Nelson Branco's SOAP OPERA UNCENSORED: Issue 56
Nelson Branco
SOAP OPERA UNCENSORED
Volume 02, Issue 46 (No. 56)
BY NELSON BRANCO
Copyright 2012 Nelson Branco
INSIDE — Updated Again: Wally Kurth’s Back On The GH Set! Two Y&R Actors Out! Find Out Who! Also: Is HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS Back For A Second Season? Prospect Park Is At It Again: Are AMC/ONE LIFE Being Resurrected? —DAYS: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DEIDRE HALL! SUPERSTAR SOUNDS OFF ON THE LATEST DAYS REBOOT, EILEEN DAVIDSON, MARLENA’S DESCENT, HER NEW COSMETIC LINE, AND NOT WORKING WITH CHANDLER MASSEY— Heartbreaking News: TV Legend Paul Rauch Dead! Exclusive: Andrea Evans, Crystal Chappell, Kim Zimmer and More Express Their Grief! Also: Find Out Who Is Already Preparing A Tribute to Rauch! Plus: My Favourite Rauch Interviews Reprinted! — ARE ONE LIFE AND AMC HEADED BACK TO OUR SCREENS? —GH Controversy: Did Ron Carlivati Go Too Far WIth Felix on GH? — SHARON CASE EXCLUSIVE: DID Y&R’s SHICTOR HAVE SEX? — Y&R’s Michael Muhney Feuding With Eric Braeden? His Answer Will Surprise You! — MARK PINTER JOINS Y&R! — Marcy Rylan Reclaims Y&R’s Abby! — SUNSET BEACH STAR, GUIDING LIGHT COUPLE JOIN B&B! — SOAP PORN! UNCENSORED Quotes Of The Week!
UNCENSORED MASTHEAD:
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EDITOR AT LARGE: Denette Wilford
SUBSCRIPTION DIRECTOR: Karen Anderson
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COMING SOON: VENICE — UNCENSORED
To pre-order the upcoming book, VENICE: THE SERIES — UNCENSORED, at a special price email: [email protected]. The Sapphic tome, which will be out this fall, chronicles the web soap’s meteoric rise, punctuates and analyzes its relevance in serial storytelling and its groundbreaking achievements in the online and soap opera medium. With every single Crystal Chappell interview I’ve ever conducted in one e-book — and those of her VENICE co-stars/directors — this is one must-buy keepsake in addition to episode synopses and reviews, top ten lists, fearless predictions, translated quotes, humour, and exclusive season four previews. Plus: Tributes to GUIDING LIGHT’s Otalia and new interviews! Order your copy now!
Say What?
UNCENSORED QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“Nurses have balls?”
— GH’s controversial new character, Felix, to Sabrina
Translation: Because I sure don’t!
“The best thing I’ve gotten to do in my life, besides child-rearing, is tell Lucy’s story.”
—Lynn Herring
Translation: Giving birth was easier than trying to get my old job back from Bob Guza and Jill Farren Phelps.
“I have a crush on him.”
—Y&R’s Christian LeBlanc in a BlogTalk podcast promoting his gig opposite DAYS’s Eric Martsolf in ACME’s SANTA-THON on Dec. 13
Translation: He can lock me up in a sarcophagus any time!
“Brady is a sucker for romance.”
—Eric Martsolf in DIGEST regarding Kristen and Brady sexual alliance
Translation: Especially when Christian Le Blanc is courting him!
“I’m completely in love with her.”
—Martsolf about Eileen Davidson on the aforementioned BlogTalk radio show
Translation: Nadia Bjorlin who?
“I considered Paul [Rauch] a great friend and he and [his wife] Israela [Margalit] were at my wedding. Paul was from the old school of soaps and he really knew how to run a show and understood the value of the writer in the process. I loved working with him and I loved him dearly as a person and am heartsick to hear he has passed. I wish the best to Israela and their grown children and will really miss him."
—Maria Arena Bell on her Facebook page shortly after hearing Paul Rauch had passed away
Translation: Which is why I fired him.
This Just In
KURTH BACK ON GH! MORE Y&R EXITS; HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS, AMC/ONE LIFE RETURNING?
• Setsiders tell UNCENSORED that Wally Kurth is back taping on GH as Ned today. The actor is currently on recurring, backburner status over at DAYS but GH fans are clamoring for Kurth to return full time ever since he made a triumphant return last month for Edward’s funeral. No word if Kurth will be allowed to continue on both soaps since that’s a big no-no amongst competing networks. Stay tuned!
• The exits continue: As previously speculated, the characters of Tucker McCall and Eden Fisher, played by Stephen Nichols and Jessica Heap, respectively, will be leaving the Genoa City canvas for the foreseeable future, UNCENSORED can exclusively report. In fact, today was Nichols’ last tape date. More information will be available in the next issue of UNCENSORED, which will feature 2012’s Most Fascinating People and Biggest Douchebags.
