lipton relays. �I mean, from the beginning of my sophomore year of high school to my sophomore year of college, my life was coming to Prospect Studios. It was just a really special feeling seeing all the people that I would see at the front gate, who gave me a big hug when I came back. My ID still works, which was a shock. General Hospital has been there during some immense moments in my life and has oftentimes been those immense, incredibly important moments in my life, and just to be able to relive that, walk through the halls, see all the friendly faces, and catch up with all the amazing people, I�m very grateful that I got to experience that again.�

Even though many months had passed since he was last on set, �I wasn�t super nervous,� Lipton reports. �I came up to the stage to shoot feeling very confident. I was like, �OK, cool. We�re back in the groove,� and then as soon as rehearsal was done and we�re ready to shoot, I was like, �Oh, geez.� My heart kind of dropped. I was like, �OK, this is how they do it. I forgot about that.� It�s just constant filming and there�s no time to be left behind. You have to be on it.�

Happily, he was, and also had the chance to reconnect with a lot of his PC pals. �Oh, my gosh, who didn�t I reconnect with?� he marvels. �It was so awesome to see so many incredible actors and longtime friends. I was able to see Eden [McCoy, Josslyn Jacks] and we had an awesome catch-up about each other�s lives and everything that�s been going on. Eden has been a friend there since the beginning and I�m always so grateful for any time I get to spend with her. I was able to see Becky [Herbst, Elizabeth Webber], which was so, so sweet. She�s been nothing but supportive to me and to my mom throughout the years at GH and it was just really sweet to get a really big, warm hug from Becky. I ran into Mo [Maurice Benard, Sonny Corinthos] downstairs, and all my friends in the hair and makeup department were so happy to see me, and I was so happy to see them.�

Speaking of his hair, Lipton was quickly reminded of how his look is not like Cameron�s. �My hair is very different from Cameron�s hair,� he explains. �I like wearing my hair a little bit shaggy and crazy and Cameron�s very clean and well-kempt, so any time I walk into the hair and makeup department or when I�m upstairs for early morning blocking, everyone�s like, �Wait, what the heck? You look like that?� I kind of forgot and was like, �This is 7 a.m. William Lipton, not proper and pristine Cameron Webber [Laughs].�

As for what brings his alter ego back to town, Lipton teases, �At the center of all Cameron storylines, past, present and future, it�s always his extreme loyalty and love for his family. He will be exploring the town a little bit, maybe run into a few people that he has known throughout his time in Port Charles, but at the end of the day, it�s just him celebrating the love that he has for his family and the love that he feels from his family. So, I think the people who are tuning in will be really happy to see Cameron being as happy as he is at this current stage of his life.�

The same could be said for Lipton, who has taken a brief leave of absence from college to work on his music and just finished filming The Runarounds, a new series for Prime Video from the creators of Outer Banks. �It�s a dream come true,� he says of the project. �Since I was a very, very young kid growing up doing acting and music, my biggest dream role was something that involved heavy music and heavy acting. I already got to experience some on General Hospital, but this show is all about the making of a band and it�s been the best.�

Lipton shot the series on location in Wilmington, North Carolina, and quickly bonded with the cast. �I happened to get it with my longtime friend, musician and bandmate, Jeremy [Yun], and we�ve been playing together since we were six,� he shares. �So, the whole show feels just so real and authentic and true to the story that we�re telling. The Pates [executive producer and creator Jonah Pate and EP Josh Pate] are geniuses when it comes to making captivating, bingeworthy shows that are just jaw-droppingly gorgeous to watch. It�s a great honor to be a part of their vision for sure.�

But General Hospital will always feel like home to him, Lipton assures. �I really tried to make sure that I let everyone know what an incredible, positive impact General Hospital has had on my life,� he says. �It is giving me my fondest memories and the fact that they were not just willing to have me back, but excited to have me back, meant a great deal to me and to my family. I have so much love for those people and I�m getting a little choked up, but they�re the best. I�ve really enjoyed my experience there and the fact that I got to continue it, even for just a little appearance, warms my heart so much.�

General Hospital star Evan Hofer on Dex's shocking fate

Fans who tuned in to General Hospital today were in for a shock when Dex Heller, the enigmatic Army-vet-turned-mercenary-mob-infiltrator-turned-romantic-hero-with-a-heart-of-gold died after being stabbed on Tuesday's episode. As recently as yesterday on GH, Dex was in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery. But during a visit from friend Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) and girlfriend Josslyn (Eden McCoy), Dex went into cardiac arrest and died.

Evan Hofer first joined General Hospital in 2022 in a role that he says was meant to last "only one to three months." Three years later, Dex's death deals a major blow to several key characters on the long-running soap, potentially introduces a terrifying new killer, and leaves behind plenty of questions as to how the series will proceed without him. Though he confesses he's "nervous" to see how fans will react to his swan song, he tells Entertainment Weekly that above all else, he's "just so honored that they let me join the ranks."

"I found out probably a few weeks before we filmed the scene," Hofer says, "and honestly, I was just excited to find out what the story was going to be, and wanted to hear how that was going to go. So my last few weeks were really just trying to soak in how much I loved playing Dex, and how much I loved all the people over at GH. I had such a wonderful time there over the last two-and-a-half years, and I was just trying to make sure that I do justice to the character in those final episodes."

Dex rolled into Port Charles in May 2022, shrouded in mystery and oozing a steely sex appeal. First employed as the manager of Volonino's Gym, Dex was eventually taken under the wing of mob boss Sonny Corinthos (series veteran Maurice Benard), exposed as a double agent working for Sonny's treacherous son Michael (Chad Duell), and finally struck out on his own, pursuing a legitimate law enforcement career as a means of shaking off the grip of his traumatic past.

Working with Benard is among the experiences he'll miss most. "Mo really has been such a special person to me," Hofer says, "and I feel so fortunate that I got to work with him from the beginning. We had a mutual colleague in Frances Fisher, who's an incredible actor. Mo knew that apparently, and on my first day I walked in and he was like, 'Frances.' I was like, 'Yeah?' He said, 'Oh, so you're a good actor.' We hit it off on the first day, and that's all thanks to his warmth."

While Sonny was nowhere near Rice Plaza at the time of the stabbing, fans know well by now that the Corinthos don is well-versed in effecting violent action from afar and by proxy. Josslyn even expressed concern that Sonny, her own stepfather, could be behind the attack, a suggestion that Dex dismisses. When asked where he thinks Sonny goes from here, Hofer says he "has no idea what the writers will do with it." But he does have some ideas of his own.

"Sonny and Dex got really close and had this father-son relationship building. Sonny was this father figure that Dex always wanted, but in a really toxic, unhealthy way that a mob boss would be. I think that Sonny's definitely going to feel a hole from that. It's going to be these interesting, complex feelings of, 'That guy was coming after me.' They obviously weren't good for a long time. Sonny beat up Dex at [Brook Lynn and Chase's] wedding, and so they obviously were not cool. But I think that all that love and emotion between two people doesn't just go away."

The love between Josslyn and Dex was only growing more fervent and steadfast, making this one of the most tragic deaths in recent GH history. The couple enjoyed a fan-favorite relationship ever since they first got together on New Year's Eve 2022. Josslyn's mother being a Corinthos and Dex being a sometime prot�g�, sometime thorn in the family patriarch's side, their union is controversial to some, but to others, it felt like destiny.

"I think that this might be the lover boy in me, but I love love," Hofer says. "So I think his relationship with Josslyn was really what impacted Dex most in trying to get his life together, getting out of the mob, becoming the police officer, and realizing he never thought that he deserved anything good out of his life... he had a death wish for a really long time, and then she gave him a reason to live."

Josslyn was there at the scene of the attack, and she watched as Dex died. No character on the series believed in Dex's ability to turn his life around more than Josslyn, and no one helped him make it happen more.

Hofer feels he "could not have gotten any luckier starting out working with Mo and Eden so much, to build those relationships... We went from the beginning of the role - 'Okay he's in the mob, he was a veteran, so he's got this edge. Alright, but how is he romantically?' Getting to build all that out with Eden was really special."

How will fans react to Josslyn losing Dex for good, though? "Not well," he laughs, making light of the notorious dedication of the GH fanbase. "Mo always said this to me since the beginning, that our fans are like no others. Just the amount that they care and really put so much energy into the show and how much they care about it. And all of us, all the stories and all the history is so special."

Fans have been speculating for months on social media, in articles, and via posts on daytime soap forums about Dex's fate, as the character seemed to fade little by little from the center of Port Charles goings-on. Today's episode confirms that their worst suspicions were correct, as it seems all of the secrets that Dex was keeping about the denizens of Port Charles � especially the reveal that he saw Cyrus (Jeff Kober) at General Hospital the night the latter injected Sam (Kelly Monaco) with digitalis � finally caught up to him.

But Hofer doesn't betray the slightest bit of resentment about his departure. "From my very first day, I always got so excited to read the scripts, no matter what they were, and this was really no different. I was just dying to hear how the story would go, and getting to put a bookend on it is a really rare thing in any job, to actually get to wrap up a character arc."

Hofer joins a spate of General Hospital cast members to leave the show in the past year. Monaco announced in August that she'd be leaving the series after 21 years, but in October confessed that her exit "still doesn't make sense." R�al Andrews and Michael Easton are also on their ways out, and Chad Duell is leaving after 14 years.

Hofer shared many memorable scenes with Duell, who played Michael Corinthos. Michael's another adoptive son of Sonny, and he hires Dex to gather intel on his felonious father, which majorly backfires in Dex's face. Hofer calls Duell "an incredible actor" who has "been a great friend to me in all my time there. I think he's doing what's right for him, and I'm just so excited to see what he does. He's such a great man, and I just want him to be happy, wherever that is."

With Dex's killer still at large and Josslyn in a state of deep mourning, Port Charles is looking like a much smaller, sadder place without Dex Heller. But the actor is looking forward to "some really exciting stuff coming up," though "nothing I can talk about quite yet."

Having graduated the "boot camp" of daytime drama ("You start getting those 40 pages a day and you're like, 'How am I going to do all this the next day?' But it becomes second nature."), he's ready to take on anything.

�General Hospital� First Look: Drew & Willow�s Affair Is Exposed � Cameron Mathison Reacts

Mathison admits he never expected the story to take the twists and turns it has when he first started sharing scenes with MacMullen, whose Willow is already married to Michael Corinthos. �It felt very much initially like a chemistry test between the two of us,� he recalls. �Katey and I always worked really well together, and then all of a sudden, Drew and Willow dabbled into a little bit more than just a close friendship, and I had no idea that it would be to this extent. I had no idea that it would blow up Port Charles. I had no idea that Drew�s character would almost do a 180 as far as what he�s willing to do and the sacrifices he�s willing to make for this love for this woman. So, it�s way bigger and wilder and more disruptive than I ever could have imagined, which I say in an exciting way.�

The actor is keenly aware that the story isn�t the most popular with viewers. �I know many people out there that aren�t happy with Drew, and initially that was hard for me,� Mathison offers. �But I�m just going to say that these things happen in real life, and I think it�s really good story and giving a lot of other people really good story. But even more than that, I think it�s the making of, potentially, a really beautiful love story. I really do.�

That is, if Willow never finds out that Drew was intimate with her mom, Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros). �Well, that�s a little tricky,� Mathison concedes. �So, it�s really kind of Nina, Willow and Drew against the world, but the problem is, Nina knows the whole story and Willow doesn�t. Drew and Nina have slept together, but as soon as things start happening with Willow, he stopped sleeping with Nina. It doesn�t make it a whole lot better, but it makes it a little bit better. And he was never sleeping with both of them at the same time, but he�s certainly not being open and honest to Willow, and that would be really important information for Willow to know that happened. But he�s not thinking super clearly in all ways.�

Which is a welcome turn for Mathison, who initially had some trouble making sense of his alter ego�s decisions. �Drew is not being the best version of himself,� he points out. �I went to see the producers a few times because I didn�t understand it and I needed help. I needed guidance. I needed motivation. So in that way, it�s been really, really hard, but now I kind of feel like it�s really fun and it�s a real challenge and I love that. After everything that happened to Drew in prison, almost dying, sacrificing himself for Carly, losing her because Jason comes back in town, the Quartermaines turning their back on him, Ned trying to do this and that and the other thing to him, there�s been problem after problem after being betrayed and being outcast. And ultimately, you�ll see as the story develops, there�s more of that, and I think he�s just really latching on to Willow, who�s also a little bit of an outsider in a sense. But I feel like it�s making sense to him, and even though what he�s doing isn�t right � sleeping with his nephew�s wife � sometimes love can make you do some crazy things.�

That�s one way to describe the December 13 episode, a must-see both for the reaction to the bombshell video � and another can�t-miss twist. �The fact that it was accidentally recorded on a nanny cam is really unfortunate,� sighs Mathison, �but the fact that Michael had it in his possession on his phone for weeks and never said anything to Drew, never said anything to Willow, is a sign that Michael was up to something. Obviously, people are in shock. The Quartermaines love it because they�re already anti-Drew. Everybody else is mortified. It gets real ugly, real fast, understandably. It feels like everything is unraveling.�

While Drew�s life is in disarray, Mathison�s is more on track. He�s currently hosting Beat the Bridge on the Game Show Network and having a great time. �I shot Beat the Bridge about a year, and it�s still airing and still doing really well,� he reports. �Even the reruns are doing well. I get a lot of people coming up to me saying how much they love Beat the Bridge, which is a really good sign. There are going to be all new episodes starting in the winter, which I�m really thrilled, about. We still have about 40 or 50 episodes left to air and then hopefully, we�ll find out if we�re going to be shooting more than that. But I really love that gig. It was when Drew went off to Australia, if anybody remembers that.�

His holiday movie, Home Sweet Christmas, with Candace Cameron Bure just aired on Great American Family, and Mathison was thrilled to team up with her for the seasonal fare. �The movie with Candace has been a long time coming,� he explains. �We�ve known each other for a long time and we�ve talked about doing a Christmas movie. I mean, she�s the queen of Christmas, but I�ve done 14 or 15 Christmas movies. It�s a really sweet story. I really appreciate it. In fact, it went over so well that the network is talking about doing a sequel, so fingers crossed on that.�

The actor is also busy traveling and getting ready for the holidays, which will feel a little different this year now that he and wife Vanessa have split. �I spend days setting up Christmas decorations in my house,� he shares. �But it�s my first Christmas in 21 years that I�ll be without my kids; they�re going to be with their mom this year. This is a new chapter for us and we�re all figuring it out. It�s going very well, but it�s also challenging, especially around the holidays, so I�m trying to do everything I can to immerse myself in Christmas even though I won�t have the kids. I�m going to be skiing in Colorado a little bit and I�ve got lots of Christmas lights up.�

And he already has big plans for 2025. �I�m in the process of launching a functional health coaching company,� reveals Mathison, who was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in 2019, and is now cancer-free. �Functional health coaching has transformed my health after my cancer journey and it�s different than just getting a trainer or a functional medicine doctor. The company is going to be called Health360, and it�s literally coming at your health from 360 degrees and it�s transformed not only my aesthetics and my physique but also my health. It�s incredible.�

Mathison reports that he�s feeling better than ever. �I feel amazing,� he declares. �I have so much energy. I�m so strong right now � I�m stronger than I was when I was 25. I�ve got more flexibility. My joints feel amazing. My gut is as healthy as it�s been my whole life. And that�s a huge deal. My hormones are balanced. My blood sugar is where it needs to be. I�m very grateful.�

He�s also looking forward to Drew�s next chapter in Port Charles. �There�s a lot of good fallout to this story,� Mathison teases. �It�s messy and it just keeps getting worse, so my job is to really make sense of it and do the best job I can, not only for the character and for my scenes, but also for the show.�

S.W.A.T. Promotes Annie Ilonzeh to Series Regular

Ilonzh was cast in the recurring role of Devin Gamble back in July, at the same time that Niko Pepaj was upped to series regular status as Alfaro. Devin and Alfaro in turn filled the two open spots on Hondo�s rejiggered 20-Squad team.

Gamble was born into an L.A. family entrenched in crime, and a decade ago her father murdered an L.A. Sheriff�s deputy. When that part of her past became widely known this season, it landed Hondo�s new recruit in the crosshairs of many peers.

Following this week�s winter finale, S.W.A.T. will resume its 22-episode Season 8 on Friday, Jan. 31 � but airing its a brand-new time slot, at 10 pm. Starting that night, NCIS: Sydney Season 2 will claim the leadoff spot, followed by Fire Country and S.W.A.T.

Ilonzeh�s previous TV credits include Chicago Fire, Person of Interest, ABC�s 2011 Charlie�s Angels reboot and General Hospital.

Michael Cole Dies: �Mod Squad� Star & �General Hospital� Actor Was 84

Born July 3, 1940 in Madison WI, Cole was one of the three young hippies-turned-cops alongside Julie (Peggy Lipton) and Link (Clarence Williams III) in Mod Squad, which debuted in September 1968 on ABC. �One White, One Black, One Blonde� read the promo materials for the series, which was aimed at a youthful audience during a turbulent time. The trio was given a choice: fight crime or be sent to jail themselves. They chose the former, under the tutelage of Capt. Adam Greer (Tige Andrews).

Executive produced by Aaron Spelling and Danny Thomas, Mod Squad tapped into the zeitgeist of the late �60s, portraying a positive image for the counterculture of the moment by tackling such issues as the Vietnam war, racism and social justice. Linc, Julie and Pete blended into the scene, using stealth to track and capture their targets. It aired for five seasons through May 1973.

Cole continued to work steadily in TV and film, making guest appearances on shows and exploring roles in theater. He had an arc for several months on General Hospital in 1991, playing Harlan Barrett, the crooked chief engineer for Barrett Industries who hooks up with a cartel and is hired to kill Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers). Instead, he is shot dead by Bill Eckert (Anthony Geary), who was protesting his friend Scorpio.

He also guest-starred in dozens of television series throughout his career, including ER, 7th Heaven, Diagnosis Murder, Murder She Wrote, CHiPs, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat and Gunsmoke, which was first major television credit in 1966.

His film work included 2007�s Mr. Brooks and 2000�s The Apostate, among others.

Though his career spanned decades, he remained humble about his achievements, often expressing gratitude for the opportunities he had and the fans who supported him. In 2009, Cole published his memoir, I Played the White Guy, a candid and heartfelt account of his experiences in Hollywood and his personal journey, offering readers an intimate look into his life and career.

In 2009, Cole published his memoir, I Played the White Guy, a candid and heartfelt account of his experiences in Hollywood and his personal journey, offering readers an intimate look into his life and career.

Michael Cole is survived by his wife, Shelley; his children; and extended family.

Golden Globes 2025 Nominees

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA
Kathy Bates, Matlock
Emma D�Arcy, House of the Dragon
Maya Erskine, Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Keira Knightley, Black Doves
Keri Russell, The Diplomat
Anna Sawai, Shogun

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES � MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building
Kathryn Hahn, Agatha All Along
Jean Smart, Hacks

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This
Ted Danson, A Man on the Inside
Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building
Jason Segel, Shrinking
Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE ON TELEVISION
Liza Col�n-Zayas, The Bear
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Dakota Fanning, Ripley
Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer
Allison Janney, The Diplomat
Kali Reis, True Detective: Night Country

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Amy Adams, Nightbitch
Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Karla Sof�a Gasc�n, Emilia P�rez
Mikey Madison, Anora
Demi Moore, The Substance
Zendaya, Challengers

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE
Yura Borisov, Anora
Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice
Denzel Washington, Gladiator II.

Saturn Awards Nominations

BEST ACTRESS IN A FILM
Willa Fitzgerald- Strange Darling (Miramax/Magenta Light Studios)
Demi Moore-The Substance (Mubi)
Lupita Nyong�o- A Quiet Place Day One (Paramount Pictures)
Winona Ryder- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Naomi Scott- Smile 2 (Paramount Pictures)
June Squibb- Thelma (Magnolia Pictures)
Anya Taylor-Joy- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (Warner Bros. Pictures)

BEST YOUNGER PERFORMER IN A FILM
Freya Allan- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (20th Century Studios)
McKenna Grace- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Sony Pictures)
Kaylee Hottle- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (Warner Bros./Legendary)
Calah Lane- Wonka (Warner Bros Pictures)
Jenna Ortega- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Alisha Weir- Abigail (Universal Pictures)
Rachel Zegler- The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (Lionsgate Films).

Fired �General Hospital� Star Ingo Rademacher Drags Longtime Costar Steve Burton Into Court Battle With ABC

According to court documents obtained by In Touch, Ingo, 53, who claimed he was fired from his role as Jasper �Jax� Jacks due to his objection to ABC�s mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy, asked the court to review new evidence that he says supports his claims.

Ingo claimed he asked ABC for a religious exemption to the rule. The network denied his request. He said the decision to fire him was a violation of his right to privacy under the law. The soap star sued seeking unspecified damages from ABC after being let go after 25 years on General Hospital.

The lawsuit accused the defendants of religious discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and violation of his right to privacy. ABC denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

The network claimed that Ingo�s argument for not getting the vaccine was based in health reasons not any religious belief. In June 2023, the court sided with ABC and dismissed the claims.

In his new motion, Ingo asked the court to have ABC fix a paperwork issue that he needs done to continue with his appeal. However, he also asked that the court reopen the summary judgment proceedings so it can consider new evidence that �provides compelling support for his political discrimination claim: namely, evidence that ABC rehired Steve Burton, the other General Hospital actor it let go supposedly because of its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.�

Ingo�s lawyer argued, �ABC�s rehiring of Mr. Burton, which occurred while this case was on appeal confirms that ABC got rid of Ingo because it did not like his political views. It confirms that ABC did not merely lay Ingo off, with the intent of bringing him back later, as it did with [Steve]. It re-cast his role. It replaced him, or is in the process of replacing him, with another actor.�

Further, Ingo claimed that ABC produced documents during discovery that showed it decided to terminate Ingo�s contract by the summer of 2021, �before Disney (which owns ABC) issued the mandatory vaccination policy.�

He said the messages that ABC produced showed General Hospital producers sharing one of Ingo�s political postings from Instagram. One producer wrote, �Ready for a recast!�

Another producer commented, �Yup.� Ingo said the text messages confirm what he said in his amended complaint, He said that ABC fired him because the producers did not agree with political statements he was making in 2021. He said ABC produced texts from producers who called Ingo a �ignorant racist� and �nut.� His lawyer argued, �These text messages related to social media posts that Ingo made during the key period in this case, when the General Hospital writers supposedly ran out of ideas for his character.� Further, Ingo pointed out that Steve was brought back in June 2024 to the show. He said, �That Steve also refused to get the COVID-19 shot. �But unlike Ingo, ABC did not have any political animus toward [Steve]. It did not talk about �recasting� his character during 2021.�

�The evidence is compelling,� Ingo�s lawyer said. �ABC�s counsel argued that the politically motivated text messages General Hospital producers sent to each other were irrelevant because, as with [Steve], ABC said it let Ingo go due to the COVID-19 vaccine policy. If so, then ABC should also have re-hired Ingo by now. It has not done that, and it won�t do that, because ABC had already decided to get rid of Ingo, to �recast�; his character, because of his political beliefs. ABC opposed Ingo�s ex parte application. The network argued Steve�s rehiring was �is completely irrelevant and raises no triable issue of fact in this case.�

The court denied Ingo�s request to reopen discovery at a recent hearing. His appeal is ongoing.

�General Hospital� Actor Chad Duell Announces Series Exit: �This Wasn�t an Easy Decision�

Duell announced the news in an Instagram post on Saturday, writing, �After many incredible years with �General Hospital,� I�ve decided to step away from the show. This wasn�t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life. I�m beyond grateful to Frank Valentini, the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey.�

Duell ended his statement with a message to his fans. �Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and for letting Michael Corinthos be a part of your lives,� he wrote. �Your love and encouragement has meant the world to me. This isn�t a goodbye � it�s a see you later.�

In a post on X, �General Hospital� EP Frank Valentini revealed that �there are no plans to recast [Duell�s] role at this time.�

�I have loved working with Chad over the years and wish him nothing but the best. He is a terrific actor and will be missed by everyone at #GH,� Valentini wrote. �There are no plans to recast his role at this time, but you never know in daytime. I can promise a great story for Michael and his family when Chad exits in the new year.�

Duell took over the role of Michael, son A.J. Quartermaine (last played by Sean Kanan) and Carly Spencer (currently played by Laura Wright), from Drew Garrett in 2010. He won a Daytime Emmy in 2015 for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series.

In 2022, �The Young and the Restless� alum Robert Adamson stepped in for Duell for eight episodes and, in October of this year, he temporarily took over the role of Michael again.

Alexa Havins Bruening �Was Done� Before Being Cast as �GH�s New Lulu Spencer

It�s been over two decades since Havins Bruening hit the daytime scene in 2003, playing Babe Carey on All My Children. While toiling in Pine Valley, she and co-star Justin Bruening (Jamie Martin) fell in love and married in June 2005. They left the soap in 2007 and Havins continued performing, but motherhood ultimately became her top priority. �I wasn�t planning on working,� she shares. �I thought it was kind of done. �When I went on Sweet Magnolias [in 2023] and they asked me to go play Justin�s ex [Vicky; he plays Cal Maddox], I said to him, �Oh, this will wrap it up in a little bow. It�ll be sweet for the kids. We met on the first thing I did and the last thing I did.� And I genuinely thought that because I�ve taken time off to be home with the kids and focus on raising them. We home-school, and we travel with Justin. Working really wasn�t on my radar at all.�

Her husband, however, never gave up hope. �Justin would always tease me. He�d say, �Oh babe, I paid your SAG dues.� He would always encourage me, like, �I�m not giving up on you.� I�m like, �OK, I�m pregnant with another baby. That�s nice of you. Thanks for paying my SAG dues.� So I never really thought about it.�

Until she began working with Bruening to help high school students in a film program. �This summer, I went to go visit a dear friend in Colorado and we were just chatting and she asked me, �Do you ever think about acting again?� � Havins Bruening relays. �And I said, �That�s funny you say that because just in the last few months of working with these students, I�m toying with the idea again, but I�m not sure.� And she said, �Well, don�t worry about any of it. Why don�t you just pray about it?� And they live on this beautiful acreage and the next morning, I walked and had time alone and quiet time with the Lord and put it out there and by the end of the week, Mark [Teschner, GH casting director] and Frank [Valentini, executive producer] called. I have chills even thinking about it. I know saying this story is going to sound very crazy to some, but I was absolutely blown away.�

Havins Bruening was interested in hearing what the duo had to say. �Frank and I got along so well in New York, just because with me crossing over on One Life to Live [in character as Babe between 2003 and 2005] and being in the ABC family, you have a lot of interaction together and we just genuinely liked each other,� she shares. �I loved how he ran his set as a producer. Mark Teschner is absolute gold and I just adore Mark. When they started talking, they were very elusive about what the role was, and then they let me know it was Lulu and that�s where it really caught my attention because it�s such an interesting character.�

After a discussion with Bruening about how they would manage their household if she returned to work, the actress met with the show�s head writers and Valentini. �I just wanted to know where Lulu was pre-blast [that put her in a coma in 2020], where her relationships were, what does the audience love about her? What makes Lulu Lulu?� she explains, adding that she is well aware her predecessors as Lulu, Julie Berman and Emme Rylan, put their own stamp on the character.

�In no way, shape or form do I want to mimic the other two ladies. I�m not trying to be them in any way,� Havins Bruening declares. �Julie�s Julie and Emme�s Emme. Obviously, it�s going to be a more mature version of her and I�m me and I can�t be them. Lulu is a spitfire. She loves her mother, but she�s her father�s daughter. She takes huge chances. I just want to make sure that I�m bringing the essence of who she is.�

She didn�t go to YouTube to check out old episodes of Berman or Rylan. �I didn�t watch clips or anything like that because I didn�t want to try to go that route,� she notes. �Her relationships with the pivotal people in her life is high priority to me. How does she connect with her mother? How is she connecting with her brother [Lucky, played by Jonathan Jackson]? Where is she with Dante [Dominic Zamprogna]; that chemistry and spark has to still be alive.�

Of Zamprogna, Havins Bruening says, �I love him. We clicked right away. He said he looked up on set and had a glimpse of me and he was like, �Oh, I was feeling a Julie vibe.� He�s very sweet.�

Havins Bruening was also happy to connect with familiar faces from her Pine Valley days. �I saw Cameron [Mathison, Drew Cain; Ryan Lavery, AMC] and Eva [LaRue, Natalia Ramirez; Maria Santos, AMC],� she reports. �It�s funny, even though it�s been so long, it feels exactly the same. This feels otherworldly; like, in my mind, I�m in New York and I�m in Pine Valley.�

At the time of this interview, she was still waiting to connect with Michael E. Knight (Martin Grey), who played AMC�s Tad Martin, Bruening�s on-screen father and Babe�s stepfather. �Justin�s highly jealous,� she says with a laugh. �I said, �Justin, I think Lulu needs a distraction and you need to come on.� I was trying to lure him in and I could see him kind of considering it and then he was like, �But would I get to work with Michael Knight?� And I�m like, �OK, wait a minute, forget me. I can see where my ranking is. I�m like way below Mikey.� But who doesn�t like Michael Knight? He�s so sweet. I�m excited but no, we haven�t crossed paths, we are related now [Martin is Lulu�s uncle], so we get to play that.�

In the meantime, Bruening is on daddy duty while mom is back in the hair and makeup chair. �Justin is home with the kids,� she says. �He is an amazing dad and husband. He�s on hiatus from Sweet Magnolias so it�s great.�

And she reveals that they�ve expanded their brood in the past few years. �We have four,� Havins Bruening spills. �We�ve got a secret baby. Our oldest daughter is 14 and then our son�s 11 and then we have two more girls, ages eight and four. And that was another factor. I think had it been a year or two ago, I would have had a toddler and I probably would have said, �Thank you, but I don�t think I can.� We involved the older ones and said, �Mom�s thinking about this. I just want you to know,� and they were like, �We�re older now. We can be helpful.� They were so sweet.�

With harmony at home, Havins Bruening is looking forward to her next chapter in daytime. �The writers have written some really fun things,� she enthuses. �We know she�s waking up from a four-year coma, so we�ve got a lot of twists and turns and we hit the ground running. Just being a part of that next Spencer family adventure feels very rewarding. To be able to be a piece of such a massively important family on the daytime canvas feels like an honor. I want to honor what Genie and Anthony built, to continue the story, and just give the audience what they�re wanting as far as Lulu goes.�

Former �Days� Head Writer Ron Carlivati Joins �Beyond the Gates�

Carlivati�s involvement made headlines on November 15 as sites like Michael Fairman TV announced the new soap�s writing staff.

Former General Hospital writer Michele Val Jean is the creator, executive producer, head writer, and showrunner of Beyond the Gates, with Sunset Beach creator Bob Guza Jr. as EP and co-head writer, according to Michael Fairman TV.

Susan Dansby (The Young and the Restless) will be Beyond the Gates� script editor, and Michael Montgomery (Y&R) will be the continuity producer.

Judy Tate (As the World Turns), Danelle Paige (Days), Jazmen Darnell Brown (Days), Cheryl L. Davis (Days), and Lynn Martin (ATWT) will serve as script writers.

And alongside Carlivati, other breakdown writers include Sara A. Bibel (Y&R), Christopher Dunn (Days), Teresa Zimmerman (Y&R), and The Bay creator Gregori J. Martin.

Commenters on the post chimed in Carlivati joining Beyond the Gates. �Well� if ReRon is involved, that makes this show less of a threat to GH at least,� one wrote.

Another wrote, �This list of writers is impressive to say the least. Yes, Ron and Bob are negatives to this writing team.�

On a Daytime Confidential post about the Beyond the Gates writing staff, other commenters reacted to Carlivati�s hiring.

One commenter rose to Carlivati�s defense, though, saying, �He�s had a pretty illustrious career so far. I�m sure he�s excited to be involved in a brand-new soapie. There aren�t many options for writers in this genre, and not too many know the soap business��

Carlivati, a veteran of One Life to Live and General Hospital�s writing staffs, served as Days� head writer from January 2017 to this July, when he was replaced by Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford. He told TV Insider at the time of his Days exit that his seven-and-a-half-year tenure as head writer was �one of the great joys of [his] life.�

Beyond the Gates, premiering Monday, February 24, 2025, follows the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family living in an affluent Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C. �Behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those who live outside these gates are watching closely,� CBS teases. �Those who have �made it� and those who haven�t are all trying to navigate life� and some with more grace than others.�

Tamara Tunie and Clifton Davis star as Anita and Vernon Dupree, the matriarch and patriarch of the family. Other cast members include Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Brandon Claybon, Timon Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Trisha Mann-Grant, Maurice Johnson, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad, Arielle Prepetit, Mike Manning, Jibre Hordges, Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Ben Gavin, and Jen Jacob.

Alexa Havins Teases Her Debut as GH�s Lulu!

It was announced back in September that the All My Children alum would be taking over the role of much-missed Lulu Spencer. Teasing what�s ahead for the character, Havins told the outlet, �The writers have written some fun things� in store.

�She�s waking up from a four-year coma, so we�ve got a lot of twists and turns, and we hit the ground running,� she added.

ABC Daytime viewers will remember Havins from her role as AMC�s Babe Carey Chandler, which she played from 2003-�07. (She also made a special appearance in 2011 before the soap aired its final episode on the network.) During her years in Pine Valley, Havins received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress and found love with co-star Justin Bruening (Jaimie). Married since 2005, the couple shares three children.

Since exiting daytime, Havins starred on the primetime series Torchwood and The Astronaut Wives Club, and even appeared on her husband�s Netflix show, Sweet Magnolias. At the time, she revealed to TV Guide, she figured being invited to play his character�s ex would have been her last acting job. �I said to him, �Oh, this will wrap it up in a little bow. It�ll be sweet for the kids. We met on the first thing I did and [worked together] on the last thing I did.��

Born in 1994, Luke and Laura�s daughter was played by several child actors until the character was aged in 2005 and Julie Berman was cast in the role. After Berman exited GH in 2013, Emme Rylan took over, playing Lulu up until she was injured in an explosion at The Floating Rib in December 2020 and slipped into a coma.

In one of her last conversations with best friend Maxie, Lulu confessed that she was still very much in love with her ex-husband, Dante. We�re sure once she wakes up, Lulu will be shocked to learn that, while she was comatose, not only had Dante built a life with Sam, but Sam died from a heart attack after saving her life!

DAYS Star Bryan Dattilo�s Daughter, Delia, Cast on GH!

�A Dattilo was spotted in Port Charles,� he shared with a pic of his 10-year-old daughter in the studio parking lot in front of the GH sign. �Finally, a real soap star in the family.�

Of course, the actor is joking because he�s been a soap star since debuting on DAYS as Lucas Roberts back in 1993. His original run on the show ended in 2001, but he came back again from 2002-10, 2012-18, and 2020-22. He has continued to return for visits of varying lengths since then and is slated to come back to Salem in December 2024 for Doug Williams� funeral.

Dattilo and his second wife, Elizabeth Cameron, welcomed Delia on May 14, 2014. While GH will mark the little girl�s daytime debut, she is experienced in front of the camera already having appeared in commercials for Capitol One and Hispanic Heritage Month. The proud pop also celebrated his little girl�s success playing three roles in the musical Wonderland as part of Worklight Youth Theater. �She is a force on the stage,� he enthused. �Next stop, Broadway!�

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Delia will be appearing in scenes set at Rice Plaza. Given that GH will be taping its Christmas episodes around this time, it�s likely she�ll be one of the kids visiting Santa or enjoying one of the other festive holiday activities. So keep an eye out for her!

�General Hospital�: Emma Samms on Role Quincy Jones� Music Played in Holly�s Love Stories With Luke and Robert

Jones produced the song �Baby Come to Me,� which only hit No. 73 on the Billboard charts when it was first released in April 1982. Later, GH used it to introduce �widowed� Luke Spencer finding love again with the enigmatic Holly Sutton. The song, performed by singers James Ingram and Patti Austin, swept viewers into Luke�s romance with the English beauty.

While viewers heard the tune up to a few times a week by watching Holly and Luke, the actors didn�t necessarily hear it all as songs are added to scenes after they�ve been shot. �Music isn�t always played at the time of taping a scene,� Samms tells TV Insider. �Though sometimes a little would leak through the camera crew�s headphones, so we�d have an idea of what was accompanying our performances.�

�When I first started on the show, I would record the shows and watch back what I had done, so I was aware that �Baby Come to Me� had been chosen as Luke and Holly�s theme,� Samms adds.

Even before Laura�s (Genie Francis) return in late 1983, which we firmly believe would have separated Luke and Holly, fate had already intervened. After Luke was presumed dead in an avalanche, his best friend Robert encouraged a pregnant Holly to marry him. They fell in love for real after she miscarried and became a bona fide supercouple in their own right, a dynamic that exists to this day.

Not surprisingly GH�s use of �Baby Come to Me� helped propel the re-released song in October 1982 to No. 1 on the Billboard chart for two weeks in February 1983. �Every time I heard it played on the radio, often with a reference to General Hospital and sometimes even with a reference to my character, Holly, it was a huge thrill,� Samms recalls.

While Samms, along with legendary GH executive producer Gloria Monty, and Geary met Ingram when he came to GH to record �Baby Come to Me,� she shares that she was not fortunate enough to meet Jones. �I know I would have loved to have had the opportunity to tell him what a huge fan of all of his music I was � and still am,� Samms says. �To have that skill and that range of styles�he truly was a genius.�

Holly and Luke moving on from one another didn�t mean the end of Jones� influence in Samms� on-screen relationships. GH heard the song �How Do You Keep the Music Playing,� for which Jones wrote the lyrics, used in the 1982 film Best Friends starring Goldie Hawn and Burt Reynolds, and thought it was perfect for Robert and Holly.

