For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Let’s wish Chavez well, congratulate him on his burgeoning career and thank him for making a memorable impact on GH.
Spencer will eventually be recast, but not likely until sometime after Genie returns from her annual summer break. The pressure is on Teschner to find another dynamic young star.
I’m not sure why anyone would thank an actor, as if they were doing us a favor. They make a great living doing what they love. If not for viewers many of them wouldn’t go on to other projects. The more popular an actor, the more opportunities he or she has for more work. They should thank us. lol
Can’t both the actor and the viewers be grateful? Yes, it’s show business (with an emphasis on the business) but talent/skill is involved and Chavez contributed some bright spots in a challenging period for GH.
Agree to disagree. Actors aren’t doing any of us favors. If I like the actor’s work I ‘thank” him or her by watching other things they’re in. Mutually beneficial “relationship.”
Satan
12 days ago
I’m speculating here, but my guess is that he and Ryan Murphy got along well enough that Murphy asked him to do his next project. Because that’s how Murphy does things. Just ask all the people who did multiple seasons of “American Horror Story”. Ironically enough, the original Spencer, Nicholas Bechtel, did a season on that show. Now that he doesn’t look like a little kid anymore, maybe it’s time for him to come back to Port Charles? The character is too important to the canvas to leave “dead” (and without a body, so you know he ain’t really dead)
That’s a great idea. I would love to see Nicholas Bechtel return to the role he created. It would most likely change the dynamic of the character in terms of Sprina, so some fans won’t be happy.
Nicolas Bechtel is still too young looking to play the character that Spencer has become. I don’t see him being a fit. There are plenty of 20 something actors out there. Mark Teschner is known as one the best casting directors in the business, he’ll find someone.
Nicholas Bechtel claims to be 6’1″ now. Last time we saw him he wasn’t anywhere near that unless he shot up suddenly. But in all honesty, he’d be 20 if he came back; only about a year or two younger than Tabyana and she looks very young too. Nicholas Chavez looked more mature than any of them; by the time he came back (if he did or does) he’ll be 25 in real life.
Jackie
12 days ago
I am not a bit surprised and I am happy for him. He will go far. We will see him on primetime for many years to come. He did a great job as Spencer. It may be quite some time before they recast.
aria
12 days ago
I’m not surprise at all, As to why GH allowed him to take outside work on a newbie w/ a 4 year contract and then let him get out of that contract early baffles me, If you look at his IG account he barely shows pictures or promotes GH, yet he’s already promoting his work on this new series, so it was clear he was gonna leave first chance he got.
He seemed to have always had one foot out the door on GH. He didn’t seem to participate in a lot of things with castmates etc. Maybe a bit of ego may have developed…
Or maybe he has his own friends outside of the show. Not everyone wants to socialize with the people they work with. Nothing wrong with that, and isn’t necessarily a sign of ego. Can be just a desire to keep one’s personal life and work life separate.
I doubt many of these people socialize out of work. I think their or GH publicists arrange outside photo shoots or a staged day. That’s not to say some haven’t formed friendships, but I think it’s much less than many think. As for social media, sometimes they give each other a nod or back each other up on their threads, but it’s for the show. Keeps viewers engaged. Cynical view but true.
michael
12 days ago
Lots of talented actors leave soaps and their careers sputter, ask the guy who played Morgan
I think you should look up Bryan Craig who played Morgan. He’s been working steadily since leaving GH in both TV film and series, and has been a series regular on several prime time shows.
Well it’s true that his prime time gig “Good Trouble” just ended. Now would actually be the perfect time for Morgan to return, considering he and his father share the same mental illness, and Morgan only knows all too well what can happen when somebody messes with your medication.
Ava knows, but she’s not saying. Jason suspects, but he doesn’t have any proof. Morgan would know from experience, so he would definitely say something. He would probably also be quick to point the finger at Ava, since she did that to him, of course. Ava would then have to tell Morgan what she knew about the pills to avoid facing the wrath of Sonny.
What I don’t understand is why soaps release popular actors from their contracts instead of simply modifying them.
There may be something I don’t understand, but when an actor needs a soap to, effectively, “do them a favor” and let them out of their contract to do a movie or TV show, it strikes me that it’s a win-win for all concerned for the soap to agree to modify the contract so they can go off and do the film/show, with the actor agreeing to return and finish out their contract once they are done.
It’s a win-win for all because the actor wouldn’t be able to do the film or show at all if the soap didn’t let them out AND the soap can benefit from the free advertising and new fans the actor will get when the film/show comes out.
Unless I’m missing something huge, the actor and their agent wouldn’t really say “no” to a modified contract honoring the remainder of their contract after the film/show because if they did refuse, they’ll have to do it anyway—and never get to do the film (remember when Brad Bell wouldn’t let Jacob Young out of his contract to the Stallone movie? He had to continue playing Rick, as his contract required).