• Is HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS headed back to the tube for a second season? That’s what insiders are buzzing about — and several insiders insist it’s more than a rumour at this point. HEIGHTS was produced and written by new Y&R showrunners Jill Farren Phelps and Josh Griffith, respectively. Two of the prime-time soap’s breakout stars, Robert Adamson and Haley King, are currently toiling on Y&R as Noah and Summer Newman, respectively. FYI: Sony produces both shows. Stay tuned.
• Here we go again, soapers: Moments ago, DEADLINE reported one of the worst kept secrets in the daytime world! Prospect Park is (seemingly) making a last ditch effort to revive AMC and ONE LIFE before their rights to the iconic soaps expire and revert back to ABC/Disney, which UNCENSORED hinted at last week.
The production company, which I like to call Posturing Park, will have until the end of January to bring AMC and/or ONE LIFE back to life on some kind of screen, which seems highly unlikely. DEADLINE is reporting the production company has inked deals with SAG-AFTRA and the DGA, and hopes to begin production in the first quarter of 2013.
Several insiders suggest Prospect Park is trying to get an extension from ABC on the licensing rights they acquired in 2010. “Where is the funding?” asks one mole associated with the revived interest. UNCENSORED can confirm DAYTIME CONFIDENTIAL’s report that another network, Lifetime, which is partly owned by Disney, is interested in bringing back AMC and ONE LIFE back to the screens in one form or another but Prospect’s passive aggressive interest in the two badly managed projects may delay that prospect — pun intended.
Suds Obits
TV Legend Paul Rauch Passes; Veteran Y&R Actress and DIGEST Editor Dead
More heartbreaking news for the soap world: On the heels of TV legend Larry Hagman and soap scribe Barbara Essensten’s deaths, my friend and hero, Emmy winner Paul Rauch, inarguably the best producer in daytime-TV history, passed away on Dec. 11.
Rauch, who was as prolific as the stars he produced, first served as vice president of CBS daytime programming in the early 1970s before leaving to take over as executive producer of ANOTHER WORLD from 1971 to 1983. In the words of WE LOVE SOAPS, “his partnership with head writer Harding Lemay (1972-1979) produced what is considered by many to be some of the best daytime soap opera in history.”
But, for me, it was his incomparable tenure on my favourite soap opera of all time, ONE LIVE TO LIVE from 1983-1991, which made the most indelible imprint on my soul, mind and heart.
Later, he moved to SANTA BARBARA in 1991 until the critically acclaimed soap’s final air show in 1993.
We finally met when he helmed GUIDING LIGHT in 1996, a gig he held for six years. His most recent work was as executive producer for THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS from 2008 to 2011.
Y&R’s Michael Muhney took to Twitter, writing, “RIP Paul Rauch. You were my boss, my collaborator, my fan, my advisor, and my friend.”
Later, Muhney sent this tribute to share with UNCENSORED readers: “Paul lived ten lifetimes. All of them blessed. And he carried grace with him everywhere he went. The world just lost a piece of daytime history that will never be replaced.
Crystal Chappell shared her grief with UNCENSORED by pointing out, “Paul fought for me on GUIDING LIGHT. He believed more in me, at the time, than I did in myself.”
On Facebook, Y&R's current Head Writer, Josh Griffith, writes, "The Soap World mourns the loss of one of our giants, Paul Rauch. R.I.P., my friend. Go produce the hell out of Heaven now."
Yep, God has met his match.
Once again, I was the bearer of bad news for Robin Strasser, who e-mailed me with this quip about Paul: “With all due respect: He's only ‘crossed over’...and has a new 90 minute scripted drama in development already! He would never want to REST-- in Peace...or otherwise:)Believe me, he'd appreciate a former employee saying that about him:).” There was no love lost between Robin and Paul over the years but they both admired each other greatly.
Strasser added in a tweet that “Paul worked & lived fiercely. A complicated man whose brand was tenacity.”
Kim Zimmer, an actress he both loved and hated to spar with, posted on Facebook: “My beautiful Israela, I'm having such a hard time processing this news! I've been on the road and out of touch. I'm so very sad for you and your family. Please let me know when there will be a memorial for him. My heart is aching.”
Thom Christopher, whom he worked with on both GL and ONE LIFE, wrote, “There is only one of you Paul ... and what a special gift you were to so many ... my love, our love... you are branded into our hearts. To Israela and the entire family our branded hearts are with you!”
Former GL hunk Frank Grillo weighed in, saying, “Sad news. Was a great EP and a good friend.”
B&B scribe Michele Val Jean also shared her sympathies on Facebook: “So sorry to hear this. Worked with him on SANTA BARBARA. He was always very kind and generous to me. RIP, Paul.”
