SUDSIEST QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
There is a destiny
None goes this way alone
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own
—Guiding Light prologue
Translation: That is, until Ellen Wheeler got her hands on the oldest show in broadcast history and killed it.
“It was not handled with class. I really believe that after the sixth death, it’s a hostile act. I don’t understand why this character has always got to be killed.” “[On my final] day, my executive producer, Gary Tomlin, wasn’t there.”
—Thaao Penghlis (ex-Tony, DAYS) to Soap Opera Digest on his umpteenth firing
Translation: Kill me off a handful of times, shame on you. Kill me off a sixth time, shame on me.
All My Children, A/ABC — Nixon’s a computer geek!
• Who knew our old girl, Agnes Nixon, was so savvy? AMC is launching an "Internet initiative to enhance international broadcast licensee opportunities for cross-platform monetization." Um, whatever that means. Soap icon Agnes Nixon, together with our very own Toronto-based The Fremantle Corporation, are trying to raise additional revenue streams through merchandising and DVD sales, linking up with the www.AgnesNixon.com website, texting opportunities and measurement apparatus. Good luck with that, Agnes. Hasn’t anyone learned anything from GL’s cancellation? Why promote a bad product? Fix the writing first, people.
• Memo to Les Moonves, Anne Sweeney and Brian Frons: According to sources, CBS Daytime VP Barbara Bloom and AMC executive Julie Hanan Carruthers, who are best bitch pals, have systemically killed various casting coups between CBS and ABC for personal and professional agendas. Sounds like corporate sabotage to me. More proof that these selfish friendships are killing the business.
• Remember when former Y&R head writers Jack Smith and Kay Alden were placed on ABC holding deals? Once again, Babs killed that. Apparently, Brian Frons wanted the duo to take over AMC before those hacks Barbara Esensten and James Harmon Brown took over Agnes Nixon’s favourite soap. Babs, who allegedly despises Smith, demanded Caruthers put an end to the appointment. And then they wonder why AMC was almost cancelled.
As The World Turns, Global/CBS — World Turns cancelled in 2010?
• Congratulations are in order for Mick Hazen (Parker), who won best young actor at the Youth Artist Awards. Poor Eddie Alderson (Matthew, One Life).
• This is hot, sick stuff. Me likes.
• On the day of its 53rd anniversary, daytimeconfidential.com reported that despite World Turns’ one-year renewal, CBS apparently informed executive producer Christina Goutman that the venerable sudser received its last pick-up. P&G is allegedly looking to sell the recently cancelled GL along with World Turns as a package deal to a cable or online network. According to DC’s Jamey Giddens sources, "P&G was recently in talks with SOAPnet about picking up both soap operas, but the deal fell through about a month ago.” Which begs the question: why was soap blocker Ellen Wheeler so shocked when GL was cancelled if they were shopping the series around?
• On April 17 and 18, Emmy winner Martha Byrne (who is currently lending her talents to B&B’s writing team) will reunite with Paolo Seganti (Damian) for two special events at the Peter J Sharp Theatre to support Epic's after-school Bridge Project. The project allows NYC public high school students to collaborate alongside professional theatre artists to adapt and perform a classic play with contemporary power. Each 90-minute benefit will include a series of staged readings plus an exclusive screening of Paul Leyden's film, Bye Bye Sally, and a reception with the cast and Epic artists. Click here for more details. Expected to join the real Lily and Damian are Leyden (Simon), Tamara Tunie (ex-Jessica) and Kathleen Widdoes (Emma).
• OMG: That whore, Zac, makes a move on Noah, not Luke — shocker!
The Bold and the Beautiful, CTV/CBS — Bad week for Winsor Harmon
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• TMZ.com reports that underrated soap actor Winsor Harmon (Thorne) is embroiled in the middle of a legal war over a car he leased through his company. According to a lawsuit filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Harmon's 2006 Mercedes Benz was repossessed last year because he allegedly skipped out on lease payments. Now, Daimler Chrysler Financial Services says he still owes more than $30k in costs for the car, plus some serious interest. FYI: B&B was dark this week so the show couldn’t respond on Harmon’s behalf. |
Days of our Lives, Global/NBC — Higley does it again!
• From the desk of NBC publicity: DAYS is pleased to announce plans for another "Day of DAYS" fan event for 2009. The event will take place on Nov. 7, 2009, at Citywalk at Universal Studios, Hollywood, Calif. and includes cast signings, special presentations and more. Additional details will be announced in the near future. As an added bonus, maligned head-writer Dena Higley will be giving out free botox shots to fans!
