Christel Khalil Talks 'Young and the Restless' Exit!
And Daytime TV’s biggest twists continue to take place off screen. The latest news that has soap fans in a lather: Newly minted Daytime Emmy winner Christel Khalil has reportedly been cut from The Young and the Restless, the CBS drama she has called home for 10 years.
"I want to stay," Khalil said. "I heard a rumor someone said I was deciding to leave, but it's not really working that way. There's something I want that they don't want to give to me. It hurts. I thought I would be worth what I thought I was worth to them, but I guess I'm not."
The rumors Khalil referenced started spreading after Soap Opera Digest posted a casting call Tuesday, Aug. 21, that sounded suspiciously similar to her character, Lily. On Wednesday, Khalil's website confirmed the call was indeed for a Lily recast.
"It would be very weird to see someone brand-new try to come in," Khalil admitted to MSN TV. "It's sad, because this is like my family. I've been here 10 years. I just wanted a few less restrictions, which I feel I deserve. It's mainly about restrictions, and money. I guess they wanted all or nothing."
Khalil actually left "Y&R" back in 2005 and was replaced with Davetta Sherwood, before returning to the role in 2006. That time, however, her contract wasn't the issue.
This time, Khalil clearly hopes things work out in the final hours, as often happens in daytime, but confirmed it isn't looking good.
"From what I've been hearing on the other side, it seems like negotiations are over," she said.
Of course, it's never over in soaps until it's over. And even then, it's not always over. When Khalil's leading man Daniel Goddard (Cane) was offed in 2011, fans flew an airplane over the studio in protest and Cane was ultimately brought back from the dead.
Fans aren't happy this time, either, and they're rallying behind Khalil, but that kind of fan passion isn't just reserved for hunky leading men: It was completely unprecedented.
"I doubt I'll get the airplane," Khalil said with a laugh. "But it's nice to know the fans actually love me that much and care about my character that much. They're devoted fans, so thank you to them."
B&B fans can breathe a sigh of relief! Fan favorite Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B), who has been on the show since its premiere in 1987, has inked a new deal with her daytime home.
In a statement the actress said, "I'm very happy to tell you that I have re-signed my contract with The Bold and the Beautiful for two more years. Brad has come up with an exciting new storyline for Brooke that I think the fans are going to love."
Marshall Hilliard, best known as GL's Hart, is joining the Port Charles ranks as a new officer on the police force. "I call him Officer Marshall," jokes the actor. "I've shot eight episodes so far and I'm working with Michael Easton [John]," he reports.
"And let me tell you, they run a great production over there. Frank [Valentini, executive producer] is so artistic."
His first episode will air on August 30.
Yesterday “The Young And The Restless” actor Kevin Schmidt, who returned on May 22, tweeted a message to the show and CBS in regards to his role as Genoa City’s Noah Newman.
Christine Fix, Soaps.com/Soap Opera Fan Blog Editor-In-Chief, talked to Schmidt about how he found out and where he was at the time.
Soap Opera Fan Blog: How did you hear the news?
Kevin: I spoke to my manager this morning about my acting plans for the fall and he informed me the new EP decided to recast my character just before the weekend. I was in San Francisco enjoying Outsidelands [music festival] over the weekend so he waited until I was back to tell me. Thankfully, Stevie Wonder has pumped me with a healthy dose of optimism!
Soap Opera Fan Blog: What was your reaction?
Kevin: I was hurt at first. The producers have a way of dropping bombs on the actors instead of being transparent with their decision making. The last episode I worked we bid farewell to, Eileen Davidson [Ashley Abbott McCall], which took the wind out of everyone’s sails. So much talent on Stage 41 and 43.
Soap Opera Fan Blog: What would you like your fans to know?
Kevin: That I couldn’t be more thankful for the time I spent at TV City with my friends in front and behind the lens. I’d also like to commend the fans who’ve been watching the series for years, you’re what keeps the lights on. Thank you thank you.
Soap Opera Fan Blog: With the new writing regime taking over at ‘Y&R’, what do you see for the future of the show?
Kevin: A lot of quick two-page scenes and less screen time for the dynasty leads.
Soap Opera Fan Blog: Would you return if there was a chance at some point?
Kevin: I think my chapter at ‘Y&R’ has come to an end for a reason. Thankfully it allows me the much needed time to focus on my passion projects.
Soap Opera Fan Blog: Though it’s been a few hours since the news, do you have any ideas of where you’d like to be next?
Kevin: I’d like to book a couple guest star roles on some awesome TV series and land a lead in a feature film by the end of the year. That would be excellent. I’m producing and wrote an animated feature with a great cast (Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Logan Henderson, Kendall Schmidt) and producer (Rob Minkhoff ‘Lion King’) that’s currently in production. I also wrote a draft of ‘Cheaper By The Dozen 3′ and hope to have it green-lit by the fall… Developing an application for smart phones aimed at bringing people together through a simple and engaging text-based game. Finally, I plan to feed and employ many people with my Aquaponics projects. Food is a commodity we all cannot live without. Been a four year journey and it’s finally taking off! ‘Tis the time to make anew.
