General Hospital
GH's Nancy Lee Grahn Talks On: Alexis' Downward Spiral, Future Of Julexis & Being Written For Front And Center!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
It’s been a rough go for the Julexis army over recent months on ABC’s General Hospital. But those moments have provided two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) with such meaty material that it has been riveting to watch this soap vet remind us all why she is one of the premiere actresses of the genre.
This week, viewers have already seen a horrific chain of events, which have included: Alexis being unknowingly set-up to botch her testimony while on the witness stand (and that she did!) that would have sent her husband, mobster and murderer, Julian Jerome (William deVry) to prison for life. Then a short time later comes the news that that the verdict has already been reached. When it is read, Julian is found ‘not guilty’ on all charges. It’s another blow to Alexis, whose entire life has been bottoming out. It appears she has only been able to find solace and comfort with booze, in order to help her cope through the endless terror she feels, the destruction of her marriage, the loss of her ability to practice law, and plenty more deep-rooted psychological issues that have been brought to the surface by all that she has suffered. But how far will Alexis fall? Will she find the strength to pick herself back up? What happens when a woman, so in control of every aspect of her life, finds herself feeling isolated and alone, and realizing that she is unable to control everything around her?
For the answers to those questions and more, we chatted with the one and only, Nancy Lee Grahn to get her perspective on the twists and turns in Alexis’ life, and if there is a future for Julexis … or, if there is no going back … and what she has thought of all the material she has been given to play. As we, the audience, know, her performances just might land Grahn some Emmy gold come next year. Always insightful, candid, and with that brilliant sharp wit, here’s what Nancy had to say about what’s going down in Port Charles for Ms. Davis!
When did you first find out that Alexis would begin a battle with the bottle? How did you feel about her going down that path?
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: We typically don’t find out things too much in advance, which makes it tricky sometimes, but when I was told, it made sense to me. Alexis has been brought to her knees in every area of her life. Faith and trust are shattered. I don’t blame her one bit for wanting ANY moment of relief. And when you can’t find grace in the worst moments, you find something else. It’s not a battle yet as I see it. It’s the only escape she’s able to muster right now, and she doesn’t owe anyone any apologies for not taking the high road at this juncture. Then we’ll see what happens.
The entire foundation of Alexis’ life has been torn apart. She has gone through, in short order: her husband trying to kill her, her stabbing him, and now she can’t even practice law, which is a gigantic part of Alexis’ identity. Would you say this is one of the more exciting times as an actress in your soap career?
NANCY: Any time my role as an actor is motivated, clear about what she wants, how she feels, and given the story to connect all of that, it’s a good acting day. Yes, Jean Passanante and Shelley Altman (co-head writers, GH) have made me happy to come to work.
Alexis was drugged by Paul (Richard Burgi), and that literally has a major hand in Julian being exonerated due to her messy testimony. What does she think happened to her? Will she figure it out?
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: She has no idea. She is understandably disoriented, and disconnected from herself. The color of her world has changed dramatically. At that this point I don’t think anything she says, does, or feels surprises her. Post traumatic stress will do that to you.
Do you think Alexis is so disturbed, that in fact, she could still be deeply, madly, in love with a man who tried to kill her?
NANCY: I don’t think that it is possible for any woman to be in love with a man who didn’t just have a bad moment and try to kill her, but it was in essence, a torture kill. He was going to slit her throat with the same knife that Helena used to slit her mother’s throat. It is however, possible to feel you somehow deserved that and can’t differentiate between love and abuse. I don’t think that is Alexis’ issue. She has many for sure, but that isn’t one of them.
Speaking of the dagger, what did you think about the scene where Alexis used it to stab Julian? Were you surprised at that turn of events when you read the script?
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: I loved it. It was Shakespearean in structure, well thought out, and a very brave writing choice. And bravo for letting the chick save Sonny (Maurice Benard) for a change. (Laughs)
Alexis looks so miserable right now, even recently watching her daughter Sam (Kelly Monaco) finally be happy, and wed to Jason (Billy Miller). And of course, she was getting schnockered at their wedding! Is Alexis truly happy for Sam?
NANCY: Of course! She’s beaten, not bitter.
Do you think Alexis and Kristina (Lexi Ainsworth) can forge a better mother/daughter relationship, after Alexis interfered in Kristina’s burgeoning relationship with Parker (Ashley Jones)? Would Alexis truly be OK with whatever sex Kristina wanted to be with?
NANCY: I don’t think Alexis gives a rat’s tush about Kristina’s sexual preference. She wants her daughters to avoid pain, that is all.
Courtesy/ABC
We are all talking about the incredible Emmy-worthy scenes both you and William deVry have had thus far this year. Will you submit yourself, come Emmy time, for Lead Actress? YOU SHOULD!
