It was big day for Otalia fans around the globe when Crystal Chappell (Olivia, GL, now Carly, DAYS) got her long awaited Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series! Considered one of the early favorites to walk home with Daytime’s highest honor, On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Crystal this afternoon for a quick chat about nomination day, and the classic graveyard scene where Olivia professes her love for Natalia, which garnered her a slot in the final five!
Crystal on how she found out she was nominated: “I was awakened at 5:30AM by my publicist, Leslie Penny. And I said to her, “Oh, that is so wonderful!”, and then I went back into bed! My son turned ten yesterday and we had celebrated with him last night so I was a bit tired, but it’s exciting! I texted other people and congratulated them as well. I was actually out scouting locations today for season two of Venice, so I will be twittering later. Those twitter folks are right there with me, and amazing.”
Crystal on the meaning of the nomination for her time on Guiding Light: “I am thrilled. It is always excited to get nominated. I am sure Beth Chamberlin (Ex-Beth, GL) feels the same way. Guiding Light meant so much to me. It’s not here anymore, and so it’s a different feeling this time. It all just reminds me of all the things I miss about it and the people. And, I have great wonderful memories and friendships. I just ran into a woman at a restaurant. She goes, “Oh my God, Guiding Light! I loved the story and the character of Olivia,” and it just happened 15 minutes ago… and that doesn’t happen everyday. So, I think it’s amazing that it happened today of all days. She also said, “I wept when Guiding Light went off the air. I had been watching it from when I was in the second grade. And I am 37 now.” So, here I am talking about missing Guiding Light, and I said, “I know exactly how you feel” But this is nice to go to the Emmys and represent a show that is no longer here, but a part of so many people lives. It’s really an amazing thing.”
Crystal on if she wins if she will recognize the LGBT community in her acceptance speech: “Well, of course! That is what the whole nomination and the whole thing is about. It’s these two women who fall in love and the obstacles they had to overcome. So absolutely, I would definitely speak to that.”
Crystal on her fellow nominees for Lead Actress: “I love all of them. Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R) texted me this morning and said, “We are having lunch in Vegas!” Maura West (Carly, ATWT), I love. Bobbie Eakes (Krystal, AMC) and I have known each for a very long time, and she is wonderful. I mean, I socialize with these people, and Sarah Brown (Ex-Claudia, GH) is adorable. It is a good group. We will have a good time at lunch and take pictures and tweet them out!”
Crystal on if she knew when she filmed the graveyard scene if she knew immediately she had hit a home run: “You know whether something is cooking or not, and if you are fully in a moment. But what was important to me was in the writing of the scenes. By the way, Jill Lorie Hurst called me this morning crying. She was GL’s head writer, and she has a wonderful character sense. As soon as I read it, I went, “Wow, I can’t wait to do these.” I thought it was just so honest. When we shot the scenes it was freezing out there in Peapack. But what we learned to do on Guiding Light, is notice that things like that added to the realism of the scenes. At the end of it, I knew those scenes went really well.
Crystal on the nominations for her new cast at DAYS: “I am happy for them. They are cool and talented people. I am happy that they got represented like that.”
Crystal on if she feels pressure being the favorite to take home the gold: “Ihave been doing this a long time, and people that I thought were going to win, didn’t win. So I don’t look at that way. If it happens that would be great. If it doesn’t, I got the nomination and that is really special to me.”
Thanks Michael for this. Am so happy that Crystal got nominated…richly deserved. ITypical of Crystal to acknowledge Jill’s writing talents, because I believe behind every great actor is a great writer helping them shine as brightly as they can. If I’m feeling this happy about her being nominated, God knows how I’ll feel if she wins! 🙂
Maureen
13 years ago
I am thrilled beyond belief that Crystal is nominated! I am thrilled Beth Chamberlin and Zach Conroy are nominated too! As a fan of theirs and a fan of Guiding Light…and seeing how last year’s GL tribute went so badly (no matter how much thought, care and planning went into it)…I have my fingers and toes crossed that all 3 are wins.
Crystal is so right that filming outside in Peapak…in the cold and the snow…did add so much realism to the scenes…and as a fan watching those scenes on television, I could appreciate the beauty of those scenes all the more.
That’s one thing I noticed when attending the GL fan events…having to shoot scenes on location was talked about in such a negative way. And I only found out later on that the conditions for the actors were trying at times, to say the least. But as a fan who wasn’t aware at the time of all the hoops the cast had to jump through…for me, the on-locations scenes were wonderful…beautiful…and made the cast even more handsome and beautiful. I *loved* the outdoor scenes…especially the scene with Olivia and Natalia in the gazebo after Natalia ran away from her wedding to Frank…and Bill and Lizzie’s outdoor wedding among the trees…the setting itself was a 3rd character in those scenes…the setting made those scenes. So I hope the cast gets to know at some point how fans like me appreciate the extra efforts they had to go through to shoot their scenes in Peapak.
