News
One Life's Ron Carlivati on Passanante return and "new fun people" coming to the canvas!
In a new interview with On-Air On-Soaps, One Life to Live’s head writer, Ron Carlivati speaks to the addition of current As the World Turns head writer, and former OLTL scribe, Jean Passanante, who is heading back to the Llanview writing team later this summer. When word was announced of Jean’s new position as Associate Writer at One Life, fans and pundits felt it may have signaled the end for Carlivati. Not so. Ron addressed the decision to bring Jean on board.
Carlivati stated, “We had room in our writing team. I had worked with her before, and so I reached out for Jean to come onto our writing team. I think it blew up into what her role would be. It was she who hired me at One Life to Live. I am thrilled. Jean is a fantastic person and a fantastic writer. She gave me my first job, and it was she who hired me at One Life to Live. I have wanted to work with her ever since she left One Life to Live, and it never quite worked out. And unfortunately, I am working with her because As the World Turns is going off the air, but I am thrilled she is coming on. She is incredibly intelligent, and has a great sense of story that is well balanced. There is comedy and romance, and she can balance all those elements and she has a really good sense of character. She creates wonderful characters, and she sees the strengths and weaknesses of a character. A lot of what you saw going back to the classic Todd/Marty story had to do with Jean!”
Also addressed with Ron was if there was a new style or direction coming to One Life to Live on the horizon. The head writer offered up this statement. ” To me, our show is always changing and evolving. I think that is the nature of a soap opera. At the heart of it, it will always be the same core characters and the same core values. To that extent, we are bringing in some new fun people and our stories are shifting around and changing, but I think that is what we always do.”
Make sure to read the entire interview with Ron, and a seperate feature with Kristen Alderson as part of the three-day musical event, Starr X’d Lovers playing out on One Life to Live through Tuesday, May 18th.
General Hospital
Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
On Friday May 3rd, it was confirmed by Nicholas Chavez that he has indeed left his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital.
Taking to his account on X, Chavez shared some heartfelt goodbyes to the cast, the creatives and the fans of the ABC daytime drama series. This comes after months of speculation and reports that Chavez is not returning to his Daytime Emmy-winning role.
Chavez left the soap to go film his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix limited series, Monsters: The The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and in story on GH, Spencer went overboard on a boat, when he was drugged by Esme (Avery Pohl) on the Seine River in France. His body and Esme’s thus far have never been found.
Photo: ABC
In his heartfelt message on X, Nicholas expressed, “I’m so appreciative of the opportunity that GH gave me, and I wouldn’t be as busy as I am professionally if it weren’t for the talented producers, writers, directors and fellow actors. Frank Valentini is a mentor and a friend, and we’ve had some pretty extensive conversations about my future on the show.”
Photo: ABC
Sharing his thoughts on if the would ever come back to GH, Chavez added, “While there are no current plans for me to return, we are still talking very openly about future possibilities for Spencer in Port Charles.”
Finally, Nicholas shared,”Beyond the people I’ve already mentioned, I want to take some time to thank and honor the GH fan base… especially the Sprina fans… who must be THE most loyal and kind fan base in the universe of entertainment. Words fail to show the depth of my gratitude, thank you, I love you all very, very much.”
Photo: ABC
Nicholas took over the role of Spencer previously played by Nicolas Bechtel, in July of 2021, and his last episode aired on January 31st, 2024. In April, reports surfaced that the actor was not returning to GH after all.
What do you think about Nicholas Chavez farewell message? Are you sad that he has confirmed his exit from GH, or were you expecting it? Comment below.
I’m so appreciative of the opportunity that GH gave me, and I wouldn’t be as busy as I am professionally if it weren’t for the talented producers, writers, directors and fellow actors.