• In story news, EJ vows to avenge Tony’s death, Rafe tells Sami he’s done with her unhealthy rapist obsession and Philip pisses off every Salem woman because he’s prettier than the lot combined — well, with the exception of Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe).
• More proof head scabber Dena Higley was born with a horseshoe up her arse: DAYS finished the first quarter of 2009 tied for No. 2 among network daytime series in the women 18-49 demographic while ranking No. 2 outright in the valuable women 18-34 category. You know what? Good for her. Daytime can’t afford to lose another soap, no matter how bad it is. On second thought… maybe we can.
• That big queen, Ross Mathews, will make another appearance on DAYS as Kate’s butch assistant, Chris, on April 14. That’ll make up for the losses of Deidre Hall (ex-Marlena), Drake Hogestyn (ex-John) and Thaao Penghlis (ex-Tony). Not.
Eden Elizabeth Ensenada, ImaginaryBitches.com
• Imaginary Bitches stars unite in new Andrew Miller mini-film!
On the Rock the Soap cruise, Toronto’s Andrew Miller and his tragic bride, Eden Riegel (Bianca, AMC) filmed another online opus, Eden Elizabeth Ensenada, as we exclusively reported last week. We were on hand for the impromptu filming, which Miller tells us, “came to me when I woke up at 6 a.m. one morning on the boat.” The short film co-stars Imaginary Bitches’ entourage Greg Rikaart (Kevin, Y&R), Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe, Y&R), Robert Sudduth, Van Hansis (Luke, ATWT), Dave Altarescu and Melissa Claire Egan (Annie, AMC). Unfortunately, I couldn’t make an appearance in the campy masterpiece because I refused to take the imaginary pay cut Miller was offering. Bitch — don’t you know who I am? By the way: no tequila was involved in the filming of this movie. Yeah, right. Check it out here.
• Next week, TVGuide.ca will announce an exclusive contest to win one of the most highly anticipated TV dvds since The Sopranos series collection — Imaginary Bitches: Season One. The orgasmic collection will be autographed by the entire cast. Plus, the winner will find a secret message from Heather and Catherine teasing season two. But be forewarned: There will be a skill-testing question for all those real bitches imagining they can get a piece of Andrew Miller so easily.
General Hospital, CTV/ABC — Why Guza will never be fired! Plus: Hearst and Ward dropped!
• Once again, The Suds Report hit the nail on the head. Despite GH’s denials in the soap magazines, Emmy winner Rick Hearst (Ric) and Megan Ward (Kate) have been dropped to recurring status. We have learned that only this group of actors is safe from being dropped to recurring status: Laura Wright (Carly 2.0), Emmy winners Sarah Brown (Claudia), Anthony Geary (Luke), Maurice Benard (Sonny) and Steve Burton (Jason). Hmmm… how about Ingo Rademacher (Jax) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli)?
• Is Life In General creator and GH writer, Karen Harris, writing the Scrubs storyline? Harris tells The Suds Report she can’t take all the credit for Robin’s post-partum storyline: “While I wish I could, I really have to publicly set the record straight. I've never been shy about how much I love writing this couple, [but] the talented General Hospital writing team is equally responsible for executing this storyline ... and every storyline assigned to us by our wonderful head writer Robert Guza.” OK, then.
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• The Suds Report has learned exclusively why head writer Bob Guza-Marcil will never be fired from GH despite terminal ratings and viewer/critical dissatisfaction. A trusted insider tells me, “When [ABC chief] Brian Frons couldn’t get arrested after his stint on NBC, Guza and [executive producer] Jill Farren Phelps recommended Brian for the head job at ABC daytime. So, alas, he owes them and will never get rid of him." |
• Emmy winner Steve Burton (Jason) is sporting one hell of a diamond ring on set. Thank you, Monavie.
Guiding Light, Global/CBS — GL cancellation aftermath!
• "I'm in mourning," Kim Zimmer tells Carolyn Hinsey in Friday's Daily News regarding GL’s axing. "It's different when an actor chooses to leave, because the comfort is in knowing that show will always be there, but this is it for our little family as we know and love it."
The irrepressible Zimmer also dishes on her current storyline: "I'm the oldest woman to give birth on a soap opera while being treated with chemo and radiation for leukemia during menopause," she cracks. Tell that to Darlene Conley (ex-Sally, B&B).
