News
Tuc Watkins, Josh Kelly, Florencia Lozano, Shenell Edmonds have agreed to join OLTL online!
Courtesy/ABC
Looks like more of your favorites from Llanview have agreed, pending final guild agreements, to participate in the online version of One Life to Live with The Online Network (TOLN.com).
The four new names continuing on with Llanview on the web are: Tuc Watkins (David), Josh Kelly (Cutter), Florencia Lozano (Tea), and Shenell Edmonds (Destiny). This now brings the cast list to thirteen as of this moment.
So what do you think of the latest additions? We think things are looking bright from the cast side of things and the creative side of things with OLTL’s move to the web. Now we just have to see what Prospect Park’s next move is to finalize all the elements they need so that the series can have a successful launch and have the life the show needs to live! (No pun intended!)
Fans can register to receive the latest information and news at www.TOLN.com or www.theonlinenetwork.com.
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.
(INTERVIEW) Adam Huss Talks on His Latest GH Return, Maura West, Nicholas Chavez, and Being a Swiftie
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
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Jack and Nikki Hit Rock Bottom with Riveting Performances by Peter Bergman and Melody Thomas Scott
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
(INTERVIEW) Adam Huss Talks on His Latest GH Return, Maura West, Nicholas Chavez, and Being a Swiftie
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
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General HospitalApril 29, 2024GH’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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General HospitalMay 1, 2024Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
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Breaking NewsApril 25, 2024REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
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General HospitalMay 2, 2024Tristan Riggs is General Hospital’s New Aiden
i am ecstatic about this new, especially pf Florencia Lozano and Tuc Watkins… both are fantastic actors, Tuc brings great comedic levity to the show and Florencia is just a powerhouse… great news!!!
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
All great news and “thank you” Prospect Park…Now about priorities, please remember
*****ROBIN STRASSER****** the operational and much functional role ofmatriarch of the Cramer Family as LLNAVIEW MAYOR DORIAN CRAMER LORD
All of the Cramer women need her, Llanview needs her, & we the fansmillions – need her!
*******ILENE KRISTEN****** aka Rex and Natalie Balsom’s “Mom” and Shane’s “Grandma” as FOXY ROXY BALSOM (Roxy Rocks Bigtime!) and proprietor of her hair salon venue & the Angel Square Hotel along with
MORRIS aka porcupine in residence there, the pseudo hotel clerk…he’ll work for food…
Now, about signing the two Todds…
It is slowly coming together. Hmmmm, no Ford Brothers? YES!!
Sorry, I know I am one of the few, but I really like the Ford Brothers… and will say so all the time. Robert Ford has come a long way since he first came to town, and after Wednesdays show (Nov 2 – 11) I really like how he stood up to Clint and how Clint agreeded to give him a chance. Three cheers to Robert Ford !!!
completely agree with you on this
This is more wonderful new !
Woo hoo, especially David and Tea continuing on OLTL! Destiny I could do without.
Is this half the current cast they have? Or a third?
Could that be because the young girl that plays Destiny is BLACK. Is it she doesn’t belong on this show with the good white people.
Could it be Waltina that with a name like that you have to make everything about black and white?
No, I don’t like Destiny because she’s a bad actress, along with Jack, and a other people on there.
Don’t play the race card on everything in your life, stop being so bitter!
Quit being so uppity. Destiny is a horrible actress, and before you randomly throw around the race card I’m black and my sister (black) named her son Blake.
People who see racism everywhere it’s not just make it harder for people when they encounter real racism. Get off your high horse.
Maybe with a name like Blake look at your own self. I’m not bitter. I asked a question. People like you always assume Black people are playing the race card when in essence it’s you who do those thing every day or your life. One thing you did say that I agree with is there are many bad actresses/actors on this show. What I responded to was those actors/actresses was not mentioned just Shenell. As for my name I can only assume you are white with a name like that. As for my life I have had sixty-five of them, how many do you think you will have, and you stop being bitter.
Oh you got me! You brought up the race issue when there wasn’t one so don’t turn it around on me. So you are saying that since I am white I cannot say I don’t like a black character or actress is what it is.
And if you are 65 years old that is sad that you are still like that.
I’m still like what? You Blake didn’t have to tell me you were White I already knew that by your name and your comment you made about the character of Destiny. You can say what you what because this is a free country, but sometime we have to look at the reason we say certain things, and who we say them about. And about my age, you don’t have to be sad about me, I hope you live to get this age and more.