I remember when an NBA prospect (Patrick Ewing?) was at the Naval Academy and instead of the Navy forcing him to serve his contracted years and lose his shot in the NBA, they found a creative solution: he served in the Reserves in uniform when he wasn’t playing, and as an alumni ambassador and celebrity recruitment spokesman. It was a creative solution that allowed everyone to benefit and reinforced the importance of people doing what they promised, fulfilling the obligations they signed on for (not just when it’s convenient).
I am confused as well. Soap contracts are pretty iron clad and a lot a actors miss out on opportunities. They usually do not renew their contracts. All the best to him and to GH.
We might be looking at larger relationships here. Ryan Murphy might have made the request to Disney corporate. As they may want to do business with him down the road, perhaps they granted the release.
Aldo, the project was announced before the strikes. – which went a lot longer that anticipated. That meant there were fewer months remaining on Chavez’s contract, combined with the switch in head writers made Chavez’s return more challenging than a release.
Priscilla S.
12 days ago
A very talented actor. I wish him the best and know he will go far in his career.
Janice Gibbs
12 days ago
I am sad that he will not be returning to the show but best of luck to him in his other endeavors.
Michael
12 days ago
Well I wish him good luck I hope he has a great and wonderful future he will surly be missed he was a wonderful actor
Timmm
12 days ago
Good for Nick. He is a hell of a talent and I never expected him to stay that long on GH. Since Genie is on her summer break, the show has a couple months to really look for the right father and son tandem of Nickolas and Spencer. I would bring in actors in pairs and test them, not only on their ability to handle the role but look for chemistry between the two new actors they hire to fill those roles. They struck gold with Nicholas Chavez as Spenser but have yet to replace the late Tyler Christopher, who was excellent in the role of Nicholas Cassidine.
whynot
12 days ago
RUN FORREST, RUN! This is the smartest thing he could do.
Rebecca1
12 days ago
If it’s not confirmed I’m not sure why anyone’s reporting it as if it is.
Exactly! Different sites are reporting it, but have yet to hear from “GH”, or Nicholas or his rep. Why not confirm or deny? GH loyal fans deserve to know, a few weeks ago, there were rumors that Cameron Mathison was leaving to host a new game show, he was quick to let the fans that he wasn’t & that the episodes were filmed last year. I guess everyone treats their fans, differently!
It’s not on GH, as a matter of policy they do not comment on contracts unless the performer has done so already.
clb
11 days ago
No surprise there! Knew he would not return. The new head writers have their work cut out for them. Good Luck.
Cheryl MacFitz
6 days ago
Yes, gold was struck in my opinion with Nicolas and the pairing with Taby. Certainly, GH would insist that this storyline continues at least from the Paris ending to a reunion. You know it will not be the same if he does not return. Actors have multiple jobs that is what having a good agent and manager to make it happen for a win, win for all. Check the ratings GH being the longest running Soap value and reward your hot actors and fan base.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward J. Scott to Receive Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Honors
May 6, 2024
The Young and the Restless iconic Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) and her husband, Emmy-winning producer, Edward J. Scott have been named by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences as Lifetime Achievement Honorees at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Melody and Ed will be presented with the award on June 7th during the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (8 PM ET/delayed PT) broadcast live on CBS and streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
In a statement Melody and Ed expressed, “We are honored and humbled to receive this recognition from NATAS. Throughout our decades-long careers in front of and behind the cameras, we have had the opportunity to work not only with each other, but also with an incredibly talented pool of people who excel in their crafts and are passionate about the art we create in daytime television. We are grateful to have worked side by side with them and to be included with such esteemed recipients who have made their mark in our industry. We look forward to spending another wonderful evening celebrating the daytime community!“
Adam Sharp, President and CEO, NATAS added,“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott. With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of Daytime television.”
In addition to Melody and Ed receiving their Lifetime Achievement honors, public television host and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich will also be honored.
Photo NATAS
Lidia Bastianich said, “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized and receive the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for having shared my passion for food with TV audiences for over 25 years. Cooking together and sharing food remain a common denominator of all cultures. Food nurtures, it connects diverse people, and it brings families, friends, and strangers together. There is no better place to be on this earth, especially in these trying times, than sharing food at a table with others. That simple idea has been the basis of my life’s work. Hence, as I say in my shows, “Tutti a Tavola a Mangiare!” Mille Grazie to NATAS for this honor.”
While Adam Sharp shared, “Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an honor for us to say ‘grazie’ for the many fine meals borne from her TV kitchen and cookbook pages.”