• "This show has been here since before World War II," said executive producer Ellen Wheeler of her show’s cancellation. "It has gone through wars and tragedies and triumphs -- man walking on the moon, and the dawn of the computer age. This show chronicled all these changes in society. It has been our mirror on society for generations, and when you lose something that is part of the fabric of society you lose something precious.”
• From Emmy winner Sally Sussman Morina, Generations creator:
When CBS announced the cancellation of Guiding Light, no one thought it was an April Fool’s joke despite the cruel irony of the timing. Rumors of the show’s demise have dogged it for years and finally, CBS pulled the plug and put the show out of its misery. Guiding Light will now join the ranks of other venerable institutions that have fallen by the wayside lately; the big city newspaper and the U.S. auto industry. But despite the setbacks and financial problems, these institutions share a unique place in the fabric of American life and are not replaceable.
Even though the current model for newspapers is failing, people have an insatiable appetite for news. They just want it instantly, not the next morning. So the newspapers that migrate successfully to the internet may find a whole new national and international audience that will far exceed their current circulation because of their brand names like the Chicago Sun-Times or the Miami Herald. These brands are recognizable and have credibility, something the upstarts can only hope to achieve. Brand identity takes years to cultivate and its value is priceless.
Whatever form General Motors and Chrysler finally morph into, it will surely be with those brands which are their most trusted and successful ones. Everyone knows what the Cadillac or Buick brands stand for and they will always have an edge over a new, untested foreign one.
The same can be said for Guiding Light, a brand that’s been part of the American consciousness for seventy-two years. It’s no accident that as it transitioned from radio to television the name stayed the same. Even without a presence on the CBS network, Guiding Light doesn’t have to fade into darkness. Surely, Proctor & Gamble knows the value of their brand which is why they must pursue any avenue to keep the show going. The network ratings may have been low but grabbing two million eyeballs each week is no small feat.
Twenty years ago I created Generations for NBC, a soap heralded as groundbreaking when it premiered yet it only lasted two years. We would’ve killed to have had half the success of Guiding Light, even a tenth of it. So while we all deride the way Nielsen under represents and reports the daytime audience, the ratings are only one measure of a show’s impact. Generations of viewers have grown up with Guiding Light and its Guinness Record as the longest-running drama series is unlikely to ever be broken.
So while fans mourn the loss of their show and perhaps send millions of flashlights to CBS in protest, they should take comfort in the fact that their brand has even more value in today’s scattered media landscape than it has on the network which may cease to exist itself in a few years. As someone who watched over the ending of a show, my advice to the producers and writers of Guiding Light is to go out with a bang and leave the audience wanting more. You may be 72 years old but in the world of new media, your age is invaluable.
• "I am grateful to have been a part of the greatest achievement in the history of dramatic television, Guiding Light. Every TV program ever produced borrowed some part of the model built by Guiding Light. It’s as though a dear old friend has gone to rest, but we can take comfort in the quality of the time we spent together." —Scott McKinsey, GH director.
• “Guiding Light has a very special place in my heart. I began my career in daytime there as a production assistant and later returned as executive producer. It was a privilege (both times) to be a part of such a fabulous group of people who did such outstanding work. Some of the most talented actors, writers and directors have walked through the doors of Guiding Light. The industry will mourn the loss of this beloved show, but Guiding Light leaves a rich legacy for all of us in daytime to treasure. I wish all my dear friends a gentle landing.” —Jill Farren Phelps, GH executive producer.
• “It's very upsetting to see such an iconic part of TV history say good-bye. GL will be greatly missed.” — Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS) tells Daytimeconfidential.com's Jillian Bowe.
• "Soapnet should pick it up as a first run, afternoon daily show." — Michelle Van Jean, GH writer.
• Want to save GL? Write the following “Idiots in Charge,” ASAP:
The Procter & Gamble Company
1 or 2, Procter & Gamble Plaza
Cincinnati, OH 45201
Phone: 1-513-983-1100
Alan Lafley
CEO, Proctor and Gamble
1 P&G Plaza
Cincinnati, OH 45201
Brian T. Cahill, Sr. V.P., Managing Director for TeleVest Daytime Programs
Procter & Gamble Productions c/o Televest
World Wide Plaza
825 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
newbusiness@telenextmedia.com
Meredith Eden Ring, Publicity Coordinator
Guiding Light
Televest Daytime
World Wide Plaza
825 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Greg Ross
Vice President, Media and Programming
Procter & Gamble
One Procter & Gamble Plaza
PO Box 599
Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-0599
PGP e-mail: comments.im@pg.com
GL PUBLICITY —
Alan Locher, alan.locher@telenextmedia.com
One Life to Live, A/ABC — Llanview bloodbath!