Days of Our Lives — a series once set in a universe where LGBT people didn't exist—takes a giant step forward when it offers its viewers a harsh look at the very timely subject of gay bullying. On that day, gay character Sonny (Freddie Smith) will be attacked. His assailant is Tad (Brendan Coughlin), an old friend who fears that Sonny is trying to ''make'' him gay.
It's the second time Smith has played a gay role. The young actor was recently seen as a gay character in a five-episode arc on the CW's primetime soap 90210. In a phone interview with Windy City Times, Smith said he's not worried about typecasting. ''I'm playing a sexual orientation,'' he said. ''It's just a part of the character''.
Smith joined the cast of the 47-year-old soap approximately a year and a half ago. He said that viewer response to Sonny has been extremely positive. "It's great to see positive feedback. Through Twitter and fan mail, people tell me how much they relate to the character. Years ago, [LGBT] people had no stories they could relate to. This is an important part of life.''
The actor said that the show's approach to the bullying issue will differ considerably from what's usually seen in the media: "We're showing both sides of it. We'll see where Sonny is coming from, and where the bully is coming from. It'll be great to see people grow and mature."
Some of Sonny's onscreen support will come from Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), Days of Our Lives' longtime leading lady. Viewers know Marlena as grandmother to Will (Chandler Massey), the show's other gay character. Marlena has been a rock for young Will. WCT asked Smith if there was any chance of a romance between Sonny and Will.
"Their friendship is growing closer," Smith replied. "There will be romance for Sonny." But the actor didn't specify if it'll be with Will.
For the time being, Days of Our Lives is the only project on Freddie Smith's plate. With the series producing five episodes a week, he said it is quite a workload. "I'm totally consumed with Sonny," the actor stated. "I live and breathe Sonny. This story is going to be intense."
TV Guide Magazine: Your return to Days has been rumored for months! Last February, it was reported in a magazine that talks between you and the show had hit a "stalemate." Then in April, we read your return was "imminent." What was all that hoo-hah about?
Bjorlin: [Laughs] I find out a lot about myself through reading magazines. Most of the time I'm, like, "Uh...really?" There was a little bit of talk throughout the year. "Would you ever be interested in returning?" That sort of thing. But never anything concrete. I never put much thought into it so nothing was ever "imminent" and there was certainly no "stalemate." Now the timing is right. It's been a year since we've seen Chloe. [Laughs] Hopefully, the audience has forgotten what she was up to.
TV Guide Magazine: You mean her tragic and bizarre turn to the world's oldest profession? Yeesh! She's had the craziest trajectory from Ghoul Girl...
Bjorlin: ...to Call Girl! [Laughs] Chloe is so near and dear to my heart and even I would have written her off after that storyline. She was spiraling out of control and the fans had stopped being able to recognize the character. I couldn't recognize her, either! A lot of what made Chloe so lovable — her integrity, her fun, her wit — was gone and I don't blame anyone for dropping her from the show. There wasn't a whole lot left for her to do but, at the same time, I never felt like her story was done. There was no huge, climactic ending for her. She just went off to be with her child and sing in a nightclub in Chicago...which is, like, 45 minutes from Salem.
TV Guide Magazine: What happens when Chloe returns?
Bjorlin: I have heard she's going to come back as her old self again, the Chloe with good self-esteem, a stronger and more confident Chloe who can really stand up for herself and not be bullied. Toward the end there, she was being bullied by everyone in Salem! No more. She's coming back a lot more mature and who knows? [Laughs] Maybe she'll get some revenge! There are so many possibilities for the character and they've only told me a little bit right now because they don't trust me with the information. It's been very hush-hush. [A Days rep adds that Chloe's return will be heavily centered around her son, Parker.]
TV Guide Magazine: You, Crystal Chappell and Louise Sorel were among those sacrificed for the great Days reset that brought back Deidre Hall, Drake Hogestyn and the rest. Did you watch any of it? If so, how did you feel when the reset didn't do what it was supposed to do? Vindicated?
Bjorlin: I did watch a little bit, but not religiously. Hey, it's always a gamble in this business. We all want our last four soaps to remain on the air so you gotta try things. [Laughs] But, hell-ooo, they were missing Chloe so what were they expecting? Without Chloe, you could have put De Niro on Days and nothing would happen! Let's get real here!
Kirsten Storms (Maxie), who left GH nearly a year ago for medical reasons, reported back to work today. "Happy Back to Work Day!!!! YAY!!" she tweeted, then added, "Bag packed. Off to work. #excitement" with a photo of her name on the script.
Co-star Jason Thompson (Patrick) tweeted, "I'm excited about getting back to work today. A healthy chunk is because @teenystweeting is back!! (but shh, we know how her head can swell)."