Current GH writer Jean Passanante expressed her grief on Faceboook, writing: "My very first day in daytime (as a network exec!) included a notes meeting at OLTL when Paul was producing. It was eye-opening, to say the least. He was very demanding of the writers and then went on to serve them incredibly well in production."
B&B guest star Jon Hensley tweeted, “Just heard about the passing of Paul Rauch! He gave me my 1st gig in Daytime TV on OLTL! Sending my best to his family!”
I’m especially heartbroken because we had meant to catch up on the phone recently. A few years ago, he had asked me to write his memoirs, something we never got around to doing (though he told me he was writing down stories in preparation). He was also in stages of producing an exciting soap venture, which he had shared with me off the record. He had invited me down to his home in New York and the Hamptons, an invitation I regret never accepting. We last spoke around the time Maria Arena Bell was fired from Y&R. Needless to say, he was very happy with the news.
Arguably his greatest contribution to daytime TV — Mr. Frank Valentini — is grieving probably more intensely than all of us. Rauch tapped Valentini from day one as his sole protégé, and Valentini made him very proud post-Rauch. I know because Paul and I would talk about Frank at length. Paul didn’t admire a lot of people but he admired Frank. On Twitter, Valentini wrote, “My good friend and mentor, Paul Rauch, passed away today...very sad news. Paul Rauch dedicated his life to soap operas and made a mark like no other. He will be missed, but his legendary contribution will live on.”
It will through Valentini. Rauch was extremely impressed with how Frank and company saved GH from cancellation. Rauch was still mourning the loss of his beloved ONE LIFE earlier this year but he knew Frank had done everything in his power to save the critical and ratings darling.
If Valentini was his protégé, Andrea Evans was his prized jewel. Evans tells UNCENSORED exclusively, “Paul Rauch was a brilliant producer. ONE LIFE TO LIVE and all soaps during the 1980s reached an all time high in popularity. I have heard it referred to as the Golden Age of Soaps and Paul was responsible for a huge part of that. I personally owe him a lot. He will be missed.”
When UNCENSORED contacted a rep for NATAS, I was told THE 40th ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS will indeed prepare a tribute for Mr. Rauch.
The trailblazing EP and soap creator (TEXAS) is survived by his wife, Israela Margalit, an accomplished concert pianist, playwright and writer.
At the end of this issue of UNCENSORED, I have re-printed three of my favourite interviews with Mr. Rauch so scroll down and enjoy the trip down memory lane.
In other obit news, Carolyn Conwell, who played Mary Williams on Y&R for decades, has died at age 82.
Her on-screen son, Doug Davidson, announced the news on his Facebook page:
"She was the finest actor I have ever known and such a giving soul," Davidson wrote. "Her progeny are fabulous people. A credit to a life well lived. I truly can't say enough about her. I love her and miss her presence. God bless her and her family."
The soap press community is mourning one of our own: SOAP OPERA DIGEST and SOAP OPERA WEEKLY copy editor Marc Wilkofsky has passed away.
Stephanie Sloane, SOAP OPERA DIGEST Editor Director, paid her respects to Wilkofsky in this week’s editorial, writing: “Marc was a true soap enthusiast and loved to talk about the show, especially GUIDING LIGHT. He always greeted everyone with a smile, was one-of-a-kind and will be missed.”
Save Our Soaps
ARE ONE LIFE, AMC RETURNING TO THE AIRWAVES?
DAYTIME CONFIDENTIAL Editorial Director Jamey Giddens investigated speculation that ABC’s GENERAL HOSPITAL real-life spin-off will replace the venerable soap opera, as previously reported.
"I don't think GH has anything to fear from this show," Giddens quoted one insider. "ABC is still reeling from how cancelling the other soaps [AMC and ONE LIFE] negatively impacted the ABC Daytime brand. If anything, this new series would be viewed as a companion piece, not a replacement."
Another source weighed in, stating, "ABC is pleased with the ratings for GH right now, and they're paying attention to the positive buzz the show is generating. I sincerely doubt they'd wanna mess with that anytime soon. I'd suspect the producers of THE CHEW have more to worry about at this point."
Despite various naysayers in the industry stressing it will never happen, the real story, however, in Giddens’ reporting is confirmation of what SOAP OPERA UNCENSORED readers have known for a year: That there are indeed plans to resurrect AMC and ONE LIFE.
This past May, Frank Valentini hinted that the fallen ABC soaps would be resurrected one day.
And Giddens’ reported this past week:
Perhaps this is why, according to several sources, ABC offered to buy back the rights to AMC and ONE LIFE from licensor Prospect Park several times over the past calendar year. In fact, an 11th-hour move by Prospect Park to extend their rights to the two series was reportedly turned down by the Mouse House.
"There's been a lot of brainstorming about bringing those soaps back in some form or fashion; whether it would be as a limited-run summer series, or something for ABC Family," reveals a veteran TV professional. "If a new model that makes sense financially can be achieved, ABC might not be out of the soap game just yet."
