OLTL News Archive - 2009
Kevin Buchanan Returns to OLTL
First some Cramers, now a Buchanan.
SOAPnet.com reports that
Dan Gauthier will soon return as Viki's eldest son Kevin. As Kevin and Kelly (
Gina Tognoni) are a twosome in London, it's likely their returns will coincide sometime in the new year. Gauthier played the role from 2003-2006.
Bree Williamson Back To GOSSIP GIRL
OLTL's
Bree Williamson (Jessica) will reprise her guest-starring role as high-priced call girl Brandeis on GOSSIP GIRL. "I'm back at GOSSIP GIRL tomorrow!" she reports. "It's a nice little recurring thing. I'm the hooker again [
laughs]."
Cramer Women Return to Llanview
Laura Bonarrigo and
Melissa Fumero will be reprising their ONE LIFE TO LIVE roles of Dorian's daughters, Cassie and Adriana, for February sweeps, according to
www.soapnet.com. Bonarrigo played Cassie from 1991 to 1999 with brief visits over the years. Fumero played Adriana from 2004 to 2008. Adriana left Llanview when her marriage to Rex fell apart.
Crystal Hunt Out!After nearly a year of playing OLTL's Stacy Morasco,
Crystal Hunt has been let go. Since landing in Llanview in February, Hunt's character has committed one bad deed after another yet failed to become the vixen fans love to hate. "You're supposed to hate her," Head Writer
Ron Carlivati told
Digest in August. "But I believe that even the most hated character with the right story can eventually be someone who you root for."
In response to online buzz of Hunt's firing, an OLTL spokesperson offers, "Crystal Hunt will be in major story in the coming months as the story of Stacy and her baby builds to a climax. As far as rumors that she is leaving the show, we do not comment on rumors."
There's a Ford in OLTL's Future
OLTL confirms that
David Gregory who played Ford, David's long-suffering reality show TV producer, is returning to the ABC soap in December. Let's not forget that Ford had more than a little chemistry with Langston in those infamous barn scenes.
For a closer look at Ford, click
here.
Bright Future For OLTL
In response to Internet rumors that ABC may cancel OLTL, "The only upcoming move ONE LIFE TO LIVE is making is to the ALL MY CHILDREN stage after that series relocates to Los Angeles," says ABC Daytime spokesperson
Jori Peterson. "This will give ONE LIFE TO LIVE more room and increase their production value."
Gina Tognoni Returns to OLTL
Despite buzz that fan fave
Gina Tognoni (ex-Dinah, GL) was in talks with Y&R and B&B, the actress will return to her popular OLTL role of Kelly Cramer next year. "I am excited to welcome the extremely talented Gina Tognoni back to the role that launched her daytime career," Executive Producer
Frank Valentini shared in statement. "The role of Kelly is an important part of OLTL's history and Gina's portrayal as a member of the spirited Cramer family has always been a fan favorite. She is a friend and I am thrilled to be working with her once again." Tognoni begins taping in January. The actress portrayed Dorian's (
Robin Strasser) feisty niece from 1995-2001, and briefly appeared in 2002. As for the character, last played by
Heather Tom (Katie, B&B), she departed Llanview in 2006 with husband Kevin and has supposedly been living in London with her son and his grandson, Zane. As previously reported,
Dan Gauthier (ex-Kevin) is slated for a limited return as Kevin this fall. Their returns, however, will not coincide.
The All-American Rejects To Rock Llanview
Fresh off their rousing performance at the MTV Video Music Awards and opening the New York Stock Exchange,
The All-American Rejects taped a two-episode appearance on OLTL that will air on December 4 and 7. Appearing at Ultraviolet, the band will play their new singles "I Wanna" and "Mona Lisa" from their latest album,
When The World Comes Down. "We did SMALLVILLE, so this is our second scripted television appearance," revealed guitarist
Mike Kennerty. "It's cool to just come here and rock it," added frontman
Tyson Ritter. For more on the band, check out
www.allamericanrejects.com.
OLTL's Kevin Returns
Digest has just learned that
Dan Gauthier, the popular portrayer of OLTL's Kevin from 2003-06, will make a return appearance this fall. Last appearing at Asa's funeral in August 2007, Viki's (
Erika Slezak) eldest son has been working for Buchanan Enterprises in London.
Catherine Hickland, Hypnotist
Of the many ONE LIFE TO LIVE-related events last weekend in New York,
Catherine Hickland's (Lindsay, OLTL) was the only one that included Irish Step Dancing. Hickland presented a hypnosis show, which involved audience participation. Among the audience members was
John Campbell. Hickland hypnotized Campbell into step dancing whenever he heard a certain piece of music. After the show, Campbell told
Weekly he had never step danced in his life. Click
here to check out Campbell's dancing skills.
