News
OLTL Alum Catherine Hickland Pens Touching Tribute To Mother-In-Law Debbie Reynolds, and Sister-In-Law Carrie Fisher
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Catherine Hickland, who fearlessly played the role of troublemaker Lindsay Rappaport on ABC’s One Life to Live, has recently suffered an unimaginable loss of two women very close to her, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.
As fans of Catherine know she is married to Reynolds son, Todd Fisher. In sharing her thoughts on the passing of both Debbie and Carrie, Hickland took to her website CatherineHickland.com to express her grief and thoughts on their sudden passing and what it meant to her in a blog post entitled, “No Words Remembering Debbie and Carrie.”
Catherine began her post stating: “I loved my mother in law. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend seven years with this magnificent woman. We had a lot in common, and we did some seriously good deep talking over those years. Neither of us cared much for small talk. What a relief for us both. Deep talking is what I love to do, which is probably why I make my living as a hypnotist. I love real life, real feelings, imagination, and life experience. I have so many memories of those conversations.”
She later related a funny and touching story about her nuptials to Todd and Carrie’s part in the ceremony: “When Todd and I decided to get married, Carrie, Debbie and Carrie’s incredible assistant, Byron, planned our wedding. Debbie was not feeling well when we decided to get married, and so Carrie thought it was best if we got married at her home so that Debbie could come and go easily if she didn’t feel well enough to stay during the reception. Carrie was Todd’s ‘best man.’ Carrie did what Carrie wanted and everyone understood that, so I didn’t think a thing of it when she smoked an e-cigarette throughout the entire ceremony. At one point she spontaneously suggested that Todd, I, and our friend and pastor Henry Cutrona, take a hit off of the ‘peace pipe’to seal the deal. What were we going to say? We all took a puff. The guests howled. During the prayer before the rings, when everyone’s eyes were closed, Carrie dropped the ring. ”
Later, Hickland came forth with her sorrow: “My being hurts. I’ve now been home for 5 days, the first three spent with my face planted in my pillow. My body finally fell apart. Three weeks of little to no sleep, incredible compounding stress, keeping emotions in check to get through what needed to be gotten through, all takes a toll. But then, you know all this. A broken heart is a broken heart, and who hasn’t had one of those? We are all in this life together.”
Throughout this memorial to Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, Hickland truly made her sorrow relatable for anyone who has gone through the sudden loss of a loved one. It was a beautifully written account that we hope On-Air On-Soaps site visitors will take a moment to check out.
So, what did you think of the thoughts expressed by Catherine in her post on the passing of her mother and sister-in-law? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
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.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Look who’s joining Justin Hartley’s hit freshman drama, Tracker! None other than another soap alum, former Days of our Lives and Supernatural favorite Jensen Ackles.
In a reveal via Hartley’s Instagram on Thursday, Ackles is set to play Hartley’s on-screen brother on the CBS procedural drama. In Tracker, Colter Shaw is estranged from his brother, Russell, which has been a big part of the mystery of season one.
Ackles is best known for his long run as Dean Winchester in The CW’s Supernatural, a role he reprised in the prequel of the series The Winchesters. He also recently starred in ABC’s Big Sky as Sheriff Beau Arlen and in The Boys as Soldier Boy.
Photo: CBS
Jensen was the original Eric Brady on Days of our Lives, a role he played from 1997-2000, before departing for the world of primetime and film. Eric was in love with Nicole played by Arianne Zucker. The part of Eric was recast with Greg Vaughan taking over the role in 2012.
Photo: JPI
In his Instagram post, Justin thanked everyone for watching Tracker, and then revealed Ackles as the surprise casting announcement in the role of Russell, while Jensen was playing pinball in the video! No word yet on when Jensen’s first episode as Russell will air. Stay tuned.
Check out Justin’s casting post featuring Jensen Ackles below. So, what do you think of Justin and Jensen playing brothers on Tracker? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
View this post on Instagram
General Hospital
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
With the Melrose Place revival the talk of the town, now Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, GH, ex-Nick, B&B and ex-Peter Burns, MP) has weighed-in on it and if he would show up in the new series if it should find a home.
Currently, CBS Studios is developing a reboot starring Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton. But what is Dr. Peter Burns were to show up alive?
