Sydney Penny Guests on Drop Dead Diva!

Tune into Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva tonight (7/31) at 9:00 pm EST to catch Sydney Penny (ex-Julia) as Carol Kritzer, a businesswoman who hires Stacy and then takes her to court.  As previously reported, Sydney joins the cast of Days in August.  So how come Dr. David Von Haywardstein hasn't resurrected Julia and returned her to Zombie Valley, PA?

Spoilers for the Week of July 31!!!

This weeks SPOILERS are now up!  This week... Erica and company bust out of Oak Haven, Leo's back (!!!), we catch a glimpse of Zach, Leo's back (!!!), Jesse worries about Maya's connection to Lucy, Leo's back (!!!), JR continues to be a raging douche-aholic, and Leo's back!!!!!  Did I mention Leo's back??

Will Kim Delaney Return?

Kim Delaney (ex-Jenny) has expressed interest in returning to AMC for a cameo before the show leaves the ABC airwaves.  And why not, she's done it before when she appeared to Tad as a ghost while he fought for his life after being injured in a tornado.  But hey, if she does make a return, let's keep her a ghost ok?  I know it would be nice to have Jenny and Greg (Laurance Lau) get a happy ending after all these years, but seriously, AMC is turning into Night of the Living All My Children what with Dr. David Von Haywardstein raising the dead left and right!  Kim has a conflict with her current show, Army Wives on Lifetime, but is said to be trying to work around it so it can happen. 

Abigail Spencer in Cowboys and Aliens!

Abigail Spencer (ex-Becca) can be seen in theaters now, in the new Jon Favreau movie, Cowboys and Aliens.  The movie, based on the comic book of the same name, is a rather bizarre combination of western and sci fi and stars Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford.  Abigail plays the character Alice, a prostitute and former lover of Daniel Craig's character.

Beautiful Interview with Michael E. Knight

I will give this cancellation and internet pick up credit for something... it's gotten Michael E. Knight (Tad) to do interviews!   This one is fantabulous and if I want to read between the lines a little bit, I think he's putting some blame on Pratt for he cancellation.   Maybe it's just me, but it sure seems like!   Check out the interview with TV Guide's Michael Logan HERE.

Kelly and Mark Produce New Reality Show!

Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley) and Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo) announced a new reality show for E! called Dirty Soap.  The show will follow six soap stars and give viewers a look at how they juggle the changing daytime environment as well as their own lives.  The eight episode series will premiere on September 25 and will profile Farah Fath and John-Paul Lavoisier from OLTL, Nadia Bjorlin and Galen Gering from Days, and Kirsten Storms and Kelly Monaco from GH.  Hey Mark and Kelly, why no AMC peeps!?

CASTING NEWS: John O'Hurley to Guest Star!!

John O'Hurley will be a guest star on AMC in September as Kit Sterling, a movie producer who wants to make Erica Kane: Uncensored, Erica's newest book, into a movie.  You may remember O'Hurley as J. Peterman on Seinfeld but he has a pretty big AMC connection.  He was once married to Eva LaRue (Maria)

 

Prospect Park Releases Statement

Since the announcement that Prospect Park has purchased the rights to AMC and OLTL, little to no information has surfaced as to the how this was all going to happen.  And frankly, there is still isn't any information.  But the folks over at PP has released this statement:

The love and support for ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE is truly amazing. Since we announced our intention to work with the shows, the fan outreach we've experienced over the past few weeks further validates our decision to work to keep them going for years to come. However we also respect the organizations and processes that are in place so that all can apply their craft within the infrastructure that the entertainment industry has set, specifically in this case with the appropriate guilds and unions. We are in the process of working out the essential terms of our proposed collective bargaining agreements with the appropriate guilds and unions, which we must do prior to firming up deals with above-and below-the-line talent. We will provide updates as needed.

Update:  TVLine.com has this report today.  What can you really say here ya know?

Leo Returns August 4!!!

As previously reported, Josh Duhamel returns to AMC as Leo on August 4.  Us Weekly had a few pics of his return to share and oh it just makes me so anxious for next week!!!!

 

Happy Birthday Bobbie Eakes!!!

Happy Birthday wishes to Bobbie Eakes!!   If you can even believe it, the super sexy Bobbie celebrates her 50th birthday today!