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• Thanks a lot, One Life! Just as I was falling in love with Emmy winner A Martinez (Cruz Montez), the ABC sudser fires the actor! That’s the last time I work hard at investing in a new character. Too bad – Martinez and Robin Strasser (Dorian) ooze sexual chemistry. The fledgling super-couple could actually test my David and Dorian loyalty. Damn you, bitches. Likewise, just as I was warming up to newcomer Melissa Fumero wannabe, Camila Banus (Lola) – who took my breath away at Broadway Cares in a revealing red-hot number – One Life canned her. |
• Despite online reports, The Suds Report can reveal that Emmy winner Jerry ver Dorn (Clint) will remain on contract. Sorry, GL fans.
• Soap Opera Spirit Award winner Beth Ann Bonner (Talia) landed a gig on Law & Order. Congrats!
• Big surprise: One Life wants Emmy winner Gina Tognoni (Dinah, GL) back as Kelly Cramer. Too bad Babs Bloom has other ideas. Tognoni is the most wanted actress from GL next to Crystal Chappell (Olivia).
• Memo to Brian Frons: cast Crystal Hunt (Stacy) in a porn movie if you like her that much, but get her off my screen now!
• It’s a miracle: The best ABC soap finally paired its hottest leading man, David Fumero (Cristian) with a viable love interest, Tika Sumpter (Layla) after consecutively pairing the Cuban stud with four horrific romantic-lead ladies. Cristian and Layla are simply sex on four legs. Kudos to Sumpter for nailing this storyline. Good work, One Life.
• Emmy winner Michael Malone just sent me his new novel, Four Corners of the Sky (Source Books), which will be released in May. After I finish reading my newly acquired hard-copy version of Harding Lemay’s 8 Years in Another World, I’m going to dive into my favourite One Life head writer’s book! Hopefully, there’s no rapemance or Santis!
• One step forward, a million steps backwards: Soap Opera Spirit Award winner Kathy Brier (Marcie) has been fired. Bad move, One Life. Really bad move. I guess Brier isn’t slutty enough for soap blocker Brian Fons’ taste. Also out is Brier’s super talented co-star Chris Stack (Michael). Meanwhile, Brier wrote this message to her fans on her MySpace page:
“Last week after seven years on OLTL I was told by the powers that be at ABC my contract was not going to be renewed at the end of my current cycle (May 31st). I was told that they don’t know what else to write for Marcie. Obviously I don’t agree with that statement. I think Marcie has so many layers still left to explore. That being said I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for being the most loyal fans I will probably ever have in my entire career. Over the years I have received countless emails and letters expressing how much Marcie has given hope to and inspired you but I want you all to know that you have done the same for me.
You welcomed Marcie in a medium where she was never expected to flourish and helped me to break boundaries that my fellow voluptuous thespians (hollah — Chandra Wilson, Melissa McCarthy) continue to break down.
I hope to have your support as I enter this new adventure in my life and career and I hope, you have enjoyed the life and times of Marcie Walsh McBain as much as I have.”
TVGuide.ca spoke with one of the most talented actors in soaps just two weeks ago on the Rock The Soap cruise:
TVG: There are always these rumours that you are about to bolt One Life?
Kathy Brier: Really? Omigod, I love the show and the role. I’ll play Marcie as long as Erika Slezak [Viki] is on the show.
• Who’s stealing the show these days? That’s easy: Carmen Lo Porto (Jack), Hillary B. Smith (Nora) and Shenell Edmonds (Destiny). “John McPain,” quipped that little superstar in the making Lo Porto! Memo to Eddie Alderson: watch your back and paralyzed legs, Carmen is coming after you, buddy! I want more of Jack, the only character Todd Manning is fearful of!
• I love Florencia Lozano (Téa). And it’s unconditional. This woman is a star.
Soaps UP, A
— Amanda Wilson — don’t do it!
First GL’s cancellation and now this depressing news: My favourite soap show, Soaps Up, has officially pissed me off. Soap Opera Spirit nominee Amanda Wilson announced she will split her hosting gig with some blonde hair model. Don’t do it, Amanda. Because I’ll start boycotting the show when you’re not on by taping the American feed again. Please reconsider. If you don’t, I swear I’ll kidnap your boy toy, Dan Gauthier (ex-Kevin, One Life) Todd Manning-style. Seriously, you’ll be missed on those odd weeks you’re not hosting
The Young and the Restless, Global/CBS — Nia Peeples fired!