While certain journalists have ordered fans to give up hope, I can assure you that we’re closer than ever to getting back our beloved AMC and ONE LIFE in one form or another.
In fact, I expect news to break sometime soon.
In order to protect the future of these soaps, I can’t say anymore than that.
Award Show Central
ONE LIFE EARNS LAST WGA NOMINATION!
Below are the 2012 Writers’ Guild Award nominees
for Best Daytime Drama Writing
DAYTIME DRAMA
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Written by Lorraine Broderick, Carolyn Culliton, Richard Culliton, Rick Draughon, Christopher Dunn, Lacey Dyer, Janet Iacobuzio, David A. Levinson, Ryan Quan, Dave Ryan, Melissa Salmons, Roger Schroeder, Elizabeth Snyder, Christopher J. Whitesell, Nancy Williams Watt; NBC
ONE LIFE TO LIVE: Written by Lorraine Broderick, Ron Carlivati, Anna Theresa Cascio, Daniel J. O’Connor, Elizabeth Page, Jean Passanante, Melissa Salmons, Katherine Schock, Scott Sickles, Courtney Simon, Chris Van Etten; ABC
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Written by Amanda Beall, Jeff Beldner, Brent Boyd, Susan Dansby, Janice Ferri Esser, Jay Gibson, Scott Hamner, Maria Kanelos, Natalie Minardi Slater, Beth Milstein, Michael Montgomery, Anne Schoettle, Linda Schreiber, Lisa Seidman, Sarah K. Smith, Christopher J. Whitesell, Teresa Zimmerman; CBS
Who Should Win: ONE LIFE hit all the right notes in its final months — especially in its inspired-by-its-own-fate FRATERNITY ROW storyline.
Who Will Win: With WGA fave and 6-time champ Jean Passanante on ONE LIFE’s writing staff, Ron Carlivati should get his speech written sooner rather than later. Passanante recently beat Carlivati for the coveted honour in 2011, 2009 and 2007.
The WGA will hand out its awards on Feb. 17 at simultaneous ceremonies in both New York and Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, NATAS, which administers THE DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS, has printed its 2012-2013 Rules and Procedures along with a calendar of key dates and notable changes to the process:
CALENDAR
January 14, 2013: Entry Deadline (online paperwork and payment only)
January 18, 2013: Deadline for Drama Performer Judges to Register
January 25, 2013: Deadline for Drama Performer Pre-Nom Clip Submissions
January 30, 2013: Deadline for all other Judges to Register
January 30, 2013: Drama Performer Pre-Nomination Judging Begins
February 4, 2013: DVD Submissions Due
February 11, 2013: Preliminary Round Judging Begins (Ballots Emailed)
February 27, 2013: Drama Performer Pre-Nominations Announced
March 27, 2013: Blue Ribbon Judging Begins
April 22, 2013: Blue Ribbon Judging Ends
May 1, 2013: Nominations Announced
FYI, below are some key changes this year:
PERFORMER PRE-NOMINATION ROUND:
Entrants can now submit a single-scene clip of up to 3 minutes. Submissions will be prescreened to ensure they don’t exceed this time limit.
Editor’s Note: The second and final stage of Emmy reform, implemented last year, will allow pre-nominees to submit a 20-minute reel of their best work from the entire calendar year.
NEW APPROACHES:
The New Approaches categories have been revised. And it’s about time! One category will be for material that enhances and supports existing broadcast programming and the second category will be for original new product. Both categories encompass all Daytime genres. They are: NEW APPROACHES – ENHANCEMENT TO A DAYTIME PROGRAM OR SERIES (Category 10) and NEW APPROACHES – ORIGINAL DAYTIME PROGRAM OR SERIES (Category 11).
Crystal Chappell, who won an Emmy in the New Approaches category for her work on VENICE, applauds the decision. She tells me, “Well, it’s certainly wonderful they’re acknowledging new approaches [by splitting the category into two clearly defined categories].”
Whohoo!
SOUND EDITING:
In the Sound Editing categories (Categories 62 and 72), Foley Artists are now eligible.
As it prepares to celebrate its ruby anniversary, several category changes are coming to the 40th annual shindig, including a new category for Outstanding Culinary Host.
Hosts of such food-focused shows as ABC's THE CHEW now can enter in a separate category than the hosts of ABC's more talk-centric THE VIEW, for example.
Travel shows now have their own Outstanding Travel Program category, and hosts of such shows can submit their work for recognition in the Outstanding Travel/Lifestyle Host category.
Additionally, children's show categories — both animated and live action — now will be broken out into preschool-age (age 5 and younger) and children's (age 6 and older).
As previously reported last issue, a NATAS insider assured UNCENSORED that the 40th anniversary of the DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS will be televised. Last summer, the Daytime Emmys was broadcast on CNN's HLN on Saturday, June 23, with a companion Web component.
