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News, Cast Updates and Scoop(News section last updated December 7, 2024)Thom Christopher Dies: Actor Best Known For Villainous Role On ‘One Life to Live’ Was 84(12/7/24) Thom Christopher, the actor best known for playing mobster Carlo Hessler on ABC’s One Life to Live, died Thursday in New York after a lengthy illness. He was 84.His death was confirmed by his former OLTL co-star Anthony Crivello on Facebook, who posted pictures of their time together on the soap. Crivello played his son. “It was a wonderful time, difficult hours and long days, but joyful each minute,” wrote Crivello. Born on October 5, 1940, in Queens, Christopher got his start in the soaps in the 50s by playing Noel Douglas on The Edge of Night. He went on to become a journeyman actor in TV with roles in Buck Rogers, Cannon, Kojak, The Eddie Capra Mysteries, T.J. Hooker, Hunter, Murder, She Wrote and Simon & Simon. In 1990, he signed on to ABC’s OLTL as the mobster Carlo Hessler. The character was killed off two years later, but the work didn’t end for Christopher; he then began playing Mortimer Bern, Carlo’s twin, on and off between 1996 and 2008. Christopher’s memorable time on the sudser earned him a Daytime Emmy. Christopher went on to play Dante Partou on Loving from 1993-94. He also had an arc as Col. Dax on Guiding Light at the start of the aughts. He was preceded in death by his wife Judith Leverone, who died in 2019. “May Thom fly on wings of angels to be beside his beloved Judith, and may they enjoy each other’s company once again, beside the pearly gates of heaven,” Crivello wrote on Facebook. Talk Show Appearance(12/7/24) GMA3: What You Need to Know - ABCAIRING Dec 9, 2024 actress Renée Elise Goldsberry New ‘The Rookie’ Spinoff In The Works At ABC(12/5/24) ABC‘s hit procedural The Rookie may spawn a second spinoff series — and unlike the first one, it would stay in the cop show arena. The network, Lionsgate Television and 20th Television are in early development on the offshoot, written by The Rookie creator Alexi Hawley, sources tell Deadline.Set in Washington state, the potential spinoff follows a male cop who is stepping into a new phase of life in his second act. It keeps the major midlife change concept of the Los Angeles-set original series, which started off with Nathan Fillion‘s John Nolan switching careers to become the oldest rookie in the LAPD. The Rookie executive producer/showrunner Hawley is executive producing the offshoot alongside The Rookie star/executive producer Fillion and fellow Rookie executive producers Bill Norcross, whose real-life story inspired the mothership series, and Michelle Chapman. Lionsgate Television will co-produce with 20th Television. Headed into its seventh season, slated to premiere Jan. 7, The Rookie remains one of ABC’s most watched series that also has emerged as a top performer on streamer Hulu amid a surge in popularity among young viewers. Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich revealed in February that The Rookie was at the time the #2 drama on Hulu and had generated more than 500 million hours viewed on the streamer since its 2018 launch, with nearly half of them in the most recent year. “Fans are still discovering that show and will continue for years to come. That’s the staying power of a good drama,” he said. Looking to capitalize on that, I hear ABC earlier this year gave Hawley a blind script commitment intended for a potential new Rookie spinoff, which resulted in the current project in development. This is a different route than the one ABC took with the first Rookie spinoff, which originated with a two-episode backdoor pilot on The Rookie during the 2021-22 season that introduced a handful of characters, led by Emmy winner Niecy Nash-Betts as Simone Clark, the oldest rookie in the FBI Academy. Co-created by Hawley and Terence Paul Winter, the offshoot, titled The Rookie: Feds, was picked up to series whose run was cut short at least in part by the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Lionsgate completed the acquisition of The Rookie producer eOne at the end of 2023, almost two months after The Rookie: Feds had been canceled after one season. The indie studio took over Hawley’s eOne overall deal and then extended it this past summer with expanding The Rookie franchise among the goals. Hawley also is the creator/executive producer of Lionsgate TV’s Netflix series The Recruit, starring Noah Centineo, which is returning for a second season Jan. 30. He is repped by the Shuman Company and attorney Adam Kaller. 2024 Critics Choice Awards TV Nominations(12/5/24) 2024 Critics Choice Awards gala hosted by Chelsea Handler, which will broadcast live on E! on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 7/6c from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES ‘The Recruit’: Noah Centineo Series Sets Premiere Date For Shorter Season 2; Nathan Fillion Returns(12/3/24) It’s classic case of good news/bad news for fans of Noah Centineo‘s spy thriller The Recruit. The wait is finally over as Netflix has set January 30 release date for Season 2, which was delayed by the Hollywood strikes. That is more than two years after Season 1 dropped December 16, 2022. However, the streamer also has confirmed that the second season of the Alexi Hawley-created drama will only consist of six episodes, down from eight in Season 1.First-look images, provide clues for the new season, which finds CIA Lawyer, Owen Hendricks (Centineo), pulled into a life-threatening espionage situation in South Korea, only to realize that the bigger threat just might be coming from inside the Agency. It picks up from last season’s cliffhanger ending that found Owen (Centineo) and Max (Laura Haddock) captured and their lives endangered. Two photos show Owen and Nichika (Maddie Hasson) in the tense moments after she shot her mom Max. The two will likely stay in touch given the fact that Hasson was promoted to a series regular for Season 2. However, the news is not so good for Max whose fate was kept ambiguous in the finale. She is not in any of the released photos, and Haddock is not listed among returning cast members. “Owen’s headspace is complete chaos,” Centineo told Tudum about where the character is at the start of Season 2. “He has just witnessed Max — the former CIA asset whom he almost died multiple times trying to protect — get shot by her daughter Nichka. Owen is wondering how in the hell he is going to survive the next few seconds of his life.” In the Season 1 premiere, Owen also will reunite with his girlfriend Hannah after he was dramatically snatched from a Prague street as he was walking to meet her. The photos also show new series regular Teo Yoo as Jang Kyun Kim, along with several new recurring cast members. Additionally, back by popular demand, Nathan Fillion, star of Alexi Hawley’s ABC series The Rookie, will be back reprising his Season 1 cameo as CIA Director Alton West. In addition to Centineo, Yoo will be joining returning The Recruit series regulars Aarti Mann, Colton Dunn, Fivel Stewart, Kristian Bruun, Kaylah Zander, Hasson, Angel Parker and Vondie Curtis-Hall. Additional key cast members include Young-Ah Kim, Felix Solis, James Purefoy, Do Hyun Shin, Sanghee Lee, Omar Maskati, Brooke Smith, Devika Bhise, Alana Hawley Purvis, Daniel Quincy Annoh, Jesse Collin and Fillion. Hawley also serves as showrunner and executive producer with Centineo, Doug Liman, Gene Klein, David Bartis, Adam Ciralsky, Charlie Ebersol and Julian Holmes. Lionsgate Television is the studio. “Owen rolls into this season basically screwed,” Hawley told Tudum about Season 2. “Owen knows that if he does not walk away with a win this season, his career is going to be over. He might go to prison. Depending on what people are into, they can show up this season for the big, flashy, splashy action stuff, but they can also be on a journey with this guy who’s just trying to fix something that he broke.”
Stephen Schnetzer on Returning to ‘Days of Our Lives’ as Steve Olson After 45 Years(11/28/24) (tvinsider.com) Stephen Schnetzer will return to Days of Our Lives as Steve Olson on December 2, 45 years after last appearing on the show.The actor, who made his daytime debut in 1978, was thrilled to be invited back to his first soap home. “I was very enthusiastic about it,” begins Schnetzer. “They had reached out on a couple of occasions to see if I’d be interested in doing limited roles and stuff and it just didn’t work out. But this time, I was really excited to go back and it was just great to see how many people were still there from when I was there.” As Julie Williams’ (Susan Seaforth Hayes) younger brother, Steve comes home to Salem for the memorial for Doug Williams, played by Bill Hayes, who passed away in January. Though Schnetzer and Seaforth Hayes weren’t in touch, “as soon as I knew I was going back, I asked for her email address and reached out to her and we talked and chatted,” he shares. “I just reminded her how important she and Bill were to me. It was my first time on camera. I had done mainly classical repertory theater for eight years. That was the first time I did camera work and they were very gentle, kind, and supportive. It took me longer than any actor I’ve seen to get used to working in front of the camera. I was still projecting to the back wall of a 1,000-seat theater, but they were always very gracious, supportive, friendly, and warm and that didn’t change when I returned.” The on-screen siblings fell into an easy rhythm and Schnetzer reports that the character came back to him quickly, even though it had been over four decades. “It was like getting on a bicycle,” he relays. “Steve was a charming rogue, a schmoozer, a charmer, a manipulator, but there was a heart there and the heart showed up in the relationship with Susan’s character, Julie. It was so sweet to work with Susan again, and I really love that they gave me a couple of interesting episodes to play. I really appreciated that.” Schnetzer is coy about whether his alter ego has changed since the ‘70s. “Well, that would remain to be seen,” he winks. “These two episodes will still have question marks about him and it will demonstrate people’s suspicions about him. Julie will remain steadfast in her feeling about his integrity. I don’t want to get any more specific than that.” As for Seaforth Hayes, Schnetzer marvels at her skills during the taping of the funeral scenes. “Susan gave such a great eulogy at Bill’s real memorial that they asked if they could build an episode around that and she gave the same eulogy [on camera], with minor tweaks, and she killed it,” he raves. “I mean, that woman has a mind like a steel trap. Totally impressed. One-take Seaforth Hayes.” He also has high praise for the scripted goodbye to Doug. “They did it right,” Schnetzer opines. “They brought a lot of the legacy people back. Those are tricky episodes, especially when it’s a big cast, but the head writer and writing staff did a terrific job.” Reconnecting with old pals when the cameras weren’t rolling was another high point for Schnetzer. “I love our business,” he reflects. “I love what I do. I have the greatest affection for most of the people I’ve worked with. I’ve been so blessed, cast after cast, so it was just warmth and love. When you’re still standing decades after you first worked with someone, there’s a commonality, there’s a bond that doesn’t need to be spoken and that’s what it felt like. It was great to see Deidre [Hall, Marlena Evans] and Suzanne [Rogers, Maggie Horton Kiriakis]. Josh’s [Taylor, Roman Brady] face lit up, he was so happy to see me. I didn’t know he cared [Laughs]. And then all the ghosts in the place — Bill [Hayes] and Jed Allan [Don Craig], Mac Carey [Tom Horton] and Frances Reid [Alice Horton].” He also found some familiar faces who he worked with at his other soap homes — One Life to Live (as Marcello Salta from 1980-82) and Another World (as Cass Winthrop from 1982-1999). “It was great to see Judi Evans [Bonnie Lockhart; Paulina Cory, AW] and Matt Ashford [Jack Deveraux; Drew Ralston, OLTL]. Matt was on One Life for a moment when I was there and Judi, she hasn’t changed a bit. She brought her pet chicken by and it was great! She wants me to be on the show.” Schnetzer, who is based in Florida, wouldn’t say no to another go-round in Salem. “I would certainly be interested in doing it,” he allows. “A 3-to-6 month story would be a lot of fun and I definitely would do that.” Days of Our Lives, Weekdays, Peacock. Helen Gallagher, ‘Ryan’s Hope’ Stalwart and Broadway Triple Threat, Dies at 98(11/26/24) Helen Gallagher, the spunky Broadway triple threat who received two Tony Awards and starred as the matriarch Maeve Ryan for all 13-plus years of the ABC soap opera Ryan’s Hope, has died. She was 98.Gallagher died Sunday at a hospital in Manhattan, Edith Meeks, executive and artistic director at New York’s Herbert Berghof Studio, told The Washington Post. Gallagher taught a class in “Singing for the Musical Theater” there for years. The radiant singer, dancer and actress received her first Tony in 1952 for her portrayal of showgirl Gladys Bumps in a revival of the Rodgers & Hart musical Pal Joey, then landed another in 1971 for her turn as flapper Lucille Early, another wise-cracking character, in a revival of Busby Berkeley’s No, No, Nanette. “When Miss Gallagher sings the blues of a lovelorn wife with piece of chiffon and a chorus of properly epicene tailor’s dummies, she makes the good old days come alive once more,” Clive Barnes wrote in his Nanette review for The New York Times, referring to her performance of “Where Has My Hubby Gone Blues.” The Bronx-reared star received another Tony nomination in 1967 for playing the dancer Nickie in the original Broadway production of Sweet Charity, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse; later, she took over for Gwen Verdon in the title role and sang the show-stopping “Big Spender.” Gallagher worked with many of the great Broadway choreographers of the past 70 years, Fosse, Agnes de Mille, Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, Gower Champion, Anton Dolin, Donald Saddler and Robert Alton among them. Asked at a Lambs theatrical club event in February 2019 what they all had in common, she replied, “Temperament. People that are associated with dance and the teaching aspect of it are never known for their sweetness and kindness.” In all, Gallagher appeared in nearly two dozen shows, from 1944 through 1981, on the Broadway stage. On Ryan’s Hope, which aired from July 1975 to January 1989, her Maeve, a native of County Cork, Ireland, and mother of three, helped husband Johnny (Bernard Barrow) run a New York City tavern called Ryan’s across the street from a hospital. During its run, she learned how to do an Irish jig and often sang “Danny Boy,” closing the show by singing the iconic ballad from a seat atop the bar. (Watch the emotional scene here.) “Ryan’s Hope was the best,” Gallagher said in 1997. “First of all, it was a half-hour show — wonderfully cast and wonderfully written. There were plenty of times when it was boring, but as a rule, it was really interesting — the people were centered and had work to do. It wasn’t just a matter of sitting around on couches talking about your emotional problems. There was a life going on in that place, maybe because it was centered on a bar. It was just magic.” She won Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding actress in a drama series in 1976, 1977 and 1988, and in 2010 the website We Love Soaps placed her No. 10 on its list of the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses. After Ryan’s Hope was canceled, she soldiered on in other daytime serials, playing Hannah Tuttle on NBC’s Another World in 1989, Nurse Harris on ABC’s All My Children in 1995 and Maude Boyland Hayes on ABC’s One Life to Live in 1997-98. The daughter of a banker, Gallagher was born in Brooklyn on July 19, 1926, and then raised in Scarsdale, New York, and the East Bronx. By the time she graduated from St. Frances of Rome grammar school, she already had been studying dance for four years. “I was so shy, but on stage I was totally free, there was a sort of absolution there, to do what you couldn’t in life,” she told the Times in 1971. The 5-foot-2 Gallagher studied at the American School of Ballet, and in 1944 she made her Broadway debut in the Cole Porter musical revue Seven Lively Arts, performing in a number composed by Igor Stravinsky. She danced and had a speaking role in the Comden-Green musical Billion Dollar Baby; danced in the original 1947-48 production of the Lerner & Loewe musical Brigadoon, choreographed by de Mille; and was featured alongside Nanette Fabray and Phil Silvers in High Button Shoes, choreographed by Robbins. “I was not an Agnes de Mille dancer,” she once said. “I was the girl in the third line — there were two lines of girls and then me — because she couldn’t stand the way I danced. Agnes wanted ethereal, legato movement, which was so foreign to me. With Jerry Robbins, I was able to catch what he wanted, which was the hyper, jitterbugging energy of what was going on in the streets.” Gallagher reunited with Fabray for the 1951 musical Make a Wish (book by Preston Sturges). After Pal Joey, she played the title role in the 1953 Jule Styne-Ben Hecht musical Hazel Flagg (Jerry Lewis adapted her part for his 1954 movie Living It Up) and replaced Carol Haney as Gladys Hotchkiss in the original 1954-56 production of The Pajama Game, directed by George Abbott and Robbins and choreographed by Fosse. From 1955-57, she starred in revivals of Guys and Dolls — she played Adelaide opposite Walter Matthau as Nathan Detroit — Finian’s Rainbow, Brigadoon and Oklahoma! (as Ado Annie, one of her favorite roles), then starred in Mame as the frumpy Agnes Gooch. She took her final Broadway bow in 1981 in Sugar Babies but starred as actress Tallulah Bankhead in a 1984 production in the Hamptons. On the big screen, Gallagher appeared in Kirk Douglas‘ Strangers When We Meet (1960) and with Christopher Walken in James Ivory’s Roseland (1977). In 1956, she married Frank Wise, a stagehand she had met when she was in The Pajama Game. At the Lambs event, she related that they once went to the theater to see Verdon perform, at which point he told her, “I’ve got to admit, she’s got something you don’t have,” she recalled. After a beat, she added, “I divorced him.” Former ‘Days’ Head Writer Ron Carlivati Joins ‘Beyond the Gates’(11/16/24) Former Days of Our Lives head writer Ron Carlivati has joined the staff of the upcoming CBS daytime drama Beyond the Gates as a breakdown writer.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.” A third commenter said, “I’m sorry! Why Ron Carlivati?! Total camp!” On a Daytime Confidential post about the Beyond the Gates writing staff, other commenters reacted to Carlivati’s hiring. “Dayum!” one wrote. “From [head writer] to breakdown writer?” “Right where he needs to be,” another person wrote. “Karma,” someone else said. 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. Beyond the Gates, Series Premiere, Monday, February 24, 2025, 2/1c, CBS ‘The Amateur’ Trailer: Don’t Underestimate A Vengeful Rami Malek(11/13/24) (Video) “Ever wonder what they do with all the stuff you dig up for them?” Charlie Heller’s wife asks. “That’s not my job,” the CIA decoder replies. “I gotta trust that they’ll make the right call. Maybe it’s better not to know.”Then the murderous terrorists strike. Above is the first trailer for The Amateur, starring Rami Malek as a brilliant but deeply introverted CIA guy who rages after his wife (Rachel Brosnahan) is killed in the attack — footage of which he sees — and his bosses refuse to take action. He wants to take matters into his own hands, but one of his supervisors opines, “Ha ha, I don’t think you could beat a 90-year-old nun in an arm wrestling match.” But Heller wants “to face my wife’s killers, look them in the eye and balance the scales.” Enter the CIA trainer (Laurence Fishburne). But his initial session with Heller goes poorly. “You can’t do what I do no matter how much I trailer you,” he says. “You’re just not a killer, Charlie.” But Heller’s intelligence will serves as the ultimate weapon for eluding his pursuers and exacting his revenge. Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez and Danny Sapani also star in the thriller directed by Slow Horses helmer James Hawes. Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli penned the screenplay based on the novel by Robert Littell. The 20th Century Studios pic opens wide in theaters April 11. The Amateur is produced by Hutch Parker, Dan Wilson, Malek and Joel B. Michaels, with JJ Hook serving as executive producer. Kedar Williams-Stirling, Yara Shahidi, Keith Powers & Renée Elise Goldsberry In Talks For Coming-Of-Age Romance ‘Bloom’(11/5/24) Kedar Williams-Stirling (Sex Education), Yara Shahidi (Grown-ish), Keith Powers (Uglies), and Tony Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton) are in talks to star in Bloom, a coming-of-age romance marking the feature debut of Cole Swanson, who will direct from his own script.The film is set against the enchanting backdrop of Tuscany, where a young and gifted Black artist named Ace (Williams-Stirling) embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery after moving to Italy on a scholarship for university. In his time there, he forges unexpected friendships and ignites a passionate romance, all within the captivating orbit of a defiant and opulent circle of wealthy young Black adults deemed “The Casa Rosa Kids.” The film has been described as Love Jones in Italy, featuring super rich Black kids navigating a steamy love triangle. Dane Clarke II and Joel Poku’s Pineloft Entertainment developed it and will produce alongside Jolene Rodriguez of Broken English Productions. The UK-based 1PLUS1 Productions, founded by musical artist Skepta, and Adam Strawford have come onboard for music consulting. Best known for starring on Netflix’s Sex Education, Williams-Stirling has also held roles in Steve McQueen’s anthology Small Axe, Roots, British teen drama Wolfblood and more. Shahidi recently wrapped a six-season run as the lead of Grown-ish, Freeform’s teen dramedy which had her reprising her role as Zoey Johnson from ABC’s Black-ish. She led the rom-com Sitting in Bars with Cake for Amazon and has also been seen in titles like Peter Pan & Wendy and The Sun Is Also a Star. Currently starring on MGM+ drama Emperor of Ocean Park, Powers also stars opposite Joey King in McG’s recent sci-fi drama Uglies for Netflix, based on the novel by Scott Westerfeld. Other credits include Netflix’s What/If starring Renée Zellweger, as well as films The Tomorrow War, Before I Fall, and Straight Outta Compton. Receiving a Tony, a Grammy and many more accolades for her work in Hamilton, Goldsberry currently stars in the girl group comedy Girls5eva, which moved from Peacock to Netflix for its third season earlier this year. Most recently, Swanson collaborated with the Pineloft Entertainment duo on the jazz film, Betty & Blue, starring Keith David, which screened at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival this past summer. Williams-Stirling is represented by Canopy Media Partners, 42, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole; Shahidi by CAA and The Nord Grou; Powers by Gersh, Megan Silverman Management, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman; Goldsberry by UTA and Untitled Management; Swanson by 3 Arts Entertainment; and Pineloft Entertainment by Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz. Sherri Saum guests on The Accused(11/2/24) A wrestling coach (Chiklis) is on trial after pushing his star athlete too far in the all-new "Justin's Story" episode of Accused airing Tuesday, Nov 12 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (ACU-205) (TV-14 L)Guest Cast: Michael Chiklis “Justin,” Andrew Liner as “TJ and Nico,” Sherri Saum as “Erica,” Lee Tergesen as “Rob,” Stephen Thomas Kalyn as “Tyson,” Stephen McHattie as “Joe” Morning Show Appearance(10/18/24) GMA3: What You Need to Know - ABCAIRING Oct 23, 2024 Actress Judith Light Morning Show Appearance(10/18/24) Today - NBCTuesday, October 22 (9-10 a.m.) Catching Up with… Judith Light. Tika Sumpter & Tyler Perry Team On ‘Sisters In Italy’ Rom-Com For Amazon MGM; Whoopi Goldberg, Ernie Hudson & More Set For Supporting Roles(10/17/24) Tika Sumpter (Sonic the Hedgehog 3) has co-written and is starring in a new Tyler Perry rom-com for Amazon MGM Studios, Deadline can exclusively reveal. She comes to the project after collaborating with Perry on films like A Madea Christmas and shows like The Haves and the Have Nots.Currently in production, the film known for the moment as Unt. Sisters in Italy will feature a supporting cast including Bresha Webb (Run the World), EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg (The Color Purple), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters franchise), Godfrey (Regular Black), Giulio Berruti (Downhill), Edmond Laryea (FBI), Sarayu Blue (Expats), and Justin Chatwin (Reagan). Pic will mark Perry’s final effort under a four-picture deal with the studio, announced in the fall of 2022. The story follows two estranged sisters who, after their mother’s death, are called to Italy to discover that their mom owned a bed and breakfast in the Italian countryside. While the sisters contemplate what to do with the establishment, the two are tasked with a series of assignments delivered posthumously by their mother to preserve their sisterhood and learn how to live life at its fullest. Sumpter’s examination of the complexities that come with siblinghood is inspired by her personal experiences as the youngest child in her family. Perry directs from a script by Sumpter and Kemiyondo Coutinho (P-Valley). In addition to Perry via Tyler Perry Studios, producers include Sumpter and Tyler Perry Studios’ Angi Bones, Tony Strickland, and Will Areu. Coutinho will serve as exec producer. Nominated for a Gotham Award for her turn as a young Michelle Obama (née Robinson) in Richard Tanne’s Southside with You, which she also produced, Sumpter is also known for roles in the Sonic the Hedgehog and Ride Along franchises, along with such films as The Underdoggs, The Old Man & the Gun, Get On Up, and Think Like a Man. Soon to be seen reprising in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, her small-screen experience also includes roles on Mixed-ish and Gossip Girl, among other series. Perry’s other three films falling under his Amazon deal are Divorce in the Black and the upcoming Black, White, & Blue and Joy Ridge. Among other upcoming projects for the media mogul is the WWII drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, which will be released in select theaters on December 6 before debuting on Netflix on December 20. Entering into a multi-year first-look film deal with that streamer last October, he is represented by WME and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole. Sumpter is repped by UTA, Brookside Artist Management, and Hansen Jacobson Teller; Webb by Linden Entertainment, Gersh, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman; Goldberg by WME and Edelstein Laird & Sobel; Godfrey by Innovative Artists and The Arlook Group; Berruti by Marina Masowietsky Management; Laryea by Steinberg Talent Management and STW Talent Agency; Blue by CAA, Mosaic, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman; Chatwin by Oscars Abrams Zimel & Associates and Innovative Artists; and Coutinho by Rothman Brecher Ehrich Livingston and attorney Chris Abramson. Michelle Stafford Reveals How Losing ‘OLTL’ Role Brought Her ‘Y&R’ and the Secret to Phyllis’ Longevity(10/17/24) (tvinsider.com) Before auditioning for the role of Phyllis Summers on The Young and the Restless 30 years ago, Michelle Stafford was thinking of putting acting on the back burner.“I had a succession of getting close to jobs and then not getting them,” she explains. “A couple of weeks prior to the Young and Restless audition, I had created a flower business with a friend of mine because things weren’t going well for me as an actor. We started to do big gigs, so I wasn’t going to give up on acting, but I was considering putting my attention elsewhere.” One of those memorable gigs she didn’t get was for a soap on the East Coast. “I got very close to a role on One Life to Live and the feedback that came back as to why I didn’t get it is because they wanted to go with someone who was pretty,” she recalls. “Those were the exact words. I said, ‘Oh, you mean prettier than me?’ And my agent said, ‘No, they really just want someone pretty.’ So, I always just felt like I wasn’t pretty enough for daytime.” Though Stafford wasn’t feeling positive after her Y&R audition — “I got in the elevator and cried,” she relays — she did get feedback quickly. “If you do an audition and an hour later you get a call from your agent, it’s a good sign,” she explains. “There were no cell phones. This was the time of pagers, so I got a page from my agent and ran to a pay phone to call him back. He said, ‘You got the job. They love you. You start in two days.’ I couldn’t believe it. It was really nice.” Stafford credits Lauralee Bell (Christine Blair) and Michael Damian (Danny Romalotti) with helping her find her way in Genoa City. “Lauralee and Michael were extraordinary,” she praises. “And Doug [Davidson, Paul Williams], too, but I didn’t work with him as much. I worked with Michael right away, and I’m telling you, I will love him forever because he couldn’t have been lovelier or more charming. I mean, we all know Michael Damian is the loveliest, but that was just a saving grace for me because sometimes you go into these new jobs and you don’t always get that. It goes such a long way to just be kind to somebody. And they were both incredible. Lauralee? We all say this, but she had every normal reason to not be that way. This is the boss’s daughter, right? [Bell’s father, William J. Bell was the show’s co-creator and head writer.] But she was amazing. I’m so lucky that I worked with the two of them. It was a dream for me.” Shortly after her debut, Stafford got a sense the role was catching on. “I think it was when [former TV Guide Magazine soap columnist] Michael Logan chose to write an article about me,” she reflects. “It is a very respected publication, and it has been all these years, and he didn’t want to do a little box on me. He wanted to do a whole article. I think the article said something like, ‘We’re not even done with the year, and I’ve chosen my favorite character of 1994.’ That was in, I think, November, and I started airing in October. At the time, I remember the show publicist saying, ‘This is a big deal that he’s asking to do an interview with you.’” Despite the positive feedback, Stafford still hadn’t given up her side gig. “I didn’t know how long this job would last, so I was selling Rollerblades on the weekends at swap meets,” she shares. “I would put them on and rollerblade around in my short shorts to get people’s attention to come buy Rollerblades. I was still doing this through December of that year and one woman came up to me and said, ‘Oh, you look like a character on my soap opera,’ and I said, ‘Oh, it is me,’ and she went, ‘Yeah, sure.’ ” Because of her scheming ways, Phyllis wasn’t the most popular character with the fans. “They were hating me!” Stafford recalls with a laugh. “I was in Louisiana at the Mardi Gras parade in 1995. You’re on the car and you’re waving to people and throwing beads, and they had security around me. Everybody kept saying, ‘Get away from Danny! Get away from Danny,’ and one of the security guys said, ‘I don’t know who this Danny guy is, but apparently you should not be around him.’” Stafford didn’t mind the backlash. “I loved it,” she muses. “You know, I never took offense at all. That was the job and she was hateful. This is before social media. I didn’t care what people said. I still don’t.” In time, Stafford found Phyllis’ softer edges. “I really felt like she was so broken and there was so much pathos there,” she explains. “I think that Bill [Bell] saw that and started writing more to that as time went on. And I think the secret to the longevity of the character is that it became less of a caricature and more of a character that you could relate to or could have empathy for.” On October 18, the show will mark the 30th anniversary of Stafford’s debut with a flashback-filled episode dedicated to Phyllis. In it, Phyllis will rally her family together as evidence is mounting against son Daniel for Heather’s death and reflect on her past relationships and experiences in Genoa City. “One of [the flashbacks] is my favorite scene I’ve ever shot with Peter [Bergman, Jack Abbott],” she previews. “It perfectly communicates the demise of the Jack/Phyllis relationship, and I was so excited that that is in it. I love the shows where we see that she messed up and she’s trying to overcome it.” As she looks back on what getting the Y&R job meant to her, Stafford notes, “It completely changed my life because I had a paycheck. Going to the grocery store and being able to buy whatever I wanted was huge for me. Being able to buy the nice peanut butter, not the generic one, was phenomenal.” Thirty years later, it’s her connection to the cast and crew that is especially meaningful. “I’ve spent more time with those guys than I have my actual family,” Stafford points out. “I’m stopping myself from crying right now, but people get sick or lose a family member and we’re supporting each other and we’re there for each other. It’s meant a lot. These people are very, very important to me and always will be.” Indie Drama ‘Cup of Jo: The Patron Saint of Desperate Cases’ Reveals Lead Cast As Production Wraps(10/14/24) Jasper Polish (Animal Kingdom), Audie Rick (1883), Zak Steiner (The Ghost Trap) and Alice Barrett (Billions) are leading the indie drama Cup of Jo: The Patron Saint of Desperate Cases, which wrapped principal photography in Northern California.Written and directed by Nick Martinez, the film centers on Jo (Polish), a single mother who begs, borrows, and steals to provide her son, Nick (Rick), with a better life than she had, with little help from her ex-husband Matt (Steiner) or her mother Ruth (Barrett). The film’s producers are Kali Ruth, Barnaby Dallas, Jessica Olthof (Surrender), and Darren Haruo Rae (Nisei). Larry Schapiro (One Fast Move) executive produces the Roann Films project. Cup of Jo: The Patron Saint of Desperate Causes is in post-production and is eyeing a festival circuit run. Polish is known for her recurring role of ‘Julia’ on TNT’s Animal Kingdom, and the series Bring on the Dancing Horses opposite Kate Bosworth. Her feature work includes American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally, opposite Al Pacino, and The Astronaut Farmer opposite Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen. She is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment and Buchwald. Rick was most recently a series regular in the Paramount+ series 1883 starring as ‘John Dutton’, in the prequel to Yellowstone, from creator Taylor Sheridan. He also portrayed the younger version of Richard Madden on the Russo Brothers’ Prime Video series Citadel. He is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment and Paloma Model & Talent. Steiner’s notable credits include Netflix’s The Perfect Date, CBS’ NCIS, and Camila Cabello’s “Liar” music video, which has amassed over 130 million views on YouTube. He recurred on HBO’s Euphoria as ‘Aaron Jacobs’, brother to Jacob Elordi’s character. Additional credits include the Mason Novick-produced comedy We Broke Up starring opposite Aya Cash, the Tribeca Film Festival selection No Running opposite Taryn Manning, the HBO Max holiday feature A Hollywood Christmas, and Hulu’s reboot of White Man Can’t Jump. He is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment. Barrett’s credits include recent stints on Peacock’s The Thing About Pam, Starz’ Heels, Showtime’s Billions, and NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She performed in several Off-Off Broadway productions before being cast in her first leading film role in Mission Hill, re-released as No Expectations. She is repped by Vamos Talento and Frontline Management. Nicholas Pryor Dies: Soap Veteran & ‘Risky Business’ Actor Who Recurred On ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Was 89(10/8/24) Nicholas Pryor, whose nearly seven-decade acting career included hundreds of episodes of soap operas, playing Tom Cruise’s dad in Risky Business and Kathleen Robertson’s dad on Beverly Hills, 90210, died October 7. He was 89.Fellow actor Jon Lindstrom announced the news on social media, saying in part: “Nick was an Actor’s actor, and an exceptional friend. … He was a mentor, a sounding board, a trusted confidant, and even a father-figure beyond, yes, playing my own father on #GH and #PortCharles.” See his full post below. Pryor racked up nearly 175 screen credits and half-dozen more on Broadway. After getting his screen start guesting on such 1950s and early ’60s TV series as Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Doctors, he played Tom Baxter in more than 75 episodes of the NBC daytime drama Another World. That led to a starring role on The Nurses, a 1965-67 continuation of CBS’ The Nurses, which had ended in 1965. He then was cast in a starring role on the first season of CBS sudser Love Is a Many Splendored Thing and later had guest shots daytime soaps All My Children and The Edge of Night. Pryor did some big-screen work in the mid-1970s including car-race romp The Gumball Rally along with TV miniseries at the height of their heyday, including The Adams Chronicles and Washington: Behind Closed Doors. He had a small but memorable role in the 1980 comedy classic Airplane! as Mr. Hammen, a soon-repentant eater of the fish plate, complete with airsickness bag and amplified hurling sound effect. By the early ’80s, Pryor was a regular TV guest star, appearing on such popular shows as M*A*S*H, Eight Is Enough, Little House on the Prairie, Silver Spoons, Falcon Crest, St. Elsewhere, Knight Rider Moonlighting and Who’s the Boss? His first regular TV role came in NBC’s drama The Bronx Zoo, starring as a decent but often insufferable high school vice principal opposite his boss, Ed Asner, whose job he coveted. It lasted one season in 1987-88. During that decade, Pryor continued to land film roles, including as Cruise’s dad in the future A-lister’s breakout 1983 pic Risky Business and in The Falcon and the Snowman, starring Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn. Pryor continued to work steadily in film and TV during the 1990s, landing a recurring role as Chancellor Milton Arnold on Fox’s primetime hit Beverly Hills, 90210. He appeared in more than two dozen episodes from 1994-97. He also guested on many hit shows that decade, including Growing Pains; L.A. Law; Matlock; Chicago Hope; Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman; The Practice; Silk Stalkings; Diagnosis Murder; Party of Five; and Murder, She Wrote, among others. In 1997, he was cast as Victor Collins on ABC’s General Hospital spinoff Port Charles — a role he would play in nearly 350 episodes through 2002. After the turn of the century, Pryor appeared in guest roles on series such as NYPD Blue, That’s Life, Strong Medicine, Without a Trace, October Road, Hart of Dixie and Nashville. His final screen roles came in 2021, with Marvel’s Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the big-screen sequel Halloween Kills. Pryor also appeared in several Broadway productions, including 1950s plays The Egghead, Love Me Little, The Highest Tree and Howie and later the ’70s shows That Championship Season and Thieves. ‘Ripple’: Frankie Faison, Julia Chan, Ian Harding & Sydney Agudong Lead Cast Of Hallmark+ Series(10/2/24) Frankie Faison (The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain), Julia Chan (Katy Keene), Ian Harding (Our Little Secret) and Sydney Agudong (Lilo and Stitch) are set to headline Ripple, Hallmark+‘s upcoming drama series from Lionsgate Canada.Created by Michele Giannusa (The Dead Girls Detective Agency), Ripple revolves around four strangers whose lives start to serendipitously intersect. Set in New York City, the series follows the four — Walter (Faison), Kris (Chan), Nate (Harding) and Aria (Agudong) — who have unknowingly crossed paths many times but never met. As they each face life’s challenges, their actions create a ripple effect that ultimately connects them. Ripple delivers a powerful message of hope: just wait for the rainbow, some of the best things in life can’t happen without the storm. “Walter, Kris, Nate and Aria are the heart of Ripple and it was essential that we get it right in casting those roles,” said Kelly Garrett, VP Programming at Hallmark Media. “Frankie, Julia, Ian and Sydney are magic as our core four. We cannot wait for them to guide viewers through this romantic look at life and humanity in New York City.” Production on Ripple is underway in Toronto. The hourlong drama series is slated to premiere on Hallmark+ in 2025. Ripple is executive produced by Giannusa, Joni Lefkowitz (New Girl, Jane the Virgin) who also serves as showrunner, Jocelyn Hamilton (Burden of Truth) and Darren Giblin as well as Amanda Tapping (Supernatural) who also serves as supervising director and pilot director. Faison, best known for his work in The Wire, Banshee, Coming to America, and Do the Right Thing, received a lead actor Gotham Award for The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain. He most recently appeared on television in Apple TV+’s Hello Tomorrow! and The Rookie: Feds and in Till and Lucille on the film side. Faison is repped by Sweeney Entertainment and Del Shaw Moonves. Chan most recently played the series regular role of Annabelle in Netflix limited