Saturday, April 30, 2011

In Case You Missed It....

In case you missed Susan Lucci's (Erica) fab interview on Jay Leno last night, here it is.  Susan was fantastic and looked darn sexy too!   Not an easy feat when sitting next to Rob Lowe =)

 

Friday, April 29, 2011

Stephanie Gatschet Q&A



Stephanie Gatschet's (Madison) official website, stephaniegatschet.com, conducted a Q&A with the AMC fave where she fielded questions ranging from the cancellation, what's next for her and the state of soaps in general.  Check it out by clicking HERE.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Lucci on Leno!!!




Tune into Jay Leno on Friday, April 29 at 11:35 pm EST.    Susan Lucci (Erica) will be a guest on the show to promote her book and most assuredly talk about the cancellation.

Phew, is it Hot in Here?




On Thursday's show when Griff said to Kendall, "I want to show you some moves" my mind went right to, "Oh I'll show YOU some moves baby!"  Yeah he was talking about self defense, but hey a girl can dream!

 

The Latest... Possible Returns, Possible Save?

As fans protest, loudly, that we want our soaps, is anyone listening?  Hoover isOprah isn't.  But what about Sony?  Deadline.com is reporting that Sony is looking to snag some actors from both AMC and OLTL after the cancellations for their soaps Days of Our Lives and Young and the Restless, naming Debbi Morgan (Angie) and Jacob Young (JR) as two that Sony is interested in.  Now others are reporting that Sony wants to buy AMC and OLTL and then place them on NBC.  Unfortunately I can neither confirm nor deny because with all the rumors, half truths, outright lies and every little thing being reported somewhere, it's hard to keep up and hard to know what stories have any basis in reality.  Actors are being hushed (it's likely the Trent Garrett "imposter" wasn't one, but he instead spoke out of turn and was silenced.  Just as Chrishell Stause was silenced after she tweeted about leaving anyway but wanting the show to stay on the air).  For more information on the protest and when the next one is, visit the Protest Across America website.




So as the show gears up for it's final few months on the air, it's looking more and more like it might actually get a good and proper send off.   Bringing in Lorraine Broderick as head writer was certainly a step in the right direction.  Her works is set to begin airing on June 27.  And word has it that Agnes Nixon is working with Broderick on storyline for the finale, which pretty much guarantees it will be done right.  Already some returns are in the works.  Cady McClain (Dixie) is in talks with the show to return before the ending in September.  Whether Dixie is alive or dead has not be specified.   

Thorsten Kaye (Zach) has expressed interest in returning and finishing up the story right.  Thorsten reported told SOD's Carolyn Hinsey, "I am very open to going back and finishing this up the right way.  I would like to be there when the fat lady sings. I wasn't aware the fat lady was warming up, and frankly I think it's too soon for her to be singing, but here we are."


If the show has to end, my wish list for returns (other than Zach) is Brooke and Adam and Joe and Ruth

Something Borrowed Premiere and New Show for Colin!

As previously reported, Colin Egglesfield (ex-Josh) stars in the upcoming movie Something Borrowed as one part of a love triangle (Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin are the other two parts).  The movie premieres in theaters on Friday, May 6.




In other news, Colin has just been cast in the recurring role of Tommy in the TNT drama Rizzoli & Isles.  Tommy is the younger brother of Jane Rizzoli (played by Angie Harmon).  The second season stars on begins on July 11.  


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Interesting Commentary on the Demise of Soaps

Jim Romanovich, who pretty much saved the Daytime Emmy's a few years ago, blogs, and he put out a doozy this week!   Click HERE to read.  It's long, but well worth it.  Thanks Jim!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Natalie Hall Performs A Caberet!!

Natalie Hall (Colby) will be performing at the May Day Cabaret on Sunday, May 1 at 7:00 pm at Space16 in Hollywood, CA.  Also performing that night are Broadway performers Ellen Greene, Kevin Chamberlin, Tony Tartaglia, Micah McCain, and Mark Shunock.  The show, a benefit for the Celebration Theatre (community of artists dedicated to presenting innovative, provocative and relevant work that examines the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender experience) has a limited number of tickets ranging in price from $35 - $125.  For more information and tickets, visit the Celebration Theatre WEBSITE.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Kelli Giddish Guests on The Good Wife!!