• One of Canada’s most popular shows, Y&R, has always wisely boasted an on-screen Canadian presence. The Suds Report has learned there are more maple syrup loving actors on the show. Along with Toronto native Tonya Lee Williams (Mamie 2.0), we have learned that Sharon Case (Sharon), Jeanne Cooper (Kay), Jess Walton (Jill) and Tracey Bregman (Lauren) all have Canuck ties. Cool, huh?
• Another reason to trust The Suds Report: we reported eons ago that Nia Peeples (Karen) was fired from Y&R. Unfortunately, Y&R pulled a Lauren Woodland (ex-Brittany) by failing to notify her agent by the deadline. So, they had to renew Peeples for another 13-week cycle. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, honey!
• Emmy winner Jess Walton (Jill) has re-signed with the show after seeing the film and prime-time stars interested in the part. The Suds Report has learned major boldface was in the running, so smart move, Jess! I’m thrilled Walton is sticking around, but if I had to recast the part I would have given it to Colleen Zenk Pinter (Babs, ATWT) without an audition. Regardless, Walton is about to embark on the biggest storyline of her career, so good move, Jess.
• Canadian Y&R fans— get ready to gamble. Joyce Becker's soap opera festival is heading to Caesars Windsor Casino in Windsor, Ont. on May 9 at 4 p.m. ET. Tickets are $10. Scheduled appearances include: Sharon Case (Sharon), Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Jeanne Cooper (Katherine), and B&B’s Kyle Lowder (Rick-erella). Tickets are available at the Box Office or online at www.caesarswindsor.com through www.ticketmaster.ca or charge by phone 1-888-345-5885.
• Emmy winner Eric Braeden (Victor) actually had a boy’s night out! My hero had dinner at Martha Madison’s (ex-Belle, DAYS) hot Los Angeles resto/bar, Luna Park, on Friday night. Braeden has great taste.
• One of Y&R’s biggest stars ever, Victoria Rowell (ex-Dru) exclusively reveals to The Suds Report that she’s about to be fitted in a Jane Wilson-Marquis wedding gown. Guess who is walking Rowell down the aisle? None other than Oscar-nominated actor and Rowell’s former co-star, Samuel L. Jackson.
In other Rowell news, the Daytime Emmy-nominated diva is also attending The Metropolitan Museum of Art to attend the film première for Lymelife, starring Emmy winners Alec Baldwin and Cynthia Nixon at the 14th Annual Gen Art Film Festival-going with her super sexy fiancée, acclaimed artist Radcliffe Bailey. One of my all-time soap divas also just signed a deal to publish her oh-so scandalous faux-memoir, Confessions of a Soap Opera Diva. We can’t wait!
SOAP OPERA MYSTERY HOUR: This week’s hottest blind items
—Which west coast actor is telling anyone who will listen that he’s done with his hit soap because he hasn’t had a storyline in a dog’s age? He’s eager to find a new role on another soap. And yes, that’s the alcohol talking.
—Which executive producer went into rehab recently when his wife found out about his various vices and affairs?
—Which soap starlet is battling prescription drug abuse? The show is very worried about the fan fave.
—Which soap manager is working with two soap superstars who want to return to their iconic soap roles? Let’s hope the pay cuts don’t ruin these potential casting coups!
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Nelson Branco is a Toronto freelance entertainment journalist, who regularly contributes to Hello! Canada, The National Post, The Los Angeles Times' theenvelope.com, TV Guide USA, tvguide.com, Inside Entertainment, OUT, and fab magazine, along with spearheading the soap coverage for TVGuide.ca's popular daytime TV hub. After graduating from Ryerson University in 1997, he moved from Toronto to New York in 1998 to take on the roles as senior news editor at Soap Opera Update. Branco first freelanced for Soap Opera Weekly as an intern in 1994, and after leaving Soap Update to help create and launch Bauer Publishing's In Touch Weekly in 2003, Branco continued to freelance occasionally for its sister publication, Soaps In Depth. Most recently, he helped create and launch Canada's first celebrity magazine, Weekly Scoop in 2005 as its news and entertainment director. Branco is also a contributor to a new TV show titled Planet Soap to air in Canada and America.