�When Robert and Holly were given their own song, it was the stamp of approval from the powers-that-be,� Samms recalls with a smile. �It meant that we were doing something right. It�s a shame that due to, I assume, budget restraints, songs are not used in the same way on GH anymore.�

Samms is grateful that Jones�s music was used to help establish not one but two of Holly�s romantic tales. �Music is surely the most powerful tool to express the emotions of a love story,� she says. �A beautiful song like �How Do You Keep the Music Playing� does more than accompany or enhance a scene, it instantly draws the audience into all the feelings that the writers and actors are hoping to convey, and I�m sure that Tristan and I will forever be grateful to Quincy Jones for the spectacular job he gave us with that!�

�When Calls The Heart� Gets Season 12 Premiere Date On Hallmark

News of the release date came in a surprise teaser promo which ran during star Erin Krakow�s Christmas movie on the network, Santa Tell Me, which also features her original series co-star Daniel Lissing.

Back in September, Hallmark announced that Melissa Gilbert (Little House on the Prairie, Sweet Justice, Secrets and Lies) will guest star in a two-episode arc in the role of Georgie McGill, who �shares a surprising past with one special Hope Valley resident."

In addition to leads Krakow and Kevin McGarry, the beloved, veteran romantic drama series stars Pascale Hutton (Fourth Down and Love), Jack Wagner (Melrose Place), Chris McNally (Holiday Crashers), Kavan Smith (Big Sky River: The Bridal Path) and Viv Leacock (Legend of the Lost Locket).

Beloved as Hallmark�s longest-running original series, When Calls the Heart Season 12 will consist of 12 episodes. News of the show�s renewal came amid the release of Season 11, which followed Hope Valley residents as they embarked on the 1920s era. The plot revolved around schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton (Krakow), who began a fresh start � with new romance, new challenges and new style. She and Mountie Nathan Grant (McGarry) navigated their growing romantic feelings while also leaning on each other for support as they faced parenting obstacles.

Season 11 of the romantic period drama ranks as the most-watched entertainment cable series year-to-date among households, total viewers and women over the age of 18.

�I Know What You Did Last Summer�: Lola Tung, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Austin Nichols And Gabbriette Join New Sequel

Neal Moritz is producing. Sony Pictures will release the film in theaters on July 18, 2025.

The original film follows four young friends (played by Prinze Jr., Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe) bound by a tragic accident who are reunited when they find themselves being stalked by a hook-wielding maniac in their small seaside town.

I Know What You Did Last Summer, loosely based on the Lois Duncan novel of the same name, was a hit that led to the development of the sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, which premiered in 1998. A direct-to-video third installment of the franchise titled I�ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006) is considered a stand-alone sequel as the story diverged from the first two installments and had no original cast reprising their roles.

Tung is currently in production on the third season of Prime Video�s acclaimed drama series, The Summer I Turned Pretty, based on the New York Times bestselling trilogy by Jenny Han. Earlier this year, Tung made her Broadway debut as Eurydice in the Tony award-winning musical, Hadestown, and previously played Penny Lane in the development residency of Cameron Crowe and Tom Kitt�s Tony Award- nominated musical Almost Famous at the Eugene O�Neill Theater Center.

Chavez is coming off his scene stealing role in Ryan Murphy�s limited series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Men�ndez Story, which immediately became Netflix�s #1 show in the U.S. for two consecutive weeks. Chavez also stars in Murphy�s newest horror drama series, Grotesquerie, which premiered September 25 on FX and is streaming on Hulu. Chavez received critical acclaim for his role as �Spencer Cassadine� on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, which earned him the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series in 2022.

Nichols will next be seen in the upcoming Netflix film, The Six Triple Eight directed by Tyler Perry. Nichols� notable film credits include the independent feature The Walking Dead, Iron Orchard, Glordy Road, The Day After Tomorrow and Wimbledon.

Gabbriette is an American model and musician and I Know What You Did Last Summer represents Gabbriette�s feature film acting debut.

Tung is represented by CAA and GSA Entertainment, Chavez is repped by CAA and Felker Toczek, Nichols is represented by CESD and Strand Entertainment and Gabbriette is repped by IMG Models and Luber Roklin Entertainment.

Daytime Drama Actors Unite To Support Kamala Harris In Social Media Video: �We�re Turning The Page With Our Vote�

Several actors from General Hospital, along with popular players from The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives, participated in a video that showed them turning the page � a reference to Harris� recent call to voters that it�s time to �turn the page� on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

The video ends with GH mainstay Nancy Lee Grahn declaring, �We�re daytime actors for democracy. And we�re turning the page with our vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.�

The rest of the participants in the video that was shared online Sunday are General Hospital�s Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Finola Hughes, Kristina Wagner, Laura Wright, Rena Sofer, Elizabeth Hendrickson, Kate Mansi, Dominic Zamprogna, Van Hansis, Brook Kerr, Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Jeff Kober, Bradford Anderson, Vernee Watson, Lisa Locicero, Kristen Vaganos and Ric Hearst, along with The Bold and the Beautiful�s Annika Noelle, The Young and the Restless� Eileen Davidson, and Days of Our Lives� Tina Huang.

Grahn has been particularly outspoken during the election and routinely uses her X account to show her support for Harris. But she�s not the only soap star who likes to vent on the platform: Y&R�s Eric Braeden, for instance, has been particularly fired up during the election, posting missives about Trump and his rallies.

@EBraeden: To listen to the ORANGE MAKEUP GUY talk about how to treat LIZ CHENEY IS SIMPLY OBSCENE!! The biggest coward talking tough, is a joke!! That guy has NEVER BEEN CHECKED! By that I mean he has never played honest sports, never fought an honest fight IN HIS LIFE! He�d shit in his pants if anyone had ever challenged him to a fight!! He is a classic BLOWHARD!!

Talk Show Appearance

Alan Rachins Dies: �LA Law� And �Dharma & Greg� Actor Was 82

The Golden Globe and Emmy nominee died early Saturday morning after experience heart failure in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his wife Joanna Frank told The Hollywood Reporter.

In addition to his performance as Douglas Brackman on the NBC series L.A. Law, which ran from 1986 to 1994 and earned him Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, Rachins was known for playing Dharma�s (Jenna Elfman) hippy father Larry on the ABC sitcom Dharma & Greg, which ran for five seasons from 1997 to 2002.

Rachins also appeared in such films as Thunder Run (1986), North (1994) and Showgirls (1995), as well as shows like The Golden Girls, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Stargate SG-1 and Rizzoli & Isles.

Born Oct. 3, 1942 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Rachins moved to New York to study acting, where he was among the original Broadway casts of After the Rain and Hadrian the Seventh. He was also a writing/directing fellow at the American Film Institute.

Rachins wrote episodes of Hill Street Blues, Hart to Hart and The Fall Guy, and he directed a 1980 episode of the CBS procedural Paris, starring James Earl Jones.

Along with his wife, Rachins launched Allofit Productions to adapt books and original screenplays into feature and television projects.

Sam Is Dead on GH But Kelly Monaco Isn�t Done Yet!

In the Oct. 30 episode, Sam was glowing as she showed off her new engagement ring to her mother and Alexis was thrilled that not only had her daughter done a good deed by helping save Lulu�s life, but she was recovering nicely from the liver transplant surgery and was now about to marry the man she loved. But then something went horribly wrong and Alexis left her daughter�s room in a daze as Portia and Liz raced to answer the alarm that was sounding.

Alexis told Jason that Sam was perfectly fine until she�d suddenly gone white and she couldn�t breathe. Lucas, Portia, and Liz did everything they could to try and revive her, but Sam remained unresponsive. Lucas insisted on continuing to try but Portia insisted it had been too long. His voice choked with emotion, Lucas called the time of death as 5:48 p.m.

However, while Sam may have passed away in that episode, Soap Opera Digest is reporting that won�t actually be the last we see of Monaco. So as powerful and emotional as that episode was, fans are going to want to make sure that they have more tissues handy for the actress� final episode airing later this week as Sam�s loved ones say a final goodbye.

General Hospital Temporarily Recasts Michael Again

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that during the week of Oct. 28, the role of Michael will be recast for one episode due to a scheduling conflict. Robert Adamson will once again be stepping in to take over for regular portrayer Chad Duell in his absence.

Adamson, best known to CBS soap fans as Noah on The Young & The Restless, has filled in for Duell in the past. The first time was back in June 2022, which Duell reported was COVID-related. Adamson filled in for a few more episodes in August and a month later, Duell revealed that he had been hospitalized with acute myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart tissue that was �a long-term COVID effect,� he explained. Thankfully, this time the temporary recast isn�t due to a medical issue, just a scheduling conflict.

With Willow worried that Michael is about to find out she�s been kissing Drew, it�s clear that GH couldn�t postpone the storyline and had to forge ahead with the scenes, tapping Adamson to fill in so the dramatic flow doesn�t skip a beat.

Duell will be back before you know it and that�s good because the future of Michael and Willow�s marriage is hanging in the balance. Stay tuned to see what happens!

Leslie Charleson �Unlikely� To Return to General Hospital

On GH, Monica has experienced ill health and injuries, much like her portrayer. Back in 2018, Charleson tripped over her dog and injured her leg, forcing the soap to recast the role temporarily with Patty McCormack. Charleson was pleased with her replacement, telling Soaps In Depth she was impressed that for her recast, she �got somebody who won an Oscar. Wow!�

Then, in August 2019, Charleson was back in the hospital again undergoing surgery on her hand. �For a fracture that I got rescuing my tortoise off a hillside,� she explained on Facebook at the time.

The actress was spotted out to lunch in October 2024 using a walker to get around. Our sister site Closer Weekly reports that a source tells them that Charleson is �doing OK under the circumstances and in no rush to push herself.� Unfortunately, while fans would love to see the daytime vet back on GH, she source said, �Although she�d be welcome back to the show with open arms, it�s unlikely she�ll ever return.�

After making her daytime debut on the short-lived soap A Flame in the Wind in 1964, Charleson joined the cast of As the World Turns in 1966. From 1967-70, she starred as Iris Donnelly on Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. After numerous appearances in primetime and film, Charleson returned to daytime to take over the role of Monica Quartermaine, previously played by Patsy Rahn. During her decades in Port Charles, she earned four Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress.

While it is a shame Charleson will likely never appear on GH again, fans have decades of storylines and award-worthy performances on which to look back fondly.

�General Hospital� Casts New Man In Trina�s Life

Deadline has learned that newcomer Jens Austin Astrup is joining the ABC sudser as Kai, who will debut in November. His character meets Tabyana Ali�s Trina at Port Charles University.

A Los Angeles native, Astrup is a graduate of Vassar, where he studied acting and literature. He recurred on Max�s reboot of Gossip Girl and recently starred in Cyrano de Bergerac at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Ali has played Trina Robinson on the ABC sudser since 2022. She recently wrote a column for Deadline about the online trolling she endured this year that prompted the daytime series to recently declare that �General Hospital does not tolerate hatred or bigotry of any kind. Racism has no place in Port Charles.�

Jophielle Love Exits General Hospital

Love made her daytime debut in the role of Hayden�s daughter, Violet Barnes back on Oct. 23, 2019, and Finn was soon stunned to discover Hayden had lied about losing the baby and he had a little girl. During her years on the soap, the talented child star also earned a Daytime Emmy Nomination for her original song, �Shine,� which Love helped compose and Violet performed in an episode.

While Finn was in rehab, Violet was staying with the Quartermaines, being taken care of by Brook Lynn and Chase, who even stepped in when she got into a fight with a bully. But the little girl also enjoyed some fun times at the mansion, especially tea parties with Tracy.

Sadly, with Violet flying off to Seattle with Chase to start a new life with her father, there was only time for one last tea party with Tracy before she had to say her tearful goodbyes.

Fans of Love can continue to see the actress in her recurring role of Cooper Ormewood on the ABC primetime drama series Will Trent, and who knows � perhaps Violet will visit Port Charles again one day in the future, like for holidays? Brooklyn Rae Silzer has done the same in the past, reprising her role of Emma on occasion. Tracy could invite Violet to come for Thanksgiving and share in the traditional pizza dinner!

�General Hospital� Star R�al Andrews Announces Show Exit � Here�s What He�s Doing Next

Andrews took to his Instagram account on Tuesday (October 15) to announce that he was officially stepping away from the series and would not be returning in the near future.

�My chapter with General Hospital is over,� he told fans in the front-facing video. �The writing has been on the wall for a long time. I wanted to come here because you guys have been phenomenal, the best, amazing supporters.�

Andrews went on to thank those who made his GH time possible: �I do want to give a shout-out to [casting director] Mark Teschner, [who] gave me the first opportunity, Bob Guza [former head writer], Wendy Riche [former EP] and Frank Valentini [current EP]. All the champions there.�

Andrews further revealed he has a new gig on the horizon: �I got offered what is the biggest role in my life. It�s [with] the biggest and best network, the best director, producers, writers, in my opinion, in the industry. We�re in pre-production for it.�

He couldn�t disclose what the project is as he shared he�s signed an NDA. However, he added: �It�s the biggest project of my life, ever. The most important one. And everything comes together, and happens for a reason, right? Everything I�ve done in my whole life was for this role.�

Looking back on his time on GH, having begun on the ABC soap in 1996, he added: �As an actor, I couldn�t have asked for anything more. Frank [Valentini] said, �I�ve written you some amazing stuff,� and he did. Being blessed to be on a show like General Hospital, I mean, it really is a blessing, from top to bottom.�

Fans flooded the comments section excited for the TV star but bittersweet over the news.

�Loved you on GH! Congratulations on your new project and continued blessings!� wrote another.

Closing out the update, Andrews added his new project will �blow you away� and as far as returning to GH goes: �Never say never.�

Scott Reeves Returning to �General Hospital� After 11 Years: �It Was Like Coming Home�

Though it had been over a decade since he last filmed, heading back to Port Charles felt very familiar for Reeves, who now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. �It was like coming home,� he says. �I got to work the first day and it was early in the morning. It was just so weird driving up to Prospect [Studios] and going through the guard gate. Literally, from the moment I drove in, I was like, �Wasn�t it just a week ago that I left and I was pulling out of here?� �

Reeves, who appeared on the soap from 2009-13, had his first reunion before passing through the doors. �I was walking through the parking lot and I hear, from a distance, �Scotty Reeves!� � he shares. �And I turn around and there�s Rick Hearst [Ric Lansing]. I said, �Dude, this is like old home week!� Rick and I have remained very close over the years.�

Entering the studio brought back its own set of memories. �I started walking down the halls and it was so surreal and strange because it did not feel like more than a week to a month had gone by,� he reflects. �There were so many things that were the same yet so many things had changed. So much life has happened in the past 11 years for everybody, and with the passage of time, we lose people, the faces change, so that was bittersweet.�

Reeves notes that it was hard not to think about the cast and crew that had passed away since he had been there last. �It was like, �Oh, this is so great,� but there was a hint of sadness and longing for people that aren�t there anymore, like [Producer] Nneka Garland and Sonya Eddy [Epiphany Johnson] and Tyler [Christopher, Nikolas Cassadine],� he explains.

Stepping back into character �was like riding a bike,� Reeves reports. �Steven did his time, he�s been out of prison for a few months now and has been living in Sedona, Arizona trying to start over and figure out what life is supposed to look like at this point. He lost his medical license, obviously, when he went to prison [for killing a comatose patient, who was a murderer, to save a child] but he felt justified in it.�

The actor worked with Alley Mills, who plays Steven�s mother, Heather Webber, for the first time � Robin Mattson played the role the last time he was on the soap. �It was great to meet and work with Alley Mills. She is so hilarious and plays that role to the hilt,� he praises. Steven will also cross paths with on-screen sister, Elizabeth Webber, played by Rebecca Herbst, among others. �It was so great to see Becky again,� he enthuses. �That was like reuniting with family because Becky and I are close outside of GH. She really was like my younger sister.�

He also connected with good pal Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and spent time with him behind the scenes. �Steve and I sat in his dressing room when we weren�t on stage,� Reeves shares. �We were just reminiscing and telling old stories, making new plans together, and talking about possible Port Chuck [their band] reunions. We have known each other since 1988 when we met on Days of Our Lives [Reeves played Jake Hogansen; Burton played Harris Michaels], so we�ve known each other through living in different states, kids, grandkids and more. You can�t take that for granted.�

Another high point of his comeback was sharing it with his wife, Melissa Reeves, who was filming at the same time as Days of Our Lives� Jennifer Deveraux. �It worked out perfectly because we got to be out in LA again together,� he smiles. �She was going to work and I was going to work over at GH, which was our whole life for decades. It was like a time capsule and it felt like it did before we had kids. We felt so blessed to get to be able to do that and experience that together again and then get to bring it home and tell the stories to our kids again.�

Reeves thoroughly enjoyed being back and would welcome another chance to return. �I told Frank [Valentini, executive producer], �I forgot how much I loved it,� � he says. �I�ve been doing other things, but this was like putting on a really, really comfortable pair of jeans. It was so comforting to get to work with everybody again and fall back into the lives of those characters. I would be totally open to coming back because I think there�s so much potential with Steven. Anytime they want me back, I�m there.�

Keke Palmer, Demi Moore, LaKeith Stanfield And Naomi Ackie To Star In Boots Riley�s Next Movie �I Love Boosters� At Neon

Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett are producing on behalf of Ryder Picture Company along with Savage Rose Films� Allison Rose Carter and Jon Read. Mike Jackman and Gus Deardoff will serve as executive producers. Neon is financing the film with Waypoint Entertainment and acquired worldwide rights. Neon will produce and will handle international sales.

The film centers on a ring of enterprising boosters (aka shoplifters, equal opportunists) who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Additional plot details are under wraps.

Riley is a multihyphenate working across film and music as a director, producer and screenwriter. He is best-known for his 2018 feature debut Sorry to Bother You, starring Stanfield and Tessa Thompson. Riley also created the Amazon original miniseries I�m a Virgo with Jharrel Jerome in the leading role.

Palmer most recently starred in Jordan Peele�s Nope, which earned her accolades for the performance. She also appears in Alice from Krystin Ver Linden, Lorene Scafaria�s Hustlers alongside Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez, and opposite Jimmy Fallon in Password. Her book Master of Me will be released next month via Flatiron.

Ackie broke through in William Oldroyd�s Lady Macbeth alongside Florence Pugh, earning her the British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer. She has gone on to portray singer Whitney Houston in the biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and recently starred in Zo� Kravitz�s directorial debut Blink Twice. Next up she has Bong Joon-ho�s Mickey 17 alongside Robert Pattinson.

Stanfield most recently starred in Sony and Legendary�s The Book of Clarence, Disney�s The Haunted Mansion, and he starred in and executive produced the Apple TV+ series The Changeling. He also lent his voice to the documentary Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, which premiered this year at Cannes.

Moore�s credits include St. Elmo�s Fire, G.I. Jane, A Few Good Men and Ghost, the latter of which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She most recently starred in the second season of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and is getting raves for her work in the body horror feature The Substance, in theaters now. Upcoming for her is the Paramount+ drama Landman from Taylor Sheridan.

Neon most recently released Osgood Perkins� horror film Longlegs, which just surpassed $75 million in the U.S. box office to become the year�s highest-grossing independent film to date, and Immaculate starring Sydney Sweeney. Upcoming releases include Sean Baker�s Anora starring Mikey Madison that won the Palme d�Or in Cannes, and The Seed of the Sacred Fig from director Mohammad Rasoulof.

RPC is prepping Michael Sarnoski�s The Death of Robin Hood, with Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer, and Onslaught from Adam Wingard, under its first-look with Lyrical Media. The company recently premiered the sci-fi romance All of You with Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots at this year�s Toronto Film Festival.

Savage Road producing partners Allison Rose Carter and Jon Read have produced and co-produced more than 25 films including The Daniels� Best Picture Oscar winner Everything Everywhere All at Once and recently inked a production and development partnership with Neon.

Riley is repped by WME and Cohen & Gardner. Palmer is repped by 3 Arts and Hertz Lichtenstein Young & Polk, LLP. Ackie is repped by CAA, Hamilton Hodell, Range Media Partners and Peikoff Mahan Law Office. Stanfield is repped by CAA, Stark Management and Ginsburg Daniels Kallis. Moore is repped by CAA, Untitled and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman.

Kelly Monaco Opens Up About �General Hospital� Exit: �Still Doesn�t Make Any Sense�

After 21 years on the sudser and two Daytime Emmy nominations for her work within the Port Charles universe, Monaco wrote on Instagram, �Last scene with the Davis girls. ???????? still doesn�t make any sense to me.�

The caption accompanied a photo of her alongside fellow cast members Nancy Lee Grahn (who plays her on-screen mother Alexis Davis), Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) and Kate Mansi (Kristina Corinthos-Davis).

News of Monaco�s departure broke in late August, with Sam McCall�s time coming to an end sometime this fall. The actress joined General Hospital in 2003 and starred in more than 2,200 episodes, with fellow soap star Lindsay Hartley briefly filling in while Monaco was on temporary leave in 2020, 2022 and 2024. Prior to her role on General Hospital, Monaco previously portrayed Livvie Locke on the its spinoff Port Charles from 1999 to 2003.

As the Los Angeles Times reported, news of the sudden exit did not sit well with fans, who took to social media to air their grievances, even starting a Change.org petition on the matter. Soap Opera Digest, which first wrote about the departure, reported that the exit was dictated by upcoming storylines.

Monaco�s mother, Carmine Monaco, wrote a message of gratitude to fans on X last month: �I want to take this moment to reach out to Kelly�s incredible fans and express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering love, loyalty, and support you�ve shown her throughout her time on General Hospital. On this final day, just four days shy of the anniversary of her first episode on October 1, 2003, Kelly will close the door of her dressing room for the last time. This moment is a difficult one, but knowing that she has had such an incredible, devoted fan base has given her strength.�

Change is certainly afoot at GH. In May, it was confirmed that Monsters star Nicholas Alexander Chavez would not be returning to his role on the soap. Michael Easton also bid an abrupt adieu to Port Charles in the summer. In August, it was revealed that Chris Van Etten was returning to run the writers room with Elizabeth Korte, following the departure of co-head writer Patrick Mulcahey in May.

�General Hospital� To Finally Reunite Genie Francis� Laura With Jonathan Jackson�s Lucky

Once Deadline revealed in June that Jackson was returning to the ABC sudser to reprise his role as Lucky Spencer, anticipation began to build among fans over the day when Francis� Laura would reunite with the son she shares with Luke (Tony Geary).

Soap Opera Digest reports that Francis will be back beginning with the October 9 episode and will appear opposite Jackson.

Laura and Luke�s son Lucky was first introduced in 1993; Jackson was 11 when he originated the role. He played the part on and off until 2011, when he left to star as Avery Barkley in ABC�s Nashville for six seasons.

During his time on GH, Jackson was nominated for nine Emmys and won five in 1995, 1998, 1999, 2011 and 2012.

In an August interview, Jackson said �working with Genie was a big personal incentive to come back, because when I was there in 2010, 2011, Genie wasn�t on the show and I always kind of felt like I missed out on working with her as an adult, so I�m very excited about that, obviously.�

�The Villains of Valley View� Canceled By Disney Channel After 2 Seasons

�While it was never our intention to end the series on a cliffhanger, we hope that Amy, Hartley and the Maddens will live on in your hearts (and on Disney+) forever,� Peterson wrote in his message to fans.

Disney Branded Television has been overhauling Disney Channel�s lineup of live-action sitcoms. Over the past year, a number of series came to an end, including Bunk�d, Raven�s Home and Secrets Of Sulphur Springs. The Villains of Valley View was the last remaining ongoing live-action comedy, with the first one under the new programming direction, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, set to debut later this month.

The Villains of Valley View centers around teenage supervillain Havoc (Isabella Pappas) who stands up to the head of the League of Villains. She and her family are forced to change their identities and relocate to a sleepy Texas suburb. With the help of her effervescent new neighbor Hartley (Kayden Muller-Janssen), Havoc � going incognito as Amy � must somehow hide her superpowers and quell her villainous nature in favor of something she and the rest of her family have fought against all their lives: being normal.

In addition to Pappas and Muller-Janssen, the series� series regular cast includes Lucy Davis as Eva/Surge, James Patrick Stuart as Vic/Kraniac, Malachi Barton as Colby/Flashform and Reed Horstmann as Jake/Chaos.

Ron Hale, Actor on �Ryan�s Hope� and �General Hospital,� Dies at 78

Hale, who lived in St. George, South Carolina, died Aug. 27, his family announced.

Hale worked on Ryan�s Hope from 1975-89 and received supporting actor Daytime Emmys in 1979 and �80. As Coleridge, a doctor from a well-do-do family who often clashed with the Ryan clan, he was married to Delia Reid (Ilene Kristen/Randall Edwards), Maggie Shelby (Cali Timmins) and then Delia again.

Hale then recurred as Corbin, the father of mob boss Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard), on General Hospital from 1995-2010, and he showed up on the G.H. spinoff Port Charles from 1997-2000 as well. (Max Gail played the character from 2018-21.)

Ronald Hale Thigpen was born on Jan. 2, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Furman University, came to New York when he was 19 and graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1967.

He made his onscreen debut on an episode of ABC�s N.Y.P.D. in 1968 and a year later appeared on his first soap opera, CBS� Search for Tomorrow. Also that year, he made it to Broadway in William Saroyan�s The Time of Your Life.

In All the President�s Men (1976), he portrayed Watergate burglar Frank Sturgis.

Hale�s r�sum� also included Trial by Jury (1994), episodes of Matlock and MacGyver and plays performed at Columbia, South Carolina�s Trustus Theatre, which was started by his late brother, Jim Thigpen Jr., and late sister-in-law, Kay Thigpen.

General Hospital�s Kelly Monaco Promises to �Give a Proper Statement� About Unexpected Exit From Soap

In a since-deleted comment on a post made to Soap Hub Instagram per Soap Opera Network, Monaco who played Sam McCall on the ABC daytime hit, responded to fans who left comments suggesting she had �no primary role� or that she wouldn�t take a pay cut and was therefore fired.

The response was made on a post about Monaco�s former costar Greg Vaughan, who played Lucky Spencer on the soap, as he showed support for Monaco following her sudden departure after years. ��No primary role�� do your homework,� Monaco began.

�When Billy Miller was fired, Sam�s storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had. Something I worked for decades to build� Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience.�

�Call it what you will� retaliation at [sic] it finest. I will give a proper statement,� she continued. �The truth will set you free.�

Monaco�s exit and the writing off of her character, Sam, was unveiled officially in August 2024. And since then there have been several fan campaigns to try and salvage her role.

While we await Monaco�s official statement regarding her GH exit, she�s continued to remain in the headlines, particularly in September when she paid tribute to the late Miller on the anniversary of his death. Miller portrayed Jason Morgan among other characters in General Hospital until 2019 when he exited the soap. Miller died at the age of 43 in September 2023.

What do you think of Monaco�s since-deleted comment? Sound off, below, and keep an eye out for any updates about her GH exit.

General Hospital Recasts Aiden

General Hospital has recast the pair�s progeny, Aiden Spencer, with actor Colin Cassidy, beginning with the Sept. 30 episode, Soap Opera Digest reports.

The news comes following Jonathan Jackson�s recent return as Lucky, who last appeared in Port Charles in 2015.

Aiden, who is Elizabeth�s youngest son and Lucky�s only biological son, was last portrayed by Tristan Riggs.

General Hospital�s Nicholas Alexander Chavez Weighs In On Whether Spencer Will Ever Rise From His Watery Grave

While shooting the back half of Season 2 of the anthology series, creator Ryan Murphy offered Chavez a plum part in Grotesquerie (airing on FX Wednesdays at 10/9c). �It was an opportunity to play in a world that was very, very different from the Menendez brothers,� the actor tells TVLine, �so I was really excited to jump on board.�

At this point, the star on the rise would likely have trouble even finding the time to resurrect his General Hospital character. Nevertheless, he hasn�t closed the door on the soap that put him on the map. �No,� he insists. �Port Charles is a crazy place. We�ll have to see what happens.�

If so much time passes that General Hospital is forced to recast Spencer, that would be all right with Chavez, who replaced Nicolas Bechtel when the character was aged up in 2021. �Of course. I understand that the show has needs,� Chavez says, �and I would be fully supportive of that.�

�General Hospital� Star Kelly Monaco Taped Her Last Episode Friday, According To Her Mom

Kelly Monaco�s mom revealed on social media Sept. 27 that her daughter taped her last episode of General Hospital that day. Fans learned in August that Monaco, who first joined the ABC sudser in 2003, would be leaving GH sometime this fall.

Monaco has shot more than 2,200 episodes of GH and has received two Daytime Emmy nominations for her work. She went to win the mirrorball trophy in the first season of Dancing with the Stars.

Carmina Monaco - @kellysmom1: I want to take this moment to reach out to Kelly�s incredible fans and express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering love, loyalty, and support you�ve shown her throughout her time on General Hospital. On this final day, just four days shy of the anniversary of her first episode on October 1, 2003, Kelly will close the door of her dressing room for the last time. This moment is a difficult one, but knowing that she has had such an incredible, devoted fan base has given her strength. You�ve stood by her through every twist and turn, celebrating her achievements and providing comfort in the hard times. Your love and dedication have meant more than words can express, not only to Kelly but to all of us who care so deeply for her. Thank you for being there, for believing in her, and for reminding her of the impact she�s made. We will always be grateful for you standing with her through it all.

�Monsters� Star Nicholas Alexander Chavez Addresses Grim Backstory of Lyle Men�ndez� Hair Loss

That �mask� is how Chavez refers to Lyle�s infamous toup�e, which former Vanity Fair writer Dominick Dunne once described as a �state-of-the-art hairpiece, or toup�e, or wig, or hair replacement, as his very expensive rug was variously called� that went on to become �a constant prop in the trial, almost as important as the two missing Mossberg 12-gauge shotguns the brothers used to blow away their parents."

�I really saw this wig as mask of sorts,� reflects Chavez to Deadline. �It�s not one that he imposes on himself. It�s imposed by his father and the perfectionist standard that Lyle has to live up to. It�s a mask that hides a deeply, deeply wounded inner child who surfaces in episodes four.�

Before embarking on the role of a lifetime, Chavez says he poured over books about the Men�ndez Family while doing a little outreach of his own in Los Angeles.

�When you�re working on a project about the Men�ndez brothers, especially living in Los Angeles where they lived, you meet a great many people who are one degree or two degrees of separation away from others who directly interfaced with them,� Chavez tells Deadline. �It was interesting because several of the people who I met with told me that they could tell that Lyle was wearing a piece. And when you wear a piece, there is certain behavior that goes along with that. You sort of angle your head in a very, very specific way, maybe even subconsciously, to try to keep distance between it and the person that you�re talking to.�

Titled �Kill or Be Killed,� episode 4 of Monsters seeks to provide some answers for what led to the (embarrassing) toup�e. While Lyle reveals to the attorneys that he was molested by his dad (Javier Bardem), the episode then shows his character discovering in the shower that he was losing his hair. So Jose takes him to a specialist to get fitted with a hairpiece.

�You look great in that,� Jose says to Lyle in the episode.� �You want to succeed in business? You wanna go into politics? Then you�ve got to have a good head of hair.�

�We can discuss this at home,� replies Jose sternly. �You�re wearing a wig. That�s the way it�s going to be.�

Though it�s never articulated in the limited series, Chavez acknowledges the hair loss was likely due to the profound amount of stress that Lyle was under. �I can only imagine it must have been such an anxiety-inducing experience. When aspects of the way you present yourself start to fall apart � when you don�t have these external validators of your identity to lean on � it really brings out nasty realities that might be living inside you. So I felt like maybe subconsciously, when the mask of who he pretended to be started to slip, the child underneath started to come through more and more.�

While shooting the limited series, Chavez admits that he never actually wore a wig. �They used my real hair for almost the entire production, but styled it to look like it was a toup�e by teasing it. The only time where it�s not my real hair is if there�s a gag. So if the wig comes off, like the scene at the dinner table, or the scene where it gets snatched off while I�m in the prison showers, they would put the bald cap on.�

And yes, the moment when Kitty snatches off the toup�e is based on real-life events. Lyle Men�ndez actually testified in court that �she reached, and she grabbed my hairpiece and she just ripped it off.� That�s when his brother, Erik, learned the grim truth.

He �didn�t know I had a hairpiece. I was completely embarrassed in front of my brother,� according to the testimony.

In Monsters, Kitty rips off Lyle�s toupee during a family fight at the dinner table. It prompts the brothers to admit to one another how they were abused by their dad, which led to their decision to shoot their parents.

�General Hospital� Finds Its Next Lucas Jones; It�s Van Hansis From �As The World Turns�

Hansis is best known for playing Luke Snyder on As the World Turns from 2005-2010. He�s set to premiere Oct. 4 on the ABC sudser.

�Being on General Hospital, I guess, is literally a dream come true,� Hansis told TV Insider, which first reported the news. �But there was so much I got out of being on World Turns. It was my first job. There was so much, especially with the character, and I think I was just so young, I didn�t understand and I didn�t really appreciate that. Luke was one of the first gay male lead characters. With some time and some distance, I�m like, �Wow, that was a really cool experience,� but I was in the moment and it didn�t feel like how it feels now.�

Lucas Jones was last played by Ryan Carnes, who played the adopted son of Bobbie (the late Jacklyn Zeman) from 2004-05 and from 2014-20. He briefly reprised the role last year to mourn Bobbie�s death.

Hansis is looking forward to playing another gay role in daytime. �I love that Lucas is not the only gay character on the show. I remember when Luke and Noah kissed [on As the World Turns] for the first time, we had Entertainment Tonight come,� he recalled to TV Insider. �And I get it, but it�s great that we�re in a place where it�s so casual, just like how it is in life. There are gay people in life so there should be gay people on soaps and queer people and trans people and all of that. So, the fact that it�s so ingrained and it�s not like �the gay character� or �the gay storyline� feels really nice.�

Monsters� Nicholas Alexander Chavez Takes a Swing at Sharing His Thoughts on Lyle Menendez, Erik�s Objections and the Brothers� Guilt

�When you�re playing a character like this, you want to remove as much judgment as you can and empathize as much as you can,� the Daytime Emmy-winning General Hospital veteran tells TVLine. �That�s what I tried to do first and foremost� I wanted to come from as educated a perspective as I could, so I familiarized myself with plenty of primary and secondary sources as far as research material. I went through the Court TV footage quite a bit.

�Ultimately, I understand that some of the behavior that he has in this show is difficult for people to digest,� he continues, �but my performance sits at the nexus of so many things. It sits at the nexus of the research I have done, the scripts I was given, the direction that I was given and the strong interpretation and point of view that I formed of this person who is, in my view, one of the most enigmatic human beings to have lived in the last 100 years.�

Watching Monsters, it at times seemed like we were seeing two different Lyles, one utterly destroyed by his father and mother�s abuse and the other, a privileged enfant terrible. But �I didn�t feel like I was playing two people,� Chavez says. �I felt as if I was playing one person who was multi-faceted and had many strengths and many weaknesses and different colors to his humanity. And he had different ways of coping with different aspects of his life.

�I think you�d have real trouble making sense of it all,� he adds. �I once heard that complex characters are 80 percent one thing and 20 percent the opposite thing.� That certainly holds true for Lyle.

What with not living under a rock and all, Chavez has, of course, heard about Erik�s condemnation of Monsters. �Of course it�s affected me, and I empathize with Erik and Lyle Menendez,� the actor says. �I can only imagine how difficult it must be to have the most traumatic moment of your life played on the screen in front of millions of people.�

In the end, having so thoroughly studied the case, would Chavez have found the brothers guilty� or, because of the extenuating circumstances, innocent? �That�s a really interesting question. When I took on this role, I had to develop a really strong point of view with this character,� he says. �And this point of view came after watching the trial over and over and over again. So I do have an answer to this question, but I think it�s really important to me that I not share it.�

�Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Men�ndez Story� Star Nicholas Alexander Chavez Signs With CAA

Chavez plays Lyle in the Netflix limited series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Men�ndez Story opposite Javier Bardem, Chlo� Sevigny and Cooper Koch.

He can also be seen in the horror drama series Grotesquerie as Father Charlie alongside Travis Kelce, Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance, and Lesley Manville.

Before joining Monsters, Chavez was best known for playing Spencer Cassadine on ABC�s General Hospital. He left in January as his character was believed to have perished after falling off a boat into France�s Seine River.

�I�m so appreciative of the opportunity that GH gave me, and I wouldn�t be as busy as I am professionally if it weren�t for the talented producers, writers, directors and fellow actors,� the actor wrote on X in May. �[Executive Producer] Frank Valentini is a mentor and a friend, and we�ve had some pretty extensive conversations about my future on the show. While there are no current plans for me to return, we are still talking very openly about future possibilities for Spencer in Port Charles. Beyond the people I�ve already mentioned, I want to take some time to thank and honor the GH fan base� especially the Sprina fans� who must be THE most loyal and kind fan base in the universe of entertainment. Words fail to show the depth of my gratitude, thank you, I love you all very, very much.�

Chavez continues to be represented by Felker, Toczek, Suddleson, McGinnis, Ryan LLP.