Kelli Giddish (ex-Di) will guest star on the final two episodes of CBS's The Good Wife for this season airing May 10 and 17 at 10:00 pm est.  The role could possibly recur next season if the show is picked up (it hasn't been yet).  She will be playing an investigator who once worked with Kalinda.  Giddish's stars in NBC's The Chase which is coming to it's series finale soon.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Spoilers for the week of April 24!!

This weeks spoilers are up!  This week Kendall sets out to prove Ricky killed Zach, JR ups his efforts to win back Marissa, Amanda takes desperate action to make sure she keeps her husband and Erica starts to suspect Krystal as her captor!

 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Oprah Turns the Soaps Down

You Know What They Say...

Where there is smoke, there is fire.   And oh if this one starts smoking, then smoldering and then going up in flames of truth, there will many many happy soap fans.  No, it won't bring our soaps back, but it will put Brian Frons on the unemployment line.  Yes my friends, the New York Post gossip page, PAGE SIX is reporting that Mr. Frons is in some deep do-do for his handling, er, mishandling of the cancellations of both AMC and OLTL and that with advertisers like HOOVER dropping their advertising in protest of the cancellations (with others possibly following suit), his days at ABC may just be coming to an end.  No, it doesn't bring our soaps back, but it does give me a nice sense of satisfaction.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

And On the Other Side of the Spectrum...

Robin Strasser and Catherine Hickland (both of OLTL) have been most vocally upset by the cancellations of AMC and OLTL and all I can say is more power to you ladies!!!   Check out Catherine's BLOG POST from yesterday.  And Robin Strasser's comments from SOAP OPERA DIGEST.   Ahh it does a heart good to have my feelings for this certain person they are talking about (Frons) validated.  Catherine and Robin, you rock!!!

The Heartbreak of Agnes Nixon



More than anyone else, my heart breaks for Agnes Nixon.  In one fell swoop her two babies were dismissed.  In this new interview with the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER Agnes talks about the cancellation and comments that she thinks the whole country as ADD.  Agnes, I couldn't agree more!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Even His Own Employees Can't Stand Him

Mr. Frons does not seem to be making friends wherever he goes.  I was just reading a very interesting article on Deadline.comThe demise of our soaps is far reaching and getting more and more complicated at every turn.  Last year it was announced that Soapnet would be going off the air to make way for the preschool channel, Disney Junior in January 2012.  But is it?   Read all about it HERE.  I was especially interested in the comments by the ABC worker who had plenty to say!   Very interesting read indeed.

Leven Rambin Cast in Hunger Games!!


Leven Rambin (ex-Lily) has been cast as Glimmer in The Hunger Games, District 1's combatant who's pitted against District 12's Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence.   The pivotal role has these two in the battle to the death that takes place in the first film in the series.

Monday, April 18, 2011

A Letter from Susan Lucci

Thanks to ABC Fan Club President Debbie Morris for passing this along.

In 1970 I became the luckiest woman on earth, when Agnes Nixon gave me the role of Erica Kane on “All My Children.”  The show and the character has become an indelible part of my life and my heart.
 
Words cannot truly express how devastated I am to have learned this morning, that “All My Children” will be coming to an end.  I have spent my adult life playing this role, getting to say and do all the amazing things that Erica has said and done.  I have acquired the most meaningful collection of life memories any actress and woman could ever have.  Throughout the years, the “All My Children” family  of cast, staff and crew have become so near and dear to me and my own family.

There will never be a show that will ever be able to replicate the true extended family unit that “All My Children” has given to us all.

My heart goes out to Agnes Nixon.  History will forever celebrate her vision and contributions to the very fabric of our lives.  Her legacy will live on in the books as well as our hearts!

For all the millions of fans who have watched “All My Children” so passionately over the years, I thank them from the bottom of my heart.  They are all part of my extended family as well and I know our lives will forever be bound by all we have shared these years together.   As I said the night I won my Emmy, I am going to play Erica Kane for all she’s worth until the very last episode.  I do this for myself and most importantly for all the devoted and loyal fans who have only shown us unconditional love and support.

Love,

Susan

An ABC Sponsor Speaks Out!!

Hoover has spoken out about the soaps cancellation via their Facebook page!  WOW!

