Interviews
35TH ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS RED CARPET INTERVIEWS
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BLAKE BERRIS
DAY OF OUR LIVES
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?BLAKE:
I’m wearing a Roberto Cavali suit. It’s tolerable in the heat.MICHAEL:
What’s going to be coming up for Nick?BLAKE:
Nick needs a story, and I hope there is a new summer romance for me, as Blake. I think Nick is still hankering for Chelsea. I am absolutely rooting for Rachel Melvin (Chelsea) tonight. I think she is an extraordinary actress and it would be great to see her recognized.SUZANNE ROGERS
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?
SUZANNE:
Jean-Paul Gautier top, Carolina Herrera skirt and Gucci shoes! I adorn it with something like the flower, and I always do something to wake up the black, not like my red hair doesn’t just do it. (She laughs) This was so gorgeous, and I never really wear black, and I wanted something short to show off my legs.MICHAEL:
Remember when Maggie could not walk?SUZANNE:
Here they had her an ex-Rockette on crutches!JUDITH CHAPMAN
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?JUDITH:
I am in Geisha mode! So, I am in ‘mamma-san’ mode, since all of my sons have been nominated. I only decided two days ago to attend the Daytime Emmys. I had collected antique kimonos for years, and I just pulled one out of the closet from my own wardrobe. My entire TV family was nominated tonight and I wanted to be very comfortable. Thank you, kimono!LESLI KAY AND WINSOR HARMON
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?LESLI:
I am wearing Lloyd Klein. Sometimes, I just want to wear him and put him around my body. It sounds funny, doesn’t it? Lloyd Klein designed this, and what a smart choice on a 150 degree day. It’s short, strapless, and awesome.MICHAEL:
And what about yours, Winsor? It’s not short and strapless?WINSOR:
Well, underneath it is. (He laughs) I am wearing John Richman.MICHAEL:
You’re rooting for cast mate, Heather Tom (Katie) tonight in the Supporting Actress category, or some of your other former co-horts?LESLI:
I have way so many friends who are nominated also, from “ATWT”, “GL” and “Y&R”. My favorite for Supporting Actress is Tracey E. Bregman (Lauren, “Y&R”). It’s just that I know her for so long, and she has deserved this for such a long time. When I saw her name on the nomination list, I got chills, even on 150-degree days! But of course, Heather Tom is always amazing!RICK HEARST
GENERAL HOSPITAL
MICHAEL:
What is it like attending tonight and not being a nominee? Whom are you wearing?RICK:
I am a spectator tonight. Trust me, it’s good. I can relax. I can throw in a little splash of color to my wardrobe. I am wearing Hugo Boss, BCBG tie, and Donna Karan shirt.MICHAEL:
What’s next for Ric Lansing?RICK:
My character has come out from being the DA, and working now for the other Mob… the Zacchara’s. Ric is trying to find a way to get inside to dismantle his father’s position, and maybe something good will come out of it.MEGAN WARD
GENERAL HOSPITAL
MICHAEL:
I am loving this outfit! It’s Kate Howard!MEGAN:
It’s Kate Howard! I bought it on a sale rack, I am not telling.MICHAEL:
How can all your fashionista’s learn, if you don’t tell them what you are wearing?MEGAN:
Well, that’s the point, its’ BCGB runway, and you’re the only one who knows?MICHAEL:
I am so excited. Now, we all love that your character was so well integrated into the “GH” canvas and with Sonny!MEGAN:
It’s a very special partnership, and one of the best relationships I have ever had. I really could not do the job if it was not for Maurice. And when we work together, we don’t rehearse, and we like to surprise each other, and it really is creatively the most fulfilling part I have ever played, in part, because of Maurice.MICHAEL:
But you have gotten to play off of Steve Burton (Jason, “GH”) and others bigwigs there!MEGAN
They have gotten me around and I don’t like having to meet the doctors because I got shot or bitten by a poisonous snake or shot. I would like to meet them at bar for a drink. No life-threatening illnesses.MICHAEL:
Who you rooting for tonight?MEGAN:
I am rooting for “GH” and Anthony Geary (Luke, GH). What was so wonderful about his submission tape was that it was when his character died. It’s such a tribute to all the years he spent on the show, and it’s such a testament, to who he is as an actor and what he has brought to daytime. But, I am the new kid on the block, and I am just lucky to get invited to the party.MARCY RYLAN
GUIDING LIGHT
MICHAEL:
Were you disappointed that you were not nominated this year along with your other “GL” cast mates for the Tammy’s death storylines?MARCY:
To be honest with you, I did not feel like this was my year and I don’t know why. I feel like I am in the Supporting Actress category now, and I felt like what I was doing was more of a younger actress storyline. When I would look at some of the women in the Supporting Actress category, and then I would at my tapes, I felt really proud of my work but I felt like, I looked like a child next to my work. I felt this was not my time, and was at peace with it. That is why I agreed to announce the nominations on “The View”. I was excited when they asked me to present, and I love that storyline with Tom.MICHAEL:
What do you think of your former leading man, Tom Pelphrey’s (Ex-Jonathan “GL”) chances tonight?MARCY:
I think he is going to win and one of the most talented guys. I had the time of my life doing that storyline.MICHAEL:
What did you think of the scenes from Tammy’s funeral?MARCY:
The funeral was amazing, and it was really sad. Lizzie, of course, found a way to make it about herself by crying about her baby.ADRIENNE FRANTZ
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?ADRIENNE:
I am wearing Dina Burrell. She designed my dress last year, but now it has dirt on the bottom! And my shoes are by Brazilian designer Carmen Stefan, and jewelry by Charlie Lapson.MICHAEL:
Are you rooting for your Genoa City cast mates tonight?ADRIENNE:
I can’t wait for everyone to win. I have a good feeling of “Y&R” winning Best Show, especially with the Clear Springs Project storyline we had this year.CAMERON MATHISON AND WIFE, VANESSA
ALL MY CHILDREN- CO-HOST OF DAYTIME EMMYS
MICHAEL:
Did your wife Vanessa, give you any pointers tonight on hosting the Emmys?CAMERON:
Her pointer with me is that I always try too hard. I always listen to what she has to say, because she knows me better than anybody. Sometimes she says, “just be yourself,” and as a host, that is the best advice anyone can give you. You want to be grounded and relaxed, so everyone at home can be relaxed. It’s not about you tonight; it’s about the people who are nominated.MICHAEL:
Seems like the hosting aspect of your career has really taken off?
CAMERON:
It sure seems to be where my career is blossoming. I love my job at “AMC”, and one of the reasons I love my job there is, it allows me to do other jobs like host the Emmys and other shows.MICHAEL:
What is going on with your character of Ryan? He is all over the place!CAMERON:
This has been the most un-liked Ryan has ever been with the fans, since I have been on the show. I get it, it’s a bit of a challenging time for the character, but I think “AMC” has a lot of potential right now and we are in a really good place and I am really excited about it and where we are going.SHERRY SHEPHERD
THE VIEW – CO HOST OF DAYTIME EMMYS
MICHAEL:
How come you are not sweating in all this heat?SHERRY:
I’ve got a girdle holding up all the sweat. I’ve got to buy stock in the girdle industry!MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?SHERRY:
This is by Angela Dean of DeanZine. I got a bodyguard with all this jewelry on, and he is gorgeous, by the way. He won’t smile, though. He looks so mean.MICHAEL:
Are you nervous about hosting the show tonight?SHERRY:
I have jitters. I mean, this is the first time I have ever hosted anything. I hosted my grandmother’s bingo night at my church, and we had a big turn out like this. So, I am going to have it turn out the same way…. B-52, “Young and the Restless”, C-15 “Guiding Light”… Susan Lucci… Bingo!VAN HANSIS AND JAKE SILBERMAN
AS THE WORLD TURNS
MICHAEL:
So, this is the outfit you must have gone shopping for after our interview?VAN:
Yes, I am wearing an orange shirt and black suit.MICHAEL:
How are you feeling right now, as you are about to go inside the Kodak Theatre?VAN:
I am excited.JAKE:
I am more excited for him.VAN:
I am going to get nervous when they announce me as a nominee, but it’s good and I kind of feel no pressure.MICHAEL:
You guys are presenting tonight. What category?VAN:
We are presenting Talk Show Host.JAKE:
We got em’ all down… Behar…VAN:
…Joy Behar!ROBIN RIKER
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
MICHAEL:
How do you like portraying Momma Logan?ROBIN:
I am love being the new Logan, and I’m enjoying it very much.MICHAEL:
Will Beth Logan have a “hot” new love interest?ROBIN:
I don’t know, but I did inquire about that, and they said, “We will see.” I am not related to any men on the show, so it’s open season for Beth Logan.MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?ROBIN:
I am wearing Birgit Muller, who is the costume designer at “B&B”. She made it for me, and I am so delighted.DARCY ROSE BYRNES
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing tonight?DARCY:
I am not sure, my mom and dad picked it out, and so it’s pretty much their decision.MICHAEL:
Who are you rooting for tonight?DARCY:
Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, “Y&R”), because she is on the show I am on.DOUG DAVIDSON
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL:
Are you rooting for your “Y&R” cast mates tonight?DOUG:
I am rooting for the “Best Person”. (He laughs) While I don’t know how you do this, and there are so many good performances that cover 170 episodes throughout the year, it’s really hard to measure. And, there are tons of good actors out here.EMILY O’BRIEN
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?EMILY:
I am wearing Roberto Cavali.MICHAEL:
How are you feeling, before the big night is about to start?EMILY:
I am just here tonight with no expectations. I am looking at this as a celebration of all the nominees. I am here with my family and friends, and I could not be happier. I am not nervous. I’m calm, and I’m having a wonderful time, besides the heat.MICHAEL:
But when they announce your name…EMILY:
…I will be nervous when they announce the category, but I am rooting for everyone from our show. We had 17 nominations.MICHAEL:
Your choice for tapes for the competition was amazing. How did you determine to juxtapose the sensitive Jana with the crazy Jana?EMILY:
I switched it last minute and last second, before we sent them out. I wanted to start with Jana’s vulnerable side. I thought it was catchy, and then chose to show this devious, outrageous side of her. I think I made a good choice.RACHEL MELVIN
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
MICHAEL:
Great dress, whom are you wearing?RACHEL:
This is my friend Laura Agualo and I! We made it from scratch, and it’s our little baby. Laura is an up and coming fashion designer. So, I told her to please make me a dress for the Emmys, and it’s beautiful.KATE LINDER
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL
Who are you wearing?KATE:
The dress is Lloyd Klein… the bag and the jewels are by Charlie Lapson.MICHAEL:
What if Jeanne Cooper wins tonight?KATE:
I will be so happy. Are you kidding me? I will be the first one up screaming. She so deserves it.JUDGE MARIAN MILIAN
THE PEOPLES COURT
MICHAEL:
Are you going to judge us all “Judge”?JUDGE MILIAN
Every last one of you, and painfully too! You know it becomes second nature. I was a prosecutor for a very long time before that, so I have been in court for 20 some years….MICHAEL:
So it can just roll off your tongue…JUDGE MILIAN:
Yeah, it’s pretty frightening, but yeah.MICHAEL:
What was the strangest or weirdest case you have ever tried?JUDGE MILIAN:
The strangest case we ever did was a Whoppi Goldberg look-a-like who was suing her talent agent and Whoopi’s star witness was a Roseanne Barr look-a-like and the talent agent star witness was a Joe Pesci look-a-like. I mean, it was amazing.MICHAEL:
Did you all follow that? (He laughs)KASSIE DEPAIVA
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
MICHAEL:
The episode’s that are nominated for “OLTL” feature some wonderful moments with you being so upset over Asa’s death. Was that special for you?KASSIE:
First off, hopefully our show will win. I got to work with my husband Jim which made it special, and was so nice.MICHAEL:
This is such a beautiful dress who are you wearing?KASSIE:
I am wearing Donna Karan. It was an easy decision. I did not know it was going to be 106 degrees on the walk of shame! I like this dress and it covers the body, so it’s good.DARIN BROOKS
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
MICHAEL:
What did you end up wearing? Cool watch!DARIN:
I am wearing a Canali suit with Paul Smith stuff, and Charlie Lapson watch.MICHAEL:
What are you looking forward to, tonight?DARIN:
I’m looking forward to going inside and getting a drink. A nice cold beer sounds good about now!BOBBIE EAKES
ALL MY CHILDREN (EX-B&B)
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?BOBBIE:
I am wearing Mary Elle Couture, and this is a Phillip Klein bag. This is funny. I wore this briefly on “AMC” in an episode where we shop for Greenlee’s wedding dresses, and Rebecca Budig (Greenlee, “AMC”) said, “You have to wear it at the Emmys.” I thought I would, and recycle!MICHAEL:
Your performances were so amazing on David Canary’s (Adam, “AMC”) reel, it was flawless.BOBBIE:
I felt I had a really great year, and they wrote some terrific stuff for me this past year, so thank you.RAYA MEDDINE
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?RAYA:
Eduardo Lucero! At first, I did not want black, because black is somewhat conservative, and it will be too safe. I said, “I will do black, only if it’s sheer and revealing.” So, when I found the dress, I fell in love with it, and it was not even finished yet.MICHAEL:
How is working with Eric Braeden (Victor)?RAYA:
What’s not to like about working with Eric Braeden? Sabrina knows what she wants, and the storyline is wonderful. Working with Eric is a joy! We talk about literature and politics, and it’s great!MICHAEL:
Did they incorporate your very cultured background into the part of Sabrina? You seem like the perfect “fit” for the role!RAYA:
Sabrina is well versed, and she is an art consultant. The producers and the writers were very smart. They started asking me questions while I was auditioning with Eric. I told them about my European background, and that my dad was a diplomat. They used it for Sabrina’s character. So in essence, they used my real life background and worked it into the character.TRENT DAWSON AND JESSE LEE SOFFER
AS THE WORLD TURNS
MICHAEL:
Was it hard to decide what to submit for your nominations this year?TRENT:
It always is because it’s a years worth of work. It’s always challenging to figure it out for yourself. So I get bunch of it together, and call people to help me make a decision, because I can’t watch myself to tell people if I am good or bad.