Nicholas Alexander Chavez on Today (Video)

�Doctor Odyssey� Trailer: Joshua Jackson Is Saving Lives In Ryan Murphy�s ABC Series

�General Hospital� Welcomes Back Michael E. Knight

The actor told Soap Opera Digest that his absence was only supposed to last for a few months, but the changes in the writers room � including the decision to bring back Chris Van Etten as co-head writer with Elizabeth Korte �delayed his comeback until now.

�Frank [Valentini] brought me on initially to work with Roger [Howarth] when I was trying to make my health insurance. And I will love Frank for the rest of my life for doing what he did, because four days turned into four years,� Knight told the outlet. �So, to me, I already had the brass ring in my pocket. I wasn�t going to complain about four days turning into four years! I�m one grateful monkey, you know what I mean?�

Knight, who is best known for playing Tad Martin for decades on All My Children, likes to tease his work on GH by saying �It�s kind of like paprika. You don�t use it a lot but you use it to sort of spice things up.�

�Now I get the benefit of Chris being back � Chris created Martin. And I get to be a new toy for Chris, twice,� he said.

When Knight was last on the show, his character ended his relationship with Lucy after discovering she was in a relationship with Scotty Baldwin.

�If it wasn�t for the fans, none of us would have a job,� Knight told Soap Opera Digest. �So, to the fans, God bless each and every one of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me the chance to play.�

Johnny Wactor's Mom Livid Over Potential Sentence in Son's Murder Case

Scarlett Wactor tells TMZ she fears Leonel Gutierrez, 18 -- who pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and grand theft charges in connection with the case -- was merely charged with whatever was available for his alleged participation. But, she thinks that's not good enough.

Scarlett believes he'll probably only end up serving 1-2 years due to prison overcrowding ... and then will walk free to live a full life -- something Johnny will never get the chance to do.

She doubts Gutierrez has any remorse and is convinced his guilty plea is an effort to avoid any further possible charges as the murder case evolves ... and she believes he�ll dive right back into his criminal ways once he's out, citing his probation status at the time of his arrest.

Despite her frustrations, Scarlett says she'll be at his sentencing, staring him down and delivering a victim impact statement to lay bare what he and his alleged accomplices have taken from her family.

Scarlett also hopes to get "Johnny's Law" passed in California ... aiming for tougher penalties for probation violations, and felony murder charges for anyone involved in a deadly crime, trigger-puller or not.

The other 3 suspects -- 2 of whom are facing murder charges -- have pled not guilty and are scheduled to be back in court next month.

Mark Hamill Will Appear At Lynda Carter�s Geeks & Nerds For Harris/Walz Fundraiser

Mark Hamill has joined the star-studded lineup for Lynda Carter�s upcoming virtual Kamala Harris fundraiser Geeks & Nerds for Harris/Walz, which will stream live on Sept. 24 at 8pm ET.

Also joining the lineup are Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, Stranger Things) and Andy Merrill (The Brak Show, Aqua Teen Hunger Force), as well as the casts of The Boys and Supernatural, along with creator Eric Kripke.

Co-hosted by fan activist and Carter�s Potomac Productions media director Sabrina Cartan, the event is produced is Broadway Unlocked. Previously announced appearances include Stacey Abrams, Yvette Nicole Brown, LeVar Burton, Misha Collins, Patty Jenkins, Bill Nye, Jeri Ryan, Anthony Rapp, Matthew Modine, George Takei and Mary Trump�s Nerd Avengers.

In addition to the celebrity guests, Geeks & Nerds for Harris/Walz will feature a group of the nation�s leading scientists, technologists, engineers and inventors. Virtual attendees will be asked to sign an open letter in support of Harris and running mate Tim Walz, as well as �a future where innovation thrives.�

Carter previously made the call for �our finest superheroes� to join her Geeks & Nerds for Harris/Walz initiative last month, during which Kripke jokingly pitched a crossover between Wonder Woman, The Boys and Supernatural.

The upcoming fundraiser comes after Harris faced off against opponent Donald Trump in the first and only presidential debate ahead of Election Day, which aired Tuesday on ABC. A vice presidential debate between Walz and J.D. Vance is scheduled for a CBS News on Oct. 1.

Suspect Charged In Connection With Shooting Death Of �General Hospital� Actor Johnny Wactor Pleads Guilty

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, made an open plea to the court, meaning his guilty plea was made without any agreement with prosecutors about his sentence.

The three other suspects in the case have pleaded not guilty. Robert Isaiah Barceleau, Sergio Estrada, 18; and Frank Olano, 23, are due back in court Oct. 16, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for them to stand trial.

As the alleged gunman in the killing, Barceleau was being held without bail, while Estrada�s bail was set at just over $2 million, and Olano�s at just over $1 million.

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge will determine Gutierrez�s sentence at a hearing set for Nov. 1 at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse.

Gutierrez is facing a maximum of four years and eight months in state prison. He remains free on bond while awaiting sentencing.

PREVIOUSLY on August 29: Three suspects, including two facing murder charges, have pleaded not guilty in the May shooting death of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor.

The three were arraigned Thursday morning before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Susan De Witt in downtown L.A.

Not guilty pleas were entered on behalf of the alleged gunman, 18-year-old Robert Isaiah Barceleau of Huntington Park, who is charged with murder and the special-circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of an attempted robbery. He�s facing a potential sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted.

Also pleading not guilty were Sergio Estrada,18, who was also charged with murder, but is not charged with the special circumstance allegation. He was also charged with attempted robbery and grand theft, both while armed with a firearm.

Additionally, 22-year-old Frank Olano, 22, of Inglewood, pleaded not guilty to being an accessory after the fact to the killing, along with receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

A fourth suspect, 18-year-old Leonel Gutierrez, who is charged with attempted robbery and grand theft by embezzlement, both with gun allegations, indicated through his attorney that he would plead guilty. He is free after posting $120,00 bond.

De Witt set a preliminary setting hearing date of Oct. 16 for Barceleau, Estrada and Olano. Gutierrez was expected to enter his guilty plea on Sept. 11.

Wactor, 37, was killed in the early-morning hours of May 25 in downtown Los Angeles. Walking to his car with a co-worker after a bartending shift, he was shot after confronting three robbers attempting to steal the car�s catalytic converter.

His death sparked an outpouring of reaction from the community, with dozens attending a rally in June demanding justice. L.A. District Attorney chief deputy Joseph Iniguez told the crowd at the time that the major crimes division was working with Central Bureau homicide detectives on the case, saying, �We have a number of leads.�

Wactor played Brando Corbin in 164 episodes of General Hospital during the years 2020-22. The long-running ABC daytime drama paid tribute to him in a mid-June episode.

�General Hospital� star shares unusual second job he takes on when he�s not acting

The 59-year-old actor, known for his character Ric Lansing in the popular soap opera, took to social media to reveal his double life.

�I�ve been on break from �GH� for a couple [of] weeks now,� he explained in an Instagram post.

�About to head back in a couple of days. Going to get on a plane. I�m in Jersey, currently, New Jersey where I live. I just kind of wanted to show folks what New Jersey looks like.�

The actor continued to explain how visitors may misinterpret New Jersey for mostly being industrial but shared that there is more to the Garden State than what travelers see outside of Newark International Airport.

�General Hospital� actor Rick Hearst is sharing a glimpse into his second job when he�s not working in Hollywood.

The 59-year-old actor, known for his character Ric Lansing in the popular soap opera, took to social media to reveal his double life.

�I�ve been on break from �GH� for a couple [of] weeks now,� he explained in an Instagram post.

�About to head back in a couple of days. Going to get on a plane. I�m in Jersey, currently, New Jersey where I live. I just kind of wanted to show folks what New Jersey looks like.�

He added, �There [are] different parts of New Jersey� The part that I live in, South Central New Jersey, which is a beautiful place. I also happen to be a real estate agent here. I love helping people find homes here, sell their homes here. It�s really a great lifestyle out here.�

The soap opera actor went on to give fans a preview of his backyard and explained how he grew up on the East Coast.

�There�s a lot of green� that�s more green than I want to have, it�s a lot to mow,� Hearst shared. �And yes, I do mow my own lawn. I know, nuts.�

While he showed his lush and �spacious� green backyard, Hearst said, �All those trees back there are going to be turning colors by the time I get back from Los Angeles.�

In Hearst�s video, he panned the camera to his mother�s vegetable garden and displayed his luxurious in-ground pool to his fans.

He accompanied his video with the caption, �A little view of the �garden state� from my back yard.�

�We�re very happy here. It�s very peaceful, it�s very tranquil,� Hearst remarked. �I love being here.�

Hearst then reminded his fans of his real estate business and said, �So if you happen to be looking to come to New Jersey, give me a shout. I can find you a place. Or if you are in New Jersey and would like to get an estimate on your home, see what the options are available to you, and would love to be able to work with you as well.�

He returned to �General Hospital� this year after being on hiatus for eight years. He�s won two Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on the show.

His other television credits include roles on �Days of Our Lives,� �Beverly Hills, 90210,� �The Young and the Restless� and �The Bold and the Beautiful.�.

�General Hospital� Fans Campaign Outside ABC Studios to Reinstate Kelly Monaco

Soap Opera Network first reported the news on August 26, noting how Monaco was reportedly �blindsided� by the decision to write her out of the show. Monaco has played Sam McCall on the long-running soap opera since 2003, having filmed more than 2,200 episodes.

After the news broke, fans immediately launched a campaign to save Monaco�s job. One fan set up a Change.org petition titled �Retain Kelly Monaco in the Cast of General Hospital,� which currently has over 13,000 signatures.

�Many fans of General Hospital have grown up watching this iconic show. Sam McCall, masterfully portrayed by Kelly Monaco for over 2 decades, has woven herself into the fabric of our daily lives, becoming a beloved figure on screen,� the petition reads.

Now, fans have taken their #IStandWithKelly campaign directly to the show�s studios. On Monday, September 9, as the General Hospital crew resumed production after a short hiatus, Monaco�s fans sent a billboard truck to ABC�s Prospect Park studios.

The truck featured screens demanding the show�s executives �Rehire Kelly Monaco on General Hospital and save Sam McCall!� It also included a QR code and social media icons showing where fans can find and support the #IStandWithKelly campaign.

According to MichaelFairmanTV, the truck was not only parked out front of Prospect Park but also driven around the famous studio property.

On Tuesday, September 10, the official I Stand With Kelly X account revealed the truck was leaving the Prospect Park studios and heading across town to the Disney studios.

�The Phoenix on Wheels has departed Prospect Studios and is on route to the House of Mouse! ?Starting at ABC/Disney Studios, the fans remain #UnitedforKelly as the Phoenix will be flying to the news stations and a little Grove before returning back to #GH!� the tweet read.

While many fans are hoping General Hospital will reverse its decision and bring Monaco back to Port Charles, others are beginning to speculate whether another soap could be in her future.

An article on DailySoapDish.com speculates that Monaco could find a new home on The Young and the Restless. The site suggests she could reignite her on-screen romance with Jason Thompson, her former leading man on General Hospital, who now portrays Billy Abbott on Y&R.

General Hospital Casts All My Children Vet Alexa Havins as New Lulu

Though Lulu recently took a turn for the worse, we�ve been predicting an awakening for quite some time now, ever since Jonathan Jackson reentered the picture last month as Lulu�s brother Luke Spencer.

Along with the young actresses who portrayed Lulu in her earlier years, the character has most notably been played by Stephanie Allen (2001�03), Tessa Allen (2004�05), Julie Marie Berman (2005�13) and Emme Rylan (2013�2020).

Havins is best known for originating the role of AMC�s Babe Carey, a character she also played on ABC�s now-defunct One Life to Live. Havins also has appeared on episodes of Castle, CSI: Miami and Grey�s Anatomy, among many others.

This reported casting is just one of several major recent developments for the long-running ABC soap, the most notable being Kelly Monaco�s shocking departure from Port Charles after spending 21 seasons as Sam McCall. Other comings and goings include the departures of Michael Easton as Hamilton Finn and Jacqueline Grace Lopez as Blaze. Meanwhile, Emma Samms is set to return as Holly Sutton, and Rick Hearst recently stepped back into the role of Ric Lansing.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story � Watch Final Trailer for Ryan Murphy�s Netflix Drama

On Tuesday, Netflix released the drama�s final trailer, giving us a deeper look at the Menendez parents in (terrible) action.

What�s Next (and Who�s Arriving) on �General Hospital,� �DAYS,� �Y&R� & �B&B� This Fall

Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Taylor (Rebecca Budig) face off after Hope (Annika Noelle) continues making a play for Steffy�s (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) husband, Finn (Tanner Novlan). But when Steffy threatens to end the Hope for the Future fashion line, Hope sets her sights on a new man.
Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) discovers Taylor�s shocking reasons for returning home.
Will�s (Crew Morrow) return could lead to a reunion for his parents, Bill (Don Diamont) and Katie (Heather Tom).
Poppy (Romy Park) is committed to continuing her relationship with Bill. Li makes a grand gesture towards her sister to help Poppy heal from the devastating fallout of Luna�s (Lisa Yamada) murderous actions and kidnapping of Steffy.
Casting News! Guest star Tom Arnold returns as Captain Deuce Stevens. Musician J�kull J�liusson from the Icelandic band, Kaleo, rocks out at the Brooke�s Bedroom fashion campaign.

John (Drake Hogestyn) puts the pieces together regarding the accident that caused Sarah�s (Linsey Godfrey) paralysis. An unexpected treatment for Sarah�s paralysis is on the horizon.
Chad (Billy Flynn) finally accepts that Abigail is back and they prepare to get remarried.
Johnny�s (Carson Boatman) jealous side comes out when he questions Chanel�s behavior on the set of Body & Soul.
Once again, Victor�s (John Aniston) will is contested and a tug-of-war ensues for control of Titan.
Tate (Leo Howard) finds himself caught between Sophia (Madelyn Kientz) and Holly (Ashley Puzemis).
Casting News! Nancy Wesley (Patrika Darbo) returns to Salem to introduce someone she thinks is perfect for Body & Soul. Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Rafe�s (Galen Gering) cousin comes to town.

Alexis� (Nancy Lee Grahn) plan to protect Kristina (Kate Mansi) hits a snag.
Molly (Kristen Vaganos) takes matters into her own hands to save Alexis.
Ric (Rick Hearst) finds another reason to stick around Port Charles.
Tracy (Jane Elliot) works through her complicated feelings about Cody (Josh Kelly) and Sasha�s (Sofia Mattsson) romance.
Lucky (Jonathan Jackson) dreams of Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst).
Hoping to clear his mind about Willow, Drew (Cameron Mathison) has a proposition for Nina (Cynthia Watros).
Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Rocco (Finn Francis Carr) visit Lulu.
Jordan (Tanisha Harper) and Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) get to know each other.

Victor (Eric Braeden) makes a deal with Lily (Christel Khalil) to take down Billy (Jason Thompson) once and for all while also dedicating his time to pushing Jack�s (Peter Bergman) buttons as he continues to mentor Kyle (Michael Mealor) at Glissade.
Cameron (Linden Ashby) remains a dangerous presence in Sharon�s (Sharon Case) life as he encourages her to visit her dark side leading Nick (Joshua Morrow) and Mariah (Camryn Grimes) to work together to help Sharon.
Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) is presented with an unexpected professional opportunity while also supporting Summer (Allison Lanier) and Daniel (Michael Graziadei) through some challenging times.
Victoria (Amelia Heinle) rekindles her romance with Cole (J. Eddie Peck).
Claire (Hayley Erin) sees a new side to Kyle as they take their relationship to the next level.
Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) and Adam (Mark Grossman) seek forgiveness for their night of passion while Billy and Sally (Courtney Hope) find themselves forming an unexpected bond.
Abby (Melissa Ordway) and Devon (Bryton James) face an unforeseen obstacle as they plan their November wedding.
Diane (Susan Walters) goes to great lengths to repair her relationship with her son, Kyle.
Audra (Zuleyka Silver) and Nate (Sean Dominic) navigate the waters of their new normal.

Annie Ilonzeh Joins the Cast of S.W.A.T.

Walker�s Lindsey Morgan Explains Medical Issue That Forced Her to Leave the Series

At the time, Morgan cited �personal reasons� for leaving the show, but on this week�s episode of the �I�ve Never Said This Before� podcast, the actress finally revealed what caused her to leave her character Micki Ramirez behind. (Read a recap of how the character was written off.)

�I had a spinal injury, which was affecting my nervous system and my brainstem,� she said in a clip obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. The actress said the injury caused her crippling anxiety and stress which made her unable to perform her job, adding that it was the hardest decision she�d ever made because she�d worked so hard to achieve her dream of becoming a lead on a TV series.

�Up until this point, I had been manifesting,� she said. �I really wanted to be a lead. I wanted to get a promotion in my career journey. When Walker came, I was the lead female. That was my dream come true.�

Having served as a recurring character on The 100, Morgan only had one month off in between jobs before beginning work on Walker, and working consistently without a proper break eventually took its toll.

�I was really blessed and lucky that I started working and didn�t stop,� she said. �But, looking back, I realized my mistake in the sense of, like an athlete, I was working, working, working, outputting, outputting, outputting, outputting, but I wasn�t recovering. All my dreams were coming true, and I was a mess. Me, personally, was not in a good place. My anxiety was through the roof.�

She continued: �I feel like I did not do good work. And looking back on it now, it was because I was so stressed out in my body � mentally and physically. I was a mess. I couldn�t figure out why. I have all of this responsibility on my shoulders, and I felt like I was failing everyone � and myself.�

Doctors gave her two options: Continue working 16-hour days for nine months at a time using a medication she may need for the rest of her life, or completely change her lifestyle to minimize stress on her body.

�I�m somebody that really pushes themselves and has really high standards, and I never want to let anyone around me down,� she explained. �I felt a little bit like I let Jared [Padalecki] down, or let the show down, and that was the hardest part for me, because it still makes me emotional, which I know is silly, because I was doing what I needed to do to take care of myself, and that�s more important.�

Talk Show Appearance

�General Hospital� Adds �Saturday Night Live� Star in Surprise Guest Role

Sarah Sherman will make her GH debut on Thursday, September 5th, and appear again on Friday, September 6th, according to People, who announced her casting. Sherman will play Ms. Finch, an etiquette teacher for Lois Cerullo (Rena Sofer).

Sherman�s role is a particular thrill for the comic who told the outlet, �I had the best time of my life and I couldn�t believe I got to act in a scene with �TRACY QUARTERMAINE�!� referencing Jane Elliot�s character. �I was so nervous about flubbing my lines, because I was surrounded by pros who memorize like a billion pages of dialogue a day. Also, I met �Sonny Corinthos� [Maurice Benard] so I can die happy!�

While Sherman is sure to bring her brand of humor to the role of Ms. Finch, fans can also look forward to her return for the upcoming season of Saturday Night Live. An SNL cast member since 2021, Sherman continues to bring laughs to audiences tuning in across the country, and she�ll surely do so with her soap debut.

Sherman�s casting comes on the heels of Adam J. Harrington and Michael Easton�s departures from the Port Charles-set series. As teased, above, Sherman will share the screen with Elliot�s Tracy Quartermaine, but fans will have to tune in to see how her role plays out. Along with Sherman, General Hospital has had quite a few arrivals recently as Jonathan Jackson returned to reprise his role as Lucky Spencer and Emma Samms resumes her portrayal of Holly Sutton.

Don�t miss Sherman�s appearance on General Hospital, tune into the soap on September 5th and 6th to catch the SNL star.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story � Watch Full Trailer for Ryan Murphy�s Netflix Drama

And now, Netflix has released a full trailer, giving us our first look at the Menendez family in action.

As its title suggests, the new season of Murphy and Ian Brennan�s true-crime anthology series tells the real-life story of brothers convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, Jos� and Mary Louise Menendez.

�While the prosecution argued they were seeking to inherit their family fortune, the brothers claimed � and remain adamant to this day, as they serve life sentences without the possibility of parole � that their actions stemmed out of fear from a lifetime of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their parents,� reads Netflix�s official synopsis.

The new season �dives into the historic case that took the world by storm, paved the way for audiences� modern-day fascination with true crime, and in return asks those audiences: Who are the real monsters?�

Creators Murphy and Brennan also executive-produce alongside Alexis Martin Woodall, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson, David McMillan, Louise Shore, director Carl Franklin and series star Javier Bardem.

Talk Show Appearance

�General Hospital� Star Emma Samms Gets Candid About Return to Show & Working With Jonathan Jackson

The performer who first joined the soap in 1982 as a love interest to Anthony Geary�s Luke Spencer is making a comeback in her villainous role, which sees her do good and bad. In an interview with Variety, Samms said, �It�s the perfect part in that regard� it�s so fun, and really interesting. It�s that depth, all those different colors that Holly has to her character.�

While details around Holly�s return to Port Charles remain mysterious for now, it has been confirmed that she�ll play a part in Jonathan Jackson�s return as Luke�s son, Lucky Spencer. This marks the first time that Samms and Jackson will act together despite their link through Geary�s Luke.

�It�s such a gift that Frank [Valentini] has given me, working with Jonathan, who is obviously a very, very good actor,� Samms told the outlet. �That�s undisputed � but he�s also really nice. And we have a very similar way of approaching the work, and we realized that that is because we were both trained by Tony Geary.�

Regarding what fans can anticipate from Holly�s return, Samms said there�s �going to be some interesting twists with Holly coming back to town.�

While Samms has appeared on and off throughout the years, she�s struggled with long Covid for the past few years and wasn�t been able to leave London for a while because of it. �I�ve been like this now for four and a half years nearly, and it�s baffling to not just the people who have it, but it�s baffling to the doctors,� she revealed. �They are some very smart people who are investigating and studying it and doing research, but all they keep finding is more and more damage that Covid has done to people�s bodies.�

Among the damage Samms has experienced is myocarditis, �which has scarred my heart,� the performer revealed. �The consequences of Covid � I think we still have only just scratched the surface, and it�s terrifying to me that people think we are no longer in a pandemic. Because they so desperately want it to not affect them, they sort of pretend that it has gone, and it so hasn�t.�

�If it wasn�t for the fact that people at General Hospital are so understanding of it and accommodating, I would not be able to work like I do,� Samms added. �When I�m back in the U.K., and anytime I�m not on the set, I have to lie down, I have to put my feet up. I have something called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, so if I stand too long, I keel over. So the only cure, or the only thing that makes you feel a bit better, is to lie down flat.�

The accommodations General Hospital has made for Samms� return include providing her with scenes that allow her to sit down, putting her in a dressing room close to the elevator, and other things she revealed, �mean I can do the job.�

Don�t miss Samms� return as Holly as she appears on General Hospital with Jonathan Jackson, and let us know what you hope to see from the character�s return to Port Charles in the comments section, below.

�General Hospital� Star Adam J. Harrington Addresses Exit From Soap

The confirmation comes after the dramatic ending to last Friday�s (August 30) episode of the long-running soap, where Harrington�s John Cates was shot twice by mobster Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). After fans speculated over John�s fate, Harrington confirmed late Sunday night (September 1) that this is indeed the end of his character.

�Well @GeneralHospital it was a BLAST, literally!� Harrington wrote on X. �To @valentinifrank, producers and writers. Thank you for the SHOT at joining your world. I loved it.�

He continued, �To the phenomenal cast and crew. It was a honor to witness the CALIBER of your work. Now, seriously, I will miss you all.�

In a follow-up post, Harrington turned his attention to the fans, writing, �To the @GeneralHospital viewers and fans. It�s been a honor being in your world, and feeling your passion.�

�To those who have written a goodbye, I�ve read every word and I�m deeply humbled,� he added. �Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Until we meet again� Adam.�

Harrington had previously teased his exit a half-hour after Friday�s episode had aired in New York markets. He posted a photo of a sunset on X alongside the caption, �Good night all�.�

The actor, whose previous credits included The Lincoln Lawyer and Bosch, first appeared in Port Charles back in February, taking over the role of Jagger, now going by his first name, John. The character was previously played by Antonio Sabato, Jr. from 1992 to 1995.

Prior to joining General Hospital, Harrington had credits in Palm Royale, The Sex Lives of College Girls, Station 19, S.W.A.T., The Rookie, Dirty John, and more. He also received a BAFTA nomination for Performer in a Supporting Role for voicing the character of Sindri in the popular video game God of War Ragnar�k.

Murder Suspects Plead Not Guilty In Shooting Death Of �General Hospital� Actor Johnny Wactor

The three were arraigned Thursday morning before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Susan De Witt in downtown L.A.

De Witt set a preliminary setting hearing date of Oct. 16 for Barceleau, Estrada and Olano. Gutierrez was expected to enter his guilty plea on Sept. 11.

Wactor played Brando Corbin in 164 episodes of General Hospital during the years 2020-22. The long-running ABC daytime drama paid tribute to him in a mid-June episode..

�General Hospital� Fans Campaign for Kelly Monaco to Get Her Job Back

Soap Opera Network first reported the news on Monday (August 26), noting how Monaco was reportedly �blindsided� by the decision to write her out of the show. Monaco has played Sam McCall on the long-running soap opera since 2003, having filmed more than 2,200 episodes.

Since the news dropped, fans have flooded the General Hospital social media channels to demand that the show reverse its decision.

�It�s not too late to reverse the unlawful firing of #KellyMonaco We are not done with Sam McCall. She still has more to tell,� wrote one fan who linked to a Change.org petition to �Save Sam McCall.�

The petition, which over 3,500 fans have signed, reads, �Many fans of General Hospital have grown up watching this iconic show. Sam McCall, masterfully portrayed by Kelly Monaco for over 2 decades, has woven herself into the fabric of our daily lives, becoming a beloved figure on screen.�

It continues, �The thought of General Hospital without Sam�s character is not just disappointing, it is unthinkable for the loyal audience. Her departure would strip the show of its core� Sam McCall is more than just a character to us, she represents a part of our own lives � triumphs, hardships, love, and loss. Without Kelly Monaco, this character�s journey abruptly ends, leaving her viewers with an incomplete story and void that can�t be filled.�

Another X user commented on a General Hospital X post, �You fired Kelly Monaco. After 21 years. You people suck.�

�The ONLY THING I want to see confronted is Team Kelly confronting TPTB at #GH and @ABCNetwork We want her to stay!� said another.

�No one cares anymore. You guys are ruining this show. Bring back Kelly Monaco and Sam. Fix the mess you have created,� another added.

One fan added, �I watch GH for Kelly Monaco�s Sam. If she�s not there, I don�t and won�t watch.�

�The firing of Kelly Monaco is a perfect example of his absolute disconnect from viewers. TPTB need to reverse this terrible decision and not only keep Kelly on, but give her a real storyline,� said one commenter.

Another added, �The future of #GH is not looking good if you can so egregiously blindside a 21 yr vet. This stinks to hog heaven! It is not the way to earn our loyalty as fans. Fix this mess.�

Even General Hospital stars Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson seemed taken aback by the news. Speaking on their Daily Drama podcast, Burton and Anderson said they learned of Monaco�s firing at the same time as the fans.

�We�re on a break from the show, we heard about it last night just like you did,� Anderson explained. �We do not have any information. I wish we had information we could tell you.�

�Whatever happened sucks,� Burton added. �I don�t know exactly what the story is.�

TV Insider commenters also shared their reactions to the news, with one fan writing, �It just seems like the writers secretly do not like General Hospital and are trying to ruin it.�

Another added, �Don�t kill her off� bring her back when you realize better ways to showcase her talents!!�

However, a couple of people were more welcoming of the decision to kill off Monaco�s character.

�I feel her acting has gotten worse as of late. I can�t stand how she closes her eyes the whole time she talks. I�m glad she�s out,� wrote one fan.

�No loss. She used to be good years ago but recent years, no longer like her. Just replace her with Lindsay Hartley. She does an excellent job and is a terrific actress,� added another, referring to the Passions actress who briefly filled in for Monaco in 2020, 2022, and 2024.

�Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story� Teaser Shows Family Tensions Before Murders

Netflix�s new true-crime anthology series, which launched with Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story in 2022, continues with this still-stunning case of a pair of brothers who were convicted after killing their well-to-do parents on August 20, 1989.

And now, Netflix is offering a ton of key details about the series. Here�s what to know.

Yes! Embedded above is a teaser trailer for the new series, which shows a family in clear distress, as the mother questions what is �really going on� between her husband and �the boys.� It also reveals that the show will explore the claims of incest that were lodged by the Menedez brothers at their trial, when they accused their father of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse and said they killed him out of self-defense after they threatened to expose his crimes.

If you or someone you know is the victim of child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453). If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

The series dramatizes the infamous true-life murders of Jos� and Mary Louise �Kitty� Menendez by their sons, Lyle and Erik Menendez.

The official logline for the show is: �While the prosecution argued they were seeking to inherit their family fortune, the brothers claimed � and remain adamant to this day, as they serve life sentences without the possibility of parole � that their actions stemmed out of fear from a lifetime of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their parents.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story dives into the historic case that took the world by storm, paved the way for audiences� modern-day fascination with true crime, and in return asks those audiences: Who are the real monsters?�

The star-studded cast features in the lead Javier Bardem as Jos� Menendez, Chlo� Sevigny as Mary Louise �Kiitty� Menendez, Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez, Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menendez, Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne, and Ari Graynor as Leslie Abramson.

Supporting stars include Leslie Grossman as Judalon Smyth, Dallas Roberts as Dr. Jerome Oziel, Paul Adelstein as David Conn, Jason Butler Harner as Det. Les Zoeller, Enrique Murciano as Carlos Baralt, Michael Gladis as Tim Rutten, Drew Powell as Det. Tom Linehan, Charlie Hall as Craig Cignarelli, Gil Ozeri as Dr. William Vicary, Jeff Perry as Peter Hoffman, Tessa Auberjonois as Dr. Laurel Oziel, Tanner Stine as Perry Berman, Larry Clarke as Brian Andersen, Jade Pettyjohn as Jamie Pisarcik, Marlene Forte as Marta Cano, and Vicki Lawrence as Leigh.

The series is written by Ryan Murphy, David McMillan, Todd Kruban, Ian Brenna, and Reilly Smith. Directors include Brennan, Max Winkler, Paris Barclay, Michael Uppendahl, and Carl Franklin.

�General Hospital� Shocker: Kelly Monaco Leaving After 21 Years On ABC Sudser

Deadline has confirmed that Monaco, who first joined the ABC sudser in 2003, will leave sometime this fall. Monaco has shot more than 2,200 episodes of GH and has received two Daytime Emmy nominations for her work. She went to win the mirrorball trophy in the first season of Dancing with the Stars.

Monaco�s surprise departure mirrors what happened on CBS� The Bold & the Beautiful earlier this year when Executive Producer Brad Bell decided to kill off Sheila Carter, played by the popular Kimberlin Brown. Brown told Deadline the surprise decision to write off her character was a �hard pillow to swallow� � especially since the decision was made two months later to bring her back.

Change is certainly afoot at GH. Earlier this month, it was revealed that co-head writer Patrick Mulcahey was leaving the show while Chris Van Etten was returning to run the writers room with Elizabeth Korte.

Last week, Deadline broke that Sawandi Wilson (Star Trek: Discovery) will join the sudser as Isaiah, who is only described for now as having a �connection� to Jonathan Jackson�s Lucky.

General Hospital: Kelly Monaco Leaving After 21 Years (Report)

Monaco is set to make her final appearance as Sam this fall, per the report, which adds that Monaco was �blindsided� by the decision.

Monaco made her General Hospital debut as Sam in 2003, following a three-year stint as Livvie Locke on spinoff Port Charles. Sam was introduced as a con artist and bad girl � the long-lost daughter of attorney Alexis Davis and mob boss Julian Jerome � but went on to become one of the pillars of the long-running soap. Monaco has been nominated for two Daytime Emmys, one for Port Charles in 2003 and one for General Hospital in 2006.

General Hospital has seen more than its share of upheaval as of late, recently reinstating Chris Van Etten as co-head writer along with Elizabeth Korte. Emma Samms is set to return as Holly Sutton next month, while Jonathan Jackson returned last week to reprise his role as Lucky Spencer.

Baywatch Cast Reflects on Highs and Lows of the Show in Docuseries Preview: �There Really Was No Better Job�

The stars reunited for the new ABC News Studios docuseries, After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, and revealed how their lives changed being on one of the most popular television series, which ran from 1989 to 1999. To promote the new series (premiering Aug. 28), some of the stars reflected on what the docuseries meant to them in this exclusive featurette.

For David Chokachi, who played Cody Madison, �I look back and was like, there really was no better job than Baywatch." Alexandra Paul nods in agreement beside him.

�Baywatch is a fantasy,� says Nicole Eggert, who produced the documentary and played Summer Quinn on the show.

The camera then cuts to Traci Bingham and Carmen Electra on each side of Jeremy Jackson, who played David Hasselhoff's child on the series. Jackson jokes, �Childhood memories finally manifesting,� as he hugs them and laughs.

Baywatch was a phenomenon during its 11-season run � creator Douglas Schwartz even reveals it had 1.2 billion viewers per week.

�That was the highest volume of viewers of any show ever in the history of television,� he says.

The lifeguard rescue drama made headlines worldwide, bringing extreme fame to the cast. Reflecting on that pressure of being in the public eye, Paul explains that she was grateful to have her costars by her side at the time.

�I think when you�ve been on a number one show in the world, it�s such a unique experience we had,� she discusses with Chokachi. �So coming together again, we�re just bonded because of that, because of what we went through � the good and the bad that came with that kind of fame.�

Erika Eleniak, who played Shauni McClain, says she agrees, adding that doing the documentary three decades later was a full-circle moment.

�It was a nice opportunity to be able to speak candidly about what was going on and how it affected our lives and our careers on a personal level,� she says while sitting beside Billy Warlock.

On the other hand, Electra says she is hoping nothing too crazy comes out of the behind-the-scenes clips that will be included in the docuseries, teasing: �I heard there�s unseen footage, lost VHS tapes, so I'm a little concerned about that.�

Director and executive producer Matthew Felker remembers the amount of attention the stars got during the peak of the show, saying he understands why the cast has been afraid of public scrutiny.

�They were very hesitant with press because they�ve always been sort of massacred in the press,� he explains.

The docuseries is a chance for the stars to tell their own stories about its impact on pop culture and their lives.

In the docuseries, there's archival footage of Pamela Anderson (who starred as C.J. Parker) saying she still can recall where she was when she realized that she was famous.

�We went to London to promote Baywatch and photographers were falling down backwards and down the stairs and I looked behind me and was like, �who are they shooting?� And it literally dawns on you that it�s you,� she reveals.

(Video) �Just because you�re a beautiful person doesn�t mean that life can�t happen too,� Felker continued. �Life happens to a lot of these people, and we see that.�

The clip came to an end with a clip of Anderson declaring: �I�m really proud of everything I've done � almost.�

Jonathan Jackson Returns to General Hospital � What Brings Lucky Spencer Back to Port Charles?

Viewers didn�t actually catch a glimpse of Jackson�s face until the end of the episode, however, as Lucky spent most of the hour with a burlap sack over his head. After establishing throughout the broadcast that someone was being held captive in a dirty cell, that person was ultimately revealed to be Lucky.

Moments before the big unmasking, Laura was telling Elizabeth how much she misses her son. �I wish to God I knew where he was so I could bring him home,� she said. And just like that, there he was! So as soon as we find out where he is � and perhaps send him a comb � we�ll be sure to get him home.

Jackson originated the role of Lucky in 1993, playing the son of Luke and Laura Spencer on and off through 2011, at which point he departed ABC�s daytime soap for the primetime country music drama Nashville. He later returned to GH for a brief stint in 2015.

During his two-decade run as Lucky, Jackson won five Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (1995, 1998, 1999, 2011 and 2012).

Elsewhere in Friday�s hour, Molly continued to mourn the loss of her baby; the Ashford family rallied around T.J. in his grief; Haven defended Lois against an at-home heckler; and Chase helped Dante work through his complicated feelings about Lulu, while Maxie visited her bedside.

OK, General Hospital fans, it�s time to start theorizing: Who�s holding Lucky captive? And does anyone else feel like Lulu�s about to wake up from that coma sooner rather than later?

�General Hospital� Recruits �Star Trek: Discovery� Actor Sawandi Wilson

Star Trek: Discovery star Sawandi Wilson has been cast as Isaiah, who according to Deadline, is described as having a �connection� to Lucky, who returned to the soap on Friday, August 23. Wilson�s Isaiah is set to debut on the series beginning Monday, August 26.

Further details about Isaiah have not been unveiled at this time, but he�s sure to shake things up as Jackson told TV Insider about Lucky�s return, �He�s been away for almost a decade, so I would say that the reasons for him being away and what he�s been up to are revealed. He hasn�t just been sitting in an apartment writing his novel. He�s been up to stuff.�

Fans will have to tune in to see how Isaiah factors into the Lucky Spencer mix, but expect to see plenty of Jackson in the days ahead as the actor teased he�s �back in a substantial, real way, which I�m excited about.�

For those less familiar with Wilson as a performer, he is best known for playing Captain Leto in Season 5 of Star Trek: Discovery, appearing alongside Sonequa Martin-Green�s Burnham and David Ajala�s Book as their son. His other television credits include roles in Harlem, Law & Order: SVU, Quantico, The Get Down, Bull, The House of Flowers, and more.

It�s unclear at this time how long Wilson�s run on the soap will be, but if its dependent upon Jackson, we anticipate that Isaiah�s role will be fairly sizeable.

Don�t miss Wilson�s entrance as Isaiah when he makes his General Hospital debut on Monday, August 26.

GH�s Deception Beauty Products Are Real and On Sale!

The Deceptor isn�t just fiction anymore. It is a real beauty device that uses Red Light Therapy to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is small and portable for use anywhere. And it�s only available at Shop Home & Heart!

