All My Children
AMC's Debbi Morgan Interview: As Angie is at a crossroad in her life, Emmy winner wraps up life in Pine Valley & heads to Genoa City!
Courtesy/ABC
It has been a remarkable 29-year run for Debbi Morgan as Dr Angie Hubbard on All My Children. And in two weeks time we, the audience, will not only have to say our farewell to Dr. Angie permanently, but goodbye to the network television run of the series featuring Angie and her friends and loved ones in Pine Valley.
A few months back, Debbi decided to get a new lease on her soap life and signed a contract with The Young and the Restless. While details of her new role are shrouded in secrecy, she will first hit the air in her latest incarnation on October 7th. But for now, over at AMC, Dr. Angie is trying to get her eyesight back, dealing with the cover-up by her husband Jesse, and loss of her baby girl, and handing back the little one she believed to be her own to Maya, the birth mom! And who else could play all this and hit it out of the park time and time again, but Daytime Emmy winner, Morgan?
On-Air On-Soaps recently caught up with Debbi at the final All My Children press junket to get her thoughts on the ending of the 41-year-old soap, Angie’s plight, her new digs, and turning off the lights in P.V.! Here’s our “quickie” chat with Debbbi M.!
How did everyone feel over at All My Children, when you told them you were (in a way) jumping ship to head to the number one soap, The Young and the Restless?
DEBBI: Julie Hanan Carruthers our executive producer; just gave a brunch the other weekend for AMC creator, Agnes Nixon, and Agnes said, “I can’t believe it. How long is your contract for over there?” And I said, “Well, I signed a two year contract over at Y&R Agnes.” And she said, “I’ll be dead by then.” I said, “Please, Agnes. Don’t say that!” And so her daughter to lighten the moment said, “Mom, whatever you have to write for her, you better write for her now.”
Are you now ready to put down Dr. Angie’s stethoscope and put it away, and move on to Genoa City?
DEBBI: I am. As much as Angie has meant to me, as an actress I am definitely ready for another challenge. I will say this; she won’t have any traces of Angie… that is much as I can say about her.
Courtesy/ABC
On AMC, poor Angie has suffered so for months! Total Blindness, losing her child, a baby-switch! I mean, if they are going to throw an actress everything but the kitchen sink and make it work, they probably went, “Let’s give it to Morgan! She can handle it!” (Laughs) But that being said, how was navigating through the constant blindness, the pregnancy, the emotions of her situation on a daily basis?
DEBBI: You know what? I am so exhausted with it! I had no idea it would last this long. Well, I got sick last year which is part of the reason since I was gone for three months, and that I think stretched it out some more. But the thing I think that has been the most difficult is that when you act, the eyes are the windows to the world. You express so much with your eyes, and not being able to utilize that has just been torture for me. I went, “Guys! I am so ready for this to be over!” But yet with that being said, it had been some great story to play in combination with losing her child, Ellie and giving up her chance to see so she can have this child, and then in the end she still winds up losing this child anyway. So it had been a great story.
Having made Dr. Angie Hubbard such a identifiable staple of the fabric of Pine Valley and All My Children, what are you feeling as the show is about to air its final few weeks of episodes?
Courtesy/ABC
DEBBI: I feel like everybody, there is sadness, and coupled with the sadness is a huge disappointment. We were told we were being taken off the air because of low ratings. And for me, I don’t know anybody, who knows anybody, who knows anybody with a Nielsen Box. We know there are so many loyal fans who watch this show who are just not accounted for. I just can’t believe with all the technology advances that they are making, that we have not come up with a better way to do a ratings system, then the Nielsen Ratings. So it’s a huge disappointment for me to see how terribly saddened our fans are. And it’s like telling them, that they don’t matter! That has bothered me more than anything.
As this part of your soap career comes to end and you look back body at your body of work as Angie, and all the storylines and the enormously popularity of the Jesse and Angie love story, what is your takeaway from it?
DEBBI: I have said this many times, because of this character, I have probably logged more hours than any other African American television performer. And being a woman of color, great parts like this don’t come along, and for that, this role has meant so much to me. To have a job, and to be someplace where I was happy to be, and to get to play so many different things has been unbelievable. It’s like when you do a primetime series it’s usually seeing a character at their career, but in this job in daytime you get to see her characters home life, her career, and the trials and tribulations with her children. There have been so many different avenues I have gotten to go with this Angie and that is what has meant a lot to me.
Courtesy/ABC
So even though you will not be staying with AMC with its projected move to the web early next year, and having been one of the genres most powerhouse performers, what do you think about the future of soaps on the Internet and on daytime television?