MICHAEL:
How about you Jesse?JESSE:
I am really judgmental of myself, so I just ask a couple of people to pick one for me, and that is what I end up submitting.MICHAEL:
You have been off “ATWT” for bit now, how is it going?JESSE:
I have been off for a couple months. I traveled a little bit, took a vacation, and it’s been a lot of fun.TRENT:
I envy this guy.MICHAEL:
Will, there be more story for Henry coming up?TRENT:
I hear more is in store with Vienna I hope, it good to be the king! That’s all I can say.VAIL BLOOM
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?VAIL:
I am wearing Marcasa tonight.MICHAEL:
How are you feeling about the nomination and being here at the “Big Dance”?VAIL:
I am feeling great. Everyone keeps asking me if I am nervous, and I am not nervous. I am excited. The red carpet is so great, and to be in front of the Kodak Theatre is such an honor.TAMARA BRAUN
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
MICHAEL:
Who are you wearing?TAMARA:
It so hot out here! I am wearing Lloyd Klein.MICHAEL:
Is it true you are leaving “DAYS”?TAMARA:
I am going to enjoy my summer and leave it open, and we will be talking.
KRISTOFF ST. JOHNTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL:
Who got you to this point on the red carpet this year?KRISTOFF:
My little daughter Lola drove me here (He laughs), and my other daughter here dressed me… and I am wearing Hugo Boss. But, I am all wet in this heat!MICHAEL:
I told everyone on my website that it was Supporting Actor Greg Rikaart (Kevin, “Y&R”) Vs. The Drunk Tank in your category. Isn’t it?KRISTOFF:
Did someone else play drunk this year? (He says jokingly referring to his character of Neil Winters)CHRISTIAN LEBLANC
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
MICHAEL:
Your tapes were so amazing! You and Ted Shackleford (Ex- William, now Jeffrey, “Y&R) in the two-man episode were riveting!CHRISTIAN:
Ted was brilliant! It was a two-man scene and we worked on it beforehand, like a theatre act. It was such a joy to do, and it was in one take. It was just amazing, and how connected Ted was. And, you always have a scene with Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, “Y&R”) and that always helps. So, I had two amazing actors making me look really good.MICHAEL:
This would be your third Lead Actor trip to the podium. How do you think you will feel if your name is called?CHRISTIAN:
You think you’re cool after winning before, but it’s always exciting!ALISON SWEENEY
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
MICHAEL:
Wow! What a dress. Who are you wearing?ALISON:
I am wearing Eduardo Lucero. This was not an easy choice. He gave me five different dresses, and I tried them on, and loved them all. It was so hard to choose one.MICHAEL:
“DAYS” got a handful of acting nominations this year, how is that?ALISON:
I am super excited for my co-stars. They are super talented, and I think they earned it. I am thrilled they are being recognized.MICHAEL:
You carried so much of the show this past year, and did not get a Lead Actress nomination. Were you disappointed?ALISON:
I honestly believe I have been working really hard. The feeling I am getting from my co-stars, and producer and the fans, is so important to me. I don’t mean that to sound cliché, but I feel that’s what I work hard for, not a trophy.MICHAEL:
What can we look forward to from Sami this summer?ALISON:
Oh please! It’s such a dramatic summer, with Lucas and EJ, and Chloe and Nicole. It’s all a big mess, and I will be very busy.ARIANE ZUKER – DAYS OF OUR LIVES
KYLE LOWDER- THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
MICHAEL:
This is a knockout! Who are you wearing?ARIANE:
I am wearing Ella Zahlan, an Italian Couture.KYLE:
I am wearing Hugo Boss. The shirt is Yves St. Laurent. My shirt is going to be soaked.ARIANE:
I was going to do two dresses, but I ran out of time. (She laughs)KYLE:
The pavement and the carpet have to be 105 degrees right now.MICHAEL:
What’s it like being on two different soaps now, and being a real-life couple?ARIANE:
It’s nice being on different shows. I feel like a power team. One of us is on one soap, and one is on the other. It’s good. We always have something to talk about, because we know the same people, but we are on different shows. It’s great!KYLE:
A lot more to talk about that way…ARIANE:
Shut up… what are you saying?KYLE:
A lot more gossip.BRANDON BEEMER – THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
NADIA BJORLIN – DAYS OF OUR LIVES
MICHAEL:
You are looking dapper!BRANDON:
I am all in black.MICHAEL:
How is the new grind at “B&B”?BRANDON:
I have been to work all week, and have shot six episodes now. Lesli Kay (Felicia, “B&B”) has become my friend and my pal, and if I want full-fledged honesty, she will tell me, and it is awesome.MICHAEL:
Brandon, were you and girlfriend Nadia getting dressed at the same time?NADIA:
We were getting dressed at the same time.MICHAEL:
But then you came down from the hotel…BRANDON:
Ten minutes ago. I was walking around the Renaissance Hotel shirtless, and then I came down here to do the red carpet, and now I am boiling.MICHAEL:
Nadia, who are you wearing?NADIA:
Ella Zahlan, and it weighs about 30 or 40 pounds…BRANDON:
…. And it’s beautiful!MICHAEL:
And you’re not hot?NADIA:
Oh, not at all! (She laughs) No, I am thinking cool.MICHAEL:
What’s it like to have Brandon on “B&B” and not with you on “DAYS”, anymore?NADIA:
I like him on the show. It’s fun to talk about our days at work, which now doesn’t only consist of “DAYS”. (ba-rumb-bump)
Interviews
Joe Hendry Talks WWE Microdrama Collab ‘Agent of Shadows,’ New Music, and What’s Next! (Exclusive)

The motto, “I believe in Joe Hendry” is catching on even outside the WWE Universe! The Scottish-born pro wrestler is having a banner October (well not so much on this week’s Monday Night Raw), but with the release of his new album Beyond Belief and appearing in WWE’s first-ever microdrama Agent of Shadows in its partnership with vertical leader ReelShort.
On Friday, October 23, ReelShort launched Agent of Shadows on its mobile-first storytelling platform that is available in more than 100 countries, reaching more than 70 million monthly active users.
Hendry joins fellow WWE stars Drew McIntrye, Jacob Fatu, plus Booker T, Michael Hayes and Nikkita Lyon and more in the cast as they mix it up with microdrama leading men, Chase Mattson and Marc Herrman, in the action-packed series.

Photo: ReelShort
A NEW FRONTIER FOR WWE SUPERSTARS
As the story begins, the world’s greatest secret agent must protect and care for his 6-year-old daughter while posing as her nanny. Now, without revealing his true identity, he must win his daughter’s (and her mother’s) trust, while secretly thwarting corrupt suitors, mafioso strongmen and even a megalomaniacal billionaire who’s using his family to get to him. What could go wrong?
Michael Fairman TV chatted with Hendry on his ascension and rise in the ranks of the WWE, bringing his brand of satire, music and singing to sports entertainment, plus his thoughts on branching out into the acting world of motion pictures, microdramas and more. The full conversation can be seen with Joe on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.

Photo: ReelShort
JOE HENDRY ON PLAYING … JOE HENDRY
Unlike the other WWE superstars in Agent of Shadows, Hendry is taking on the role of … himself! Seems like it may not be then been too much of a stretch to play or is it? Joe explained, “I don’t know how much of this I’m allowed to reveal, so I’m sure there’ll be a lot of fun in discovering what that is. But what I will reveal is what I think is the best thing about my involvement … everyone else plays a character and I play Joe Hendry. So, I’m very pleased about that.”
Speaking on his background, Joe explained, “For those of you who don’t know, I’ve been a wrestler for 14 years, but I kind of had a mainstream crossover in 2024 when my music video became a meme. It did really well in the charts. I’ve now been able to carry that forward and I’m in one of those positions where I can just appear as myself.”
“This is the first film-type project I’ve been a part of,” elaborated Hendry. “I think that’s why WWE stars crossover so well into movies, because we’re so used to having to do everything in one take, whereas in Hollywood you may get as many takes as you need. In microdramas, you can look at these chapters as well. So, let’s say you manage to get through the first give chapters on your way to work or whatever, you can always come back to that. I think’s its a smart combination for storytelling.”