Frank Valentini is a mentor and a friend, and we’ve had some pretty extensive conversations…
— Nicholas Alexander Chavez (@nicholasachavez) May 3, 2024
News
Steve Kent Exits Sony; Will Serve as Y&R’s Executive in Charge of Production
While as previously reported, Steve Kent is out in his role as Senior EVP of Programming at Sony Pictures Television, where he oversaw both Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless, now comes word that he is going to continue at the top-rated soap opera.
According to Deadline, Kent’s Senior EVP Programming role is being eliminated and Kent’s responsibilities will be taken up by other members of the SPT production team going forward. Kent will now be the executive in charge of production on The Young and the Restless, as his sole show.
Steve had been overseeing both DAYS and Y&R since 2007. along with being in charge of development and production of original local language productions including Outlander, Nikola and more.
Photo: JPI
Before coming to Sony in 1996 as Vice-President of Production for then-Columbia TriStar Television, he was the supervising producer on Santa Barbara from 1984 to 1993. Throughout his tenure, he picked up three Daytime Emmys.
Photo: JPI
No word on who will handle Days of our Lives from the Sony side or if its as noted being divied up between the SPT production team which absorbs Kent’s duties.
So, what do you think about Steve joining The Young and the Restless as its executive in charge of production? Comment below.
General Hospital
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
Fitness Guru, Richard Simmons has been recently sharing many stories about his time in Hollywood and his career on his X account as he reflects on his life and prepares his biopic.
In a string of posts, containing moments from his time on General Hospital, and meeting many of who would be his co-stars in Port Charles, Simmons opened up about how he landed on the soap in its hey day.
Simmons began by explaining that after an appearing on an ABC local morning show with Regis Philbin, he got a call two days later about GH, and things took off from there.
Photo: JPI
Richard expressed, “I met with the most powerful woman in daytime television. Gloria Monty. I also met with the head writer Pat Falken Smith. These ladies were very smart. They told me their idea. I would teach exercise classes in a disco for all the ladies on the show.” He added, “A week before taping the show the studio asked me if I could drive over and do some promotional photos. In my car I brought with me six jogging suits….My make up…some towels and five pound weights. I still could not believe I was going to be on a soap. lol.”
When he got to GH’s studio, Simmons shared, “The first person that I met was Genie Francis (Laura). Her father was Ivor Francis an actor who had been on Broadway and many TV shows. Genie was so young and innocent looking. I clicked immediately with her.
Photo: ABC
“The second person I was introduced to was Anthony Geary (Luke),” recalled Richard. “Some people called him Tony. ..but I did not. He was an actor’s actor. Mr G had curly hair like me. When he was not acting he was sitting in his dressing room learning all of his lines. His door was always closed. One day when it was open. I asked if I could come in and sit and talk. This man won 8 daytime Emmys for playing Luke.”
“Now what can I say about Jane Elliot (Tracy)? She had an aristocratic face,” says Simmons. “One moment her character was very nice then she was the queen of mean. She allowed me to come into her room and chat while she was putting on makeup.”
Photo: JPI
Then, Richard recalled the late, great Stuart Damon (ex-Alan) and Jackie Zeman (ex-Bobbie). “I then met Prince Charming. Stuart Damon. He had been in a lot of TV shows and played Prince Charming on a special about Cinderella. Jackie Zeman was so cute. She had a pixie face.”
Simmons recalled when Rick Springfield joined the cast as Noah Drake, sharing, “While he was on the show his father passed away in Australia. I went to the news stand and bought him a bunch of magazines to read on the plane. How many times have you sung Jessie’s Girl and Don’t Talk to Strangers? When he came back from Australia he resumed his role.”
Courtesy/ABC
Noting his humble beginnings on GH running the aerobic classes at the Campus Disco, Richard recalled, “My first scene was in Luke’s Disco. All the nurses and other actresses were there dancing with me. I had never memorized lines before. So much was going on in my head. At the end of my scene, I heard the sound of heels clicking on the floor and everyone froze. It was Ms Monty and she was talking to me. ‘Richard the television is this big . You are talking like you are on a screen in a movie theater…bring your voice down.’ So I did.”