series Archive 81. She also starred in the CW’s Katy Keene and on Bell Media’s Saving Hope, among others. Chan is repped by Thruline Entertainment, Buchwald and GGA in Canada. Harding played Ezra on all seven seasons of Pretty Little Liars. He was recently seen on the big screen in the James Mangold-directed Ford v Ferrari. He’ll next be seen in the TV miniseries Holidazed and in the Stephen Herek-directed Our Little Secret alongside Lindsay Lohan and Kristin Chenoweth. Harding is repped by Gersh and Authentic Talent & Literary Management. Agudong will next be seen in Disney’s live-action Lilo and Stitch movie, which is eyeing a 2025 release. She can currently be seen as the lead in the adventure film At Her Feet, and in psychological thriller Ether, in which she stars and executive produces. Agudong is repped by Gersh, AEFH Talent Agency, Trilogy Talent Management, Inc. and attorney Howard Fishman of HWHM+F. John Amos, ‘Good Times’ Dad, Dies at 84(10/1/24) John Amos (One Life To Live), the TV writer turned Emmy-nominated actor who starred as the stoic father on Good Times before he was fired from the landmark sitcom for objecting to stereotypes and admittedly letting his temper get the best of him, has died. He was 84.Amos died Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, his son, K.C. Amos, announced. “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” he said in a statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold … and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.” Amos, who played football at Colorado State University and had training camp tryouts with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League, saw his showbiz career take off after he landed a gig to play WJN-TV weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The New Jersey native received his Emmy nom for portraying Toby, the older version of Kunta Kinte, on the acclaimed 1977 ABC miniseries Roots, and he had a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on NBC’s West Wing. His career on the big screen began with Melvin Van Peebles‘ blaxploitation classic Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971), and he played the manager of a McDonald’s-like restaurant who hires an African prince (Eddie Murphy) and his right-hand man (Arsenio Hall) in Coming to America (1988). Many years earlier, Amos had been in the McDonald’s training program before appearing as an employee for the fast-food chain in a well-known ’70s commercial (“Grab a bucket and mop, scrub the bottom and top!”) that he said helped put his kids through college. After showing up a dozen times as the good-natured Gordy on the first four seasons of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the barrel-chested Amos was invited to read for the part of James Evans Sr., the husband of Esther Rolle’s Florida Evans and father of their three kids, on a new CBS series, Good Times. The 1974-79 show, created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans and developed by Norman Lear, was set in an inner-city Chicago apartment located in the projects (think Cabrini-Green). A spinoff of Maude (itself a descendant of All in the Family), Good Times was the first sitcom to center on an African-American family. “Everybody knew who Norman Lear was,” Amos said in a 2014 interview for the Television Academy Foundation. “I’d seen the pilot episode of All in the Family and thought, ‘There’s no way in the world they’re going to put that on television.’ … Sure enough, it became a hit. “So I went in and read with Miss Rolle for Norman Lear, with just the three of us in his office. When we finished the reading, Norman looked at Esther, and Esther looked at me and looked at Norman and said, ‘He’ll do just fine.'” Amos starred on the show for three seasons, but he soon disapproved of the silly, stereotypical storylines that surrounded their oldest son on the series, J.J. — played by the comic Jimmie Walker — and he went public with his criticism. “We had a number of differences,” he said. “I felt too much emphasis was being put on J.J. in his chicken hat, saying ‘Dy-no-mite!’ every third page. I felt just as much emphasis and mileage could have been gotten out of my other two children, one of whom aspired to become a Supreme Court justice, played by Ralph Carter, and the other, BernNadette Stanis, who aspired to become a surgeon. “But I wasn’t the most diplomatic guy in those days, and [the show’s producers] got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes. So they said, ‘Tell you what, why don’t we kill him off? We can get on with our lives!’ That taught me a lesson — I wasn’t as important as I thought I was to the show or to Norman Lear’s plans.” James Evans Sr. was the victim of a car accident in a two-part episode that aired in September 1976 to kick off season four. John Alan Amos Jr. was born on Dec. 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey. His father drove a tractor-trailer and worked as a mechanic, and his mother, Annabelle, was a housekeeper who eventually went back to school and became a nutritionist. His mom cleaned the home of a cartoonist who drew for the Archie comics, and that led to Amos and a buddy attending a taping of radio’s The Archie Show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. “It blew my imagination wide open,” he said. “I was disappointed in a way, because none of them looked like Archie or Jughead or Veronica … Some of the magic disappeared, but the science of the industry became apparent to me.” At East Orange High School, Amos drew cartoons and wrote columns for the school newspaper, played a convict in a production of The Man Who Came to Dinner and was a star running back. Amos won football scholarships to Long Beach City College in California and then Colorado State University, where the Rams had the longest losing streak in the nation at the time. “God kept telling me, ‘I don’t want you playing football,'” he said. “The direction I was getting from above was to be a performer, to be a writer, something that I had always done and came easy for me.” Still, Amos did not give up his dream of playing pro football, signing his first free-agent contract with the Broncos. (One of his training camp teammates was Ernie Barnes, whose painting, Sugar Shack, appeared in the opening credits of Good Times.) Amos played or tried out to play with many teams, including the Norfolk Neptunes of the Continental Football League and the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League. After the Chiefs cut him for a second time, Coach Hank Stram allowed him to read a poem about shattered dreams to the players — and he received a standing ovation. “It was the first confirmation I got from my peers that I could write material that could evoke emotions in people,” he said. “It was very gratifying, much more so than running off-tackle or trying to pick up a blitz.” (Amos would play a retired player struggling with injuries from his NFL days on the HBO series Ballers.) In Vancouver, Amos did stand-up and met a television writer who encouraged him to come to Los Angeles, where he landed a writing and performing job on a syndicated TV variety show hosted by radio personalities Al Lohman and Roger Barkley. (Also getting their starts on that program: McLean Stevenson, Craig T. Nelson and Barry Levinson.) That in turn led to work writing and performing in sketches on the 1969 CBS variety program The Leslie Uggams Show. Two producers there, Lorenzo Music and Dave Davis, were helping to develop a series for Mary Tyler Moore and thought he’d be great for that. “They could very easily have said, ‘Well, [Gordy] can be a sports announcer.’ That would have been [as easy as] falling off a log for me,” he recalled. “I liked the fact that he was a meteorologist; that implied the man could think.” On the 1973-74 season of Maude, Amos appeared on three episodes as Florida’s husband, setting up the launch of Good Times. James Evans struggled to find full-time work, but “he provided for his family with any job that he could find. We managed to survive, and America loved that show. It was close to how most Americans lived at that time.” In his TV Academy Foundation interview, Amos got emotional when he noted that he had “young men, in their 30s and 40, of every ethnicity imaginable, come up to me and say, ‘You’re the dad I never had.'” After he left Good Times, Lear’s company hired him to play a congressman on the pilot for a new show called Onward and Upward. But he would quit that project as well. Amos had traveled several times to Africa, including living for months at a time in Liberia “to absorb the culture of the continent that I had come from, indirectly,” when he was approached to appear in Roots. “It was just what I needed,” he said. “It took the bad taste of Good Times out of my mouth — not that Good Times had been all bad, but the circumstances under which I left and the acrimony between Norman Lear and myself … I realize that a lot of it I brought on myself. I was not the easiest guy in the world to get along with, or to direct. I challenged any and everybody. [Roots] was a vindication, a tremendous feeling of satisfaction.” He and Lear eventually got over it, and Amos starred for the producer in a short-lived 1994 sitcom, 704 Hauser, about a liberal family living in Archie Bunker’s former house in Queens. Amos also had recurring roles on other TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, on which he played Will Smith’s stepfather; Hunter; The District; Men in Trees; All About the Andersons, as Anthony Anderson’s dad; and the Netflix drama The Ranch. His film résumé also included The World’s Greatest Athlete (1973), Let’s Do It Again (1975), The Beastmaster (1982), Die Hard 2 (1990), Ricochet (1991), Mac (1992), Night Trap (1993), For Better or Worse (1995), The Players Club (1998), Coming to America 2 (2021) and Because of Charley (2021). In 1972, he appeared on Broadway in Tough to Get Help, directed by Carl Reiner. When he found it tough to get work in the 1990s, Amos wrote and starred in the one-man play Halley’s Comet, about an 87-year-old man who ruminates about the state of the world while he waits in the woods for the coming of “the comet.” He toured all over the U.S. and in several overseas cities with the play for more than two decades. More recently, he and his son produced the documentary America’s Dad. In addition to K.C. (nicknamed for Amos’ days with the Chiefs), survivors include his daughter, Shannon, both from his first marriage to Noel “Noni” Mickelson. THR’s Gary Baum wrote about his kids’ acrimonious relationship in November. Amos also was briefly married to actress Lillian Lehman, who played Andre Braugher‘s mother on Men of a Certain Age. ‘Accused’ Season 2 Adds Sonequa Martin-Green, Mike Colter, Jamie Chung, Sherri Saum & Kiara Barnes(9/28/24) Sonequa Martin-Green, Mike Colter, Jamie Chung, Sherri Saum, and Kiara Barnes have joined Season 2 of Fox‘s crime procedural Accused.Martin-Green and Colter will lead the finale, titled “Megan’s Story,” as Megan and John, respectively. Barnes play Eve in the same episode, in which a music executive’s marriage to her husband is threatened by a beautiful seductress. Chung will play the character Grace in “Eugene’s Story,” and Saum will play the character Erica in “Justin’s Story.” In “Eugene’s Story,” a kind-hearted jewelry store owner is put on trial after his wife’s past throws their present into chaos. “Justin’s Story” sees a wrestling coach is on trial after he pushes his star wrestler too far. The new cast joins some heavy hitters who have already been announced for Season 2, including Felicity Huffman, Taylor Schilling, Patrick J. Adams, William H. Macy, Justin Chambers, Danny Pino and Nick Cannon. Michael Chiklis is also returning in front of and behind the camera, after starring in the premiere and directing a later episode in Season 1. Accused is developed for American TV by Howard Gordon who executive produces with Gordon, Alex Gansa, David Shore, Erin Gunn, and Daniel Pearle. Gordon and Pearle serve as co-showrunners. Milan Cheylov, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, All3Media America’s Jacob Cohen-Holmes, Jimmy McGovern, Sita Williams, Roxy Spencer and Louise Pedersen for All3Media International also EP. The series is a collection of intense, topical human stories of crime and punishment. Told from the defendant’s point of view through flashbacks, each episode is a fast-paced provocative thriller, exploring a different crime, in a different city with an entirely original cast. Accused Season 2 debuts on Fox on October 8. ‘One Life to Live’ Star Eddie Alderson Ties the Knot & Reunites With Ex-Castmates(9/23/24) It was a big day for former One Life to Live star Eddie Alderson on Saturday, September 21, as he tied the knot with his bride, Sylwia Pracon, and reunited with his former castmates.According to MichaelFairmanTV, the nuptials took place at Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with the reception at Terrain Gardens. Many of Alderson’s old One Life to Live co-stars were in attendance to help celebrate the special occasion. “Getting to see so many of my One Life to Live family made me truly happy!” Alderson wrote on his Instagram page, per MichaelFairmanTV. Those in attendance included Robin Strasser (Dorian Lord), Robert Woods (Bo Buchanan), Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer), James DePaiva (Max Holden), Nic Robuck (James Ford), and Brittany Underwood (Langston Wilde), and Alderson’s sister, Kristen Alderson (who used to play Starr Manning on the soap). Underwood took to her own Instagram Stories, where she shared various photos and videos of the wedding. She posed with Strasser in one post, captioning the pic, “My OG TV Mama, Robin Strasser.” In another, she shared a snap with Kassie, writing, “One [of] the hearts and souls of #onelifetolive such a beautiful person inside and out.” In the comments of MichaelFairman’s Instagram post, Alderson’s sister Kristen wrote, “I was crying with happiness being reunited with Bob and Kassie???? there is SO MUCH LOVE in the one life to live family!” Alderson portrayed Matthew Buchanan on the long-running ABC soap opera from 2001 to 2012, earning a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for his performance in 2012. In November 2016, Alderson announced he had been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy over the next three years and revealed he was cancer-free in September 2019. Alderson and Pracon got engaged back on May 4, 2022, with the actor writing at the time, “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” One Life to Live fans took to social media to share their congratulations and excitement at seeing Alderson happy and healthy. “So happy for Eddie and his whole family. Wonderful to see him healthy, in love and moving forward with a lovely bride. Best wishes to them,” wrote one X commenter. “This is amazingly great, I’m so happy for him and his beautiful wife. It’s also great to see my favorite actors on that beautiful day. Congrats!” said another. “Everyone looks so incredible, I’m so obsessed with Kris’s dress couldn’t be happier for Eddie and Syl,” another added. Another wrote, “OMG I feel joy from my toes to my heart!!!!” Hayden Panettiere Speaks Out Amid Health Concerns Following Viral Interview(9/23/24) Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in Heroes and the Scream movie franchise, is taking time to address fan concerns over a recent interview she conducted with People.The actress took to Instagram where she posted a lengthy response to the public and fans following the controversial interview, which saw Panetierre deliver answers with slurred speech while discussing heavy topics ranging from her brother Jansen Panettiere‘s sudden death to her relationship with her daughter. Following the release of footage for the interview, fans were quick to air concerns about Panettiere who has been open about her struggles with sobriety in the past, even speaking to People about it in 2022. Now, Panettiere is defending her interview, revealing the reason for her slurred speech, and calling out fans online who made judgments about her state in the video. “I would like to take a moment to address the controversy surrounding an interview I recently completed with PEOPLE Magazine. It’s unfathomable that I’m even in this position, but I feel forced to address it in a space where I won’t be criticized for how fast or slow I speak,” Panettiere began the statement. “I hadn’t slept for two days prior to the shoot due to one of my dogs who was recovering from an emergency surgical procedure. It was an 8-hour shoot followed by an on-camera interview that was supposed to last for 1 hour. The interview started well, and for the record, its beginning is not included in the version PEOPLE Magazine posted.” “I was exhausted,” she further explained. “My rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading — especially as the subject matter became heavier. We asked the interviewer if we could re-do it another day or do a follow-up interview on Zoom. She assured us that it wasn’t necessary, and that she felt it was an emotional and heartfelt interview. We were also told they would edit it and that it would be a beautiful piece.” “The magazine does not grant approval for images or video interviews before they run,” Panettiere clarified. “We see the interview when it goes live.” “Grief looks different on everyone. Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone’s business and is between me and my doctor,” she continued. “I am doing interviews to promote my new film because I am proud of it. The real issue here is the toxicity of social media, and a news cycle that is driven by click bait. Mental health is so important, and I hope those reading this now understand that what you say hiding behind a computer screen can have a detrimental impact on someone.” She went on to conclude her statement, “For those of you who have come to my defense amidst this chaos I am so grateful. Like I’ve said before, I am a work in progress. We all are.” As mentioned by Panettiere, she was promoting her new film Amber Alert which debuts Friday, September 27th. Morning Show Appearance(9/21/24) Today - NBCTuesday, September 24 (10-11 a.m.) Hayden Panettiere on Amber Alert. Finding Your Roots Announces Upcoming Guests(9/21/24) (Video) PBS has announced that Finding Your Roots Season 11 will premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The all-star lineup, as revealed in the following trailer, includes José Andrés, Joy Behar, Kristen Bell, Laurence Fishburne, Debra Messing, Natalie Morales, Michael Imperioli, Melanie Lynskey, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Amanda Seyfried, Dax Shepard, Sharon Stone and Chrissy Teigen, among others.FIRST CAST MEMBERS AND NEW TITLE ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEW CBS DAYTIME DRAMA “BEYOND THE GATES”(9/19/24) NEW YORK – Sept. 19, 2024 – CBS announces first cast members for BEYOND THE GATES with Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix and Karla Mosley starring as prominent members of the Dupree family. Formerly known as “The Gates,” this series from the CBS Studios / NAACP Venture is the first Black one-hour daytime drama to air on television. BEYOND THE GATES begins production later this fall in Atlanta and will premiere on CBS in early 2025.Tamara Tunie stars as Anita Dupree, matriarch of the family. A famous singer back in the day, Anita worked hard for her success, and raised two daughters with her now-retired senator husband. But underneath her glamorous and refined exterior is a fierceness she gained from her humble beginnings in Chicago. Tamara Tunie is a seasoned daytime star appearing on “As the World Turns” for many years. Also, she originated the role of medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner with a now landmark 23 seasons on the legendary series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” In addition, she has held recurring roles on shows including BLUE BLOODS, THE GOOD WIFE and ELEMENTARY for the Network. Daphnee Duplaix stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, daughter of Anita, and Dani’s sister, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson is a high-achieving and competitive philanthropist and psychiatrist, and exudes warmth, empathy and compassion. Nicole’s success in life extends to her marriage to her surgeon husband. She has the perfect life … from the outside. Daphnee Duplaix boasts an illustrious acting career that has spanned over two decades, most notably earning her an NAACP Award nomination for her outstanding portrayal of Rachel Gannon on “One Life to Live.” Karla Mosley stars as Dani Dupree, Anita’s other daughter, and a former model turned momager who gave up her career for love. Dani was the Dupree family wild child. Free-spirited, headstrong and uninhibited, she dropped out of school to pursue a high-flying modeling career and she has