News
A Martinez Reveals Former SANTA BARBARA Castmate & Friend Dane Witherspoon Has Passed Away!
Courtesy/AMartinezFacebook
Sad news to report over the weekend from Daytime Emmy winner A Martinez (Ex-Cruz Castillo) regarding his former Santa Barbara cas mate and friend, Dane Witherspoon, who passed away at the age of 56.
Santa Barbara fans will remember that Dane Witherspoon played the original Joe Perkins on the NBC soap opera, but after a few months was let-go from the role and later was cast on CBS’ Capitol as Tyler McCandless. Dane met Robin Wright on Santa Barbara and the two of them were wed in 1986.
A Martinez shared the news on his facebook page offering these sentiments: “Dane passed this morning. People who watched Santa Barbara in its earliest days will remember him as Joe Perkins, a character to which he brought a quiet grace and deep, bittersweet sense of soul. He was a singular, standup guy, loved and admired by many. My first thought, upon meeting him in 1984: “This is the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.” That beauty went all the way to his core. “How fragile we are,” to quote the poet. Dane was a most compelling man, and it must have been very hard on him to drift away from the path he first imagined. We’d do well to hold his kin in our thoughts, and imagine them finding a way to make the most of the lessons of his life.”
What do you think of A’s thoughts on the passing of Dane Witherspoon? Did you watch the great Santa Barbara during its run? Let us know!
General Hospital
GH’s Tabyana Ali Responds to Nicholas Chavez Exit: “I Hope That We Will Get the Chance to Work Together Again Someday”
The “Sprina” that everyone knew and loved is not coming back in the form fans have been accustomed to, at least, anytime soon after Nicholas Chavez last week confirmed his exit from General Hospital.
After months of speculation if Chavez would return to his soap role, after exiting to film a leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, he revealed he has stepped away from the role via a post on his social media accounts.
Now, the other half of Sprina, Tabyana Ali, has offered up her thoughts on Nick’s exit from the series. Speaking to Soap Opera Digest, she shared, “I want the best for him and all of his endeavors and I hope that we will get the chance to work together again someday. I also want to show my gratitude to Sprina Nation as well.”
Photo: ABC
As to what the future holds for Trina, and where the character goes from here, Tabyana would like to see a character turn, adding, “I would like her to have a vendetta story or a revenge story. Or the love of her life is gone and now she just turned evil a little bit.”
However, Ali is very aware that Trina is not wired like that emotionally, at least, as she is written now, “I don’t know how much that would be possible. She’s such a kind-hearted person at her core.”
Photo: ABC
How would you feel if the show recast the role of Spencer with another actor, and brought Spencer back from the “dead”, given that his body was not found? Would you like to see another actor paired with Tabyana? Or, should Trina find happiness with a new love, and THEN, a recast Spencer shows back up?
And you never know, as Nicholas Chavez put it in his exit statement, “While there are no current plans for me to return, we are still talking very openly about future possibilities for Spencer in Port Charles.”
Vote in our poll below, and let us know what your hopes are for Trina’s future, via the comment section below.
News
WWE Reveals WrestleMania 41 Host City as Las Vegas in April 2025
It was seemingly down to the tale of two cities, would it be Minneapolis or Las Vegas that would host WrestleMania 41 next year? On May 4th, following WWE Backlash in Lyon, France streaming on Peacock, the official announcement was made.
Opting for the warmer climate, the WWE in conjunction with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, revealed that Las Vegas will host WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, 2025.
“Las Vegas is the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World. Allegiant Stadium has proven to be even greater than the A+ venue Las Vegas guaranteed it would be,” said Nick Khan, WWE President. “We look forward to bringing WWE’s biggest event, WrestleMania, to Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium so we can collectively make WrestleMania 41 on April 19 & 20, 2025, the most successful WWE event of all time.”
“Bringing the iconic global brands of WWE and Las Vegas together will create what is sure to be an unforgettable event and weekend,” said Steve Hill, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President & CEO. “As the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World, hosting WrestleMania 41 is the perfect addition to our events calendar, and we can’t wait to welcome the WWE Universe to Las Vegas in 2025.”
In addition to the two-night stadium event, WWE will bring Raw, SmackDown, NXT Stand & Deliver, WWE World and the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony to Las Vegas, as well as a variety of community outreach events designed to give back to the local region.
This past April, WrestleMania 40 took place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and had a combined attendance of 145,298 for the two-night event. WrestleMania 40 became the most successful and highest-grossing event in company history, and the WWE will aim to break that record next year in Las Vegas.
The last time WrestleMania was in Las Vegas was back in 1993 when it was held at Caesars Palace and was the first WrestleMania event to be held outdoors.
So, what do you think of Las Vegas becoming the host city for WrestleMania 41? Do you think this year’s cold climate in Philadelphia swayed the decision against Minneapolis? Will The Rock return as “The Final Boss” to battle WWE Universal Champion, Cody Rhodes, next year at WrestleMania? Stay tuned.
