General Hospital's Michelle Stafford On Becoming Nina And Working with Michael & Kelly!Stafford spoke with noted soap journalist Carolyn Hinsey in a new interview about her arrival onto the Port Charles scene, where she talks about being the new kid on the block, working with Kelly Monaco and Michael Easton and working with head scribe Ron Carlivati and EP Frank Valentini to make Nina come to life!
Michelle on being a hit character on one soap (Y&R’s Phyllis) and then coming to another soap and creating a new character and the challenge of it:“Sometimes an actor makes a splash on one show and then comes onto a new show expecting they’re going to make another splash. But you have to start each new job anew. I’m the new kid on the block.”
Michelle on getting snuck onto the ABC Studios:“I wore a hat and glasses and I was there for 10 minutes. That was technically my first day. Ten minutes… that was a great work day [laughs].”
Michelle on what are her thoughts on working with Michael Easton:“Amazing. I took his parking place one day and I want to publicly apologize for that. They gave me his spot; I think they just saw the ‘M.’ He’s really smart. He’s a writer himself… God, there’s so much I want to say about our conversations but if I tell you it will give away the character. There’s so little I can say.”
Michelle on working with EP Frank Valentini:Ron [Carlivati, head writer], Frank and I spoke at length about what was going to happen in the beginning, so I knew what they wanted from me. Ron is not a careful writer. He GOES for it. So I don’t want to be careful. I’m going all out, because then if it’s too much they can bring me down. Ron writes to your strengths. He watches you and gets ideas from you. That’s so important for a head writer.”
Michelle on receiving criticism from the crew:Frank walked up to me at one point and said, “I need you to be more vulnerable.” I get that. I’m really good with, “Be funnier,” “Do it faster,” “Be better.” I know what he means by that. Listen, you don’t hit it out of the park every time.”
Michelle on the story with Sam (Kelly Monaco) and Silas:“It’s OUR story, not my story. It’s important that they kick ass and I kick ass. I already told you about Michael, and Kelly is amazing. I really like my scenes with her. I haven’t seen them yet. I hope they’re good.”
General Hospital's Maura West on Ava's News!A baby? Maybe. Last week on ABC's General Hospital, furious mob don Sonny Corinthos had a gun pointed at she-devil Ava Jerome and was ready to shoot her dead when the ever-enterprising beauty pulled out the ultimate trump card. She's pregnant! Ava explained that she'd just taken a home-pregnancy test and it was positive — the proof was right there in her waste basket! — but then admitted she didn't know if the father is Sonny, thanks to their one-time tryst in the Quartermaine crypt, or his son Morgan, whom she's been bedding for months. Was Ava's news pure luck or pure b.s.? Either way, it saved her life. For now, anyway. TV Guide Magazine had a chat with Maura West, the sensational two-time Emmy winner who plays Ava, and got her take on this terrific baby twist. And, of course, we talked about that even bigger shocker — her lack of an Emmy nomination!
TV Guide: The reveals are coming fast and furious on GH these days. Were you surprised Sonny found out so soon that Ava killed Connie? They could have milked that forever. West: I think it's so exciting that they didn't! This writing team is extraordinary — the twists and turns are so smart — and Ava couldn't walk around with that secret forever. Sure, the relationship between her and Sonny could have built up a lot more so that the revelation would be even more of a betrayal. They also could have kept it quiet for a long time that Ava and Sonny had sex but they didn't. [Laughs] Two minutes later, Morgan walked into the crypt and could smell it! I think this is brilliant strategy. When I was growing up and a big fan of As the World Turns, you could watch in February and not tune in again until May and pick right back up again. Nothing would really change, and that's why people didn't feel the need to watch every day. [GH executive producer] Frank Valentini and [head writer] Ron Carlivati move our show so quickly now that you must catch it five days a week.TV Guide: What did you think when you heard about this pregnancy? West: That it's a classic soap story that has worked since television began. Frank usually tells me what's coming up next and I always say, "I'm game." I am not the sort of actor who says, "Oh, no, not this! I don't like that story!" What the writers write is none of my business. My business is to perform what they write as best I can. It was the same when they told me Ava would be having an affair with Morgan. I don't know if they anticipated that I might shrink from it and not want to do it, but I was fine with it. Nothing bothers me. I'm here to play.TV Guide: You mean you didn't even blanch over the crypt sex?West: [Laughs] You know what? A lot of people seemed shocked by it and I was very surprised by that reaction. I was never even thinking about the locale! I was thinking about Ava's pain. She told Sonny that she "walks the earth with an unfathomable burden"— a line I really loved that referred to Connie's murder. She was so heartsick she almost told Sonny about it right then. But for a lot of the audience that scene was all about crypt sex.TV Guide: So you don't think a mausoleum is an unusual place to do it?West: Not for a second was I thinking, "Oh, my God, we're having sex among the corpses." To me, it could just as well have happened in the back seat of a Chevy. That wasn't what the scene was about. I didn't see it as disgusting or some big