The Final Days of AMC: Documentary

When AMC got canceled cast members got to thinking.  Particularly Jacob Young (JR) and Jill Larson (Opal).  Separately the both got the idea that a documentary about the final days of AMC would be something very special.  And I agree!  And now, despite the news that the show has been saved (which is still really sketchy IMO), they are moving ahead with the project.  No matter what happens with the internet deal, the show ending on ABC is in fact an ending.  It may end up with (sorry to be schmaltzy and use the name of Erica's show) a new beginning but the end on ABC is still an end.  According to this weeks Soap Opera Weekly magazine, Jacob went to EP Julie Hanan Carruthers to discuss the project and if ABC would allow it.  Jacob reported said to Julie, "Frankly Julie, I feel like Brian Frons owes us this, and it's not just closure for those of us who've been here all these years, but it's gonna be closure for all our fans and a nice keepsake, a nice thing for people to seee and reflect back on our show."  And I couldn't agree more, on all counts.  But alas, ABC has thrown a monkey wrench into the plan by telling Julie that they want to own all the rights to it.   ABC, always there for the fans.   But thankfully hasn't stopped them!   Jacob and Jill have combined their ideas and, despite the obstacles, moved forward.  They really want to focus on the last 30 days of taping and have already secured candid interviews some of the returning favorites including Josh Duhamel (Leo) who airs next week!  An AMC documentary is definitely something I'm on board with and I hope that TPTB realize that this gift to the fans is the least they can do!

Spoilers for the Week of July 24!!!

This weeks SPOILERS are now posted!  This week is full of returns... Annie, Marian, and Janet all hang out with Erica when she's tossed in Oak Haven!   Also this week, Amanda gets her test results.   Griffin saves David's life.  Jesse gets the DNA test results.  And JR's downwards spiral into the bottle continues.

Happy Birthday Beth Ehlers!!!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Beth Ehlers!!  She played Taylor Thompson, Brot's long lost love, and Jake's potential love interest, but never seemed to catch on.  Here's a little known Beth factoid for you though, as a teen she played Alice, one of Miriam's music students in The Hunger, one of my all time favorite movies!  Beth celebrated her 43rd birthday yesterday.

New Details in AMC/OLTL Pick Up

But not really.  Not anything substantial anyway.  Previously Prospect Park, who has purchased both AMC and OLTL, said they would begin airing AMC on September 26, a mere three days after AMC leaves the ABC airwaves.  But as more and more time went on, it was determined that Prospect Park has not even approached a single actor yet about continuing.  Getting a little late in the day no?  Yes.  It seems as though that September 26 goal will not be met.  

In other news,  ABC Soaps in Depth reports that Prospect has reached out to AMC Executive Producer, Julie Hanan Carruthers and Head Writer Lorraine Broderick and have lined up deals with both of them.  

Happy Birthday Jennifer Bassey!!!

Happy Birthday wishes go out today to Jennifer Bassey!   She returns to AMC next week as her iconic character Marian dahhhhlings!!!!

COMMENTARY: Dr. Devious

Just a warning, I will be talking about things that happened in today's, Thursday July 21, show.  I'm perplexed as to how everything is going to tie back to David.  We found out today that Dixie is on the other side of the wall where Erica is being held.  Which seems to mean that David would have to know where Erica is, since he is the one keeping Dixie alive.  Yet when he first met Jane he seemed concerned as to where Erica was and how she was being cared for.  I tell ya what though, Jane can give him a few pointers on how to keep someone captive.  Erica is in the lap of luxury while Dixie is basically in a dungeon.  Erica is fed nice meals, Dixie has an IV drip.   Erica has beautiful clothes, shoes and make up to put on every day.  Dixie... well not so much.  And frankly she should have some serious odors and muscle atrophy going on.  She doesn't seem to have either.  She may not have pretty clothes but she still manages to look fresh.  Quite a feat for someone who has presumably been in bed since 2007.  

Die?  None dies on my watch!