DEBBI: I think the All My Children move to the web with Prospect Park is going to happen and there will be this huge transition overall in our business to web series. It happened with radio went series migrated to television, and eventually they will start creating more new soaps for the web. And as far as daytime television soap operas, I definitely feel The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful will be the last two standing.
Starting on May 1, All My Children fans in Canada will be able to see classic episodes of the beloved former ABC soap opera when they stream on Pluto TV Canada.
Pluto TV picked-up the All My Children Channel that the Nixon family has created in partnership with BEONDTV +. The show which aired for 41 years on ABC and ended on the network in 2011, had so many memorable storylines and characters; the least of which is the enduring run of Erica Kane played by soap icon, Susan Lucci.
As previously reported, starting with episodes from the year 1995, which was the 25th anniversary of the soap. Pluto TV Canada viewers will be able to catch 8 episodes on repeat per day. With the success of the venture, the Nixons are hopeful that they will bring viewers many more years of the show to come.
Photo: ABC
Sarah Nixon, producer, shared with Michael Fairman TV exclusively, “We are thrilled that Pluto TV has launched All My Children in Canada! Let’s hope the engagement from our incredibly loyal fans across the border will encourage ABC to bring it to the U.S.! We share what Aggie (Agnes Nixon) always felt, that it is the enthusiasm and love from the fans that has kept this legacy beloved and relevant – to this day!”
In addition, 0ne week ago, during Susan Lucci’s visit to Los Angeles promoting her book La Lucci, she was joined by her former Pine Valley castmates, Rebecca Budig (ex-Greenlee, AMC, now Taylor, B&B) and Eva LaRue (ex-Maria, AMC) and the trio posed for a pic. At that time, LaRue shared via Instagram, “NEW All My Children channel streaming classic episodes 24/7 now on Pluto TV Canada! Fingers crossed to watch soon on Pluto US.”
That was also confirmed this week by TV Watercooler’s Jeevan Brar who took to X and expressed, “The All My Children channel begins streaming this Friday, May 1 on Pluto TV Canada.
So, Canadian viewers, excited about Pluto TV’s All My Children channel? United States fans, hopeful from Sarah’s message that perhaps soon, we can see the beloved soap once again as well? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
Saul Consuelos, the father of All My Children alum and Live with Kelly and Mark co-host, Mark Consuelos (ex0-Mateo, AMC), has died. During an emotional moment on this mornings, April 6 edition of the syndicated talk show, Mark shared, that his dad, “passed away peacefully” back on March 23 following a long illness.
His wife and co-host, Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley, AMC) paid tribute to her her father-in-law expressing, he was, “the greatest person I’ve ever known. I can honestly say I will miss him every day for the rest of my life, as I know you will, as our children will. He really is so symbolic of everything you are.”
Kelly and Mark’s children, Joaquin, Michael and Lola Consuelos are said to be taking this extremely hard. Ripa added, “This is the first loss they’ve ever experienced in their lives. And I said, ‘By the time I was 8, I had no grandparents. You got to grow up (with grandparents). You got to have deep, meaningful conversations (with them).”
Photo: KRipaIG
In another moment, Mark reflected on his dad. “It’s funny, I used to make a joke about my dad … if you asked him what time it was, he would tell you how to build a watch. There were a lot of lectures, a lot of lectures and I learned so much. If he was fixing something in the house, he’d make me watch and do it. And I didn’t know at the time why he was doing that. But now at the house, I’m able to do at least half of the stuff that he did. I learned the most by just watching him.”
Mark added that Saul Consuelos came to the U.S. from Mexico in his early teens and served our county for decades, detailing, he “Ended up at Special Operations Command in Tampa. This young kid from Mexico just got his education from the navy. Was always going to school. Was brilliant. Got his Masters while I was a kid. He loved his country so much, If you’re going to put a face to an immigrant, he would be the prime example of what this country promises people.”
In a very heart-tugging moment, Consuelos shared that now its important they be there for his mother, Camilla. “We gotta take care of mom. We’re trying to convince my mom to move to New York. She’s such a character, she’s stubborn. What do you think, a cooking segment here on Fridays with Camilla?”
Now below, watch the very touching and emotional moments as Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa mourn the loss of Saul Consuelos.
Let us know, what you thought of the remarks made by Kelly and Mark on the death of Mark’s father via he comment section.
All My Children
Sarah Michelle Gellar Visits ‘The View’ Where Hosts Sidestep Controversial ‘Buffy’ Reboot Axing, But Talk ‘All My Children’
On yesterday’s March 17 episode of The View, All My Children alum, Sarah Michelle Gellar (ex-Kendall Hart), was the special guest. Since Monday, Gellar has been the subject of a hot-button issue since about the surprising turn of events that the highly-anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, in which she stars, and which was directed in the pilot by Oscar-winning director, Chloé Zhao, was no longer moving forward.