Suds Blotter
FORMER ONE LIFE ACTOR ARRESTED!
Out ONE LIFE actor Scott Evans — younger brother of CAPTAIN AMERICA’s Chris Evans — got busted for attempting to buy drugs off an undercover cop, TMZ reported last week.
The popular actor was arrested last Tuesday evening when he allegedly tried to score narcotics from an LAPD officer posing as a dealer.
Evans was charged for attempting to possess a controlled substance, which is a felony. He was later released on bail. TMZ could not confirm what substance Evans was trying to score.
Evans reacted to the bust with a Facebook post the next morning: "Most ridiculous night of my life in L.A. so far. At least I made it a year before getting arrested."
This news comes as no surprise to me as my ONE LIFE sources always maintained substance abuse was one of the main reasons Evans and his co-star Brett Claywell were let go from their popular roles as ONE LIFE’s gay super couple, Kish.
Suds Milestones
HICKLAND ENGAGED TO FISHER HEIR; MCCLAIN/LINDSTROM ANNOUNCE PLANS TO WED, TOO!
Veteran soap diva and daytime-TV advocate Catherine Hickland announced on her Facebook page that she is marrying Hollywood royalty Todd Fisher on December 22.
She wrote, "Here's my other piece of news.. I’M GOING TO BE A CHRISTMAS BRIDE! Yes! ME! A BRIDE TO BE! I AM MARRYING THE MAN OF MY DREAMS! I'm so excited!!"
On her Web site, catcosmetics.com, her bio was updated to say, "Catherine is engaged to businessman Todd Fisher, the son of Debbie Reynolds, brother to Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Nephew of Darth Vadar."
Congratulations to the happy couple!
In other relationship news, Cady McClain and Jon Lindstrom are also engaged to be married, reports SOAPS IN DEPTH.
ABC Daytime Follies
GMA LIVE A GO
On the heels of being named one of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’s ENTERTAINERS OF THE YEAR (the magazine failed to mention GMA’s failed afternoon spin-off, however), GMA LIVE will premiere Monday as a 15-minute extension of the ABC morning show and stream on GOODMORNINGAMERICA.COM, Yahoo and ABCNEWS.com at 9:15 AM — immediately following the TV broadcast. Josh Elliott, Lara Spencer, Sam Champion and Amy Robach are the anchors, though contributors and special guests will vary day to day. “This is a chance for our gang to put their feet up and bring everyone backstage right after we get off the air”, said Tom Cibrowski, GMA Senior Executive Producer, in announcing the web show. “We are going to have a great time pulling back the curtain a bit.”
Good luck with that. Why does every successful venture have to immediately dilute and overstaturate itself instead of focusing on what is working currently?
Cover Story
FACE OFF WITH DEIDRE HALL
Daytime’s eternal beauty Deidre Hall launches her latest project: Deidre Cosmetics, a beauty line promising to make you look like your best younger self!
Move over, Jabot Cosmetics! No one can ever accuse daytime-TV stalwart Deidre Hall for resting on her laurels. Like Susan Lucci, Hall prefers to keep reinventing herself — and working her ageless tush off.
And while she returned to the soap opera, DAYS, that made her a superstar last year, it’s arguably 2012 that has marked the diva’s big comeback on several fronts.
Hall is currently sizzling on the front burner opposite her arguably two of her best co-stars, Drake Hogestyn and Eileen Davidson, after months of languishing on the back burner and, in addition to her two books, KITCHEN CLOSEUP and HOW DOES SHE DO IT, the Florida native has j
ust launched her new product line, Deidre’s Cosmetics (available on DEIDREHALL.COM, along with her Special Holiday Cards, with all proceeds are going to the Wounded Warrior Project).
UNCENSORED spoke with our first soap opera crush, La Hall, about taking care of yourself inside and out, living outside your comfort zone, her inspiring passion for learning, not being able to work with Chandler Massey as much anymore, and Marlena’s insecurities. Enjoy!
How are you?
I’m well!
Tell me about Deidre’s Cosmetics. You’re always working on something!
I guess I am! The idea came from the books, which were big hits. I’ve been working with [makeup artist] Michael Marcus for several years. I’ve always admired his products, cosmetic lines and approaches to skin care. He’d always say, “Why don’t we label something together.” [Laughs] I’d say, “Yeah, we’ll get to it one day!” I always wanted to adjust a few things and offer them to older women.
What’s your favourite part of the cosmetic line?
There are three products in the bag that are unusual and special. My favourite is the tinted primer. Primer is what you put on over your moisturizer and under your base, if you choose to use one, before you put your makeup on. It fills in the fine lines and large pores to give you a lovely, gentle bronze glow. It’s lovely. And then, you’re skin feels delicious.
The second is a high definition powder because what we as women have to stop doing is keep on powdering our faces as it will leave us looking dry and cakey. It’s very fine… and you put it on one time over your makeup once and it lasts all day. It knocks down the shine but not the glow of your skin.
