GL News Archive - 2009

Marcy Rylan Gives Birth
The former GL star (ex-Lizzie), who recently relocated to Los Angeles, is now a proud momma. A GL rep confirms that Rylan and her fiancée Don Money welcomed the birth of their son, Jackson Robert Money, who weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces.

GL Stars Create (Another) New Web Series
First there was VENICE, now there's WED-LOCKED. Lawrence Saint-Victor (ex-Remy) and Karla Mosley (ex-Christina) have launched what promises to be a very funny take on newlywed life in a new comedic Web series, WED-LOCKED. The duo is proving that Crystal Chappell (Carly, DAYS; ex-Olivia, GL) isn't only smart cookie recruiting her talented former GL cast mates, either. Saint-Victor and Mosley produce and star in the series, which will also feature appearances by Zack Conroy (ex-James), Yvonna Wright (ex-Mel) and Kim Brockington (ex-Felicia). "We just like working together," shares Saint-Victor whose wife Shay is also part of the production team behind the series. You can check out a preview of WED-LOCKED here. Be sure to check back at soapoperadigest.com for more about the series and a chat with Saint-Victor.

Chappell On GL's Final Episode
"Oddly enough, I was here [at DAYS] and watched it in my dressing room," says Crystal Chappell (Carly, DAYS; ex-Olivia, GL) of the final airing of the 72-year-old soap on September 18. "It was heartbreaking. The whole week was heavy, though, but a very good week. You knew the show was coming to an end. Even though I knew it was coming, I wept when Alan died in such a noble way. I like that people had their happy endings. When Josh and Reva drove off in their pickup truck and they scrolled the end, it was like, 'Oh my God!' It was just devastating. So sad!"

Mindy Sue Got Married!
Missing GUIDING LIGHT? Well, don't worry, the happy family moments aren't quite over yet. There's still some celebrating to be done. Check out Mindy's official Twitter feed, for the inside scoop on her wedding to Rick. (Remember to read from the bottom of the page up, to get her tweets in order!)

GL's Jeffrey: Missing In Action
GL's final episode aired today and everyone in Springfield was granted a final "one-year later" scene — except for Jeffrey, who was last seen having a shoot-out with Edmund. As Josh and Reva drove off together to presumably start a new life together, Jeffrey's whereabouts were never addressed. So, where is he? GL rep explains that his absence was intentional, and the story was purposely left open-ended. "When Reva tells Josh she's not ready, that's all about Jeffrey and her trying to move on," says the rep. Reva believes Jeffrey is dead and, a year later, he very well could be. Guess it's up to the viewers to decide!

Spot the Soap Star!
In the midst of wiping away tears, GUIDING LIGHT fans might want to rewind the Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 episodes, rewatch online or look up clips on YouTube. Why? To catch YOUNG AND RESTLESS's Jeanne Cooper (Katherine) and Christian J. LeBlanc (Michael) as guests at Billy and Vanessa's country club wedding! Look for the veteran duo sitting behind Rafe as the ceremony progresses. SOD/SOW readers will remember that Cooper and LeBlanc were rumored to be making a hush-hush guest appearance...guess this is one rumor that's true!

Branson On Emmy Win
"The wind was knocked out of me," admits Supporting Actor winner Jeff Branson (Shayne, GL), who tied with Vincent Irizarry (David, AMC) for the win. "I thought Vincent was going to pull it down completely. When they said a tie, I thought I might have a chance. It was crazy because they said 'Shayne Lewis' instead of 'Jeff Branson,' so I heard the 'Sh' and I wrote it off. It was Danny Cosgrove [Bill, GL] who tapped me on the leg and said, 'Dude that's you!' That's why I was so shocked. I didn't even know it was my name. I'm honored to have the tie with Vincent. I forgot so many things because I was so nervous. [I wanted to thank] Rob Decina [GL casting director] and Ellen Wheeler [executive producer]. They were a huge part of me being able to make this happen. I really regret not thanking them. I just got caught up in the moment [laughs]! I didn't even remember what I said, I had to ask somebody later. It took me right back to being a little boy again! It's just bananas."

