AMC News Archive - 2009

Ripa/Consuelos Return to AMC
On today's LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY, Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley) announced that she and husband Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo) would be returning to the show for two episodes for the show's 40th anniversary in January.

Rebecca Budig Returns to ALL MY CHILDREN
ABC is confirming that Rebecca Budig is returning to AMC as Greenlee Smythe, who was presumed dead last February when Kendall ran Greenlee's motorcycle off the road. No first airdate was yet available for the actress, but she will shoot scenes in New York before the show moves to Los Angeles in January. AMC Head Writer Charles Pratt, Jr. confirmed to Digest what has long been hinted at on-screen: Greens didn't die but is being cared for by Nurse Gayle in Gloucester on orders from Dr. David Hayward.

AMC Taps New Colby
Soap newbie Natalie Hall has been hired as AMC's new Colby, replacing Brianne Moncrief. Hall will begin taping in mid-October, before AMC's move to L.A., but no first airdate is available yet.

Click here for Hall's imdb page.

AMC Reveals L.A.-Bound Cast
AMC is confirming which of its current contract players are heading West when the show relocates its production to L.A. in January. The entire cast, including heavy-hitters like Susan Lucci (Erica), David Canary (Adam), Michael E. Knight (Tad), Vincent Irizarry (David), Debbi Morgan (Angie) and Darnell Williams (Jesse), will be continuing on the show after its move, with a few notable exceptions: Original cast member Ray MacDonnell is retiring after 40 years as Dr. Joe Martin, and — brace yourselves, "Zendall" fans — Thorsten Kaye (Zach) is not relocating and will tape his last scenes as Zach while the show is still based in New York. As for his leading lady, Alicia Minshew (Kendall), she will not be appearing on the show when its first California-shot episodes begin to air because she will be on maternity leave; her first child is due in late November. But, she assures Digest, she will return to the show, although the precise length of her leave is still being determined.

BethAnn Bonner Joins AMC
Finally, the AMC cast's revolving door is swinging in the other direction! On November 6, BethAnn Bonner (who most recently played the role of Natasha on GL but is best known for her run as OLTL's Talia) will make her AMC debut in the recurring role of Kat, who will figure into Kendall and Aidan's storyline.

AMC Exodus Continues
Hot on the heels of the news that AMC's Aiden Turner (Aidan) and Beth Ehlers (Taylor) will be leaving their respective roles, ABC confirms to Soap Opera Digest that Brianne Moncrief (Colby) is also exiting. The network says that her last airdate has not yet been determined and had no comment on whether it planned to recast.

Beth Ehlers Leaving AMC
Looks like Tad's bad luck with the ladies is destined to continue: Beth Ehlers, who joined AMC as Taylor in July 2008 after a high-profile exit from the role of Harley on GL, will be leaving Pine Valley; Taylor will be off the canvas by the time the show wraps up taping in New York in December, in preparation for its move to Los Angeles in January.

"After many conversations with AMC it was mutually decided that I would no longer play the role of Lt. Taylor Thompson and would not relocate my family to the West Coast," Ehlers says in a statement. "I was very proud to give a voice to Lt. Taylor Thompson and hope I conveyed the courage, sacrifice and fortitude of the brave members of our military and their families. To my new friends and colleagues I met at ALL MY CHILDREN and ABC during these past 18 months, I wish you much love and continued success. And lastly, a big hug to my fans! I'll see you soon!"

Aiden Turner Off AMC
One of ALL MY CHILDREN's most popular stars, Aiden Turner, who has played the role of Aidan Devane since 2002, has been let go. "After November 6, no more Aidan Devane," the actor tells Digest. "I had a meeting with [EP] Julie [Hanan Carruthers], and she said, 'I hate to tell you this, but I have to give you your notice.' I was shocked." For more, see an upcoming issue of Soap Opera Digest.

It's A Girl For Aiden Turner
Congratulations are in order for Aiden Turner (Aidan, AMC) and his wife, Megan, who welcomed daughter Ciella Larryn Turner on August 21 at 12:20am. The new addition weighed in at 9 lbs., 13 oz. "Her middle name comes from Megan's father, Larry Marshall, who died just two weeks ago after a year fighting cancer," Turner says. "We are very happy she arrived so healthy and so beautiful. We wish her Grandpa Larry was here to hold her."