Also, I must say I am a bit confused about the reference wondering if Crystal will recognize the lgbt community in her acceptance speech. I am confused because it was and has been fans…period…who have supported Crystal and drawn to the love story of Olivia and Natalia. It was the regular soap press who first gave the storyline the attention it deserved. Many people…regardless of sexuality…were drawn to and cheered the storyline. Long-time fans of Crystal…long-time soap fans…you name it, they loved Olivia and Natalia and they loved their story. And to suggest that the majority of the support of the Otalia story and Crystal came from the lgbt community is to basically miss the message of the love story of Olivia and Natalia.
Hi Maureen:
Thanks for your comments. I , in no way, was referring to that one component was more important in terms of the Otalia fan base, than the other. What was so great about this story was the universal love story that transcended to all segments of the population. My question came to Crystal came out of this thought..many times on award shows when an actor wins an award, for instance Sean Penn, for his performance in “Milk”, when he got up to accept his honor, he took a moment to speak to equality – something that had to do with the intergral part of the character they had played. Since Olivia and Natalia became a sex-sex couple, I thought it is part of a social message that Crystal might want to address, as just a small part of her acceptance speech if she were to win. I hope this makes sense.
Thank you Michael and Crystal for taking the time to do this interview. I am so happy for Crystal. She deserves this nomination and much more. Otalia was such a beautiful story that touched our hearts like no other. I totally agree with Maureen that the on – location scenes were absolutely beautiful and it made the story feel even more real. The incredible acting, especially from from the brilliant Ms. Chappell took it to an entirely different level. Wow!
I so look forward to seeing Crystal win the “Best Lead Actress” Emmy. It should have been hers along time ago. Congratulations, Crystal ! You are up there with the very best.
kelltwomyn
13 years ago
Thank you, Michael, for talking to Crystal and posting this interview. Crystal was indeed tweeting last night and so happy for her fellow nominees..she is a gracious person, always. I am so happy for her nomination; I really hope she wins. It will mean so much to the Otalia/GL fans!
Rob
13 years ago
LOVER HER!!
Roo
13 years ago
Thanx Michael.Graveyard scene cooking? I would say SMOK’N! My fave part of that scene is after Olivia’s outburst of emotion. Those moments are so achingly tender and raw. The contrast really shows the essence of CC’s talent. I hope she includes those few seconds in the clip for the Emmy’s.
No matter how many times I watch that scene, it still gives me butterflies. *sigh*
~roo
Zoe
13 years ago
I remember watching the wedding week and the graveyard scene in particular and thinking, “Yep. Crystal Chappell just won an Emmy.” It was an amazing time for the Otalia story and for the show, especially coming on the heels of CBS’ announcement that “Guiding Light” was cancelled. If she wins I hope she takes the time to thank Jessica Leccia instead of the LGBT community because as awesome as Crystal was throughout the whole Otalia arc, Jessica was right there with her in the much less showy role of a character forced to keep her emotions under wraps from everyone, even herself. These two were Yin and Yang and together they made an incredibly special story that will resonate for years.
BRK
13 years ago
Nice getting the first interview following her nomination. But couldn’t you have posted a pic of Olivia looking a little less forlorn? CC is such a talented actress and has long deserved recognition as a lead. Hopefully it will be the Otalia story that finally gives it to her.
soho
13 years ago
Thank you Michael for the interview.
All the actresses did a phenomenal job, though It’s hard to compare the realism of Crystal Chappell’s performance to the rest. Not only did her talent shine in such a unique and compelling storyline- the production model of GL was beautifully used to making her scenes that much more invigorating and raw in the graveyard scenes and gazebo scenes. She killed it!
I am looking forward to the Daytime Emmys!
perla
13 years ago
Crystal congrats we will support you all the way
Doe
13 years ago
I just have a strong feeling that this is the year for Chrsytall’s Emmy. She has done so much for the soap world and with her online soap, Venice. And don’t forget the LGBT community. She is a beautiful woman who does beautiful work. More power to her and Good Luck at The Emmy’s..
Otalia69
13 years ago
thanks Michael & Crystal….once again, great questions and i always love any and all answers Crystal gives! funny, honest, sassy….she brings it all plus more! i’ve heard a few stories about who will win this year’s EMMY but i support Crystal and look forward to her gracing the stage with an endearing acceptance speech! if by some silly twist of fate one of the other nominees wins (OMFCC, i can’t believe i just put that in writing) she’s said she’ll drink enough to make her think she has…and so will i!