Storms will first air on September 5.
TVGuide: Is Kevin ever going to grow a pair? Then again, do we want him to? It's always such a blast watching him squirm and twitch and sweat.
Rikaart: Oh, I think Kevin has a pair but he's malleable. He can be a real sucker, especially with a powerful lady like Phyllis. He is so easily manipulated and prone to bad decisions but that's what's fun about him. He's best when he's in panic mode. It's never interesting when things go his way.
TVGuide: He wouldn't be in this current mess if he was a better liar. Claiming he was an encyclopedia salesman when he got spotted at Tim Reid's apartment wasn't the best idea.
Rikaart: [Laughs] He is a dreadful liar! Leave it to Kevin to raise suspicion by coming up with an occupation that hasn't been relevant since 1985! He's really going to freak when he finds out Tim's landlady, Beth [Brett Butler], has described him to the authorities. Now they have an extremely accurate police sketch.
TVGuide: So accurate that I hear even Kevin's brother, Michael [Christian LeBlanc], will think he has a shady connection to Reid's death.
Rikaart: Kevin is so ethically challenged it was only a matter of time before he and Michael were on opposite sides of the law, especially now that Michael is the D.A. Before this, Kevin always went to his brother for help. Not this time. He decides to lie to him, which only make things worse. Michael will insist that Kevin come down to the police station and meet with Beth face-to-face. But it's really no crime to move a dead body...is it?
TVGuide: So what's your feeling on the big exec producer-head writer switch at Y&R?
Rikaart: Oooh, that's a loaded question, Michael Logan!
TVGuide: It is?
Rikaart: Well...I always enjoyed Josh Griffith's writing when he was here last time and I'm looking forward to working with him again.
TVGuide: And your new exec producer Jill Phelps...?
Rikaart: I've known her casually over the years and it's exciting to get a chance to work with her.
TVGuide: Alrighty then. Let's go to a topic you do have lots of opinions about — your Chick-fil-A war with Melissa Reeves. Your tweets and follow-up piece in the Huffington Post won you a lot of support, yet you also heard from people who thought you were unfair and out of line. Where you at with all that?
Rikaart: It was very disappointing to read some of the responses. I did get a lot of support but the general tone of political discourse in this country is very disheartening. I was getting challenged by some people for having attacked Melissa Reeves when, frankly, what I said was anything but an attack. I expressed my disappointment that she has aligned herself with a company that promotes hatred and bigotry, and I stand by that. I welcome a conversation with her. It's the only way people on different sides of an issue can meet in the middle and understand each other's point of view. I would have loved that opportunity with Melissa but she blocked me from her Twitter account. [Reeves subsequently blocked everybody by shutting down the account.]
TVGuide: Some folks feel you attacked Reeves' right to free speech.
Rikaart: No one is saying that Melissa Reeves doesn't have a right to free speech. Dan Cathy, the president of Chick-fil-A, is also entitled to his opinions and beliefs but he's funding organizations that are hate groups, organizations that want to criminalize homosexuality in this country and throughout the world, and that's where Melissa Reeves' alignment is really disappointing to me. I am proud to stand up and be an advocate for LGBT rights. This is the last hurdle of the civil rights movement. I'm glad this is such a hot-button issue. I'm glad people are so impassioned about it, even the people who are against equality for all Americans because they are reacting out of fear, fear that the LGBT community is winning. And it is winning! Part of why I stand up and am proud to be an advocate is because this is less about grownups than it is about children. This is no different than kids being bullied in a schoolyard. People wonder why there is an epidemic of bullying in this country. Well, it's because kids are learning it from the grownups, from people like Melissa Reeves who is a grown-up bully. I believe in respecting everyone's religious beliefs but those beliefs don't belong anywhere near my rights or anyone else's.
Julianne Moore's nomination for best actress in a miniseries/movie for HBO's Game Change is the New York-based actress' first big dose of Emmy love -- well, sort of.
"I did win a Daytime Emmy for As the World Turns in 1988," she laughs. "But I couldn't attend the ceremony because I was playing Ophelia in Hamlet at the Guthrie Theater. So they called me up and told me I won!"
From soaps to Shakespeare, Boogie Nights to The Kids Are All Right, Moore, 51, has come a long way during her nearly 30-year career.
Former DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Kevin Spirtas will appear in Season 2 of the indie soap hit, HUSTLING.
HUSTLING creator and star Sebastian La Cause, who won the Indie Soap Award this year as Outstanding Lead Actor (Drama), has been guest starring in DAYS OF OUR LIVES this week.
Watch a wrap-up video Spirtas made after shooting HUSTLING below:
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS taped its 10,000th episode on Wednesday and the cast and crew celebrated with the traditional anniversary cake.