To Loti comment, I could care less if you are black or white. But don’t hide your head in the sand and pretend there is no racism everywhere. That’s the trouble some don’t want to see. As for Shenell character Destiny there are some people who don’t see her as this horrible actress. Since you say you are Black you should be happy that she’s given the opportunity to appear on a Soap since you rarely see blacks and they just fade away into the back ground when they are on one. As for me being uppity that’s your opinion, but I will stay on my high horse. Good for your sister in the name she chose for her son as my father chose my name for me which I love.
I happen to love Shenell Edmonds as Destiny – BUT, she really isn’t that great an actress. However, she’s starting to grow as an actress and that’s what makes her fun to watch (that and the fact that her character is fearless)
Shenell IS a bad actress as is the guy who plays Jack, but they’re young and soaps have been a good training ground for young people. The girl who used to play “Babe” on AMC was terrible when she started, but got steadily better. And, Blake NEVER mentioned the fact that Shenell was black; you did, Waltina. He’s entitled to not like a particular actress. Get rid of the race card. It’s played waaaay too much.
As a huge OLTL fan, I’m happy to see so many cast members sign on, but what’s going on with AMC?! So far, only three actors have agreed to participate in the new version. I find this baffling and sad as I really miss the show and am anxious to see it resume. BTW, does anyone know if Prospect Park has found a new studio for OLTL?
It doesn’t sound promising for either show since Prospect Park is still looking for investors! OLTL has the better chance to continue since it’s still on!
why all the hatred of the Ford brothers? I for one like them. I like Robert Ford with Jessica too.
plus they are nice eye candy
Awesome news on Florencia!! . Thank you PP for keeping such a wonderful actress and looking foward to continue to watch online.
Yes, terry, I agree with you, see my comment to “Lew”
Hey Brian, I know that quite a few people are fans of the Ford brothers and that is fine. I agree with you that the character of Ford has evolved over the past two years, but attention should also be paid to the longtime characters as well. I think people would accept the Fords more, if the writers would come up with interesting stories for them, instead of thinking the ratings will go up if guys take off their shirts. I look forward to show’s rebirth.
Fantastic news!! I continue to be so proud of this show… I was truly devastated when the cancellation news broke in April. But with the show in such awesome shape at the time (creatively, good ratings that had been trending upward for quite some time BEFORE the cancellation and after, under budget, etc.), I strongly felt that some smart business entity would recognize this show’s viability, pick it up, and find a way to make money with it…in a way that ABC did not seem to have the smarts to do.
Something I don’t understand though…: What is with all the snarky, negative remarks about the Ford Brothers ? I really don’t get it at all… All three of those young actors are pretty damn descent. Not to even mention the eye candy factor.. Tune in to watch those kids on DOOL (and other shows) trying to act their way through scenes and see how painful that is to sit through by comparison. I really enjoy watching all three of those actors. They do a fine job (and I’m a tough critic!), and they ALL hold their own with some of the show’s most heavy hitters. (example; Remember Nate’s scenes with Hillary B. Smith when Nora found out what he’d done to Matthew??). Good stuff. I for one am very thankful to have those three handsome, charismatic young actors as a part of our OLTL younger set! And I REALLY hope they will continue to breathe life to those characters when the show moves to PP.
What’s the point of signing Josh Kelly to PP if Terri Conn said no to PP’s deal? Aubrey/Christine (along with his sister Kim) were his only connections to the show’s canvas! How are they going to redeem Cutter after he framed Kim for his murder at the Spotted Pony? Are they going to have him be related to either Alex Olanov or David Vickers? What about the MTV pilot that JK signed up for a couple of months ago? Is his part in the pilot going to be recast? Will the show not get picked up for series? Or can he do both shows at the same time?
Great news !!
Why do people dis the Ford brothers…I like them,mind you I wasn’t watching the show when they first came on.
I’ve only been watching the show again since January.
I’m saddened that Brandon Buddy will not be reprising the role of Cole Thornhart.
But the character is coming back….could this mean that Marty may also be back on the canvas ?
And the burning question – will Roger and possibly Trevor sign with PP?
Positively thrilled about Flor joining the PP cast! She is the heart of the show as far as I am concerned. I hope PP treats her and Tea well. Furthermore, I want to see her other half return. PP needs to give TSJ whatever he wants to entice him to return. The need to work around HIS schedule. Allow him to do his outside projects, etc. TSJ’s char (whomever he may be) and Tea are simply to precious to give up without a fight.