Cosgrove Not Joining OLTL
Despite all the buzz that Daniel Cosgrove (Bill, GL) will be ONE LIFE TO LIVE's next Joey Buchanan, it's not happening. A setsider says Cosgrove will not be joining the ABC soap.

GL Star Engaged
Marcy Rylan's (Lizzie, GL) longtime beau, Don Money, surprised the pregnant actress with a marriage proposal at her baby shower on July 25. Several of Rylan's GL castmates, including Gina Tognoni (Dinah), Jessica Leccia (Natalia), Kim Zimmer (Reva) and Ron Raines (Alan) were in attendance. The couple is expecting their first child together in October.

GL Will Not Find New Home
Brace yourselves, GL fans. It's official. TeleNext Media Inc. has released a statement confirming that the 72-year-old soap will not be picked up by another network, despite best efforts. "We promised our fans we would do everything we could to find a new home for the show. In the ensuing months, we have engaged in serious discussions with many networks, leaving no stone unturned in our effort to place the show elsewhere. Unfortunately, despite the urgent and dedicated efforts of many people, we have not been able to secure an outlet to carry the show moving forward. We are extremely disappointed with this outcome, but we are confident we have exhausted every possible option."

Melissa Hayden Returns To GL
Another big homecoming for GL! Melissa Hayden is set to reprise her role as Matt's sister Bridget in August, according to CBS.com. She was last on-screen in 1997. No word yet on whether Peter, Bridget's son with Dylan will follow her to town.

GL Head Writer To ATWT
GUIDING LIGHT co-head writer David Kreizman is heading to sister soap AS THE WORLD TURNS effective immediately. He'll team up with existing head writer Jean Passanante. "I am thrilled that Dave and Jean will make up the new head writing team," said ATWT executive producer Chris Goutman in a statement. "Both writers have an incredible respect for the show's rich history and I am confident this partnership will generate the exciting, character-based stories for which ATWT is known."

Reunion On GL
Don't miss the huge, fun and funny Bauer barbecue that starts today on GUIDING LIGHT, which features most of the cast, plus the returns of Michelle, Danny and Mindy (Nancy St. Alban, Paul Anthony Stewart and Krista Tesreau). Yes, that means there's another Four Musketeers reunion. Happy Fourth of July!

GL's Ed Is Back!
Peter Simon (Ed) returns to GL next week when Phillip goes to the doc for a consultation. "The backstory is that Phillip got sick while he was away and he went and got treatment," explains Grant Aleksander about his alter ego's surprise visit. "He had some sort of infection, so the doctor gave him some antibiotics and the symptoms seemed to go away. Now it's returned, and it's worse than when he got it before." Uh oh...

Chappell Back On DAYS
TVGuideMagazine.com reports that Crystal Chappell is returning to DAYS OF OUR LIVES this fall. She'll bring back the character she created 19 years ago — Dr. Carly Manning Alamain (Katerina von Leuschner). Chappell played the role from June 1990 to October 1993. Chappell met Michael Sabatino on the NBC soap when he played villain Lawrence Alamain. The two married in Jan. 1997. They have two sons Jacob, 9, and Dylan 5 1/2.

However, insiders add that the job-hunting Chappell had put out some feelers to YOUNG AND RESTLESS as her former boss Paul Rauch is currently the head honcho at the No. 1 soap.

Chappell has played on GUIDING LIGHT since 1999 and is currently involved in the very popular Otalia storyline. Chappell will begin taping in September (when GL is finishing taping) and start airing in October. Chappell's other soap roles include Maggie on ONE LIFE TO LIVE from Oct. 1995 through September 1997 and a brief, but notable, appearance on SANTA BARBARA as Jane in 1990.

Chappell has won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2002. She's been nominated four additional times, which includes this year in the Outstanding Lead Actress category.

For full interview with Chappell, go to www.TVGuideMagazine.

And Baby Makes Three!
Jessica Leccia (Natalia, GL) and her husband Brian Malloy welcomed their first child, Ivy Lola Malloy, on Wednesday, June 10. The baby was born at 9:10 AM and weighed in at 8 lbs 6 oz.