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
GH’s Tabyana Ali Responds to Nicholas Chavez Exit: “I Hope That We Will Get the Chance to Work Together Again Someday”
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Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
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(INTERVIEW) Y&R’s Peter Bergman Deconstructs Jack’s Desperate Move to Sober Up Nikki, the Repercussions Ahead, and the Loss of TV Mom, Marla Adams
(INTERVIEW) Adam Huss Talks on His Latest GH Return, Maura West, Nicholas Chavez, and Being a Swiftie
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Of course it was sad news whether one knows him or not…that was a terrible question to ask!!! Yes, i watched Santa Barbara and this was a soap i really miss. I remember Dane in the role and didnt like it when replaced by Mark Arnold but the latter did grow on me when time passed!!! How much i miss Gina, Mason, Eden and Cruz and the rest!!! One of the few soaps that didnt deserve cancellation…sure the ratings were low and the final year wasnt great but it still remains one of my favorite serials of all time!!!
LOL Jim…I thought the exact same thing about the question! Looks like the questions has been delicately reframed…
I see it was changed…
How Did he die? Very sad to hear this. I remembered him on Santa Barbara.
Beautiful words, those of a true friend
Santa Barbara was my very first soap, one i watched from the very first episode. i remember the opening scene, with Dane Witherspoon doing pull-ups in prison before he’s released. I had no idea of how soaps worked and I couldn’t understand why suddenly there was someone else playing him. There’s a piece of my childhood that dies with him. It sounds like he didn’t have a happy life, for that, even more than for the sadness with which my memories of him will now be tinged, I am unspeakably sad.
I watched Santa Barbara from the beginning but I stopped once Marcy Walker left the show. I remember Dane Witherspoon very well from that first year and IA with A Martinez, he was a beautiful guy. He and Robin Wright had phenomenal chemistry. I’m very sorry to hear he’s passed away, but I was happy to hear that A Martinez kept in touch with him over all these years. It’s great to hear that Santa Barbara started a long friendship like that. I also watched Mr. Witherspoon on Capitol. He was a talented, good looking guy, and I was a fan. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
A’s words are beautiful.
Very sad.
Was Jennifer Reeves on the show when he played Joe?
I think you mean Melissa Reeves and yes, like DW, she was an original cast member of SB.
Yes! Melissa Reeves originated the role of Jade Perkins.
Yes, she (Melissa Reeves) originated the part of his little sister, Jade Perkins, when she was still Melissa Brennan. I don’t think they shared many scenes together because they sent her character off to Hollywood along with Danny Andrade around the time that Dane was playing Joe.
I cant remember if she was on when he was there but i remember her as Jade!!!
Oops, I meant Melissa Reeves. Was combining her Days’ character name with her name. 🙂
I remember her as Jade too, but don’t remember her being on too long before she popped up in Salem.
I do not remember him on Santa. Barbara but I do have memories of him from Capitol because like A. Martinez said he was stunning, His looks as well as his talents, left a impression on viewers. I am sad to hear he passed away so young, I hope he did not suffer.
Rest In Peace, Dane Witherspoon! Bless You! 😐
Such sad news…Dane Witherspoon was a prime and appealing example of those handsome All-American-type leading men that were so emblematic of the 1980’s Golden Age of Soaps (along with Jack Wagner, Grant Show, Charles (Flohe) Grant, Clayton Norcross, John Allen Nelson, etc…..) Today’s so-called daytime male “stars” cannot hold a candle to any of them!!!!! That being said, I still recall to this day “Santa Barbara’s” excellent usage of “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” as the soundtrack to the Joe Perkins/Kelly Capwell love story, and along with other posters here, I was not pleased with the “JP” recasting, although I happily watched DW transition to “Capitol” where he played the military hero role….perhaps a better fit for him. Always wondered why he never did much after that show wrapped up, as he had not only a wonderful presence, but a profoundly decent sort of persona. At any rate, yet another soap favorite from the past is now but a bittersweet memory…..
Totally agree Shay miss those gorgeous guys!
I know what you mean, k/kay…sigh!!!!! By the way, wanted to tell you I appreciated your comments on Rebecca Herbst from a previous post of a few days back. I also tend to take note of those with an obvious respect for healthy, disciplined living…and her appearance definitely bespeaks of those qualities! Not only is she in phenomenal shape, but her porcelain perfection is simply stunning. : )
That is sad. I was just little when Santa Barbara came on and couldnt fully appreciate it then but have re-watched it much since and what an awesome show it was. Joe and Kelly had a breathtaking chemistry. It still boggles my mind that the show recast Dane and then killed Joe off. I think that was the first of many big mistakes that the show made that contributed to its cancellation. But I could write blogs and blogs about that show. It is sad about Dane. Does anyone know how he died? And I knew him and Robin were involved, but did they actually marry?
Robin Wright and he were married for about two or three years. I will never understand why they replaced him he was perfect but SB had probably the most recasts of characters of any soap.
And I will NEVER understand how one could go from “Joe Perkins” to “Jeff Spicoli!”
@ Shay you threw me off there for a minute yes Mr. Penn was a down grade I will never understand that one!
♥ A Martinez always a class act and a true friend. Santa Barbara was great loved Cruz & Eden! Very sad news especially being so young!