So agree with you about TSJ. Give him whatever he wants–he has earned it. TSJ and Lozano on the internet together–think of the possibilities. Who wouldn’t pay to see them?
Yay–This Is Super-Cool News! 🙂
This is great news. I am thrilled that Tea and David will be staying on. I hope this will lead to Roger Howarth and Robin Strasser to join since they have connections to these two characters. I think Josh Kelly is a great addition as well. I am sure they are going to tie him to one of the families. To me, I think the actors who play the Ford brothers have come a long way. Ford and Jess are really starting to develop chemistry. The actor who plays Nate has grown as an actor. At times, I think he tends to overact some scenes, but turns in some solid performances. Of the three, I think James is the one whose okay. I don’t think he really has had much storyline to work. Even the actor who plays Jack, is probably the one actor who still needs more time to grow as an actor. To me, the acting on OLTL outshines some of the other ensemble casts in daytime. Even to the end, I could never find myself interested in the storylines and actors of AMC. It had some good actors, but I think most of them were really bad. Or it was the writing on the show.
I think OLTL continues to move in the right direction. I know the cast and crew are coming to end of their ABC run towards the end of November. I can’t imagine them having too much of delay since they need to pick up on Jan 16th. I hope PP is able to finalize things so there is no break to the online version. I worry for AMC fans that only 3 actors have signed on and they have been off the air for over a month.
Dare I say I agree with you about Andrew Trischitta who plays Jack. He has improved over time. I like him and his character–which I never expected–and I hope he is given the chance to continue.
Florencia Lozano, YES!! I don’t know where to begin with how incredible it is watch her. Love that Tea is pregnant by Victor. If only TSJ would return–together they radiate the heat of nuclear fusion.
Yes, the ensemble cast of OLTL is amazing. Better than anything in primetime. I hope more additions continue to reunite the cast (Smith, Woods, Kristen, Strasser, TSJ).
Good news, especially about FL. The superstar who keep on shining.
OLTL wouldn’t be OLTL without Tea. FL is the best actress currently on Daytime. Thrilled to hear this. This whole thing really seems to be coming together. I’m really thrilled to read Josh has signed on too. He is an incredible talent and a character like Cutter has so many layers yet to uncover. Since the soap will be online, perhaps Josh will be able to do his MTV show at the same time. After all, Tuc did DH and OLTL, didn’t he? I sure hope Robin changes her mind now that Tuc is on board. But if she doesn’t, they just have to bring back the character of Dorian somehow. I wonder if Elaine Princi is still available?
Red, it was not RS that turned them down. They have not asked her to join. It is PP who has no interest in Dorian unlike the fans of the show.
David without Dorian? What?
The only reason why I think PP hasn’t asked Robin S. to come back to OLTL online is due to budget reasons. They are probably trying to see how OLTL can get launched first and then make her an offer she can’t refuse. Let’s hope. PP has been pretty savy so far on how to get this off the ground. They have been listening to us viewers from the beginning. Remember…they are the ones who saved OLTL with our support and voice. I still have hope PP will make an offer to Robin, if not now, but down the road. We viewers know how invaluable Robin is to OLTL. And I believe PP knows that too. I can’t say the same about ABC. They don’t even have the common courtesy to invite her back for the final episodes.
can’t to see tea and todd scenes again
Extreemely happy abot Devid and Destiny going to PP. Now loets get Bo, Nora,and Matthew to sign. The problem I have with the Fords is that some great charaters have been thrown under a bus for them. I used to love the Characters of Marko and Brody and they were destoyed to prop the Fords.
Would be great if Andrea Evans would stick around as Tina!
yes, that would be very good ! and Cord as well.
What about Patrick Gibbons, Jr. who plays Sam Manning? He is irresistibly cute.
Now that it’s going online, any chance we can bring back Oliver and Fish?? It was a travesty that Kish was written off without so much as an explanation!
Good Afternoon Guys, We are definitely a vocal bunch! I have watched OLTL since 1971 and I there have been great actors and stories and HORRIBLE actors and stories. I think with the show’s tight budget with ABC, OLTL could not hire the top tier actors like Y&R. I think the writing staff of OLTL and the executive producer see the show as a campy soap and they try to appeal to everyone. I hope the humor continues when they move online and Prospect Park has the budget to fill the screen with talented actors and not have to rely on skin to sell a story.