AMC Move Update
As reported, AMC is relocating from New York to Los Angeles in January. A high-placed show source says to expect the returns of multiple L.A.-based AMC alums, "three-to-four big names, maybe more." Hints one high-profile alum, "I always said I would have stayed on the show forever if it was in L.A."

AMC's Big Move
ABC has confirmed that it is moving production of ALL MY CHILDREN to Los Angeles beginning in January; OLTL will inherit AMC's old studio space. "I am so grateful for the wonderful commitment from ABC to ALL MY CHILDREN," said the show's creator, Agnes Nixon, in a statement. States Brian Frons, ABC's Daytime Chief, "The move to Los Angeles enables both ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE to dramatically improve the series production models and achieve significant efficiencies while enhancing each show. We had to examine every option on the table to combat the current economic realities, and rising costs of production, and we are doing it in a way that makes each of our shows stronger." "Obviously, we are grateful to be able to keep going," one AMC actress tells Digest. "But how this will affect all of us in the cast and crew remains to be seen."

Daytime Confidential first reported the news earlier today, August 4.

AMC's Minshew Pregnant!
Alicia Minshew (Kendall, AMC) is expecting her first child, a daughter, in November. "Richie [Herschenfeld, her husband] and I are so thrilled!" she tells Digest. "I can't wait to be a mom!" Her pregnancy is not expected to be written into her character's storyline.

Visit AMC Set And Meet Jacob Young
Make your soap dreams come true for a great cause and bid on the chance to visit the set of ALL MY CHILDREN where you'll get an exclusive tour from Jacob Young (JR, AMC). The auction, which benefits the Actors Fund — a nationwide organization that helps all professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry — is taking place on eBay. To start bidding, click here.

The winner and a friend will travel to the AMC set, meet and greet with Young, and take advantage of some photo ops while you're there!

ABC Daytime And SOAPnet Go Musical
ABC Daytime and SOAPnet are going into the concert business. Specifically, according to a statement from the network, that includes sponsoring country singer Sara Evans' national tour, integrated in-show performances (Hello, Lionel Richie!) and on-air campaigns, including musician interviews and "integration of songs in on and off-air marketing campaigns."

Evans first performance under the ABC Daytime/SOAPnet umbrella will be Sunday, June 13 at the ABC All Star Block Party at the CMA Music Festival.

AMC's Chrishell Stause Extends Again
Chrishell Stause (Amanda, AMC) has re-extended her contract to remain in Pine Valley through the end of the year. "Pilot season isn’t starting up until January, so I am not technically going to be missing out on a whole lot, business-wise, and just a few months of my life will actually mean a lot to the storyline," she tells Digest.

GL Star To AMC!
Stephanie Gatschet (ex-Tammy, GL) has landed a recurring role on ALL MY CHILDREN as Madison North, according to her official Web site www.stephaniegatschet.com. Her first air date is reportedly set for June 19.

Don't Miss…
Jamie Luner (ex-Lexie, MELROSE PLACE; ex-Peyton, SAVANNAH) debuts today, April 17, as Liza Colby on ALL MY CHILDREN. Here's some background: Liza was always about sex and manipulation; as a youngster, she wanted Greg Nelson soooooo bad that she rigged the Miss Junior Pine Valley Contest in order to beat Greg's girl, Jenny Gardner. Liza and her mom Marian were both bedding Tad at the same time. Many men and many years later, Liza married Adam and they have a daughter Colby. Now Liza's a lawyer, so she can put those cunning skills to proper use protecting her clients in court. But we suspect she'll still be chasing every available man in Pine Valley — regardless of whether they're dating, engaged or married (after all, she slept with Tad while he was married to Dixie). Let the games begin!

Bianca And Reese Take On Prop 8
ALL MY CHILDREN's Eden Riegel (Bianca) and Tamara Braun (Reese) and their fans kickoff an online fundraiser/raffle today to raise money to defeat California's Prop 8, which banned gay marriages. (Remember, Bianca and Reese got married in Connecticut, where gay unions are legal.)

The auction goes live April 10. There will be two weeks' worth of items, half the first week and half the second. Raffle tickets are on sale from April 17-29. All details are here.