L*O*V*E & T*H*A*N*K*S* to you Crystal for EVERYTHING you have brought, and continue to bring to your audience ☮♡☺xo♥♀♀
‘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.
Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’
May 1, 2024
Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall (Marlena) is set to play a version of herself on third season of Hacks. Look for Hall this month in an episode titled “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular,” to air on May 23 on Max.
Not only will Hall appear in the episode, but so too, will Back to the Future and Taxi star, Christopher Lloyd.
According to EW.com, Deidre will play “a fictional version of herself, who just so happens to be the mom of Paul W. Downs’ Jimmy.”
Photo: JPI
Hacks co-creator and Downs’ wife, Lucia Aniello shared on Hall’s casting, “It made sense to us that Jimmy’s late father, a big-time manager, would have been married to an actress. When the idea for Deidre Hall came up, it just felt right.”
As for Lloyd, he will portray, reclusive writer Larry Arbuckle, who is to have had a rather famous grandfather. In the episode, Hall and Lloyd’s character intersect, which leads to onscreen sparks.
Photo: AP
“We had written some things that were flirty, but the chemistry was palpable,” says co-creator and series star, Downs shared. Hacks stars Jean Smart as comedy legend Deborah Vance.
Photo: Max
Season 3 of Hacks debuts on Thursday night May 2nd on Max 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.
So, will you be watching Deidre Hall guest starring on Hacks? Comment below.
Peacock Raising Subscription Prices $2 Dollars a Month This Summer; Includes Days of our Lives
April 30, 2024
As the Paris Summer Olympics are a few months away, the Peacock streaming service has revealed its plan for a two dollar summer price hike on its subscription plans, beginning in July for its content which will include Days of our Lives.
According to Deadline, in July, look for the monthly price for Peacock Premium to increase to $7.99. Premium Plus, which offers limited advertising, download capability and live local programming, will now be $13.99, while Annual plans will go up to $79.99 for Premium and $139.99 for Premium Plus.
This price hike will effect new customers starting on July 18th, while existing subscribers will notice the price change on their next billing date on or before August 17th.
Photo: JPI
This marks the second price change in two years for the streaming service, the previous one being in 2023, which was the first since the service launched back in 2020. The Summer Olympics in Paris which will be on NBC and Peacock run from July 26 to August 11.
The bright spot for Days of our Lives fans, is that unlike if the show was still on network television and NBC, the show would be preempted for two weeks, but with it being on Peacock it will continue with all-new episodes without interruption.
Photo: Peacock
At the recent Days of our Lives 15K episode celebration, Michael Sluchan the EVP, Current Scripted Programming & Limited Series for NBC/Peacock shared that the soap opera is doing extremely well for the streaming service, and they were very happy with its performance.
If you want to join Peacock now, there is still some time to get in on the current rates to watch DAYS and all of the programming and series it offers.
So, what do you think about the Peacock streaming service next price hike? Comment below.
Thanks Michael for this. Am so happy that Crystal got nominated…richly deserved. ITypical of Crystal to acknowledge Jill’s writing talents, because I believe behind every great actor is a great writer helping them shine as brightly as they can. If I’m feeling this happy about her being nominated, God knows how I’ll feel if she wins! 🙂
I am thrilled beyond belief that Crystal is nominated! I am thrilled Beth Chamberlin and Zach Conroy are nominated too! As a fan of theirs and a fan of Guiding Light…and seeing how last year’s GL tribute went so badly (no matter how much thought, care and planning went into it)…I have my fingers and toes crossed that all 3 are wins.
Crystal is so right that filming outside in Peapak…in the cold and the snow…did add so much realism to the scenes…and as a fan watching those scenes on television, I could appreciate the beauty of those scenes all the more.
That’s one thing I noticed when attending the GL fan events…having to shoot scenes on location was talked about in such a negative way. And I only found out later on that the conditions for the actors were trying at times, to say the least. But as a fan who wasn’t aware at the time of all the hoops the cast had to jump through…for me, the on-locations scenes were wonderful…beautiful…and made the cast even more handsome and beautiful. I *loved* the outdoor scenes…especially the scene with Olivia and Natalia in the gazebo after Natalia ran away from her wedding to Frank…and Bill and Lizzie’s outdoor wedding among the trees…the setting itself was a 3rd character in those scenes…the setting made those scenes. So I hope the cast gets to know at some point how fans like me appreciate the extra efforts they had to go through to shoot their scenes in Peapak.