So just what is going on here?  How involved is David in Erica's kidnapping really?  And while I'm at it who else is he "helping" with his Project Orpheus?  Is Leo really alive?  Is Babe?  I wouldn't doubt it at this point.  And another thing?  Just how far is Oak Haven from the park?  Dixie managed to pull out her IV, pick the lock on her door with the IV needle and walk around like FrankenDixie in the park today.  I kind of always thought Oak Haven was a little off the beaten path from Pine Valley but now it seems like it's right in the heart of it all (which is where the park is) and that Erica literally is right under everyone's nose!

It's all very perplexing yet intriguing.   And I owe that all to Vincent Irizarry (David) who never ever disappoints.  He manipulates.  He lies.  He breaks the rules.  And he saves lives dammit!

Happy Birthday Chrishell Stause!!!

Happy Birthday wishes to Chrishell Stause!!!   AMC 's Amanda celebrates her 30th birthday today.

CASTING NEWS: Justin and Alexa Return!!

This is turning into a real party!   Justin Bruening (Jamie) and Alexa Havins (ex-Babe) will be returning to AMC in September for a few shows before the show signs off on ABC.  Jamie's return is easy enough, he's been in Africa working with Doctors Without Borders.  Babe, that's a little trickier.  Babe died several years ago when a tornado hit Pine Valley (then played by Amanda Baker).  Another ghost?  Another "victim" of the Orpheus Project?  Just how many people has Dr. David Haywardstein risen from the dead??  Alexa currently stars in the Starz incarnation of Torchwood and Justin stars in the Wonder Woman pilot that is looking for a home.  The couple has been married since 2005 and have one child, a daughter Lexington.

Happy Birthday Trai Byers!!!

Happy Birthday wishes to Trai Byers (Mookie)!!! 

Are you Ready for Some Leo??

As previously REPORTED, Josh Duhamel makes his return as Leo before AMC leaves the ABC airwaves in September.  And now, the date is here... mark your calendars, set your VCR's and DVR's for AMC started on August 4!  No word on whether Leo is alive or dead, but suddenly I'm thinking that he is alive and was a victim.. er, recipient of David's and Project Orpheus's help.  Did David save his own brother and have him hidden this whole time!?  

Happy Birthday Eddie Matos!!!

Happy Birthday wishes to Eddie Matos!!!  As Ricky Torres, Eddie effectively creeped me and many others out very well!!  You can still see him regularly in State Farm commercials.  He celebrates his 33rd birthday today =)

Happy Birthday Ambyr Childers!!!

Happy Birthday wishes to Ambyr Childers!!!  She won me over as Adam's feisty teenage daughter Colby, only to end up replaced, and then replaced again!  Ambyr is married to producer Russell Emmett and they have a one year old daughter named Londan.    She stars in the movie Playback with Christian Slater and has been working steadily in film.  She celebrates her 23rd birthday today.

Spoilers for the Week of July 17!!

This weeks SPOILERS are now posted!  As AMC edges closer and closer to leaving the ABC airwaves, the show heats up!   This week Dixie escapes, Erica escapes, JR spirals downward, Griff reaches out to Maria, and Jesse grows suspicious of Maya's connection to Lucy!

No Return for Mark and Kelly

Sorry Hayley and Mateo fans, but Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will not be making a return trip to Pine Valley before AMC signs off of ABC on September 23.  Eva LaRue (Maria, who returns on Tuesday, July 19) reports that they wanted to come back, but Kelly could not work it around her schedule. 

Happy Birthday Brent Weber!!

Happy Birthday wishes to Brent Weber (ex-Sean Montgomery)!!  He celebrates his 31st birthday today.

CASTING NEWS: I've Been Waiting For This!

After Lorraine Broderick hinted in last weeks SOD that more surprise appearances were in store, I held my breath and waited.  Well I just exhaled!!!   SOD Online reports that Ray MacDonnell (Joe), Lee Meriweather (Ruth), David Canary (Adam) and Julia Barr (Brooke) will all be returning before AMC leaves the ABC airwaves on September 23!!!  (Actual airdates are not yet available).

Jordi Vilasuso: Cover Story!

Jordi Vilasuso (Griffin) is the cover story for the London Ontario newspaper, Scene.  Check out the interview HERE.  I think I just fell in love a little more :)

 

Vincent Irizarry Weighs In..

Still so many questions.  It's hard to know what to believe or what to think about everything.   Slowly but surely, information filters in.  Vincent Irizarry (David) took to his Facebook page to give his thoughts.  Here's what he had to say...