Gellar‘s appearance on the ABC morning talk show was devoid of any mention of Hulu cancelling its planned Buffy: New Sunnydale, in which Sarah was set to appear along with Ryan Kiera Armstrong. However, Gellar did discuss her new movie Ready or Not 2: Here I Come from Searchlight Pictures.
It should be noted that both Hulu and Searchlight Pictures are owned by The Walt Disney Company, while The View is produced by ABC News, which is also owned by The Walt Disney Company.
Courtesy/ABC
During the awkward interview, when it became clear the ‘Buffy’ reboot topic was off the table, The View co-host Sunny Hostin, talked about the “intense fight scenes” that have become a staple of her TV and film career starting with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Scream 2, and I Know What You Did Last Summer.
The ladies of The View also brought up Sarah’s beginnings on All My Children as Kendall Hart (1993-1995), showing a scene with her and her on-screen mother, the iconic Erica Kane, played by Susan Lucci. The discussion sprung out of another All My Children alum, Michael B. Jordan (ex-Reggie Montgomery) winning the Oscar this past Sunday for Best Actor for his role in Sinners. The View’s Joy Behar was quick to point out with Gellar, the All My Children alums that have gone on to great fame.
Photo: ABC
Previously on Monday, Gellar opened up to PEOPLE about being blindsided before while at the SXSW Film & TV Festival premiere for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come. “I got the call as we were stepping onto stage for the premiere of their own movie. And it’s also the weekend of Chloé going to the Oscars as a best director nominee for Hamnet. For them to call us on the Friday of what should have been Chloé’s victory lap for an incredible film, and my world premiere of something that I worked very hard for is… that says something.”
She went to say, “We had an executive on our show who was not only not a fan of the original, but was proud to constantly remind us that he had never seen the entirety of the series and how it wasn’t for him.” Deadline reports that “multiple sources” identified the executive as Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich.
“I loved the duality that we had with this new, younger slayer who was where Buffy was when the show started, and then we would pick up with where Buffy was now,” Gellar told People about the setup. However, according also to Deadline “After the pilot was completed and delivered, according to multiple sources, Hulu’s main note was that it played too young, with some indicating that the streamer also felt the show was too “small.”’
In the rewrite, sources also told the outlet that the writers did not take big enough swings, so they set out to do a rewrite it again. The last revision was more adult, featuring a lot more of Gellar’s Buffy, and was described as a more of a streaming show than a network one. When all is said and done there is hope that another Buffy IP will be up and running within the next couple of years.
You can check out Sarah Michelle Gellar’s full segment on The View below. Now let us know, bummed there is no Buffy reboot? What do you think about how this high profile Hollywood saga was side-stepped on the morning show? Did you love Sarah as the original Kendall Hart on All My Children? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Matt Bomer Sums Up His ‘Guiding Light’ Run as Ben Reade in 1 Minute as He Reflects On Time in Springfield
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Burns Delilah’s Photo with a Promise in Touching Turn from Nathan Dean
AEW Honors Ted Turner with 10-Bell Salute
Josh Griffith Steps Down as Executive Producer of ‘The Young and the Restless,’ Remains Head Writer; Sally MacDonald Upped to Sole EP
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
‘General Hospital’s’ Giovanni Mazza Performs Aladdin’s ‘A Whole New World’ Ahead of Monday’s Crossover with Michael James Scott
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan is Rocked at News of Delilah; Is Baby Phoebe His Child?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Burns Delilah’s Photo with a Promise in Touching Turn from Nathan Dean
AEW Honors Ted Turner with 10-Bell Salute
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Remy to Dylan, ‘Since You Owe Me, I’m Here to Collect!’
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan, Cassius and Dante Discover Bombshell Revelations
‘Beyond the Gates’ Nicole Plays the Field: Who Is Her Ultimate Love Match?
-
General Hospital1 week agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Giovanni Mazza Performs Aladdin’s ‘A Whole New World’ Ahead of Monday’s Crossover with Michael James Scott
-
General Hospital1 day agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan is Rocked at News of Delilah; Is Baby Phoebe His Child?
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Chris McKenna On Jack’s Reaction to Carly Cheating On Him with Valentin: ‘Heartbreak and Absolute Rage and Humiliation’
-
Recaps4 days agoY&R’s Joshua Morrow Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’: His Co-Stars Couldn’t Agree More (Exclusive)
-
Breaking News1 week agoJacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
This is a very nice interview. I along with everyone else who is a fan of AMC hate to see Debbie leave. We have wanted her back for so many years. Finally get what we want and this happens. What she says about the rating system is true. There are thousands of fans out there who are not being counted. Had they been, ratings would have been much higher. However, I do NOT believe this was the reason for cancellation. The viewers were there, it is just the much less expensive shows they want today, and that would be reality shows. So I give my favorite spot on ABC to The Chew (unhappily) and await AMC online for which I will be as faithful as I was when it was on ABC. However, ABC is off my TV forever as of 9/23 after AMC is finished.