Photo: WWE
NEW LP TRACK LIST INCLUDES ‘FIRE LOGAN PAUL’
Back on October 5, Hendry released his LP Beyond Belief filled with hilarious and clever send-ups. The track list includes: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, Fire Logan Paul (the social media phenom and pro wrestler), Give Joe Hendry Every Single Belt and more. Hendry added one more favorite, that is his latest single and music video!
“The other main one is If You Don’t Love Joe Hendry, and the lyrics are, ‘If you don’t love Joe Hendry, then, you’re a useless piece of … ‘ So, I think we should fire Logan Paul, and I think we should give Joe Hendry every single belt. I just think these are sensible messages we have to get out to the world.”
The album was completed in what some would consider lighting speed! “We had a lot of fun recording these, but it was done so fast. It was actually a lot of pressure to get it done. I wrote the album except Fire Logan Paul in a span of four days. It was pretty intense. We recorded all the vocals in five hours, which is insane,” recalled Joe. “But it’s kind of what I was talking about before. In WWE, everything is done live. We do not have retakes. So, I think being a WWE superstar has prepared me well for producing other forms of media quickly.”

Photo: WWE
TEENAGE DREAMS BECOME A REALITY WRESTLING RANDY ORTON
Back in the squared circle, Hendry has been in a feud with the Judgment Day, and in particular of late with JD McDonaugh on Raw. But taking a look at his rise from NXT to TNA to WWE, Joe reflected on his heart-stopping moment at WrestleMania 41 against one of his legends, Randy Orton.
“I remember being 15 and kind of imagining being a pro wrestler. I also remember specifically thinking, ‘What if I had a feud with Randy Orton?’ And then, I became a wrestler when I was just about to turn 25 and all these years later, it happened!
“It such an unlikely story,” said Joe of getting the call he would be facing the 14-time WWE champion. He added, “I’m so grateful that I’ve had that moment early on in my WWE career and it kind of takes the pressure off, because it doesn’t get any bigger than that. So now, I can focus on my goal which is just to get better all the time; improve as a wrestler all the time. I can see the progression in myself. I’m gaining skills and confidence all the time.”

Photo: WWE
SHOULD JOE STAY GOOD OR TURN BAD?
The proverbial question had to be asked, “Does Joe prefer being a babyface or would he like to see a heel turn? Hendry replied, “Interesting question. Never say never. You just never know. Anything can happen in the WWE. It’s funny, originally, my character was designed by me to be hated, and people just happened to like it! You can’t force it. The audience is going to tell you. They are a huge part in dictating our paths as wrestlers.”
Check out Joe in Agent of Shadows by visiting ReelShort.com to download the ReelShort app on Apple and Android devices. You can also check out @ReelShort on YouTube.
You can also watch our full conversation with Joe Hendry now on the Michael Fairman Channel below.
Now let us know, will you check out WWE’s first microdrama, Agent of Shadows? Do you get a kick out of Joe Hendry’s songs and how it relates to his feuds in the WWE and his rise in the ranks of pro wrestling? Hoping Joe stays a babyface or would you like to see him turn heel? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Mike Manning Talks Smitty’s Emotional Visit with His Mother (Exclusive)

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, as Smitty (Mike Manning) continues to be framed and in hot water for the murder of Dr. Lia Whitmore, he gets some familial back-up when his never-before-seen mother, Jenny Smith arrives in Fairmont Crest to see her son.
Jenny is played by Jennifer Van Horn who made her Beyond the Gates debut on the Wednesday, October 21, which was the same day that Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series Emmy nominee, Mike Manning participated in a livestream chat on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
In story, as Smitty was at home, he received a surprise visit from his mother, who resides in Ohio. Jenny came to support her son through this difficult time. Smitty made note of his disappointment that his father didn’t come with her on the trip, sharing that he knows his dad has never been comfortable around wealth or the Duprees. Smitty also acknowledged how his father didn’t approve of becoming a journalist or moving to the DMV. Later, when Smitty’s husband, Martin returned (Brandon Claybon) he walked in on Smitty getting a pep talk from Jenny.

Courtesy/CBS
SMITTY’S MOM ARRIVES
Manning addressed how he had to keep the appearance of Smitty’s mom on the down low. “I do have a mom now. Yes.! I couldn’t talk about it to anybody. Jennifer Van Horn who plays my mom was so lovely and so nice, and she was great. I love Smitty having some backstory and having a parent.”