The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles will celebrate Y&R's 10,000th episode with a special panel discussion on Thursday, August 23, at 7:00 p.m. Genoa City favorites scheduled to appear are: Peter Bergman (Jack), Eric Braeden (Victor), Jeanne Cooper (Katherine), Doug Davidson (Paul Williams), Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Joshua Morrow (Nick), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki), Kristoff St. John (Neil), and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis). Brooks Barnes, of The New York Times, will moderate.
The 10,000th episode is currently scheduled to air on September 27.
“The great thing about America, what I’ve loved about it, is how sports-friendly it is,” Braeden said. “In America, sports are respected and loved.”
At 18, Braeden journeyed to the States alone and attended Montana State on a partial track scholarship. Braeden didn’t get his degree, but his need to compete and watch sports never waned.
“America has the best athletic programs,” Braeden said. “Even when the Soviet Union existed, that was Mickey Mouse compared to the U.S.”
For Braeden, the London Olympics were sports nirvana. He watched religiously and was especially enthralled by the track and field events since they remind him of his own upbringing.
“I really enjoy seeing it all,” he said. “Athletes on this level are, my God, the best. I have great respect for decathletes. I love the discus and shot-put and javelin. Usain Bolt and his fellow Jamaicans. Then, gymnastics when you look at that. I have such respect for what they do. My God almighty how they hurl themselves in the air.”
It also didn’t take Braeden long to adopt American sports traditions. He loves pro football, and the Lakers. Like many other Los Angeles residents, he thinks it’s an outrage that the city doesn’t have an NFL team.
“That’s the biggest shame there is, that LA doesn’t have a team,” he said. “I was a big fan of the LA Rams and when they left, I lost interest. Then there was the Raiders, and they left. How they can’t have a football team in the biggest market in the world is beyond me.”
But these days, Braeden is disgusted with his favorite sport. If you want to see Braeden bring Victor Newman to the surface –- meaning the angry Victor who is prone to disowning his children when they don’t do what he says –- then bring up June’s Manny Pacquiao-Tim Bradley fight.
“I will never watch (boxing) again,” said Braeden, among those who were infuriated by the controversial decision, which went to Bradley. “That was so egregious, so outrageous and so obviously corrupt that I won’t watch again. That kind of (expletive) is the death knell of boxing. That’s why UFC is taking over more and more.”
A crew of New Yorkers left their bustling city of skyscrapers and subways Wednesday for two cozy, quaint rural Iowa towns for 3 1/2 weeks to film a motion picture.
Filming began Thursday for A Time for Heroes, a World War II story written and directed by La Crosse, Wis.-area filmmaker Scott Thompson of MyTown Pictures and produced by Staten Island, N.Y.-native Sam Borowski.
The patriotic-themed movie will be filmed almost exclusively in Traer and Clutier with some well-known actors joined by local war veterans.
In today’s episode of Days of Our Lives, out character Sonny Kiriakis—played by the handsome Freddie Smith—deals with an issue garnering national media attention: bullying. “My character does get bullied,” explains Smith. “He got bullied about a year ago and now he’s going to get bullied again.” Soaps—whether in the traditional daytime slot, or the more recent prime time—have long included gay characters, but with Sonny’s most recent bout with onscreen anti-gay violence we couldn’t help but notice the nightmare situations gay soap characters often find themselves in. Here, we‘ve charted a few of the soap world’s homo heroes and the dramatic fates that they have faced.
Sonny Kiriakis
The Show: Days of Our Lives, 1965–present
The Network: NBC
The Drama: Gets beaten up by T because T thinks Sonny “made” Will Horton gay.
Will Horton
The Show: Days of Our Lives, 1965–present
The Network: NBC
The Drama: Girlfriend breaks up with him, “becomes unhinged,” kisses Neil, comes out to his parents.
Eric van der Woodsen
The Show: Gossip Girl, 2007–present
The Network: The CW
The Drama: Attempted suicide, splattered with yogurt, living in London.
Matt Fielding
The Show: Melrose Place, 1992–1999
The Network: Fox
The Drama: The only recurring character to never get a love scene; had his only onscreen kiss edited out; gay bashed on the street and fired from his job.
Rafe Torres
The Show: The Young and the Restless, 1973–present
The Network: CBS
The Drama: The Young and the Restless’s first gay character; seduced by the presumably straight (possibly bi?) Adam Hamilton in order to distract Rafe from Adam’s wrong doings.
Phillip Chancellor III
The Show: The Young and the Restless, 1973–present
The Network: CBS
The Drama: Struggle with alcohol; staged his own death; returned in 2009 to come out; son Chance shot “dead” and placed in the Witness Protection; currently living in Australia.
Michael Delaney
The Show: All My Children, 1970–2011
The Network: ABC
The Drama: Threatened at gunpoint by Jason Sheffield for “turning” younger brother Kevin Sheffield gay; sister killed by J. Sheffield; nearly fired for coming out to his students.
Kevin Sheffield
The Show: All My Children, 1970–2011
The Network: ABC
The Drama: Comes out after his teacher Mr. Delaney comes out; brother Jason threatens Michael Delaney at gunpoint.