sin. That's too simplistic. It was much more profound than that. Ava was going through unspeakable pain over Connie. That sex was born out of grief and need and the fact that she was with someone who understood her. That's not something foul. It's something human. I'm fairly new to Game of Thrones but I just got to the episode where they also do crypt sex, so we're not the only ones! [Laughs]TV Guide: Ava's timing with the pregnancy test was impeccable — almost suspiciously so.West: That was a lucky moment for sure! Because Sonny was ready to off her right then and there — no question about it — and then throw her body in the sea.TV Guide: We might not have bought his threat a few months back, but Sonny has already whacked A.J. for killing Connie, so it's not hard to believe he'd do it twice. Well, except for that fact that Ava is a fantastic asset to GH and they'd never fire you in a million years.West: But people do die on this show! That man wants retribution and it's a very real threat. If you have a bunch of people in the mob who never really follow through on their threats, then it's just a farce. Connie's death was a mob hit. Ava didn't dislike Connie — as I recall she said several times, "I had no problem with her"— but Ava was protecting her brother, Julian, and her business, so Connie had to go. In the violent world of the mob, that s--t happens. But I also think Sonny understands the concept of mob hits and that Connie was at the wrong place at the wrong time and heard the wrong thing.TV Guide: Meaning what? That he might let Ava off the hook because it was business?West: I honestly don't know. Maybe. Look, I love playing this part. I don't want Ava to die. [Laughs] I'm an actress thinking desperately here!TV Guide: Well, we know you can't spoil anything, so let's discuss all the possibilities. What if Ava is really pregnant with a Corinthos baby? What if it's someone else's baby? What if she's faking it altogether?West: If she's pregnant it certainly buys her time and she can figure out a way to change Sonny's mind. Nine months is a long time for Ava. She moves quickly, so this is a big grace period. It's her hope that she can get out of this mess and that amends will be made and there will be forgiveness in place before any possible labor and delivery of the baby.TV Guide: As Sonny noted, it's possible Ava could be pregnant by just about anyone. Who knows, maybe the postman.West: I know! And I resent that! Ava doesn't put out for just anybody. This woman has taste. Usually, I will watch my scenes on GH and see Ava Jerome — I don't see Maura — but I sure did see me in that moment when Sonny called Ava a whore. Because she's not! Who else has she been with? Morgan. That's it. So when you saw that scene there was a little bit of Maura in there thinking, "Fuck you, Sonny, Ava is not a whore!"TV Guide: And what if this is just another one of Ava's con jobs and she has to fake a pregnancy or create one? Let's face it, in Port Chuck no one seems to be able to hold onto their own embryos and characters change paternity tests as often as they change underwear.West: Well, you could only fake something like that for so long. I guess there could be ways around it but, frankly, I don't yet know how they're going to handle it. What we've already shot is really cool, though. It's injected with the gravity of Sonny's death threat, but it's also been infused with great humor and fireworks. It's a lot of fun. The idea that this could be Sonny's son or grandson really plays into history because, for him, family and children are all-important. If Ava were pregnant with someone else's child, he'd kill her for sure.TV Guide: You seriously think that?West: Yeah!TV Guide: I just can't see it. Sonny is way too Catholic. He couldn't whack a madonna and child. He'd wait till after the birth.West: That's true, he did say that! "I'm gonna kill ya in nine months." Either way, the clock is ticking for poor Ava.TV Guide: Aren't you also going to be a big player in the Nina-ain't-dead story? Won't Ava be at the top of Nina's revenge list? West: I certainly hope so but that hasn't come up in scripts yet. Ava's in the thick of a major problem right now. [Laughs] She'll get to those minor problems later!TV Guide: Speaking of major problems, your fans are still having one because you didn't get an Emmy nomination for what was widely considered the daytime performance of the year. What do you think went wrong?West: I don't know. Maybe the reel I submitted wasn't the right choice. But that's okay. Really okay. It would have been great to be nominated and a real honor but I still show up every day on the set and work as hard as I always do. It doesn't change a thing. I was much more surprised that GH didn't get nominated for best show or writing or directing. That was the snub, if there is such a thing. I watch our show every day and it's pretty phenomenal.TV Guide: Will you attend?West: Of course! I am going to the Emmys to support our show and especially to support Jane Elliot [Tracy], who I am so thrilled was nominated. When I arrived at GH and met Jane it was like I knew her in a past life. I was immediately drawn to her kindness and her talent and I am more excited for her and for Dom Zamprogna [Dante] and everyone else from GH who got nominated than I could ever be disappointed about my own circumstance. It sounds hokey, but it's the absolute truth.Could Y&R Be Bringing Michael Muhney Back As Adam Newman?Fans have been missing Michael Muhney (Ex-Adam Newman) on The Young and the Restless since December 2013 when he was last seen on-air. The star was fired from the CBS soap opera amidst controversy, but months after he has been gone the fan fervor for him has not stopped.