always marched to the beat of her own drum. Karla Mosley starred as Maya Avant Forrester on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, for which she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Additional credits include “Guiding Light,” “Gossip Girl,” “Hart of Dixie,” “Deadly Cheer Mom” and “Burn After Reading.” BEYOND THE GATES is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others. BEYOND THE GATES is developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. This marks the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap and the first daytime drama to premiere since “Passions” in 1999. Michele Val Jean is the creator, executive producer and showrunner alongside executive producers Sheila Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr., Julie Carruthers, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld. Hayden Panettiere Talks About Her Brother Jansen's Death for First Time(9/18/24) (Video) Hayden Panettiere is speaking out for the first time about her brother Jansen’s death last year, saying she felt like it was her job to protect her only sibling ... and losing him was like losing half her soul.The actress also shared her body reacted so strongly to Jansen’s death from an undiagnosed heart condition at 28, she gained a bunch of weight within days ... due to stress and cortisol surges coursing through her body. Hayden told PEOPLE her changing appearance hit her self-esteem hard, making her feel insecure about leaving the house. She felt trapped in a "destructive hamster wheel" of needing to keep moving while battling those feelings. She eventually got her confidence back with the help of her personal trainer, Marnie Alton ... who helped her shed stress and insecurities, and now she’s on track to feeling like herself again. As for her brother's death, she's still grappling with the loss and says it's a heartbreak she'll always carry. No matter how much time goes by, she knows she’ll never fully get over it ... but she’s keeping busy and focusing on her new thriller, "Amber Alert," hitting theaters on Sept. 27. ‘The Young & The Restless’ Casts Valarie Pettiford As New Amy Lewis(9/18/24) Amy Lewis is coming back to Genoa City.Deadline has learned that veteran TV actress Valarie Pettiford will take over the role that was first created by Stephanie E. Williams in 1983. Details on why Amy is returning are being kept under wraps for now. Pettiford’s first air date as a recurring character is Tuesday, October 29. This marks her return to daytime after portraying Sheila Price on One Life to Live from 1990-94. Pettiford is currently a series regular on the BET+ series The Family Business and has a recurring role on CBS’ The Equalizer. She’s also set appear in the upcoming holiday movie, Too Many Christmases. Her extensive TV credits include The Mandalorian, The Blacklist, The Baxters, A Discovery of Witches, and Half & Half for which she received three NAACP Image Award nominations for her role as Dee Dee Thorne. In 1999, Pettiford received a Tony nomination for her role in the Broadway production of Fosse. She’s directing and creating new works with business partners Mary Ann Lambs and Marissa Palley for live theater, and is developing for television and film under her Scared Flight Productions banner. She is represented by Talent Works and Atlas Artists. Susan Misner Returns to FBI: Most Want(9/9/24) “Aquarium Drinker” – When a detective is brutally murdered, the Fugitive Task Force investigates a string of gruesome killings. Meanwhile, Remy and Abby’s (Susan Misner) relationship grows stronger, on the sixth season premiere of FBI: MOST WANTED, Tuesday, Oct. 15 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*.Kathy Bates debuts as Matlock 10/17/24(9/9/24) “Rome, in a Day” – As Matty settles into her new role at Jacobson Moore, Olympia and the aptly nicknamed “Team You Three” (Matty, Billy and Sarah) take on a lawsuit involving a developmentally delayed teenager whose family claims he’s been wrongly accused of murder. Also, Olympia and Julian disagree on a parenting matter, on MATLOCK, Thursday, Oct. 17 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. WRITTEN BY: Jennie Snyder Urman DIRECTED BY: Kat CoiroTelevision Academy and ABC Announce Presenters Slated for 76th Emmy Awards(9/9/24) The Television Academy and ABC today announced the stars slated to appear on the 76th Emmy® Awards, hosted by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy.The 76th Emmy Awards, produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, will broadcast live on ABC SUNDAY, SEPT. 15 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/5:00-8:00 p.m. PDT), from the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles and will be available for streaming on Hulu Sept. 16-22. The diverse lineup of talent represents critically acclaimed television series, Emmy-nominated programs across many viewing platforms and genres, and Emmy nominees — all tapped to celebrate television excellence on the esteemed awards show. Talent includes the following:Christine Baranski — Nominee, Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series In addition, there will be special appearances from Olympic gold medalist swimmer Caeleb Dressel and Olympic bronze medal-winning rugby player Ilona Maher. For more information, please visit Emmys.com. Kathy Bates Says She Will Retire After CBS’ ‘Matlock’: “This Is My Last Dance”(9/8/24) After five decades in Hollywood, Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress Kathy Bates says she is ready to yell cut. The esteemed performer will put away her scripts following CBS‘ reboot of Matlock, premiering Sept. 22 and later dropping on Paramount+.“This is my last dance,” she told the New York Times simply in a new interview published Sunday. In fact, Bates revealed that she was ready to retire earlier, after a film shoot had soured for her (she did not specify the production) late last year. However, in January 2024, her agents sent her the script for the procedural, the premise of which — a reimagining on the classic legal TV drama, featuring a septuagenarian righting wrongs — intrigued the actress as a person who has faced injustice earlier in her career, she said. “Everything I’ve prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for, I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it,” she said of the series. “And it’s exhausting.” Bates is most known for her Academy Award-winning role as Annie Wilkes in 1990’s Misery, about a violent hermit who kidnaps a famous novelist. Later on, she had arcs on television shows like Six Feet Under, The Office, Two and a Half Men and American Horror Story: Coven. She won Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for the latter two projects. She also starred in Netflix’s two-season-long 2017 sitcom Disjointed, which follows a medical dispensary’s owner. Her latest turns were in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Netflix’s A Family Affair, opposite Nicole Kidman. With an 18-episode order, Matlock is anything but restful. The remake of the late ’80s original (which starred Andy Griffith) follows a brilliant attorney’s return to a prestigious law firm after having achieved success in her younger years. It will also feature Jason Ritter, Skye P. Marshall and Beau Bridges. It hails from showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman. “It becomes my life,” Bates said of the all-consuming nature of acting. “Sometimes I get jealous of having this talent. Because I can’t hold it back, and I just want my life.” ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ Officially Ending With Season 5(9/5/24) The days of the 126 fighting fires around Austin are numbered, on our screens at least. 9-1-1: Lone Star will be ending with Season 5.The upcoming fifth season had been delayed from the 2023-2024 season to the 2024-2025 season due to the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes and will premiere on Monday, September 23. It has been rumored to be the show’s last since June, when it was also reported that Sierra McClain (dispatcher Grace) will not be returning. Now, it is official. The fifth season will be 12 episodes. “From the start, fans have followed the heroic and deeply moving stories of the men and women who make up Austin’s 126, so a huge thanks to one of the greatest creative teams in all of television — Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear — for creating one of the most action-packed dramas anywhere,” Fox TV Network President Michael Thorn told Deadline. “Now in our final season of the show, we’re set to give it the high-stakes send-off it deserves, complete with breathless rescues, insurmountable odds, and relatable personal struggles, thanks to our incomparable, stellar cast led by Rob Lowe and Gina Torres.” Season 5 will begin with a multi-episodic storyline, with Captain Owen Strand (Rob Lowe) and Tommy Vega (Gina Torres) and the rest of the 126 racing into action when a catastrophic train derailment endangers several lives, including some of their own. Following Judd (Jim Parrack) resigning from the 126 to care for his son Wyatt (Jackson Pace) following a bike accident that left him serious injured, Owen needs to find a new lieutenant. He has a difficult decision ahead when both Marjan (Natacha Karam) and Paul (Brian Michael Smith) apply for the promotion. Meanwhile, Tommy’s ready to take the next step in her relationship with Trevor (D.B. Woodside), but she finds the road to happiness is filled with obstacles. On his 30th birthday, T.K. (Ronen Rubinstein) gets a surprise visit from someone from his past that could change his and Carlos’ (Rafael Silva) lives forever. Plus, their marriage is put to the test when Carlos becomes obsessed with solving his father’s murder. 9-1-1: Lone Star premiered on Fox as a spinoff of 9-1-1 in 2020. There hasn’t been much crossover between the two, other than one episode on Lone Star that saw Aisha Hinds, Oliver Stark, and Ryan Guzman guest star, some mentions, and a couple characters. Then, 9-1-1 moved to ABC for its seventh season in the 2023-2024 season, making the possibility of another crossover less likely. 9-1-1: Lone Star, Fifth and Final Season Premiere, Monday, September 23, 8/7c, Fox Hayden Panettiere Joins ‘A Breed Apart’ As Survival Movie Based On Cult Wes Craven Film Rounds Out Cast(8/30/24) Hayden Panettiere will star in A Breed Apart. Known for playing Claire Bennet in Heroes, Kirby Reed in slasher franchise Scream and Juliette Barnes in Nashville, Panettiere will take an as yet unspecified role in the film, which uses Wes Craven’s cult 2006 picture The Breed as a jump-off point.In addition to Panettiere signing on, Deadline can also reveal the film has rounded out its ensemble cast. Joey Bragg, Troy Gentile, Riele Downs and Page Kennedy will all appear. They join the previously announced Virginia Gardner and Grace Caroline Currey, who were seen together in vertigo-inducing Grindstone/Lionsgate release Fall. Billed as a reimagining of Wes Craven-produced and Nicholas Mastandrea-directed The Breed, the upcoming movie is more accurately a sequel of sorts and is set after events of the first film. The new picture originally bore the same name, but the title has now been tweaked. The plot of A Breed Apart sees a pack of dogs escape during the making of a fictional The Breed 2 movie during filming on a remote island. Years later, a group of YouTubers are drawn to the island to try and find the canines in a project they hope goes viral and which is the brainchild of influencer Vince Venture, who is played by Bragg. The reality is that they face a fight for survival and each of the influencers must use their unique skills to stay alive. Brothers Griff and Nathan Furst are directing and producing the movie under their Curmudgeon Films banner. Daro Film Distribution is co-producing and financing. The film is set for a 2025 release. Next up for the two-time Golden Globe nominee Panettiere is Lionsgate thriller Amber Alert, which she toplines. She is repped by Mainstay Entertainment, Independent Artists Group, and Hansen, Jacbobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox. ‘Based on a True Story’: Melissa Fumero Joins Kaley Cuoco & Crew in Season 2 First Look(8/28/24) (Video Teaser) (Pic1, Pic2, Pic3, Pic4, Pic5, Pic6, Pic7) Peacock‘s outrageous serial killer comedy Based on a True Story is almost back with Season 2 as the streamer unveils a premiere date, teaser, and photos for the upcoming chapter.Starring Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina, Tom Bateman, Liana Liberato, and the latest addition, Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Melissa Fumero, Based on a True Story is officially set to premiere with eight all-new episodes on Thursday, November 21. As fans will recall, the series finds Ava (Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Messina) become entwined with serial killer Matt (Bateman) when they convince him to create a true crime podcast with them. Things become complicated when Ava’s sister Tory (Liberato) gets in the mix as she shows a liking to Matt. In Season 2, Ava and Nathan are three months into being new parents and are focused on caring for their family, with Ava putting aside her true crime obsession by returning to work as a real estate agent and Nathan taking on private tennis clients. But just as they’re getting their lives back on track, a string of new murders pulls Ava back in as she tries to uncover if serial killer Matt is behind them. She’s especially invested considering her sister Troy’s ties to Matt. But for a while things are good though as Ava makes a new friend in Drew (Fumero), providing her with a distraction as Nathan is eager to reignite his tennis career as well as his friendship with Matt. The good times can’t last forever though as danger comes knocking at their doors. In addition to the premiere date, and images, below, Peacock unveiled a fun teaser, which you can watch, above. Series showrunner, executive producer, and writer Annie Weisman noted in a statement, “I first discovered Based on a True Story as a fan of Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina, and I instantly loved the show’s addictive blend of dark humor, pulpy action, and relatable characters. In Season 2, we’ve built on those exciting themes while introducing propulsive new character dynamics and a forward-moving murder mystery.” Weisman complimented the cast as she added, “Kaley and Chris deliver exceptional performances, bringing depth, authenticity, and comedic chemistry to every moment. Tom Bateman’s portrayal of Matt effortlessly shifts between charming and chilling, while Liana Liberato embodies Tory’s feisty free spirit. And we’re thrilled to welcome Melissa Fumero to the series in a surprising new role. The entire cast excels at balancing humor and heart, creating a deeply funny, unpredictable, and resonant viewing experience. I can’t wait for you to join us on this wild ride.” See the exciting first-look photos and video, and stay tuned for more on Based on a True Story as we approach the Season 2 premiere. Based on a True Story, Season 2 Premiere, Thursday, November 21, Peacock. Baywatch Cast Reflects on Highs and Lows of the Show in Docuseries Preview: ‘There Really Was No Better Job’(8/26/24) (Video) The Baywatch cast is back and they're reflecting on their time on the iconic show.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.” After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun premieres Wednesday, August 28 on Hulu. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ ‘Purpose’ Heading To Broadway In 2025 With Phylicia Rashad Directing(8/14/24) The Steppenwolf Theatre Company production of Purpose, written by Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Appropriate, The Comeuppance), and directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad (Skeleton Crew, A Raisin in the Sun), is heading to Broadway in spring 2025. The production marks Rashad’s Broadway directing debut.Previews will begin on February 25, 2025 at The Helen Hayes Theater and the show will officially open in mid-March. Casting will be announced in the coming months. The official synopsis: “For decades, the influential Jasper family has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, pastors and congressmen. But like all families, there are cracks and secrets just under the surface. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home to Illinois with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith and the legacies of Black radicalism.” Purpose was commissioned by and had its World Premiere on March 14, 2024 at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The production sold out its initial engagement and extension weeks, becoming one of the highest-grossing shows in Steppenwolf’s nearly 50-year history. Purpose is produced by David Stone, Debra Martin Chase, Marc Platt, LaChanze, Rashad Chambers, Aaron Glick, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Scenic design is by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Dede M. Ayite, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen. Casting is by JC Clementz, CSA and Calleri Jensen Davis. Baywatch Docu Trailer Teases Lifeguard Drama’s Highs and Lows: ‘Everybody Was Disposable’(8/13/24) (Video) ABC News Studio has released a trailer for After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, a four-part docuseries that hits Hulu on Wednesday, Aug. 28, and promises “a nostalgic and insightful exploration of the cultural phenomenon that defined an era.”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. ‘The Terror: Devil In Silver’ Adds Judith Light, CCH Pounder, Aasif Mandvi, Stephen Root, Marin Ireland & More To Cast(7/23/24) Judith Light (Before, Out of My Mind), CCH Pounder (Rustin, NCIS: New Orleans), Aasif Mandvi (Evil, This Way Up), John Benjamin Hickey (The Big C, Lilly), Stephen Root (Barry, Heads of State), Michael Aronov (The Americans, Operation Finale) and Marin Ireland (Sneaky Pete, Glass Chin) are among a dozen actors joining star/executive producer Dan Stevens in the third installment of AMC Networks’ The Terror horror anthology, Devil in Silver.The rest of the new principal cast additions are Chinaza Uche (Silo, A Good Person), Hampton Fluker (Shades of Blue, Instant Family), b (WeCrashed, You), Hayward Leach (Tom Swift, Love Life) and Philip Ettinger (First Reformed, I Know This Much Is True). Written by Chris Cantwell (Halt and Catch Fire) and author Victor LaValle, on whose novel the season is based, The Terror: Devil in Silver tells the story of Pepper (Stevens), a working-class moving man who, through a combination of bad luck and a bad temper, finds himself wrongfully committed to New Hyde Psychiatric Hospital – an institution filled with the people society would rather forget. There, he must contend with patients who work against him, doctors who harbor grim secrets, and perhaps even the very Devil himself. As Pepper navigates a hellscape where nothing is as it seems, he finds that the only path to freedom is to face down the entity which thrives on the suffering within New Hyde’s walls – but doing so may prove that the worst demons of all live inside him. The Terror: Devil In Silver is an AMC Studios Production. Filming of the six-episode limited series for AMC/AMC+ is currently underway in New York / New Jersey for a 2025 premiere. Cantwell, LaValle executive produce the six-episode The Terror: Devil in Silver with Ridley Scott and David W. Zucker for Scott Free Productions, Alexandra Milchan and Scott Lambert for Emjag Productions, Guymon Casady (Entertainment 360), Stevens and Brooke Kennedy. Karyn Kusama also executive produces and will direct the first two episodes. The new installment will premiere on AMC and AMC+ in 2025. NBC Picks Up ‘Suits: L.A.’ & ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’ To Series(7/19/24) (Pic1, Pic2) NBC has picked up its two outstanding pilots to series: the hourlong Suits: L.A., starring Stephen Amell, and Grosse Pointe Garden Society. However, it has not been determined whether either of them will premiere during the 2024-25 season.NBC already has four new series set for next season: dramas Brilliant Minds and The Hunting Party — which, like Grosse Pointe Garden Society, originated as a writers room commission in February 2023 — as well as comedies St. Denis Medical and the Reba McEntire-led Happy’s Place. Along with the pickups, NBC has released first-look images for Suits: L.A. and Grosse Pointe Garden Society. As Deadline reported last month, both pilots had come in solid and were looking good for an order. With a globally recognizable title thanks to Suits‘ recent Netflix success, offshoot Suits: L.A. had been considered a strong proposition from the moment it was announced. It comes from Suits creator Aaron Korsh, has a proven TV star in Stephen Amell and is said to carry the original series’ signature wit. Grosse Pointe Garden Society also comes from established creators — Good Girls‘ Jenna Bans and Bill Krebs. In a sign of confidence, the project’s producer, NBC sibling Universal Television, recently signed new multi-year deals with both. Suits: L.A. is not a reboot or revival of the original USA series but more like a new chapter, in the vein of the CSI and NCIS franchises featuring new characters in a new location. The series is centered on Ted Black (Amell), a former federal prosecutor from New York who has reinvented himself by representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. His firm is at a crisis point, and to survive he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to both him and each other while they can’t help but mix their personal and professional lives. All of this is happening while events from years ago slowly unravel, leading Ted to leave behind everything and everyone he loved. In addition to Amell, the pilot’s cast also includes Bryan Greenberg, Josh McDermitt, Lex Scott Davis and Troy Winbush. John Amos, Victoria Justice and Kevin Weisman guest star. Korsh executive produces alongside David Bartis and Doug Liman under their Hypnotic production banner and Gene Klein, who were EPs with him on the original series. Victoria Mahoney directed and executive produced the pilot. UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio. Grosse Pointe Garden Society follows four members of a suburban garden club — Birdie (Melissa Fumero), Alice (AnnaSophia Robb), Brett (Ben Rappaport) and Catherine (Aja Naomi King) — all from different walks of life, who get caught up in murder and mischief as they struggle to make their conventional lives bloom. The NBC drama pilot hails from Jenna Bans, Bill Krebs and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. Maggie Kiley directed and executive produces with Bans via her Minnesota Logging Co., Krebs and Casey Kyber. Grosse Pointe Garden Society pilot’s series also stars Matthew Davis, Alexander Hodge, Nancy Travis and Felix Avitia. Sherri Saum Signs With Paradigm(7/19/24) Saum is best known for her role as Lena Adams Foster in Freeform’s The Fosters and spinoff, Good Trouble. Her other credits include the role of Bess in Season 2 of HBO’s In Treatment, as well as recurring roles in FX’s Rescue Me, the original Gossip Girl, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the CW’s Roswell, New Mexico, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, and opposite Jessica Biel in Peacock limited series Limetown.Saum recently starred as Ellie Whedon in Netflix’s Locke & Key. She recurred opposite Clifford ‘Method Man’ Smith, Jr. in Starz’s Power spinoff, Power Book II: Ghost as well as in Peacock’s sci-fi drama, Mrs Davis, and most recently in Netflix’s Dead Boy Detectives, which premiered on April 25. Saum also has a passion for directing. She made her television episodic helming debut with the January 9 episode of Good Trouble, titled “With a Little Help From My Friends”. Saum continues to be repped by Generational Entertainment. Brad Furman’s ‘People Not Places’ Adds Seven To Cast(7/19/24) Director Brad Furman has rounded out the cast for his indie drama People Not Places, scripted by his mother Ellen Brown Furman, with seven additions. They are Mercedes Ruehl (The Fisher King), Yul Vazquez (The Lost Bus), Laurence Mason (Tin Soldier), Obba Babatundé (S.W.A.T.), Joey Bicicchi (Tin Soldier), Colleen Camp (Amsterdam) and Olivia Jude.As previously announced, Shirley MacLaine, Stephen Dorff, Julia Mayorga and Allegra Leguizamo also star. People Not Places watches as Clare (MacLaine), an elderly widow living in Atlantic City, meets an erratic homeless man (Dorff) who sleeps in cars. Their shared loneliness causes them to bond, as they find the courage to face his regrettable past and her shortened future. Furman and Jess Fuerst (Tin Soldier, City of Lies) are producing the film under their Road Less Traveled Productions banner. Jim Seibel (Nyad, The Grey) and Kyle David Crosby (Mending the Line, Bring On the Dancing Horses) are also producing. Best known for her Oscar-winning performance in The Fisher King, Ruehl has also been seen in films like Hustlers, Last Action Hero and Big, among many others. She’s also been seen on series like New Amsterdam, Bull and Power, to name just a few. Currently starring on MGM+’s Hotel Cocaine, Vazquez will next be seen in the Paul Greengrass film The Lost Bus for Apple TV+. Other recent credits include Parish, White House Plumbers, Godfather of Harlem, Promised Land, and Severance. Part of the cast of Furman’s upcoming action thriller Tin Soldier, Mason’s past feature credits include Furman’s City of Lies and The Lincoln Lawyer, Ali, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Hackers, The Crow and True Romance, among others. He’s also been seen on shows like Prison Break and The Shield. Currently starring on CBS’s S.W.A.T., Babatundé also been seen on Dear White People, I’m Dying Up Here and other series. Feature credits include City of Lies, The Manchurian Candidate, The Notebook, That Thing You Do! and Philadelphia. Also part of the cast of Tin Soldier, Bicicchi has been seen in indies like Rudderless and series like Apple TV+’s Black Bird. Camp has appeared in numerous classic films, including Apocalypse Now, Valley Girl, Clue, the Police Academy series, Wayne’s World, Election and more. Recently, she’s been seen in titles like Father Stu and Amsterdam from David O. Russell, who previously cast her in his films Joy and American Hustle. Ruehl is represented by Sue Leibman/Barking Dog Entertainment and Peikoff Mahan Law Office; Vazquez by Gersh and Untitled Entertainment; Mason by Vanguard Management Group; Babatundé by Artists & Representatives; Bicicchi by HG5 Entertainment; and Camp by Gersh. ‘As the World Turns’ Star Elizabeth Hubbard’s Connecticut Home Has Hit the Market for $1.45 Million(7/13/24) (Photo) Elizabeth Hubbard spent 26 years on the hit soap opera “As the World Turns,” and spent 20 of those years at her home in Roxbury, Connecticut, which has now hit the market for the first time in decades asking $1.45 million.Built in 1969, the Emmy award-winning actress purchased the home in 1990 and lived there until her death in April 2023 at the age of 89. After she passed, the home was left to her son, Jeremy Bennett, who has decided to sell it. Bennett is fond of house as he spent a lot of time with his mother there, but now feels it’s time to sell, said listing agent Jill Sloane of Brown Harris Stevens. Bennett was not available for comment. Sitting on 2.1 acres, the 4,572 square-foot home includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a sauna, a large deck, an infinity pool, a large recreational room with access to the pool and a detached two-car garage. The home was listed on Monday. Hubbard was a big gardener. The landscape of the property includes Hubbard’s beloved gardens which were featured in Litchfield County garden tours, according to Sloane. The property also includes a studio designed by Haver and Skolnick Architects in 2005 that works as a multifunctional space to host, practice yoga or pilates or turn into a craft or art space. The studio was previously a detached two-car garage, which they transformed, adding a new two-car garage onto the property in 2005. Hubbard carried out a number of other renovations. She added the sauna, the entire lower level, added a custom fireplace and more, according to Sloane. All of those renovations are still intact. “The living room has a fireplace that was custom made by Elizabeth MacDonald, a local Connecticut artist,” Sloane said. “When you walk in it’s like an art piece.” In the gourmet kitchen, the floor tiles were imported from Spain. “They are definitely a little different, very funky and cool,” said Sloane. Adding a lot of character to the home, custom bookshelves line the living room walls and the staircase leading to the lower level. The primary bathroom includes green and white tiled floors, a soaking tub and multiple windows overlooking the greenery outdoors. The home is located in central Roxbury and within walking distance to the center of town, including the bank, post office, market, library, hiking trails and tennis courts, according to Brown Harris Stevens. Born in New York City, Hubbard starred on the hit Soap Opera “As the World Turns,” in 1984 until the show’s last episode on September 17, 2010. Hubbard is also known for her work on the NBC show “The Doctors,” movies such as “I Never Sang for My Father,” and appeared in multiple Broadway shows.> Jonathan Groff Eyes Broadway Return In Musical About ‘Mack The Knife’ Singer Bobby Darin(7/12/24) Tony-winner Jonathan Groff is set to star in a staged reading next month of a new musical about Bobby Darin, the 1950s-’60s-era singer who scored hits with “Mack the Knife,” “Dream Lover” and “Beyond The Sea,” Deadline has confirmed.With an eye toward Broadway, Groff will perform the industry reading of Just In Time in New York next month. Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!, Beetlejuice) will direct the reading, as he did in 2018 when he teamed with Groff on an early concert version of the musical at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. The musical takes its name from the Jule Styne-Adolph Green-Betty Comden song “Just In Time,” which Darin, among many others, recorded. Attached to produce for an eventual Broadway run are Tom Kirdahy and Robert Ahrens. The reading in New York will be staged under the auspices of the Arlington, Virginia, non-profit regional theater Signature Theatre. A timeframe on a Broadway run has not been disclosed, nor has additional casting. Singer-songwriter Darin had his big breakthrough in 1958 with the rock & roll novelty song “Splish Splash,” soon followed by “Dream Lover” and, with a slight pivot from teenybopper pop to Sinatra-style crooning, “Mack The Knife” and “Beyond The Sea.” (The latter song served as the title of a 2004 biopic starring Kevin Spacey). Darin next segued to a folksy phase, scoring a 1966 hit with the Tim Hardin-penned “If I Were A Carpenter.” Darin’s personal life often made headlines: He dated singer Connie Francis, and the first of his two marriages was to the actress Sandra Dee. In early 1973, Darin hosted the single-season NBC variety show The Bobby Darin Show. He died in December of that year at the age of 37 after a lifetime of ill health: a childhood bout with rheumatic fever left him with a weakened heart. Just last month, Groff won a Tony Award for his lead performance, opposite Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez, in the smash hit revival of Merrily We Roll Along. News of the Bobby Darin project was first reported today by Philip Boroff’s Broadway Journal newsletter. Soap Opera Icon Jackie Zeman to Be Memorialized by Former ‘General Hospital’ Co-Stars in Special Episode of ‘The Bay’(7/11/24) Soap opera fans will have an opportunity to say one last goodbye to “General Hospital” star Jackie Zeman when, come September, Popstar!’s “The Bay” pays homage to the beloved daytime veteran in a special episode dedicated to her. Zeman also co-starred on “The Bay” — which streams on Peacock — playing Sofia Madison.“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. ‘Three Women’ Trailer: Betty Gilpin, Shailene Woodley & DeWanda Wise Star In Starz Limited Series That Explores Female Desire(7/11/24) (Video) Starz has unveiled the official trailer for Three Women, its upcoming limited series starring Betty Gilpin, Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Blair Underwood (One Life To Live), based on Lisa Taddeo’s bestselling book of the same name.The titular series that “explores female desire” finds the three women on a crash course to radically overturn their lives. Lina (Gilpin), a homemaker in suburban Indiana, is a decade into a passionless marriage when she embarks on an affair that quickly becomes all-consuming and transforms her life. Sloane (Wise), a glamorous entrepreneur in the Northeast, has a committed open marriage with Richard (Underwood), until two sexy new strangers threaten their aspirational love story. Maggie (Gabrielle Creevy), a student in North Dakota, weathers an intense storm after accusing her married English teacher (Jason Ralph) of an inappropriate relationship. Gia (Woodley), a writer grieving the loss of her family, persuades each of these three spectacular “ordinary” women to tell her their stories, and her relationships with them change the course of her life forever. “These three women had the audacity to believe they deserved more,” says Woodley’s Gia in a voiceover. She then takes off on a solo driving trip across the country and back where she discovers what she didn’t know what she was looking for – “these three women.” “More than I wanted to tell their stories I wanted to hear them myself,” she says. Laura Eason (The Loudest Voice, House of Cards) is the series showrunner, and Taddeo (upcoming Animal) serves as creator and executive producer. Kathy Ciric and Emmy Rossum also serve as executive producers. Three Women premieres Friday, September 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on linear and at midnight on the Starz app. The Perfect Couple Trailer: Nicole Kidman Hosts a Deadly Wedding Weekend and Everyone’s a Suspect — Get Release Date(7/11/24) (Video) There are plenty of things that could ruin a beautiful Nantucket wedding weekend. A dead body washing up on the shore? That probably tops the list.Based on the book by Elin Hilderbrand, the six-episode Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple (which releases Thursday, Sept. 5) follows Amelia Sacks (Bad Sisters’ Eve Hewson), a woman who’s about to marry into one of the wealthiest families on Nantucket. “Her disapproving future mother-in-law, famous novelist Greer Garrison Winbury (Nicole Kidman), has spared no expense in planning what promises to be the premiere wedding of the season — until a body turns up on the beach,” reads the official description. “As secrets come to light, the stage is set for a real-life investigation that feels plucked from the pages of one of Greer’s novels. Suddenly, everyone is a suspect.” In the trailer embedded above, Amelia gets her first taste of the family’s sinister nature, as a fellow in-law warms her to “stay on the periphery, where it’s safe.” We also see her questioning an NDA, as someone describes her family-to-be as “kill-someone-and-get-away-with-it rich.” The six-episode limited series also stars Dakota Fanning (The First Lady), Billy Howle (Chloe), Jack Reynor (The Peripheral), Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus), Michael Beach (Truth Be Told), Donna Lynne Champlin (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) and Isabelle Adjani (Possession). Susanne Bier (The Undoing) directs and executive-produces. Additional EPs include Kidman, Shawn Levy and Gail Berman. Watch the trailer for The Perfect Couple above. Modern Little Women Christmas Movie Set at GAF — Jen Lilley, Trevor Donovan, Gladys Knight Among Cast(7/10/24) A Little Women’s Christmas will air on the Great American Family channel this holiday season, it was announced on Wednesday morning.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.” Indie Western ‘Broken Trail’ Announces Cast(7/8/24) Rumer Willis (Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood), Gbenga Akkinagbe (Rob Peace), Jeff Fahey (Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1/One Life To Live) and Graham Greene (Echo) are in production in Arkansas on Broken Trail, a new Western from director Johnny Remo and his Skipstone Pictures.Written by Remo and longtime collaborator Daniel Backman, the film set in 1875 watches as the life of Katherine (Willis) is shattered when her beloved husband falls victim to a murder orchestrated by the nefarious Colonel Davis (Fahey). Alone and overwhelmed, Katherine’s path crosses with John Scobell (Akinnagbe), a Black man with a troubled past as a former Pinkerton Agent. Despite initial reluctance, John is drawn to Katherine’s determination and the injustice of Caleb’s death. Together, they form an unlikely alliance fueled by a shared desire for retribution. Others in the ensemble include Eric Nelsen (All My Children/The Bay, James Landry Hebert, Jeremy Sumpter and Connor Eterson. Remo is also serving as the film’s producer. Said Remo in a statement to Deadline, “We are beyond excited to start shooting ‘Broken Trail’ and bring this powerful story to the screen. Working with such a talented cast and dedicated crew is truly an honor, and we can’t wait for audiences to see the result of our collective passion and hard work.” Recently seen in films like Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, My Divorce Party and Maya, Willis has also been seen on television on Fox’s Empire. Akinnagbe is coming off of roles in Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Rob Peace, Phillip Noyce’s Fast Charlie, Power Book II: Ghost, and the latest season of Nat Geo’s Genius. Known for starring on ABC’s Lost, Fahey can currently be seen in Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1. Most recently seen on shows like Echo and Reservation Dogs, Greene also boasts film credits like The Green Mile and Wind River. Through SkipStone Pictures, Remo has produced films including Hellfire with Harvey Keitel and Stephen Lang, The Tower with Bella Thorne and Jack Kilmer, The Chariot with John Malkovich, Rosa Salazar and Thomas Mann, Monstrous starring Christina Ricci, The Old Way starring Nicolas Cage, and God’s Country Song with Justin Gaston and Mariel Hemingway, among others. As a director, his credits include indies like God’s Country Song and Saved by Grace. Willis is repped by Buchwald, Untitled Entertainment, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer; Akinnagbe by IAG, Untitled, and Granderson Des Rochers; Fahey by Jeff Goldberg Management; and Greene by Jordan & Associates and Greene Talent. OLTL / Days Alum Farah Fath's New Docuseries(7/4/24) (Watch episode 1 here) What does it take to stay at the top of the poker world while navigating family life and personal hardships? Phil and Farah Galfond offer a rare behind-the-scenes look into the lives of poker’s power couple in their new poker docuseries.In the first episode of their poker documentary series, personal friends of the Galfonds and professional poker players explain the origin story of Phil Galfond, also known as 'OMGClayAiken''. Through interviews with family, friends, and Phil himself, this documentary provides clarity on a variety of questions like (but not limited to); how Phil Galfond started playing poker professionally, the origin of the companies Run it Once Poker and Run it Once Training, where the Galfond Challenge came from as well as how it affected him personally, and even how Phil and Farah Galfond met. In weekly episodes, people who know Phil personally like Andrew Robl, Jason Koon, Brian Rast, Matt Berkey, Nick Schulman, Maria Ho, Elliot Roe, Farah Galfond, David Tuchman, Joe Stapleton, Dan Quinn, Jason Senti, Joni Jouhkimainen, and Landon Tice share insights and highlights from their time spent with and around Phil through the years. Whether it’s the reality of playing poker at the highest level against the best poker players in the world, operating a poker training / poker coaching site and an online poker site, or facing tough personal loss and finding the ability to triumph, this docuseries aims to highlight the emotional rollercoaster you may be faced within a non-traditional career path like playing professional poker. In every poker related video on this channel, Phil Galfond is here to teach you how to think like a professional poker player. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a new or beginner poker player (or even a full time poker coach!) Do you need the best Texas Hold ‘em poker strategy and top tier Pot Limit Omaha tips? Do you have a high stakes poker story question that you’d like to hear from the POV of a poker professional who was THERE? Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy & Milly Alcock To Topline Netflix Limited Series ‘Sirens’ From ‘Maid’s Molly Smith Metzler, LuckyChap(7/1/24) Julianne Moore (May December), Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus) and Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) have been set to topline Netflix‘s Sirens, a female-driven, dark comedy limited series created by Emmy-nominated writer and showrunner Molly Smith Metzler (Maid) and executive produced by LuckyChap.An adaptation of Metzler’s play Elemeno Pea, which she wrote at The Juilliard School, the show centers on Devon, who thinks her sister Simone has a really creepy relationship with her new boss, the enigmatic socialite Michaela Kell. Michaela’s cult-ish life of luxury is like a drug to Simone, and Devon has decided it’s time for an intervention. When Devon tracks her sister down to say WTF, she has no idea what a formidable opponent Michaela will be. Told over the course of one explosive weekend at The Kells’ lavish beach estate, the show is billed as an incisive, sexy, and darkly funny exploration of women, power, and class. Fahy plays Devon DeWitt, who is on a downward spiral back in her hometown. She is funny, resilient, and fiercely protective — especially of her younger sister Simone, played by Alcock. Sharp and charming, Simone has hit the jackpot working as a personal assistant to a billionaire. Moore plays Michaela Kell, a philanthropist and animal activist who runs island high society and is the wife to billionaire Peter Kell. Her relationship with her assistant, Simone, seems too close for comfort. In addition to showrunning and writing, Metzler will exec produce for Quiet Coyote, alongside Dani Gorin, Tom Ackerley, and Margot Robbie for LuckyChap. Emmy nominee Nicole Kassell (Watchmen) will direct the first two episodes, also serving as EP. Sirens marks the first series out of Metzler’s creative partnership with Netflix, announced in 2022, and comes on the heels of the Margaret Qualley-led limited series Maid, her first, highly acclaimed project with the streamer, which landed her Emmy, Humanitas Prize and USC Scripter Award nominations. An Oscar winner recently seen in Todd Haynes’ acclaimed Netflix pic May December and Starz’s Mary & George, Moore will next be seen in Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language feature, The Room Next Door; Apple’s thriller Echo Valley with Sydney Sweeney and Domhnall Gleeson; and the action thriller Control opposite James McAvoy. Known for her Emmy-nominated turn as Daphne in The White Lotus Season 2, and for her starring role as Sutton Brady on Freeform’s The Bold Type, Fahy is part of the cast of Vertical’s forthcoming genre-bender Your Monster, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Other upcoming projects include Netflix’s starry murder mystery limited series The Perfect Couple, on which we were first to report; Christopher Landon’s thriller Drop for Blumhouse and Platinum Dunes; and Jonn Gunn’s The Unbreakable Boy. An Australian actress who broke out with her role as a young Rhaenyra Targaryen on HBO’s House of the Dragon, Alcock was recently set for an even more coveted role, as she’s been tapped by DC to lead Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Previously, Metzler also served as a writer and co-EP on Showtime’s Shameless. Additional writing credits include Hulu’s Casual and Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black. Moore is represented by WME, Entertainment 360, and Edelstein, Laird & Sobel; Fahy by WME, Anonymous Content, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Alcock by CAA, Curtis Brown Group, Entertainment 360, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman; and Metzler by CAA, Grandview, and McKuin Frankel Whitehead. ‘Harley Quinn’ Spinoff ‘Kite Man: Hell Yeah!’ Gets Premiere Date On Max(7/1/24) Max has set a Thursday, July 18 premiere date for its new adult animated series Kite Man: Hell Yeah!, a spinoff of Harley Quinn. The series debuts with two episodes on July 18, followed by one new episode weekly through September 12.In the series, based on the characters from DC, Kite Man and Golden Glider take their relationship to the next level by opening a bar in the shadow of Lex Luthor’s Legion of Doom. Nobody said serving cold ones to the most dangerous rogues outside of Arkham Asylum would be easy, but sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and how to hide a body. Voice cast includes Matt Oberg as Kite Man, Stephanie Hsu as Golden Glider, James Adomian as Bane, Natasia Demetriou as Malice, Janelle James as Queen of Fables, Jonathan Banks as Noonan, Keith David as Darkseid, Michael Imperioli as Joe/Moe Dubelz, Rory Scovel as Gus the Goon, Lance Reddick as Lex Luthor, and Judith Light as Helen Villigan. Dean Lorey, Justin Halpern, Patrick Shumacker, Kaley Cuoco, and Sam Register serve as executive producers. Delicious Non-Sequitur, Lorey Stories, and Yes, Norman Productions produce in association with Warner Bros. Animation. Lorraine Toussaint Joins Jessica Biel & Elizabeth Banks In Prime Video’s ‘The Better Sister’(6/28/24) The Equalizer‘s Lorraine Toussaint is set as a series regular opposite Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks in Prime Video‘s thriller series The Better Sister, based on the novel by Alafair Burke.Hailing from Tomorrow Studios, which will co-produce with Amazon MGM Studios, The Better Sister meditates on the terrible things that drive sisters apart and ultimately bring them back together. Biel leads the cast as Chloe, who moves through the world with her handsome lawyer husband Adam and teenage son Ethan by her side while her estranged sister Nicky (Banks) struggles to stay clean and hustles to make ends meet. When Adam is brutally murdered, the prime suspect sends shockwaves through the family, laying bare long-buried secrets. Toussaint will play Catherine Lancaster. Grand dame of publishing, New York City queen-maker, Chloe’s (Biel) mentor and boss, Catherine is always thinking about the long-game. Corey Stoll, Bobby Naderi, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Kim Dickens, Gabriel Sloyer, Matthew Modine, and Gloria Reuben also star. Olivia Milch (Ocean’s 8), who wrote the pilot, and Regina Corrado (Mayor of Kingstown) serve as executive producers and showrunners. Craig Gillespie (Pam & Tommy) will direct the series and exec produce alongside Annie Marter through Fortunate Jack Productions. In addition to Milch and Corrado, EPs include Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, and Alissa Bachner through Tomorrow Studios (One Piece), a partnership with ITV Studios, as well as Banks, Biel and Michelle Purple. Author Burke is set as a consultant. Toussaint also currently co-stars opposite Queen Latifah in CBS’ The Equalizer, which is heading into its fifth season. Due to an unprecedented agreement between Amazon, ITV and CBS, Toussaint is able to take on the series regular role in The Better Sister. Her other credits include Selma, Fast Color, The Middle Of Nowhere and Orange Is The New Black. She most recently voiced Queen Valerin in animated feature Nimona, and also voiced roles in Big City Greens, She Ra and the upcoming Disney Channel series StuGo. She’s repped by Frontline Management, The Artists Partnership, and Myman, Greenspan et al.) ‘The Family Business’ Season 5 Sets Debut Date, Launches First Trailer(6/27/24) (Video) BET+ has set the return of Carl Weber’s The Family Business, starring Ernie Hudson. The series premieres on Thursday, July 4 on BET+ with two episodes, followed by a new episode every Thursday throughout the ten-episode season.The finale arrives on August 29. The series follows the Duncans, whose family ties that bind them have reached the breaking point as they face secrets from the past that threaten everything they’ve built. But this time, their enemies are coming from the inside of the family, and they have no one to blame but themselves. Season 5 returns to a civil war between LC Duncan (Hudson) and clan and their biggest enemy to date—one of his own sons. Executive producers are Carl Weber, N.D. Brown, Ernie Hudson, and Trey Haley. Producers include Jeffrey Dumpson, Walter Nixon, Sean Ringgold, Abe Brown, Greg Anderson, and Veronica Nichols. Director is Trey Haley. ‘General Hospital’: Michael Easton Set To Depart ABC Sudser(6/26/24) One door opens and another closes: a day after General Hospital thrilled fans by announcing that Jonathan Jackson is returning to the ABC sudser, Michael Easton has announced that he’s moving out of Port Charles.The veteran soap star said his last day is June 27. “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. Scott Evans Boards Mindy Kaling’s Basketball Series ‘Running Point’(6/24/24) Scott Evans (Barbie) has joined the cast of Netflix‘s Mindy Kaling basketball series Running Point in a recurring role. He plays Charlie, Sandy Gordon’s (Drew Tarver) boyfriend whom he has been keeping secret from the rest of the family.In Running Point, when a scandal forces her brother to resign, Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) is appointed President of the Los Angeles Waves, one of the most storied professional basketball franchises, and her family business. Ambitious and often overlooked, Isla will have to prove to her skeptical brothers (Tarver and Scott MacArthur), the board, and the larger sports community that she is the right choice for the job, especially in the unpredictable, male-dominated world of sports. The cast also includes Jay Ellis, Brenda Song, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Max Greenfield, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada and Dane DiLiegro. The 10-episode series is produced by Mindy Kaling’s Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television where she is under an overall deal. Kaling co-writes and executive produces alongside fellow The Mindy Project alums Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen, who serves as showrunner. James Ponsoldt directs the first two episodes. Hudson, The Lakers’ President and Governor Jeanie Buss and the team’s Linda Rambis executive produce alongside 3 Arts’ Howard Klein, Kaling, Barinholtz and Stassen. The Lakers’ Jordan Rambis is a producer. Evans’ previous work includes Netflix’s Grace and Frankie and the two features Barbie and Almost Love. He’s represented by the management team Justice & Ponder. Trevor St. John Leaving ‘The Young And The Restless’(6/18/24) Trevor St. John, who joined The Young and the Restless in 2022, has revealed that his time in Genoa City has come to an end.In a series of posts on X, the actor who took over the role of Tucker McCall explained to fans that it was his turn to give up the role on the CBS sudser. “As you well know, Tuckers come and Tuckers go, and so the cycle continues… this Tucker is in his go phase…” he began the X thread. “I thank each and every member of the wonderful cast, the crew, the directors, the producers and production staff, and CBS/Sony for the great experience from day one to the last. I feel so fortunate to have played such a terrific role.” Before joining Y&R, St. John was best known for his 10-year run as Todd Manning/Victor Lord, Jr. on ABC’s One Life to Live. He was most recently seen on ABC’s Promised Land and his past credits include a series regular role on Roswell, New Mexico and Patrick Wang’s critically acclaimed independent drama films, In the Family and The Grief of Others. ‘The Gilded Age’ Adds Phylicia Rashad, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jordan Donica & Victoria Clark To Season 3(6/17/24) The Gilded Age will expand its fortunes in season 3 by adding four new characters.Phylicia Rashad (The Beekeeper) will recur on the HBO drama as Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland, a woman from a prominent family in Newport with ties dating back to the American Revolution. She has high standards and is unwilling to compromise the standards and expectations of her elite and exclusive social group – particularly when it comes to her son. Rashad is repped by BKEntertainment and Innovative Artists. Brian Stokes Mitchell (tick, tick…BOOM!) will guest star as Frederick Kirkland, the patriarch of the Kirkland family and husband to Eilzabeth Kirkland. He is the pastor of a prominent Black church and a leader in the Newport community. Mitchell is repped by Paradigm. Jordan Donica will recur as Dr. William Kirkland, a kind and handsome doctor from the prominent Kirkland family who isn’t as narrow-minded as the older members of his elite social circle. He was inspired to help others by becoming a doctor after visiting Arthur Scott’s (John Douglas Thompson) pharmacy as a boy. Donica is repped by Bold Management & Production; Independent Artists Group, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein. Victoria Clark (The Blacklist) will guest star as Joan Carlton, a kind and genial woman from the old money side of New York high society. Sincere and supportive of her son, she is surprised to find herself in a complicated and insulting situation. Clark is repped by Innovative Artists and Untitled Entertainment. Here’s the official logline for season 3: The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic and social change, when huge fortunes were made and lost overnight. With the old guard officially deposed, New York society finds itself turned upside down, and all must get their house in order. But even those at the helm of this new era may find that change comes at a cost. Julian Fellowes is the creator, writer, and EP on The Gilded Age. Other EPs are Sonja Warfield, Gareth Neame, David Crockett (who also directs), Michael Engler (director), Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Bob Greenblatt. Erica Dunbar is the historical consultant and a co-executive Producer. Casting directors are Bernie Telsey and Adam Caldwell from the Telsey office. The Gilded Age is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. Bella Thorne & Ryan Phillippe Thriller ‘Saint Clare’ To Open Taormina Film Festival(6/17/24) Saint Clare starring Bella Thorne and Ryan Phillippe will open Italy’s Taormina Film Festival.The film is described as a “thriller” and is based on Don Roff’s novel Clare at Sixteen. Set in a small town, the story follows a solitary young woman who is haunted by voices that lead her to assassinate ill-intended people and get away with it until her last kill sucks her down a rabbit hole riddled with corruption, trafficking, and visions from the beyond. The film is directed by Italian film director and screenwriter Mitzi Peirone (Braid), who also co-wrote the script with Guinevere Turner (American Psycho). Thorne (Divinity) stars in the titular role with Ryan Philippe (Crash) and Rebecca DeMornay (Wedding Crashers) supporting. The pic was produced by David Chackler, Arielle Elwes, and Joel Michaely. The original soundtrack is by Zola Jesus. “We couldn’t have dreamed of a better debut for our oneiric film than the gorgeously historic Taormina,” said Peirone. “We are elated and humbled, especially for a picture that delves into spiritual beauty, female sainthood, and fate, there is no better home in the world than Sicily.” Bella Thorne returns to Taormina after guest curating a gala evening at last year’s festival. This year’s event will also host a screening of Lee Isaac Chung‘s Twisters sequel. Twisters is billed as “a sweeping current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster.” The film stars Golden Globe nominee Daisy Edgar-Jones (Where the Crawdads Sing, Normal People) as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser, and Glen Powell (Anyone but You, Top Gun: Maverick) who plays Tyler Owens, a charming and reckless social media superstar. The synopsis reads: Two opposing forces, come together to try to predict, and possibly tame, the immense power of tornadoes. Taormina runs from July 12 to July 19. Black Reel TV Awards Unveils 2024 Nominees(6/13/24) Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy SeriesQuinta Brunson | Abbott Elementary – ABC Michelle Buteau | Survival of the Thickest – Netflix Ayo Edebiri | The Bear – FX on HULU Renee Elise Goldsberry | Girls5Eva – Netflix Jharrel Jerome | I’m a Virgo – Amazon Prime Video Diarra Kilpatrick | Diarra from Detroit – BET+ Anthony Mackie | Twisted Metal – Peacock Maya Rudolph | Loot – Apple TV+ Jaz Sinclair | Gen V – Amazon Prime Video Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams | The Ms. Pat Show – BET+ Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy Series Outstanding Guest Performance in a Drama Series STARS FROM STAGE, SCREEN AND SPORTS SET TO PRESENT AT “THE 77TH ANNUAL TONY AWARDS®,” AIRING LIVE SUNDAY, JUNE 16, ON CBS(6/12/24) Some of the biggest stars from stage, screen and sports are set to present at THE 77TH ANNUAL TONY AWARDS® on Sunday, June 16 (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs)*.Airing live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, the talented lineup of stars includes Utkarsh Ambudkar, Nate Burleson, Cynthia Erivo, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Josh Gad, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Sean Hayes, Taraji P. Henson, Julianne Hough, Jennifer Hudson, Angelina Jolie, Nick Jonas, Idina Menzel, Ashley Park, Jim Parsons, Wendell Pierce, Ben Platt, Anthony Ramos, Andrew Rannells, Solomon Thomas, Taylor Tomlinson, Pete Townshend, Tamara Tunie, Adrienne Warren, Patrick Wilson and Jeffrey Wright. Additionally, the cast of “Stereophonic” has been added to the list of star-studded performances, joining previously announced performances from “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Illinoise,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Suffs,” “The Outsiders,” “The Who’s Tommy” and “Water for Elephants.” The 77th celebration will recognize and honor the incredible artistry of the 2023-2024 season. The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards, which honor theater professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, are presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing and have been broadcast on CBS since 1978. They are produced in collaboration with Tony Award Productions and White Cherry Entertainment. Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss are showrunners and executive producers for White Cherry Entertainment, and Weiss will serve as director. Jack Sussman is also an executive producer. Television Critics Association Awards Nominations(6/10/24) Winners will be announced in a ceremony at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena on Friday, July 12.Individual Achievement in Comedy Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” – ABC (2022 Winner in Category) Alan Scarfe Dies: Actor In ‘Lethal Weapon 3’ And ‘Double Impact’ Was 77(6/7/24) Alan Scarfe, best known for the films Lethal Weapon 3 and Double Impact, has died at 77. Scarfe died on April 28 from colon cancer at his home in Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, according to a recent obituary.Born in England, Scarfe’s family moved to Canada. He attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art from 1964 to 1966, and then went on to appear in more than 100 roles in stage productions. Scarfe made his film debut in 1963’s The Bitter Ash. Besides his film roles, he also appeared in the TV series Seven Days and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Scarfe received the Vancouver Film Critics Circle honorary award for lifetime achievement during his career. He was married to actress Barbara (née March) for 40 years before her death in 2019. He is survived by daughter Tosia and son-in-law Austin, who acted as his caregivers in his later years. He is also survived by his brother, Colin, son and actor Jonathan Scarfe, and grandchildren Kai and Hunter Scarfe. All American Honors the Late Kamar de los Reyes: Read Cody Christian’s Tribute to His ‘Incredible’ Co-Star(6/3/24) On the heels of Billy Baker’s sentimental “return” and a nostalgia-fueled 100th episode, All American had fans reaching for the tissues once again on Monday with its tribute to the late Kamar de los Reyes.De los Reyes — best known for playing cop Antonio Vega on ABC’s One Life to Live — passed away last December after a brief battle with cancer. He was able to appear as Coach Montes in All American‘s Season 6 premiere in April, but since de los Reyes’ passing, his character has been kept offscreen without explanation. Monday’s installment, though, brought real closure to Coach Montes’ storyline. He remained unseen for the duration of the episode, but viewers learned that he planned to leave Coastal California College for a job with the NFL. Asher, who had grown very close to Coach Montes over the years, kept his distance from the man all day to avoid having to say goodbye. But after receiving a parting gift from Coach Montes via his wife — the original Coach Montes, you’ll remember — Asher at last worked up the nerve to answer Coach Montes’ call and say a proper goodbye to his boss and friend. Cody Christian, who plays Asher on the just-renewed CW series, opened up to TVLine about his time working with de los Reyes — who joined the cast in Season 4 — and revealed that his real-life relationship with de los Reyes often mirrored Coach Montes and Asher’s mentor/mentee dynamic on the series. “I did have a very unique relationship with that man outside of the show,” Christian shares. “Just in those two-and-a-half years, I went through hell and back in my own life. Kamar was acting as a real-life coach for me many, many, many times. We would shoot all day and then spend a couple hours after shooting, just talking and catching up on life. I relied on him a lot.” Because Asher has been attending and working at Coastal California, while Spencer James and other characters went to Golden Angeles University for college, Christian ultimately became the only series regular to frequently share scenes with de los Reyes — an opportunity