The website also offers the K. Carroll General Hospital Handbag Collection with prices ranging from $19.99-$42.00 so that fans can buy and use the same bags seen on the soap. Also for sale is a Signature Initial Necklace with Pear Drop-Gold Plate as worn by Kirsten Storms� Maxie.

Debbie Matenopoulos, who will appear in the Aug. 22 episode of GH, is launching her own skincare line, Ikaria Beauty, using natural, organic ingredients from her native Greece. Those products will soon be available on Shop Home & Heart for purchase.

GH is also debuting a new character, Pearl, played by beauty expert Andy Paige, who was thrilled to appear on the soap she�s been watching since she was a kid. �This show meant the world to me growing up and it is a legacy show,� she declared. �I mean, what an honor.

�I was fortunate that I grew up right across the street from my great grandmother,� Paige continued, �and every day I could walk across the street and I could get the best snacks and we would sit and we would watch General Hospital. And Robert Scorpio was her favorite� she loved the accent. And of course Luke and Laura and all of it. But it just meant so much to me to share this time with her and experience the drama and the glamour and the beauty that we all know.�

GH already has a special section in the ABC Shop where fans can buy T-shirts and mugs and such but now Shop Home & Heart is offering the opportunity to buy actual beauty products as seen on the soap! Check it out!

Richard Simmons Cause Of Death Confirmed By L.A. County Medical Examiner

Simmons reportedly fell at his home on July 11 and spent the following day in bed. He was found unresponsive on his bedroom floor the morning of July 13th. 9-1-1 was called and he was pronounced dead at the scene, the coroner�s office said.

Candace Cameron Bure & Cameron Mathison�s Christmas Movie Shakeup

TV Insider previously announced that Bure and Mathison would star in Jingle Bells, Wedding Bells. The film will not go into production in 2024. Bure�s two Christmas films for Great American Family this upcoming holiday season are Home Sweet Christmas and A Christmas Less Traveled.

Home Sweet Christmas follows Sophie Marlow (Bure), a successful mergers and acquisitions attorney, who is called home to Waynesbridge, Washington, following her great uncle�s passing. Uncle Henry left Sophie 60% ownership in his Marlow Maple Meadows, a sprawling patch of sugar maple forest.

Though Sophie hasn�t been on the property in decades, she immediately begins retracing the happy steps of her youth before encountering Sam (Mathison), her long-lost, childhood friend. Sam has returned to the farm after learning Henry left him the other 40% of the property. The legacy property means a quick sale is likely, though Sophie and Sam will discover neither of them is ready to let go just yet.

Great American Family�s 2024 schedule also includes A Vintage Christmas starring Merritt Patterson and Christopher Russell; Love at the Kettle (working title) starring Carlos PenaVega and Alexa PenaVega; and A Christmas Less Traveled starring Bure and Eric Johnson.

Bure is also executive producing the film alongside Ford Englerth, Jeffery Brooks, Holly A. Hines, Eric Jarboe, Gerald Webb, Trevor McWhinney, Paula Elle, and Martin Wood. The film is a Syrup Studios production in association with Candy Rock Entertainment. Supervising producers include Jonathan Shore, Robyn Wiener, Michael Shepard, and David Oland serves as associate producer.

�Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story� Sets Premiere Date � Watch Teaser

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story will premiere on Thursday, September 19 on Netflix. The streaming service announced the date with a new teaser clip, which you can watch above.

This next part in the true-crime anthology series comes after the success of Dahmer. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story chronicles the case of the real-life brothers who were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, Jos� and Mary Louise �Kitty� Menendez. The prosecution argued they were seeking to inherit their family fortune, but the brothers claimed�as they still do to this day while serving life sentences without the possibility of parole�that their actions stemmed out of fear from a lifetime of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at their parents� hands. The installment dives into the case and asks the audience, who are the real monsters?

Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch star as Lyle and Erik, with Javier Bardem and Chlo� Sevigny playing their parents, Jos� and Kitty. Nathan Lane stars as Dominick Dunne, and Ari Graynor plays Leslie Abramson. The cast also includes Leslie Grossman (Judalon Smyth), Dallas Roberts (Dr. Jerome Oziel), Paul Adelstein (David Conn), Jason Butler Harner (Det. Les Zoeller), Enrique Murciano (Carlos Baralt), Michael Gladis (Tim Rutten), Drew Powell (Det. Tom Linehan), Charlie Hall (Craig Cignarelli), Gil Ozeri (Dr. William Vicary), Jeff Perry (Peter Hoffman), Tessa Auberjonois (Dr. Laurel Oziel), Tanner Stine (Perry Berman), Larry Clarke (Brian Andersen), Jade Pettyjohn (Jamie Pisarcik), and Marlene Forte (Marta Cano).

Joining creators Murphy and Brennan as executive producers are Alexis Martin Woodall, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson, David McMillan, Louise Shore, Carl Franklin, and Bardem. Brennan, Max Winkler, Paris Barclay, Michael Uppendahl, and Franklin directed the series, which is written by Murphy, McMillan, Todd Kubrak, Brennan, and Reilly Smith.

Two Charged With Murder In Johnny Wactor Death � Update

Eighteen-year-old Robert Barceleau of Huntington Park, and Sergio Estrada, also 18, both have been charged with murder. Barceleau�s charge includes a special circumstance allegation of killing in the commission of a robbery, with a potential sentence of life in prison without parole. He�s also charged with attempted robbery and grand theft, both while armed with a firearm.

Estrada�s charge does not include the special circumstance allegation. He�s also charged with attempted robbery and grand theft, both while armed with a firearm.

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, is charged with attempted robbery and grand theft by embezzlement, both while armed. The fourth suspect, Frank Olano, 22, of Inglewood, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to the killing, along with receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Wactor was killed in the early-morning hours of May 25 in downtown Los Angeles. Walking to his car with a co-worker after a bartending shift, he was shot after confronting three robbers attempting to steal the car�s catalytic converter.

Police arrest 4 suspects in killing of former �General Hospital� actor Johnny Wactor

The four suspects who have been arrested range in age from 18 to 22 and hail from L.A. County, Huntington Park and Inglewood. Three of the suspects were booked on arrest warrants for murder and the fourth was booked as an accessory.

A news release from the LAPD states that officers conducted search warrants that led to the arrests early Thursday morning and recovered additional evidence. No further details have been shared about the arrests or the evidence.

Wactor was shot and killed when he interrupted thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car in early on the morning of May 25. Police said the 37-year-old had left work at a rooftop bar with a coworker when he saw three men who had hoisted his car. Police said one of them fired at him without provocation and killed him.

The men fled in a car and Wactor was taken to a hospital where he was later declared dead, police said. The county medical examiner said Wactor died from a gunshot wound to the chest and ruled the death a homicide.

Police on Aug. 5 asked for the public�s help in identifying the suspects, releasing surveillance images of them and their getaway car.

Wactor, a South Carolina native, portrayed Brando Corbin on the ABC soap opera from 2020 to 2022. He also appeared in a variety of films and TV series, including �Station 19,� �NCIS,� �Westworld� and the video game �Call of Duty: Vanguard.�

His agent, David Shaul, said just after Wactor�s death that he �always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.�

At a news conference earlier in the week, his mother described the feeling of losing him.

�Grief is my constant companion,� Scarlett Wactor said. �I can�t wish him happy birthday on Aug. 31 � he would have been 38. I can�t ask if he�s coming home for Christmas. I can�t ask how his day went.�

'General Hospital' Star Johnny Wactor Murder, Search Warrants Served, Gang Arrests Imminent

LAPD has ID'd members of the Florencia 13 gang in connection with Johnny's murder outside Level 8 in downtown L.A., where he worked.

TMZ broke the story ... Johnny was shot and killed in late May by a group of thieves who were trying to steal his car's catalytic converter.

The activity comes only days after Johnny's friends and family held a press conference outside L.A. City Hall pleading for information from the public to assist in the investigation. Earlier this month, LAPD released surveillance photos of three suspects and a stolen Infiniti sedan used in the getaway.

Supporters held a march in June to keep the late actor's memory alive ... and pressure city officials to find his murderers and hold them accountable.

Johnny's car was up on a jack as he and a coworker approached the thieves in the street after a late shift at the bar, Level 8.

Johnny's since been cremated, with his remains sent back to his family in South Carolina.

'General Hospital' Star Confirms Exit: 'This Goodbye Hurts'

In the episode, Blaze went on tour as Miguel Morez�s opening act after being dumped by Kristina.

Family, friends of Johnny Wactor urge more action to find killers

The former General Hospital actor was shot on May 25 when he interrupted thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car in downtown Los Angeles, authorities said. No arrests have yet been made.

�I�m asking that anybody that knows anything please come forward,� the actor�s mother, Scarlett Wactor of South Carolina, said at a news conference outside Los Angeles City Hall. �It will help me and his brothers in our healing to know that they�ve been captured and convicted.�

Police made their own plea for public help on Aug. 5 when they released surveillance images of three unidentified suspects and their getaway car � a stolen 2018 black Infiniti Q50.

Johnny Wactor was born in Charleston, S.C., and grew up in the nearby town of Summerville. He portrayed Brando Corbin on the ABC soap opera General Hospital from 2020 to 2022. He also appeared in films and TV series including Station 19, NCIS and Westworld.

Scarlett Wactor said previously that her son had left work at a rooftop bar with a co-worker when he saw someone at his car and thought it was being towed. A mask-wearing suspect opened fire, his mother said.

�Grief is my constant companion,� she said Tuesday. �I can�t wish him happy birthday on Aug. 31 � he would have been 38. I can�t ask if he�s coming home for Christmas. I can�t ask how his day went.�

Others at the news conference called for more action from Mayor Karen Bass and other leaders to combat crime.

�We will make sure that no family has to endure the pain that Scarlett is enduring today,� city Coun. Kevin de Leon said. �We want justice for Johnny and we shall have it.�

Ryan Murphy�s �Grotesquerie� Sets FX Premiere Date; Full Cast & Character Details Revealed

Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance, Lesley Manville, Micaela Diamond, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Raven Goodwin and Travis Kelce star in Grotesquerie, which revolves around a series of heinous crimes that have unsettled a small community. Detective Lois Tryon (Nash-Betts) feels these crimes are eerily personal, as if someone�or something�is taunting her. At home, Lois grapples with a strained relationship with her daughter, a husband in long-term hospital care and her own inner demons. With no leads and unsure of where to turn, she accepts the help of Sister Megan (Diamond) a nun and journalist with the Catholic Guardian. Sister Megan, with her own difficult past, has seen the worst of humanity, yet she still believes in its capacity for good. Lois, on the other hand, fears the world is succumbing to evil. As Lois and Sister Megan string together clues, they find themselves ensnared in a sinister web that only seems to raise more questions than answers.

Vance portrays Marshall Tyron. Manville is Nurse Redd, Chavez plays Father Charlie and Goodwin is Merritt Tryon. Kelce�s character has not been revealed.

Written and created by Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken, Grotesquerie is directed by Max Winkler, Murphy, Alexis Martin Woodall and Elegance Bratton. The show is executive produced by Murphy, Woodall, Baitz, Baken, Winkler, Nash-Betts, Vance, Peter Liguori, Nissa Diederich, Eric Kovtun and Scott Robertson. It is produced by 20th Television.

Baywatch Docu Trailer Teases Lifeguard Drama�s Highs and Lows: �Everybody Was Disposable�

Baywatch debuted nearly 35 years ago, in September 1989, and aired on NBC and then in syndication until May 2001. (We don�t talk abut Baywatch Nights.) The series� OG cast included David Hasselhoff, Parker Stevenson, Billy Warlock, Erika Eleniak and others, while subsequent additions included Pamela Anderson, Nicole Eggert, David Charvet, Alexandra Paul, Yasmine Bleeth, Traci Bingham, Carmen Electra and future Aquaman Jason Momoa.

In its bid to deliver �an unprecedented look into the stars who brought the world�s most famous lifeguards to life, After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun features dozens of new cast and creator interviews � including Eggert, Electra, Warlock, Paul, Bingham, Eleniak, Gregory Alan Williams, David Chokachi, Jeremy Jackson, Michael Newman, Michael Berk and Douglas Schwartz � and never-before-seen footage.

The four-part series also unveils a never-aired interview with Anderson, and shares loads of never-before-seen home videos shot by the cast and offering a unique glimpse into the real dynamics, struggles, friendships and moments that happened off-camera.

Press play on the trailer above to hear Warlock and others talk about the beauty standard made famous by the sun-baked series, the ever-changing cast�s �disposable� nature and the feelings the theme song alone triggered, and to get a peek at the never-before-seen Anderson interview.

'General Hospital' star Steve Burton finds new love after wife cheated, got pregnant

The General Hospital actor found happiness with chef Michelle Lundstrom following his split from wife Sheree Gustin in June 2022 after more than 20 years of marriage after she got pregnant by another man.

It seems the couple have been dating for a few months but have managed to keep their romance under the radar.

They stepped out together at the Daytime Emmy Awards in June, with the Barbecue Showdown 2 contestant sharing some photos of their �first red carpet together� on Instagram.

�Our first red carpet together,� she gushed in the caption. �It was a dream of a night from beginning to end. Thank you for all the beautiful kind comments + messages. I�m truly grateful [heart and prayer emoji] (sic)�

Later that month, Lundstrom, 43, shared a reel of her favourite times with Burton in honour of the soap star�s 54th birthday.

�Happiest birthday my love @1steveburton,� she wrote. �It�s a better place with you in this world. Anyone that has you in their life in any capacity is truly blessed.

�I think I�ll forever be in awe of what an incredible man and human you are. Thank you for wearing the largest fanny pack in Disney + sharing your beautiful life alongside mine. Wishing you a million more special memories smiles, you deserve it all!�

Burton and Gustin, who have Mackena, 20, Jack, 18, and 10-year-old Brooklyn together, finalized their divorce in December 2023.

They agreed to joint legal and physical custody of their younger children, with Burton agreeing to pay Gustin $12,500 a month in child support, which works out as $10,000 for Brooklyn � until she turns 18 � and $2,500 for Jack.

In April, Burton�s payments were reduced to $10,000 a month after Jack turned 18.

The former couple waived their right to spousal support �now or at any time in the future, regardless of the unforeseen circumstances that may exist in the future.�

But Burton is paying Gustin $50,000, in $2,500 per month instalments, as retroactive support.

The marriage cratered after Burton found out that his now ex-wife got pregnant by another man.

In May 2022, Burton shared an update about the couple to his followers on Instagram Stories.

�I wanted to clear something up,� he wrote, according to Page Six. �Sheree and I are separated. She recently announced that she�s expecting her 4th child. The child is not mine.�

It's Official, �General Hospital� Brings Back Chris Van Etten As Co-Head Writer With Elizabeth Korte

Chris Van Etten is returning to serve as co-head writer with Elizabeth Korte, Deadline has confirmed. At the same time, GH script and breakdown Writer Cathy LePard has been upped to associate head writer.

Van Etten previously served as co-head writer with Dan O�Connor until they were replaced in January with Mulcahey and Korte. The daytime sudser had just taken the top prize at the 50th Annual Daytime Emmys when the changes were revealed.

Van Etten and Korte are considered long-time respected members of the GH family.

�No one knows General Hospital and its history more than Elizabeth and Chris. Cathy joined the show in 2023, and her talent and love for the genre has been a tremendous asset to this team,� said EP Frank Valentini in a statement to Soap Opera Digest, which first reported the news. �We look forward to this dynamic writing combination continuing the legacy of the show and giving our fans much to look forward to.�

Van Etten�s previous credit includes a stint on One Life To Live before he joined GH in 2012. Korte joined in 1994.

Emme Rylan Confirms GH Is Recasting Lulu

Unfortunately, Rylan shared a screenshot of Soaps In Depth�s Instagram post about our story regarding the potential recast and confirmed the sad news in her Instagram Stories. �Yes, it is true,� she wrote. �GH has decided to recast Lulu.�

Following her roles as Guiding Light�s Lizzie Spaulding and The Young & The Restless� Abby Newman, Rylan took over the role of Lulu on GH from Julie Marie Berman in April 2013. Although the character fell into a coma in December 2020 after being injured in an explosion, fans continued to hope that Lulu would one day wake up and that Rylan would be back playing the role.

Last August, Rylan assured fans that she was willing to come back whenever the soap came calling. �I have made it very clear to GH that I am always available to play Lulu should she ever want to wake up. It is my understanding that when they choose to wake her up, they would be calling me. That could always change. Who knows?�

Sadly, for Rylan�s loyal fan base, that proved not to be the case. �Although I am very disappointed with their choice,� the actress shared in her Instagram Story, �I am glad to finally have closure. (And thank goodness GH brought all of you fabulous people into my life! Love you guys!)�

Rebecca Budig Joins The Bold and the Beautiful as an Iconic Character: 'I Love Her Strength'

When Rebecca Budig�s first episode of The Bold and the Beautiful airs on August 6, the soap star hopes viewers will embrace her performance of a character that has long been a part of the show�s DNA.

The four-time Daytime Emmy Award-nominated actress, 51, will play Dr. Taylor Hayes, a role dreamed up by one of the show�s creators William J. Bell and previously played over the years by Hunter Tylo, Sherilyn Wolter and Krista Allen. But for Budig � who has previously starred on General Hospital, All My Children and Guiding Light � playing Dr. Hayes, a compassionate psychiatrist, is a first. And while she may not have have the medical training, the actress says she has a lot of respect for therapy as a practice.

�I love therapy � I�ve gone to years of therapy � which is a little different from psychiatry, obviously,� she tells PEOPLE, adding, �I�ve been around enough mental health care professionals � just to get a sense of what they�re like.�

"Before this job came up, I thought about going back to school and studying psychology, because it actually fascinates me,� she continues. �It�s ironic that I got this part, given that that�s what I was going to try and do in the fall, anyway.�

Settling back into the fast-paced day-to-day rhythm of soap operas was an adjustment, she admits, given her last project, the TV movie Fit for Christmas in 2022, moved at a slower pace.

�It was very slow, and you did the scene a hundred times, so you're like, �Oh, this is great,�� she mused. �I like to know my lines very well so that I just don't have to think about them very much. It's just getting that muscle back up and working again. ... I don't even want to watch the first couple shows, let's put it that way. ... I'm my worst critic.�

(Photo) Budig has spent much of her time shooting her initial scenes with Katherine Kelly Lang, who plays her character's longtime rival Brooke, and Thorsten Kaye, who portrays Taylor's off-again, on-again romantic interest Ridge.

Filming with both actors was an easygoing experience, partly because Budig and Kaye had previously worked together on All My Children.

�I've always loved Thorsten,� she explains. �He's always been very kind to me � I've been to his house for Thanksgiving once, so I love Thorsten and his family. � He does something different every time. He doesn't say the same thing every time, so he keeps you on your toes � and that's all you can ask for, really.�

(Photo) Budig is excited to see how loyal, longtime viewers of The Bold and the Beautiful respond to her portrayal of Taylor.

�I just hope they're open to that idea and interpretation of it and that they just believe the relationships between Taylor and Ridge and Taylor and Brooke,� she says, adding, �I always thought that All My Children might've been the best job I ever had in terms of the people all really getting along, but I truly get the vibe here that it's that one in a million group of people that is just collaborative, kind, supportive and just very welcoming. So I'm excited. Really excited.�

The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays at 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount+.

�General Hospital�: Jonathan Jackson Begins Production On ABC Sudser

General Hospital posted the first picture of Jonathan Jackson Monday, his first official day back on the ABC soap.

�We are so very lucky (see what we did there) to have Jonathan Jackson back in the building,� the post reads on X. �And you won�t have to wait long to see what he has in store for Port Charles.�

LAPD Releases Suspect Photos In Actor Johnny Wactor Murder

Wactor, 37, was shot and killed during an attempted catalytic converter theft in the early morning hours of May 25.

Wactor was leaving his shift as a bartender when he noticed three men who had raised his vehicle with a floor jack in the 1200 block of Hope Street in downtown Los Angeles.

He was shot in the ensuing confrontation. The suspects fled north on Hope Street in a stolen 2018, black, 4 door, Infiniti Q50 with a tan interior. Photos in the community alert depict three men, two in gray-colored hoodies and one in a black hoodie. The man who pulled the trigger, identified only as �Suspect 1,� has a tattoo above his left eye and on his right cheek.

During business hours contact Central Bureau Homicide Detective Howarth #37636 at (213) 996-4143 & Detective Bobadilla at (213) 996-4173. After hours notify Central Area Watch Commander.

'General Hospital' star Cameron Mathison splits from wife after 22nd anniversary

The �General Hospital� actor and his spouse Vanessa � who are parents to Lucas, 21, and 18-year-old Leila � revealed on Wednesday, just four days after their 22nd wedding anniversary, that they have decided to �part ways� but will always be thankful for the time they spent together.

They said in a joint statement: �After 22 years of marriage, we have made the difficult decision to part ways. We enter this new chapter with deep love, kindness, and respect for each other.

�Our children have been and will continue to be our highest priority, and we will forever share in our devotion and love for them.�

The former couple have parted on amicable terms and �wish the best� for one another�s futures.

They added: �We remain friends, and both wish the best for one another. We sincerely appreciate your respect for our family�s privacy during this transition.�

The 54-year-old actor took part in �Dancing With the Stars� in 2007 and he recently admitted he asked producers for a different partner after was was paired with �very beautiful� professional Edyta Sliwinska because he and Vanessa, 57, were going through a �bit of a challenge� at the time.

He told Cheryl Burke on her �Sex, Lies and Spray Tans� podcast: �I watched the show, so I knew Edyta. She�s a very beautiful woman, and I don�t even know if Edyta knows this, I actually called Dina Katz, who�s my dear friend now, who at the time was casting director, I called her and I said, �Listen, I�m so happy that you�ve offered me the show. I can�t wait. I�m in. Just do me a favour. Put me with anybody but Edyta.�

�Because I knew my wife and I, we were going through a little bit of a challenge at that time, and Edyta didn�t wear a lot of clothes.�

But Mathison went ahead with Sliwinska and they finished in fifth place, though he acknowledged things were �really hard� on his wife back home at the time.

He said: �Vanessa was a trooper. We�d recently gone through a bunch of stuff, and it wasn�t great timing and I was off in LA spending time with this beautiful woman, dressed up, against her, sweating with her five hours a day rehearsing, and then doing all the press and touring stuff together, and it was really hard.�. �General Hospital� Brings Back Emma Samms (7/29/24) Holly is returning to Port Charles.

Deadline has learned that Emma Samms is making another comeback to General Hospital in September. Her last visit to the ABC soap kicked off in October of 2022. At that time, her character had been missing since 2020.

Samms told Deadline in 2022 that �I can�t believe that it�s been 40 years since I first appeared on General Hospital and that, once again, I get to play the wonderful character of Holly Sutton. No one is more interested in what�s happened to her since we saw her two years ago, being held captive by a mysterious villain, than me!�

Samms debuted as Holly on GH in 1982 and appeared on and off through 2015. Her other TV credits include Dynasty and its spinoff The Colbys.

GH has been treating fans to lots of old faves this summer. Deadline was first to report that Jonathan Jackson will be back to play Lucky Spencer, and last week it was revealed that Rick Hearst is returning to to reprise his role as Ric Lansing after an eight-year absence.

Former �General Hospital� Actor Haley Pullos Gets Five Years Probation In Wrong-Way Car Crash

Pullos, now 26, served three months behind bars following her plea to a felony DUI charge stemming from the April 29, 2023, collision. She was expected to be released from custody on Monday.

Pullos was also ordered to complete a mental health treatment program, to pay $8,260 in restitution to the victim and not to drive a motor vehicle for a year.

The actress � who appeared in a Pasadena courtroom in orange jail clothes � responded, �Yes, your honor,� when asked if she accepted the terms of her sentence.

Pullos was trapped in her mangled vehicle and had to be pulled from the wreckage by Pasadena Fire Department crews, according to the CHP. She and the other driver were both injured and taken to hospitals.

CHP investigators also said Pullos had been involved in an earlier hit- and-run crash before entering the 134 Freeway.

PREVIOUSLY on June 28, 2023: General Hospital star Haley Pullos was officially charged with two DUI felony counts and a misdemeanor stemming from the April 29 car crash when the actor allegedly drove her vehicle the wrong way on a Pasadena freeway and collided head-on with another car.

The driver of the other car was seriously injured and reportedly is suing Pullos.

The 24-year-old Pullos was charged today by the Los Angeles County D.A. with one felony count of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury; one felony count of driving with a .08% blood alcohol content causing injury; and one misdemeanor count of hit and run driving resulting in property damage.

The accident occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m. on April 29, according to the California Highway Patrol. Pullos allegedly was traveling west at 60 mph when her white 2019 Ford swerved, crossed the dividing barrier and crashed into an eastbound vehicle.

Pullos has played Molly Lansing-Davis on the ABC soap since 2009. She has been absent from the series since the accident, with Holiday Mia Kriegel filling in the role at least on a temporary basis.

Hollywood�s Mental Health Crisis: �General Hospital�s Tabyana Ali Breaks Silence About How Online Trolls �Led Me To Question My Self-Worth� � Guest Column

This is the latest in a series of Deadline reports looking at how the current upheaval in the media & entertainment industry is impacting mental health. Here, General Hospital actress Tabyana Ali, who has played Trina Robinson on the ABC sudser since 2022, speaks out for the first time about the online trolling she endured this year. The racist comments became so egregious that they prompted the daytime series to recently declare that �General Hospital does not tolerate hatred or bigotry of any kind. Racism has no place in Port Charles.�

When I first booked General Hospital, I was so grateful and appreciative. It felt like the world aligned so perfectly. I auditioned for Trina when I was 16 years old. I made it to the producer session with Sydney Mikayla and two other girls and Sydney booked the role. She did an amazing job with it and made Trina such a lovable fan favorite.

Then three years later, I auditioned for General Hospital again. I thought they were going to add an addition to Trina�s circle, like a family member or a new friend, but after getting a callback, going to the screen test, and booking the show, I found out in the script that the role I booked was for Trina. It was cool and surreal. When I was younger, I wanted to show that I could do more than just comedy and General Hospital has given me that opportunity.

No one told me I had to maintain a social media presence, but in this era of the industry it certainly feels like there�s an unspoken expectation to maintain a presence. Social media allows you to help build your brand while giving fans an opportunity to relate to you by sharing a glimpse of your life.

I first found out about the trolls from another cast member who was sharing their own experience with online bullying and explaining why they have their social media platforms set up the way they do. Eventually I got my own taste of it. It started out with the small things at first, but got progressively worse and eventually resulted in racially charged and life-threatening comments that were incredibly hurtful and damaging.

At first, I didn�t pay them much attention. These people didn�t know me, and I didn�t know them, so their comments didn�t hold any value. But eventually I started having self-esteem issues that led me to start questioning my self-worth. I would see comments suggesting that because I�m Black, I�m not as attractive as my on-screen counterparts and that I shouldn�t be in in an interatrial relationship. They said that my value and talent didn�t compare.

I was having a conversation with a friend who has unfortunately also dealt with online hate, and she shared that as a result of all of the bullying she had endured, she no longer liked herself. I couldn�t believe she would say anything like that. I had always viewed her as exuding grace and confidence, with a magnetic energy. I started to feel like God was putting a mirror in my face and showing me how silly I was to be surrendering to the people hiding behind their computer screens. Even with all the accomplishments I had made in my career and beyond, I still accepted the negative comments as some part of the truth. It took some months of letting go of the narrative and accepting that I�m not mediocre, that I am beautiful, that I have value, and that I am talented. I look in the mirror now and wonder why I ever questioned that in the first place. I think about how offensive that is to God, to my mother and ones that came before. It�s not even about me. I�m something God created. I�m a product of them.

Even with all the accomplishments I had made in my career and beyond, I still accepted the negative comments as some part of the truth. It took some months of letting go of the narrative and accepting that I�m not mediocre, that I am beautiful, that I have value, and that I am talented.

I decided to say something because I was witnessing other soap stars, friends and castmates deal with hate, bigotry and racism online and I wanted to take a stand. I wanted the trolls to know that I see them and not just �I see your comment� but I see your �pain� and that online hate isn�t the way for them to be seen.

I felt so thankful that they were sympathetic and so understanding. The day of the post I received calls from ABC letting me know that they were in full support of me using my voice, and they had my back. I felt so grounded and so grateful hearing from them. I don�t think they understood how much that meant to me. My castmates/friends, both within the GH family and beyond, were also so supportive. They all rallied together and shared such encouraging words.

The most obvious advice that I would give other actors is if you come across hate DO NOT take it personally. DO NOT give them your power by accepting what they say. PLEASE feel your feelings because you are human and that�s one of the most important parts of getting through hurt, BUT remember you are more than a social media comment. Being in this industry you�ve probably heard a lot of �no�s� and felt a lot of rejection, so this is just another simple storm that will make you stronger. Don�t stoop to their level. That�s what haters want. Don�t give them the satisfaction.

I know what social media is. When I�m tired of it, I�ll turn off my phone, touch some grass, see the sun, eat a delicious meal, and find something to do. Peace around the world for generations!

Rick Hearst Returning To �General Hospital� To Reprise Ric Lansing Role

Hearst�s character, Sonny�s brother, was first introduced on the show in 2002. He exited in 2009, then returned for a second run from 2014-2016. His first episodes will begin airing the week of August 19. Ric is also the father of Alexis Davis� (Nancy Lee Grahn) daughter Molly (Kristen Vaganos).

Hearst told TVInsider, GH casting director Mark Teschner reached out to him and asked him if he�d like to return. �My first question was, �Really? What�s the story, what�s happening?�, adding, �Then he told me and I kind of look at it as, �Daddy�s home and here to take care of his daughter and anything that entails.��

Hearst has recently been catching up on the storyline. �I�ve been trying to catch up and see what�s happening and I see that there�s a situation where Kristina is being a surrogate for Molly,� he says. �And while I don�t know what that turns into, I have a feeling there�s going to be some friction by virtue of the fact that one daughter is parented by Alexis and Sonny, and the other daughter is parented by Alexis and Ric. That alone is enough to create a mad amount of drama of who�s going to side with who. And it�s going to be entertaining.�

Since his last appearance on General Hospital, three-time Daytime Emmy winner Hearst has recurred on VH1�s Daytime Divas and guest-starred on The Vampire Diaries, Dynasty and most recently Ambitions.

Judy Greer & Mark Hamill Latest To Join Lionsgate�s �The Long Walk�

Details as to their roles are under wraps. As previously announced, Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson will lead the ensemble, with Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick and Roman Griffin Davis also appearing.

Originally published under King�s pseudonym Richard Bachman, The Long Walk focuses on a dystopian America that is entertained by the Long Walk � a competition in which 50 teenage boys walk without rest. Each competitor must keep walking faster than three miles per hour � or risk being eliminated.

Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) is directing from a script by JT Mollner. Lawrence is also producing the project through his company about:blank, alongside Roy Lee, Cameron MacConomy � his producing partner at about:blank � as well as Steven Schneider.

Meredith Wieck and Erin Jones-Wesley are overseeing for Lionsgate, with Phil Strina negotiating the deals on behalf of the studio. Production is underway and will continue in locations throughout the province of Manitoba through the summer.

Recently wrapping Stampede Ventures� action thriller The Fisherwoman opposite Emma Thompson, Greer will next be seen starring in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for Lionsgate. Other recent projects include HBO�s limited series White House Plumbers, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Hulu�s comedy series Reboot from Steve Levitan.

Hamill will next be seen starring opposite Tom Hiddleston in Mike Flanagan�s Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck, which is set to world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. He is also a voice actor in Universal�s upcoming September release The Wild Robot also starring Lupita Nyong�o, Pedro Pascal, and Kit Connor.

Greer is represented by CAA, Artists First, and Felker Toczek Suddleson. Hamill is repped by Gersh and Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo.

Mark Hamill To Voice The Flying Dutchman In �The SpongeBob Movie: The Search For SquarePants�

Voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) took the stage to participate in a live table read of the beloved pilot �Help Wanted.�

The panel, moderated by Good Burger star Kel Mitchell � who appeared in character as Ed � also included executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller.

SpongeBob SquarePants premiered on Nickelodeon in the summer of 1999, eventually becoming one of the most successful animated series of all time. Created by Stephen Hillenburg, the show follows the happy-go-lucky sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea as he tries (and fails) to pass his boating school exam, work as a fry cook and spend time with a colorful group of friends.

Talk Show Appearance

Thursday, Aug. 8 � JOHN STAMOS is here for a new season of his show, �UnPrisoned�

Morning Show Appearance

Richard Simmons buried during private LA funeral with �only family and closest friends�

�Our beloved Dicky was laid to rest this morning surrounded by only family and closest friends,� his older brother, Lenny Simmons, told People in a statement provided by his longtime publicist, Tom Estey.

�We pray for your continued love and support during this very difficult time.�

Lenny asked his late siblings�s fans to �remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people�s lives,� going on to say that Richard �truly cared about people,� as �he called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.�

According to TMZ, the legendary fitness guru was buried at the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary.

The outlet obtained his death certificate, which does not list a manner of death. Instead, it notes that the manner of death is still pending an investigation.

The death certificate also refers to Richard as a �health motivator� and states that he was a bachelor at the time of his passing, as he was never married.

Richard reportedly described feeling dizzy before he fell in his bathroom last Friday, which happened to be his 76th birthday.

Per TMZ, his housekeeper helped him up and tried to get him medical attention immediately, but he refused because he wanted to stay home on his birthday.

He reportedly told his housekeeper that he would maybe see a doctor the next day before she helped him back to bed.

Around 10 a.m. on Saturday, the housekeeper reportedly found the aerobics instructor unresponsive on the floor next to his bed.

According to TMZ, Richard showed no obvious or external signs of injury � including bumps, bruises or bleeding � following the fall.

The New Orleans native was pronounced dead on the scene, and there were reportedly no signs of foul play.

Richard said he felt �good� and was �grateful� to be �alive� in a rare interview published just one day before his passing.

In March, he revealed he was diagnosed with and treated for skin cancer �so many years ago.�)

�S.W.A.T.� Ups Niko Pepaj To Series Regular; Adds Annie Ilonzeh To Season 8

Additionally, the new season will welcome Annie Ilonzeh into the fold in the role of Devin Gamble in a recurring capacity.

Inspired by the television series and the feature film, S.W.A.T. follows former Marine and locally born and raised S.W.A.T. sergeant Daniel �Hondo� Harrelson (Shemar Moore) who is tasked with running a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, Hondo strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds.

Gamble was born into an L.A. family deeply entrenched in crime, leaving her with a fierce determination to break free of her blood legacy. She thought she�d achieved that, becoming a standout as an LAPD rookie� until her father�s arrest for a heinous crime cast a shadow Gamble could only escape by leaving LA for the Oakland PD.

Now, a decade later, Hondo brought Gamble back home to become an integral new member of 20-Squad, knowing her inner strength, intuition, and street smarts will make her an invaluable part of the team.

Casting on S.W.A.T. recently underwent a shakeup following the unexpected cancellation and later un-cancellation of the series. Fan favorites Kenny Johnson and Alex Russell said goodbye in the Season 7 finale. Rochelle Aytes, who plays Hondo�s wife Nichelle Carmichael, is expected to return in a smaller capacity in Season 8 as she has accepted an offer to star opposite Morris Chesnut on the upcoming new series Watson on CBS.

S.W.A.T. also stars Jay Harrington, David Lim, Patrick St. Esprit and Anna Enger Ritch. Shawn Ryan, Andrew Dettmann, Justin Lin, Neal H. Moritz, Marney Hochman, Pavun Shetty, Billy Gierhart, Moore and James Scura serve as executive producers. The action drama is produced by Sony Pictures Television and CBS Studios.

Pepaj joined S.W.A.T. during the show�s sixth season. Previously, he can be seen in ABC�s The Rookie, ABC�s How To Get Away With Murder, VH1�s Daytime Divas and Amazon Prime�s Bosch. He is repped by Mosaic and TalentWorks.

Ilonzeh recently appeared in the lead role and served as a producer on the independent film, Soulmates, opposite Charlie Weber. The Dallas native also produced/starred in indie features Vicious Affair, Stepdaughter and Snatched for Tubi through Footage Films. For TV, Ilonzeh portrayed series regular Emily Foster on Dick Wolf�s Chicago Fire on NBC and was the lead in Universal TV�s pilot Getaway for NBC/Universal. Additional credits include the independent spy thriller, Agent Game, the STX feature Peppermint and the Tupac Shakur biopic All Eyez on Me for Lionsgate. She is repped by IAG and Etcetera and Company.o

James B. Sikking Dies: �Hill Street Blues�, �Doogie Howser, M.D.� Actor Was 90

Sikking died of Dementia on Saturday at his Los Angeles home, where his publicist Cynthia Snyder tells Deadline that the actor was surrounded by family in his final moments.

�In a remarkable career, Sikking�s wonderfully exciting face gave us drama, comedy, tragedy and hilarious farse. His career spanned over six decades in television, film and on stage,� said Snyder in a statement, adding: �His talent, integrity and imagination intrigued and delighted audiences.�

Most known for playing Lt. Howard Hunter on Hill Street Blues and Dr. David Howser on Doogie Howser, M.D., Sikking also appeared on such shows as Rawhide, Bonanza, Starsky & Hutch, The Rockford Files, Brooklyn South, Turnabout, General Hospital and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

On the big screen, Sikking starred alongside Frank Sinatra in Von Ryan�s Express (1965) and Elvis Presley in Charro! (1969), as well as films like Ordinary People (1960), Scorpio (1973), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), The Pelican Brief (1993), Fever Pitch (2005) and Made of Honor (2008).