More recently, Y&R sent out a casting notice for the role of Aaron Newton which clearly was the recast for Adam Newman and their search had been on-going to fill the void left by Muhney in the pivotal role of the black sheep of the Newman clan.
However there have been rumors, and now an item in this week’s Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, that
“Insiders report Michael Muhney could be back in the mix to reprise the role,” and that Muhney was reportedly
“spotted at the Y&R studios.”When pressed about Muhney possibly returning to to the show, A Y&R spokesperson told Digest,
“We don’t comment on rumors or contract status.”Debbi Morgan On Passing Of Longtime Co-Star and On-Screen Mom Lee Chamberlin!More sad news over the weekend with the reports of the passing of actress and playwright Lee Chamberlin, who for nine years played the role of Angie Hubbard’s (Debbi Morgan) mother, Pat Baxter on ABC’s All My Children.
Chamberlin played the role from 1982-1991 and later reprised the part on ABC’s Loving. She passed away on May 25th at the age of 76 after a battle with metastatic cancer. Debbi Morgan tweeted today:
“My heart & prayers go out to the family of Lee Chamberlain. I so enjoyed working w/ her back in the day on AMC.”GH's Castillo Is A Mom!Congratulations to GENERAL HOSPITAL's Teresa Castillo (Sabrina) and husband Shane Aaron, who welcomed their daughter into the world last week!
The actress posted to Twitter that Victoria Milani was born on Thursday, May 29.
"We are in love!" she added.
GH Star Weds!Congratulations are in order for GH alum Sebastian Roché (ex-Jerry), who married Alicia Hannah on Sunday, June 1 at a vineyard in the South Of France!
"That's it!" the actor tweeted on the day.
"We are married! I love you Alicia Hannah, my beautiful wife!"GH co-star Ingo Rademacher (ex-Jax) was on hand for the ceremony as best man.
"Very happy to be in France for Seb and Ali's wedding," he posted to Twitter.
"And honored to be best man! Love you guys!" Rademacher also posted photos like this one you can see on Instagram.
A Legendary Return!THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS' Judith Chapman (Gloria) will be stepping back on stage as the legendary actress Vivien Leigh in her one-woman show, Vivien, Saturday, June 7 at Theatre In The Square in Marietta, GA.
The soap vet has wowed theatergoers from coast to coast portraying the troubled star of Gone With The Wind, who suffered from manic depression.
For more information on Vivien, check out Facebook or Twitter. Also, tickets are available by calling 777-794-5576.
The Daytime Emmy Awards Will Be Online-Only!It’s probably a blessing Erica Kane’s not around to see this. As a reflection of dwindling interest in soaps, this year’s Daytime Emmy Awards will be shown only online – aka not on television.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced 41st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will not air on television for the first time since 1984. Instead the June 22nd ceremony will be live-streamed on daytimeemmys.net starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The Daytime Emmys ceremony has been broadcast on HLN the past two years. Last year's telecast averaged 913,000 viewers after drawing 5.4 million viewers on CBS just two years prior.
“We are confident that the expert team we’ve brought on will flawlessly execute an evening that celebrates the outstanding talent being honored and allows fans to be a part of the action,” said NATAS chairman Malachy Wienges in a statement.
Once again this year, no one from soap operas will be given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Russ Morash, the producer and director of The French Chef with Julia Child and the creator of This Old House and other iconic public television programs will be honored at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on June 20th.
The Young and the Restless leads the nominations with 26.
While neither soap has been officially canceled by Prospect Park/The OnLine Network, AMC actors Denyse Tontz (ex-Miranda Montgomery) and Eric Nelsen (ex-AJ Chandler) have signed on as presenters, along with OLTL's Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers Buchanan). Leslie Miller, who co-hosted MORE AMC and MORE OLTL for TOLN in 2013, will also attend as a presenter. Kassie DePaiva, who portrayed Blair Cramer on OLTL, both on the ABC and TOLN versions, is set to present as a member of the DAYS cast as it was announced earlier this year that she had signed on to portray the contract role of Eve Donovan (previously portrayed by Emmy Award winner Charlotte Ross). She will be joined by Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) and Guy Wilson (Will Horton).