Kyle Lewis/Oliver Fish/Nick Chavez
The Show: One Life to Live, 1968–2012
The Network: ABC
The Drama: “Kish”—a combination of boyfriends Kyle Lewis’ and Oliver Fish’s names—is born; ABC releases a statement saying “Kish” were written out of the show because they caused ratings to drop.
Hank Elliot
The Show: As the World Turns, 1956–2010
The Network: CBS
The Drama: Lover Charles is dealing with AIDS diagnosis (largely off screen); head writer Douglas Marland wins a 1990 GLAAD Media Award.
Luke Snyder/Noah Mayer/Dr. Reid Oliver
The Show: As the World Turns, 1956–2010
The Network: CBS
The Drama: Luke is into Noah, but Noah is dating a girl; Noah comes out, the two become a couple, then break up; Luke likes Dr. Reid Oliver; Oliver killed after his car is hit by a train.
Mistress, murderer, victim, spouse? Thrill-seekers will find them all in Investigation Discovery’s interactive online experience launching today, IsItADeadlyAffair.com.
This virtual event engages participants in the intricacies of an illicit affair as they unravel in real-time the “hows” and “whys” behind one troubled three-way. With ID unleashing clues among multiple online platforms via videos, graphics, micro-sites, and social media, fans become investigators as they are led through a maze of broken faith and betrayal.
With Susan Lucci as a guide, participants are able to knock down closed bedroom doors, navigate secret trysts, and lay bare salacious liaisons as they follow the twists and turns of the fictional love triangle. The experience has been quietly introduced in the DEADLY AFFAIRS (#DeadlyAffairs) on-air promo, and fans can go online now to IsItADeadlyAffair.com to start unraveling the mystery.
But things might not always be as they seem, and the final piece to the puzzle will be unveiled during the season premiere of DEADLY AFFAIRS on September 8 at 10 PM (E/P) on Investigation Discovery.
Marco Dapper, the ultimate eye candy, recently landed on the number one soap in the U.S., The Young and the Restless, and in the process gained a whole new audience of adoring fans. Dapper had already gained huge recognition from the gay community who first caught a glimpse of his good looks, stunning bod and acting chops in the cult-hit Eating Out 2.
How did you come to the attention of Y&R? How did you land the role of Carmine?
It is not as exciting as you think it would be. My manager called and said he had an audition for me for The Young & the Restless and I said, “No! Pass!” And my manager calls me out, swear to God! He is like, “Marco! This year you are supposed to say yes to everything. That is supposed to be your whole mentality.” I go, “OK. You are right.” I decided I was being a snob and a brat. I decided to go to the audition and try it out. I guess one thing led to another and I kept being called back. Then I realized at the chemistry read with Marcy Rylan [Abby, Y&R] that I had so much fun with her, and she was a good actress. So I guess my “snobitute” was unwarranted. It opened up my eyes a little bit. When I got on set I then said, “I was an asshole and judging.”
Daytime has this stigma!
Yes and it’s unfortunate. I don’t know why, or where, or how that came about. I am far too young to know the soap stigma. [Laughs] But here is my soap stigma story: My mom watched the soaps when I was a child, and when I wanted to watch cartoons. She would be like, “No! I am watching the soaps!” I was mad, but not mad at her. I was mad at the soaps because they were in the way of my cartoons! I think that is where my bitterness for soaps originally stemmed from, being jaded as a child. I was bitter, but I have gotten over it now! [Laughs]
Who would you tell readers Carmine is if they have not watched Y&R? What is he about?
He is misunderstood. He’s the kind of guy that acts first, and questions later. He comes from Jersey. I think Y&R was riding the Jersey Shore wave with this, but to my happiness without the bad clothing choices. [Laughs] Those aren’t there. The Ed Hardy is not part of the plan. Not to name names. [Laughs] But, Carmine is not your typical Jersey Shore kind of guy. When I got to wardrobe they were like, “Well, we like what you are wearing now.” I was in a T-shirt and jeans. I am a various T-shirt and jeans kind of a guy. They asked me, what brands do I wear? So I wrote down some brands, and literally they went out and got the clothes! It literally looks like my closet at home. It was great. I thought, “At least I will look decent!”
Let’s talk about Carmine and Abby’s relationship. What would you say is going on there? Are they just smitten with each other at this point?
It’s young lovers being smitten, kind of hot and fast. I think it is what everyone wants love to be. That very passionate, hands-on, touchy-touchy, can’t get enough of that person, that we all enjoy. We have had bedroom scenes and they were fun and went well!
The adorable spitfire Marcy Rylan is your scene partner on Y&R. What are three words you use to describe her?
Marcy is smart, fun and sexy. She reminds me of the Reese Witherspoon of Y&R. She has that Legally Blonde thing going for her. She is that cute, approachable girl, which works great for her.