Soap Creator Dies
Katherine Phillips Hughes, daughter of legendary soap creator Irna Phillips (GUIDING LIGHT, AS THE WORLD TURNS etc.) died May 12 in Brentwood, Calif. She was 65. Born and raised in Chicago, Phillips Hughes eventually created a soap of her own — A WORLD APART — for ABC in 1970. The series was inspired by her own life as a child adopted by an unmarried soap opera writer. Patrice Kahlman, the heroine of the short-lived series, was played by Susan Sarandon. Hughes is survived by a brother.

GUIDING LIGHT Rally Unifies Fans
May 22 brought a good morning to many GUIDING LIGHT viewers. Hi, I'm Marc Wilkofsky, Soap Opera Weekly's GUIDING LIGHT point person and a 29-year viewer of the soap, and I attended today's "Save the Light" rally outside the Manhattan studio of CBS' EARLY SHOW. Approximately 30 people showed up — some having driven several hours from states as far as Virginia — and while some brought creative signs and others wore Otalia shirts, they were all unified in one form: They want Springfield's story to survive past September 18. In a very peaceful, fun gathering, the show's dedicated viewers told me that GL is like their family (which they and their family members have been watching for decades), and they don't know what they'll do without it. One longtime viewer, H.B. (yes, that is his real name, like Josh's dad), noted that he was watching for his late grandmother, who was a GL fan. Others were new to GL or fans of other soaps, but just wanted to support GL and soaps in general, and spread the word that GL needs and deserves to stay on the air in some form. The organizer, Karen Oswald, whose team handed out free cast photos, suggested that people across the nation create their own easygoing rallies, even if they're in backyard barbecues, to watch and talk about the 72-year-old show. Many attendees walked to the Lifetime studios to continue the rally. More information on this and other rallies is available at savethelightrally.com, and look for more material about today's encouraging event and GL on my www.soapoperaweekly.com blog (Any Hour Now), starting next week.

Mark Your Calendars!
Heads up, GL fans! An air date has finally been set. Paul Anthony Stewart (Danny), Nancy St. Alban (Michelle) and Krista Tesreau (Mindy) will officially return to Springfield on Thursday, July 2.

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.

GL's Future Addressed
TeleNext addressed rampant online rumors that GL is currently in talks with both Lifetime and Oxygen networks in effort to find the soap a new home. In a statement, Senior VP Brian T. Cahill said, "We continue to explore all our options to find a new home for GUIDING LIGHT. At this point, we are not able to comment or speculate about any potential partnerships. Our conversations are ongoing and, in the interest of keeping them moving forward, we cannot offer any additional perspective. We will certainly communicate broadly if and when a decision is made about the future of the show. We thank all our loyal fans for their continued outpouring of support."

Tom Pelphrey Returns to GL
Tom Pelphrey is set to reprise his role as GL's Jonathan sometime this summer, a rep confirms. Air dates have not been released. The actor relocated to Los Angeles when he left the show in 2007. He last returned to the show for a series of episodes in early 2008 to help wrap up the Jonathan/Lizzie/baby Sarah storyline.

Nancy St. Alban Returns to GL
One of GL's most beloved couples finally comes home! Hot on the heels of Paul Anthony Stewart's upcoming return as Danny, Soap Opera Digest has learned that Nancy St. Alban will reprise the role of Michelle Bauer, which she took over in 2000, in late May. She was last seen on-screen in 2005. Plans for a recast were scrapped in light of the show's cancellation. GL reached out to the actress to reprise her role.

OLTL Star Heads to Springfield
Soap Opera Digest can confirm that BethAnn Bonner (ex-Talia, OLTL) has been cast in a new GL role. The actress will first air in early June alongside Murray Bartlett's Cyrus, who will return to Springfield after searching abroad for his MIA bro, Grady.

GL Star To Return
Digest hears that GL alum Paul Anthony Stewart (last seen on-screen back in 2005) is set to reprise his role as Danny in May. GL confirmed earlier this year that a Michelle Bauer recast was in the works, along with other potential Bauer family returns. In March, Stewart told Digest, "I learned long ago in this business to never say never to anything. If something interesting were presented to me, I certainly would consider it seriously."