NANCY: Ha, ha, thanks Michael. As much as I believe we are all supporting actors, it is after all, a team sport. If there must be these categories, I am, and always have been a lead actress. Unfortunately I’ve been at the hands of writers that didn’t agree. I literally had nothing to submit for years. Not one day in an entire year for years. It reflected the poor use of my time on screen, but I’m happy to report that Jean and Shelley have rectified that. I not only have a tape I wouldn’t be embarrassed to submit, I’ve got a few. It’s so nice to have these two women now in the house. Frank Valentini, (executive producer, GH) is not too shabby, either. It’s good to love your boss.
With Julian being found not guilty at his trial, and now being a free man, how do you think Alexis will cope with this? Will she be scared for her life … or, be drawn back in by him?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman
NANCY: Scared and seriously pissed.
Alexis has recently been haunted by Julian. She is seemingly coming unglued. How far would you say the writers are going to take her … to the lowest of lows?
NANCY: I hope so! More to climb out of. The deeper the abyss, the more of a challenge that it is to get her on the right track.
Two female head writers, Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman, have been steering the ship for some time now at GH. It seems under their watch, Alexis has become front and center again. Do you feel that female writers know best how to write for female characters?
NANCY: Not at all. Patrick Mulcahey wrote for me brilliantly. Chuck Pratt was terrific for me on Santa Barbara. It’s about the investment the writers have in the character, as well as the actress. Jean and Shelley have demonstrated enormous respect for both. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them.
Julexis has been one of the most popular pairings on the soaps. Would you say there is somehow hope for them to reconcile and be together … even if Alexis signs divorce papers?
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: There’s always hope, right?
Alexis and Sonny have a wonderful on-screen relationship. He has been trying to protect her through her entire turmoil with Julian. What has it been like working with Maurice Benard (Sonny) at this point in the Alexis/Sonny relationship?
NANCY: Maurice and I have always acted seamlessly together. We get each other.
And lastly, have you had a favorite scene within in all of this Alexis drama that you left the studio after a tape day, and went, “Damn, that was good!”
NANCY: Ha, ha. I never do that. I’m always tweaking my performance in my head on the drive home.
What did you think will happen to Julexis? Will Alexis continue her downward descent? Who will help her through her ordeal? Have you loved the performances of Nancy Lee Grahn throughout this story? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
1st ) It is not the writing
It is the ”performance”
and-
2nd ) Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) is bringing it home!
BRAVO !!
—– Alexis & Julian are the Beauty and the Beast …
LOL, su…..except that the BEAST never killed anybody.
If the beast means Julian, how can you say he didn’t kill anyone?
i wonder if stupid Paul will continue to wear that cologne and Monica will smell it and realize it was him who tried to kill her…
Violet…CcCee meant the beast in Beauty and the Beast…meaning Julian did…but the actual beast he was compared to didn’t.
If she goes back to Julian, in any way shape or form it will ruin the character completely. Not that it hasnt been an ongoing thing for years!! And what is Sam so mad at Julian for? Being a murdering mobster?? Heck she should love him even more! This is a woman who has spent her entire tenure on the show glorifying and romanticizing murderers! I guess somehow she differentiates….the “good” murderers are Sonny and Jason….while her father is a “bad” murderer. When writing has no sense or throughline, it makes story very easy to poke holes in. And a show with no moral centre and no one to root for is a show that is nearly impossible to emotionally invest in!
Three cheers to you, Dylan. You have certainly ‘refreshed’ my memory how rampant hypocrisy runs in PC.
Sam is a nondescript character who lacks presence, personality or charm, in my opinion. One-sided phenomenon!!!! Ha!!
You have so succinctly, without a litany of words, expressed the ‘imbalanced’ mentality that exists with these players; thanks to the writers. Such disparity among these characters has become the norm where, at times, I forget that which made me dislike certain characters in the first place….but then, I do catch my breath, as it were.
Suddenly, by a miracle, Sonny has become the omnipotent judge and jury. The disseminator of godly wisdom and promulgator of justice. How is he morally better than Julian?
I remember feeling the same disgust when Sonny was pardoned by that marionette governor.
As far as Alexis; I have grown a new respect for her. Yes, as a woman who has lived amongst baddies; touched danger with her own hands; a professional with extreme skill and intelligence, one would think that she had acquired a certain amount of wisdom when it comes to men, and life, in general.
Nonetheless, I get the human side of someone whose psyche is, basically, wired to follow a destructive path. I do believe she has finally gotten a grip…..What we see is the struggle she needs to experience before she is on the verge of falling. This will determine both her physical, mental and emotional strength. I, vehemently, hope this is where the writing is going……
However, I absolutely agree with you. If Alexis goes back to Julian, the PTB will have completely sunk this character to the lowest level of womanhood. And, that “ain’t” fair to women in general. What, pray tell, would the message be??
The only time that I enjoy the character of Sam is when she is in scenes with her mother and/or sisters and loses the monotone! Also, when she loses the boring baby and morning sickness talk.
Yes, yes and yes, Dylan and Celia.
Why is that swarmy, smirking bastard allowed to roam around a free man?
While I had no use for Sabrina, at least she was a fairly good person and she had a baby to raise. Yet, she’s killed off and metrosexual monsters like Julian are allowed to not only live, but live freely.
