In another DAYS shockeroo, Suzanne Rogers revealed to TV Guide Magazine, that come March, our beloved heroine, Maggie Horton, (who is grieving the loss of her late husband, Mickey and who is going to face a terrible ordeal with Melanie) is about to suffer again from Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular disease. But what makes this so poignant and interesting is many know that Rogers has suffered from MG throughout her adult life. So much so that back in the mid-80’s when it was noticeable that the actress had consider weight gain and facial bloating, the DAYS powers-that-be wrote it into Maggie’s storyline. In addition the interview also discusses Rogers thoughts on the “Killing of Mickey” and why the show decided not to have Maggie ( a recovering alcholic) go on a bender.
Suzanne on her feeling on Maggie’s new battle with MG: “When I heard they were bringing back Maggie’s myasthenia I was very hesitant because it’s an aspect of my life I don’t like revisiting. Of course, I’m thankful for the work, and for the opportunity to get the message out once again. But there’s a part of me that’s very nervous about this. Of course, they’re dealing with it in a different way this time. Before, Days decided to deal with it because I was dealing with it, and I looked very different from the neck up. This time, Maggie will be affected in the arms and the limbs. That’s another way people can get MG, or you can get it all over from head to foot. It’s a crapshoot as to what you get. I was lucky that the kind I got was not a degenerative one. Thank God.”
Suzanne on if stress is one of the triggers of MG: “Oh, yes. And, Lord knows, Maggie’s had a lot of that recently! Her husband, Mickey, suddenly died. Her beloved Melanie [is about to] get shot. It’s been more than she can take. But I think—I hope!—she’s going to pull through this newest crisis. She always does. Stress is what brought it on for me. It came at a time when I was over 35 and dealing with that whole age stigma. Days was turning away those of us who’d been on the show for a while, and focusing on the new and the young. I was also going through a divorce at the time. Too much stress!”
Suzanne on if Maggie’s health issue could spell the end of her character for good! “Notoriously, the audience does not like [to watch] illness. I’m not sure where this is headed. I had a little talk with [Days exec producer] Gary Tomlin and he told me this is not going to be a myasthenia gravis storyline, per se. Maggie will be having symptoms that come and go.”
Suzanne, I hope they are not going to write Maggie out . I’m so happy that they have written you so well lately and you are a very important part of the Horton family. We’ve lost Gram, we can’t lose Maggie. I love Maggie. She’s funny, caring, strong and canning. I’m really happy that you don’t suffer from this disease anymore and you will be just playing sick. I remember when you went through that. Looking forward to more strong storylines with Maggie.
daysfan
14 years ago
Love Suzanne Rogers on Days! She adds a lot to the canvas. I was happy to hear back in Nov/Dec there were going to give her a storyline after the new year. If sounds like they changed things up at the last minute. Suzanne seems uncertain how it will pan out. I hope things work out.
Polly
14 years ago
I’ve got to say, I’ve been watching Days since the mid-70s when I was a kid, and sometimes you need the continuity of the more senior characters for stability with some of the storylines the writers come up with. MG is a part of life, and I prefer those “real life” stories over the world espionage, attempted murder, ESP and so on.
I have Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), which is Similar to MG, they are often misdiagnosed for each other because the symptoms are very similar…debilitating muscle weakness. I knew Suzanne Rogers had MG and I think she went into remission after a Thymectomy during her first occurrence. I am happy to see this storyline on DAYS. I think it will raise awareness for rare Chronic Illnesses. I have been watching DAYS since I was 15, I am now 35. Its ironic that a character on DAYS has an illness so close to mine! I’m very happy to read that Suzanne does not have MG Symptoms back in “real life”. I still suffer from LEMS, but remain to stay positive. Thanks for your time!
karen
14 years ago
My brother who was 20 years old was diagnosed the same time as Maggie in the 80’s. My brother is still okay and I pray so is Maggie.
I have watched the show since the begining and they are like family.
I will light a candle in church for you.
eve
13 years ago
what an inspiration you are to people who are suffering with neurological disorders. you have a fiery spirit and that’s what’s got you through the tough times. keep on keeping on.
monica
13 years ago
I am also suffering with this-condition for 21 years now I feel a lot better to see I am not alone.
robin johnson
12 years ago
It is comforting to know that this diease, from which i suffer, is finally going to get some attention. It can be devestating and virtually no one knows what MG is. Information about MG needs to be put out there for the public to see. I just hope the writers will be true to the echanics and symptoms of the disease. Nice work, Days.
Janet Noles
12 years ago
I have battled MG since 1990 after the death of my youngest son to cancer. I tackle it most of the time but when it flares up, it does a fantastic job. I would love to hear from Suzanne…if she has time. The support from others helps to keep positive vibes. I wish you health and happiness.
‘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.