Since you have taken your clothes off all the time in your career as a physique model, when they tell you it’s time for you to take your shirt off in a scene, are you like, “Oh good. I get to strut my stuff?”
I am comfortable with my body. Obviously, sex sells, we all know that. That is tried-and-true. So I know that. But it’s not like I go, “Yippee! I am going to take my shirt off!” No, no, no! Either way, I don’t care, as long as we get the story across, and right now the story just happens to be we are being hot for each other, and physicality is a big part of that. I think it serves a purpose. But if something doesn’t serve a purpose for me, and its just gratuitous, then I don’t follow.
Do you feel pressure being a hunky guy on a soap to keep up the looks?
I guess in some ways, sure. I got this job and I have to keep that physique the same. I got this job when I was working out really hard. So I have to keep that going. There was awhile there that I let it go. I thought I did not want to be the in-shape guy anymore. I noticed then I didn’t book very much! [Laughs]
So without giving all of your secrets away, what is your workout regimen like?
I am pretty old-school. I don’t do CrossFit or anything like that. My dad taught me to lift weights when I was a kid in the seventh grade. I was a scrawny child and my dad was always in great shape. He was an athlete type of dude. He bought me a weight set at 5 years old! But I did not use it for a few years. Now I just do a very basic routine. I do free weights and I don’t like machines. I don’t get a good workout on them, but for some people they do. It’s all personal preference for me. I am lucky that I have a really good metabolism as well. I use that to my advantage. I do every bodypart once a week. Rest is key, and the thing that helps your muscles grow. I am a slacker on cardio, though. I quit smoking three months ago and my first cigarette was when I was 11 years old. I was a bad kid, smoking weed, drinking and the whole nine yards. I was the pothead kid. I grew up in the Oakland and Berkeley, Calif., area, which was more of a hippie culture at that time.
All things being equal, would you like to keep working on a soap and Y&R?
I would love to continue at Y&R! No one wants to go home from the party, unless they are puking. And I am not puking. [Laughs] Who knows? I have a whole new respect for the genre.
Recently, there was a huge backstage shakeup at Y&R. Maria Arena Bell was let go as both executive producer and head writer, and she was replaced by Jill Farren Phelps and Josh Grifith. What do you think of your chances of staying on the show with the new regime change?
I hope everyone gets what they want from this whole changing of the guard. I have had people ask me if I will be canned because of the new writer and new EP. I was like, “That is a possibility if they are cleaning house, and they are going to have to get rid of some old items and new items that they don’t need.” Soap fans are very loyal and very protective. So when a new guy like me comes into play with things, most of them aren’t so ready to open their arms. They are very stubborn and that is fine, but I think the powers-that-be are looking at that going, “What can we do to improve ratings?”
I think Jill and Josh, and the production and writing teams will have a meeting and say, “Let’s keep him on the show, so we can have more shirtless scenes!”
Actually, even if they killed off Carmine, they could preserve him shirtless. We can preserve a mold on the wall as a memory of Carmine! [Laughs]
Soaps In Depth has learned that Susan Flannery (Stephanie), one of the show's "core four" who has been on the soap since its 1987 premiere, has told the powers-that-be of her intention to leave.
A source tells us the actress has signed a short-term contract with B&B to allow executive producer and head writer Bradley Bell some time to strategize in terms of storyline.
Michael Damian just announced on Twitter that he’s returning to The Young and the Restless next month for the soaps 10,000th episode, which is scheduled air on Thursday, September 27. He also announced that viewers can expect to see lots more of his character, Danny Romalotti, even beyond epi 10,000.
“Yahoo! I’m back playing Danny on Y&R for the10,000 episode and lots more! Thank you so much for your amazing support! Rock On, Michael,” said Damian in his tweet.
Responding to an excited fan, Damian said that it is “because of all of you writing to ‘Y&R’ and tweeting to bring back Danny :-)” as the reason we can expect to see him back on the show a lot more. Damian has appeared on numerous occasions over the years since departing the role full-time in 1998.
The actor promises “some really great story coming up! you guys are going to really enjoy”
Lisa Rinna, who returned to NBC's "Days of Our Lives" on March 8, is ready to say goodbye to her role as Billie Reed on the soap to focus on her many projects -- including a new talk show.
“She's leaving so she can do all of the 500 other things she loves to do. [She's working on] her Belle Gray line for QVC, she’s writing another diet and fitness book, plus she’s developing a vitamin supplement line and lingerie line,” a friend of the actress told me.
“She’s also in talks to do a panel-type talk show.”
Lisa played Billie Reed for more than 150 episodes on "Days," last appearing in 2005 before her return this year.
“At the moment, she’s with her kids and husband, Harry Hamlin, at their island in Canada,” confirms a pal.
“Harry is also very busy, with his recurring role on 'Shameless' this season, where he will be naked all the way through. That naughty boy!”