EXCLUSIVE: Strasser Talks
Soap Opera Weekly just got off the phone with
Robin Strasser, who couldn't be more pleased that she inked another deal to continue as ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Dorian.
Here's what happened yesterday (Tuesday, Aug. 4)…
Robin Strasser: I will say for the record that I called
Frank [
Valentini, executive producer] at about 3:15 yesterday. I said, "Frank, Frank, I hope you're happy to hear this but I can't, I can't...I have to say 'yes'. Whatever ABC wants to pay me is okay, I just love what I do and I can't continue in this holding pattern. 'Yes, I'm in, I'm in. Send me a contract, I'll sign it.' He said, 'Okay. That's great. I'll call legal and we'll close this up.' And then I said, 'So what about the rumors?' He said, 'Well, it's a secret until 5 o'clock today.' " Now this was at 3:15. He said, "ALL MY CHILDREN will move to LA and ONE LIFE TO LIVE will move into their studio." I almost screamed into the telephone bursting an eardrum on the man. I'm trusting and wishing the best for ALL MY CHILDREN. They've got some great real estate they're moving to in LA. And there's a lot of great opportunities for renting and buying the personal residences. And then our show apparently is going to get at least 30-50 percent more studio space so that our big concept productions and efficiency can be ramped up. Frank has found better and better ways to make a great show but does it cost effectively because if we don't do it that way we'll be joining GUIDING LIGHT. I'm so proud to be part of that solution.
OLTL Casting
Yes, ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Greg, Destiny and Shaun do have parents. And they
have been cast.
Tonye Patano (WEEDS) and
Frankie Faison (THE WIRE; ex-Frankie, AMC) will play Phylicia and Richard Evans. Viewers can expect the reunion on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Real Life Mom Plays Reel Mom on OLTL
In a charming casting twist,
Lisa Evans will play her son
Scott Evans' (Fish) soap mom on upcoming episodes of ONE LIFE TO LIVE. "She came to set a couple of weeks ago, and I wanted to show her around and she met
Frank (
Valentini, executive producer)," shares Evans. "My mother is very personable and I'd mentioned to Frank that she was a dancer growing up and we've done plays together. When I was a little kid I'd say, 'Mom, come do this play with me,' and she'd say, 'Ok.' It was easier for her, instead of just driving me to rehearsal, she could be in the show. She runs a children's theater, and Frank was like, 'Would she want to do it?' She didn't audition or anything. He put his trust in me, I guess." Playing his mother's son was a breeze. "It's incredible! I get to work with my mother. We have some really fun scenes coming up where it's just us two talking and it's really just us two talking. When I say, 'Mom' it's definitely not acting, it's absolutely real," smiles Evans.
J. Tucker Smith has been cast as Fish's father. Their names are, wait for it, Barbara and George Fish. They'll first air Sept 16.
Frankie Negron On OLTL
Latin music star
Frankie Negron will perform "Holding on to Love" from his first English language album "Independence Day" on the August 5 episode of ONE LIFE TO LIVE. He'll sing "Holding on to Love" in both English and Spanish for Todd and Téa.
Dios, Mio! OLTL Actress Swap!
After a report appeared on Daytime Confidential's Web site, a spokesperson for ONE LIFE TO LIVE confirms for
www.soapoperadigest.com that
Saundra Santiago will replace
Patricia Mauceri as Cristian and Antonio's mother, Carlotta. Santiago was last seen in Llanview as Isobella in 2004 and fans will also remember her as Danny's Mommie Dearest, Carmen Santos on GUIDING LIGHT. Setside sources say that Mauceri, who has played Carlotta since 1995, had problems with an upcoming arc that involves Cristian in Fish and Kyle's emerging gay storyline.
OLTL Casting News
Michael Lowry, best known for playing Dr. Jake Martin on ALL MY CHILDREN from 1997-2000, has been cast in a recurring role on ONE LIFE TO LIVE. No first airdate yet. Lowry's other soap credits include Les on AS THE WORLD TURNS from 2004-2005 and Dr. Hillman on BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL in 2006.
In The Nick Of Time
Broadway actor
Nicholas Rodriguez (
Tarzan) has been cast as Nick on ONE LIFE TO LIVE. His first airdate is August 14. He'll be involved in the Kyle and Fish, aka Kish, storyline.
Vote for Tuc!