he says he valued greatly, especially when de los Reyes fought cancer during Season 6 production. “Just to have the opportunity to go in and work with him within those circumstances, to give him the respect and flowers he deserved, was a moment I’ll never forget,” he says. “I’m not even going to lie to you: Those first two episodes [of Season 6], it was difficult for me to watch it, simply because he’s an incredible man.” While filming his final scenes with de los Reyes, Christian was acutely aware of how little time the actor had left. He says de los Reyes was transparent with him about his prognosis, and he asked Christian to continue to “raise awareness about cancer, and cancer in young men, and the ability to get screened early on.” “I knew [working with him this season] wasn’t going to be something I could take for granted,” he continues. “That scene work was very special, and for me to have one of the last dances with him — as a human being, as the artist that he was — was something I’ll never forget. He was a great man.” Susan Sarandon, William H. Macy & Marcia Cross To Star In Indie ‘Exit Right’(5/20/24) Susan Sarandon (Maybe I Do), William H. Macy (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and Marcia Cross (You) have signed on to star in Exit Right, a new indie that veteran documentary filmmaker Thomas A. Morgan will direct from his own script for the London-based Garrick Street Productions and Square Zero Films.Marking Morgan’s narrative debut, the film centers on Jan Randall (Sarandon), whose brain — affected with inoperable cancer — makes her deeply afraid of being trapped inside. Refusing to take medications that would reduce her final days to a hospital bed, she moves into a tent in her backyard. Determined to give her one last gift, her husband John courageously takes her on a trip around the world — on foot, in their own hometown, for what is truly the trip of a lifetime. Sarandon’s Jan Randall is adventurous, confident and strong-willed. She retired after a successful career as a journalist, with both local and national recognition, and is fashionable without trying, bringing humanity and passion into everything she does. Macy plays John Randall, who is recently retired from the accounting department of a furniture company. He stays close to home and his life is practical. He likes things tidy and simple, with ironed jeans and a no-risk outlook on life…and his favorite color is beige. Cross will play Monica Freeman, the estranged sister to Jan Randall, who is deeply contemptuous of John and determined to secure for her sister all the comforts modern medicine can provide. Ed Glauser will produce through Garrick Street Productions. Sarandon and Macy will executive produce, along with Garrick Street’s Lawrence Aldridge and Michael Shyjka. In a statement to Deadline, Morgan shared, “This story is personal to me on many levels. As we age, who gets to influence how we die? Who do we want by our side? How do we define love or family or community? Bringing a story like this to the world is a life-long dream fulfilled for a little boy who sat in the theater every weekend, waiting to see life unfold on a screen.” An Oscar winner most recently seen in films like the hit Vertical rom-com Maybe I Do and DC’s Blue Beetle, Sarandon will next be seen starring opposite Bette Midler, Megan Mullally and Sheryl Lee Ralph in the Bleecker Street comedy The Fabulous Four, out July 26. Other upcoming projects include Tyler Perry’s Netflix war drama Six Triple Eight and the Stephen Chbosky film Nonnas with Vince Vaughn. Repeatedly Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated for his starring role on Showtime’s Shameless, Macy is currently in theaters with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which has thus far grossed over $303M worldwide. Also recently starring in the acclaimed Prime Video comedy Ricky Stanicky, the actor will next be seen in Sean McNamara’s survival pic On Fire, Clint Bentley’s drama Train Dreams, and Season 2 of Fox’s Accused. Emmy-nominated for her role on Desperate Housewives, Cross has most recently been seen on the series Monarch and You. A News & Documentary Emmy nominee, Morgan’s feature credits as a director include the docs Scrum, Tomorrow’s Hope, Soufra, and Storied Streets. Garrick Street Productions, a division of iGeneration Studios, most recently produced the Netflix drama My Life with the Walter Boys, which spent 21 days as the streamers #1 scripted series and was quickly renewed for a second season. TV projects in development include the Spanish Civil War drama Villa Paz, which has The Handmaid’s Tale EP Matthew Hastings attached as showrunner; Diva, based on the life of French heroine Julie Maupin; and the thriller Knife Edge, based on Simon Mayo’s bestselling novel. Sarandon is represented by Atlas Artists; Macy by Atlas Artists and IAG; and Cross by Untitled Entertainment and Industry Entertainment.i Stephanie Beatriz & Melissa Fumero To Launch Comedy Podcast From Producer Wilmer Valderrama(5/23/24) (Trailer, Poster) Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars Stephanie Beatriz (Encanto, In The Heights) and Melissa Fumero (Digman!, Velma) are teaming up on a new comedy podcast from iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Network launching on May 30.More Better with Stephanie and Melissa will take listeners along on a personal ride through all aspects of life. They’ll share cheat codes for adulting, anecdotes and probably a few embarrassing stories. The weekly podcast is the latest series that hails from executive producer Wilmer Valderrama’s exclusive slate which also includes Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama and Date My Abuelita, First! More Better with Stephanie and Melissa is a co-production under his WV Sound banner. “Melissa and I are in a consistent and hilarious ongoing discussion: it’s been a part of my life since we first met almost ten years ago,” Beatriz shared with Deadline. “We can’t wait to let listeners (and hopefully new friends!) come along as we try to get a little more better at… honestly everything! I wouldn’t call either of us an expert at anything really! But we’re willing to laugh at all of our failures and engage in bad grammar for this podcast.” “I am so excited to partner with Wilmer, the whole My Cultura team, and the good folks at iHeart on this new venture of podcasting with one of my favorite people in the whole world, Stephanie Beatriz. I hope each week we can make you smile, laugh, feel seen, and maybe add a little joy to your day”, Fumero added. “It’s been a dream being able to collaborate with my dear friends Melissa and Stephanie,” Valderrama shared on behalf of My Cultura, of which he is a stakeholder. “More Better is the next chapter in elevating and expanding the Latino reach in mainstream media. I am beyond grateful for the partnership WV Sound has built with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Network and that we are continuing to deliver content that uplifts the voices of my community.” My Cultura Network is dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories. More Better with Stephanie and Melissa also joins a community of popular podcasts, both scripted and unscripted, that feature Eva Longoria, Rachel Zegler and Sheryl Rubio, Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Dania Ramirez, to name a few. Beatriz can currently be seen starring opposite Anthony Mackie in Peacock’s Twisted Metal, based on the popular Playstation video game franchise. Additional recent credits include her performance as “Mirabel” in Disney’s Oscar-winning hit Encanto and Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights. She is best known for her portrayal of Rosa Diaz in the FOX/NBC comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Up next, she will be seen opposite David Duchovny in the film Bucky F*cking Dent. Stephanie is best known for her work as Rosa Diaz on NBC’s long running hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Fumero is best known for her role as ‘Amy Santiago’ in the FOX/NBC comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine opposite Andy Samberg that ran for eight seasons. She recently voiced the character “Bella” in Comedy Central’s adult animated series Digman! from Andy Samberg as well as voiced the character Sophie in Mindy Kaling’s Max animated series Velma. Additional credits include starring opposite Randall Park in Netflix’s comedy series Blockbuster and the IFC comedy film Barfight! with Rachel Bloom. Her directing credits include Amazon Freevee’s Primo, NBC’s Grand Crew, Max’s Gordita Chronicles and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.i Guiding Light star Kim Zimmer reveals she's undergoing treatment for breast cancer: 'Get your mammograms'(5/17/24) Guiding Light actress Kim Zimmer, whose character Reva Shayne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, is facing a real-life diagnosis of the disease."I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Nov. 6," she revealed on the special Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer - We All Have a Story, that streamed live Thursday. Zimmer explained that she had undergone a mastectomy and expected to have her last chemotherapy infusion on May 21. Visibly emotional, Zimmer said that her family and friends have been supportive and that she "would have fallen apart," if not for them. Since 1981, Zimmer has been married to actor A.C. Weary, and they share three adult children, including actor Jake Weary. She said her children call her every day. She reminded people that they should do themselves a favor and go to the doctor for screenings. "I'm here to say early detection, early detection, early detection, early detection," she said. "Get your mammograms, get them soon." Zimmer, 69, has also worked on One Life to Live and Santa Barbara. In the '80s and '90s, she guest-starred on Seinfeld, Designing Women, and MacGyver. When she was asked about the biggest challenge of portraying her character during the breast cancer storyline, Zimmer said that it was that the character chose not to share her diagnosis with loved ones. She couldn't relate. "I can't imagine getting a diagnosis like that and not wanting the person that you love most in the world to be there standing next to you," she said. "The fans reacted to that too... It made for great drama." Guiding Light went off the air in 2009, after 57 seasons on TV. Ryan Phillippe & Kate Beckinsale Lead Thriller ‘The Patient’(5/13/24) (Photo) Ryan Phillippe (Shooter) and Kate Beckinsale (Underworld) are leading thriller The Patient, which is launching in the Cannes market with International Film Trust.Kelly Greyson (Fortress) and David Cade (Lansky) also star in the under-the-radar project, which wrapped principal photography earlier this year in Alabama. Mukunda Michael Dewil (The Immaculate Room) is directing from his own script. The logline reads: “When The Patient (Phillippe) wakes up in a hospital without any recollection of what happened to him, he is issued a life he doesn’t remember by the inscrutable Dr. Rose (Beckinsale). But soon he comes to suspect that he’s being manipulated in order to protect a powerful politician implicated in a murder.” Above is a first look image from the project. Producers are Robert Ogden Barnum of The Barnum Picture Company and Benaroya Pictures CEO and International Film Trust Founder, Michael Benaroya. Barnum and Benaroya previously worked together on Margin Call and Lawless. The producing team is rounded out by Raja Collins (American Sicario), and Lucas Jarach. IFT and Benaroya Pictures are financing alongside Dream Capture Films, BondIt Media Capital and Buffalo 8 Post-Production, and Three Point Capital. BondIt CEO Matthew Helderman, COO Luke Taylor, and VP, Finance Tyler Gould are executive-producing. Michael Sirow and Eric Brenner also serve as EPs. Benaroya’s sales agency, International Film Trust (IFT), is representing worldwide rights and Sales President, Christian de Gallegos, is on the ground in Cannes to screen a promo for distributors. Beckinsale is coming off Amazon and ITV limited series The Widow, Paramount+ limited series Guilty Party and Catherine Hardwicke’s film Prisoner’s Daughter. Phillippe last year starred in action film The Locksmith and is in production on Amazon series Motorheads. “The Patient is my third time getting to join forces with Ryan and Mukunda,” Robert Ogden Barnum said, “and just as on our previous two films, it’s been a fantastic experience. Mukunda’s stellar script speaks for itself and adding Kate into the mix is the cherry on top.” “With its twisted thriller ride and outstanding cast, The Patient is exactly the type of project for which we’re always on the lookout,” Benaroya Pictures CEO and IFT Founder Michael Benaroya added. “Ryan and Kate are terrific actors that resonate with distributors worldwide.” Phillippe is repped by David Schiff at MGMT. Entertainment. Beckinsale is repped by Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Gersh, and Untitled. James Franco & Tommy Lee Jones Team For Action Thriller ‘The Razor’s Edge’(5/13/24) We can tell you that James Franco and Oscar winner Tommy Lee Jones are leading the action thriller The Razor’s Edge from producer Corey Large (Paradise City, It Follows, The November Man) and filmmaker Demian Lichtenstein (3000 Miles to Graceland).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. Brandon Routh, Mena Suvari & Cheech Marin Join Jonathan Baker’s ‘Fate The Movie’(5/13/24) Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Mena Suvari (Grace and Grit) and Cheech Marin (Cheech & Chong) have joined the cast of Fate The Movie, a suspenseful romance that’s being sold at Cannes this week by Highland Film Group.As previously announced, Faye Dunaway, Harvey Keitel and Andrew McCarthy will also star. Currently shooting in Vancouver, the film’s logline is as follows: It takes a minute to find a special person and an entire lifetime to forget them. While healing at a rehabilitation center after a rescue mission gone wrong, a firefighter Sam Ellis (Routh) connects with Tilly, a stranger from the past. Subsequently, he’s transported through time to find the only thing that can save his soul: his realization of true love. Jonathan Baker is directing from his own script, also producing for Baker Entertainment Group. Sienna Soho Baker and James Van Patten round out the cast. “We’re honored to welcome Brandon Routh, Mena Suvari, and Cheech Marin to our extraordinary cast on “Fate The Movie”, which is going to be the second to last film I ever make,” said Baker. “Their collective talent, along with the esteemed contributions of Hollywood Legends Faye Dunaway, Harvey Keitel, and Andrew McCarthy, adds immense depth to our film. With this dream cast, we’re thrilled to bring this epic love story to life in an unforgettable way.” Known for roles in projects like Superman Returns and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Routh’s recent projects include Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Quantum Leap, and The Flash. Best known for roles in films like American Beauty and American Pie, Suvari has recently been seen in indies like Prey, Grace and Grit, and Breakwater. One half of the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong, Marin’s recent credits include NBC’s Lopez vs Lopez, Focus Features’ Champions with Woody Harrelson, and Prime Video’s Jennifer Lopez rom-com Shotgun Wedding. Routh, Suvari and Marin are all represented by Innovative Artists. Routh is also repped by Main Title Entertainment and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman; Suvari by Management Production Entertainment and Jackoway Austen Tyerman; and Marin by Weintraub Tobin Chediak. Jeff Bridges, Dave Bautista, Bryan Cranston, Sam Elliott & More Set For Live-Action ‘Grendel’ Movie(5/10/24) Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart) will play the title role in Grendel, a live-action monster flick from The Jim Henson Company, for which Palisades Park Pictures is launching international sales ahead of Cannes.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 Marché 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. PBS National Memorial Day Concert To Feature World War II Tribute And Gold Star Families Remembrance(5/6/24) Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will return to host the PBS National Memorial Day Concert, to take place from the west lawn of the Capitol on May 26.The event, marking its 35th anniversary, honors members of the military and their families, with an evening of music and storytelling. Among the segments planned are a tribute to World War II, featuring Bryan Cranston and spotlighting U.S. Army veteran John T. “Jack” Moran, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. The segment also will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. A remembrance of Gold Star families, featuring BD Wong, will spotlight the story of Vietnam veteran and Gold Star father Allen Hoe, who followed generations of his family into service. Two of his sons also served in the U.S. Army. One of his sons, First Lieutenant Nainoa K. Hoe, was killed in combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Another segment, featuring Jena Malone, will focus on the challenges of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, with the story of U.S. Marine Corps veteran and amputee Kirstie Ennis, who sent on to become an adaptive athlete and has made it a mission to bring awareness to encourage others to reach out for help. Also featured in the concert will be Cynthia Erivo, Gary LeVox, Jamey Johnson, Mary McCormack, Ruthie Ann Miles, Patina Miller and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jack Everly. The event also will include a Salute to Services with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Service Color Teams. Also participating will be members from The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C. The concert will air on PBS from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET, as well as to troops around the world on the American Forces Network. It also will stream at www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert and YouTube, and will available as video on demand from May 26 to June 9. The concert is a co-production of Michael Colbert of Capital Concerts and WETA, Washington, D.C. Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer - We All Have a Story(5/2/24) (Watch Here) Join hosts Michael Fairman of The Michael Fairman Channel and Alan Locher of The Locher Room as the stars of daytime unite for “Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer.”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. We all have a story, help us write a brighter future! (DONATE HERE) Is Obba Babatunde Joining The Gates?(5/2/24) On social media Obba Babatundé shared the following conversion with the creator/writer of 'The Gates' Michele Val Jean:@ObbaBabatunde: Tis the season and I am reminded of how 8 years ago today I was recognized for my work on ?@BandB_CBS and I am just as proud today as I was the evening I took this photo #excellence @MicheleValJean: That was a great night @ObbaBabatunde: Yes and you were there and now together we have a chance to once again make magic. Does this mean Obba is joining CBS' The Gates, we'll have to wait for official word. The 77th Annual Tony Award Nominee(4/30/24) Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a MusicalBrody Grant, The Outsiders Jonathan Groff (OLTL), Merrily We Roll Along Dorian Harewood, The Notebook Brian d’Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses Eddie Redmayne, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Renée Elise Goldsberry Will Reveal Tony Awards Noms Next Week(4/25/24) It’s been a very busy April on Broadway, and it’ll wrap with the 77th Tony Awards nominations announcement next week. And word came today that Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renée Elise Goldsberry will reveal the list at 9 a.m. ET Tuesday, April 30, with a livestream running the Tonys’ YouTube page.That will be after a selection of categories is read live on CBS Mornings at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 PT. Ferguson is a five-time Emmy nominee for Modern Family and won a 2022 Tony for Take Me Out. He also is an author, producer and Dinner on Me podcast host who also is known for his ongoing advocacy in the LGBTQIA+ community. Goldsberry won a Tony and a Grammy as part of the original Broadway cast of Hamilton and scored a Primetime Emmy nom for Disney+’s filmed version of the musical. Her Broadway credits also include Rent, The Color Purple, The Lion King, Dreamgirls and Good People, and she also stars as Wickie Roy on the Netflix comedy Girls5Eva. Ariana DeBose will return as host of the 2024 Tony Awards, marking her third consecutive year fronting Broadway’s Biggest Night. The ceremony is set for Sunday, June 16, at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan — considerably closer to New York’s Times Square theater district after last year’s show was held about seven miles to the north at United Palace in the Washington Heights neighborhood. Charlie Day, Billy Eichner, Gabby Beans, Talia Ryder & 9 Others Join Ethan Coen’s ‘Honey Don’t!’