Alicia Minshew (ex-Kendall Hart Slater, “All My Children”) is currently off filming her new movie, “Desires of the Heart” in Savannah, GA and now Soap Opera Network is happy to report the film has unveiled its Facebook page for fans to take a look at the journey to making the film.
In “Heart,” Minshew portrays Madeline, a young artist who catches the attention of a psychiatrist (Val Lauren) visiting from India. While their romance blossoms, her new love is forced to return to India in order to marry the woman chosen as his bride by his parents.
Ronn Moss spoke with Entertainment Weekly about leaving THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL and the character of Ridge Forrester after 25 years. Moss is looking forward to new challenges but is open to a possible return someday. Below is an excerpt from the interview:
So, to be clear, money was a piece of the puzzle?
Yes, a piece of the whole thing, and it all showed me I need to move forward, not backwards, and I've been doing this for 25 years. How many shows — how many jobs — last that long? I felt that I needed to go in this new direction to give myself the chance to do all the creative things that I haven't had a chance to do in 25 years, because I've dedicated so much of my life to this. That's what I want the fans to hear, how dedicated I am to them. I wouldn't have done it all this time if I wasn't dedicated. It's not just a job! I could do lots of other jobs. I had music, I had lots of other acting things.
What has the reaction been like around the news of you leaving?
People were shocked because it came rather quickly because of the time we're in. The producers come and say: "Your contract is coming up for renewal and you have to make some decisions." Well, I've been through this many times on the show. How many times have we done this? It always keeps going because you give and take — it's a give and take. Well, I got to a point where I couldn't give anymore. I couldn't give anymore. I've got to move to a place where my world is able to open up, and I needed that. I was sad to leave. It was really sad to leave, but I had to because of all the things that are going on, everything. I can't pinpoint one specific thing because that would be unfair, that would diminish everything else.
As a veteran of the soap business, do you think it's a viable business going forward?
I think dramatic series are always going to be viable.
How did you feel about Ridge's send-off on the show?
There wasn't really a send-off. It was left up in the air, which one side of me goes, That's very unresolved. And the other side goes, I love that it was unresolved. I love that we just go off.
Are are you totally opposed to ever returning?
No. But I need time. I need time. And I want to dedicate myself to this rebirth, this new life.
Will you be upset if they recast Ridge?
I don't know if I really want to say because it's not up to me. If it was up to me, I would say, "Let me have that as the legacy. Let me make that 25 years worth what I thought it was." But it's out of my hands.
Rumor has it that Ian Buchanan, who just completed his run on NBC’s “Days of our Lives” yesterday as Ian McAllister, is heading back to ABC’s “General Hospital” after a 23-year absence.
Buchanan was last seen in 1989 as Duke Lavery on the soap, but the character was killed off in 1990 while portrayed by actor Greg Beecroft.
When asked by a fan on twitter if he was returning, Buchanan said, “My tweets are sealed.”
A “General Hospital” spokesperson was unavailable for comment at press time.
Liza learned she was pregnant. Closing arguments ended Brooke's trial. Liza shared the news with Jake as Allie looked on. The kids heard a ghost in the mausoleum. Lee kidnapped Junior. Hayley and Mateo figured out John was Lee Hawkins; Myrtle confirmed it. Dixie was frantic when Junior was missing. Adam went on television to ask for Junior's return. Gillian ran into Lee and kept mum. Lee was waiting for Hayley in her room.
Carly went to the Snyder farm and told Julia that she was not going to give up on Jack and that Julia didn't stand a chance. David arrived and took both women hostage. James was surprised to find David alive but shocked to learn that not only had he kidnapped Julia and Carly, but he had also arranged the Valetta disaster. David went to his memorial service and listened while a heartbroken Molly opened her heart. Seeing him, Molly fainted, but no one would believe she had seen David. Emily conned the reporter to take the videotape of Margo and Eddie to their competition. The video was aired over the news. Adam saw the video and moved in with Hal. Sam and Kirk went on a picnic by the river and disappeared. Georgia thought that Sam had run out on her again. Eddie comforted her and promised that he would not leave her.
Taylor asked Pierce to hypnotize her. He wanted to give her a gift of fun and freedom, so he told her that when she walked into her house that night, she would be sixteen again. Ridge was pleasantly surprised when he stepped into a time warp. Brooke and Pierce had dinner and discussed Brooke's relationship with Ridge. Pierce got the idea that Taylor couldn't be happy with a man still in love with another woman. C.J. discovered that Amber and Raymond really had slept together; Amber begged him not to tell anyone. Grant had to be hospitalized. Sally went to his bedside, wanting to comfort him, but he comforted her instead. Thorne kissed Macy. When she didn't respond, he told her that for Grant's sake, she should pretend. Sheila and Sybil switched places; Sybil went to the big hospital in Sheila's place, and Sheila was released.