As those who saw the end of the original MP know, Peter and Amanda (Locklear) faked their deaths and then tied the knot with Peter on a beach, supposedly in a “happily ever after” scenario.
Photo: Fox
Speaking with PEOPLE, Wagner expressed, what we all know who watch the soaps, that no one is never, ever really gone for good. Jack expressed, “You never really die on a soap, right? How they unfold those two characters (Peter and Amanda), it’d be fantastic how they sort of tell that story.”
Wagner added, “That was a great finale to be included in, especially with Heather. If I’m asked to come back, I’d absolutely entertain that.”
Photo: Fox
The original Melrose Place aired for seven seasons from 1992 to 1999. The story featured the residents of an apartment complex, whose lives were intertwined. Eventually Wagner and Heather Locklear dated fro 2007-2011.
As previously reported, the new Melrose Place share that some of original neighbors and friends reunite after a death. The loglines add, “The pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”
So, would you like to see Jack Wagner return as Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, or Frisco Jones on GH, or both? Comment below.
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
‘Tracker’s’ Justin Hartley on His ‘Passions’ Soap Start, “They’d Have Me With No Shirt Walking Around a Hospital for Three Weeks. It Was Ridiculous, but I Loved It.”
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
AEW Dynasty: Swerve Strickland Becomes AEW World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Perry Returns, Will Ospreay Retires Move After Scary Finish
-
General HospitalApril 21, 2024‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
-
NewsApril 20, 2024The Young and the Restless Preview: Ashley’s New Alter Emerges
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 19, 2024Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
-
General HospitalApril 22, 2024Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 17, 2024DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
-
Breaking NewsApril 17, 202451st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
A nice tribute. Why is she holding what appears to be a rooster in the photo here?
I found that rooster kind of odd myself.
Beautiful – understandable. So sad for her loss…the world will miss both Carrie and Debbie it almost seemed as if their souls were stories together -one would not live without the other…magical, wonderment — my
Mom said death is the next big adventure. I’m sure those two are Singing in the rain someplace there is no pain…
Beautiful tribute beautiful person inside and out. Its good to write out the feelings helps with the tremendous grief. This woman loves people, life, the planet and the animal kingdom. Memories are things that matter and live on hold them dear and close to the heart.
It was truly beautiful and heartfelt. The family has my deepest condolences and sympathy. Thank you Catherine Hickland for such a warm and loving account of your relationship with Debbie and Carrie you all where so lucky to have that deep of a bond with one another. Your words are beautiful and moving.
My condolences to Catherine and Todd. I’m glad she could share this story.
Very heartfelt! Sorry for your Loss, it’s everyone’s Loss.
Catherine,
To you and Todd deepest thoughts. A Mother and daughter leaving about same time is quite a shock.
Just hope God puts you both in his hands and guide the way for the future.
Love, Judy Vlcek
In a world filled with violence and opposing sides on every issue big or small getting nastier and nastier, I think what she said about all of us knowing what it is like to have a broken heart is profound in its simplicity – we are all human, life is filled with so much sorrow on its own, so why can’t we all be a be more kind to one other— and it might be as simple of being just that within our own circle, with friends, family, acquaintances or with strangers we might only meet once—I know this has nothing to do with DR or CF, but just felt the need to say it—
“Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another, right now.”
GET TOGETHER by The Youngbloods.
Love your message, Mary. This song is about fifty years old. The message was clean. It still resonates. But, we walk around with our eyes “open shut”. We are still in the same boat; well, the boat is now a ship.
It seems we are regressing, in this society. THE WORD means nothing, anymore. We should all give a positive word, as hard as it may seem….for the sake of humanity and unity. Love sounds more and more like an illusion and delusion. There should be no room for anything else……Hate will only divide us further.
We can see how fragile life is.
I get it, Mary.
And it does need to be said. Things are growing more acrimonious by the day and we have a president elect who seems to embody the worst of humanity.
Maybe he will surprise us and suddenly grow up at age seventy and stop with the idiotic, thin skinned, immature Tweets and finally rise up and become a leader of whom we are not so ashamed.
And, you add to the agitation, Harry. I do not think that was Mary’s intent. She is in Canada, and for her to suggest LOVE and PEACE, means so much to me, as I have clise relatives in Canada who get an earful from the media. Yet, they kerp an open mind.