To be or not to be on AMC... that is the question

I've been getting a lot of questions from many of you, asking 2 things: am I going to the AMC Fan Event, and will I be staying with the show when it transitions to the internet? The first is easy, yes, I plan on being at the AMC Fan Event at the end of the month. The second, not so easy. Some have even informed me that it was reported somewhere that I'm staying with the show. That is not at all true at this time. Until I hear from the new producers to learn what they're offering, I have to work under the assumption that my contract with the show ends on Aug 31 and plan accordingly, which I am.

Spoilers for the Week of July 10!!

This weeks spoilers are now up!  July is heating up and this week Marissa comes clean, Amanda comes clean, Kendall and Griffin come clean, JR hits the bottle and holy cow... David proposes!?  

AMC Fan Club Events!

The AMC Fan Club events are less than two weeks away and you still have time to get tickets.  Would you like to have "Breakfast with the Chandler's" or maybe got to "Krystal's Country BBQ" how about "Opal's Magical, Mystical Tea Party" or even more events!   All are being held in LA and you can be there!  Check out the AMC Fan Club WEBSITE for all the deets and ordering tickets.

Lots of Questions, Not a Lot of Answers

Since the announcement Thursday that AMC and OLTL have been bought by internet based Prospect Park, there have been tons of questions and even more speculation.  How could this possibly work?  Who will make the move with the show?   How can they pay the actors, crew, production costs, etc.?  Will we have to pay to watch it?  Just what the heck is going on!?  Both Prospect Park and ABC aren't saying much and a new article in the LA TIMES addresses these concerns without any answers.  I know I've heard that the actors contracts end August 31 and that Prospect Park will have to renegotiate with each actor they want to continue with the show.  That will most assuredly mean pay cuts.  And what about how it seems that none of the actors knew this deal could be in the works.  It stands to reason that some, if not all or most, have started making other arrangements for themselves, whether it be auditioning for other roles, negotiating a return to a former soap, moving back to NYC... any number of scenarios.  Hopefully the coming weeks will shed more light onto this very confusing story!

Debbi Morgan to Y&R!!!

Debbi Morgan (Angie) has signed up with Y& R!   She begins filming in September after AMC wraps production (at least on TV).  No word on her character just yet.  She joins a bevvy of AMC alums currently on Y&R including Peter Bergman (ex-Cliff), Eden Riegel (ex-Bianca), Elizabeth Hendrickson (ex-Maggie), Amelia Heinle (ex-Mia) and Billy Miller (ex-Richie).  Maybe they should change the name of the show to All My Young and Restless Children!

OK... NOW celebrate!

It's official!  AMC and OLTL have been saved!!!  Here's the official press release.  


ABC LICENSES ITS ICONIC SOAPS “ALL MY CHILDREN” AND “ONE LIFE TO LIVE TO PROSPECT PARK

EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-PLATFORM DEAL ALLOW THE SOAPS’ STORIES TO CONTINUE BEYOND THEIR FINAL AIRDATES ON ABC

BURBANK, CA – July 7, 2011 – ABC has licensed its iconic soaps, “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” to Prospect Park, it was announced today by Brian Frons, President, Daytime, Disney/ABC Television Group & Janice Marinelli, President, Disney/ABC Domestic Television and Rich Frank & Jeff Kwatinetz of Prospect Park.  The exclusive multi-year, multi-platform deal enables the soaps’ stories to continue beyond their finale dates on ABC.  ABC will broadcast its final episode of “All My Children” on Friday, September 23rd and will air the final episode of “One Life to Live” in January, 2012.

The licensing agreement, brokered by Disney/ABC Domestic Television Group, enables Prospect Park to continue production of “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” beyond their life on ABC. Prospect Park will produce and deliver the two long-running programs to consumers via online formats and additional emerging platforms including internet enabled television sets. Under the terms of the arrangement, the programs will continue to be delivered with the same quality and in the same format and length.  Additional details of the new productions and tune-in will be forthcoming from Prospect Park.