To all the loyal ABC soap fans,

I want you to know from me personally that we hear you loud and clear. My wife and mother are both passionate viewers of All My Children and One Life to Live, as are many of my colleagues here at Hoover. We were and are as disappointed with this news as you are.

In fact, we will discontinue our advertising with ABC this Friday, 4/22. We're making every attempt to pull our spots from these programs sooner.

Because we feel that’s not enough, we also want to help get your voice heard with ABC. So, we’ve set up a special email address, SaveTheSoaps@Hoover.com, to help pull together the mass emotional outpouring of support for our beloved ABC soaps and get it to our contacts at ABC. Please, send your emails to us at SaveTheSoaps@Hoover.com, and we’ll get every, single last one of them to ABC.

We’re 150% committed to doing what matters most to you – so if there’s anything else we can do to help or you have any ideas, please email this address, and we will respond to you personally.

Thank you for standing up for what matters to you! We need more of that in this world.

Brian Kirkendall
Vice President of Marketing
Hoover

Julia Barr on Cancellation!!

 Soap Opera Digest spoke with Julia Barr (ex-Brooke) and she had this to say about the cancellation of AMC and OLTL:  "I have such wonderful memories of being a part of All My Children. And I feel so fortunate to have been able to share so many years of my professional life in the company of such wonderful people. It is sad for longtime viewers and loyal fans who have loved and supported the show... And sad for all of us... actors, staff and crew, who will be saying good-bye."

Happy Birthday Tamara Braun!!!

Happy Birthday wishes to Tamara Braun (ex-Reese)!!  She celebrates her 40th birthday today!   Tamara recently spoke to SOD about her new role on Days and shared her thoughts about the cancellations of AMC and OLTL.  "It's a sad day in the world of soaps. We had all heard the rumors. I'm shocked that the announcement came for both on the same day. It's a blow. People thought it would be one or the other. It's also sad because this is a genre that has outlasted any other and now it seems like we're slowly saying goodbye to it.  ABC started my soap career.   I've always said [GH Casting Director] Mark Teschner saved my life. I was about to quit acting. But ABC launched me on this amazing path that I've been on where I've had a great opportunity to jump around and play great characters, not only on ABC, but also at NBC on DAYS.  I have a lot of friend who are now going to be out of work not only actors, but also writers, directors, producers and the incredible crew."

Vote!!!

By now I'm sure you've heard of the campaign and petitions to get Oprah to pick up AMC and OLTL for her OWN network.   Although she has been approached about the idea, word is that the network and/or Oprah are not interested.  But that hasn't stopped fans from continuing to try and sway her.  Back in February, Oprah.com did a poll asking what your favorite soap opera is.  Well AMC fans, tell her!   Go here to vote!

Join or Like the Facebook groups and pages:  
Please Oprah Pick Up All My Children and One Life to Live
Oprah (OWN Can You Hear Our SOS (Save Our Soaps)?
Oprah Please Save All My Children and Bring it to Own
Protest ABC Across America
Don't Cancel All My Children
I Am Boycotting ABC if They Cancel OLTL and AMC
Save All My Children
Save All My Children from Being Canceled
Rally for AMC and OLTL
Save One Life to Live and All My Children
Oprah, Please Save All My Children and Bring it to OWN
Save AMC Petition

There are more, but after awhile it kind of becomes a joke with so many.  Combine your efforts and make a strong group.  Be heard!  Write, email.  It's the only chance AMC's got!

RECASTING NEWS: Trent Garrett NOT Leaving

I guess we were all duped!   The Trent Garrett (Asher) poster on Twitter was an imposter.  Nothing like feeding off the misery of the masses.  Sorry guys, I'm one of many bloggers who fell for it.  Trent Garrett has not been let go.  He reached out to our AMC Fan Club president, Debbie Morris and let her know that he does not have a Twitter account and that he is staying with the show until September.  

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Happy Birthday Lindsay Hartley!!!




Happy Birthday wishes to Lindsay Hartley.  As Cara Finn, she is Jake's ex-wife and Tad's current wife.  Ahhh don't ya love soaps!  She celebrates her 33rd birthday today.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Spoilers for the Week fo April 17!!!