Swamp Girl conquered her fear of fire to save Bo's life and decided to clean up for him, even though he still couldn't see. Kate found out Franco's immigration status. Shawn and Caroline threw a party for Sami and Franco; Austin, Roman, and Marlena's suspicions were almost confirmed when Kate plotted to have Candy, Franco's mistress, be the stripper who jumped out of the cake. Franco smoothed it over, but Austin, Roman, and Marlena still didn't trust him. Carrie agreed to go to Sami's wedding with Austin only because Mike suggested she make peace. Nicole and Eric grew closer, while Taylor developed a crush on Eric and met Lucas. Lucas plotted to take Will out of the country. Billie fretted about Bo. Hope and Ms. Faversham boarded the Empress Express, where nearly everyone remembered Hope as Princess Gina. Stefano and Vivian also boarded the train in the next compartment, where Stefano was incognito as Rudolfo. Ivan, Celeste, and a suspicious Lucille managed to board the train as servants.
Helena was arrested for Katherine's murder. Helena later called a very much alive Katherine as her witness. Brenda and Veronica finally talked without arguing. Taggert took Monica's tape of Justus' confession. Jason left to confront Moreno.
Harley was depressed as Daisy's birthday approached. Phillip tried to comfort her. Lizzie walked in on a heated argument between Beth and Phillip; she overheard Beth say that Harley was trying to kidnap Lizzie. Ross took the sex video of Blake and Ben to the video store, unaware of what it really was. A frantic Blake tried to get it back, but found that the tape had not only been rented, it had been sold. Teri warned Eleni that Frank might be called to testify in Blake's case; later Frank blasted Teri for interfering in his marriage. Dolly convinced Reva to stop grieving and gave her the necklace that she had been buried in. Later, Reva thought it was a dream until she found the necklace around her neck. Abby wanted to start a family, but Rick said no. Ben and Blake were both called by someone who put the video up for bid. Harley broke her ties with her mystery client but still received a gift from him.
Roseanne talked about the death of her mother. Kevin and Téa's plan to trick Todd failed, but Cassie saw Kevin kissing Téa. Sam and Blair agreed to take things slowly. Kelly copied Blair's contract and took it to Asa. Kevin and Cassie made love. Barbara bought back her stolen gun. Todd destroyed the incriminating videotape. Dorian hired R.J. to spy on Kevin. Starr started calling herself "Susie."
Diane's interview on the Leanna Love show was broadcast. Chris watched with Victor. Later, Chris blasted Michael for his part in the interview, telling him that he was skirting the edge of unethical behavior. Dru called Olivia and said she was heading to Genoa City the next week. Victoria accepted Neil's proposal. Later, while celebrating at the Crow's Nest, they ran into Malcolm, who had returned to hear Callie sing. Nick and Sharon's "night of love" was interrupted by a slumber party that was transferred from one child's house to the ranch. Jack told Grace that he thought that she should go on the road with Nick. Jack and Bradley had a secret meeting in the park.
Monday ("Bail")
Sami is livid when Nicole interrupts her conversation with Rafe; Melanie opens up to Chad about Nick.
Tuesday ("Feelings")
Nicole reveals her true feelings to Daniel; Chad posts EJ's bail; Sonny punches T.
Wednesday ("Searching For Sami")
Rafe realizes he has lingering feelings for Sami; Nick makes a decision about his future.
Thursday ("Important Decisions")
Will quits his job with EJ to concentrate on his own life; Brady and Rafe agree to focus on their work.
Friday ("Chad Worries About Melanie")
Chad and Brady advise Melanie to oppose Nick's release; Daniel's suggestion upsets Nicole.
(The Truth)
8/27, Jason questions Patrick about Robin's past connection with Jerry; John seeks information from Alexis.
(Confession)
8/28, McBain gives Dante advice on how to deal with Jerry; Carly and Todd wonder if their lives are going to be cut short.
(Getting Through to Jerry)
8/29, Jax tries to think of a way to stop Jerry from committing a crime; Sonny pulls a gun on Joe Jr.
(Making Love)
8/30, Luke and Anna get intimate; Shawn thinks it's his last chance to reveal his feelings for Alexis.
8/31, na
(Making Hope Happy)
8/27th, Rick uses a situation to his advantage; Bill cautions Liam with some stern advice.
(Searching for Comfort)
8/28, A former flame of Hope's helps to mend her broken heart; Liam makes a promise to Taylor.
(Reunion)
8/29, Steffy and Liam reunite; Taylor and Ridge talk about how their relationship has affected their children.
(The Strange Encounter)
8/30, Thomas and Hope have an awkward encounter with Liam; Rick loses his cool with Brooke and Katie.
(Work Fights)
8/31, Pam and Donna fight about their work; Rick makes his intentions clear to Caroline.
Nick and Victoria take drastic action against Sharon
New evidence in Tim's death forces Michael to question Kevin
Can Phyllis and Kevin hide the evidence in regard to Tim's death
Jack questions Tucker's motives
Cane suspects Genevieve is involved with the mystery woman