Alexis needs to toughen up, cream puff! Yes, I know she’s been through hell and back but she needs to demonstrate how strong, how resilient she really is and rise from the ashes of her life. If she takes back that hairless chest wonder back I will fast forward through all of her scenes which would be a shame considering NLG is a fabulous actress. Let her hitch herself up from the bootstraps and show she is strong and independent and does not need a man (especially this man) to complete her.
GH has gotten so damn bad lately and it only keeps getting worse.
i still think someone will try or maybe kill Julian…Morgan, Sonny, Sam, Alexis, Paul…
Harry…Alexis just “hitching herself up from her bootstraps” after losing her marriage, her career, her trust, her sense of self…and then that pesky little other thing like almost having her throat slit by the father of her child…the man she adored…would be more unrealistic than Duke in Faison’s face…errrr…so to speak. This is more realistic…she’s in a sort of post traumatic stress…and should be! Let the character go through her emotions and reactions and let Nancy have a story which allows her to use her impressive talent.
Sam is mad at Julian for lying about been out of mob and for trying to kill Alexis.If Julian had said he was staying in the mob Sam would be upset i’m sure but at least she’d know Julian was hiding anything for her or Alexis.However Julian lying about been out of the mob broke the trust that Sam and Alexis had in him.
Thanks for this interview Michael. I’m happy Nancy has gotten emotional material to play. But I wish GH hadn’t destroyed Julian & Alexis to get here. There were so many other ways this story could have been written. There was no need for the writers to undo how amazing Julexis were or for the writers to turn Julian into a psycho overnight for no reason. I wish the writers had planed some twist to explain Julian’s 180, but I’ve lost hope of that. And that makes me sad. It’s hard to enjoy Nancy and Wil’s amazing performances when I’m (1) too distracted by how bizarre, out-of-character and heavy-handed the story was in ruining Julian and (2) too upset what GH lost when the writers purposefully set out to destroy everything that made Julian and Alexis so good. I don’t understand why the writers did this. GH isn’t the same for me anymore.
These are my feelings completely! I watch GH from time to time now when Nancy gets good material or Julexis is on, but im not excited anymore. I started watching GH again for Julexis. I miss them
I truly respect your opinion, Sam. But, I must admit I am very happy ‘Julexis’ is defunct. At the very least, I hope so.
I, personally, think that Julian was the straw that broke the camel’s back…..pardon the cliche’. He is not good for her!!!! I understand the ardent thrill and pleasure of a healthy sex life. But, aside their over-the-top romps between the proverbial sheets, kitchen counter, sofa, floor etc., mindless of the fact that anyone could walk in; and a few did, LOL…. well, you get my drift, this couple had nothing else, except Sam, in common.
Alexis got caught up in Julian’s world. He gave her ‘things’ which she thought she had lost. He was her introduction to womanhood, if not love, as we know it. Believe me…..I completely understand. But, she is no longer sixteen.
I want Alexis to get her mettle back, and go on. The writers owe her that much.
William is too good of an actor to go anywhere. Julian is too well-anchored in this role and in PC. I, amongst many, knew the verdict would be ‘not guilty’. That is not to say he was found ‘innocent’ …..in legalese lingo, there is a big difference between the terms.
No, I implore the soap gods to keep these two at arms length from each other….better yet, an ‘ocean’ away…….
….do not fall prey, Alexis….do not catapult into the abyss!!!!!!
Julian did not turn into a psycho overnight. When he first came to P.C , he used an alias and posed as a newspaper editor before he was found out as being a part of the notorious Jerome crime family. His whole life has been in crime along with his whole family including Ava and another sister he admitted to killing. What a guy, what a guy!
Exactly, Violet. Well put. Word of the day? ” Posed”. That is Julian…an imposter!!!!!
From what I understand, he came to town with the expressed reason of annihilating Sonny, and family? Julian and his ilk will never change. It is his basic make-up.
One “cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”…. I heard that growing up, at every turn, LOL.
What “a guy”, indeed!
I agree Violet! I don’t get why so many loved Julexis, the relationship did nothing for the show.
To Alexis? Yeah it was a wtf
Sorry but it was.
I do not understand why Julexis relationship had to be destroyed. Julian changing does not make any sense. If William DeVry ever leaves, that’s it for me watching GH.
I like William too. He brought a dangerous yet human bad guy back to GH. First, we meet this good looking mobster posing as a publishing magnate, then we see he actually has a heart when he donates his bone marrow to Danny BEFORE he knew Danny was his grandson, he truly fell in love with Alexis, he soon came to accept his son as gay…something that initially went against everything he could/would accept…and though he failed a few times he got out of mob life because of his love for Alexis and his children. He even extended an olive branch to Sonny many times for the sake of their shared family. And then, once he went to bat for Ava and felt that power again, he fell back…but not with intent to hurt his family…more like an addict who can’t control his impulse but thought he could handle it. Till he snapped.