Spoilers are up!!  This week David wants to help Angie get her sight back,  Kendall, Cara, Tad and Ryan all step it up to help Griffin, Ricky's cover is dangerously close to being blown and Erica is held against her will!

More Reaction...

I wrote to a few former stars and asked for a statement.  Here's what I received back:

Sydney Penny:  "I'm sorry to see All My Children leave the canvas of daytime TV. Although the cancellation was not a great surprise, it is still sad. There are few shows than can claim to have launched as many great careers as AMC and I am pleased to have been a part of it."

Karen Lynn Gorney:  "Thought it would go on forever !!!!!!! It's like my "family" from the beginning of my Acting Career has moved.  Strange. But they are still all in my head, and probably will always be."


And here are more posts from Twitter...


Nathan Fillion: A moment of silence for a disappearing genre. OLTL & AMC, we’ll miss your hard work and talent.

Michelle Trachtenberg: #RIP ‘All My Children’. 

Marlee Matlin  “Who imagined that the Welcome to Pine Valley sign would ever come down? All My Children axed. Goodbye, Erica Kane. You were GREAT.”

Kelly Ripa via Entertainment Weekly:  “This is like losing a member of your family. ‘All My Children’ was more than a job — it was my family. It was there that I met my husband; it was there when my first two children were born; it was there where I met many of my lifelong friends. It was the greatest training ground ever. I feel heartsick.”

Friday, April 15, 2011

Agnes Nixon Releases Statement

Entertainment Weekly has posted Agnes's statement.  And this is why we love her so!  “ABC’s decision to cancel All My Children and One Life to Live saddens me greatly. I treasure the decades that the worlds of Pine Valley and Llanview were brought to life by our talented casts and crews. I appreciate that the network allowed our teams to break new dramatic ground and always supported our commitment to the honest portrayal of social issues. We hope we have entertained our viewers and perhaps even educated them along the way. My deep gratitude goes to all the talented people who have contributed to All My Children and One Life To Live over these many years; we were always family, made up of writers, producers, directors, actors, crews. Equally important in that family are our loyal fans who shared this journey with us. Although ABC has concluded there is no longer a place for our shows on their network, I will do everything possible to keep them alive. God bless you all.”  And thank you Agnes! 

COMMENTARY: And Then There Were Four

In the back of my mind I knew it was coming, but I tried to deny it.  We all did didn't we?  It can't happen to us.  All My Children is the most beloved show on daytime.  Erica Kane is an icon, a household word.  They wouldn't do it, they can't do it.  Well, they did it.   They put another nail in the coffin of soaps.  A dying genre.  It's been dying a slow death, but it is dying.  Suddenly I feel like a betamax, a vinyl record, hell even a VCR.  Obsolete.  

Right now I'm a combination of the first four stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression) with just a smidge of the fifth (resignation).  I don't want to be resigned to losing AMC, but hope is very very slim.  As fans try anything to save these shows I keep thinking about the fans of Another World, Passions, Guiding Light, Port Charles, As the World Turns... and other soaps that met with a similar fate.  The fans of those shows campaigned, petitioned and fought to no avail.  I'm not saying AMC fans shouldn't do these things, but the likelihood of a save at this point is slim.  Extremely slim.  Why do I think so?   Several reasons.   First, an official cancellation has been issued with replacement shows announced.  That is a done deal.  There is no "we're thinking about canceling" talk, it's canceled.  Second, a few weeks ago when the rumors started (again) about the cancellation the stars came out in droves urging fans to support the show, write the show, sign petitions, etc.  Now?  Nothing but stars resigned to the end of the show.  None of them have urged support.  None.  That tells me a lot.

And now that I've mentioned a few weeks ago, let's go there.  Because for me, this is where a lot of my anger at the whole situation is centered.  It was less than a month ago that the news broke that AMC would be canceled.  And yet, we were told all was well.   We were told AMC was in good shape and not going anywhere.  The stars tweeted, gave statements, and poor Susan Lucci was on talk show after talk show and appearance after appearance, talking about how great everything is.  We were all lied to.  All of us.  It was certainly known then that this was going to happen.  But TPTB chose to lie to everyone, fans and stars alike.  From what I've been hearing when the news broke yesterday, the media announced it before the cast/crew was told.  Nice work Mr. Frons.  Why not just be upfront and tell us.  So it was a few weeks before you planned on breaking so many hearts.  What's a few weeks.  Why the lies?  Why the pretense.  Oh that makes me SO mad!!!