Then we have the firming eye cream that is molecularly fine that it sinks into those areas I call “what nature forgot!” It’s the area around your eyes where there are no oil glands. It can dry out pretty quickly which is why it’s important to target that area.
You sound very passionate about this! You’re like the new Suzanne Somers!
Yes, I am. I didn’t have a lot of interest in doing a cover line — eyeshadow and the lipsticks — but I wanted to produce an essential kit with five things every woman had to have. And Deidre Cosmetics is perfect for every woman. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what kind of skin you have.
Have you figured out why you’re so passionate about aging and health?
Having been alive for a long time and wanting to share all the knowledge and tricks I’ve learned along the way. When I travel all over the country and talk to large groups of people, what I really want to talk about is women’s friendships, and how life sustaining and vital friendships are for all of us. The best part of these friendships is the sharing information: what works, why it’s good for us, will it help our country, children and family. I like to share the information I’ve learned over the years.
Is Marlena wearing Deidre’s Cosmetics?
Yes, she is! Our makeup artist on DAYS has my products in her bag now because it’s just terrific stuff. Everyone at work has Deidre Cosmetics because, once again, it’s all about sharing the information.
What’s been the reaction to the product line?
What I’m finding is — and I’m not sure why I’m surprised by it — if you go on my fan page, women are saying, “Oh my gosh — I didn’t know what to expect but the puffiness around my eyes is gone or my skin finally feels softer.” Women are loving it. I guess because I love it so much, I didn’t realize how universally adored it would become but there it is!
Are you going to expand on the cosmetic line? Is there anything else percolating in that beautiful head of yours? Any new additions to the Deidre Hall Empire?
You know, I do all kinds of things. My sons are at an age where they don’t need time with Mommy so much, so I’m water colouring; learning sign language; I’m taking art classes; and I’m loving the chance to stay up on things that interest me. The skin care line? Will I expand it? I don’t know. If it goes further, I’ll look into it. But for the moment, I love the response women are having to it so I’m just enjoying it right now.
One of your legacies is going to be your inspiring life attitude. Nothing gets you down and you’re always learning new things and reinventing yourself.
Thank you. What I’m finding traveling all over the country is that women are hungry for female bonding and sharing. I love going to my fan page and answering questions. Women love to be engaged with other women — it’s just how we share things of value.
I don’t know how you feel about this but I’m kind of liking Marlena becoming unhinged thanks to Kristen’s return to Salem. What’s it been like?
It was hard; it was hard for me! Hard. I am so into a groove with Marlena’s integrity and trustworthiness that when I opened scripts to learn Marlena is breaking into Kristen’s room, well, I’m doing some [bad stuff]! The scenes in the hospital where Marlena realizes that John didn’t get the call from Kristen about Brady’s attack because she deleted them was a big moment. Pardon the expression but Marlena felt like she had to eat shit because she was responsible! Yes, Marlena did it for all the right reasons…. but she did something wrong… and it just put your butt in a sling. It was painful to do those scenes and it was painful to watch those scenes. How did you feel?
I liked them a lot because it was nice to see Marlena not being perfect and vulnerable for once. I also think she’s completely justified being reactionary and on the offense because this monster is back in her universe. I’m also seeing a lot of complex and nuanced acting from you that I haven’t seen in a while. And, hey, it’s nice to have you back on the front burner!
Yeah, it’s good. And it plays for a while longer.
Did you ever think you, Eileen Davidson and Drake Hogestyn would get to work together again after all these years?
In this business you never know when you’ll work again let alone who you’ll work with again. Nothing surprises me anymore! It’s different with Eileen this time. She’s hilarious. She’s fearless in her work. We just giggle like little kids. I’ll say, “You’re scaring me!” And she’ll respond, “No, you’re scaring me!” I’ll say, “Well, I can be scarier than this!” [Laughs] I watch her, as I watch Ali Sweeney and Lauren Koslow — all of whom play these irredeemable women — and I think, except when the devil possession happened, I haven’t been able to do until now. I celebrate the courage it takes to put yourself out there to be hated. I know it’s not easy.
Is James E. Reilly smiling from Heaven that his favourite triangle is playing out again?
Oh, I don’t know. I don’t know.
While I love that you hung in there for a big front burner storyline, the only thing I miss from the previous DAYS writing regime are your sweet and enveloping scenes with Chandler Massey as Will.
Ain’t that the truth! I know, I know, I know! I miss them, too!
It would be interesting if Will gave Marlena advice.
Yeah, because she’s alone. John is gone so it would be a nice opportunity for Will and Marlena to reconnect because it’s Marlena’s turn to feel lonely. It’s such a rich relationship. Also, there is wealth of material there for them to play with Will becoming a father, his father, Lucas, giving him a hard time about Sonny, etc.