And there could be even more Smitty drama to come! Mike shared, “They mentioned Smitty’s father too, so they kind of plant the seeds for maybe more to come, which is nice. I think it really shows that there’s just one more level to the community that is surrounding Smitty. One of my favorite scenes from this entire storyline is when Smitty gets hauled into jail and the entire Dupree family shows up and they all start taking shots at Jacob (Jibre Hordges) and everyone at the police station.”
BEING EMBRACED BY THE DUPREES
Manning, in particular, recalled a moment from fellow Daytime Emmy nominee, Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree). “I loved when Anita goes, and this is not verbatim, but it was something along the lines of, ‘If Smitty’s not home for dinner, you’re gonna be hearing from Anita Dupree.’ Then, Vernon (Clifton Davis) says something, and Kat (Colby Nixon) comes in and she’s giving him so much sass. I remember watching the episode just being so touched that the entire Dupree family is wrapping around Smitty like this shield, this cocoon. So, it makes this storyline of him being framed a little bit easier to swallow.”

Courtesy/CBS
MORE OF SMITTY’S BACKSTORY TO BE REVEALED?
Speaking of the scenes between Smitty and his mom, Manning felt, “It was very touching. He spoke about how he loved his mom for what she sacrificed, It was one of those mother-son things, but it was poignantly done. I would like them to explore that more, and Smitty’s family, because, I think that it’ll also help inform some of the dynamic between Martin and Smitty. We know that Martin comes from a long line of successful people, whether it’s in entertainment or politicians. His grandfather’s a senator. So, we understand that he grew up in the country club, basically. We don’t really understand where Smitty grew up yet.”
The two-time Daytime Emmy winner also explained that he has his own origin story for Bradley “Smitty” Smith: “Obviously, I have an idea in my head with the backstory that I’ve sort of decided for Smitty, whether or not that’s exactly what the writers are going to throw at me, eventually, who knows? But, I certainly have an idea of why Smitty is the way he is, why he’s so driven, why he takes risks, why he’s so hungry to prove himself and be successful in journalism and everything else.”
You can check out a scene between Smitty and his never-before-seen-mom, Jenny below. Followed by our live chat with Mike Manning after the episode aired.
Now let us know, do you hope Beyond the Gates explores more of Smitty’s backstory? Did you enjoy the debut of Jennifer Van Horn as Smitty’s mom? Share your thoughts via the conversation below. And make sure to catch Mike on the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards streaming next Friday, October 30 to see if he takes home his third gold statuette!
Interviews
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)

On Thursday’s October 22 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, it was now “confirmed” by Finn and Li (Naomi Matsuda), two medical professionals, that Steffy has become pregnant as the surrogate for Carter and Daphne! BUT, what everyone doesn’t know (except co-conspirators Steffy and Carter), is that Steffy was already pregnant with Carter’s child after their drunken night together.
In an elaborate cover-up, Carter has pushed the agenda that they will lie through their teeth to their respective spouses so that their one-night tryst never comes to light which produced a baby. How far can Carter and Steffy carry on this surrogacy implantation charade in an effort to give Daphne the child she can’t have? And what twists and turns are in store now?
This week, B&B series stars: Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), Tanner Novlan (Finn), Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) and Murielle Hilaire (Daphen) sat down for a conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where they took turns giving their reaction to the storyline, discussing their characters motivations behind the baby drama, and what might lie ahead, and bantering about fan’s theories that have been online and more.

Photo: JPI
REACTIONS TO LEARNING OF THE SURROGACY COVER-UP
Tanner Novlan shared he was happy that the writers did not make Finn a doofus with his shocking reaction of “WHAT!?” when Steffy told her husband that she went ahead and had the procedure to become a surrogate while he was out of town.
“It was great that the writers gave him that opportunity (to have that reaction),” shared Novlan. “We’re still having to work through a lot of that, but there’s a lot of little breadcrumbs that it’s nice that Finn picks one up every once in a while and inspects it and doesn’t just keep carrying on.”
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood explained, “I did not expect the storyline, but we are so thrilled. It’s a wild ride. We’re all shocked. I couldn’t believe that we were diving into this kind of storyline and we’re still in the middle of it … in the thick of it.”
DOUBLE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINEE CLEARS THE AIR
For B&B fans thinking that since Lawrence Saint-Victor is an actor and a writer on the soap, and pulls double duty, that he was responsible for creating his frontburner story, he revealed that he has nothing to do with the writers decision on this one. “Not even a little bit, ” shared Saint-Victor. “At first, when Carter was really pushing Steffy, I had a reaction to it. I was like, ‘Oh no, this isn’t good.’ And then, I kind of had to put myself aside and lean into it. My knee-jerk reaction is what the fans are experiencing. I had to get into it and figure out why he’s doing it. But no, I hasn’t nothing to do with it, for those out there that’s thinking I’m manipulating the writer’s room.”