Yes, I put a lot of this on Frons.  I put a big part of this on him.  And another part of it on.... you know who I'm going to say don't you?  Yes, I do put part of the blame on Pratt.  He destroyed AMC.  His storylines were ludicrous and poorly written and it was because of him that the ratings tanked worse than they ever have and have yet to truly recover.  Does that mean that if he had never been a writer for AMC the show wouldn't be canceled?  No, it probably still would have happened.  I don't watch OLTL but from what I understand their storylines have been stellar for quite some time now and they still got the ax.  But I can't help but put part of that blame on Pratt.  He should go down in history as the man who destroyed AMC and Frons as the man who destroyed ABC Daytime.  Is that unfair?  I don't think it is.

And so we have a little more than five months left after 41 years on the air.  Five months.  What will happen?  How will it all end?   Will iconic characters make a final appearance, like Brooke and Adam, Joe and Ruth.  Is Zach alive?  Will he come back and give Zach and Kendall a happily ever after?  Will Jack and Erica have theirs?   Will Dixie be raised from the dead and reunite with Tad?   Will all the wrongs be righted?  Will the show go out with a bang or with a whimper?   So many questions.   I have hope for a strong ending now that Lorraine Broderick is back at the helm of the all but sunken ship.  Another lie by the way, Lorraine Broderick has been rehired has head writer, and for a long term contract this time, they told us.   Long term?  Really?  5 months constitutes long term?  There is nothing I hate more than lies.  Nothing.  And it shows what little respect Mr. Frons and co. have for the people that have supported his shows for so very long.  

So what can fans do at this point?  Well get involvedWrite, call, email, sign petitions, support campaigns.  It can't hurt!

Pratt Falls Does it Again!!

Love it!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Frons Speaks... But Says Nothing of Value

Deadline.com, the website that broke the original news that AMC was being canceled a few weeks ago, had an exclusive interview with Brian Frons.  Read it all here.  And excuse my while I get a bucket for the hurl and a cold compress for my aching head.  What a crock of crap.   Seriously Mr. Frons, you want to joke about going into the witness protection program?  Respecting the fans to the end huh?   Here's my fave quote by Mr. Frons, "It was one of my craziest ideas" about combining OLTL and AMC into one show.  Seriously?  You think that was a crazy idea?  I got a few others that rank up there as crazier ideas that you've had sir.  And PS, Andy Cohen already had a show, it's called Watch What Happens.

Susan Lucci Releases Statement

On the heels of the devastating news that both AMC and OLTL have been canceled by ABC, Susan Lucci issued this statement:  “The face of daytime television has changed resulting in the cancellation of All My Children.  Final episodes will air in September.   It’s been a fantastic journey. I’ve loved playing Erica Kane and working with Agnes Nixon and all the incredible people involved with All My Children. I’m looking forward to all kinds of new and exciting opportunities.” 

Come on Susan, tell us what you really think about how ABC made you lie on every damn talk show and appearance you've done since your book was released!  That's the statement I'd like to hear. 

The Stars Tweet About Cancellation

  It saddens me that All My Children is canceled. I've loved playing Erica Kane and working with Agnes Nixon & the incredible people at AMC.

  Saddened and shocked by the news of 's cancellation. It's the end of an era. I love you, AMC.

  Much love and endearing support to my family @/@/@. U are amazing talents. New chapter. New Life!

  Thank you all for all the supporting tweets & words of encouragement. Its official, AMC & One Life have both been cancelled.

Denise again:  Feelings about this are bitter sweet. AMC and its legacy ends but we were all blessed to be a part of true television history!!!

  It's a sad day in Pine Valley. We're all still trying to absorb the news... Thank you all for your support! has the best fans ever. xo

  The actors were not even told before the press! What a class act. Too bad it's all third. What a TOOL!

  OLTL's David Gregory (Ford) revealed on his Facebook page that AMC will tape its final episode in August, with OLTL to follow in November.

  WOW. RIP . The end of an iconic era and huge part of my life. What a travesty!

  6 more months of really good show! This has been the best group of people that I've ever worked with. I am blessed to have been part of AMC!