I think Devry is perfectly cast for the role…he’s played tough, loving, stoic, amused, crazed…while some dislike his freedom…I hope they didn’t just keep him around to kill him off.
I hope Julian and Alexis kill each other-thats how this soap shows true love-lol
Romeo and Julianette!
Hmmmm. That does have its own merit, Jimmy. LOL.
Jim, I like the way you think.
Second the emotion, Harry! 🙂
Nancy Lee Grahn is a great actress, one of soap’s VERY best. I hope the writers gift Grahn with an Alexis story line worthy of her experience and talent. Booze, drugs and psychosis: let Alexis bottom out BAD. The other soaps have tried, but never quite go there. But those characters did not have NancyLeeGrahn !
Julexis can never be repaired IMO nor should they. He’s been an abusive ass who’s threatened her physically & emotionally To add insult to injury he visciously tried to slit her throat.
It’s ridiculous that he was found not guilty. Why doesn’t GH ever hold these murderous thugs accountable? The cast is too large to manage, Julian had a longterm beloved vet murdered, he tried to kill his wife– kill Julian or give him life w/o parole.The character needs to be gone.
Alexis will be an idiot if she ever reconciles with him. GH has to quit hiring & cut cast so that the pacing improves & scenes/story can resonate.
I agree: “Kill Julian or give him life w/out parole!
Begone!
And, yeah, “Alexis will be an idiot if she ever reconciles with him.” And then she (er, Nancy Lee Grahn–see those words on a marquee?) can still be a legend in her own mind, right? LOL!
Tell me what’s going on with Alexis now? It’s both sad and crazy to see her like this.
Well, I still think Helena put a curse on that dagger so it would be nice if someone figured that out.
What a novel idea, Ces! Why not blame it on Helena? LOL…could be she scattered witch’s ‘dust’ on the whole town. Maybe she’ll make an appearance relishing in her handiwork ….cackle, cackle, cackle. Just in time for Halloween!!!! Boo!!
Haha! Well if Julexis fans everywhere want their couple back together, they’ll have to blame it on someone! Seems to be working for Franco these days; Remove one tumor & poof “not your fault!” Hehe…..
Haha Ces! I actually suggested that several times! (I kept saying we’ll find out Julian wasn’t in his right mind and that Helena tampered with the knife…put some kind of curse on it. She HATED Alexis, always threatened to kill her like she killed her mother…than she leaves the SAME dagger for Alexis in her will.) I wouldn’t be surprised…it’s not absurd in a the land of Port Chuck, bobble heads and all. 😉
I do remember your previous posts too Rebecca1. It really is the only way they can pull themselves out of what they did to the couple. Why else would they bother introducing the dagger in the first place? Not sure if GH writers plan that far ahead (?) or make it up as they go along (Paul’s storyline mess)!!
Haley …. Let’s hope GH writers go this route! Lol!!
Wow! Rebecca. Great inference. The irony!!!! The same dagger that killed Alexis’s mother used to kill her. And, to add insult to injury, by Julian’s hand.
Sigh–I guess the hexed knife would be akin to Franco’s convenient brain tumor.
I have a crazy idea. Why not write character driven stories which afford us with complex and interesting characters? Why not use good old fashioned character development?
GH has been pulling out cute little plot fixers out of their magic black bag from about eight years now. Guess what, folks? IT’S NOT WORKING!!!
I swear, watching GH makes me think the writers are using a write-by-number kit.
Great post Rebecca. I agree.
YES I WOULD LOVE THAT!!! Can the gh writers plz do this???
Hope so!!
Oh, Haley. Conjuring up an ill-devised way of absolving Julian’s behavior toward Alexis is one thing. The problem is: his core will remain the same. A killer! He was a killer before Alexis, and he will remain so…..it’s his role. Unless another foil is introduced for Sonny, Julian has no chance of redemption.
You deserve the Emmy this year! Your work was simply superb!
Julian and Alexis are the epitome of the parable of The Girl And The Snake. For those who many not know it, the gist is the girl goes against her better judgement and picks up a beautiful but poisonous snake who claims he’s freezing an starving but swears he’d never hurt her.
The moral of the story is that he does bite her and slithers away saying “you knew what I was when you picked me up.”
That’s totally Julian and Alexis to me and, oddly, it makes for some of the best soap we’ve seen from GH in a while.
The character of Julian has been pretty a scumbag to me from day one. He’s slithered around in the mob biz he never really wanted to leave while his family remained trusting and naïve until it blew up in their faces. I’ll add I can’t see Alexis putting up with abuse but she did have a huge blind spot regarding the snake.
This is great material for NLG and she really deserves an Emmy nom for best actress. It’s taut psychological drama that she’s played very well.
I don’t see any quick redemption for Julian or any reunion in the near future for Julexis though. Nor should their be.
I’m personally focused on story and character studies rather than couples at all cost so I’m just fine with the story and would happily start a line to bitch slap Julian to the moon. Alexis would be welcome to cut to the front of the line, of course.