How do you feel about the new DAYS regime? We’re knee deep into the work from new head writers Gary Tomlin and Chris Whitesell. Are you happy with the show these days?
I am. I must say, what I like what Gary and Chris are doing is telling story with many moving parts. The Kristen storyline has EJ, Sami, Stefano, John and Brady involved in it. It’s a spoke-in-a-wheel story. It’s nice to play these twisty and winding relationships. When you tell a story like that, you instantly engage the audience. I love that about our storytelling these days.
The ratings are up, too.
I don’t follow the ratings but I hear they are up.
What do you think of former DAYS vet Susan Flannery leaving BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL?
I did not know she was leaving daytime! That
’s news to me.
How are your kids?
They’d doing great! Great!
News & Views
SOAPILEAKS
This Week’s Hottest News, Gossip, and Reviews!
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, CTV/CBS — Bold, Beautiful Minorities!
• It’s about time: While it sucks that EMILY OWENS M.D. was cancelled for Meryl Steep’s daughter — whatever her name is — and Justin Hartley, I can’t say I’m saddened because it means Crystal Chappell and Joanna Johnson will be reprising their roles as Danielle and Karen on January 3, according to SOAPS IN DEPTH. Reportedly, they will be involved in a short story arc. I can’t believe we’ve gone a whole year without an onscreen Chappell meltdown on the network tube. Make it happen, B&B!
• Unlike Y&R’s ousted producer Maria Arena Bell, her brother-in-law prefers to employ a variety of old soap faves. His latest “gets?” Former GUIDING LIGHT on-screen couple Karla Mosley and Lawrence Saint-Victor have been cast in roles UNCENSORED promoted this past month.
According to TV GUIDE MAGAZINE, “Mosley joins the cast Jan. 17 as Maya, a woman who shares a Skid Row past with Dayzee — and Dayzee is not one bit happy about it! Saint-Victor hits Jan. 29 playing a not-yet-named character who is the adoptive brother of Dayzee's husband Marcus.”
And F.Y.I., both are contract roles, and Mosley and Saint-Victor’s past soap collaboration had nothing to do with their casting. Bell tells TV GUIDE, B&B simply hired the best actors for the roles. How unique!
Also look for Telemundo favorite Cindy Luna to appear on Jan. 30 in scenes with Steffy.
Yep, the one-time whitest soap in the universe is now officially the most diverse! Congrats, Bradley!
• Former SUNSET BEACH hunk Nick Kiriazis will play an attorney beginning on Dec. 12. Where’s Lesley-Ann Down when you need her to help with a wink to the audience?
• Pick up this week’s DIGEST for a rare B&B cover story. In it, showrunner Bradley Bell reveals that Stephanie bequeaths her shares in Forrester to Eric from Thomas, whom she promised her shares to at the time of her death if he lied about having sex with Brooke on the deserted island years ago. That was a nice touch, B&B!
As for why Bell didn’t ask Ronn Moss back for Stephanie’s exit storyline, Bell coyly answers, “He’d just left, so he’d already made the decision clear that he needed a break.”
Can we expect a future Ridge recast? Bell says, “It’s absolutely an option. I believe that Ridge will return to B&B. We haven’t seen the last of him. What actor will be wearing those shoes has yet to be determined. I’d love to see Ronn return, but time will tell.”
He also goes on to say, that while B&B plans to move full steam ahead with the fledgling Katie/Bill/Brooke triangle, he stresses, “it’s not really a triangle. As of now. Brooke totally and completely respects her sister’s relationship. Brooke is not going to be that person [to interfere in that marriage] and she’s going to fight it with everything she has.”
For more — including Bell’s plans to revitalize Taylor and Thorne and Hope’s rumoured new love interest — pick up the new issue of DIGEST on stands now.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES, GLOBAL/NBC — Lisa Rinna: Publicity Manager!
• Maybe leaving DAYS was the best thing Lisa Rinna ever did. Not only is Rinna appearing on CELEBRITY APPRENTICE ALL-STARS this upcoming season, but she also co-hosted Anderson Cooper’s blinding talk show, ANDERSON COOPER LIVE Anderson Cooper Live on December 7. Although Rinna finished taping at DAYS months ago, Billie is still airing, which means more accidental publicity for DAYS. Clearly, the only mainstream PR it can attract these days.
• Is Shawn Christian sticking with DAYS? In a recent interview with DIGEST, the hunk seems content to call Salem his home for now — especially with Nadia Bjorlin back on set (“There’s a lot of unfinished business between the two”). But no one is more surprised than the former WORLD TURNS star that he’s stuck around on DAYS as long as he has — especially with the myriad of backstage shake-ups and considering he originally just signed with the NBC serial for one year during the Writers’ Strike.
He says, “I’ve slowly been seduced each year by the different take the writers and producers have had on Daniel. I don’t know if I’ve always been successful with what we were trying to accomplish but I’ve found the challenges rewarding.”