The Full Press Release

ABC Cancels BOTH 'All By Children' & 'One Life To Live,' Replaces Them With Health/Lifestyle Series  By NELLIE ANDREEVA .

Guided by extensive research into what today’s daytime viewers want and the changing viewing patterns of the audience, ABC is evolving the face of daytime television with the launch of two new shows, “The Chew,” which will premiere in September 2011, and “The Revolution” (working title), which will premiere in January 2012. These new shows expand ABC Daytime’s focus to include more programming that is informative and authentic and centers on transformation, food and lifestyle -- cornerstones of programming that resonates with daytime viewers as evidenced by the success of “The View.”

As food has become the center of everyone’s life, “The Chew” will focus on food from EVERY angle -- as a source of joy, health, family ritual, friendship, breaking news, dating, fitness, weight loss, travel adventures and life’s moments. Produced by Gordon Elliot, the Emmy Award-winning executive producer of “Paula Deen’s Home Cooking” and “Down Home with the Neelys,” this new one-hour series combines entertaining takeaway with memorable personalities to create a live show where viewers get the dish on anything and everything related to the world of food and beyond. Whether it’s new trends like food trucks and urban gardens or how pesticides in our food may affect our health, we can’t stop talking about it. The hosts who will guide the hour include Mario Batali (Restaurateur, Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and author); entertaining expert Clinton Kelly (TLC’s “What Not to Wear”); Carla Hall (Bravo’s “Top Chef”); Michael Symon (Restaurateur and Food Network’s “Iron Chef America”), and nutrition expert Daphne Oz, who simplifies often confusing information about food.

From Executive Producer JD Roth and 3 Ball Productions, producers of “The Biggest Loser,” “Masterchef” and ABC’s upcoming “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,” comes “The Revolution,” a daily show about health and lifestyle transformations. The show is hosted by a team of experts and rotating guest contributors who help viewers transform all areas of their lives, from relationships to family, food, style, home design, finance and more. This dream team, led by fashion expert Tim Gunn, also includes celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak and American Idol alum Kimberley Locke. The show features a unique concept: each week one woman’s five-month weight loss journey will unfold in just five days, with daily results and a final transformational reveal on Friday. “The Revolution” is a one-stop shop for better living.

“While we are excited about our new shows and the shift in our business, I can’t help but recognize how bittersweet the change is,” said Brian Frons, President, Daytime, Disney ABC/Television Group. “We are taking this bold step to expand our business because viewers are looking for different types of programming these days. They are telling us there is room for informative, authentic and fun shows that are relatable, offer a wide variety of opinions and focus on ‘real life’ takeaways. A perfect example of this is ‘The View,’ and that factored into our decision. ‘The Chew’ and ‘The Revolution’ are in the same vein and will be great additions to the lineup, with ‘The View’ serving as an ideal foundation from which to launch these programs. They will also provide enormous opportunity for the creation of ancillary businesses and growth.”

“General Hospital,” the second-most popular show in daytime, is not impacted by this announcement and will remain on the air.

To honor the core, passionate audience and their rich history with our soaps, “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” will conclude each series in a manner that respects their legacies and the longstanding hopes of many of their viewers.

“‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ are iconic pieces of television that have made an indelible mark on our culture’s history,” reflected Frons. “Each of the shows has touched millions and millions of viewers and informed the social consciousness. It has been a privilege to work with the extraordinary teams who brought the residents of Pine Valley and Llanview to life each day, and we thank the cast, crew, producers and most especially the fans for their commitment to the shows through their history.”

None of this could have been possible without the extraordinary Agnes Nixon.. “More than 40 years ago, Agnes Nixon created both the worlds of ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live,’ worlds that the rest of us have been privileged to live in,” said Frons. “Her shows led the way forward, breaking a lot of rules along the way to defy expectations about what soaps can do and the issues they can cover.
I am honored to have worked with her.”