Excellent post KM! I’ve expressed very similar thoughts regarding character analysis/ psychological motivation. You may not agree but I ‘ve been very invested in Morgan and the reasons for his behavior, from chemical imbalance to his feeling inferior to Michael in Sonny’s eyes…Nina and her slow but steady return to “life” Anna through her grief…I think GH has done well in that regard…giving us people with real problems and no easy “soap fix.” Not in ALL cases, obviously…I actually like some unrealistic fixes…wouldn’t mind a “soapy” GH bring-em-back from the dead…again!…for AJ.
As for Julian and Alexis, I do feel he loved her and loves her still and because of that love, as well as the love for his newfound family, he TRIED to stay away from the mob but ultimately fell back. I don’t believe he used her along…I think he got desperate and unraveled. By the time he held a knife to her throat he was completely unhinged. How’s THAT for an understatement? But still, I really think, no matter how entrenched he might have gotten himself, that the writers took Julian (I’m not sure about the version he was years ago; never saw the “original” Jerome’s) but I don’t see any way that the Julian we came to know would kill Alexis (unless there’s a fantastical reason like I said numerous times…and Ces said above…but Ces? I’m not sure if you were kidding or thought it a possibility in the GH world).
Loved your parable. Quite applicable. But even so, I do believe this snake loved Alexis and didn’t intend to unleash his venom on her… Though he did poison their relationship, I don’t think he going slither away that easily.
Sorry…there were just too many good snake metaphors to play with! 🙂
I really want a reason, an explanation so julexis can be fixed
Great analogies, KM and Rebecca. I frankly think you’re both too good and smart for GH and you’re giving the writers far too much credit.
The writing has been just horrifically bad. To call these writers “hacks” would be an insult to hack writers everywhere.
NLG is so good that she almost makes it work but it’s still depressing and unsatisfying for most of us to watch this story just dissolve into a pathetic mess.
KM’s post summed it all up nicely. Superb acting by Nancy Lee. Julian’s true colors are sad ones and it’s time for him to finally get that there’s no turning back in his relationship with Alexis. Eventually karma will catch up with him via a future storyline. Too early to guess what that will be.
I agree with Rebecca1… great write-up
Alexis : her mantra … if you will … is her morals with virtue intact… never strays from her legalese bible
she’s wound up so tight her Frigidaire leaves little to her persona.
unyielding : Come ON Alexis… live a little…
OK : we all know Alexis will jump in the sack that fast with his snake
outside of that … her high standards … of trust, mob activity, all the lies, dishonesty
HAVE FUN… accept ( like Carly ) dull comparison… as they are so boring… make Alexis and Julian FUN… let’s see you two in that wonderful new house he bought you… cook , wine, music, take that year off from legal council and unwind
become a mob wife… love and support him… with all your heart, it’s a show
I’ve accepted that Julian and Alexis are forever …
it’s a funny show : GH production choose to feature 3 couples
Sonny / Carly ; Julian / Alexis ; Jason / Sam
LOL… I clearly know… Jason and Sam are DOA
Sonny and Carly … argh! wasting ….
because of Julian… and wanting with fervor .. that Alexis will relax, unwind, and turn herself….
of the three couples ; it’s Julian who w/ Alexis are salvageable
Yes, absolutely, KM. I have always been invested in the character, so much more than the couple; any character, any couple. A couple is normally judged as a whole….a sole entity, as in Alexis and Julian. It’s unfortunate, but true.
I always described Sonny as a slithering snake……at this point, there is, essentially, no difference between him snd Julian; as you so well emphasize Julian’s serpentine nature.
I am very late in giving praise to Alexis. But, I saw the light–without Julian, I saw her take flight. Her wings are temporarily slightly clipped; but, I know she will soar again and rejoin the flock.
And, Nancy blew me away. What I look for is emotion! Her performance moved me. She does deserve THE Emmy. BRAVA!!
“Bitch slap Julian to the moon.” Wow, I like that line.
YOU should be writing for soaps! LOL!
I STILLLL love Alexis and Julian!!!
I have always loved Nancy as far back as Santa Barbara. She was a wonderful attorney there too. I’ve heard of losing your mind over a man and hope this isn’t the case literally for Alexis.
Nancy has been brilliant
But i hate what they did to Alexis and Julian. IMO they took the very best couple they had and did the worst possible thing to them. It has turned me off to GH majorly.
Again, Nancy and her preformances are amazing but i think they screwed up majorly with this storyline
“Screwed up majorly”–another great line!
I would love to see NLG REALLY hit bottom, blackouts, sleeping around and waking up with strangers. Then, in a flash of insight and clarity, she can become determined to claw her way back, methodically research, plan and execute a way to ensnare Julian in an amazing plot to put him away forever. Just dreaming…
I think I am having the same dream, Tivette.
Just dreaming, you say? And, unfortunately, with these writers, I am forced to agree.
BUT that would have happened in the golden days of soaps where murderers paid for their sins. And it made for great drama and great audiences!