What do you think about the sentiments shared by Richard Simmons on his reflections on his time on General Hospital? Check out this OG GH scene with Richard leading the exercise class at the Campus Disco with some beloved Port Charles notables. Then, comment below.
Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
Steve Kent Exits Sony; Will Serve as Y&R’s Executive in Charge of Production
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
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Tristan Riggs is General Hospital’s New Aiden
GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”
Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
Tristan Riggs is General Hospital’s New Aiden
Kimberlin Brown Back to The Bold and the Beautiful
Haley Pullos Receives 90-Day Jail Sentence Following DUI Charge And Wrong-Way Car Crash
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
(WATCH) B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Annika Noelle Talk Lead Actress Emmy Nominations and Brooke and Hope’s Mother/Daughter Relationship
Juliet Donenfeld is the Temporary Recast as General Hospital’s Georgie
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Deacon and Finn Make a Shocking Discovery and Find Sheila
GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”
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Breaking NewsApril 25, 2024REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
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actually, I think a lot of viewers would like to see some old people come back on… namely Kish.
I totally agree, md1347. They are such a popular couple and both Scott Evans and Brett Claywell could be great at doing comedy as well as drama (especially raising a new baby). I honestly can’t understand why FV and RC cannot see the appeal this couple has both nationally and worldwide. No other couple in daytime has ever achieved the popularity they did in such a short time, and especially both nationally AND internationally. I would think the sponsors of the show would LOVE having them back as their products are sold and used in foreign countries the same as they are here in the U.S. They would be a great advertising plus for the show and its sponsors.
The “cop shop” just isn’t the same without Oliver. I love Brody and all, but he just doesn’t do the cop role very well. And, all of the people he ends arresting are at least a head taller than he is! He’s even shorter than most of the women on the show. He definitely does not do the police uniform justice, especially in comparison to Oliver Fish. Oliver was absolutely gorgeous in uniform …… strappingly handsome. He wore that uniform VERY VERY well.
Both Scott Evans and Brett Claywell just made AE’s Top 100 Hunkiest Guys list! Scott was #2 (WOW) on the list and Brett was #19. OLTL should be taking advantage of their immense popularity as they could (and I am convinced WOULD) definitely have the next soap supercouple as part of their cast. Sooner or later OLTL is going to have to realize that RIGI is horrible, and nobody likes them, especially FF! Even on OLTL’s own website, Rigi isn’t even mentioned whereas Kish is a huge fan favorite. Wake up, Mr. Valentini. You had a gold mine right under your nose and you let it get away! Please, for the sake of the viewers who have supported this show for 20, 30 and even 40 years, bring Kish back! The viewers have been loyal to you and to OLTL. Now YOU need to show some loyalty to the viewers. (And, by the way, I am a “mainstream” viewer …. white, married, middle-aged female from the midwest who has watched OLTL since its first airdate). As an obvious and extremely loyal viewer for 40 years, I think I have the right to ask for a KISH return! I would like to return to watching the show, but won’t if Kish isn’t a part of its future. Kish was wonderful and told such a beautiful story, one that benefitted the show immensely. It broke my heart to see them leave as they were the one thing that was actually keeping me watching the show.
I really hope Kish (Scott and Brett) will get to return to the show, as I think long-time loyal viewers of the show deserve at least that much from OLTL. It’s time for OLTL to show some loyalty to its fans and to society in general by bringing back the wonderful KISH storyline.
I agree with md1347, bring back “Kish”, even if it’s only in the way we see Marcie and Michael.. a few updates every couple of months would be good. Also, we could see Gigi visitng the baby once and awhile.
Yes, bring back Kish and I will never miss an episode ever again! Scott and Brett were such a special part of the show and they were super talented and the show is just not the same without them.
When is One Life To Live gonna start filming in Hi-Def?