Sikking also appeared onstage in such plays as Exit Strategy, The Big Knife, Put Them All Together, Nobody Loves an Albatross and a tour of Neil Simon�s Plaza Suite.

Born March 5, 1934 in Los Angeles, Sikking was named after author James Barrie. �It seemed a perfect choice,� said Snyder. �There is a bit of Peter Pan in James� his sense of imagination appeared whether playing roles on stage or screen.�

He studied theater at UCLA, where he met wife Florine Caplan, while also serving in the military.

Sikking is survived by wife Florine, son Andrew, daughter Dr. Emily Sikking and four grandchildren.

General Hospital Star Recalls Richard Simmons� �Wicked Sense of Humor� While Working Together on Soap

The fitness guru, who died on July 13 at age 76, has been described as having a �wicked sense of humor� by General Hospital star Lynn Herring after working with the late star when he appeared on the soap in 2013.

�Richard Simmons meant a lot to so many folks including me,� Herring, who plays Lucy Coe in General Hospital and shared several scenes with Simmons during his last appearance on the soap, tells PEOPLE.

�When Richard walked on our General Hospital stage it would sizzle with his life force, his wicked sense of humor, his joy of entertaining and his love for us all,� the actress recalls. �The last day I worked with him I admired his shirt that had a beautiful jeweled bird on it. When I finished my scenes and came back to my dressing room it was sitting on my couch with a simple Love, Richard.�

Herring adds of Simmons, �Thank you Richard for all you gave of yourself to so many!�

Simmons got his big break in the entertainment industry appearing in General Hospital in 1979 as he played himself on the soap for four years. The fitness guru rejoined the soap one final time in 2013 for the 50th anniversary of the series, appearing in two episodes.

The fitness icon died the day after his 76th birthday on Saturday, July 13, his longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed to PEOPLE. He died at his Los Angeles home with no foul play suspected, TMZ first reported.

Another of Simmons's colleagues, General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini, tells PEOPLE of the late star: �I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Richard Simmons. [He] will always be remembered for bringing a unique brand of humor to General Hospital through his love of fitness and his bigger-than-life personality.�

�I was so glad to have an opportunity to experience his energy and enthusiasm firsthand when he came back to help us celebrate our 50th anniversary show. I am sure he is already organizing fitness classes at the campus disco in the sky. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends and fans.�

Simmons� death comes after he posted about receiving �so many� birthday messages on Facebook on the Saturday morning of July 13.

The professional coach wrote that he "never got so many messages about my birthday in my life" in his final post, adding, "I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday.�n

Richard Simmons Dies: Fitness Guru For TV, Video And Books Was 76

Simmons thanked fans on social media for their birthday wishes on Friday, making his death even more shocking.

TMZ was the first to report the death, which happened at his Hollywood Hills home. Police were summoned by a housekeeper, who told the outlet they believe it was a natural death.

Simmons was something of a recluse in recent years. His remoteness led to wellness checks on several occasions and speculation on his safety.

Before he retreated, he was a frequent guest on many TV shows, playing a humorous foil for everyone from David Letterman to Donny and Marie.

In a rare interview with People Magazine this week, he said he �feels good� despite his age. �I am grateful that I�m here, that I am alive for another day,� he said. �I�ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.�

Simmons said earlier he was planning to open a Broadway musical with producer and composer Patrick Leonard.

�Thank you�I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard.�

Born and raised in Louisiana, Simmons admitted he weighed 268 pounds when he graduated high school. By adjusting his eating habits and incorporating moderate exercise, he managed to lose weight. It was a methodology that he shared with millions over his career.

He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s and opened a fitness studio, SLIMMONS, in Beverly Hills. His following there grew into the nationally syndicated The Richard Simmons Show on TV, where he gave fitness instructions to viewers at home. The show ran for four years and earned multiple Emmy awards.

He later was behind one of the all-time biggest fitness video empires with his �Sweatin� To The Oldies� video series.

His website describes him as �one of the world�s most revered and iconic fitness personalities� who has been an �instructor and motivator for over 40 years.�

�By delivering a serious message with his trademark humor, he has helped millions of overweight men and women lose more than 3,000,000 pounds by adopting sensible, balanced eating programs and exercise regimes that are energetic, fun and motivating,� a biography for Simmons on his website reads.

Simmons released 65 fitness videos over the course of his life, which sold more than 20 million copies, and authored nine books and three cookbooks, according to his website.

In January, he spoke out against an upcoming biopic being made about his life starring actor and comedian Pauly Shore, which Simmons said he never permitted.

�I have never given my permission for his movie. So don�t believe everything you read,� he wrote on Facebook at the time. �I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.�

Morning Show Appearance

Soap Opera Icon Jackie Zeman to Be Memorialized by Former �General Hospital� Co-Stars in Special Episode of �The Bay�

�The special episode titled �Sofia� will be a celebration of both the Sofia character and Jackie Zeman�s life, with several special guest stars that meant something to Jackie�s legacy,� says showrunner and head writer Gregori J. Martin.

Zeman, who earned five Daytime Emmy nominations � four for her role as prostitute-turned-nurse Bobbie Spencer on �General Hospital,� and one for her work on �The Bay� � died in May 2023 after a �short battle� with cancer. Her legacy on the ABC soap, where she spent more than four decades of her career, was marked this past January with a touching memorial episode and, within the show, the renaming of a longtime Port Charles landmark from Kelly�s to Bobbie�s.

Among those set to appear in the tribute episode of �The Bay� are Dee Wallace (�ET,� �Cujo�), who relocates to Bay City to launch a fragrance line in honor of her sister, Sofia, who played a psychic medium on the Peacock series on and off since its inception in 2010. Also joining this special storyline, Leigh McCloskey, who played one of Zeman�s ex-husbands on �GH,� appears as Hank Henderson, Sofia�s first husband and the father of her two daughters. At a gala to launch Sofia�s fragrance line, McCloskey�s character will share actual words written by Zeman�s real-life daughters, Cassidy and Lacey Rose. The episode will also include a collage of never-before-seen images and home video clips shared by Zeman�s family.

Tamara Braun, who played Zeman�s daughter Carly Corinthos on �GH,� will also appear in the special-guest star role of Rita �Elise� Kennedy, a blind woman who is given the gift of sight after receiving Sofia�s donated corneas.

�Knowing how special Tamara was to Jackie, I created the role of Elise specifically for her,� says Martin. To that end, Martin reached out to Daytime scribe Michele Val Jean, the showrunner of the upcoming new � and highly anticipated � CBS soap �The Gates� � for advice on what to name the character. He took Val Jean�s advice and named Braun�s character after Zeman�s mother, Rita, and her two granddaughters. �I also knew whatever name we gave this character had to be something extra special to Jackie,� he says.

Real Andrews (�GH�), James Preston (�The Gates) and Kym Whitley (�Curb Your Enthusiasm�) return as series regulars. Daytime legend Darnell Williams (�All My Children�) joins the cast in the recurring role of psychiatrist Dr. Josef Givens.

Behind the scenes, Martin and Wendy Riche will continue serving as executive producers, with Nadine Aronson also promoted to that rank. All-new episodes of �The Bay� are expected to be released daily this fall on Popstar! TV followed by a VOD release on multiple streaming platforms.

�The Substance� Teaser: Demi Moore Takes Black Market Drug To Reverse Age In Mubi�s Cannes Prize Winner

Starring Margaret Qualley (Kinds of Kindness), Demi Moore (Feud) and Dennis Quaid (Happy Face), the film hails from writer-director Coralie Fargeat, the French filmmaker behind 2017�s TIFF genre-bender Revenge starring Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz. It�s slated for release in theaters nationwide on Sept 20th.

The Substance watches as fading celebrity Elizabeth Sparkle (Moore) decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself. Fargeat produced the pic alongside Working Title partners Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan.

�Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect?� asks a disembodied voice in a wild trailer, introducing both Moore�s Elizabeth and her younger alter ego, Sue, played by Qualley.

The Substance is set to open against the Apple/Sony thriller Wolfs starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, Paramount Pictures� Transformers One, A24�s darkly comedic horror thriller A Different Man starring Sebastian Stan, indies All Shall Be Well and What We Find on the Road, and the documentary Happy Clothes on Emmy-winning costume designer Patricia Field.

Most recently releasing the Ross brothers� Gasoline Rainbow, Mubi will next unveil Levan Akin�s drama Crossing on August 30th.

Modern Little Women Christmas Movie Set at GAF � Jen Lilley, Trevor Donovan, Gladys Knight Among Cast

Described as �a contemporary retelling of the beloved classic novel� by Louisa May Alcott, the TV-movie will follow �the lives and loves of the March sisters in a small Tennessee town at Christmas.�

The cast includes Jillian Murray (Code Black and any number of other Christmas movies) as Jo March, Trevor Donovan (90210) as Friedrich �Fritz� Baehr, Jen Lilley (Days of Our Lives) as Meg March, Hallmark movie vet Laura Osnes as Beth March, Julia Reilly (Gritz?) as Amy March and Jesse Hutch (Batwoman) as John.

Additionally, 10-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight will appear and perform her new original Christmas song �Joy�; Knight also has an executive producer credit on the flick.

�A Little Women�s Christmas is a new Christmas classic in the making, with an incredible ensemble cast and an adaptation of an original story that is one of the best I have read,� Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott said in a statement �Louisa May Alcott was intentional about focusing on the culture of young women, their hopes, ambitions, and dreams, and it remains one of the most widely read and beloved stories ever written.�

�Baywatch� Docuseries With Never-Before-Seen Interview With Pamela Anderson Set At Hulu

After Baywatch will feature new cast interviews as well as a never-aired interview with Pamela Anderson, who starred as CJ Parker, and home videos shot by the cast themselves.

The �docuseries unpacks how the show captured the mythology of California�s beach culture, set physical beauty standards for an entire generation, and capitalized on the adage �sex sells,� according to the press release. The series also explores the show�s impact on pop culture and its enduring legacy.

Produced and directed by Matthew Felker in collaboration with ABC News Studios, the series features exclusive interviews with over 35 cast members and the show�s creators, including Nicole Eggert, Carmen Electra, Billy Warlock, Alexandra Paul, Gregory Alan Williams, David Chokachi, Jeremy Jackson, Traci Bingham, Erika Eleniak, Michael Newman, Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz and more.

After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun was produced by ABC News Studios for Hulu. Matthew Felker is director and executive producer, Nicole Eggert is a producer, and Ari Shofet is executive producer on the series. For ABC News Studios, David Sloan is the senior executive producer, and Muriel Pearson is executive producer.

John Stamos Is Joined by Son Billy, 6, on Drums During Beach Boys Show: 'Had a Little Help From My Son'

On Saturday, July 6, John Stamos posted a cute video showing that he had been joined by his son Billy, 6 onstage, as they played the drums together in concert with The Beach Boys on the band�s Endless Summer Gold 2024 Tour. The sweet moment came during the tour stop at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre in Michigan on Friday, July 5.

�Had a little help from my son BILLY on good vibrations last night,� Stamos wrote in the caption. �Wasn�t it nice! @thebeachboys."

In the footage, Billy stood beside Stamos onstage wearing bright green headphones while banging on a drum beside his dad as the pair went into a drum solo together during The Beach Boys 1966 hit �Good Vibrations.�

Stamos shares son Billy with his wife Caitlin McHugh Stamos, whom he married in 2018.

Billy�s drumming skills at the Michigan show left concertgoers impressed as they wrote comment in praise of the six-year-old in response to the video.

�He did a great job! Loved seeing you live last night! Thanks for an amazing night! ?,� one follower wrote in the comment section, as another said, �He stole the show last night!�

It's not the first time the little boy has joined his father on stage during one of his performances with the legendary band. In March, 2023, Billy made an appearance during a Beach Boys show, and even helped his dad with playing the guitar.

Stamos is currently performing with the Beach Boys on their Endless Summer Gold Tour, celebrating the band�s 50th anniversary of their album of the same title, in a series of shows across the country.

The actor played his first set of shows with the band from May 30 to June 20, and then on July 5 to Sunday, July 7. He is set to return with the band in concert from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, per ABC News.

In another touching video posted by Stamos, which appeared to be from his show with the Beach Boys at Everwise Amphitheater in Indianapolis on July 6, he got emotional onstage as he introduced a song in tribute to his late father, who died on July 6, 2001.

�I lost my father 23 years ago tonight,� he said to the audience in the clip while choking back tears. �And he�s with me tonight. Sorry � but, um, I�m grateful to be here and every moment counts �� Stamos added, before playing The Beach Boys' song �Forever.�

Stamos has performed many times with the Beach Boys over the decades, dating back to 1985, per ABC news, and including as recently as 2022, before rejoining the band onstage this year.

The actor has a long history with the band after he also featured in the band�s 1992 music video for �Problem Child� and sang lead vocals on the updated version of their song "Forever" for the band�s album Summer in Paradise, released in the same year.[

Candace Cameron Bure Books Next Holiday Movie For Great American Family; Cameron Mathison Co-Stars

In Jingle Bells, Wedding Bells, Gracie (Bure) is Peachtree Inn�s perfect wedding planner whose mantra �No problems, only solutions waiting to be discovered� makes blushing brides� dreams come true. When Charlie (Mathison) brings his sister and future brother-in-law to their former hometown of Butler, South Carolina, expecting to create a magical Christmas Eve wedding at the Inn for Lindsay and Josh, the trio is stunned when Gracie stubbornly declines the job, saying it is not possible to pull off the perfect wedding two weeks before Christmas. Eventually, Gracie relents and agrees to plan the wedding, only to discover there are more hurdles to overcome than expected.

Executive Producers are Cameron Bure, Holly A. Hines, Eric Jarboe, Jeffery Brooks, Ford Englerth, Gerald Webb, Paula Elle, and Trevor McWhinney. Produced by Mick MacKay. Supervising producers Michael Shepard, Jonathan Shore, and Robyn Wiener. Associate Producers are David Oland and Trudi Thorwaldson.

Jingle Bells, Wedding Bells is directed by Paula Elle from an Original screenplay written by Katie Main.

In February, Great American Family announced that it�s launching a Great American Mysteries series with The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker. Bure and Aaron Ashmore (Ginny & Georgia) will star.

�Landman�: Paramount+ Reveals Premiere Date, Drops First Looks Of Billy Bob Thornton Oil Drama

Landman, starring Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton, will premiere Sunday, November 17. The series will launch with two episodes, and subsequent episodes of the 10-episode long first season will be available weekly on Sundays. See the first-look images from the series below.

Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, Landman is a modern-day tale of fortune seeking in the world of oil rigs. Based on the 11-part podcast �Boomtown,� the series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it�s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.

In addition to Thornton, the series stars Ali Larter (The Last Victim), Michelle Randolph (1923), Jacob Lofland (Joker 2), Kayla Wallace (When Calls the Heart), James Jordan (Yellowstone), Mark Collie (Nashville), Paulina Ch�vez (The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia), and Demi Moore (Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans).

Jon Hamm (Mad Men) will star in a recurring guest role with Andy Garcia (Expendables franchise) and Michael Pe�a (End of Watch) also serving as guest stars.

Landman is executive produced by Sheridan, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, Christian Wallace, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Friedman and Stephen Kay. Dan Friedkin and Jason Hoch, for Imperative Entertainment, and J.K. Nickell and Megan Creydt, for Texas Monthly, also executive produce. Peter Feldman serves as co-executive producer.

Landman is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios and Sheridan�s Bosque Ranch Productions. It�s distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. (Pic1, Pic2, Pic3, Pic4, Pic5, Pic6, Pic7, Pic8, Pic9, Pic10, Pic11)

Joseph Hardy Dies: Tony-Winning Broadway Director, Exec Producer Of �Ryan�s Hope� Was 95

His June 6 death was confirmed by New York�s Primary Stages Off Broadway theater company. A resident since 2020 at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, NJ, his passing last month was not widely reported.

Born March 8, 1929, in Carlsbad, NM, Hardy graduated from the Yale School of Drama and began his show business career working as a script editor for New York-based soap operas. He was soon making his way into the Off Broadway world, working extensively in small theaters before making his early mark with the original 1967 production of You�re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Theater 80 St. Marks in Manhattan�s East Village.

The musical, with music and lyrics by Clark Gesner based on the wildly popular Peanuts characters crated by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, was a simply-staged production that would go on to become a staple of amateur and school theater seasons. The show featured a book by John Gordon � a pseudonym later revealed to cover Gessner, production staff and the original cast that included Bob Balaban, Gary Burghoff, among others.

By the time the Peanuts musical transferred to Broadway in 1971, Hardy already was there, having directed several Broadway productions including Play It Again, Sam, the 1969 Woody Allen comedy that first teamed Allen with his greatest muse, Diane Keaton. The actress was nominated for a Tony for her performance in the comedy.

In 1970, Hardy won the Tony Award for his direction of Child�s Play, Charles Marasco�s Tony-nominated dark mystery drama set in an exclusive boys boarding school. The production also won Tonys for actors Fritz Weaver and Ken Howard, as well as for sets and lighting.

Hardy�s other Broadway credits include Johnny No-Trump (1967); Bob and Ray � The Two and Only (1970); Children! Children! (1972); Gigi (1973); The Night of the Iguana (1976); and, in 1978, Diversions and Delights, a one-man show starring Vincent Price as Oscar Wilde. Hardy�s final Broadway credit was 1979�s Romantic Comedy starring Anthony Perkins and, in her Broadway debut, Mia Farrow.

His stage career also included a stint as Associate Artist at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, and he was a frequent director at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.

Hardy also had a busy TV career: He directed, among other projects, Lily Tomlin�s first TV special in 1973; a 1974 TV-movie adaptation of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn; and, that same year, the TV film Great Expectations starring Michael York and Sarah Miles. He directed and executive produced the headline making 1970s teen drama James at 15 (later retitled James at 16).

Returning to his roots in daytime soaps, Hardy was hired in 1983 as an executive producer of ABC�s Ryan�s Hope, a once-popular serial that had experienced dwindling viewership since its mid-1970s heyday. Hardy became part of a new producing team that overhauled the serial by firing some of its most popular cast members and shifting the focus from its longtime setting of the Ryan family bar to the goings-on at a nearby deli. The ratings crashed, many ABC affiliates dropped the show, and within a few years the network replaced Hardy�s crew and rehired original producer Claire Labine.

Hardy�s Ryan�s Hope era became something of a cautionary tale for the daytime drama industry, as networks and producers would tread carefully ever after about making major shifts away from a serial�s founding focus.

Hardy, however, landed on his feet, soon hired as executive producer of ABC�s Loving and, from 1989-91, the hugely popular General Hospital.

After leaving General Hospital, Hardy spent much of the 1990s living and working in France. He returned to New York City later in the decade and continued directing at the Old Globe Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival and the Charlotte Rep. In 2008, he directed his old friend Lynn Redgrave in Grace for MCC Theater Off Broadway, and he reteamed with the star the following year for her acclaimed solo show Nightingale for New York City Center.

He is survived by sister Caroline Rackley of New Mexico. He requested that no service or memorial be held.

'General Hospital' Star Joan Benedict Dead at 96

A family spokesperson announced Monday that Joan, who was the widow of actor Rod Steiger, died on June 24 at L.A.'s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center due to complications from a stroke.

Joan had a remarkable career, kicking things off in the 1950s with "Candid Camera" ... where one of her most famous moments was playfully tickling men with her feathered hat as they sat next to her.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, Joan also starred in shows like "The Steve Allen Show," "Apple�s Way" ... and had recurring roles on "General Hospital" and "Days of Our Lives" -- and also appeared in films such as "The Prize Fighter."

Some of Joan's recent credits include the 2006 film "The Theory of Everything" and the 2009 TV show, "Dollhouse."

On the personal front, Joan was married to actor John Myhers from 1962 until his death in 1992. Later, she married Oscar-winning actor Steiger in 2000 ... a marriage that lasted until his passing in 2002.

Doug Sheehan Dies: �General Hospital�, �Knot�s Landing� Actor Was 75

Born on April 27, 1949, in Santa Monica, Sheehan�s first screen role came in a 1978 episode of Charlie�s Angels. He went on to join the cast of daytime soap General Hospital as a series regular in his first major role, appearing in 205 episodes as lawyer Joe Kelly from 1979-82. He earned a supporting actor Daytime Emmy nomination for his work.

He segued from General Hospital to the role of reporter Ben Gibson on Knots Landing, appearing in 115 episodes from 1983 to 1988.

He also starred as Brian Harper on comedy series Day by Day, created by Andy Borowitz and Gary David Goldberg, which aired for two seasons on NBC from 1988-89. The series centered on Brian (Sheehan) and Kate Harper (Linda Kelsey), a married couple with two successful careers (Brian as a stockbroker, Kate as a lawyer) and their teenage son, Ross (Christopher Daniel Barnes). He also portayed Mel Horowitz, Cher�s father, on the sitcom Clueless, based on the movie, taking over the role from Michael Lerner after the first season.

His other television credits include Cheers, Columbo, MacGyver, Diagnosis Murder, among others. His final on-screen roles were in 2003, as Edward Gibson, Sabrina�s (Melissa Joan Hart) father in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and in a guest-starring role in What I Like About You.

Sheehan appeared in three films over the course of his career, 1979�s 10 starring Bo Derek and Dudley Moore, Victor/Victoria (1982) and most recently, Cops n Roberts in 1995.

Rick Springfield Fan Shows Up at His Home Twice, Cops Called

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a woman in her 40s was determined to meet the rock legend, showing up at his Los Angeles-area home twice in the last week. We're told the fan talked her way into Rick's gated community ... telling security she was his maid.

Though the fan didn't interact with Rick, we're told she did make her way to his door the 2nd time ... where she chatted up one of Rick's sons. Sounds like Rick's kid didn't take his 1982 anthem, "Don't Talk to Strangers," to heart!!!

Our sources say deputies were called to the home ... where they spoke with the woman and told her to scram. We're told she was also instructed to not come back to the house.

Sources say this isn't considered a stalking case ... that would involve someone following, harassing or threatening someone to the point they fear for their safety.

Cops say the woman bounced and has yet to come back, so hopefully this should be the end of it.

Still, we're told the police will be doing some extra patrolling in the area just to be safe.

John Stamos on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT � Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: �In the Hot Seat: Nicole Byer & Sasheer Zamata / John Stamos & Dave Coulier� (303)

Logline: Playing for charity this week includes comedians Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata, plus a �Full House� reunion with John Stamos and Dave Coulier.

�General Hospital�s Michael Easton On His Abrupt Departure From ABC Soap: �I Would Have Liked To Have Brought A Little More Subtlety�

�From an acting standpoint, I would have liked to have just brought a little more subtlety and nuance to it,� he recently told Soap Hub about how his character fell off the wagon and immediately went off to rehab. �I had to get to a point very quickly.�

But, Easton added, �I was the beneficiary of a lot of really good writing and directing. I got to work with some really wonderful actors.�

On June 26, Easton revealed via social media that he was leaving the ABC sudser. Easton first joined GH in 2012 after departing One Life to Live, where he had played John McBain since 1999. He previously starred on Port Charles and Days of Our Lives.

�I�ve always been partial to the Irish goodbye. That�s where you leave the party without actually telling anyone you�re gone,� Easton said in a video. �But I thought you all deserved better, so I just wanted to let you know that I just filmed my final scenes here at General Hospital.�

Easton told Soap Hub that his hardest goodbye on the show was having to say farewell to Jophielle Love who plays his TV daughter Violet.

�That was the hardest goodbye of them all,� said Easton. �I have a daughter [in real life], and so Jophielle and I had this immediate connection. People said that our relationship looked so natural, as if we�d known each other in past lives. I think [Jophielle] is going to do amazing things both as an actress and as a singer. She�s going to do amazing things in life.�

Jonathan Jackson Says He's 'Excited' to Return to General Hospital: 'I'll Be Seeing You All Fairly Soon'

The actor, who played Lucky Spencer on the popular series, is reprising his character later this summer, a rep confirms to PEOPLE. Jackson, 42, also took to his Instagram to share the news in a video on June 25.

�I�m super excited and can�t wait to dig in and see what�s going on in Port Charles,� he said. �Excited to see Genie Francis and so many others. Just wanted to say thank you to all of the fans over the years � your persistence and love has certainly played a part in all this. Thank you also to Frank Valentini and everybody at ABC also for welcoming me back.�

He added: �Sending much love and I guess I�ll be seeing you all fairly soon.�

The Tuck Everlasting actor played Lucky from 1993 until 2011, leaving the role behind to take on new opportunities.

After playing Avery Barkley in Nashville during its six-year run, which ended in 2018, Jonathan appeared in the 2024 film Unsung Hero before deciding to return to GH.

His time on the long-running soap earned him five Daytime Emmy Awards, and actors Jacob Young and Greg Vaughan stepped into the role of Lucky once he was gone.

Jonathan Jackson in a scene that airs the week of September 27th on ABC's GENERAL HOSPITAL

Earlier this month, fan speculation grew after executive producer Frank Valentini teased a male cast member�s return to GH.

�A former cast member is coming back,� he told ABC7. �And I think that the audience will go crazy for him.�

Many wondered if Valentini was referring to Bryan Craig, who PEOPLE confirmed on Monday, June 24, would be reprising his role as Morgan Corinthos � who died in a car bomb explosion and has only come back once for an on-camera cameo once � in a brief appearance in an upcoming episode.

Now, fans know Jackson was likely the �him� they�ve all been wondering about, given the fact that his character is still a series regular.

�Chicago Med�: Dominic Rains Exits After 5 Seasons

The Season 9 finale of Chicago Med set up a potential exit for Rains when Crockett was told by Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson) to take all the time he needs following the deaths of one of his patients, a boy, and the boy�s father.

The boy died after Crockett canceled his planned liver transplant because of an infection over the father�s pleas that not proceeding with the surgery would be a death sentence for his son. Following the boy�s death, his devastated father took his own life.

Crockett was shaken by the news which brought up memories of losing his own baby daughter to leukemia.

Chicago Med follows the emotional day-to-day chaos of the city�s newest state-of-the-art trauma center and the lives of the doctors, nurses and staff who hold it all together.

Emergency room surgeon Crockett Marcel was introduced as a recurring character at the start of Season 5, with Rains promoted to a series regular soon thereafter. He also appeared on the other One Chicago series in crossovers. Before joining Chicago Med in 2019, Rains recurred on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Chicago Med is undergoing a major transition heading into next fall, with co-showrunners Diane Frolov and Andy Schneider stepping down after nine years. They are being succeeded at the helm by Allen MacDonald.

�General Hospital�: Michael Easton Set To Depart ABC Sudser

�I�ve always been partial to the Irish goodbye. That�s where you leave the party without actually telling anyone you�re gone,� Easton says in a video posted to Instagram. �But I thought you all deserved better, so I just wanted to let you know that I just filmed my final scenes here at General Hospital.

�I�ve loved every minute that I�ve been here. I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage this past 10 years,� he continued. �Most importantly, I want to thank all of you for the kindness and love you�ve shown me and my family. I won�t ever forget you. And as I walk out here for the last time, and with apologies to the great Lou Gehrig, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.�

Easton first joined GH in 2012 after departing One Life to Live, where he had played John McBain since 1999. He previously starred on Port Charles and Days of Our Lives.

Spencer Milligan Dies: �Land Of The Lost� Star Was 86

An obituary on the Huehns Funeral Home website said he died April 16 but did not provide details.

Born on September 10, 1937, in Oak Park, IL, Milligan was active in local theater during the 1960s before serving a tour in the Army. His screen career began with a small as a head-change specialist in Woody Allen�s futuristic 1973 comedy, in which the filmmaker starred with Diane Keaton. He also appeared in the 1974 features The Man from Clover Grove and The Photographer, serving as an associate producer on the latter.

The following year, Milligan was cast as Rick Marshall in the Krofft brothers� hybrid live-action/stop-motion sci-fi/adventure series Land of the Lost. It focused on Rick and his kids Will and Holly (Wesley Eure and Kathy Coleman), who are plunged into an alternate world ruled by dinosaurs. The trio explores this strange new land as they struggle to survive and find a way back to the world they knew.

Milligan starred in the show�s first two seasons from 1974-76 before his character accidently escapes the Land of the Lost, sans kids. The series went on for one more season with a new adult star. Known for its campy, low-budget style, the show has gone on to cult status. It spawned a 1990s revival series led by Timothy Bottoms that aired on ABC and later Nickelodeon and a Razzie-winning 2009 feature that starred Will Ferrell, Danny McBride and Anna Friel.

Milligan continued to work regularly in TV for the next decade, guested on such popular series as Gunsmoke, Baretta, McCloud, The Bionic Woman, Alice, The Dukes of Hazzard, Vega$, Hardcastle & McCormick and Quincy, M.E. He had a seven-episode arc as Ray Gibbons on General Hospital in 1987.

He also starred as a New York Jets quarterback accused of killing his sister�s attacker in the 1976 TV movie The Keegans and appeared in early-1980s telepics Terror Among Us and Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story.

After his TV career, Milligan taught classes and directed stage plays in his adopted hometown of Sturgeon Bay, WI.

He is survived by his wife, Kerry Milligan, and godchildren Andee Solis, Hilary Williams and Spencer Williams. The family asks that donations in his name be made to The Actor�s Fund.

�General Hospital� Is Bringing Back Jonathan Jackson As Lucky Spencer

Soap viewers have been salivating over the possibility of a major star returning after GH executive producer Frank Valentini teased it on the red carpet earlier this month at the Daytime Emmys. �A former cast member is coming back,� he told ABC7. �And I think that the audience will go crazy for him.�

That him turned out to be Jackson, who hasn�t been on the soap since 2015 when he returned for a brief stint. He�s coming home to the ABC sudser later this summer in what is expected to be a long run.

More characters from GH�s past will make appearances in the next few months, too. The sudser already confirmed that Bryan Craig will reprise his role as Morgan Corinthos for one day in August.

For those who lost track, Jackson originated the role of Lucky in 1993; he�s the beloved son of super-couple Luke and Laura Spencer (Anthony Geary and Genie Francis). Jackson played the part on and off until 2011, when he left to star as Avery Barkley in ABC�s Nashville for six seasons. But he had already started branching out beyond daytime long before that, having appeared in The Deep End of the Ocean, On the Edge, Insomnia, Tuck Everlasting and Venom. Meanwhile, actors Jacob Young and Greg Vaughan took turns playing Lucky.

During his time on GH, Jackson was nominated for nine Emmys and won five in 1995, 1998, 1999, 2011 and 2012.

As a musician, Jackson has written and recorded hundreds of songs and toured internationally with the cast of Nashville, and his band Jonathan Jackson + Enation. He�s a writer, too; he penned the theological prose The Mystery of Art, which has been translated into Greek, Romanian and Russian, and the epic poem The Harrowing of Hell.

This year, Jackson starred in Unsung Hero opposite Terry O�Quinn and Candace Cameron Bure.

In 2022, Jackson was awarded the Distinction of Excellence by Royal Literary Magazine for his �contribution to the understanding of authentic art, for literary works written with inspiration and talent, for highlighting the values of Eastern culture.�

Jackson is also the Associate Dean and Primary Lecturer at Theoria School of Filmmaking in Nashville. He lives in Tennessee with his family.>

General Hospital Comeback That Will Drive Fans �Crazy� Officially Confirmed

A GH rep confirms to TVLine exclusively that Craig will reprise his role as Morgan Corinthos, the late son of Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly (Laura Wright), for one episode in early August. It�s unclear what form the dearly departed Morgan will take when he resurfaces, although his comeback will come as his mob boss dad has alienated himself from everyone in Port Charles.

Speculation about a big GH comeback began earlier this month when GH executive producer confirmed on the Daytime Emmys red carpet that a male �former cast member is coming back� that the audience will go crazy for.�

In recent weeks, Craig himself has been hinting at the possibility that the returnee could be him in a series of social media posts, one of which included a recent backstage photo of the GH set.

Craig�s nearly four-year GH run concluded in 2016 after Morgan (presumably) perished in a car bomb. He briefly returned in 2018 when he appeared in a vision to Maura West�s Ava. During his time on the soap, he won two Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series.

More �St. Elmo�s Fire?� Sony Explores Reuniting Cast Of Seminal �80s Brat Pack Movie

The 1985 film that the late Joel Schumacher directed and co-wrote with Carl Kurlander, focused on that transitional period between college and the pressures of finding jobs and starting lives. It was a surprise summer hit with a hugely successful soundtrack. The follow-up would capture the characters as they�ve come out the other end of all that.

Movies get remade all the time, with concepts resuscitated and roles populated by younger actors, but to me this sounds a far more interesting way to reconnect with the original movie. Who doesn�t want to find out what happened in their lives? It is very early going, they don�t even have a script, and I don�t even know that the cast has been talked to yet, but it will be worth watching to see what happens.

As for the reticence McCarthy showed about the �Brat Pack� label, maybe a second wind will result for him. In an upcoming The Film That Lit My Fuse, Lowe had a pithy assessment of it all, saying that it was really like being identified as a member of the coolest kid club, and who wouldn�t want that?

Lowe does not seem to take himself too seriously, and importantly, still has his hair and youthful looks, to the point he�s arguably more handsome now than he was in the Brat Pack days. Maybe that helps the fact that he�s fine, continuing as a card-carrying member of that club as he stars in and is co-writer and co-creator of the series Unstable, which has Season 2 coming through Netflix.

�Blue Bloods� Cast Marks Final Day Of Filming: Donnie Wahlberg, Marisa Ramirez & Vanessa Ray Share Moment As Series Wraps Shoot

Donnie Wahlberg, Marisa Ramirez, and Vanessa Ray shared a moment on social media where they were seen embracing each other.

�Last day feels,� read the Instagram post Ray re-shared, adding, �I love them so much it hurts.�

The long-running series will wrap in December after the second half of Season 14 airs on CBS.

Wahlberg also took to Instagram to share his thoughts after he finished filming the last episode.

�Last day of Blue Bloods. Not sure I have the words to describe how I feel about today, or the last 14 years on this special Blue Bloods journey, but I do know how incredibly thankful I am for every moment of it,� he shared. �To the cast, the crew, the guest cast, every background actor, writer, producer and every member of every single dept � thank you.�

Wahlberg continued, �To the people of New York, in every neighborhood and borough, thank you for always showing your love. To the NYPD, thank you for your support and sacrifice, I hope we did you proud.�

The actor also dedicated some words to his fans saying that without them, making 14 seasons of a show wouldn�t be possible.

�Your love and support for this show has been one of the great blessings of my life. Thank you,� he concluded.

Earlier this year, while making an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Wahlberg expressed he was �upset and sad� over Blue Bloods ending.

�General Hospital� Responds To Trolls Attacking Star Tabyana Ali Online: �Racism Has No Place In Port Charles�

�General Hospital does not tolerate hatred or bigotry of any kind,� according to the GH statement posted on Instagram. �Racism has no place in Port Charles.� #GH Is For Everyone.

John J. York opens up about 'very welcoming' return to 'General Hospital' amid cancer battle

York, who plays Mac Scorpio on the ABC soap opera, opened up about his emotional return to the series in an interview with "Good Morning America" on Monday.

"Everybody has been very welcoming, very supportive," York said as he choked up. "And here I go already, right off the top 'cause I can�t tell you how nice it's been, the support that I've gotten."

York revealed in September 2023 that he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and smoldering multiple myeloma in December 2022. The 65-year-old actor also shared with fans that he would take a "brief hiatus" from production on "General Hospital" while he underwent treatment.

Myelodysplastic syndrome consists of a "group of cancers that keep your blood (hematopoietic) stem cells from maturing into healthy blood cells," according to Cleveland Clinic. Smoldering multiple myeloma is a condition that signals someone may develop multiple myeloma, "a rare blood cancer that happens when certain white blood cells mutate into abnormal cells."

"I said, 'How long would I have if I did nothing?' " York recalled asking his doctor after receiving the diagnosis. "He said, 'Three to five years.' I was like, 'Three to five years, are you crazy? I feel fantastic!' "

For his cancer recovery, York opted for a rigorous treatment plan, which included chemotherapy and a blood stem cell transplant. The "Werewolf" actor teared up as he described the moment he learned of his transplant match.

"She said we found an exact match, and I just couldn't talk," York said. "It's just a little bag of blood and fluid, and they put it in my body. Forty minutes later, and now I'm this person."

He added: "And my cells are now fighting each other and battling each other and getting to know each other."

York made his debut on "General Hospital" in 1991. He received a nomination for outstanding male daytime newcomer at the Soap Opera Digest Awards in 1992, per the actor's IMDb page.

"I just felt so attached that I didn't feel like I missed anything," York said of his absence. "I feel like I just had a little break � a little vacation, I guess � and had to go through something, and now we�re here on kind of the other side of it."

Morning Show Appearance

Conrad Vernon & Danielle Sterling Launch Animation Straight Up Creative; First Project With John Stamos At Netflix

Under the shingle, the group will develop and produce a slate of original content focused on animation aimed at a global audience, not just for kids, and with an edgy take.

To spearhead development, Vernon and Sterling have hired producer Lauren Ito as Head of Development, and Jeremy Ross as Chief Operating Officer.

Straight Up Creative is currently developing an animated feature at Netflix Animation with John Stamos producing and written by Ali Adler (Supergirl, The New Normal) and Zo� Worth (Thelma, Shut Up and Drive).

�At Straight Up Creative, we are departing from the misconception of animation as solely a children�s genre and see animation as a versatile medium capable of expanding the ability to tell any story, in any genre, for any audience,� Vernon and Sterling tell us.