Nancy, to say watching GH is a joyless experience would be the understatement of the year.
Interesting that the number one soap (Y&R) hired tried and true writers to make their soap even better while GH sustains the same dreary status quo.
Nancy you do great jobe.
I can’t help but wonder if Alexis is suffering from PTSD. Her world is completely in shambles and she can’t catch a break.
I hope that Alexis and Julian never get back together. The writers have destroyed any rooting value in them when Julian put a knife to her throat. Frankly, I hope someone does away with Julian soon. As much as I admire William deVry, the writers have murdered his GH character and there’s no brain tumor or twin that I will embrace as the cause.
You said it, Rodd!!
If a writer does not have the cojones to kill off Julian after writing this horrific story, then don’t write the story! I am so tired of writers writing disgusting characters and then backtracking if they want to keep the actor and fans have to twist themselves into pretzels to understand their logic. Julian should have died right after Carlos, followed by Sonny and Franco!
Hi Missy Snow. Different points of view. I don’t see the interest in a show where we put away…kill off…some of the most interesting characters. There’d be no moral dilemma, good vs bad, law-abiding vs criminal, light vs dark, etc…if we “got justice” and these people paid. Dr. O, Faison, Helena, Jerry would be gone. I LOVE these characters.; that’s where all the adventure came from.ex the WSB, etc.
Sonny and Julian are certainly less bizarre characters, but for me, their presence on the show is part of the reason I watch. My dilemma? I WANT Paul to pay for killing Sabrina, I WANT Sonny to pay for killing AJ…but I don’t want them gone. Unless GH can make a prison drama inside the world of GH…where we still get stories of Johnny Z, Shawn, and Sonny, Julian Dr. o, etc…I like the loopholes. Frustrating, yes. I was angry when Sonny was pardoned…but I’d rather him pay by losing Michael’s love and respect, Julian free but tortured by his actions, by the loss of Alexis and his kids. Then create other interesting stories from their angst…
Thank you, Missy. My sentiment exactly.
Hmph! 🙂
Me, too, Harry!
Julexis is a bust for me , but I do like Alexis, she can do so much better than Julian . Only good bout this storyline is nancy being front and center. GH has an embarrassment of leading ladies it’s wonderful seeing them on screen. What show has top actresses like Jane, finola, Maura, genie , Michele, and nancy.
Much better than Julian? Yes, but who?
IF Alexis is truly minus Julian forever…It’d be great if Ned was back full time…he and Alexis were great together. I know at this point Wally isn’t available, but they played so well off each other.
I’m sooo thrilled that NLG is enjoying the hateful, mindless drivel aka writing that she is being given because that’s all that REALLY matters, isn’t it?! The audience? Just an afterthought to Frankenjelly and their sycophants. The actors are only happy if their fragile egos are being stroked. They don’t really care about the fans or what’s ultimately good for the show. They only care about themselves. It’s a disease called Gearyitis and it seems certain GH cast members have been infected.
You said a mouthful–and you said it JUST RIGHT! Cheers!
Well, it seems that if Nancy is written well, she likes her job and vice versa. Okay, glad she is happy now so we can all reap the benefits! And staying on that topic, I guess her liking JELLY and I would assume other actors on the show do, as well, this is why they just signed a new contract? So, keep the talent happy, screw the fans?
Yes, again!
” cringe ” – worthy time: Sonny Corinthos’ could it be any one else ?
after Alexis debacle… LOL on the stand
as she’s become unglued
Sonny to Paul : “put me on the stand to clean up this mess ”
” OH, really ! ? ! ? ”
geez ! I can see why Anna needed a vacation … OK , really
ugh! Sonny is running and/or ruining Port Charles
Alexis needs a sabbatical, bye felicia.
I’m really upset over this whole story.
I think Nancy and William are amazing together no one compares IMO. This story felt SO heavy handed against Julian and julexis so it just made me root for them more
I want redemption and reunion!!
Julexis is one of my favorite all time pairings. Both are so strong and intelligent and both bring a past. They are entirely relatable, even now. With Ava involved in ensuring the meltdown of Morgan and Alexis I can easily see the characters working their way back to each other. Luke raped Laura, after all. I cannot see either of them with anyone else. There is strong chemistry and the love that was written for them was strong. I see Alexis as pissed but not over Julian. J did not want to lose A in the first place and sees the many mistakes. I would also like to see J turn his back on Ava as she really got him defocused. Her issues become his. That is a problem.
Hi, Janer,
Intelligence is not what motivates Julian. He is a fox; therefore, I would describe him as wily, sly, cunning, dishonest….not necessarily an intelligent person. Intelligence is cognitive; completely lacking in Julian. This is the reason where he cannot perceive the meaning of love.
I understand how many ‘Julexis’ fans are disappointed, but, do you really want Alexis with a sewer rat?
And, so many have said Julian is ‘irreparable’. Can’t fix him!!!!! If he had any human feelings, at all, he would stop his life of crime. But, he does not seem contrite to me. The WORD of what should be done to him and his ilk has not been invented yet. LOL.