With his Funny or Die trailer for THE SENTIMENTALIST making the rounds on the 'Net,
Tuc Watkins (David, OLTL) is garnering some major buzz. The People's Choice Awards Web site is asking what Watkins' most memorable role so far is for their week-long Buzz poll — and we savvy soap viewers know the answer, don’t we? Head over to
www.pcaVOTE.com to make your feelings known!
Watch the fake trailer for THE SENTIMENTALIST, a hilarious spoof of quirky detective shows, here. (Warning: this clip does contain adult language and may not be safe for work.)
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.
Richie On OLTL
Music superstar Lionel Richie will perform on ONE LIFE TO LIVE this summer. He'll sing "Just Go" off of his latest album of the same name. Jeremih, whose single "Birthday Sex" is currently No. 1, will sing with him. Richie and Jeremih will perform at Ultraviolet, the Llanview club owned by
Rex. They are taping their performance today, June 12.
Tuc Watkins Returns!
Soap Opera Digest has learned that OLTL's David is on his way to Llanview once again — and it's not just on Have-A-Seat business! In the wake of A Martinez's (ex-Ray) departure, Robin Strasser's Dorian could sure use a partner in crime (and other things?) for the summer. While ABC has yet to release a first air date, viewers can expect David to mix it up with his new family, the Buchanans, during his stay.
Erin Torpey Weds
Erin Torpey (ex-Jessica, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) wed Hamilton von Watts (10 ITEMS
OR LESS) on the beach in Malibu, CA on April 18, 2009. For photos and more
go here.
OLTL's Lindsay Is Back!
Soap Opera Digest has learned that Catherine Hickland is returning to ONE LIFE TO LIVE later this summer. There's no word yet on a first air date, or whether Lindsay will break free from Statesville Prison, but a spokesperson reveals, "She will interact with someone for whom she has made quite a bit of trouble for in the past." Hmm....
Just Call Her Mom
Renee Elise Goldsberry (ex-Evangeline, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) and husband Alexis Johnson recently welcomed their first child — a baby boy they named Benjamin. A spokesperson for the new parents says, "Both mom and baby are doing great. Their family is overjoyed, and they are praising God for this perfect miracle. Renee thanks all of you for your support and constant encouragement. In lieu of cards or gifts, she asks for your continued prayers and well wishes. They truly work wonders because Benjamin is a dream come true!"
OLTL Casting News
Terrell Tilford has been cast in the contract role of Dr. Greg Evans on ONE LIFE TO LIVE. Tilford is best known to soap viewers as David Grant on GUIDING LIGHT from 1998 to 2001. He also played Dr. Carrington on DAYS OF OUR LIVES for several episodes in 2008. Though OLTL offered no storyline details, Dr. Greg is about the same age as Rachel. Hmmm. Tilford's first airdate is June 23.
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.
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.
OLTL: Brier And Stack Out!
Soap Opera Digest has learned that both OLTL's Kathy Brier (Marcie) and Chris Stack (Michael) are out. Rumors have been circulating for some time that Brier would opt not to renew her contract, which expired in March, but a source reports that she and Stack were let go last week. "There could have been more story for Michael and Marcie, but that's just not the direction they decided to take it," shrugs an insider. "It's the nature of the business."
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.
Pussycat Dolls Sing On OLTL
The Pussycat Dolls will perform on the May 13 episode of ONE LIFE TO LIVE. They'll sing their version of "Jai Ho" from this year's Oscar-winning Best Film Slumdog Millionaire at the Llanview High Prom.
The Pussycat Dolls are currently on tour with Britney Spears.
AW Star On OLTL
David Forsyth (ex-John, AW; ex-Jim, AMC) will play a priest on ONE LIFE TO LIVE beginning April 16. He'll perform Chloe's christening.
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.
Bonner Out
BethAnn Bonner's days as ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Talia are numbered. As speculated, the character's fate was in trouble when Kamar de los Reyes (Antonio) announced he wasn't re-signing his contract. However, insiders hint that Talia won't be leaving Llanview with Antonio. The show would not comment on the rumors.
More Comings And Goings On OLTL
Timothy D. Stickney returns as OLTL's RJ sometime this spring. Tuc Watkins'
David is leaving Llanview on March 2, but is set to be back next month.
OLTL Actress Out!
ONE LIFE TO LIVE is confirming the imminent departure of Jacqueline Hendy
(Vanessa). Vanessa says goodbye to Cristian when the character is deported
the week of Feb. 23.
Former PASSIONS Star To OLTL!