It's Official!
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has officially announced that the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast on the CW television network on Sunday, August 30 at 8 p.m. The show will take place in the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. "The Daytime Emmy Awards are one of the cornerstones of our business," said Frank Radice, president and chief marketing officer, NATAS. "There wouldn't be a television awards season without them. From the extravagant red carpet to the great entertainment, the viewer will experience the show through new approaches which will make this year's show more robust and relevant than ever before."

Major nominations will be announced on May 14, 2009 on NBC's TODAY show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. The complete list will be available that evening at a nominating event at the Hearst Tower.

At Home With Linda Dano
Here's a treat for Linda Dano (ex-Rae, AMC; ex-Felicia, AW) fans courtesy of the April 2 New York Post. Check it out here.

Daytime Emmys To Air On The CW
GoldDerby.com reports that The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences are about to announce that the Daytime Emmys will be broadcast on The CW network in late August, most likely on Aug. 31. The news ends months of speculation on the dismal fate of the awards show. Though The CW doesn't air any daytime soaps, it is the home of GOSSIP GIRL and various talk shows that are also in the Daytime Emmy world.

DVDs of performances from all the pre-nominated actors (Check out the pre-noms here) have been mailed out today to the voters. Nominees in the major categories will be announced on May 14 during the fourth hour of the TODAY show. The remaining nominees will be announced during a reception that evening at the Hearst Building in New York City.

AMC's Liza Returns!
AMC'S LIZA RETURNS! ABC confirms that Jamie Luner, best known to soap fans as MELROSE PLACE's Lexi and SAVANNAH's Peyton will join the cast of AMC in late April/early May as Liza Colby, mother of Colby (Brianne Moncrief) and ex-love of Adam (David Canary) and Tad (Michael E. Knight). The move reunites her with former MP head scribe, Chuck Pratt, who is AMC's head writer. From 1981-1984 and 1995-2004, with a brief reprise in 2005, Liza was played by Marcy Walker.

Daytime Emmy Update
"There will definitely be a broadcast and it will be a cool event!" confirms an insider. The nominations will be announced for the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy awards in late April. The broadcast is slated for early June. Check back with SoapOperaDigest.com for updated information.

New York & Company To Outfit AMC Cast
Throughout the month of March, the female cast members of ALL MY CHILDREN will be wearing clothes from the national retailer New York & Company. "The versatility and style of their collection will not only enhance the day to day fashions of our diverse cast of characters, but also afford our audience the opportunity to find the fashions they see on ALL MY CHILDREN in the New York & Company stores throughout the country," explains executive producer Julie Hanan Carruthers in a statement. Yes, what that means is you can dress like Kendall or Taylor or Erica. Select items will be on sale through ABC.com, simply click on the "Shop" button then go to the "SeenON!" section of the AMC page.

Bryton And Morgan Win Image Awards
Bryton (Devon, Y&R) and Debbi Morgan (Angie, AMC) were named Outstanding Actor and Actress in a Daytime Drama Series at the 40th Annual NAACP Image awards presented Thursday, Feb. 12 in the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The awards honor individuals, as well as projects that promote diversity in the arts, literature, cinema, recording and television.

Former AMC Star Arrested
Phyllis Lyons — who played Hayley's alcoholic mom on ALL MY CHILDREN from 1990-93 — was arrested for shoplifting the morning of Feb. 5. The actress, who is married to LIFE's Adam Arkin, allegedly was seen on security cameras pocketing a $688 pair of earrings in a Montecito, CA store on Jan. 29. She was brought into the North Hollywood Police station and booked on a felony grand theft charge. She's scheduled to appear in court in Santa Barbara on Feb. 26.

Daytime Emmy Update
Though there's nothing to mark on your calendars yet, an well-placed insider involved with the Daytime Emmys says, "I'm assured there will be a telecast. Lots of work has been going on in the background by good people to make this happen. There will be a show."

Name That Tune
Starting Tuesday, Feb. 3 on ABC and SoapNet, Love and Theft's song, "World Wide Open," will be heard as part of the on- and off-air marketing campaign for ABC's ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE. The spots will also be available on ABC.com and SOAPnet.com. The song was written by Love and Theft member Eric Gunderson along with Danny Orton. To learn more about Love And Theft, visit www.myspace.com/loveandtheftmusic.

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