That should read, cognitive knowledge and concepts.
I don’t know CeeCee…the way the writers switch gears on a character’s character it’s hard to say. But, I do see Julian as intelligent and capable of love, no matter how many characters in Port Charles are written to say he’s not. Once again we have practically an entire town who’s criminal in some way. Sonny, Jason, now Nicolas (sigh), Luke, Duke, Dr. O, Franco, Heather, Johnny Zacchara, (sp?), Helena, Faison, Jerry Jax, Carlos, Hornsby, Ava…they’re all murderers, or would-be ie Nic.
And yet, they each have the capacity to love and each one is intelligent. And we have the types: methodical killer…Sonny, Ava, Johnny, Jason vs the psycho killers Helena, Faison…
Julian? Julian grew up in a criminal world, seemed to have truly responded to loving and being loved when he fell in love with Alexis and his kids. Perfect new life. He succumbed to his old ways and then when caught..,freaked out about losing this new life. I think his whole psychological trip where he was grappling with Carlos in his mind..was because he was fighting his impulse to do harm…and then he snapped. Excusable? No. But I think they’ve shown his remorse (just as we now seem to be seeing Paul’s). I don’t make excuses for murderers in real life..Unless it’s self defense or defending others. In my soap? Depends…as I’ve said over and over Sonny killing AJ will go down in my soap viewing history as the worst…and unforgivable. And I STILL want him to pay. But we also see, he’s capable of love. And, he’s smart. So too is Julian, though we’ll never know if he really would have killed Alexis…
I’m still hoping for my cursed dagger theory.
My takeaway from this interview is that there’s a big difference between acting out Jean and Shelly’s material and having to watch it…
Yet another great, succinct statement/observation! Go, team! 🙂
I have NEVER seen an actor bad mouth a writer until Tony Geary did it BUT he was retiring when he said it. These actors fear the writers will write them off! In other words, they kiss their asses!
Does ABC and Frank and Jelly know not everyone likes the same character’s. I would like to see my favorite character more.
Hate that Julian was set free. I makes no sense !! They had an eye witness in Sonny Cornithos. Hate that Teresa Castillo was let go. She was such a ray of sunshine.and a fabulous actress !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They should have let Nell go. Can’t take Carly Jr, part II story line !!!
I love Nancy. In good times and bad, she always makes “GH” worth watching.
ditto
Nancy Lee is a fantastic actress. She works well with any actor she is with on screen. However, I hope she never goes back with Julian even though I loved them together. It will really be too far-fetched. He would have to have two tumors – not one ! ha ha
I could watch Nancy Lee Grahn all day. She is a phenomenal actress and brings her “A”-Game to each and every scene.
Breaking News
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
After exciting morning for your favorite daytime stars when they were revealed to be nominees for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards comes tonight 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special.
Beginning at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, several of the nominees will talk with Michael Fairman on their reactions to the news they have been nominated for a Daytime Emmy, share what scenes they submitted that landed in the top five or six in their respective performer acting categories and much more.
Scheduled to appear are: Days of our Lives nominees, Tamara Braun (Ava), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), The Young and the Restless nominees: Allison Lanier (Summer), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Courtney Hope (Sally), Bryton James (Devon), The Bold and the Beautiful’s John McCook (Eric), General Hospital nominees, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Alley Mills (Heather), and The Bay’s Mike Manning (Caleb).
Photo: JPI
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th and emanating, once again this year from the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Photo: JPI
For a full list of this year’s nominations click here.
Now, watch below as the stars chat it up as we celebrate their Daytime Emmy Nominations. If you have a potential question you might want posed to any of our guests, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on air.
Breaking News
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) have officially announced on Friday, the full list of nominees for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
While Thursday brought with it four reveals of the nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama, Talk Show Host, Lead Actor and Actress categories (as presented by various entertainment news programs), today’s nominations include all the other categories not previously announced.
The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast is set to be presented live on Friday night, June 7, at 8 PM EDT /delayed PT, on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. This will mark the 18th time that CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmys.
Photo: JPI
In addition, The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards will be presented on Saturday, June 8 at t9 PM ET/6 PM PT and streamed on The Emmys apps and at watch.TheEmmys.tv. The ceremonies will take place at the Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles.
Television icon, Dick Van Dyke has received his first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Guest Performer category for his touching portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s Days of our Lives. The nomination makes Van Dyke the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee in history at 98-years-old. In addition, motion picture and TV star, Guy Pearce, is also nominated as Guest Performer for his longtime role as Mike Young in the reboot of Neighbours.
Speaking of Neighbours, the Australian soap opera also received its first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Daytime Drama Series now that its a revival can be streamed on Amazon Freevee. In addition, The Young and the Restless iconic, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) received his first Daytime Emmy nomination in more than 20 years in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
In the Daytime Drama series categories, CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless each scored 12 nominations more than any other show. Leading the acting nominations was B&B, who landed 7 performers in the various categories, a first in its 37-year history.