DAYS Exec On GL Cancellation
Ken Corday, DAYS's executive producer, speaks to Digest exclusively about the cancellation of GL in the next issue. Corday, who has a personal connection to the soap — his father, Ted, was a producer in the 1950s — was upset by the news that the LIGHT will be turned out in September. "The insight I have into the show is kind of historic in that maybe I was 3 or 4 when dad took it from radio to TV," he explains. "It should be remembered that the show was created by the best soap writer ever, Irna Phillips — it was the pioneer. It's a damn shame that this show is gone, as it's still a damn shame that ANOTHER WORLD is gone. The flip side of it is that you cannot reinvent the wheel. Not to name names, but in desperate times, desperate measures are sometimes the worst things to resort to and it's clear now in hindsight and it was clear to the viewers as it was going on what [GL became] was not soap opera." For the full interview, check out the next issue of Digest, which includes a detailed May Sweeps preview.

GL Fans Unite!
GL viewers from around the globe have started a petition to show support and make an effort to save the soap from cancellation in September. More than 7,000 signatures from devoted GL fans in Canada, the UK, Israel, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Malta, the Bahamas and the Philippines have already been gathered. To sign the petition, go 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.

GL Canceled!
Soap Opera Digest has learned that the cast and crew of GUIDING LIGHT were notified today that yes, the 72-year-old show has been canceled and will turn out the light on Sept. 18. "Being on the air for more than seven decades is truly remarkable, and it will be difficult for all of us at the show to say goodbye," said Executive Producer Ellen Wheeler in a statement. "I'm proud of everything we’ve been able to do, including outstanding storytelling, our community service around the country with Find Your Light and the launch of our new production model. This show has such a rich history, wonderful fans, and I'm honored to have been a part of the GL legacy."

Adds GH Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps, who helmed GL from 1991-95: "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."

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.

GL Goes To Universal Studios
The cast and crew of GUIDING LIGHT is gearing up for a big on-location shoot at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure and CityWalk in Orlando, Florida, from March 16-21. The episodes, which will air in mid-to-late April, will mainly focus on Bill (Daniel Cosgrove) and Lizzie's (Marcy Rylan) love story. Other GL cast members to appear in the episodes include Grant Aleksander (Phillip), Jeff Branson (Shayne), Beth Chamberlin (Beth), Zack Conroy (James), Bonnie Dennison (Daisy), Karla Mosley (Christina), Ron Raines (Alan), Lawrence Saint-Victor (Remy), Gina Tognoni (Dinah) and Caitlin Van Zandt (Ashlee). The rest of the cast will head down to Florida for a big Mardi Gras celebration/wrap party on Saturday, March 21.

GL Stars Set To Wed!
Real-life sweethearts and GUIDING LIGHT co-stars Rob Bogue (Mallet) and Mandy Bruno (Marina) recently announced their engagement. The couple has been dating for over a year and plan to marry in Spring of 2010. "Rob's the love of my life," Bruno told Digest in the 2/17/2009 issue.

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.

More Musical Memories Of Oakdale Past
Soapluvva, a long time subscriber of both Digest and Weekly, just posted a new musical treat — the GUIDING LIGHT theme song from the '70s. Click here to check it out!

Big GL News!
More great news for GL fans! Hot on the heels of the can't-miss comeback of Grant Aleksander (Be sure to tune in on Monday!) will be Krista Tesreau, who joined GL as Mindy in 1983. This will be a real treat for longtime viewers: Tesreau, Aleksander and Michael O'Leary (Rick) were three of the GL's popular Four Musketeers (Beth Chamberlin rounds out the crew as recast Beth; Judi Evans originated the role). Look for her to first air in early March.

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."

Musical Memories Of Oakdale Past
Here's a little treat for a Friday afternoon. Soapluvva, a long time subscriber of both Digest and Weekly, sent us the following link. We loved it and bet you will too. Click here to check it out!

TV On The Radio
Can't get enough of GL's new theme song? Be sure to check out this link to Kati Mac's "Only Love" music video, which features GL stars and footage from the soap, as well as Mac, who takes a singing stroll through — you guessed it — Peapack, NJ! Click here to check out the video.

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