Personally I wish she would stay with AMC my gosh we don’t need anymore new faces at Y&R!!! We have Genie Francis, Tristan Rogers, Maura West, before she was fired the list goes on and on but MAB & Sony cannot afford MTS who we have loved for 32 years on Y&R. It is like musical chairs and personally I don’t give a dam how good an actress they are stay off of Y&R!!! Sick of it ! Bill Bell would never have done this!
Yeah i’ll be done with ABC for good when OLTL goes off in January.
I know exactly how you feel…I refuse to watch any of those new shows.
Dear soap opera goddesses out there,
Please let Miss Debbi have a long-running visible character to play on Y&R when she begins airing in October. Thanks! 🙂
I think she’s gonna be Devon’s mother.
I thought Devon’s mama was Yolanda? That was an entire s/l for a good while that invovled the Winters crew.
In regard to Ms. Morgan who I think is one of the best actresses around, signed a deal with Y&R before anyone was even aware of any dealings with PP. At the end of the day this is business and she has been nothing but loyal to ABC (playing Angie Hubbard for years in and outside of Pine Valley and as Ellen on Port Charles), I think we can say ABC has NOT been the same to their employees or fans. If I knew my company was shutting down, there is no way I would sit by idling hoping they would change their minds. I would be on the grind trying to find other employment and that is what she did. So best wishes to her and I will follow her right over to Y&R and hope that they treat her well for the 2 yrs she has signed on for.
what a trader, she could of waited a while, but as far as her comment on Y&R AND BB being the last two soap standing, i think she is wrong. and if they are, thats sad, cause their really nothing special about these two soaps…
Aria,very unrealistic for you to say Ms Morgan should wait,good things dont always come to those who wait. If you lost a job and another great company offered you, a just as good or better job, would you wait on, well we may hire you back later ,the venue will be smaller,the money may be less ?As of this writing, no one for AMC has been hired by Prospect Park and yet 4 people from OLTL have been.Her bills are not going to wait,life is not going to wait.AMC’s future seems to be questionable,she made the right move for her(as did Jacob “JR Chandler”Young going to the Bold and Beautiful)I,which is what a smart person does. Good luck Ms Morgan in your new role and thanks for the great work especially at AMC.
debbie morgan is not a traitor – debbie signed with y&r way before prospect park even got involved with saving amc
I couldn’t have said it any better, Ethel.
Nice article! And congratulations on your new gig Ms. Morgan!!
Unless the networks get behind their soaps, I am afraid Ms. Morgan is right about Y&R & BB being the only soaps left. ABC is just waiting to dump GH and DOOL is a year by year thing. I truly miss the old days of soaps, when it was about good storytelling, characters and actors who could act.
You got that right, Lew. Tell me, what’s so great about GH? I think ABC favors them over AMC and OLTL.
I just now caught the part Y&R & B&B the last 2 standing so let’s run over there and ruin those two. Tell me does anyone care if she is coming to Y&R? MAB bring back MTS &VR and stop this now or are you trying to destroy your father-in-laws legacy?
The demos fro Y and R are equal to other shows in 18-34. Y and R fans are older, eventually their lead will be slim to none as they are not generating younger fans. The CBS shows are currently the strongest in total viewers, and B+B makes tons of money internationally. Y and R was able to keep their loyal viewers by not having such drastic turnover in producers and writers. The ABC shows changed direction wildly every time something wasn’t working. Fans got frustrated as their shows became unrecognizable. NBC had the same problem. From that perspective I also believe CBS will have the final 2 shows on. Days is giving itself a huge push right now…..and I hope they benefit from AMC’s cancellation. They would be smart to pick up an Alicia Minshew or Rebecca Budig.
While I am saddened that my soaps are going off of tv and hope they will be a huge success on the web or cable stations I knew it would be a matter of time before they did this. I wonder why the tv execs cannot come up with something new besides being copycats of the other stations. Remember the westerns,comedies, and variety shows? When they put the soaps on the web stations I will not watch ABC, CBS, or NBC except for local news. TV is becoming a wasteland.
It saddens me so to see AMC leave the airways. I’ve been a devoted fan for 41 years and I feel like I’m loosing a member of my family. I’m hoping Prospect Park can work a miracle and bring back to life a good part of the cast of AMC. For those who are moving on, I wll miss you dearly.