Soap Opera Digest has learned exclusively that OLTL hired Daphnee Duplaix to take over the role of Rachel, Nora and Hank's daughter. Duplaix portrayed PASSIONS's Valerie from 2004-08, before the convoluted reveal that hermaphrodite Vincent was really Valerie. Her new daytime persona is only slightly less screwed up: Rachel previously turned tricks, went to rehab for drugs and did time for murder. Since taking up social work, however, Rachel has been living in Chicago. Duplaix, meanwhile, has been busy taping episodes of SHOW US YOUR WITS, the new Playboy TV game show on which she'll serve as host. Rachel will return on April 7, just a few days after on-screen dad Hank (Nathan Purdee) pops back into town.
Phil Carey Remembered
Phil Carey (ex-Asa, OLTL) was remembered by former and current castmates, friends and family on Friday, Feb 13 in a military service at a Catholic Church in Manhattan. Carolyn Hinsey reports that Bob Woods, Erika Slezak, Patricia Elliott and Executive Producer Frank Valentini gave moving tributes, along with telling a few funny stories about "Philly." Carey's son Sean eloquently eulogized his dad, and Mark Derwin flew in from L.A. to do a reading. "He was my Pa," Derwin explained. The service ended with a recording of "Happy Trails," which Woods pronounced as "fitting." A reception was held afterwards at a local restaurant, where a video was shown of Carey's early days as a Buchanan. That was followed by a series of the riotous commercials Carey made for Granny Goose potato chips in the 1960s — and many toasts to the legendary actor.
Purdee Back On OLTL
Nathan Purdee, who played ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Hank Gannon from 1992 to 2003, is set to return to Llanview. His first airdate is April 1. Hank is one of
Nora's ex-husbands — they have daughter Rachel together — and one of Bo's best friends.
More Sad OLTL News
Phil Carey (Asa) died Friday night at his home in Manhattan of complications from lung cancer. He was 83. Services are pending. "It's a sad day in Llanview," says Executive Producer Frank Valentini. His on-screen son for years, Clint Ritchie (ex-Clint), died January 31.
"He was like 'Pa' to me," said his on-screen son, Robert S. Woods (Bo Buchanan). "My own father passed away in 1975 and I met Philly in 1979. For those 30 years, he has been like a father to me. I don't know if I could love him more if he was my dad."
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."
DGA Win For OLTL
Larry Carpenter, longtime director at ONE LIFE TO LIVE, won his third
Director's Guild of America award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Daytime Serials. He won for episode 10,281 — "So You Think You Can Be Shane
Morasco's Father?" Congratulations to Mr. Carpenter and his entire directing
team.
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.
Clint Ritchie Dead At 70
Clint Ritchie, who played ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Clint Buchanan from 1979 to 1998 (with several visits, his last in 2004), died on Jan. 31. He was 70.
According to RadarOnLine.com, Ritchie had suffered a heart attack in late January. He died 10 hours after being fitted with a pacemaker.
Ritchie, an avid horseman, had lived on his 60-acre Happy Horse Ranch in
Grass Valley, CA, near Sacramento. In addition to his 20-year-long gig as
the eldest Buchanan son, he had roles in several TV Westerns plus movies
including The St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Patton. The role of Clint Buchanan was recast with actor Jerry verDorn (ex-Ross, GUIDING LIGHT) in 2005.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Clint Ritchie," said Frank Valentini, Executive Producer, OLTL. "He will always have a special place in our hearts and ONE LIFE TO LIVE's legacy. With his creation of the role of Clint Buchanan, he helped to bring to life one of the most memorable families in the show's history. The OLTL family will always hold dear the memories of the man we fondly referred to as 'Bucky.' Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
February Sweeps Moved To March
Those of you who love February because of all the big storylines will have to wait just a little bit longer. Because of the digital transfer in the television world — everyone will now need a cable box — Feb. sweeps will happen March 5 to April 1. Things are back to normal in May — sweeps run from April 23 to May 20.
New Gigs For OLTL's Sean Ringgold
Sean Ringgold (Shaun, OLTL) is clearly a man of many talents. He's playing record producer Suge Knight in the soon-to-be-released movie Notorious. However, in late December he was seen in the role of Katie Holmes' real-life bodyguard, accompanying her around New York, often with little Suri Cruise, as well. That gig most likely ended Sunday, January 11, when Holmes' Broadway show All My Sons closed; Holmes returned home to California, where she and Suri live with some guy named Tom.
De Los Reyes Out
Kamar de los Reyes (Antonio, OLTL) will exit the ABC soap early next year. He'll be taping through the end of January. For more casting news, be sure to pick up on the Dec. 30 issue of Soap Opera Weekly.