“All My Children” has revolved around the lives of the residents of fictional Pine Valley, a town which closely resembles the Philadelphia Main Line. “All My Children” took home the 1998 Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, the third time the show received this top honor, having also garnered the award in 1994 and 1992. “All My Children” has received more than 30 Emmy Awards and consistently distinguishes itself in the field of daytime drama. The show has historically been committed to and is often the first to tackle social issues, focusing on such topics as AIDS, abortion, cochlear implants, teenage alcoholism, racial bias, acquaintance rape, spousal abuse, homosexuality, Reyes syndrome, Vietnam MIAs, drug abuse, the risks of motherhood over 40, safe sex, pet therapy and organ donations, among others. The show made television history airing daytime television’s first same-sex kiss between two lesbian characters, as well as daytime television’s first same sex wedding between two women. It was the first to chronicle the coming-out story of a transgender woman and to cast a real life Iraq War veteran whose story reflected his real life experiences and injuries incurred in combat.

“All My Children” premiered on the ABC Television Network on January 5, 1970, as a half-hour show; seven years later it expanded to an hour. Julie Hanan Carruthers is executive producer.

Also created by Agnes Nixon, Emmy Award-winning “One Live to Live” is set in the fictional town of Llanview, which is modeled on a Philadelphia suburb. “One Life to Live” debuted on The ABC Television Network July 15, 1968 as a half-hour show. Ten years later, it grew to a full hour in 1978.

“One Life to Live” has been lauded for its groundbreaking exploration of social issues, diverse canvas, award-winning performances and innovative storylines. Along with the history-making week of live shows in May 2002, “One Life to Live” is responsible for many “firsts” in Daytime television, including stories of interracial romance, illiteracy, medical misdiagnosis, racial prejudice, gang violence and teen pregnancy. The show received mass critical acclaim for its 1992 homophobia storyline, which captured national headlines when it introduced the character of a gay teen (played by then unknown Ryan Phillippe) and culminated with the emotional display of the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. “One Life to Live” was honored by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) with the Outstanding Daytime Drama Award in 1993, and again in 2005 and 2010.

In 2002 the show won its first-ever Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, and was nominated again in 2007 and 2008. Created by Agnes Nixon, “One Life to Live” debuted on July 15, 1968 and marked its 10,000th episode on August 17, 2007. Frank Valentini executive-produces.

The Lights Are Going Out... AMC/OLTL Cancelled

It's official.  All My Children and One Life to Live have been canceled.  Done deal, official word from ABC is in.  It's done.  After 41 years, AMC will go off the air in September.  OLTL will go off in January.  To be replaced by a cooking show (The Chew) and a talk show (The Revolution). 

  
“While we are excited about our new shows and the shift in our business, I can’t help but recognize how bittersweet the change is,” said Brian Frons, President, Daytime, Disney ABC/Television Group. “We are taking this bold step to expand our business because viewers are looking for different types of programming these days. They are telling us there is room for informative, authentic and fun shows that are relatable, offer a wide variety of opinions and focus on ‘real life’ takeaways. A perfect example of this is ‘The View,’ and that factored into our decision. ‘The Chew’ and ‘The Revolution’ are in the same vein and will be great additions to the lineup, with ‘The View’ serving as an ideal foundation from which to launch these programs. They will also provide enormous opportunity for the creation of ancillary businesses and growth.”


Thanks for nothing Mr. Frons.
 

Happy Birthday Sarah Michelle Gellar!!



Happy Birthday wishes to Sarah Michelle Gellar!!   AMC's former Kendall (she won an Emmy for that role!) celebrates her 34th birthday today.  Sarah stars in the CBS pilot Ringer.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Spoilers for the Week of April 10!!

Spoilers are now posted!!  This week there's a stabbing, a kidnapping, a whole lot of mayhem and all kinds of craziness.  In other words, a typical week in Pine Valley =)   The Kane/Montgomery clans head to St. Bart's for Jack and Erica's wedding.  JR and Marissa grow closer.  Maya gets a job at Chandler Mansion.  And Ricky ups his efforts to get rid of Griffin.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Happy Birthday Tasia Valenza!!!



Happy Birthday to Tasia Valenza!!!   As Dottie Thornton she got knocked up by Tad the Cad and he married her.  But his heart belonged to Hillary.  Ahhh young love!   Tasia mainly does voice over work now.  She celebrates her 44th birthday today. 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Performer of the Week - Jesse

It's difficult to chose between the amazing Debbi Morgan and the fabulous Darnell Williams for such honors as Performer of the Week, but this week was all about Jesse.  Having whisked his beloved wife Angie away to the Justice of the Peace where they were married so many years ago, their walk down memory lane was interrupted when Angie started to feel contractions and more.  It was much more.  It was all out pain.  