He continues, “I knew I wasn’t a fan fave to begin with. Daniel is a very difficult character to root for because of the choices he makes. Over time, it has evolved, but I think the time I’ve been here, I’ve had three or four different executive producers and writing teams.”
I have to say Christian has been delivering some fine character work lately as Daniel grapples with the use of his surgical hand, but I agree with him, it’s been tough to root for this character.
Let’s hope that changes.
Speaking of Daniel, in story 411, after Jen’s appendix breaks (Damn those Chick-Fil-A sandwiches!), the doctor performs emergency surgery in the cabin realizing his hands are tremor-free. His reward? Jen declares her love for Daniel. Hasn’t Daniel suffered enough, people?!
• In another offensive plot point in Will’s storyline, DAYS is now trying to make its audience believe that a convicted felon, Nick, will make a better father than a gay man. What court in the world would prefer an innocent child in the hands of Nick and Gabi instead of Will and Sonny? Ugh.
GENERAL HOSPITAL, CITYTV /ABC — Lipstickgate Smears Internet!
• As expected, Maurice Benard, who joined the sudser in 1993, announced on Twitter that he has signed a new contract to remain on the soap as Port Chuck’s star mobster.
The Emmy winner wrote, "It makes me feel good that I'm not leaving my family."
• Proving all publicity is good publicity, GH continues to remain a hot topic in the zeitgeist. The latest controversy is the introduction of Marc Anthony Samuel's new GH character, openly gay nursing student Felix Dubois. (Great name, by the way, Ron!)
On his first day, Felix pulled out a lipstick from his scrubs to give Sabrina a makeover causing some in the enraged GH audience to cry “stereotype!”
Immediately, Head Writer Ron Carlivati went on the defensive, dubbing the controversy, "Lipstickgate."
Carlivati was so defensive and insulted by the accusation of homophobia thrown at him that he did something he never does: over the weekend, he spoiled future story when he responded to a negative editorial on gay website, TOWERLOAD.COM. Carlivati explained why Felix is carrying lipstick with him: Felix works for a significant-to-story cosmetics company, Lucy’s CoeCoe Cosmetics, to pay his way through nursing school.
Personally, I just assumed Felix carried lipstick for a patient of his but this works, too!
Before his rant on TOWERLOAD.COM, Carlivati responded to viewers on Twitter who accused him of writing Felix in a stereotypical manner, noting, "I wrote at least five gay characters on #OLTL and none of them IMHO were cartoonish," and adding, "Possessing a tube of lipstick is stereotypical and offensive? Stereotypical of what? And offensive to whom?"
Below is Carlivati’s full response on TOWERLOAD.COM:
To Andy Towle and the readers of this blog: My name is Ron Carlivati and I am the Head Writer of General Hospital. I am also an openly gay man. I created the character of Felix Dubois, the "lipstick-wielding gay male nurse," and I am frankly appalled by the intolerance and internalized homophobia expressed in this post and in the majority of its comments.
During my career, I have brought no fewer than six gay characters to daytime television: male, female, Black, White, Hispanic...all shapes and sizes. I have written coming out stories, gay bashing stories, gay marriage stories, gay parenting stories and gay love stories. I wrote the first love scene between two gay men that ever aired on daytime TV. I won a GLADD award for these stories. What exactly is it about this character that is causing such righteous indignation? The fact that he carries a tube of lipstick in his scrubs? SPOILER ALERT: Felix sells cosmetics to
put himself through nursing school. This will be revealed on Monday's show. Not because I think gay men love lipstick, and certainly not to "establish" himself as gay. But even if that were the reason, so what? Does this make him too queeny? Not straight-acting enough? Is that the only type of gay character allowed on TV now? As far as I'm concerned, to be offended by this character is what is offensive. And just FYI, the majority of women (our core audience) I have heard from thus far about Felix have expressed to me how much they like him. The only people who seem to have a problem with him are certain gay men who are apparently afraid of a gay character who might be portrayed as a little bit effeminate. Well, I say shame on you, and shame on Andy Towle, too. Oy, indeed.
He continued commenting later saying the following (spoilerish):
@Jeff: I thought the issue we were discussing here was whether or not this character was promoting stereotypes. Now you're attacking me for my storytelling ability? A little off the subject, but also a little misinformed. I did not write Luke/Noah on ATWT. Secondly, my writing the stereotype of a gay man selling lipstick (since when is this a gay stereotype???) was not "completely gratuitous." There is actually a story reason why it had to be lipstick and not vacuum cleaners, which will also become apparent on Monday. That's the thing about soap operas, they're on every day, and you actually have to watch them to get to know the characters. You don't learn everything there is to know about them in one day. So in spite of your misinformed opinion, I am not ashamed of Felix. I am proud of Felix. He is sweet and kind and charming and would never be caught dead selling vacuum cleaners.