Spread positivity instead of your negative spiel….pardon the “acrimony” with all due respect…..but, your litany is getting old. Who are the fascists?? Look up its definition, it may surprise you.
Your answer to Mary was the opposite of her intent. Give it up, Harry. This is a new kind of President, whether we like it or not. He will continue to tweet, and so he should.
It is the only way to get his truth across instead of it being spun by the media.
I will be in DC with bells on to support our country and the people’s President. If Hillary and Bill can do it, so can you. Holy gosh.
I am ready for any bashing with which anyone wants to attack me. Isn’t that the theme? I suppose what’s good for the goose is NOT hood for the gsnder. It’s a free country with freedom of speech for all.
Hi Harry…Nice to see you surfacing again…miss you being part of the soap dialogue. Wish it was under better circumstances. Gotta keep positive, even if it’s just “small” gestures of kindness. I truly believe miracles can happen. 🙂
Hi Mary SF…Your comment may not be directly related to Catherine’s comments about being heartbroken over Debbie and Carrie, but I have to think all three would agree with you. Kindness is such a lovely thought, and easy gesture to make when sincere. Better given when one can than when the moment has passed. Who knows…it can be like a little sunshine coming out from behind a cloud for someone. 🙂
I am so sorry for your loss.God be with you all.
Yes, this is what it’s about…loss and suffering. May they sleep their eternal sleep in peace, xmxascarol.
That’s her therapy animal/chicken (name unknown). The HBO documentary delves into it just a bit more. It is a wonderful and informative film about both mother and daughter.
Whose therapy chicken is it?
The rooster’s name is Nugget. He went everywhere with Catherine. Sadly, he passed away last year.
I really want to see that HBO documentary, but I don’t get HBO. Hopefully, it will make it to blu ray or regular cable tv.
Abadaba & Momby were my true to life Angel Queens because I kept praying to know who was talking to me…….who kept me believing…….I could hear them from far far away! Even before I knew their names. They were not imaginary……I am 65.
No lie….not making up stories……they know what I mean……you all in their family know…because they maybe physically removed have been transported to Higher Realms of our existance. As God is so busy Earthly Angels soon depart to quickly assist those in need in times of rapid changes so quickly must they serve as services were rendered borrowed for a while to change the needy who live on. Live on & on & on they say…..as life is to live in joyous sharing, in touching moments expressing the breath that breaths deep the love of never ever forgetting. Angels are among us as Angels we all are aware. Blessed be Abadaba & Momby because they are simply here but INVISIBLE……feel them? Hear them? See them?
Such a beautiful heartfelt Tribute to our Debbie & Carrie
Cat found the right words. My heart goes out to them. May God bless , wish I was a fly on the wall during their talks. Todd you have amazing wife
Love & prayers
The world lost two unique people. RIP
I can imagine how Catherine and Todd feels…
I felt a deep connection to Debbie and Carrie…
While I didn’t know them personally,I learned a lot from them in my upbringing…They been there my whole life and now they’re not…my heart is still choking me over feeling the loss and pain of missing them so much
Just beautiful. Grief Touches so many the same way, and how we choose to deal with it how we can get past it. Your words are an inspiration to show others that we’re not here in this world to control what they do but to support and love them, thank you so much for your touching words. And may God speed to healing for you and your husband.
Thank youCatherine for sharing your personal thoughts & experience. Utterly painful, that kind of loss. As a survivor of this as well, I send my love and best wishes for gentle recovery. God bless you and your entire family
The rooster Catherine is carrying is a white Leghorn bantam rooster. I believe it’s name is “little” if it is the baby chick she is holding on her twitter page with the caption “watching Little grow”. The rooster appears to be young as his legs are still yellow. They fade to white as the bird gets older. Good for Catherine! most people have no idea how wonderful and therapeutic it is to keep chickens. They all have their own unique little personalities and readily bond to humans.
I was thinking of her when I heard of the deaths of these two. I wish her and her family the best during this very hard time.
I read Cat’s full post and it was beautiful. She was so lucky to have heard Debbie’s stories.
It’s worse than being kept in a cage! Every time I see pictures of Katherine she’s clutching the bird. As much as I understand support animals but a rooster is suppose to be free and that one ain’t! Not good.
On the topic of the story, so sad for her entire family losing two beautiful souls so fast