Photo: JPI
COULD FINN AND DAPHNE ALREADY KNOW THEIR SPOUSES CHEATED ON THEM?
Moving forward, might we all be fooled and Daphne and Finn actually know what happened between their spouses? Tanner Novlan weighed-in, “There is a world here where Daphne and Finn, might actually think something else might have happened and think, maybe that’s best (to leave it alone).”
Some viewers believe down the line, the baby will be revealed as Finn’s biological child, since so far, Steffy never took a paternity test. The actors in the story say they have not been told anything different than what they are playing.
“I think that this story’s so wonderfully uncomfortable, everyone’s looking for the way out,” explains Saint-Victor, “If it’s Finn’s baby, then it kind of wraps up. But right now, we’re ‘all gas, no breaks,’ as Jacqui would say. We’re not letting you guys off the easy way here. So, whether it’s Finn’s child or not, that’s not an out.”

Photo: JPI
STEFFY PUT THROUGH THE WRINGER
For Wood, she has been playing the emotional weight of the story. She opened up about how Steffy has processed all that has come at her. “I believe that Steffy would like to think at the very beginning, if she led with honesty and just told Finn, ‘Hey, I was drunk, I was out of my mind and I was angry and hurt and I slept with Carter,’ we wouldn’t be in this situation. Yes, it would’ve been extremely tough, but again, leading with honesty off the heels of Sheila, it would’ve forced Finn to look inward and go, ‘Hey, well, we wouldn’t have been in this situation if you wouldn’t have kept letting your mom, back into your life.”‘
Jacqui elaborated further, “Ultimately, Steffy wanted to feel safe, protected, and her partner, or a man in her life, to come in and say, ‘I’ve got this. You don’t have to worry about this. I’ll protect you.’ And then, obviously having that release with Carter, fast-forward, hearing that moment when she realized what she did, yes, she wanted to tell the truth, but there was something about Carter saying, ‘We can’t do that. We can’t be thinking about ourselves,’ that also resonated with her.”
“Now Steffy’s thinking, she’s selfish, realizing all these people that will be hurt if the truth came out, and how they’ll be crushed. Is it the smartest decision? In the moment, you’re not thinking did you cross all your I’s and T’s. Then in Hindsight, you’re like, ‘Whoa, actually, that was really silly. That was really dumb of us to do.’ But now you’re in it, so you’re going to have to lean even harder.”‘

Photo: JPI
IS CARTER THE VILLAIN OF THIS STORYLINE?
Some viewers also consider Carter as the villain in this piece, something that Lawerence Saint-Victor has leaned into: “I love it wholeheartedly, because Carter doesn’t see himself as a villain. To Carter, it’s like, if you want to keep your family intact, if you want to make sure that we’re not in tabloids, the COO and the CEO of Forrester Creations had an affair, there’s only one way out.”
He added, “And if that means we have to suffer with the lie to make everyone else have a peaceful life, then that’s our punishment. He doesn’t understand why there’s an option here. He gets that Finn would probably forgive Steffy. I think in the back of his mind he said that’s an option. He knows. whether it’s true or not, for him, he knows it’s not an option with Daphne. She will leave. She left when he was on his best behavior. She will leave now. For Carter, there is no option.”
WALKING OUT ON HER MARRIAGE
Speaking of walking out, how does Daphne see her role in all that went down? Murielle Hilaire added, “So when Daphne decided to leave it was not because she wasn’t in love with Carter, it’s when she found out she could not give her husband a child, she was heartbroken. She actually only walked out for three hours. She didn’t want to be selfish, and she wanted him to go and maybe find someone who was fertile. I think. if maybe Carter would have followed her to the airport and begged her not to go, maybe she would have left the airport with him (and maybe what happened between he and Steffy wouldn’t have).
THE FUTURE OF SINN
Sinn fans be on the alert! Novlan punctuated that this may be the toughest challenge in Finn and Steffy’s marriage yet. “All I know is that his family means everything to Finn. The kids, his wife, so for him to walk away from that, it would have to be a pretty big lie and this would be one of those lies. They’re love is definitely going to be tested here.”
You can check out the full conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel below.
Now let us know, do you think Finn could walk out on a pregnant Steffy if he learned of her duplicity? Do you think Finn and Daphne might know their spouses slept together, but are keeping the peace, after all, Daphne wants a baby? How do you see this playing out in the months ahead? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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