So in labor with an apparent complication and no time to get to the hospital, Jesse had to step up and deliver his baby girl Ellie, named after his mother.  Just as he was started to see the baby's head, in sheer exhaustion and overwhelming pain, Angie passed out.  Jesse was able to deliver the baby but it was soon apparent that the news was not good.  The baby did not survive the delivery.  Jesse's anguish as he desperately tried to get baby Ellie to breathe was more than I could stand.  My own tears flowed as I watched Jesse's rolling down his face.  He tried so hard to revive her and then Brot arrived, having someone to share his pain with, with Angie still unconscious, was even worse.  

Holding his baby in his arms he told her tried and tried and when he cried, "where did you go?  where did you go?" well kids, I'm done for.  Tears turned to sobs and the pain Jesse felt seemed so very real.   I don't like what transpired next.  Brot had an abandoned baby with him, conveniently an African American newborn girl.  Without missing a beat and absolutely zero thought to what he was doing, Jesse placed her in Angie's arms after Angie woke to the sounds of that baby crying and thinking she was hers.  All he knew as that his wife sacrificed so much, her own sight even, for this child and he could not break her heart.  This is not a path I would want Jesse to go, but since he's gone full steam ahead, I will take great pleasure in watching Debbi and Darnell shine.

 

Spoilers for the Week of April 3!!

This weeks spoilers are up!  This week Emma continues to lash out, Kendall's in more danger than she knows, Ricky commits murder, Amanda is plotting how to hold on to Jake, Liza and David get it on and Jesse worries about the baby.

 

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Lorraine Broderick Named Head Writer!!!

No April Fool's this time, I promise!!   ABC Soaps In Depth tweeted two great pieces of news... AMC is not being canceled (rumors persist) and Lorraine Broderick has been named as head writer!   This is AWESOME news.  AMC under Broderick is a much much better AMC.  Things are looking up!  (No word on whether or not David Kreizman and Donna Swajeski are out or just relieved of head writing duties).

Happy Birthday Aiden Turner!!!





Happy Birthday to Aiden Turner!!  The much missed (at least to me!) former Aidan Devane celebrates his 34th birthday today!

Happy Birthday Amelia Marshall!!!





Happy Birthday to Amelia Marshall!!!  AMC's former Belinda Keefer, one of my faves, celebrates her 53rd birthday today!

 

Friday, April 1, 2011

AMC Hires New (Old) Writers!

In an effort to keep the sinking ship of AMC afloat, ABC has sent the current headwriters David Kreizman and Donna Swajeski packing after less than a year of aired material.  Sighting the destruction of Bianca and Reese's marriage, the less than stellar rehash of the classic "Tad sleeps with Marian and Liza" storyline with Liza, Colby and Damon, and the launching of yet another baby switch storyline, among other things, a spokesperson for ABC said, "enough is enough!"   So they've pinned their hopes on the rehiring of two of the worst writers that AMC has ever employed.  Teaming up for the first time ever are Charles Pratt and Megan McTavish, effective immediately.  Pratt's immediate plan is to make Bianca heterosexual, explaining away her lesbianism as a "phase."  When asked to comment Mr. Pratt was heard to have said, "Who's Bianca again?"  

Meanwhile Ms. McTavish, succeeded in making Tad, one of the most beloved characters in AMC history, a murderer back in 2006.  And not just a murderer, a sadistic murderer who buried his victim alive.  Her plans are to move Tad along into serial killer territory when it's revealed that it was Tad all along who was the actual Satin Slayer, not Alexander Cambias.  So it was Tad who killed Dixie!  In addition it will be revealed that Tad killed Julia because he knew she was trying to adopt his daughter.  He killed Zach just for kicks and giggles.  And a little birdie even tells me that Aidan never really left Pine Valley at all, but his body is stashed in Tad's man cave and when things get tough he heads down there to confide his problems to his bestest buddy, Fish 'n Chips, who literally smells worse than fish now.  Hey maybe Dixie's down there too.  Before all is said and done, Tad's basement will have more bodies stashed in it than the Martin attic.  

Best of luck to these two um, stellar scribes.