Melody Thomas Scott recently celebrated 45 years in the role of Nikki Newman, having joined the show in February 1979. Scott’s character has matured from the girl from the wrong side of the tracks to the serial’s luminous and resourceful leading lady. After garnering a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1999, she went on to win in the same category for the Soap Opera Digest Award in 2001 and received four Soap Opera Update Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996). Scott began her career at age three. She studied singing, tap dancing, ballet and jazz and became one of the world-famous “Meglin Kiddies,” performing in USO shows as she started booking national commercials and guest spots on such series as “Wagon Train,” “My Three Sons,” “Ironside” and a recurring role on “The Waltons.” Scott made her motion picture debut at age eight when she was cast by Alfred Hitchcock as the young Tippi Hedren in the thriller “Marnie.” She has co-starred with legendary actors Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. Scott has worked on stage and in numerous television shows and was the subject of Lifetime Television’s “Intimate Portrait.” As a lifelong fan of “I Love Lucy,” Scott served as a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, N.Y., which is committed to preserving the legacy of the great comedienne. In 2020,
Scott released her memoir, “Always Young and Restless.” Married since 1985 to Edward J. Scott, the couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Photo: JPI
Edward J. Scott is a six-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning producer who has played a pivotal role in the historic development of the soap opera genre for nearly five decades. Scott is currently supervising producer for The Bold and the Beautiful, the #2-rated daytime drama in the U.S. and the most-watched daily drama in the world, which is nominated for 12 Daytime Emmy Awards this year. Scott began his association with The Bell Family and Bell-Phillip Television Productions when he joined “The Young and The Restless” as an associate producer in 1976. He quickly moved up the ranks and served as the show’s executive producer for decades.
Scott’s legendary 48-year producing partnership and creative collaboration with “The Young and The Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” creators, the late William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, and their son, Bradley P. Bell, has helped create the two most popular daily American television series. Today, both daytime dramas are syndicated internationally. Before joining “B&B” Scott was executive producer for the NBC daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.” Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, Scott earned a B.A from California State University at Northridge with a double major of anthropology and broadcasting journalism. He has been married since 1985 to actress and author Melody Thomas Scott. The couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
So, excited to hear Y&R’s Melody Thomas Scott and longtime daytime soap opera producer, Edward J. Scott are receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honors at this years 51st Annual Daytime Emmys? Comment below.
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
Haley Pullos Receives 90-Day Jail Sentence Following DUI Charge And Wrong-Way Car Crash
April 29, 2024
Former General Hospital actress, Haley Pullos (ex-Molly Lansing-Davis) is going to be doing time in jail, exactly one-year after her arrest from a hit and run wrong-way car collision.
The crash resulted in bodily harm and damages to the other driver, and now Pullos who pleaded “no contest” to the charges and will serve 90 days in jail. She was taken in custody on Monday, April 29th, after the ruling.
According to Haley’s attorney, Mark Daniel Melnick, the 25-year-old actress struck a plea deal and after her three months in jail will be sentenced on July 29th. As part of that sentencing, she must serve five years probation, 200 hours of community service and pay $8,260 in restitution to Courteney Wilder, the other driver in the crash and her driver’s license is revoked for a year.
Courtesy/ABC
According to TMZ, the plea deal for Pullos has the “no contest” to one DUI, while the judge dropped the felony DUI causing bodily injury and misdemeanor hit and run charges.
Melnick said in a statement to PEOPLE, “Haley is very grateful to the court for a minimum sentence and for recognizing her remorse and the strides she has made in her sobriety.”
Pullos had played the daughter of Alexis Davis (played by Nancy Lee Grahn) on the ABC soap opera since 2009, but after her car crash and DUI she was replaced by three different actresses until the show finally settled on the current Molly, Kristen Vaganos.
Photo: Pasadena PD
Back in April 29 of 2023, and at the scene of the crash, the police found edibles and mini-bottles of tequila in Pullos’ vehicle and that she was intoxicated. As it turned out, this was to be the second hit and run in the evening for Pullos who had an earlier collision with another car.
The courts decision follows a year-long legal battle with Haley’s pleas changing throughout it, ranging from “not guilty” to “no contest”. She sought treatment for her drinking at a rehab following the crash.
Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Pullos’ on-screen mom took to X on Monday night, April 29th and shared on the sentence and the specific jail, Haley will be serving time: “As Haley’s TV mom I can tell some truths about her as I’ve loved her since she was little girl. She made a HUGE mistake, knows it, owns it & has spent the last yr doing EVERYTHING imaginable to take responsibility 4 it. It’s not that I oppose jail. It’s that I oppose this jail.” The jail in question by Grahn is the L.A. county jail.
So, what do you think about Haley Pullos serving a 90-days jail sentence, and the other rulings that will be part of her sentencing? Comment below.