Nominated this year in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Katie Logan on CBS' The Bold and the Beautiful, actress Heather Tom will present along with co-star John McCook (Eric Forrester).
General Hospital’s William deVry (Julian Jerome) and Lisa LoCicero (Olivia Falconeri), The Young and the Restless' Lauralee Bell (Christine Blair), Sean Carrigan (Stitch Rayburn) and Jess Walton (Jill Abbott Fenmore) will also be on hand as presenters. Bell’s web series mI promise is up for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Special Class – Short Format Daytime Program.
Currently co-hosting The Better Show, a syndicated and online series, former All My Children actress Rebecca Budig (ex-Greenlee Smythe) will present alongside co-host JD Roberto.
For a breakdown of presenters by show talent, see below:
ALL MY CHILDREN
Denyse Tontz
Eric Nelsen
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
John McCook
Heather Tom
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Kassie DePaiva
Freddie Smith
Guy Wilson
GENERAL HOSPITAL
William deVry
Lisa LoCicero
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Tuc Watkins
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Lauralee Bell
Sean Carrigan
Jess Walton
Other presenters include: Joseph Rosendo (“Travelscope”), June Lockhart (“Lassie,” “Lost in Space”), George Chakiris (“West Side Story,” “OLTL”), Leeza Gibbons (“America Now”), Jessica Carleton (“Green Screen Adventures”), Leslie Rudolph-Carrara (puppeteer, “Sesame Street”), Hayley Faith Negrin (“Peg+Cat”), “This Old House” personalities Norm Abrams, Kevin O’Connor, Richard Trethewey, Roger Cook and Tom Silva, David Rudman (puppeteer, “Sesame Street”) and Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band members.
Kate Del Castillo's Dueños Del Paraiso Trailer!An upcoming project that created major buzz at Telemundo's Upfront presentation this year was Dueños del Paraiso starring Kate del Castillo.
The 41-year-old La Reina del Sur star made a special appearance during the event held in New York in May to present this new project.
The original story by Pablo Illanes, is inspired by real-life events during the height of the 1980s drug trade era in Miami, Del Castillo plays Anastasia Cardona, the widow of a well-known Mexican drug lord who has become psychologically disturbed by the violence that has surrounded her. When she partners up with two local cocaine traffickers to take on the Santa Norma cartel, they become the target of the so-called drug wars, transforming the streets of South Florida into a terrifying battlefield.
The Week In The Year 2013!Katie rushed Steffy to the hospital after Steffy fainted, and the doctors concluded that Steffy could never get pregnant again. Instead of telling Liam, Steffy retreated to her loft to be alone. Eric sided with Brooke when she refused to model lingerie at a press conference, but the move left the press and Forrester executives baffled. Persisting in her mission to make a family with Eric, Brooke recreated her and Eric's honeymoon tent, but Eric urged her to confess her pregnancy to Bill. At Katie and Bill's house, Brooke announced that she had something say. Overjoyed by Maya and Rick's breakup, Caroline ordered Maya to leave Forrester. Maya, however, said Caroline shouldn't press her luck. To Bill, Maya asserted that she wouldn't be blackmailed.
Kristen begged Brady for a second chance. Stefano's jealousy over Kate's feelings for Rafe drove him to order a maiming on Rafe. Daniel began to suspect J.J. when he learned that his car had been vandalized again. Jennifer seemed concerned about J.J.'s behavior, so she told Daniel that she should spend more time with her son to help him work things out. Kate accused Sami and E.J. of stealing Mad World's secret formula. E.J. overheard Sami and Kate arguing over their feelings for Rafe. Upset at what he had heard, E.J. decided to find out Sami's true feelings for Rafe. Daniel blasted J.J. for putting Parker in danger. Gabi and Will admired their new daughter. Cameron and Chad both had Abigail on the brain. Nick told Gabi that he had married her for all the wrong reasons. Adrienne advised Sonny about all of the changes and demands that he would face in his future with Will.