Also, I must say I am a bit confused about the reference wondering if Crystal will recognize the lgbt community in her acceptance speech. I am confused because it was and has been fans…period…who have supported Crystal and drawn to the love story of Olivia and Natalia. It was the regular soap press who first gave the storyline the attention it deserved. Many people…regardless of sexuality…were drawn to and cheered the storyline. Long-time fans of Crystal…long-time soap fans…you name it, they loved Olivia and Natalia and they loved their story. And to suggest that the majority of the support of the Otalia story and Crystal came from the lgbt community is to basically miss the message of the love story of Olivia and Natalia.
Hi Maureen:
Thanks for your comments. I , in no way, was referring to that one component was more important in terms of the Otalia fan base, than the other. What was so great about this story was the universal love story that transcended to all segments of the population. My question came to Crystal came out of this thought..many times on award shows when an actor wins an award, for instance Sean Penn, for his performance in “Milk”, when he got up to accept his honor, he took a moment to speak to equality – something that had to do with the intergral part of the character they had played. Since Olivia and Natalia became a sex-sex couple, I thought it is part of a social message that Crystal might want to address, as just a small part of her acceptance speech if she were to win. I hope this makes sense.
Well, see…I said I was confused by the question…and thank you Michael for taking the time to reply. Your explanation makes perfect sense.
Thank you Michael and Crystal for taking the time to do this interview. I am so happy for Crystal. She deserves this nomination and much more. Otalia was such a beautiful story that touched our hearts like no other. I totally agree with Maureen that the on – location scenes were absolutely beautiful and it made the story feel even more real. The incredible acting, especially from from the brilliant Ms. Chappell took it to an entirely different level. Wow!
I so look forward to seeing Crystal win the “Best Lead Actress” Emmy. It should have been hers along time ago. Congratulations, Crystal ! You are up there with the very best.
Thank you, Michael, for talking to Crystal and posting this interview. Crystal was indeed tweeting last night and so happy for her fellow nominees..she is a gracious person, always. I am so happy for her nomination; I really hope she wins. It will mean so much to the Otalia/GL fans!
LOVER HER!!
Thanx Michael.Graveyard scene cooking? I would say SMOK’N! My fave part of that scene is after Olivia’s outburst of emotion. Those moments are so achingly tender and raw. The contrast really shows the essence of CC’s talent. I hope she includes those few seconds in the clip for the Emmy’s.
No matter how many times I watch that scene, it still gives me butterflies. *sigh*
~roo
I remember watching the wedding week and the graveyard scene in particular and thinking, “Yep. Crystal Chappell just won an Emmy.” It was an amazing time for the Otalia story and for the show, especially coming on the heels of CBS’ announcement that “Guiding Light” was cancelled. If she wins I hope she takes the time to thank Jessica Leccia instead of the LGBT community because as awesome as Crystal was throughout the whole Otalia arc, Jessica was right there with her in the much less showy role of a character forced to keep her emotions under wraps from everyone, even herself. These two were Yin and Yang and together they made an incredibly special story that will resonate for years.
Nice getting the first interview following her nomination. But couldn’t you have posted a pic of Olivia looking a little less forlorn? CC is such a talented actress and has long deserved recognition as a lead. Hopefully it will be the Otalia story that finally gives it to her.
Thank you Michael for the interview.
All the actresses did a phenomenal job, though It’s hard to compare the realism of Crystal Chappell’s performance to the rest. Not only did her talent shine in such a unique and compelling storyline- the production model of GL was beautifully used to making her scenes that much more invigorating and raw in the graveyard scenes and gazebo scenes. She killed it!
I am looking forward to the Daytime Emmys!
Crystal congrats we will support you all the way
I just have a strong feeling that this is the year for Chrsytall’s Emmy. She has done so much for the soap world and with her online soap, Venice. And don’t forget the LGBT community. She is a beautiful woman who does beautiful work. More power to her and Good Luck at The Emmy’s..
thanks Michael & Crystal….once again, great questions and i always love any and all answers Crystal gives! funny, honest, sassy….she brings it all plus more! i’ve heard a few stories about who will win this year’s EMMY but i support Crystal and look forward to her gracing the stage with an endearing acceptance speech! if by some silly twist of fate one of the other nominees wins (OMFCC, i can’t believe i just put that in writing) she’s said she’ll drink enough to make her think she has…and so will i!
L*O*V*E & T*H*A*N*K*S* to you Crystal for EVERYTHING you have brought, and continue to bring to your audience ☮♡☺xo♥♀♀