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS expressed, “We are happy to once again honor the creative talent both in front of and behind the camera of America’s favorite Daytime programs. We look forward to celebrating the icons who enliven the days of audiences across the country.”
Photo: JPI
Brent Stanton, Head of Daytime, NATAS added, “Producing the Daytime Emmys is a labor of love for all of us at NATAS. The huge popularity of these shows continues to be must-see viewing for their fans.” NATAS also revealed that Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Hosts, Presenters, and Silver and Gold Circle honorees will be revealed at a later date.
The Daytime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in television programming honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.
The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be produced once again by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI). Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie executive produces from ATI.
Congratulations to all the men and women in front of the camera and behind the scenes for their recognition as we take a look at who will be going for gold come June. Here are the nominees below starting with the Daytime Drama Categories.
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Neighbours
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Tamara Braun, Days of our Lives
Finola Hughes, General Hospital
Katherine Kelly Lang, The Bold and the Beautiful
Annika Noelle, The Bold and the Beautiful
Michelle Stafford, The Young and the Restless
Cynthia Watros, General Hospital
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Eric Braeden, The Young and the Restless
Scott Clifton, The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye, The Bold and the Beautiful
Eric Martsolf, Days of our Lives
John McCook, The Bold and the Beautiful
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Jennifer Gareis, The Bold and the Beautiful
Linsey Godfrey, Days of our Lives
Courtney Hope, The Young and the Restless
Allison Lanier, The Young and the Restless
Emily O’Brien, Days of our Lives
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Robert Gossett, General Hospital
Bryton James, The Young and the Restless
Wally Kurth, Days of our Lives
A Martinez, The Bay
Mike Manning, The Bay
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
Linden Ashby, The Young and the Restless
Ashley Jones, The Bold and the Beautiful
Alley Mills, General Hospital
Guy Pearce, Neighbours
Dick Van Dyke, Days of our Lives
OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION
General Hospital
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
The Kelly Clarkson Show
OUTSTANDING CASTING
African Queens: Njinga
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Start Up
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
General Hospital
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING
African Queens: Njinga
The Bold and the Beautiful
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri
Photo: WarnerBros
OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING AND MAKEUP
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
Sherri
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG
“Shine” General Hospital
“Unexpected Truth”Unexpected
“We’re Home” Reconnecting Roots
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME TALK SERIES
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall
Turning The Tables with Robin Roberts
The View
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SERIES
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
OUTSTANDING CULINARY SERIES
Be My Guest with Ina Garten
Family Dinner
Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays
Valerie’s Home Cooking
What Am I Eating? with Zooey Deschanel
OUTSTANDING LEGAL/COURTROOM PROGRAM
Hot Bench
Judy Justice
Justice For The People with Judge Milian
The People’s Court
We The People with Judge Lauren Lake
Photo: Disney/ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES HOST
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, Live with Kelly and Mark
Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
OUTSTANDING CULINARY HOST
Lidia Bastianich, 25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee
Valerie Bertinelli, Valerie’s Home Cooking
Eduardo Garcia, Big Sky Kitchen with Eduardo Garcia
Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Cooks
Sophia Roe, Counter Space
Buddy Valastro, Legends of the Fork
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME PERSONALITY – DAILY
Frank Caprio, Caught in Providence
Kevin Frazier, Nischelle Turner , Matt Cohen, Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Will Marfuggi, Rachel Smith, Entertainment Tonight
Deborah Norville, Steven Fabian, Lisa Guerrero, Ann Mercogliano, Jim Moret, Les Trent. Inside Edition
Robert Hernandez, Star Jones, Divorce Court
Judge Judy Sheindlin, Whitney Kumar, Kevin Rasco, Sarah Rose, Judy Justice
What do you think about the nominations for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Who do you think deserved to get in that did? Who do you think got snubbed? Who are you happiest to see receive a nomination? Let us know via the comment section below.
Make sure to be with us live starting tonight Friday, April 19th at 8pm ET/5pm PT for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th anniversary edition of its Daytime Emmy Nomination Special 2024, featuring some of the just announced daytime drama nominees.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
On Thursday, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards revealed nominations in several key categories via four entertainment news programs: Access Hollywood, E! News, Extra and Access Hollywood.
Three of the four announcements were major categories in the field of Daytime Dramas.
The nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category are: The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Neighbours and The Young and the Restless.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital won this category last year, and has the most all-time wins for a series in this category. For the first time, the beloved Australian-based soap opera, Neighbours is now eligible for competition due to its reboot which streams on Amazon Freevee.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th.
Previous categories announced tonight via the entertainment news outlet included: Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
So, what do you think about this year’s nominee for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series? Who do you think should win? Comment below.
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
B&B’s Sean Kanan, Heather Tom and Lawrence Saint-Victor All Had Creative Hand in Sheila’s ‘Ten Toe’ Reveal
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’
‘The Golden Bachelor’s’ Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist to Divorce Three Months After TV Wedding
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NewsApril 12, 2024Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’