�We�re drawn to edgy material that offers a fresh perspective. While animation is often associated with comedy, we�re intrigued by its potential to explore genres like romantic comedy or horror. We�re also, equally enthusiastic about undertaking projects independently or in collaboration with studios,� the duo add.

Vernon has served as a director, actor, and producer on several animated projects, including the films Shrek 2, Monsters vs. Aliens, Madagascar 3: Europe�s Most Wanted, Sausage Party, The Addams Family and Addams Family 2, the last three of which he also served as a producer.

Sterling launched her career at MGM Studios before moving on to become the SVP of Davis Entertainment. During her tenure, she contributed to projects such as First Daughter, I, Robot, and Flight of the Phoenix. Transitioning to 3QU Media, an independent animation studio, Sterling served as Producer and Head of Development producing four films released on Netflix: Charming, Gnome Alone, Fearless, and Dog Gone Trouble. In 2019, she co-produced The Addams Family and produced the sequel for the MGM franchise.

Ito has been involved in the development, on-set, and post-production stages of over 30 films spanning various genres. Her notable credits include Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, Netflix�s The Babysitter, as well as television series such as Snapchat�s Commanders, Funny or Die�s Brockmire, and Blumhouse�s 12 Deadly Days.

Ross, along with Sterling, co-founded 3QU Media, specializing in animated film financing and production. Their releases include Gnome Alone, Charming, Fearless, and Dog Gone Trouble. Additionally, Ross served as an EP on the Oscar-winning animated short film If Anything Happens I Love You. Over his career, he has facilitated over $150M in debt financing for independent productions.r

Dozens March In Downtown Los Angeles To Demand Justice For Actor Johnny Wactor

The 37-year-old actor was walking back to his car with a co-worker at Pico Boulevard and Hope Street after a bartending shift when he noticed three men attempting to steal his catalytic converter. When he confronted them, he was shot.

Before the march, family and friends held a press conference to demand justice for Wactor.

�You guys probably don�t notice because the sun�s out but it�s the only street down there that doesn�t have lights on,� said Bryan Barkley, a security guard for Level 8 Restaurant and Lounge where Wactor worked. �It probably could have been any one of us.�

�It�s important for us this story remains top of mind for his family, for his friends because we loved him and because Johnny deserves justice,� added friend Micah Parker, as reported by ABC7.

The district attorney�s chief deputy Joseph Iniguez told the crowd that the major crimes division is working with Central Bureau homicide detectives on the case. No arrests have been made but Iniguez said: �We have a number of leads.�

Marchers then walked to City Hall, where they were invited into the City Council meeting.

�We�re committed to ensuring that we bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice,� said Councilmember Kevin de Le�n. �Johnny�s death was senseless and unnecessary.�

On Tuesday, Wactor was memorialized at the end of General Hospital with a title card. Wactor appeared in the ABC soap between 2020 and 2022 as Brando Corbin.

John Stamos Helps the UnPrisoned Family Work on Themselves in Season 2 Trailer

The Kerry Washington comedy returns to Hulu this summer, with all eight episodes set to drop Wednesday, July 17.

In Season 2, �the Alexander family is still a mess, Paige�s (Washington) therapy practice is in trouble and Finn�s anxiety is through the roof,� according to the official description. �Edwin (Delroy Lindo) is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it�s time to call in a professional � other than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a �family radical healing coach� (Stamos), who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back.�

Inspired by the life of creator Tracy McMillan and showrun by TV vet Yvette Lee Bowser (Living Single, Dear White People), the cast also includes Marque Richardson (Dear White People) as Edwin�s parole officer; Faly Rakotohavana (Raven�s Home) as Paige�s impressionable teenage son; Brenda Strong (Supergirl) as Edwin�s former girlfriend; Tim Daly (Private Practice) as Paige�s almost-divorced boyfriend; Jee Young Han (Zoey�s Extraordinary Playlist) as Paige�s foster sister; and Jordyn McIntosh as Little Paige.

�General Hospital� Star Tabyana Ali Addresses Racist Trolls On X: �To Anyone Who Hates Me�Sending You Peace, Safety & Prosperity�

Online hate toward actors � especially those in genre projects � is, sadly, nothing new in Hollywood. But a recent spate of attacks on General Hospital actress Tabyana Ali has demonstrated that even daytime soap stars are not immune from such trolling.

Racist comments about Ali on social media prompted the actress to speak out on X about �anyone that hates me.�

�That�s absolutely fine,� she continued. �I don�t know you and you don�t me but regardless I�m sending you peace, safety, and prosperity� I also pray you touch some grass, see the sun, eat a delicious meal, and find something to do.�

Ali, who has played Trina Robinson on the ABC sudser since 2022, ended up posting multiple comments about the trolling she has endured.

And Im sorry that this is the away you feel like you have to be seen. I'm sorry that life isn't happening how you want. But if you found something you loved to do other than hurting people. You would never have the energy to say what you've been saying to people ONLINE! 2/4

I promise life is more beautiful and peaceful and full when you give people and yourself LOVE. I pray you don't meet God and find yourself disappointed when he shows you the life you could've had, if all you had to do was stop giving out that type of energy and just went OUTSIDE!

Okay this is the last time I'm going to speak on this today but we cannot be feeding in to peoples hate. We cannot be giving it back. We cannot stoop to rude/racist people's level. It doesn't help. We are fighting too many wars as it is. I believe we will have our world peace 1/2

But we got to find another way to fight. I've realized ignoring doesn't help but neither does giving the energy back. We're going in circles and that doesn't get us anywhere. Everybody might not agree with me but thats okay. I just want to let "those" people know, I see you.

If you see anybody sending hate, send a "mirror" so they can reflect on themselves and start becoming the person the Lord intend!

To anyone that hates me. That's absolutely fine. I don't know you and you don't me but regardless I'm sending you peace, safety, and prosperity... I also pray you touch some grass, see the sun, eat a delicious meal, and find something to do.

Deadline understands that ABC is engaging with Ali and her team on how to navigate the situation. There has been no official statement from the network or the soap, which was just named Outstanding Daytime Drama at Friday�s Daytime Emmys.

In the meantime, several of Ali�s co-stars have come to her defense. Maura West, who plays Ava on GH, wrote on X that �I love you, Tabyana. I admire your strength and loving, open heart. You are a shining example of the best of humanity.�

Lydia Look (Selina Wu) said, �Love! You go sis. Show them what you�re made of. Pure Love, that�s what.�

Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) addressed the haters directly: �You hide behind a profile pix & spew hatred & racism at Tabyana, you spew it at every cast member of General Hospital & we condemn & reject it. We stand by our friend & colleague in her dignified & gracious response. There�s no place 4 racism of any kind in r beloved GH community.�

Even Michele Van Jean, who is penning CBS� new soap The Gates, wrote �My question here is � why would anyone hate you?�

�General Hospital� Pays Tribute To Johnny Wactor In Latest Episode

On Tuesday�s episode, a title card with Wactor�s image appeared on screen honoring the late actor who was killed over Memorial Day weekend.

Following news of his death, the General Hospital team said, �The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor�s untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.�

Wactor was killed after he received a fatal shot following a bartending shift in Downtown Los Angeles. He was reportedly walking with a female co-worker when he noticed three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his car.

According to Wactor�s brother Grant, the General Hospital alum saw the thieves and asked if he was being towed.

�He came across them and he thought his truck was being towed. So he said something to the guys, like, �Hey, are you towing?�� Grant Wactor told the Daily Mail. �And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. And that�s when they shot him.�

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner recently confirmed that Wactor died from a gunshot wound to the chest, and his death was considered a homicide.

The suspects remain at large, and Wactor�s family is planning a march. A $25,000 reward has been implemented for information leading to the arrest of the suspects responsible for killing Wactor.

Murdered Actor Johnny Wactor�s Friends And Family Plan March, Ask For Reward

Wactor was shot and killed on May 25 at Pico & Hope St. in Los Angeles. The 37-year-old actor was walking back to his car with a co-worker after a bartending shift at Level 8 Restaurant & Lounge around around 3:15 a.m. He noticed some men tampering with his car, and when he confronted them, he was shot.

�Unfortunately, what happened to Johnny can, and is likely to, happen again,� reads a news release from the group.

�Johnny�s family and friends are urging local community leaders to explore legislative and municipal actions that will hopefully not only lead to breakthroughs in Johnny�s case, but that will also help make the city that Johnny chose to call home safer,� the news release reads. �This should be important to us all.�

The group has called for a $25,000 reward to be implemented for information leading to the arrest of the suspects responsible for killing Wactor.

Ratings: Daytime Emmys Audience Grows 39% to Mark 4-Year High

The audience for this year�s kudoscast was up +39% from last year (where it didn�t air until December, due to the Hollywood strikes) and up +1% from June 2022.

Over on Paramount+, live streaming of the Daytime Emmys reportedly was up some 87% to mark the event�s largest live streaming audience to date.

During Friday night�s tight, two-hour telecast, ABC�s General Hospital grabbed gold four times, including its fourth straight Outstanding Daytime Drama win.

Daytime Emmys host CBS� The Young and the Restless followed with a pair of wins, including for lead actress Michelle Stafford, while CBS� The Bold and the Beautiful and Peacock�s Days of Our Lives each picked up a singular statuette.

Among the daytime talkers, The Kelly Clarkson Show took best show honors, while Live!�s Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos won for hosting.

And quite notably, Dick �Spry for a 98-Year-Old Guy� Van Dyke became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner,m for his guest-starring performance as Days of Our Lives� Timothy Robiocheaux.

'General Hospital' Star Johnny Wactor Was Cremated After Downtown L.A. Murder

According to the late actor's death certificate, obtained by TMZ, his remains were transferred to his mother, Scarlett, cremated, and now reside at her home in South Carolina. Johnny's family had made it known they wanted his body sent over after he was killed in L.A.

Johnny's occupation is listed as an actor, and the doc also notes he'd been in the entertainment industry for 15 years.

The official cause of death is also detailed -- with the Medical Examiner citing a gunshot wound to the chest as the primary cause ... and no other significant factors contributing.

The death cert goes on to say he died on a street and/or highway -- with officials pointing out he was shot by another -- and his death was ruled as a homicide.

We broke the story ... JW was shot and killed by a group of thieves who were trying to steal his catalytic converter from his car -- with his car up on a jack as he and a coworker approached them after a late shift at their bar.

Without provocation, Johnny was shot square in the torso ... with the assailants fleeing. They were never caught, and cops are on the hunt -- asking for the public help in finding them.

His coworker Anita Joy -- who was with him when he was killed -- detailed his last moments on 'GMA' ... saying she was covered in his blood and trying to keep him conscious on the ground. Eventually, Wactor succumbed to his injury and was later pronounced dead.

The bar he worked at has caught some heat after his murder -- with many alleging management had ignored calls for better safety measures for employees working late. Level 8 honchos said they're also mourning Johnny's death ... and looking into changes on this front.

Michelle Obama, Regina King, Dwyane Wade & Ricky Martin Among Speakers And Attendees Set For 2024�s CAA Amplify Summit

Confirmed speakers and attendees include: former First Lady of the United States and Co-Founder, Higher Ground Productions, Michelle Obama; Oscar and Emmy-winning Actress, Producer, and Director, Regina King (Shirley); NBA Hall of Famer, Activist, and Entrepreneur, Dwyane Wade; Grammy-winning Singer, Songwriter, Actor, and Activist, Ricky Martin; Emmy, Golden Globe, Grammy, and Academy Award-winning Singer and Songwriter, Jon Batiste; Emmy-nominated Television Host, Producer, Bestselling Author, and Activist, Padma Lakshmi; Actress and Comedian, Ego Nwodim (SNL); Academy Award-winning Writer and Director, Cord Jefferson (American Fiction); Chief Legal Analyst and News Anchor, Laura Coates (Laura Coates Live); Actress Ashley Park (Emily in Paris); Misty Copeland, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre; Emmy-nominated Producer and Comedian, Roy Wood, Jr. (former correspondent for The Daily Show); three-time Emmy-winning Writer, Director, Creator, Lee Sung Jin (Beef); Academy Award-nominated Actor Demi�n Bichir (The Hateful Eight); Athlete and Civil Rights Activist, Colin Kaepernick; Peabody-winning Creator, Writer, Director, and Actor, Mo Amer (Mo); Errin Haines, Editor-at-Large, The 19th and MSNBC Analyst; Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director, ACLU; Fatima Gross Graves, President and CEO, National Women�s Law Center Action Fund; Kelley Robinson, President, Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights Campaign Foundation; and Imran Ahmed, CEO, Center for Countering Digital Hate, among others.

Kicking off in Ojai, CA on June 10, the event is organized by a diverse cross-section of CAA agents and executives and will explore business opportunities, social justice initiatives, and collaborations to accelerate transformational change in rooms of leadership and popular culture.

Said CAA�s Natalie Tran, who has helped organize this annual convening since its inception, �CAA Amplify has become a place to activate a community of artists, thought leaders, and influencers of color. Our super power is connecting luminaries across business, philanthropy, entertainment, technology, politics, and beyond to inform, strategize, and take action to create a more optimistic future. Now, more than ever, as commitments to impact become less visible, the collective expertise and collaboration within the CAA Amplify network are essential to driving meaningful opportunities for those that help shape culture, storytellers, and global brands.�

Since launching in 2017, CAA Amplify has become a powerful platform to create and empower a network of dynamic leaders of color. These include Olympic gold medalists, Fortune 500 CEOs, philanthropists, industry-leading entrepreneurs, and award-winning artists, among others. In addition to the signature annual summit, CAA Amplify created CAA Amplify Town Hall, a series of special livestream events that address a range of urgent social issues of our time.

The first Town Hall event, hosted in June 2020 in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, was an unprecedented gathering of more than 11,000 artists and cross-industry leaders who were able to discuss the state of race in America and hear about critical action steps necessary to help end systemic racism. Other Town Halls have focused on threats to democracy and civic engagement, the impact of the Covid pandemic on America�s youth and education system, the staggering increase in violence impacting the AAPI community, and the importance of allyship and humanity.rideProvider�

Daytime Emmy Presenters

Hosted by ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT�s Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner, the lineup of presenters from daytime�s biggest names includes: Kristos Andrews (�The Bay�), Lidia Bastianich (�25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee�), Lauralee Bell (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS), Eric Braeden (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS), Steve Burton (�General Hospital�), Derrick Camana (�Wizard of Paws�), Kelly Clarkson (�The Kelly Clarkson Show�), Stefan Dennis (�Neighbours�), Zooey Deschanel (�What Am I Eating with Zooey Deschanel�), Scott Evans (�Access Hollywood�), Jack�e Harry (�Days of Our Lives�), Amelia Heinle (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS), Annie Jones (�Neighbours�), Star Jones (�Divorce Court�), Christel Khalil (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL), Eric Martsolf (�Days of Our Lives�), Kiara Liz Ortega (�The Bay�), Danielle Pinnock (GHOSTS), Melvin Robert (�Extra�), Lawrence Saint-Victor (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL), Jonathan Scott (�Backed by the Bros�), Laura Wright (�General Hospital�), and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant (�Wild Kingdom�). In addition, THE TALK hosts Amanda Kloots and Jerry O�Connell will make a special appearance.

As previously announced, Daytime Emmy� Award nominated and multi-award-winning actress Melody Thomas Scott and Daytime Emmy-winning producer Edward J. Scott will receive Lifetime Achievement honors for their contributions to the world of Daytime television.

THE 51ST ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS is produced by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI), which produced Daytime Emmy Awards ceremonies on The CW in 2009 and on CBS in 2010, 2011, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie is executive producer from ATI.

*Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.

Janis Paige Dies: Prolific Film, TV & Stage Actor Known For �Pajama Game�, �Silk Stockings� & Soaps Was 101

During her long career, Paige toured with Bob Hope and danced onscreen with Fred Astaire, along with originating the Babe Williams role in The Pajama Game on Broadway in 1954. That same year she headlined It�s Always Jan, a CBS sitcom about the problems of single-parenthood during which she usually sang a song. It lasted a single season.

Born Donna Mae Tjaden on September 16, 1922, in Tacoma, WA, she began singing in talent shows at a tender age and moved to Los Angeles after graduating high school.

Paige made her Broadway debut in 1951 opposite Jackie Cooper in the mystery comedy Remains to Be Seen but found her signature stage role three years later in the hit musical comedy The Pajama Game. Babe Williams is a union organizer in a factory who falls in love with the new superintendent. Her role was played by Doris Day in the 1957 film version.

Paige later returned to Broadway three times, including starring roles in Here�s Love (1963) and Alone Together (1984). In 1968, she played the title role in Mame as part of a replacement cast. Angela Lansbury was the original star.

Along the way she appeared in dozens of movies and television series including 1946�s Hollywood Canteen, named for the famous nightclub where Paige was discovered. Through the next five years, she appeared in several Warner Bros films, often opposite Jack Carson, Dennis Morgan and/or Robert Hutton.

�When you go on an audition as an actor, it�s not about the job,� she said in a 2005 interview for the Television Academy Foundation. �It�s about the privilege of acting. Of working in front of somebody and acting.� Watch some of that interview below.

Among her most recognizable silver-screen roles were opposite Day in Please Don�t Eat the Daisies and with Astaire and Cyd Charisse in the 1957 romp Silk Stockings, which also starred Peter Lorre and George Tobias.

The upstart TV medium came calling in the mid-1950s. Along with toplining It�s Always Jan, Paige guested on such popular �50s and �60s series in as Lux Video Theatre, Shower of Stars, Wagon Train, The Fugitive and The Red Skelton Hour.

Paige continued to work sporadically in films, but she was a familiar face on TV during the 1970s, �80s and �90s. She appeared on hit shows including All in the Family � during which she kissed Carroll O�Connor�s Archie Bunker � Happy Days, Columbo, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hawaii Five-O, Charlie�s Angels, The Rockford Files, Police Story, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Too Close for Comfort, Night Court, Caroline in the City and Trapper John, M.D.

She also appeared in dozens of episodes of daytime dramas General Hospital as Iona Huntington and Santa Barbara as Minx Lockridge. Her final credit was a 2001 episode of Family Law.

John Stamos Warns Of The Wonkapocalypse In Sneak Peek At Musical Inspired By Glasgow�s Bizarre Willy Fest

He does just than in a sneak listen of what could be a pretty delicious musical parody inspired by that hilariously misguided (and unlicensed) Willy Wonka experience event in Glasgow a few months back.

The Stamos track is one of three demos released to Deadline today by the producers of Willy�s Candy Spectacular: A Musical Parody. With a line-up of songwriters including Riki Lindhome, Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, Tova Litvin and Doug Rockwell, and Daniel Mertzlufft, and performances by TikTok�s The Sharpe Family Singers and the real fest�s actual sad, gone-viral Oompa Loompa actress Kirsty Paterson, the demos will debut today on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and at willyscandyspectacular.com.

Sample lyric, as delivered by Stamos with classic rock god moves: �It was the start of the end of the world/It�s significance was easy to miss/A scheme gone bad turned viral fad/brought us to the apocalypse/Some thought it�d be Trump or Putin/setting the world ablaze/Some thought it�d be masks or Covid vaccinations/that led to the ends of days/ But no! It was Willy�s Candy Spectacular!�

The parody�s lead producer Richard Kraft of Kraft-Engel Productions had previously directed Stamos in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl that also featured Finn Wolfhard as Charlie and �Weird Al� Yankovic as the Oompa Loompas.

Said Kraft, �The process of creating a brand-new musical, which usually spans years, is being condensed into just a couple of months, with the team sharing their progress through social media.�

�Willy�s Candy Spectacular� � Stamos performs a post-apocalyptic opening number that traces the downfall of civilization back to the disastrous event in Glasgow. This track is the brainchild of Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, known for their work on Broadway�s First Date and ABC�s Once Upon a Time. Said the songwriters, �We love musicals with epic opening numbers. And we thought � what could be more epic than John Stamos singing about the end of humanity and linking our species� demise to an underwhelming immersive experience in Scotland?�

�Where Dreams Go To Fly� � An uplifting number written by Emmy-winners Doug Rockwell and Tova Litvin (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Julie & The Phantoms) captures �the unbridled optimism of the impresario behind Willy�s Candy Spectacular.� �There�s such a fine line between soaring optimism and crushing defeat,� they said. �In our song, we�ve tried to capture the range of emotions one goes through when creating art, even when that art is mind-numbingly awful.�

�Dreamed to Dare� � Written by Daniel Mertzlufft, who launched the viral TikTok musical Ratatouille the Musical, features TikTok singers The Sharpe Family and the actual sad Oompa Loompa actress Kirsty Paterson from the viral Wonka Experience in Glasgow as �attendees preparing to enter the world of dreams (or nightmares).� Said Mertzlufft, �Not many shows have such high stakes and absurd characters that we deserve a bombastic anticipatory ensemble number � but with a plot like this I couldn�t resist!�

Demos of additional songs are expected to be released every Sunday in the coming weeks, including a song from Riki Lindhome based on the sad Oompa Loompa Wannabe, culminating in the debut of a staged reading of the musical at the Pleasance King Dome from August 9 to 26 during Edinburgh Fringe Fest 2024.

Willy�s Candy Spectacular: A Musical Parody, producers want to make clear, is a parody production �and not sponsored, endorsed by or affiliated with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Illuminati, Willy�s Chocolate Experience, The Ferrero Group, The Roland Dahl Story Company, Netflix, Village Roadshow Pictures, HeyDay Films and Domain Entertainment, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliated companies and/or third party licensors.�

Dreamed to Dare: (Feat Sharpe Family Singers and Sad Oompa Loompa Kirsty Paterson): Video.

�The Rings Of Power� Actress Nazanin Boniadi Not Returning For Season 2

Deadline has also confirmed that Boniadi�s role has not been recast. Bronwyn is the mother of Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) and the lover of elf warrior Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova). Both Muhafidin and Cordova are returning for season 2. Bronwyn didn�t make an appearance in the recent teaser trailer for season 2 of Rings of Power.

Boniadi recently wrote on Instagram that she paused acting �to focus solely on the #WomanLifeFreedom uprising in Iran and to advocate or the people in my homeland who have been risking everything for freedom.�

She also mentioned Deadline�s announcement of her movie, A Mosquito in the Ear, which she said, �Despite my passion for acting, I knew it would take a very special project to convince me to once again split my time between my day job and my calling as an activist.�

The movie is based on the Italian graphic novel Una Zanzara nell�Orecchio from Andrea Ferraris, which tells the true story of Andrew and Daniela, an American couple eager to form a family, who travel to India to bring home their newly adopted child. A Mosquito in the Ear reps the feature directorial debut of BAFTA Newcomer Nicola Rinciari.

This past week, Rings of Power showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay said that a fan-fave character, Tom Bombadil, from the J.R.R. Tolkein novel was finally making his debut, that part played by Rory Kinnear.

Johnny Wactor Co-Worker Describes Horrifying Final Moments: �Everything Happened In An Instant�

�Everything happened in an instant,� writes Anita Joy in an Instagram message. �I�ve come to describe it as a glass of water that gets tipped over and you�re scrambling to grab it and save it from spilling out completely but it just runs through your fingertips and is gone.�

Joy writes that she and Wactor, whom she affectionately calls Johnny Wacky, had finished their late shift at a downtown L.A. bar when, at about 3 a.m. last Saturday, the two were walking to their cars parked nearby. Friends for eight years, Wactor and Joy were �laughing together, walking side by side� when the encountered three people standing by Wactor�s vehicle.

�We cautiously approached the men,� she writes, �questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed. We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace. Johnny was between me and the man who shot him � as I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms and as I grabbed for him, I shouted �Hunny you ok?� And he only responded �Nope! Shot!�

�We toppled onto the street,� she continues, �where I pushed my legs under him and tried to hold his body up while screaming for help and screaming at him to stay with me.�

At that point, she says, a security guard from the bar, identified only as Bryan, came running to the wounded man while calling 911 on his phone. The guard wrapped a denim jacket around Wactor in an attempt to stop the bleeding, and began performing CPR.

�It was too close range,� she writes, �too extreme of a wound for him to survive it but my god, he fought to stay. My only peace is that I was with him and this didn�t happen to him alone � my only other peace will be seeing these awful men brought to justice.�

In addition to calling for justice and directing readers to the Go Fund Me page set up by Wactor�s family, Joy also calls out the bar where the two worked to provide late-night staff with secure parking �to prevent anything like this ever happening again to the best of their ability.� The bar, she says, �needs to contribute to Johnny�s family to honor and respect him for all the hard work and effort he did for them.�

She further describes Wactor: �He was beautiful, goofy as hell, full of work ethic and values, he never put people down, even when joking, he never made you feel unsure of yourself � he knew how to be hilarious in such a positive way and it just made him that much more lovable. It just filled your heart to be around him. He called me �Anita Bonita� and I hope the stamp of his voice saying that every time I saw him never leaves my memory. Just one look into his big blue eyes, followed by a big goofy grin, Johnny made you love him instantly. Absolutely one of the best men I�ve ever known. I�m so grateful to have been a part of his world and him, mine.�/

John Stamos to Guest Star on UnPrisoned Alongside Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo

The actor, 60, will guest star on the Hulu comedy as Murphy, a bestselling author, reality star and self-proclaimed �family radical healing coach,� PEOPLE has learned. The �cut-to-the-chase� type therapist prides himself in being very direct with patients about �what�s wrong with them.�

Stamos is one of several actors joining the upcoming season, premiering July 17, with other guest stars including Jamie Chung, Brandee Evans and Oliver Hudson. Brenda Strong, who appeared in the first season as Delroy Lindo�s onscreen love interest Nadine, will also return as a guest star.

Season 2 of UnPrisoned picks up where the season 1 finale left off, with Edwin (Lindo) deciding to move out of Paige's (Kerry Washington) home. According to the synopsis, this season will see Edwin work on figuring out his life after getting out of prison during the season 1 pilot. Paige�s therapy practice, meanwhile, is in jeopardy and Finn (Faly Rakotohavana) must navigate his anxiety. The Alexander family turn to Murphy, who tosses out all the conventional rules of therapy to �free them of their issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back.�

Stamos is no stranger to playing a therapist, portraying the pot-smoking Dr. Nicky Reynolds in You�s first and second seasons, who is wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail). Despite being innocent of Guinevere�s murder, the existential feeling Dr. Reynolds, contends in the season 2 episode entitled �Love, Actually� that he's �guilty� of other things, including destroying his marriage, his wife and his kids and of "using" Guinevere.

�I�m guilty of using her [Guinevere] � and she�s not the first. � She�s just the first to end up dead,� Dr. Reynolds says in the episode.

Stamos rose to fame playing Blackie Parrish on General Hospital from 1982 to 1984, for which he earned a Daytime Emmy nomination. He landed on another hit show, Full House, portraying Jesse Katsopolis, from 1987 to 1995 � a role he would later reprise for the Netflix sequel series Fuller House, which ran for five seasons, from 2016 to 2020.

"It's [Full House] a story critics can get contemptuous about but also one that moms and dads can enjoy with their kids," Stamos wrote in his 2023 memoir If You Would Have Told Me, adding the show "was sentimental in a way that feels brave" and displayed "a vulnerability that is almost retro."

During his decades-long career, the actor has also starred in TV projects including the Disney+ sports dramedy Big Shot and the Fox comedy Grandfathered, for which he won a People�s Choice Award in 2016 for favorite actor in a new TV series. He has also starred onstage in productions of How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Cabaret, Bye Bye Birdie and Nine.

�General Hospital� Actor Johnny Wactor�s Cause Of Death Revealed

Wactor was shot early Saturday morning, May 25, in Los Angeles when he confronted three armed thieves who were trying to steal a catalytic converter from his car. The suspects fled the scene and the LAPD has asked for the public�s help for tips.

In a May 28 news release, Los Angeles Police Department said, based on witness statements, Wactor had ended his shift as a bartender at a local bar and was walking to his vehicle when �he was confronted by three individuals who had Wactor�s vehicle raised up with a floor jack and were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter.

�Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals,� police said. �The three suspects involved were wearing all dark clothing and driving a dark-colored sedan. The suspects fled northbound on Hope Street. Central Bureau Homicide is investigating this case and is requesting the public�s help.�

Wactor�s family has said that the actor was walking a female co-worker to her car and, upon encountering the thieves at Wactor�s car, the actor positioned himself in front of his co-worker just before he was shot. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Wactor appeared in the ABC daytime soap General Hospital between 2020 and 2022, playing the role of Brando Corbin. His other television credits include Station 19, Westworld, NCIS and Criminal Minds among others. On the film side, he was most recently seen in Dead Talk Tales: Volume I, released this year, in which he played Marcus.

LAPD Seeks Public�s Help In Johnny Wactor Killing; Suspects Remain At Large

In a news release confirming earlier accounts of the crime, the Los Angeles Police Department said today that, based on witness statements, Wactor had ended his shift as a bartender at a local bar and was walking to his vehicle when �he was confronted by three individuals who had Wactor�s vehicle raised up with a floor jack and were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter.�

While the police statement mentions a witness, the LAPD has not confirmed that person�s identity. Wactor�s family has said that the actor was walking a female co-worker to her car and, upon encountering the thieves at Wactor�s car, the actor positioned himself in front of his co-worker just before he was shot.

Per LAPD: When police arrived at the crime scene in the 1200 block of Hope Street downtown at around 3:25 a.m. on May 25, officers found Wactor suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers began to render aid to the victim and requested the response of emergency medical services. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and transported Wactor to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call LAPD Detectives Gonzales or Martinez at Central Bureau Homicide, at (213) 996-4142. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go to http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Elizabeth MacRae Dies: �General Hospital� & �Gomer Pyle: USMC� Actor Was 88

After graduating, MacRae pursued a career in acting and auditioned for Otto Preminger�s production of Saint Joan in 1956. Although she didn�t land a role, she continued to pursue acting. She moved to New York City where she studied with Uta Hagen at the Herbert Berghof Studio and gained experience in off-Broadway productions.

MacRae landed her first television role playing a witness in the courtroom series The Verdict Is Yours. Over a career that spanned 25 years, MacRae would be featured in television shows like Route 66, Surfside 6, Rendezvous, The Fugitive, Judd for the Defense, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, I Dream of Jeannie, The Andy Griffith Show, and many more.

One of her most prominent roles was in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., where she played Gomer�s girlfriend Lou-Ann Poovie.

MacRae also appeared in soaps like General Hospital, where she played Meg Baldwin starting in August 1969. She remained on the ABC daytime soap until 1973, when the character was killed off. Other soaps MacRae starred in were Another World, Days of Our Lives, Guiding Light, and Search for Tomorrow.

MacRae�s film credits include Live in a Goldfish Bowl, Everything�s Ducky, The Incredible Mr. Limpet, and Frances Ford Coppola�s The Conversation.

She continued to work in television and featured in shows like Kojak, Barnaby Jones, and Rhoda. MacRae�s last film credit was in 1989, where she played a reporter on Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives!

Following her acting career, MacRae and her husband, Charles Day Halsey Jr., moved to North Carolina and, years later, returned home to Fayetteville.

She is survived by five stepchildren, Terry Halsey, Peter Halsey, Hugh Halsey, Cate Halsey, and Alex Halsey Topper.

�General Hospital� Alum Johnny Wactor Has GoFundMe Set Up By Grandmother To Support Loved Ones After Fatal Shooting

Wactor�s mother, Scarlett Wactor, endorsed the crowdfunding effort opened by the actor�s grandmother Michaelle Kinard.

�I want to raise money for his mother, Scarlett, and his brothers, Lance and Grant to be able to travel the distance of 2000 miles (the many times it may take) to take care of this heartbreaking business which they have been sentenced,� reads the GoFundMe page.

The fundraiser has a goal of $100,000, of which more than $35,000 has been raised as of this publication.

Kinard noted that �any excess donations� would �be donated to the charities the family chooses in memory of Johnny.�

Wactor�s grandmother said her �heart is utterly broken� and added, �somehow we NEED justice for Johnny!�

�With God�s will the killer will be arrested and the family will see him face to face. This may help bring closure to this tragedy,� Kinard added.

Wactor received a fatal shot after finishing a bartending shift in Downtown Los Angeles. He was reportedly walking with a female co-worker when he noticed three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his car.

According to Wactor�s brother Grant, the General Hospital alum saw the thieves and asked if he was being towed.

�General Hospital� Actor Johnny Wactor Was Shielding Female Co-Worker When Fatally Shot

The General Hospital actor�s brother Grant has told the Daily Mail that Wactor initially thought his vehicle was being towed, but when he realized what was actually happening he shielded the co-worker by putting her behind him.

�We�re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself,� Grant Wactor told the news outlet. �He came across them and he thought his truck was being towed. So he said something to the guys, like, �Hey, are you towing?�

�And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. And that�s when they shot him.�

Wactor�s mother, Scarlett Wactor, confirmed that account to CNN affiliate KABC. She said her son occasionally worked as a bartender between acting gigs.

The fatal shooting occurred around 3:25 a.m. Saturday near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street. The three thieves fled the scene, and as of Monday morning had not been apprehended.

Wactor played the character Brando Corbin on General Hospital from 2020 to 2022. His other credits include Westworld, Criminal Minds, Siberia and Station 19.

'General Hospital' Actor Johnny Wactor Shot & Killed ... Alleged Theft Gone Wrong

Wactor was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles early Saturday morning, his mother Scarlett tells TMZ. She says Johnny was with a coworker when they saw three men messing with Johnny's car. While authorities haven't release his name, this matches the description of an incident where three suspects allegedly tried to steal a catalytic converter.

Scarlett says she was told Johnny didn't try to fight or stop them ... but, the men shot him anyway before taking off. According to police info, paramedics rushed to the scene just after 3 AM PT. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police have not provided a description of the suspects ... but, Johnny's mother says she hopes they'll be found quickly.

Johnny got his start in acting back in 2007 on the hit Lifetime show "Army Wives," playing a few different roles before working steadily over the next two decades.

Some of his bigger credits include "Westworld," "The OA," "NCIS," "Station 19," "Criminal Minds," and "Hollywood Girl."

Many of Johnny's fans will remember him for his time on 'GH' where he played Brando Corbin -- married to drug addict Sasha Corbin in the series. He played the role from 2020 until his character was written off the program in 2022.

Wactor's mother remembers him as a loving young man ... adding his death leaves a huge hole in the family's heart.

He's survived by his mother, and his younger brothers Lance and Grant. He was 37.

Daytime Emmy Hosts Will Once Again Be �Entertainment Tonight� Anchors Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and CBS were set to announce the news, which Variety has exclusively learned, on Thursday morning. Frazier and Turner previously hosted the Daytime Emmys in 2022 and 2023. The duo is also nominated this year in the outstanding daytime personality � daily category, while �Entertainment Tonight� is nominated in outstanding entertainment news series.

Frazier has been co-host of �ET� since September 2014; before that, he was co-host and managing editor of �The Insider� and a correspondent and weekend host of �ET.� Turner has been co-host of �ET� since 2021, first joining the show as a correspondent in 2014. She preciously served as a contributor for CNN.

Also on Thursday, NATAS revealed that Rachel Schwartz has been named head of daytime and children�s & family at the org. The landmark promotion makes Schwartz the first woman to ever lead the Daytime Emmys.

NATAS has additionally announced its 2024 Gold and Silver Circle Honorees, recognizing �admired individuals who have made enduring contributions to daytime television. Inductees are exceptional professionals who have performed distinguished service within the television industry, setting standards for achievement, mentoring, leadership and professional accolades for 50 or 25 years, respectively. They represent the best and brightest in the industry.�

Jerome Dobson (writer, �Guiding Light,� �As the World Turns,� �General Hospital,� �Santa Barbara�)

Patricia Denney (former hair and makeup department head, �The Young and The Restless�)

Rolonda Watts (talk show host, actress and voiceover talent, �Sherri,� �Curious George,� �Divorce Court�)

The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards is produced by NATAS and Associated Television International. Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie is executive producer from ATI.

Simmons planning Broadway show, audiences will join in on workout dance numbers

Fitness pioneer Richard Simmons is putting together a show for the Great White Way.

�I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who is an attorney and manages famous artists in music,� Simmons � who�s been something of a recluse for the last decade � posted on Facebook last week. �She wants to do an interactive Broadway show about my life.�

The show would create an open space near the stage where theatergoers could join in on workout dance numbers.

Simmons, 75, told us: �I am so excited about the prospect of my own Broadway show. I have so many ideas and I�m writing them all down � Broadway is in my blood!�

To get in the groove, the exercise pioneer has also been reminiscing about some of his own favorite Broadway shows for fans on Facebook.

He posted this month, �I saw a musical called �La Cage Aux Folles,� the 1983 Broadway show that was adapted from a 1978 French film, and later remade by Hollywood as �The Birdcage� starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.

Simmons recalled of the �80s production starring Gene Barry and George Hearn, �This show began with all these dancers singing �I Am What I Am,� one of my favorite songs. The dancers spotted me in my seat and waved at me. I did go backstage and said hello. I had tickets to see it the next evening. I sent each dancer a long stemmed white rose. About a week later they sent me a handmade thank you card and they all signed it. I still have that card today.�

He also posted of his theater experiences seeing musicals including �Gypsy,� �The Lion King,� �Flora the Red Menace,� �Barnum,� �Sweet Charity,� �Chaplin,� �Wicked,� �Mama Mia,� �Hair,� �Phantom of the Opera,� �Fiddler On the Roof,� and many more.

Andrew McCarthy, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore and Others Revisit �Brat Pack� Ignominy in Hulu�s BRATS Trailer

Hulu also announced a Thursday, June 14 release date for the feature-length docu.