(4/19/24) Ethan Coen has rounded out the cast for his comedy Honey Don’t! for Focus Features and Working Title, on which we were first to report. Newcomers include Charlie Day (Fool’s Paradise), Billy Eichner (Bros), Lera Abova (Anna), Jacnier (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory National Tour), Gabby Beans (Presumed Innocent), Talia Ryder (Dumb Money), Kristin Connolly (The Cabin in the Woods), Lena Hall (Your Friends & Neighbors), Don Swayze (All Saints Day), Josh Pafchek (Marvel’s Runaways), Kale Browne (Mike), Alexander Carstoiu (Magnolia Flowers) and Christian Antidormi (Netflix’s Lincoln Lawyer).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. Susan Misner guests on FBI: Most Wanted 4/23/24(4/18/24) Susan Misner and Michael Raymond-James Guest Star as Abby Deaver and Ethan McPherson“Bonne Terre” – When a federal judge and his wife are shot dead in New York, the Fugitive Task Force goes on the hunt and finds a connection to a man who is hours away from being executed in Missouri. Meanwhile, Remy and Hana both grapple with being single and living alone, on FBI: MOST WANTED, Tuesday, April 23 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. WRITTEN BY: David Hudgins & Wendy West DIRECTED BY: Peter Stebbings Y&R Casts Christopher Cousins(4/17/24) The Young and the Restless has cast Christopher Cousins (Breaking Bad, One Life to Live) as Alan Laurent, a psychiatrist and friend of Ashley’s from her time in Paris. He will appear in multiple episodes beginning Tuesday, April 30.‘The Workout’: Peter Jae, Josh Kelly, And Ashlee Evans-Smith To Star In James Cullen Bressack Action Film(4/16/24) The action film stars Peter Jae (Darkness of Man), Josh Kelly (General Hospital), UFC fighter Ashlee Evans-Smith to star in James Cullen Bressack latest film The Workout.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. ‘The Rookie’ Renewed For Season 7 By ABC(4/15/24) The Rookie will be back for another go-round. Ahead of the Season 6 finale, ABC has renewed the Nathan Fillion drama, produced by Lionsgate Television, for a seventh season.The renewal comes amid strong ratings for Season 6. The Alexi Hawley-created crime drama kicked off its sixth season with its most-watched episode in nearly six years, with 11.92 million Total Viewers across platforms after 35 days of viewing. That is up 14% from its season five average and marks the show’s strongest MP35 number since Oct. 23, 2018, according to the network and Nielsen. In adults 18-49, the series premiere notched a 2.90 rating — up 27% from its prior season MP +35 average (2.29 rating). This is the strongest MP +35 rating for the popular drama since its first season (2.91 rating) on Nov. 13, 2018. On linear, the series had its best L+35 performance in Total Viewers (7.23 million) since March 28, 2023 (7.26 million). Fillion stars as John Nolan, along with Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune, Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers, Tru Valentino as Aaron Thorsen, and Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez. Hawley executive produces with Mark Gordon, Fillion, Michelle Chapman, Brynn Malone, Bill Norcross and Jon Steinberg. Lionsgate Television is the lead studio and international distributor of The Rookie, a co-production with ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios. The Rookie airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on ABC, and streams next day on Hulu. ‘Velma’ Gets Season 2 Premiere Date On Max(4/10/24) The 10-episode second season of the Max Original adult animated series Velma from Warner Bros. Animation debuts Thursday, April 25.When an even spookier mystery grips Crystal Cove, Velma (voiced by Mindy Kaling) — the unsung and underappreciated brains of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Inc. gang — must find a way to balance her detective work with the demands of her newfound popularity before it’s too late. Meanwhile, her faithful friends Daphne (Constance Wu), Norville (Sam Richardson) and Fred (Glenn Howerton) are powerless to help, thanks to their own personal battles — and worse, detention. The voice cast also includes Russell Peters, Melissa Fumero, Sarayu Blue, Jane Lynch, Wanda Sykes, Cherry Jones, Frank Welker, Nicole Byer, Gary Cole, Andia Winslow, and Sara Ramirez. The show was developed by Charlie Grandy, who executive produces along with Kaling, Howard Klein and Elijah Aron. Melissa Fumero, AnnaSophia Robb & Ben Rappaport To Star In ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’ NBC Pilot(4/8/24) Brooklyn Nine-Nine alumna Melissa Fumero, AnnaSophia Robb (The Act) and Ben Rappaport (For the People) are set as leads in Grosse Pointe Garden Society, NBC‘s drama pilot from Jenna Bans, Bill Krebs and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.The drama follows four members of a suburban garden club — three of them played by Fumero, Robb and Rappaport — all from different walks of life, who get caught up in murder and mischief as they struggle to make their conventional lives bloom. Fumero plays Birdie. Entitled, rich, swathed in Chanel, a smoker, a drinker, self-destructive at times, toxic at others, but not without real pain beneath her facade, Birdie is a successful author whose memoir, “Digging for Gold: Dancing Through Divorce,” is a bestseller. Robb plays Alice, your favorite high school English teacher, a dreamer whose best dreams are crashing down on her. She’s a longtime member of the Grosse Pointe Garden Society. Rappaport plays Brett. Cool in a threadbare kind of way, Brett put his own dreams of starting a car restoration business on hold so his wife (now ex-wife) could finish law school. He continues his job as a manager of a garden store so he can take care of the kids. Maggie Kiley is directing the pilot, which she is executive producing with Bans via her Minnesota Logging Co., Krebs and Casey Kyber. This marks Fumero’s return to NBC. She is probably best known for her role as Amy Santiago in the critically acclaimed Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which ended its eight-season run on NBC. She won the Imagen Foundation Award for her work on the show. Fumero recently was a voice cast member on Comedy Central’s adult animated series Digman! from Andy Samberg as well as Max’s Velma from Mindy Kaling. She also starred opposite Randall Park in Netflix’s comedy series Blockbuster and in the IFC comedy film Barfight! with Rachel Bloom. Fumero, who also has done episodic directing on multiple series, is repped by UTA and Corner Booth Entertainment. Robb co-starred in Hulu’s limited series The Act and Little Fires Everywhere. She’s set to start production on the Netflix feature Rebel Ridge, where she will star as the female lead opposite Aaron Pierre. Robb’s series credits include Dr. Death, Mercy Street and The Carrie Diaries. She is reppd by CAA, Untitled Entertainment and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham. Rappaport’s credits include For the People, Mr. Robot, The Good Wife, Law & Order: SVU, Ozark, Younger, Inventing Anna and Outsourced. On the film side, recently wrapped the feature Albany Road opposite Renée Elise Goldsberry. Last year, he starred opposite Sean Hayes on Broadway in Good Night, Oscar and also was cast in the Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof. Rappaport is repped by Gersh, Invictus Entertainment and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher.i Blair Underwood Guest Stars on Elsbeth(3/28/24) Blair Underwood Guest Stars as the Competitive Father and Coach of a Rising Tennis Star“Ball Girl” – When the world’s top tennis champion drops dead on the court, Elsbeth and Kaya home in on a rising tennis star and his competitive father and coach (Blair Underwood). Meanwhile, Captain Wagner begins to suspect Elsbeth’s reason for being in New York goes beyond the consent decree, on ELSBETH, Thursday, April 18 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. WRITTEN BY: Eric Randall DIRECTED BY: Rob Hardy ‘The Gracies’ 2024 Award Winners(3/28/24) The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has announced the 49th Annual Gracie Awards winners.Actress in a Supporting Role – Limited Series Actress in a Supporting Role – Made for TV Movie Jennifer Leak Dies: ‘Yours, Mine And Ours’ Actress And Soap Star For ‘The Guiding Light’, ‘The Young And The Restless’ And ‘Another World’ Was 76(3/28/24) Jennifer Leak, the first wife of Tim Matheson who met when they played step-siblings in the 1968 film Yours, Mine and Ours, has died at 76. She died March 18 at her home in Jupiter, Florida,Leak was dealing with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disease, in her final years. Matheson posted a tribute on Facebook to her. “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Jennifer Leak’s passing. She wasn’t just my screen sister in ‘Yours, Mine and Ours,’ but also my beloved first wife. Jennifer was a remarkable woman, strong, lovely, and incredibly talented. My deepest condolences go out to her husband of 47 years, James D’Auria, and their multitude of friends.” Yours, Mine and Ours featured Matheson as Mike, the son of Henry Fonda’s Frank Beardsley, while Leak portrayed Colleen, the daughter of Lucille Ball’s Helen North. The movie was about a blended family of 18 children. Leak was born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1947, and started her screen career with the Mike Nichols-directed pilot for Wojeck in the mid-1960s. She later was cast in Nichols’ The Graduate, but had to drop out because of immigration complications. Leak’s was also a soap operas regular. She played Gwen Sherman on The Young and the Restless, Olive Springer Gordon Randolph on Another World, and Blanche Bouvier on Guiding Light. Leak had largely retired from screen acting by the mid-1980s, working as a sales agent for a real estate company. She was married to Matheson from 1968 to 1971, and wed D’Auria in 1977. She is survived by her husband and brother. ‘1923’ Breakout Brandon Sklenar To Co-Star Opposite Meghann Fahy In Christopher Landon’s ‘Drop’(3/27/24) Following his breakout role in 1923, Brandon Sklenar looks to have found his next feature film project as he is set to join Christoper Landon’s film Drop from Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse. Meghann Fahy is also on board with Landon directing.The film’s logline is being kept under wraps, but it’s said to be a fast-paced thriller. Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach penned the script, with Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller and Cameron Fuller — who brought the script in to Platinum Dunes — producing. Sam Lerner is an executive producer. The film is a Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse production for Universal. The partnership between the two production companies has delivered huge results from its Purge franchise that includes five films with the sixth on the way as well as a TV series. Sklenar will next star in Sony’s film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us in the role of Atlas Corrigan, opposite Blake Lively. The novel was the top-selling print book in the US in 2022 and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over 90 weeks. Sklenar also appears in the Paramount+ series 1923, where he played Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren nephew. While the show had plenty of star power from Ford and Mirren, Sklenar made his mark and its expected to grow with season 2 going into production this summer. In 2022, Sklenar won the Best Actor award at the Vienna Independent Film Festival for his role as Sean Graves in Futra Days. Additional credits include playing the role of Burt Reynolds in the series The Offer, opposite Miles Teller; Adam McKay’s films Vice as Bobby Prentace; and Midway as George Gay. He is repped by Jay Glazer at Neon Kite, WME, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher. Bryan Cranston To Narrate Doris Kearns Goodwin’s ‘An Unfinished Love Story’(3/26/24) Bryan Cranston is adding a little vocal help to historian Doris Kearns Goodwin’s next book.Kearns Goodwin is releasing An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s on April 16 and the Breaking Bad star is providing some narration for the audiobook version. Cranston will read the letters that Doris’s late husband Richard “Dick” Goodwin, a writer and presidential advisor, wrote to family and friends when he was in his twenties. The book weaves together biography, memoir, and history. It will also feature historic archival recordings from speeches from JFK, LBJ, and Robert Kennedy. The couple got to know Cranston when he was preparing to star as LBJ in Robert Schenkkan’s play All the Way. They also appeared together on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2018. Dick and Doris Goodwin were married for forty-two years. Dick named and helped design Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society and was a speechwriter and close advisor to Robert Kennedy. The book is out via Simon & Schuster, which is also behind the audiobook version. Cranston said, “The collective experience that Dick and Doris had with the highest level of U.S. politicians is unparalleled. Not just with the policies of the powerful, but with insight on their personal lives and sensibilities of how they framed the second half of the twentieth century. Doris really helps you navigate through the fascinating politics of the time, but with an emotional touch that lets you invest in Dick’s journey… it’s a love story, to a country and a partner.” Goodwin added, “Dick and I had the pleasure of getting to know Bryan Cranston, one of the finest actors of our time, as he prepared for the role of LBJ in Robert Schenkkan’s play, All the Way. We so admired the dedication and talent that went into Bryan’s searing portrayal of LBJ during those chaotic, urgent and heady years of the Civil Rights Movement and his presidency. It was that personal connection to us and that era that brought Bryan to mind instantly as I thought about who might read excerpts from the scores of letters Dick, while still in his twenties, had written to his best college friend and his parents. How lucky for me—and for our listeners—that Bryan so graciously agreed to bring Dick’s words to life in a resonant and poignant performance that shows the young, idealistic, emotional, self-mocking, and reflective Dick Goodwin.” Talk Show Appearance(3/15/24) The Jennifer Hudson Show - SyndicatedAIRING Mar 20, 2024 Renée Elise Goldsberry ("Girls5eva") NAACP Image Award Winner(3/15/24) Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic SpecialPhylicia Rashad – “Heaven Down Here” Malachy McCourt Dies: ‘Ryan’s Hope’ Actor, Brother Of ‘Angela’s Ashes’ Author Frank McCourt Was 92(3/11/24) Malachy McCourt, the Irish-American actor, raconteur and author best known to TV audiences for his long-running role as Kevin the bartender on ABC’s soap Ryan’s Hope, died today in Manhattan after battling a heart condition and cancer. He was 92.His death was announced by his wife Diana McCourt to The New York Times. The brother of Pulitzer Prize-winning Angela’s Ashes memoirist Frank McCourt, Malachy McCourt left an indelible mark on New York City’s Irish American community. As the owner of the quintessential 1950s Irish pub Malachy’s on Third Avenue in Manhattan – McCourt would often call it the city’s first singles bar, since he welcomed unaccompanied women to the establishment – the Brooklyn native became one of the city’s great story-tellers, regaling patrons from longshoremen to the actor Richard Harris with blarney, rugby talk and biographical anecdotes. His way with words would hold him in good stead through a wide-ranging career path that included acting, writing, talk-show hosting and politics. Born Malachy Gerard McCourt in Brooklyn on September 20, 1931, McCourt and his siblings were uprooted by parents Malachy and Angela McCourt to Limerick, Ireland. When his alcoholic father, a former member of the IRA, deserted the family after two years, leaving mother Angela to raise four of their surviving seven children in poverty, a harrowing tale detailed in Frank McCourt’s 1996 memoir Angela’s Ashes. (Frank McCourt died in 2009) Malachy McCourt, who returned to New York at age 20, would later write his own memoirs including A Monk Swimming (1998), an account of his life in Limerick that picks up where Angela’s Ashes leaves off, and in 2000, Singing My Him Song, which recounts his later (sober) life as a husband and father. Other writing includes a history of the Irish ballad “Danny Boy.” An occasional guest on Jack Paar’s Tonight Show and sometime host of New York radio programs, McCourt also acted on stage (he co-wrote and co-starred in A Couple of Blaguards with brother Frank); movies The Molly Maguires (1970), The Brink’s Job (1978), Brewster’s Millions (1985), Starman (1987), and The Devil’s Own (1997), among others; and such TV series as Oz, Tales of the Unexpected and Remember WENN. McCourt appeared on numerous New York-based soaps, including One Life To Live, Search For Tomorrow and Another World, but will best be remember for his annual Christmas appearances on All My Children as the possibly angelic Father Clarence and, most especially, in the recurring role of bartender Kevin MacGuinness throughout the entire 14-year run of Ryan’s Hope. Bringing a outsized touch of Irish authenticity to the Washington Heights-set soap, McCourt’s Kevin was best friend to bar owner Johnny Ryan (Bernie Barrow) and truth-telling thorn-in-side to the trouble-making family in-law Delia (Ilene Kristen). In all, McCourt appeared in 217 episodes of the 1975-1989 series. Offscreen, McCourt waged a high-profile, if ultimately losing, political battle in 2006 when he ran for governor of New York as a Green Party candidate. An outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq, McCourt was an early and vociferous proponent of allowing gay and lesbian groups to march in New York’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In addition to wife Diana, McCourt is survived by daughter Siobhan McCourt; sons Malachy Jr., Conor and Cormac; stepdaughter Nina Galin; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson. e Talk Show Appearance(3/8/24) The Drew Barrymore Show - SyndicatedAIRING Mar 11, 2024 Renee Elise Goldsberry Lifetime Greenlights Original Movie About Cult At Sarah Lawrence College; Billy Zane to Star(3/6/24) Billy Zane is set to star in a new original movie for Lifetime that’s based on the true story of an ex-con who moved in with his daughter at Sarah Lawrence College and created a cult-like influence over her friends.The movie will be executive produced and directed by Elisabeth Rohm, who is also an alum of Sarah Lawrence College. Production begins this month and will premiere as part of Lifetime’s Ripped from the Headlines summer slate. When Larry Ray (Zane) unexpectedly moves into his daughter’s dorm, he enthralls her friends with conversations and promises to help them with personal transformations by preying on their insecurities and fears. Under Ray’s influence, the students uncover false memories of childhood trauma that Ray used to further alienate them from their families. As the students continued to fall under Ray’s control, he began to target their friends and family, extending his reach of emotional, financial, sexual abuse and mental manipulation. The Untitled Larry Ray Movie is executive produced by Stephen Tolkin, Dan Abrams, Rachel Stockman, Jonathan Baruch, and Howard Braunstein for Lifetime. Rohm also executive produces and will direct the movie, written by Waneta Storms. Zane is represented by Paradigm, Canopy Media Partners, and attorney Jared Bloch. This film mark’s Rohm’s fourth directing role with the network. The other titles she directed for Lifetime include her directorial debut, Girl in the Basement, followed by Switched Before Birth and Girl in Room 13. Tuc Watkins Inks With Greene Talent(3/4/24) Tuc Watkins has signed with Greene Talent for theatrical representation. Known for his work on Desperate Housewives, Watkins will soon be seen recurring on the new Hulu series Paradise City starring Sterling K. Brown. He also recurred on Showtime’s comedy Uncoupled, The Other Two at Comedy Central and Black Monday at Showtime. On the stage, Watkins co-starred in Inheritance at The Geffen Theatre, and before that the Broadway production of The Boys in the Band as well as the Netflix film, opposite Jim Parsons and Matt Bomer. Watkins was previously represented at A3 and continues to be managed by Karen Forman.For Older News Visit The Daytime Soap Operas News Archives: Here!
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