“We are privileged to continue the legacy of two of the greatest programs to air on daytime television, and are committed to delivering the storylines, characters and quality that audiences have come to love for over 40 years. ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ are television icons, and we are looking forward to providing anytime, anywhere viewing to their loyal community of millions,” said Frank and Kwatinetz. “Technology changes the way the public can and will view television shows.  Now that there are so many devices available in addition to television sets, viewers are taking advantage of watching shows wherever they are and on any number of devices.  The driving force in making the switch and attracting new audiences is to have outstanding programs that people want to watch. We believe that by continuing to produce the shows in their current hour format and with the same quality, viewers will follow the show to our new, online network.”

“‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ are iconic pieces of television history that captivated millions of fans since their beginning over 40 years ago,” said Frons. “Each of the shows have made an indelible mark on our culture’s history and informed our consciousness in their own way.  We are so glad Prospect Park has assumed the mantel for these shows and that they will continue for the fans.”

Marinelli continued, “From the time the shift in the daytime strategy was announced, our hope was to find a new home for these treasured shows.   We are thrilled to license them to Prospect Park so the stories of life in Pine Valley and Llanview can continue to be told for the passionate and loyal fans that enjoy watching each day.”

“I’m just so happy that ABC found a home where the legacies of ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ can continue.  I’m excited for their future with Prospect Park,” added Agnes Nixon, creator of both “All My Children” and “One Life to Live.”  “It takes a lot of living to make a soap opera a serial, and the wonderful teams on both shows have done just that. Together, we are a big family that keeps going, and I’m looking forward to working alongside these wonderful people as we ensure that the shows will continue with all the love and excitement we’ve always had.  I also am so happy for our loyal fans, whom we love so much, and who have been so supportive over the last 40 plus years.”

Prospect Park is a media and production company founded in 2009 by entertainment industry veterans Jeffrey Kwatinetz and former Disney Studios head Rich Frank. Along with successful film and music divisions, the company’s television group has numerous shows in development and breakout network hits airing, including “Royal Pains” and “Wilfred.”

In April, ABC announced that it was expanding the focus of its daytime lineup to include more programming that is informative and authentic and centers on transformation, food and lifestyle.  “The Chew,” an innovative and groundbreaking daily talk show that celebrates and explores life through food, will premiere on September 26th.  “The Revolution,” a daily show about health and lifestyle transformations, will replace “One Life to Live” in January 2012.

“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.  The show was the first to chronicle the coming out story of a transgender woman and to cast a real life Iraq war vet 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, the 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 Award in the Outstanding Drama Series category, 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.

Ken Ziffren of Ziffren Brittenham advised Prospect Park on the deal and the company is represented by Skip Paul at Centerview Partners LLC.

Soaps Saved? Don't Celebrate Just Yet...

A NY POST article posted last night is causing quite a stir in the soap world.  It states, in part, that AMC and OLTL have been purchased by Prospect Park to be included in a new venture the company is putting together, a Hulu like online site for televisions shows.  The article continues by saying that production will continue... crew, cast, everything, right where it left off.  My initial reaction to this is "you've got to be kidding me!"  If ABC's claims that they can't afford production of the soaps anymore, how is some internet TV station going to do it?  Even if that internet company boasts some big name former ABC execs.  ABC Soaps in Depth has uncovered through their vast sources that the article isn't entirely accurate but that "good news" is coming.  Via Twitter, ABC  Soaps in Depth speculated that the archives were purchased and will be shown on the internet.  And I agree, that makes more sense.  Will post more news as I hear it!  Stay tuned.

Spoilers for the Week of July 3!!

This weeks spoilers are posted!   It's a short week (tomorrow is a repeat) but there is tons of action!   Tad and Cara kiss.  Griffin is back.  Marissa is conflicted.  Everyone is after David.  And Amanda finds out what's been causing her symptoms!

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda *shaking my head*

Happy Birthday Elizabeth Hendrickson!!

Happy Birthday wishes to Elizabeth Hendrickson!!   AMC's former Maggie (and now Chloe on Y&R) celebrates her 32nd birthday today!!

Justin Bruening Guest Stars on State of Georgia!

Justin Bruening (ex-Jamie) will be a guest star on an episode of State of Georgia, the new ABC Family sitcom starring Raven Symone.  In the episode, "Flavor of the Week," Justin plays Brad, the owner of a yogurt shop who begins dating Raven's character, Georgia.  Tune in July 6 at 8:30 pm EST to catch Justin!!