McCarthy, who wrote, directed and hosts the documentary film, said at the TCA press tour in February that the infamous New York issue was originally just to have a profile of Emilio Estevez. But then St. Elmo�s Fire came out and it blew up into a �Hollywood�s Brat Pack� cover.

�It�s been a blessing more than a curse in my life,� McCarthy shared at TCA. �We were branded as �partying, wanting to have a good time, get famous.� In turn, he, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore and others lost control of the narrative of their careers.

McCarthy suggested at TCA that the bona fide Brat Pack consists of him, Estevez, Lowe, Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy and Molly Ringwald.

McCarthy hadn�t spoken to Estevez since the June 1985 St. Elmo�s Fire movie premiere when he phoned him to discuss participation in the BRATS documentary. Nelson decided not to participate, telling McCarthy, �The Brat Pat didn�t exist, so I�m not gonna talk about it.� Ringwald also passed.

An ABC News Studios co-production, BRATS looks at the iconic films of the 1980s that shaped a generation and the narrative that took hold when their young stars were branded the �Brat Pack.� The documentary explores the cultural phenomenon of films such as St. Elmo�s Fire and The Breakfast Club that tapped into teenage angst and connected with young audiences in a way that had never been done before.

McCarthy, whose 1980s film credits included Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo�s Fire and Less Than Zero, and who wrote the New York Times bestselling memoir Brat: An �80s Story, reunited with several fellow Brat-Packers to answer the question: What did it mean to be part of the Brat Pack?

McCarthy also speaks to key members of the �Brat Pack� films� production, including directors, casting directors, screenwriters and producers. He also sits down for a first-time conversation with David Blum, the New York writer who fatefully coined the Brat Pack term..

�General Hospital� Says Farewell to Gregory Harrison

Harrison, best known to boomers for his long-running role on Trapper John, M.D., played Gregory Chase, the father of Finn (Michael Easton) and Chase (Josh Swickard). His character died in his sleep after suffering from ALS.

Easton paid tribute to his co-star on Instagram by saying �One of the finest actors I�ve ever had the privilege of working with and an even better human being. I learned so much from you, my friend, and it was an absolute honor to get to share a stage with you these past three years. Your talent, grace and powerful presence will be greatly missed around the studio."

Nancy Lee Grahn, who plays Alexis on GH, said on X that it �was hard to say goodbye to working with my friend, Gregory Harrison. What a treat to share the stage with this guy, and getting to know him was a gift. I truly love & respect everything about him. And I know he�s seeing this. He doesn�t post, but likes to read mine.�

Harrison told Soap Opera Digest in 2023 that he had many opportunities over the years to join a daytime drama � especially All My Children. But �it scared me so bad.�

But after the pandemic, Harrison was offered the part on GH and immediately said yes. �It was almost like an out-of-body experience, because I was just desperate to go do what I love to do,� he told the outlet. �And then after I hung up the phone, I went, �Oh, my God, what did I just say yes to?!� You know, �Why did you wait till you were 70-something to test your brain with 30 pages of dialogue a night? What, are you crazy? Are you out of your mind?� I went through terror for a couple of weeks and then I started the show� The terror ended after two or three weeks.�

A longtime journeyman actor, Harrison�s other TV credits include stints on One Tree Hill, CSI: NY, Ringer and Joey.

Polish Brothers Re-Team To Make Innovative Movie �There There� Starring Gretchen Moll, Shannon Sossamon & More

The film has begun principal photography and the duo are hopeful it will premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. This would be the sixth Polish Brothers film to premiere at the festival.

On There There, each of the twin brothers will write and direct one half of the movie without the other knowing anything about the other, resulting in two separate storylines that will be interwoven into a single feature-length film. This approach will enable each brother to explore the nature of the twin relationship from their own unique perspective without being influenced or constrained by the other�s vision.

The cast includes Gretchen Mol (Yellowstone), Shannon Sossamon (The Rules of Attraction), Corbin Bernsen (Major League), Zack Pearlman (The Intern), Logan Polish (The Mosquito Coast), and D.W. Moffett (Friday Night Lights).

The movie will chart the story of two brothers who have spent 40 long years apart, unaware of each other�s existence. As fate would have it, their paths cross and they are forced to confront the truth that has been hidden from them for so long.

�By allowing each of us to create our own storylines, we hope to capture the complexity, honesty and richness of the twin relationship in a way that has never been seen before on screen,� said Mark Polish. �This is a journey that will tug at audience�s heartstrings and leave people inspired by the incredible resilience of the human spirit.�

Michael Polish added: �We took painstaking measures to keep all details of our respective halves from each other. This has never been done before in the history of cinema and will in many ways be reflective, we think, of the relationship between the two of us.�

The Polish brothers are known for movies including Twin Falls Idaho, Northfolk and Jackpot. Michael Polish most recently directed Sylvester Stallone movie Alarum.

Convergence is the company set up by Randall Emmett and Joel Cohen in 2022. Recent credits include Savage Salvation (2022), starring Robert De Niro, John Malkovich and Jack Huston, and Gunner (2024) starring Morgan Freeman..

�General Hospital� Shakes Up Writers Room; Patrick Mulcahey Is Out As Co-Head

Patrick Mulcahey � who was promoted in January to help fill the void left by co-head writers Chris Van Etten and Dan O�Connor � is no longer on the soap�s head-writing team, Deadline has confirmed.

Elizabeth Korte, who was upped alongside Mulcahey, will become the sole head writer for now. Korte has been a part of the GH family since 1992.

Mulcahey is a longtime vet of daytime dramas, having started in the biz on Search For Tomorrow. He wrote for Loving, Santa Barbara, Guiding Light and The Bold and the Beautiful. He first started penning episodes for GH in 1996.

Episodes that he crafted with Korte will air through mid-summer. A spokeswoman for the show declined comment.

In December, GH took the prize for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series. It also racked up four Emmys in the acting categories (the late Sonya Eddy, Robert Gossett, Eden McCoy and Alley Mills) and another in the Outstanding Directing Team category.

Andrew McCarthy�s Brat Pack Documentary �Brats� Sets Hulu Premiere Date

Set to launch on Disney+ in select territories later this summer, after world premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, Brats looks at the iconic films of the 1980s that shaped a generation and the narrative that took hold when their young stars were branded the �Brat Pack.� McCarthy reunites with his fellow Brat Packers � friends, colleagues and former foes, including Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, Jon Cryer, Lea Thompson and Timothy Hutton, many of whom he had not seen for over 30 years � to answer the question: What did it mean to be part of the Brat Pack? The actor-filmmaker also sits down for a first-time conversation with writer David Blum, who fatefully coined the term Brat Pack in a 1985 New York Magazine cover story.

McCarthy�s involvement in the Brat Pack is primarily attributed to his roles in iconic �80s films like St. Elmo�s Fire and Pretty in Pink. He directed Brats from his own script, with Neon and Network Entertainment producing for ABC News Studios. In a statement on Brats, McCarthy mused that making the film �was that rare opportunity to dive back into the frozen past and bring it up into the living present.�

Derik Murray and Adrian Buitenhuis served as the doc�s producers. Exec producers included Brian Liebman and McCarthy, Neon�s Dan O�Meara and Tom Quinn, Network Entertainment�s Brian Gersh, Paul Gertz and Kent Wingerak, and ABC News Studios�s Victoria Thompson. David Sloan served as senior executive producer.

Stated Mike Kelley who heads ABC News Studios, �The Brat Pack captivated a generation and defined cool for so many. Andrew, as a seminal member, brings unbelievable access and perspective to the phenomenon as director of this film. It�s a deeply personal, surprising and entertaining journey and a film we are so proud of at ABC News Studios.�

James Franco & Tommy Lee Jones Team For Action Thriller �The Razor�s Edge�

Red Sea Media is handling international sales and will debut the film for buyers at the upcoming Marche du Film in Cannes. Cameras roll June 25 in Georgia.

Lichenstein is helming off a screenplay he wrote with Vance Duplechin. After a mob hitman vows to leave his deadly past behind, he faces an impossible choice when his daughter is kidnapped and the woman he loves becomes a target of the syndicate. He is forced to undertake one final, perilous mission while being pursued by an assassin even more lethal.

Pic is executive produced by Kirk Shaw (The Hurt Locker, Papa Hemingway in Cuba, Extraction). BondIt Media Capital is financing with Matthew Helderman (Clerks III, Book of Love), Luke Taylor (Dual, Redemption Day) and Jordan Nott (Assassination, Cold DeckI) also executive producing.

�I�m excited that we have signed the superbly talented actors James, Suki and Tommy Lee to bring The Razor�s Edge to the big screen. They are perfectly suited to embody the protagonists in director Demian�s script,� said Large. �We cannot wait to begin filming this taut thriller next month with an assist from our seasoned executive producer Kirk,� he added.

�We�ve worked with Corey on over a dozen projects throughout the years and always appreciate his ability to get projects made in many different industry climates. We�re excited for another adventure here with Corey and his team,� commented Bond It Capital co-founder CEO Matthew Helderman.

Large is producing through his 308 Enterprises. His other feature production, Assassination directed by Rain Man Oscar winner Barry Levinson and starring Academy Award-winner Al Pacino and BAFTA winning Shia LaBeouf is shooting this fall.

Franco was Oscar nominated for Best Actor for 127 Hours and is a 2x Golden Globe winner for James Dean, in which he played the title role, and took home Best Actor in Miniseries, and for The Disaster Artist which he won Best Actor Feature Comedy/Musical. He starred in Sony�s original Spider-Man trilogy from Sam Rami.

Oscar, Emmy, SAG, Golden Globe, and Palme d�Or winner Jones counts an Oscar and Golden Globe supporting actor win for The Fugitive and starred in Sony�s Men in Black trilogy. Jones won a Lead Actor Emmy for NBC�s The Executioners� Song, and a Cannes Palme D�Or for Best Actor for Sony Pictures Classics� The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada which he also directed. He also directed The Homesman which starred Hilary Swank.

Franco is represented by UTA and Anonymous Content, Jones is represented by CAA and Jacobson, Russell, Saltz, Nassim & De La Torre.

�When Calls The Heart� Renewed For 12th Season By Hallmark Channel

�When Calls the Heart continues to exceed our expectations and the number of fans and viewers continue to grow every year,� said Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP Programming. �Bringing Season 12 to life is a huge milestone and is a true testament to the cast and crew�s hard work and dedication throughout the last decade. We cannot wait for Hope Valley�s next chapter full of exciting characters and storytelling.�

Season 11 of When Calls the Heart ranks as the most-watched entertainment cable series year-to-date among households, total viewers and women 18+. After four episodes, it is averaging 2.1 million households, 2.5 million total viewers and 1.8 million women 18+.

As Hope Valley enters the 1920s in the current season, schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) embarks on a fresh start � with new romance, new challenges and new style. She and Mountie Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry) navigate their growing romantic feelings while also leaning on each other for support as they face new parenting obstacles. Newly elected Governor Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally) must confront his past in order to embrace his strengths and lead Hope Valley into the future. Retired Mountie Bill Avery (Jack Wagner) and newspaper reporter Rosemary Coulter (Pascale Hutton) team up to unravel a mystery putting their entire community at risk.

�I am overjoyed that When Calls the Heart is coming back for a 12th season,� said Krakow, WCTH star and executive producer. �Our fantastic writers, cast and crew couldn�t be more excited to begin filming this next season. We are proud to tell stories that warm hearts in homes around the world and so grateful to Hallmark for being such champions of that positivity. Having the Hearties� support over the past decade has been a true testament to what this show is all about: community and love. We cannot wait for our fans to see what Hope Valley has in store.�

Jeff Bridges, Dave Bautista, Bryan Cranston, Sam Elliott & More Set For Live-Action �Grendel� Movie

Grendel is the tale of the legendary monster at the heart of the Beowulf epic poem who steps forth to tell his side of this riveting story. Directed by Robert D. Krzykowski (The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot), the film�s ensemble also includes Dave Bautista (Dune: Part Two) as Beowulf, Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) as King Hrothgar, Sam Elliott (A Star is Born) as The Dragon, Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho) as Queen Wealhtheow, and Aidan Turner (The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies) as Unferth. In addition to playing the role of The Shaper, famed recording artist and record producer T Bone Burnett will provide original songs for the film.

Krzykowski adapted the script from John Gardner�s critically acclaimed novel of the same name. Producers on the project include Brian Henson (The Muppet Christmas Carol, Farscape) and Vince Raisa (The Happytime Murders) for The Jim Henson Company, Krzykowski and Jay Glazer (Body Language, Get Luke Lowe), who together acquired the rights to the novel in 2020, Dennis Berardi (Monster Hunter, Frankenstein), and Jon D. Wagner (Bone Tomahawk, Haunt).

Exec producers include Bridges, John Sayles (Lone Star, Eight Men Out), Tamara Birkemoe, and Joe Jenckes of Ashland Hill Media Finance. Palisades Park Pictures are launching international sales at the upcoming March� du Film, with CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group co-repping rights for North America. Ashland Hill Media Finance is financing, with Jim Henson�s Creature Shop (Five Nights at Freddy�s, Where the Wild Things Are) to handle the practical creature work and design. Production is slated to kick off in Europe later this year.

�Grendel represents everything I love about the movies,� Krzykowski said. �John Gardner�s mad masterpiece cleverly tackles what it is to be human through the wild-eyed lens of a monster. It�s an honor to work with such a remarkable group of storytellers, all of whom seek to bring something wonderful and unexpected to audiences now.�

Stated Palisades Park Pictures CEO Tamara Birkemoe, �We are delighted to be introducing this elevated, high-concept story to our distributors around the world. With this brilliant cast, Bob�s vivid vision and the extraordinary creative track record of our friends at The Jim Henson Company, we cannot wait to see Grendel come to life.�

Other feature titles on the Palisades� Cannes sales slate include The Magic Faraway Tree starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy; That�s Amore! starring John Travolta, Katherine Heigl and Christopher Walken; Philip Noyce�s action-adventure Fast Charlie starring Pierce Brosnan, Morena Baccarin and James Caan; and Neil Marshall�s action thriller Duchess, starring Charlotte Kirk, Philip Winchester, Sean Pertwee, Colm Meaney and Stephanie Beacham.

Bridges is repped by CAA, MGMT Entertainment, Special Artists Agency and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum; Bautista by CAA, Meisner Entertainment Group, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman; Cranston by UTA and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole; Elliott by Gersh and Berwick & Kovacik; McKenzie by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, Gail Cowan Management and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole; Turner by Curtis Brown Group, Lisa Richards, and Felker Toczek Suddleson; Burnett by LJ Entertainment; and Krzykowski by Neon Kite, Verve, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman.

�General Hospital� Casts Giovanni Mazza As Brook Lynn�s Cousin

Giovanni Mazza is joining the cast as Giovanni Cerullo, a cousin of Brook Lynn who will play the violin at the nuptials that are set to occur the week of May 13.

In real life, the Chicago-based Mazza has performed the violin at several NBA events and on TV shows. He started acting professionally at the age of 8, when he appeared in a two-year Walmart commercial campaign, as well as in Chicago-based independent films.

At age 10, Mazza made his TV debut in a small speaking role on Nickelodeon�s Bella and the Bulldogs. He currently attends high school in Chicago and is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy. He is repped by Arise Artist Agency.

Typically, GH boosts its teen cast during the summer when youths are out of school.

General Hospital, which won the top prize at the 2023 Daytime Emmys, airs weekdays on ABC. The sudser garnered 11 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, for the 2024 Daytime Emmys set for June 7 on CBS and Paramount+.

Jake Lacy & Nazanin Boniadi To Topline Adoption Dramedy �A Mosquito In The Ear�

An adaptation of the Italian graphic novel Una Zanzara nell�Orecchio from Andrea Ferraris, which tells the true story of his adoption journey, the film follows Andrew and Daniela, an American couple eager to form a family, as they travel to India to bring home their newly adopted child. The girl, however, is unaware and unwilling to leave the orphanage where she lives in India to become their daughter.

Also starring Ruhi Pal, the film was shot in partnership with Lasutra Pictures, a division of YOYOGOA Communications PVT LTD helmed by Laurens Postma (Exitz, The Interview: Night of 26/11) and Sunitha Ram (The Archies, After the Wedding), as well as 3DMC, Ratan Films, Whiskey Stream, Greenmachine Films, 5x Media, Foothill Productions, Steak & Ros�, and Wooden Trailer Productions. Producers on the project include Emily Dillard, Darren Dean (The Florida Project, Tangerine), Ali K. Rizvi (Skin, Human Capital), Frank Hall Green (Gonzo Girl, Wildlike) and Stephen Stanley (What Lies Below, They Live in the Grey). Boniadi and Lacy served as executive producers.

�A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR captures the evolving relationship between a couple and their adopted child,� Rinciari told Deadline. �In this case, the parents know little about the world of their newly adopted daughter and can�t speak her language. It leads to a question that I�ve asked myself since I moved to the U.S. as a teenager: how much do you need to understand someone to form a relationship with them?�

Added the film�s producer, Dean, �After nearly two decades of producing independent features, I can honestly say that Nico is one of the most promising emerging directors I�ve had the pleasure of collaborating with. His refreshingly earnest approach and his empathetic lens make A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR a gift for the senses that we cannot wait to share.�

Most recently seen starring in Peacock�s limited series Apples Never Fall, a Liane Moriarty adaptation that debuted at No. 5 on Nielsen�s streaming charts, Lacy garnered his first Emmy nom a few years ago for his role on The White Lotus and has also recently been seen starring in Peacock�s A Friend of the Family. On the film side, recent credits include Willian Friedkin�s The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and Aaron Sorkin�s Being the Ricardos.

Best known for her role as the human healer Bronwyn on Amazon�s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which is heading into its second season, Boniadi�s other recent TV credits include Counterpart and Homeland. On the feature side, notable recent credits include Bombshell, Hotel Mumbai, Passengers and Ben-Hur, to name just a few.

Rinciari previously collaborated with A Mosquito in the Ear producer Dillard on Our Side, a short film that won the prize for Best Scripted Series at the College Television Awards and was a finalist for the Student Academy Awards. In addition to making a number of other shorts, he�s worked as a previs artist on such DreamWorks titles as Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken and the upcoming The Wild Robot, along with live-action tentpoles like Thor: Love and Thunder, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Fast X.

Lacy is represented by Beth Rosner Management, UTA, and Schreck Rose Dapello; Boniadi by Jordan Lee Talent, CAA, The Artists Partnership, and Glaser Weil Fink; Ferraris by AM-Book; and Dean by 5x Media.

#FreeToomaj : �LOTR: The Rings Of Power�s Nazanin Boniadi, �Extraction�s Golshifteh Farahani Call For World To �Rise Up� To Stop Execution Of Iranian Rapper

The rapper was been given a death sentence by Iranian authorities last month for his involvement in the protests against attacks and killing of women and activists that swept the Islamic Republic in 2022.

The 32-year-old Salehi has long been critical of the regime in Tehran and called out the theoracy for its assault on its own citizens in his rap lyrics and on social media. Hauled in by authorities in October 2022 and labeled as �one of the leaders of the riots� by pro-government media, Salehi was released from prison last year for a short spell, Salehi soon rearrested sent back behind bars. The rearrest came after Salehi revealed in a video that he was tortured and placed in solitary confinement for 252 days.

Promoting the hashtag #FreeToomaj, the Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Boniadi is joined in the video appeal by Extraction actor Golshifteh Farahani and many more � as you can see above. With Salehi�s fate already spotlighted by Meek Mills, the Recording Academy and the President Biden�s National Security Advisor in recent days, the intent of this new plea is to persuade more artists around the world to use their platforms and status to generate more attention to the rapper/activist�s sentence.

The video released by the Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran on Monday also features filmmaker and cartoonist Marjane Satrapi, and Toomaj�s cousin and a leader in the international #FreeToomaj campaign.

According to the American-based Human Rights Activists News Agency last year, over 20,000 people have been thrown in jail by the rulers of Iran since the protests started. While it is unknown exactly how many have been killed or executed while detained, up to 600 people have died since the latest uprising against the policies of the Islamic Republic began on the streets of the country.

�Toomaj Salehi is a national hero,� Iranian-born Boniadi told Deadline today.

�With his lyrics and his platform he has captured the aspiration of the Iranian people for freedom,� the the Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran board member added. �He is the voice of the streets in Iran, particularly in the #WomanLifeFreedom uprising. He should be on stage, not in prison. He should receive accolades, not a death sentence. For 45 years the Islamic Republic has persecuted and silenced artists, and anyone who opposes the regime�s repressive ideology. Because there�s nothing they fear more than a voice that galvanizes people for change. And that is exactly what Toomaj does. When we talk about the power of art and artists, this is why. We must all stand by this courageous soul.�

Mark Hamill Kicks Off White House Press Briefing After Meeting The President, Reveals Joe Biden�s Jedi Nickname

It�s not such a far-fetched idea, however, when one considers the date. It�s May 3, the last weekday before that sacred Star Wars holiday, May the Fourth. Also, anyone who follows the quick-witted Hamill on social media knows he�s a staunch Democrat.

For his support, Hamill got to meet with Biden before the press briefing and, while Hamill noted that he had visited the White House during the terms of both Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, �I never was invited into the Oval Office.�

�I only expected to be there for, like, five minutes,� Hamill said of his meeting with Biden, �[but] he showed us all these photographs�It was really amazing to me.�

What�s more, Hamill entered the briefing room wearing aviators that he said President Biden had just gifted him � Biden has made a habit of gifting his signature �Dark Brandon� glasses to visiting celebrities, including Chris Evans.

�I asked him what I should call him,� recalled Hamill, �and he said, �You can call me Joe.� I said, �Can I call you Joe-B-Wan Kenobi?� He liked that.�

Nicholas Alexander Chavez on his GH Status

Frank Valentini is a mentor and a friend, and we�ve had some pretty extensive conversations about my future on the show. While there are no current plans for me to return, we are still talking very openly about future possibilities for Spencer in Port Charles.

Beyond the people I�ve already mentioned, I want to take some time to thank and honor the GH fan base� especially the Sprina fans� who must be THE most loyal and kind fan base in the universe of entertainment.

Words fail to show the depth of my gratitude, thank you, I love you all very, very much.

Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer - We All Have a Story

Tune-in live on Thursday, May 16th from 8 p.m-11 p.m ET / 5 p.m - 8 p.m. PT. as favorites from As the World Turns, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Guiding Light, One Life to Live, The Young and the Restless and more, come together for this worthy cause. Hear inspiring stories of courage, resilience, and hope as guests share their personal connections to cancer, or the impact they have made portraying characters battling the disease. Watch moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites we lost: Andrea Evans, Jackie Zeman, Kamar de Los Reyes, Jerry verDorn, Elizabeth Hubbard and more. In addition, look for special musical performances and segments during this one-night only virtual event. The show will stream simultaneously across Michael and Alan's YouTube channels, as well as the Stand Up To Cancer website.

Featuring: Eddie and Kristen Alderson, Brandon Barash, Carson Boatman, Eric Braeden, Jeremy Bennett (Elizabeth Hubbard's son), Elia Cantu, Sharon Case, Eileen Davidson, Kassie DePaiva, Don Diamont, Michael Easton, Linsey Godfrey, Lacey Gorden (Jackie Zeman's daughter), Leo Howard, Lesli Kay, Liz Keifer, Wally Kurth, Cassidy Macleod (Jackie Zeman's daughter), Cameron Mathison, Eric Martsolf, Eden McCoy, Stephen G. Rodriguez and Kylie Rodriguez (Andrea Evan's husband and daughter), Kin Shriner, Erika Slezak, Tina Sloan, Michelle Stafford, Trevor St. John, Beth verDorn (Jerry's wife), Colleen Zenk and Kim Zimmer.

�Blue Bloods� Future Is Sealed: The Long-Running Series Will Wrap For Good In December

During a press conference Thursday to discuss the fall schedule, Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach conceded that while they will miss the series at CBS, the drama will still wrap after the second half airs this fall.

The first half of Blue Bloods� 14th season kicked off February 16. The second half of the season will return in October.

�We really want to thank the cast and crew, everyone involved in the show,� Reisenbach told reporters. �We absolutely will miss the family dinners. It is important to give show the sendoff it deserves.�

When reminded that the cast has made personal pleas to the CBS brass to reconsider the cancellation, Reisenbach added, �We love this cast, we love their passion for the show. All shows have to come to an end. It�s important to us to refresh the schedule. We are going to end the show come December.�

The police procedural drama has been airing on CBS since September 24, 2010. Its main characters are members of the fictional Reagan family, an American Irish-Catholic family in New York City with a history of work in law enforcement.

When the show�s final season was announced, star Selleck released this statement to fans. �For the past 13 years, it has been an honor and a privilege to work on a show that not only celebrates the men and women who protect and serve in New York City, but also displayed the importance of family,� he wrote. �Working alongside these incredible actors, writers, producers, directors, and crew has been a dream come true and I�m grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary group for over 275 episodes.�

General Hospital to Reunite Santa Barbara Duo (Again)

On NBC�s Santa Barbara, Grahn played legal eagle Julia Wainwright to Davies� Mason Capwell, the black sheep of the uber-wealthy Capwell clan. An original cast member, Davies parted ways with Santa Barbara in 1989; Grahn, who joined its cast early in its run, stuck with the NBC soap until it went dark in 1993.

Davies and Grahn first reunited on GH back in 2002, when he was cast in the role of Dr. Cameron Lewis and lightly crossed paths with her (d�j� vu alert!) legal eagle Alexis Davis. Davies� first GH run ended in 2004.

This time around, beginning the week of May 22, Davies will play the GH role of Fergus Byrne, an attorney who crosses paths with Grahn�s Alexis. TVInsider was first to report on the casting.

Grahn was quick to comment on the re-reunion, writing on Instagram, �It never gets old. We do ??�. but it doesn�t ??. Lookin� forward to another romp.�

'General Hospital' Star Haley Pullos Jailed for 90 Days in DUI Case

The "General Hospital" star was photographed walking into court Monday -- and she definitely didn't look too happy with what she was about to face. As it turns out, Haley ended up pleading no contest to one of the charges against her ... driving under the influence with .08 BAC causing bodily injury.

Officers at the time claimed they found edibles and mini-bottles of tequila in her car -- and that she showed clear signs of intoxication. Even before this nasty wreck -- which landed the other driver in the hospital -- police alleged she'd been involved in an earlier hit-and-run incident.

We're told Haley was remanded into custody for 90 days in jail and then will be placed on 5 years probation and have to perform 200 hours of community service, as well. She'll also have her license suspended for a year.

In the meantime ... Haley will be in L.A. County Jail -- and it appears she may have realized her fate a few weeks ago ... when she was photographed crying and hugging a woman. Daily Mail broke the story of Haley getting taken into custody Monday.

You'll recall ... this whole thing stems from an incident back in April 2023 -- when Haley was first arrested after cops claimed she was driving on the wrong side of a freeway, and collided with another car head-on. Photos of the aftermath surfaced, and they looked gnarly.

Per the terms of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop the other 2 charges she was facing -- felony DUI causing bodily injury and misdemeanor hit and run.

Marla Adams Dies: �The Young And The Restless� Daytime Emmy Winner Was 85

Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, on August 28, 1938, Adams� love for the stage was ignited after winning the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants. She also finished as a runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant and was the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ocean City�s founding.

A student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams appeared on Broadway in the 1958 production of The Visit at the Morosco Theatre with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. She also starred as June in the 1961 feature film, Splendor in the Grass.

Adams starred as Belle Clemens on The Secret Storm from 1968-1974�and joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in 1982 as the Abbott family matriarch, Dina Abbott Mergeron, who returned to Genoa City to reunite with her estranged family.

She appeared on and off in the role though the years, returning full time to Y&R in 2017. She won a Daytime Emmy Award for her work on the show in 2021 and was previously nominated in 2018.

Adams also appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, Generations, General Hospital, and Capitol. Over the span of her career, Adams starred in more than 40 productions including The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat, and the feature film, Beneath the Leaves.

She is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates, son, Gunnar Garat, grandchildren, Gefjon and Stone, and her great grandson, Remi. No information on memorial plans has been revealed.

Nicholas Alexander Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital as Spencer

Although there�s been no official confirmation from GH, multiple sources confirm to TVLine exclusively that the actor behind Spencer Cassadine � who vacated the role earlier this year to shoot Season 2 of Ryan Murphy�s Netflix anthology Monster � will not be returning to the ABC soap after all.

Chavez� indefinite departure was hinted at in late March when, as eagle-eyed GH fans noticed, his name abruptly disappeared from the show�s closing credits.

A GH spokesperson declined to comment for this story. A rep for Chavez has not responded to TVLine�s request for comment.

When Chavez� Monster gig was first announced last summer, an GH rep noted at the time, �We support Nicholas�s endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.�

Chavez, who began shooting Monster in December, exited GH in late January. In his final episode, Spencer was presumed to have died alongside his ex Esme after being injected with a drug and falling off a boat into France�s Seine River.

Chavez joined GH in 2021. He won a Daytime Emmy the following year for Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series.

�It�s changed everything about me,� Chavez previously told People.com of the impact GH has had on his career. �Before the show, I was selling cars in Florida. I live across the country now. I was driving my dad�s old Jeep and now, I�m sitting in a car that I paid for. This show has given me the opportunity to become my own guy. It�s also given me the gift few people get in life � the privilege to earn an income doing what I love to do every single day. If I�m not the luckiest guy in the world, I�ve got to be damned close.�

Some had likened Chavez� onscreen romance with Tabyana Ali�s Trina to GH super couple Luke and Laura, a comparison actor called �the greatest compliment we could ever get.�

In Season 2 of Monster � officially titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Men�ndez Story � Chavez will play Lyle Men�ndez opposite relative newcomer Cooper Koch (as brother Erik). Javier Bardem and Chlo� Sevigny round out the cast as the murdered parents, Jose and Kitty Men�ndez.o

Meg Bennett Dies: �The Young And The Restless� Star Who Played Julia Martin Was 75

Bennett grew up in Pasadena began her career in 1975 on Search For Tomorrow, playing the role of Liza Walton on several episodes.

From there, she segued to The Young and the Restless, where she played Julia Martin, a role that was featured on the long-running soap in appearances over four decades.

She also contributed to the soap industry as a writer, becoming the associate head writer at General Hospital and penning 197 episodes.

Survivors include her husband, Sunset Beach co-creator and writer Robert Guza, Jr., two stepdaughters, four grandchildren, and two siblings.

Charlie Day, Billy Eichner, Gabby Beans, Talia Ryder & 9 Others Join Ethan Coen�s �Honey Don�t!�

As previously announced, Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza and Chris Evans will lead the ensemble. Details as to the film�s plot are currently under wraps, though it�s said to be in the same vein as Coen�s comedy Drive-Away Dolls, starring Qualley, which Focus released earlier this year. Production is currently underway in New Mexico.

Coen is directing from his script written with wife Tricia Cooke, the veteran editor who cut such Coen Brothers classics as The Big Lebowski and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, also co-writing Drive-Away Dolls. Pic�s producers are Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Coen, Cooke, and Robert Graf.

Day is represented by CAA, 3 Arts Entertainment and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Eichner by UTA, 3 Arts, PJ Shapiro, and Ziffren Brittenham; Abova by Paradigm, AFA Prime Talent, and Accelerate in the UK; Jacnier by Kreativ Media Partners; Beans by TalentWorks and Brillstein Entertainment Partners; Ryder by UTA and Untitled Entertainment; Connolly by Paradigm and Authentic Talent and Literary Management; Hall by Independent Artists Group, Diarmuid Quinn at TourDForce, and Granderson Des Rochers; Swayze by David Shapira & Associates; Pafchek by The Park Agency and 23 Management Group; Browne by the Lisa Lax Agency; Carstoiu by Presley Talent and ADS Management.; and Antidormi by AKA Talent Agency, manager Nils Larsen of Integral Artists, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman.

Y&R Casts Christopher Cousins

�The Workout�: Peter Jae, Josh Kelly, And Ashlee Evans-Smith To Star In James Cullen Bressack Action Film

Written by David Josh Lawrence and James Cullen Bressack (also story credit), other cast members include Kristos Andrews (Survive the Game), Augie Duke (Mayans M.C.), Galadriel Stineman (Murder, Anyone?), David Josh Lawrence (Darkness of Man), and BJ Hendricks (Darkness of Man).

The film follows two army rangers set out to create a workout video, but their plans are abruptly halted when a mob hit interrupts their filming. Tragically, one of the rangers loses his wife in the attack, sending him on a relentless mission to take down the mob and anyone who stands in his way.

10 days before his birthday, Bressack�s catalyst for the production, casting, and financing came from a post he made on Instagram. He mentioned that he usually shoots at least one film between his birthdays, but due to industry strikes, his last film was over a year ago � that film was Darkness of Man, which Saban will be releasing in May. After the post gained a lot of attention, a producer provided financing and actors expressed interest in joining the project, leading to a quick production.

The film�s producers are James Cullen Bressack, Jarrett Furst, and Ben Stobber. Executive producers are V Channel�s Mario Niccolo Messina and Valentina Cau with Gregori J. Martin, BJ Hendricks, James Rundquist as co-executive producers.

�As artists a painter paints, a musician makes music, a writer writes, but as filmmakers we have to ask permission to create. It�s time to change that narrative. This film spawned from a necessity to create. We create. We tell stories. We play pretend. I�m excited to take this journey. This is the truest form of collaboration and a community of friends coming together to make something fun. While our industry has had a rough time recently with strikes and a possible strike looming in the future, it�s nice to remind ourselves why we got into film to begin with. To have fun telling stories,� said James Cullen Bressack.

�V Channels was founded with the intent to create a supportive ecosystem for young talents, not only offering financing but also providing visibility for films that, in this new media era, might not otherwise reach a wide audience. When James, having co-produced ten films with V Channels that showcased ten extraordinary talents in 2023, introduced this idea on Instagram, the notion of joining forces felt like a natural step. Having a greatly acclaimed talent like James in the V Channels roster also sends a powerful message to the youth: there is an alternative path in the entertainment industry where artistic freedom and expression are at the forefront,� said EP Mario Niccolo Messina.

James Cullen Bressack is represented by the Gersh Agency, Gallant Management, and Mortimer PR. Peter Jae is represented by Media Artists Group and Rectangle Entertainment, and Josh Kelly is represented by The Rosenzweig Group.

Ryan Paevey to Take Acting Break, Says There Is �No Word� of Upcoming Hallmark Channel Movies

Actor Ryan Paevey, who has starred in more than a dozen films at the cable network, shared on social media that he plans to step away from acting during 2024, with no plans to reteam with Hallmark at the moment.

�Sadly no word of a [Hallmark] film,� Paevey told fans in an X post on Tuesday. �I may take 2024 off from filming, unless the project is with friends. The last 8 months of life in this industry have left a pretty bitter taste in my mouth, and I need some time away from a world so full of fake friends and empty promises. I�m weary��

Paevey later reassured disappointed followers that he has �much to be grateful for� and will �figure out a way to stay afloat without acting income,� though he didn�t rule out the possibility of returning to Hallmark Channel for future projects.

�I�d like to think the powers that be know I�d happily do another film if they wanted me to,� he said. �But I don�t know anymore� so I�m just gonna do life, and make plans, and work� and whatever happens happens.�

Paevey, who is also known for his work as Nathan West on ABC�s General Hospital, most recently starred in the Hallmark flicks Fourth Down and Love and Under the Christmas Sky in 2023. Previous titles include Harvest Love, Hope at Christmas, From Friend to Fianc�, Coyote Creek Christmas and the network�s Pride & Prejudice-inspired Unleashing Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy.

Andrew Keegan To Star In Soapy PR Drama Series From Horror Actress Devanny Pinn

He will play an entertainment titan in The BLVD, which is being worked up as a six-part series set in LA�s hottest boutique public relations agency during awards season.

Keegan�s character will be Jake Flynn, head of a rival PR firm that is poised to depose longstanding celebrity publicist Persephone Reed (Kinmont).

Also starring in the indie production are Chelsea Gilson (Hawaii 5-0, Black Mass), Jordi Vilasuso (The Young and the Restless, Guiding Light), Vincent Irizarry (Bold and the Beautiful, All My Children), Nichole Tom (The Nanny, Beethoven), Adam Huss (Power, General Hospital), Candace Kita and Eric Himel.

The show is currently in production in LA, with Pinn (Camp Lake Pleasant) producing through her Jaguar Motion Pictures imprint from a script from Brandon Slagle and Eric Pereira. Sonia Blangiardo (Days of Our Lives) and Brian Beacock are serving as consulting producers with Michelle Romano (Escape From Ensenada) co-producing. Miranda Mariposa (The Black Mass), David Zagorski, Kimberly Cole, Robin Cote, Heather Cusick and Eleanore Sunchild are executive producing.

Keegan is rep�d by Deanda Management and Pinn is rep�d by Sheila Legette Entertainment.

Shanna Moakler all smiles on date with actor Greg Vaughan at Black Keys album release party

According to photos obtained by Page Six, the couple were all smiles in a car while leaving the Black Keys� �Ohio Players� album release party held at Bar Marmont in Los Angeles on Friday night, sparking rumors of a potential new romance. They shared a laugh in the vehicle as they drove off together.

Moakler, 49, looked casual in an all-black ensemble which included a pair of white and black Nike shoes and a long black coat.

The �Days of Our Lives� actor, 50, wore a green jacket and a black shirt underneath.

Reps for Moakler did not immediately respond to Page Six�s request for comment.