Sonny and Carly agreed that Franco needed to die, so they turned to Shawn for help. Sonny arranged for the district attorney to go along with Diane's request for bail, so Franco would be released from police custody, which would make Franco an easier target for Shawn. Sonny put the hit on hold until it was safe for Shawn to kill Franco, but Carly objected because she wanted Franco killed sooner rather than later. The acrimony between Michael and Kiki turned to passion, but their near-kiss was interrupted when Morgan returned home. Morgan was frustrated when his parents refused to cosign for another credit card. Kiki wanted to move out of Michael's apartment, so Morgan suggested that it was time for Kiki to reach out to her wealthy family. Luke's doctor wanted to discuss Luke's test results, but Luke opted to drink instead. Connie was delighted when the charges against her, stemming from her alter personality's car accident, were dismissed. Franco paid the Quartermaines a visit to remind them that he was entitled to a share of Edward's estate. Franco met Kiki, who turned up at the Quartermaine mansion to meet her father's family. Silas told Sam that Danny had cancer, so Sam turned to Patrick for help. Danny underwent a bone marrow biopsy when it was suspected that he might have leukemia. Felix's sister, Taylor, arrived in Port Charles. Molly was disappointed when she learned that T.J. was taking Taylor to the prom.
Chelsea realized that Adam had paid off Madame Miranda. When she confronted Adam, Chelsea suffered abdominal pains, and he rushed her to the hospital. Chelsea and the baby were fine, and Adam agreed to back off. Chloe and Kevin sold Crimson Lights to Dylan. Kevin stole again. Chelsea and Dylan discussed baby names, and their relationship became more passionate. Lily saw a blog post with Neil's words about her tendency to stray, and another post appeared about Neil's drinking. After a heart-to-heart talk with Nick, Phyllis decided to return to Jack. Traci moved in with Abby. Avery told Nick about her past miscarriage. Michael agreed to Lauren's plea that they wait 30 days to file for divorce, and he moved back in. Carmine continued to pursue Lauren and befriend Fen. Billy took money from On the Boulevard's cash register to join a poker game, and he later gambled online. Victoria became suspicious of Billy's behavior. Summer anticipated having sex with Kyle after her graduation. Devon tried to drive a wedge between Tyler and Lily. Noah and Tyler moved into their new apartment. Dr. Watkins worried that Sharon was doing everything she could to avoid being alone. Adam kissed Sharon to prove that he had no problem moving on from Chelsea. Victor encouraged Adam to start a family. At Victor's suggestion, Adam hosted a family gathering, at which Victor declared that the Newmans had regained ownership of Newman Enterprises. Nick announced that he and Avery were getting married.
PREVIEWS FOR NEXT WEEK!Monday
Nicole lashes out at Daniel and Jennifer; Abigail is taken aback by a deep secret.
Tuesday
Eric asks Nicole to take off her ring; Julie confronts Nick's killer.
Wednesday
Daniel is hurt by Jennifer; EJ discovers upsetting news about Kate and Stefano.
Thursday
Victor and Theresa clash over Brady; Gabi bids a tearful goodbye to Rafe, Will and Sonny.
Friday
Will realizes Sonny has kept a secret from him; Ben comforts Abigail, which leads to something more.
Sonny and Ava taunt each other
Morgan makes an assumption
Julian has orders for Jordan
Someone gets shot
Rafe's memories start to haunt him
Levi and Maxie are at odds
Sam investigates Sabrina and Patrick's car accident
Anna devises a plan for the mob
Britt conspires to get Nikolas back
Monday, June 9
Hope (Kim Matula) announces she has finally made a decision between the Spencer brothers, and it's Liam (Scott Clifton); word about events in Dubai spreads quickly at Forrester Creations.
Tuesday, June 10
Wyatt (Darin Brooks) learns Quinn (Rena Sofer) is responsible for his recent loss; Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) warns Maya (Karla Mosley) to stop meddling in Oliver (Zack Conroy) and Aly's (Ashlyn Pearce) relationship.
Wednesday, June 11
A marriage proposal is made in an effort to save a relationship; Maya confronts Oliver.
Thursday, June 12
Oliver works to cover his tracks; betrayal leads to a devastating loss for one woman.
Friday, June 13
Quinn makes a heartfelt plea to Hope about Wyatt; a mysterious man shows up in town.
Monday, June 9
Things get worse for Avery (Jessica Collins); Kevin (Greg Rikaart), Dylan (Steve Burton) and Paul (Doug Davidson) try to save the day.
Tuesday, June 10
Billy (David Tom) gets Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) to help him get information on Stitch (Sean Carrigan); things heat up between Jack (Peter Bergman) and Kelly (Cady McClain); the race to save Avery takes a disastrous turn.
Wednesday, June 11
Jack (Peter Bergman) and Nick (Joshua Morrow) work together to help Summer (Hunter King); friends and family rush to the hospital.
Thursday, June 12
A Father's Day celebration causes tension; Stitch gives Victoria (Amelia Heinle) upsetting news.
Friday, June 13
Billy and Chelsea look for Stitch's ex-wife; Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) learns shocking news.
sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13