The outing comes just months after the �Meet the Barkers� alum made comments on her �Dumb Blonde� podcast alleging that her ex-husband, Travis Barker, made plans to �f�k Kim Kardashian� during their time together.

Both Travis and Kim have denied allegations of their involvement in an affair with each other.

Moakler shares two children � Landon, 20, and Alabama, 18 � with the Blink-182 drummer, 48, who is now married to Kim�s sister Kourtney Kardashian. Travis and the Poosh founder welcomed a son, Rocky, in November 2023.

The former Miss New York also has a 24-year-old daughter named Atiana with ex-partner Oscar De La Hoya. Her last public relationship was with Matthew Rondeau, 29. They broke up for the second time in 2021.

Sandrine Holt & Corbin Bernsen Join Apple�s �Your Friends And Neighbors� As Recurring

The duo�s roles are under wraps. As previously announced, Jon Hamm leads the cast, which also includes Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Lena Hall, Hoon Lee, Mark Tallman, Aimee Carrero, Isabel Gravitt and Donovan Colan.

The show centers on Coop (Hamm), a recently divorced hedge fund manager who, after being fired, resorts to stealing from the wealthy residents in his tony upstate New York suburb in order to keep his family�s lifestyle afloat. These petty crimes begin to reinvigorate him until he breaks into the wrong house at the wrong time.

Hailing from Apple Studios, the series� showrunner is Tropper, who exec produces under his overall deal with Apple TV+. Hamm also exec produces alongside Connie Tavel (Confess, Fletch). Craig Gillespie, the Emmy nominee in talks to helm DC�s Supergirl, as we were first to report, will direct the first two episodes, with Greg Yaitanes and Stephanie Laing to helm three apiece.

A series regular on The Crossing, Hostages, and MacGyver, Holt has previously recurred on series including American Gigolo, Better Call Saul, The Expanse, Homeland, House of Cards, The L Word and 24, among many others. Up next, she�ll be seen starring in David Cronenberg�s horror thriller The Shrouds.

Most recently recurring as Emma Stone�s father on Showtime�s The Curse, Bernsen�s also recurred on series like Showtime�s City on a Hill, CBS�s Tommy, Marvel�s The Punisher, Showtime�s Billions, CBS�s Magnum P.I., and Fox�s The Resident. Up next, he�ll be seen recurring on Max�s Duster and FX�s Donald Sterling series Clipped opposite Ed O�Neill.

Holt is repped by IAG, Agence Adequat in France, and Strand Entertainment; Bernsen by Paradigm and Randy James Management.

Game Show Network Unveils New Series �Beat The Bridge� Hosted By Cameron Mathison

Hosted by Mathison (General Hospital, Home & Family), based on BBC�s Bridge Of Lies from STV Studios, Beat The Bridge features an enormous interactive bridge that dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. Each step forward puts money in the team�s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. However, the team gets to keep the money only if it can �beat the bridge� by returning one of its players back across before time expires in an exciting end game.

Beat the Bridge is a Game Show Enterprises Studios production. Ed Egan serves as executive producer and Sabrina Hybel Snow as co-executive producer. Josephine Brassey, Gary Chippington and David Mortimer serve as executive producers for STV Studios.

Tic Tac Dough is an update of NBCUniversal�s classic format originally created by Robert Noah. Burns (Master Minds, The Chase) guides two contestants as they compete to place three of their marks in a row on the giant trivia board. Both players must try to avoid the dragon, who lurks to steal their turns and stands in their path to victory. After three rounds, the winning player moves on to face the dragon in the grand prize round, where the dragon moves strategically on the board to block the player�s ability to make three-in-a-row and take home $10,000.

Tic Tac Dough is produced by Game Show Enterprises Studios with Rane Laymance as executive producer and Sabrina Hybel Snow as co-executive producer. Village Roadshow Television serves as the studio with Harry Friedman, NBC�s Brenda Milinkovic and VRTV�s Shannon Perry executive producing.

Casting announcements were posted for both Beat the Bridge and Tic Tac Dough earlier this year, but this is the first official announcement from GSN.

Previously announced Flip Side is described as a fresh take on a traditional game show based on the format created by Keller/Noll. The easy to play-along game show pits two teams of players against each other to test them on how they think two different groups of people feel about the same issue. The teams compete for a shot at $10,000 by guessing the top answers based on anonymous surveys.

Flip Side is a Game Show Enterprises Studios production for CBS Media Ventures with Jay James, Corin Nelson and Rich Sirop serving as executive producers. Cleve Keller and Dave Noll (Keller/Noll) and Ken Ross also serve as executive producers. T. Jones serves as co-executive producer.s

�The Weight Of Darkness�: Angus Macfadyen, Jaime King, Doug Jones, Corbin Bernsen & Angus Benfield Sign On For Indie Thriller

Sean Rainwater and Furmie penned the script, with Benfield and Simone Bonser aboard to produce. LAMA Entertainment Studios will arrange financing and represent U.S rights. The film marks the first collaboration for LAMA Entertainment and Furmie�s Rezistor.

The film centers around Mark Besson (Benfield), a psychiatrist trying to encourage reform in the public health system. He is offered a helping hand from John Gatlin (Jones), a favorite mayoral candidate, with an interest in supporting Mark�s vision. But Mark�s world is soon rocked by tragedy when his young daughter Emma goes missing at a social event for victims of PTSD. Despite the efforts of the Sheriff Eli Watson (Bernson) and his deputy, Emma remains missing.

Mark�s estranged brother, Jim (Macfadyen), a church pastor, agrees to help an undocumented mother find her missing daughter, leading him to unravel a shadowy conspiracy that may lead to Emma�s whereabouts. The Besson brothers are soon forced to face the demons of their past, reconcile their differences and unite to find both children, uncovering a sinister underworld of unspeakable evil in the process.

Ricky Martin Says Dad Encouraged Him to Come Out, Team Told Him Not To

The singer sat down for an interview on Sirius XM's "Andy Cohen Live" when he opened up about deciding to come out as gay -- and he says not everyone was in alignment on whether or not he should let the world know.

Martin told Andy his professional team told him it wasn't a good idea to reveal himself as an openly gay man ... in fact, he says they were quite certain it could kill his career.

But, Ricky goes on to explain his dad understood the importance of coming out and pushed him to tell the world after his two sons were born in 2008 ... with his pops saying RM couldn't start out by teaching his children it's better to lie than be yourself.

In any case, Martin says he took his time formulating a letter to tell the world he was gay and then tweeted it out ... and he said he felt instant relief -- sobbing tears of joy.

Of course, Ricky's since had some very public relationships with men ... including his high-profile marriage to Swedish artist Jwan Yosef from 2017 ... until their divorce last year.

Anyhoo, Ricky's clearly living his life authentically now .. and it's all thanks to a little fatherly advice!

Kelly Thiebaud Says a �Final Goodbye� to Her Dog, Ranger

As Thiebaud explained on Instagram, it�s been several years since Ranger has lived with the Emmy winner and her dog, Whiskey, but she still loved him very much and will miss him now that he�s gone. �My little big boy Ranger, and Whiskey�s best friend in the whole world, left us yesterday,� she wrote. �He hasn�t been in our lives for a while, but I loved him just the same. My heart goes out to the family that loved him and gave him a wonderful home for the last five years. I know you are feeling a huge hole in your heart.�

Ranger is one of the dogs that Thiebaud shared with her ex-fianc� and former GH co-star Bryan Craig (ex-Morgan). �I had to say goodbye to Ranger twice before and it ripped me to pieces,� the actress continued, presumably referring to when the couple quietly split back in late 2016.

Although Thiebaud didn�t specify who Ranger has been living with over the past few years, we�re sure she appreciated being told by his new owners that her old doggie had crossed over the rainbow bridge. �This is our final goodbye. You were such a sweet, cuddly, good boy who never understood how big you were,� she concluded. �I love you forever, Rangy.�

Fans who follow Thiebaud, who currently lives in London with her boyfriend PJ Harrison, on social media are quite familiar with Whiskey, as the actress often shares photos of her furbaby. Whiskey, who even has his own Instagram page, suffered an injury in late January that required surgery on his leg, and he is hopefully coming to the end of his six-week recovery period.

Greg Vaughan Shares a Health Update

�Basically, my situation was a high-altitude pulmonary edema,� Vaughan explained in a selfie video he shot at home. �And so with some good friends� doctors that have reached out to me and kind of gave me some understanding on the aftermath which was very beneficial. I�ve been resting, taking care of myself� even though I live in a hamster wheel. I gotta get up and do my normal domesticated stuff eventually. I�m tired of lying down in this bed. But I am feeling much better.�

Vaughan, who also has numerous fans from his previous run as Lucky on GENERAL HOSPITAL, was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from everyone around him, both personally and on social media. And he became very emotional when expressing his gratitude in his video.

�I just felt such an appreciation of gratitude for� everything,� he expressed, his voice catching. �Reaching out. Your prayers have been felt. It�s been a struggle, but I am over the top.

�Wherever you are, I love you,� Vaughan added. �And I appreciate you. Just the time and the thoughts that you�ve shared with me. I am on the uppity up. I didn�t realize that it would make such an impression on so many people around the world but I feel tremendously loved and I can�t say enough. And I�m good. Be safe out there, be well� there�s nothing gonna hold me down. We�re good. Take care of yourselves. Enjoy your spring break with your families.�

GH�s Rena Sofer Mourns the Death of Her Family�s Dog, Alfie

�I have too much to say. But I have no words right now. It�s all just so much pain,� wrote Sofer. �Yesterday was the most devastating yet expected day. But it was too soon.�

Alfie and his sister, Mega, were the first dogs that Sofer rescued, back in 2017 when she was playing THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL�s Quinn. Over the years, the actress and Bookstaver (as well as their daughter, Avalon) have opened up their home to several other rescue dogs and have fostered countless other canines. Alfie�s death comes eight months after the family lost one of their other rescue dogs, Princess Carolyn, in July 2023.

�I only had my boy for seven years and eight days. Cancer stole him from me, from Sandy, from Avalon, and from his sister, Mega. From everyone who knew and loved him,� Sofer continued. �I love all my dogs, but without remorse, Alfie was my favorite. My heart and soul dog. I am destroyed and numb. The greatest gift we ever gave each other was each other. I will miss you forever and ever and ever.�

�We have had many, many dogs, but Alfie was Rena�s baby boy and true love,� shared Sofer�s husband.

�He was only alive for seven years, but they were beautiful,� Bookstaver said of Alfie�s life with the family.

In a sweet video, Sofer cried while kissing Alfie�s head while hugging Mega with her other hand. �That�s your brother,� she laughed through her tears.

Richard Simmons Reveals Skin Cancer Removal Treatment

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and highly treatable. With proper care, the prognosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is �excellent.�

In a Facebook post yesterday, Simmons, who had noticed �this strange looking bump under my right eye,� detailed his doctor visits and treatment. After being told by his doctor that he�d need to see a �cancer doctor,� Simmons made the recommended follow-up appointment.

�I waited in his waiting room and said hello to all of these people who had skin cancer as well,� Simmons writes. �I was shocked to see all of the skin cancers that they had. Some had cancer on top of their heads�their face �and their neck.�

In the exam room, Simmons was told by his doctor that the cancer would need to be burned off the skin. �There was no numbing it just had to be done with a small instrument,� he said. �As he started burning my skin a tear dropped down my cheek. You can�t cry during this and he wiped my tear. The burning really hurt my skin. It lasted about 30 minutes.�

Later that day, the doctor called Simmons back for a second treatment. Simmons ends the post with, �to be continued��

Earlier this week, Simmons posted his now infamous �dying� message, which read: �I have some news to tell you. Please don�t be sad. I am �.dying. Oh I can see your faces now. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every single day. Get up in the morning and look at the sky� count your blessings and enjoy.� He went on to offer diet and exercise advise.

He later added a second post: �Sorry many of you have gotten upset about my message today. Even the press has gotten in touch with me. I am not dying. It was a message about saying how we should embrace every day that we have. Sorry for this confusion.�

Beth Peters, Actor on �General Hospital,� Dies at 92

In the early 1980s, Peters appeared in eight episodes of the popular ABC soap opera as the character Mrs. Whitaker. In an obituary for Peters provided to Variety by her son, her character description reads, �The motherly Mrs. Whitaker dispensed country wisdom from her farm kitchen in Beecher�s Corners, serving as a surrogate mother to Laura Spencer, played by Genie Francis, as the teenager�s story arc saw her fall in love with Luke Spencer, portrayed by Anthony Geary.�

Peters started her acting and singing career as a teenager in coastal New Jersey. In 1955, she appeared on Broadway for the first time as an extra for the play �Inherit the Wind,� later taking on the role of Mrs. Brady in the last months of the show�s production.

Peters acted in regional theater for much of her career, appearing on stage at the Sacramento Music Circus, Circle Star Theatre, Melodyland, Carousel Theater, Hyatt Music Theater, Dallas State Fair Summer Musicals, Fiesta Dinner Playhouse and Galveston Summer Musicals, among other venues. She played the matriarch Mrs. Paroo in �Marion the Librarian� more than 20 times. She also acted several times in �Sound of Music,� �Show Boat,� �Big River� and �Funny Girl.�

In addition to �General Hospital,� Peters� television credits include �Mr. Belvedere,� �Quantum Leap,� �Beyond Belief,� �Hart to Hart,� �Simon and Simon,� �Highway to Heaven� and �The Waltons,� among other titles. She also appeared in the films �Where Love Has Gone,� �Fitzwilly,� �Kandyland� and �Back to School.�

Peters is survived by her son Sean Williams, step-daughters Barbara Davison (Don) and Monica Lange, as well as nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband Jack Danon, who died in 1996; he was also an actor.

Peters was a longstanding member of the Actor�s Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Peters� name to the Entertainment Community Fund.

Chrissy Metz, Jaime Ray Newman, Katie Lowes & George Ferrier Join Cast Of Starz Drama �The Hunting Wives�

Written by Rebecca Cutter based on May Cobb�s novel of the same name, The Hunting Wives tells the story of Sophie O�Neil (Snow) and her family�s move from the East Coast to deep East Texas, where she succumbs to socialite Margo Bank�s (�kerman) irresistible charms � and finds her life consumed by obsession, seduction and murder.

Metz plays Starr. Abby�s mother, a proud working-class woman and staunch Christian. Although she�s active at church and her daughter dates the star point guard Brad, she is not welcomed in the high-society world of the Hunting Wives. As a result, she will clash fiercely with Brad�s mother Jill.

Newman portrays Callie, who is married to the powerful Sheriff Jonny, and a powerhouse in her own right. She�s an amazing marksman, and she�s the second in command of the Hunting Wives (right below Margo). But she is also deeply in love with Margo and jealous of Sophie�s newfound influence.

Lowes is Jill, the wife of Reverend Clint, and the queen of the mega church. But she�s trapped in a loveless marriage, and as a result, she is overly invested in her son Brad�s life. And as we will soon find out, she will do anything to protect him.

Ferrier plays Brad. On the outside Brad is the perfect All-Texan boy � rich, handsome, and athletic with a bright future. But behind closed doors, Brad is the keeper of many secrets � including an emotionally incestuous relationship with his mother Jill, and an affair with one of his mother�s best friends.

The Hunting Wives is executive produced by Cutter (Hightown), who will write and serve as showrunner, Erwin Stoff (The Serpent Queen, The Matrix, Edge of Tomorrow, Julia) for 3 Arts Entertainment and Cobb. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Metz is best known for her breakout role as Kate Pearson in NBC�s This Is Us. She�ll next be seen in the upcoming British comedy, Bank of Dave: The Sequel, based on a true story about victims of payday lenders. Metz is repped by CAA and Luber Roklin Entertainment.

Newman will next be seen in a recurring role on Apple TV�s The Big Cigar, directed by Don Cheadle. Xhe can currently be seen starring in the Titus Kaphar directed Exhibiting Forgiveness, which premiered in competition at the 2024 Sundance festival. She most recently played Kathe Sackler in the Emmy winning Hulu series Dopesick. She�s repped by The Burstein Company and Greene Talent.

Lowes, best known for her role as Quinn Perkins on all seven seasons of ABC�s Scandal, was most recently seen in the romantic comedy Merry Kiss Cam. Lowes is repped by The Gersh Agency, Framework Entertainment and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham.

Ferrier first garnered attention with a breakout performance in Matthew Saville�s feature Juniper. He went on to appear in multi-season recurring roles in Peacock series One Of Us Is Lying and Netflix�s Sweet Tooth. He�s repped by Circle of Confusion and Odd Management in New Zealand.i

'Days of Our Lives' Star Greg Vaughan Hospitalized with Fluid in Lungs

The soap opera star -- best known for playing Eric Brady on nearly 1,000 episodes of "Days of Our Lives" and Lucky Spencer on over 600 episodes of "General Hospital" -- posted a couple photos from earlier this week of him hooked up to an oxygen machine.

Vaughan assured fans he was doing just fine before but had to rush to an urgent care after getting hit with a really bad case of altitude sickness.

GV says he took his kids to Breckenridge, Colorado for a skiing and snowboarding trip, but started feeling tired, congested, and short of breath just a day into what was supposed to be a fun, relaxing vacay.

Greg says he popped some NyQuil and drank a ton of Pedialyte ... but that didn't fix the problem, and he ended up heading down the mountain to seek some medical attention.

While he thought the issue wasn't going to be anything too serious ... Vaughan's lucky he didn't try and tough through this illness -- 'cause he says the oxygen level in his blood was at a paltry 54% and fluid was filling his lungs.

Vaughan says they hooked him up to a couple IVs and told him it was probably best he head for some lower altitude.

Greg's ultimately using his experience as a teaching moment ... telling people the Rockies are no joke -- so be careful on your next ski trip.

From "General Hospital" to generally hospitalized ... glad you're feeling better, Greg!

Talk Show Appearance

Robyn Bernard Dies: �General Hospital� Alum Was 64

The Riverside County Sheriff�s Department said Bernard was found in an open field behind a business but did not reveal a cause of death (see the report here). Detectives were investigating, but sheriff�s Sgt. Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez said, �Foul play was not suspected in this death.�

Bernard was born on May 26, 1959, in Gladewater, Texas. She began performing at a young age, singing gospel songs with her younger sister, future longtime Wings star Crystal. The elder Bernard�s first screen appearance was in the 1981 film Diva, and she followed that with guest spots on such series as The Facts of Life, Simon & Simon and Whiz Kids.

Her signature role began in September 1984, playing singer Terry Brock aka Terry O�Connor. During her run on the ABC daytime drama, Bernard�s character � the daughter of the ill-fated D.L. Brock (David Groh) � developed a drinking problem that hindered her music career. Her run on the show ended in March 1990, when Terry scored a recording contract and left Port Charles.

During her run on the hugely popular General Hospital, Bernard also appeared in the 1986 French pic Betty Blue, which was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar and BAFTA Film Award.

Bernard worked only sporadically after her GH stint, appearing on the French mystery series Maigret in 1992 and the 1997 Gallic feature Kings for a Day. Her final screen credits was as a psychologist in the 2002 film Voices from the High School.

�THE 51ST ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS� TO BE BROADCAST FRIDAY, JUNE 7 ON CBS

The ceremony is set to take place at the historic Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles. The Lifetime Achievement honoree, nominations, host and additional information will be announced in the coming weeks.

�We eagerly anticipate our return in June as we once again partner with CBS to recognize the exceptional and talented individuals who make daytime television great,� said Adam Sharp, president and CEO of NATAS. He added, �We�re thrilled to kick off our second half-century of the Daytime Emmys.�

The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.

�Gringo Hunters� Casts Jos� Mar�a Yazpik, Sebastian Roch�, Harold Torres & Mayra Hermosillo Among 11 As Production Begins

Torres and Hermosillo are part of the gringo hunters� core group alongside Manuel Masalva, Andrew Leland Rogers, H�ctor Kotsifakis, Dagoberto Gama and Regina Nava. Gerardo Trejoluna and Paulina D�vila also star. All 11 are contracted as series regulars on the bilingual crime series which will be shot mostly in Spanish with some English.

As Deadline revealed exclusively in 2022, a series based on The Washington Post story �A U.S. murder suspect fled to Mexico. The Gringo Hunters were waiting,� by Kevin Sieff was in development for Netflix. The series is inspired by a real elite Mexican police unit that catches American fugitives on the run to Mexico.

The series will be coming to Netflix in 2025 and promises to delve into the reality of the International Liaison Unit, with mysteries to solve, suspense, twists and turns and the challenges and intrigue faced by this type of police operation.

�Our commitment to the best Mexican stories and creators is clearly reflected in The Gringo Hunters. Our producers have put together a very strong cast and crew. Partnering with Imagine Entertainment has been a very enriching experience. I�m sure our subscribers will find The Gringo Hunters thrilling,� said Francisco Ramos, Vice President of Latin American Content for Netflix.

Directors include Adri�n Gr�nberg, Alonso �lvarez, Jimena Montemayo and Natalia Berist�in. The project is produced by Woo Films and Redrum in co-production with Imagine Entertainment and in association with The Washington Post. Luis Rosales, who was behind casting for Alfonso Cuar�n�s Roma, served as casting director. Netflix will announce writers at a later time.

The Gringo Hunters is the first series that hails from Imagine Entertainment and The Washington Post�s partnership. The series will be executive produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Kristen Zolner and Lilly Burns for Imagine Television. Nicole Scott will oversee the project for Imagine. Sieff will serve as a consultant on behalf of The Washington Post.

Since its formation in 2002, the real �gringo hunters� have apprehended over 1,600 fugitives � ranging from murderers on the FBI�s �Ten Most Wanted� list to billionaires accused of securities fraud.

Roch� is repped by Elevate Entertainment and Felker, Toczek, Suddleson and Abramson; Masalva is repped by Integral Artists and Jim Management.

CBS Studios NAACP Venture To Develop New Daytime Drama For CBS Called �The Gates�

Dubbed The Gates, the new daytime drama is from Michele Val Jean, who has written more than 2,000 episodes of daytime dramas and won multiple Daytime Emmys for her work on The Bold & The Beautiful and General Hospital. She will serve as writer and showrunner and will also executive producer alongside CBS Studios NAACP Venture President Sheila Ducksworth, along with Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson and Kimberly Doebereiner.

�The Gates will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective,� said Ducksworth. �This series will salute an audience that has been traditionally underserved, with the potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television. With multi-dimensional characters, juicy storylines and Black culture front and center, The Gates will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture.�

�I�m excited to develop this project with CBS and P&G, two of the longest and most passionate champions of broadcast and daytime television, and the NAACP, whose enduring commitment to Black voices and artists is both powerful and inspiring,� continued Ducksworth. �I also want to thank CBS� George Cheeks, NAACP�s Derrick Johnson and P&G�s Marc Pritchard for their personal involvement and support to take our next step forward with The Gates.�

It�s been years since one of the broadcast networks launched a new daytime sudser. There are only three still existence between CBS and ABC � B&B and The Young and the Restless on CBS, and General Hospital on ABC.

CBS continues to rank No. 1 in daytime with its dramas but all three of the soaps are down in the key demos versus last year. Days of Our Lives is now streaming on Peacock � having moved from NBC to the the platform in 2022.

The CBS Studios� production venture and development deal with the NAACP was established to help elevate a diverse range of voices as well as increase the visibility of Black artists on broadcast and streaming platforms in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Tuc Watkins Inks With Greene Talent

Emma Caulfield Ford Updates Health After MS Reveal

The report indicates Caulfield Ford�s symptoms have been extremely mild, and she doesn�t take medication. She has acute sensitivity to heat and stress, but severe symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and lesions have not manifested.

�I�m very, very fortunate,� Caulfield Ford, 50, told People. �But I�m also aware that, with MS, this could all change tomorrow. I�m stable � and I�ve made it a huge priority to do things so I stay that way.�

MS affects an estimated 1 million Americans. Caulfield Ford received her diagnosis on the autoimmune disease in 2010 after finding the left side of her face had gone numb.

Because her symptoms went away after a few weeks, Caulfield Ford decided to keep her diagnosis secret, even from her family. �I was like, �Oh my God, what�s going to happen? What am I going to do?'� she said in the interview. �So I told no one, not even my sister. There are just too many reasons people don�t hire you as it is. I didn�t need to give them any other excuse.�

But when Caulfield Ford was working on WandaVision in 2020 on an extremely hot August day, she ran into trouble. �We were all in a sort of hot box,� she recalled. �I started feeling dizzy and faint. I was like, �My body can�t take this.� I was putting myself under too much physical duress, being out in the heat and breathing the bad air.�

After cooling herself with ice packs, she vowed to no longer keep her condition a secret. �I was like, �I can�t be afraid anymore. I have to tell the truth. It�s not good for my health,'� she said.

Caulfield Ford publicly disclosed her diagnosis via Vanity Fair in October 2022. Revealing her condition was designed to provide hope to fellow afflicted. �It�s one of the reasons I decided to go public,� she said, �because if someone can recognize themselves or gain some inspiration from my experience, that�s wonderful.�

Steve Burton Makes Bloody Return to General Hospital � See the Menacing First Look!

PEOPLE has the exclusive first look at Burton�s return to the popular ABC soap opera, airing Monday, March 4.

In the image, Burton, who plays Jason Morgan, is clad entirely in black and stands behind a dumpster, one hand covered in blood.

The actor, 53, was last seen on General Hospital in November 2021 when a tunnel collapsed on his character as he was trying to save his brother Drew (Cameron Mathison) � a disastrous event that left viewers presuming Jason was dead.

Burton has made his mark on soaps for more than three decades, starring on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, Days of Our Lives and its spinoff, Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem.

He played Jason on General Hospital from 1991 until exiting in 2012. The actor eventually returned to the daytime series in 2017 but was let go in 2021 over his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Burton went on to rejoin the cast of Days of Our Lives in 2023, playing Harris Michaels for the first time since 1988. Although he later announced his exit from the beloved show on Jan. 4, he revealed his plans to return to General Hospital just one day later.

During his decades-long acting career, Burton won a Daytime Emmy in 1998 for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his portrayal of Jason on General Hospital and another Daytime Emmy in 2017 for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for playing Dylan McAvoy in The Young and the Restless.

News of Burton's return to General Hospital was announced in January during the final moments of ABC's primetime special General Hospital: 60 Years of Stars & Storytelling.

"Happy anniversary, General Hospital," Burton said in a pre-recorded clip. "Stay tuned. Big things are coming to Port Charles."

In a video posted to the Daily Drama's YouTube channel in early February, the actor offered a glimpse of his return to the ABC soap's set, teasing what's in store for his big comeback.

"So, here's what's crazy is I'm back on the set! We're getting ready to shoot right now," he began. "I got to talk to the head writers. This story is going to be sick. It�s gonna be awesome. So, make sure you keep watching, because the pieces of the puzzle are gonna be fit for when I return."

Burton's return to General Hospital will air Monday, March 4 on ABC (check local listings).

�Outer Banks� Season 4: Pollyanna McIntosh, J. Anthony Crane, Brianna Brown, Rigo Sanchez & Mia Challis Join Cast Of Netflix�s YA Drama

Pollyanna McIntosh, J. Anthony Crane, Brianna Brown, Rigo Sanchez and Mia Challis have joined the cast of the show, which has been a breakout show for Netflix over its past three seasons.

Created by Jonas Pate, Josh Pate and Shannon Burke, Outer Banks is a coming-of-age story that follows a tight-knit group of local teens � the �Pogues� � in the beach vacation destination of the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Crane (Dead Ringers, Billions) will play Chandler Groff, a man darkly grief-stricken over the loss of his wife, who is welcoming to the Pogues on their latest adventure. McIntosh (The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, Double Blind) will Dalia, a revolutionary-like leader and worldly baddie on a plunder who comes face to face with the Pogues.

Brown (Dynasty, Eastsiders) will play the biggest realtor on the island who previously worked with Ward Cameron in a successful business deal, she now has her eye on Rafe for a new venture and Sanchez (Animal Kingdom, Station 19) will play an imposing stranger with a piratical nerve. Challis (FBI: International, Clickbait) will play Ruthie, a wild child with a toxic streak who develops a close relationship with Topper.

The young adult action-adventure drama stars Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss and Rudy Pankow and follows a group called The Pogues in a coastal town in North Carolina where the wealth divide is stark.

Challis is repped by Karli Doumanis at Zero Gravity Management, Stewart Talent, and Moore Creative Artists from Australia.

�Outer Banks� Creators Set Music Drama �The Runarounds� at Amazon

The retailer and streamer has handed out an eight-episode, straight-to-series order for The Runarounds, a music drama that follows a post-high school band as they try to make it big. The series is not a spinoff of Outer Banks but it does feature the same group � The Runarounds � that was previously featured in a season three episode of the hugely popular young adult drama on Netflix.

From OBX co-creator Jonas Pate and with a teleplay from David Wilcox (Fringe), the fictional drama is inspired by the real band of the same name and will star the group�s members � William Lipton (General Hospital), Axel Ellis, Jeremy Yun, Zend� Murdock and Jesse Golliher � as well as Lilah Pate and Kelley Pereira. Lilah Pate, the daughter of The Runarounds creator Jonas Pate, has had a recurring role in OBX.

Like Outer Banks, The Runarounds will be set and film in Wilmington, North Carolina. Skydance Television is the studio. Jonas Pate, who directed the 2022 pilot, will exec produce alongside Wilcox, Joon Yun, fellow OBX creators Josh Pate and Shannon Burke, as well as Lisa Mae Fincannon, Scott Lambert and Skydance TV�s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Matt Thunell.

�When we first met with Jonas and Skydance about The Runarounds, it was immediately clear that they brought us a special show featuring an incredibly talented cast and real-life band,� said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. �We are very much looking forward to sharing the exhilarating journey of The Runarounds with our global Prime Video customers.�

The Runarounds was formed as a band in 2021, when Jonas Pate issued a casting call for a group to appear on Outer Banks. The group first performed together when they played for Pate ahead of appearing in season three after being selected from a more than 5,000 musicians who responded to the casting call. At the time, Pate had already begun writing what ultimately became The Runarounds. The group filmed the pilot with Pate in 2022 and has since recorded an EP and gone out on tour.

Outer Banks, heading into its fourth season on Netflix, has become a breakout hit for the streaming giant. All three seasons are in Netflix�s top 50 shows of the first half of 2023.

The Runarounds becomes the fifth Skydance TV show at Amazon, joining Reacher, Jack Ryan, Cross, and a recently ordered action-adventure series starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham.

�I am thrilled to reunite with Jonas, David, Josh and Shannon on a show that is so personal to them, and so brimming with heart and soul. We are grateful to Amazon for their partnership, and we can�t wait for the world to meet The Runarounds,� said Matt Thunell, president, Skydance Television.

Sebastian Roch� To Make K-Drama Debut In Netflix�s �Queen Of Tears�

From Studio Dragon, Showrunners and Culture Depot, the series follows Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), the third-generation heiress to Queens Group and the queen of department stores, who has been married for three years to Baek Hyeon-u (Kim Soo-hyun), Yongdu-ri village chief�s son and the prince of supermarkets. As the couple weathers a marital crisis, they discover a miraculous new beginning that rewrites their love story.

Additional cast includes Park Sung-hoon, Kwak Dong-yeon, Lee Joo Bin with a guest appearance by Song Joongki.

Queen of Tears is written by Park Ji-eun. Jang Young-woo and Kim Hee-won direct.

Roch� can currently be seen in Paramount�s Taylor Sheridan series 1923 starring opposite Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. He will return for Season 2 reprising the role of Father Renaud. Before that, he appeared in Guillermo del Toro�s Cabinet of Curiosities on Netflix.

Additional roles include HBO�s The Young Pope alongside Jude Law and James Cromwell and in Amazon�s The Man in the High Castle. He starred in Salome with Al Pacino on Broadway and appeared in a supporting role alongside Daniel Day-Lewis in The Last of the Mohicans. Other early work includes Roar with Heath Ledger and Vera Farmiga; Jeff Daniels in The Crossing; and Robert De Niro in 15 Minutes.

Roch� has also starred alongside Anthony Hopkins and Angelina Jolie in Beowulf, lent his voice to Steven Spielberg�s animated The Adventures of Tintin and acted opposite Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington in Safe House.

Pamela Salem Dies: �Doctor Who,� James Bond & �The West Wing� Actress Was 80

Born in 1944 in India, she played Bond�s secretary Miss Moneypenny in Sean Connery�s 1983 film Never Say Never Again, which is considered an unofficial addition to the Bond canon because it was not produced by Eon Productions.

Salem made guest appearances in Doctor Who as Professor Rachel Jensen, first appearing in 1988�s Remembrance of the Daleks episodes with Sylvester McCoy�s seventh Doctor.

She reprised the character in Counter-Measures, a Big Finish audio spin-off series. The more recent story in the series, The Dalek Gambit, was released in 2020.

She also guest starred in Big Finish�s The Fourth Doctor Adventures (reunited with Tom Baker) and then reprised the role of Toos in The Robots.

Other screen roles included 1978 crime film The Great Train Robbery and The West Wing, in which she featured as fictional UK prime minister Maureen Graty. ER and Blake�s 7 were also notable credits.

David Richardson, who produced all Salem�s work at Big Finish, said: �Whenever there was a Big Finish recording for her, she�d fly in from Miami on her own steam, without fuss or fanfare, and appear at the studio armed with the warmest smiles, the biggest hugs and often presents.

�She was a very gentle person � always interested in everyone, from her co-stars to the production team to the guest actors and visitors.�

Karen Gledhill, an actress who worked alongside Salem in Counter-Measures, said: �Pamela was the kindest, most generous actor I have ever worked with.

�Back in the 80s on Remembrance Of The Daleks (my first proper TV job), she took me under her wing and led me through a wonderful but slightly daunting experience. We became friends, and whenever we met were always so pleased to see each other.�

Judge Sticks It To ABC: �General Hospital� Crew Members� Vaccine Mandate Suit Heads To Trial

The network and Mouse House owners have lost their attempt to dismiss a discrimination suit by two General Hospital crew member over Covid-19 vaccine mandates. Now, the religious discrimination action will go to trial unless ABC wants to make a deal to make it all go away.

While not common, such refusals occurred on several shows and projects with more than a handful of those objecting during the pandemic return to work months. In particular ABC seems to have stumbled more than once in deftly handling religious objections, as the Wahls� case and possible workarounds that were rejected makes clear-ish

Which means, this week�s decision, even though LA Superior Court Judge Stephen Goorvitch did agree with ABC to jettison an invasion of privacy claim, will see the GH VFX department members will get their wish and have a jury make the final judgement on their faith, so to speak.

�Because this necessarily involves a credibility determination, it is difficult to grant summary adjudication of this issue,� wrote Judge Goorvitch in a February 20 minute order. �While Defendant�s counsel identifies seeming inconsistencies, Plaintiffs raise sufficient facts to give rise to a triable issue, viz., their explanations of their religious beliefs,� he added.

�The jury, not the judge, should determine whether Plaintiffs were genuine in their beliefs, given the disputed facts and the necessity of making credibility determinations.�

Disney and ABC did not respond to request for comment on the decision when contacted by Deadline. If and when they do, we will update this post. On the other hand, the Wahl�s main lawyer was very vocal today.

One more thing, if you have this odd feeling you�ve heard this before � you kinda have.

Street was Rademacher�s attorney in the fired actor�s unsuccessful vaccine suit. Adding to the mix, Judge Goorvitch was the LASC judge in that case too. A case he dismissed in June 2023 � about a year after the Wahls filed their still ongoing case.a

Writers Guild Awards Nominees

Days of Our Lives, Head Writer Ron Carlivati Creative Consultant Ryan QuanWriters Sonja Alar, Jazmen Darnell Brown, Joanna Cohen, Carolyn Culliton, Richard Culliton, Cheryl Davis, Kirk Doering, Christopher Dunn, Jamey Giddens, David Kreizman, Henry Newman, Dave Ryan, Katherine D. Schock; Peacock

General Hospital, Head Writers Dan O�Connor, Chris Van Etten Writers Ashley Cook, Emily Culliton, Suzanne Flynn, Charlotte Gibson, Lucky Gold, Kate Hall, Elizabeth Korte, Shannon Peace, Stacey Pulwer, Dave Rupel, Lisa Seidman, Scott Sickles; ABC

ABC President on the Future of GENERAL HOSPITAL

However, after the Q&A, Soap Hub caught up with the television exec to ask more specifically about GENERAL HOSPITAL, the long-running soap opera that has been airing on ABC for over six decades now. In addition to recently celebrating its diamond anniversary, GH took home numerous Daytime Emmy Awards in the 2023 ceremony including Outstanding Drama Series.

�[GH is] absolutely a tremendous pride for us,� Erwich told the outlet. �The show�s been on for 60 years. That is a remarkable achievement. And the great thing about GENERAL HOSPITAL is that it�s on daily. It�s an opportunity for us to delight, entertain, and surprise people on a daily basis. The joy is to have an audience who has watched the show for 60 years; they�re now watching with their kids and grandkids.�

That generational storytelling has made GH an integral part of the ABC daytime lineup for decades, and the exec promised that wasn�t about to change anytime soon.

�Because the stories are on on a daily basis, they just become a part of people�s lives, and that�s the goal of ABC,� Erwich declared. �We�re very committed to the show. You saw the way that we celebrated the 60th [anniversary with the primetime special GH: 60 YEARS OF STARS AND STORYTELLING]. We do that because it�s a show we�re very proud of. We remain deeply committed to GENERAL HOSPITAL.�

That�s great news for soap fans, so here�s to another 60 years of daytime drama in Port Charles!

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