All My Children
AMC's Francesca James At Center Of Bizarre Allegations From The Late Julie Harris' Former Employees and Friends!
Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos
Daytime Emmy winner, Francesca James (Evelyn Johnson/Kitty and Kelly Shea) of All My Children, and one of the most talented people we know in front of the camera, or behind the scenes, somehow is in the middle of this controversy over the will of the late five-time Tony Award winning actress and film and television star, Julie Harris in a report from the New York Post!
Julie Harris died of congestive heart failure August 24 at age 87. She’d suffered two strokes and was seldom seen in the last several years. And as we know, Francesca James was extremely close and cared very much for the legendary Harris, who she has said in the past was a great influence on her life.
According to the NY Post: “Several friends and longtime employees, who were fired by Francesca Rubino (James) including a housekeeper, a gardener and Harris’ lawyer, Herbert Nass — say she “wormed” her way into Harris’ life, took control of her medical and business affairs, and “isolated” Harris from her son, Peter Gurian.”
Rubino and Harris’ attorney dismiss these allegations as sour grapes. Reached at her home in New York, Rubino said: “There is no truth to any of these accusations. They are being made by disgruntled, fired employees.”
Isaac Peres, who replaced Herbert Nass as Harris’ attorney and is also an executor of her estate, said in a statement: “We are aware of the rumors that have been circulated by discharged employees of Miss Harris and all of the unfounded accusations circulating about Miss Harris’ will and codicil and about access to her toward the end of her life . . . We categorically deny any such rumors and accusations.”
According to the disgruntled people in Harris life, Harris named Francesca co-executor of her estate, which sources say could be worth as much as $10 million. In that capacity, she stands to earn commissions of up to $200,000. She also inherits $50,000 outright, and is permitted to select 10 items of Harris’ “tangible personal property of every kind,” including her Tonys.
The bulk of Harris’ estate was left to her son Peter. But there is an unusual codicil to the will: “In the event that . . . my son . . . physically assaults, threatens to assault, or otherwise harms, harasses, or intimidates myself or any of my friends . . . including Francesca R. Rubino . . . my trustees shall treat him as if he had predeceased me.” Rubino took out a harassment prevention order against Gurian three years ago after he “made a threatening gesture” at her, a source says.
But at the end of all of this accusatory drama towards Francesca is that: “The new attorney, Peres, said he is aware that Nass “has filed an objection to the will” but he claims Gurian wants Nass to “withdraw” it.” Gurian declined to comment.”
So, what do you think about these allegations brought up by the friends and former employees of Julie Harris towards Francesca? Is this just all about the battle for the will and the money of Harris’? It is hard for us to imagine James being painted in this light! Comment below!
Money makes people do strange things………I don’t know Francesca personally…so I wouldn’t venture to comment either way.
Where theres,smoke, theres fire.. Why were these employees,fired? Notice Francesca didnt deny she fired them, just called them disgruntled.
You’ve got to be kidding me! You say you don’t know Her? Wow. She has an excellent reputation and those people weren’t fired without cause. Did they challenge being fired prior to this?
I totally and wholeheartedly support Ms James. Sometimes you have to have faith in your friends.
I concur
This is not uncommon for acquaintances to take control of financial and medical decisions of wealthy and ill elderly people. They isolate the elderly from family and friends and long-time household help in order to gain control of them and their wealth. This is a matter for the courts to decide and hopefully get to the truth. If they find that the will and codicils were filed when the deceased was not of healthy mind ad body, it could be voided and the estate would go to the heirs from a previous will.
I knew there was something about her.
I am SO glad I live in Canada where fame and greed and lawsuits are not a way of life!
How wealthy could the woman have been?
Hard to tell much from the story; could be that it’s exactly as the lawsuit claims, or it could also be that Francesca James came in and “cleaned house” of people who themselves were not acting in Julie Harris’s best interest, and now they’re POed about it and suing her. That’s also not uncommon with elderly people–they become dependent on people who are around them and either ignorant of or are unaware of their ulterior motives, and someone stronger and more clear-sighted has to come in and do damage control. Not knowing any of the people involved personally, it’s tough to make the call, in the absence of anything more than the “he said, she said” kinds of information we get in the article. Francesca projects great warmth and likability on screen; we tend to assume that that reflects something inherent (and I think in most instances, it does), but I suppose one has to allow that it could also be nothing more than very good acting. I do *hope* it’s not true, though. I’d prefer to think of Ms. Harris’s final few years as being spent with someone who truly cared about her looking after her interests. Everybody deserves that, and I would particularly want it for someone whose performances gave so many people so much enjoyment through the years.
I live in Chatham and know the whole story. The housekeeper was a horrible woman who treated Julie very poorly – the whole Town loathed her. The attorney, Nass, protected the housekeeper and refused to do anything about her. She was his “eyes and ears” on the Cape. He overbilled Julie for his “services” many years and made a bundle of money off of her. He’s angry because Francesca James shut the money spigot off! These people cared little about Julie and Francesca did the right thing getting of these leeches. I know for a fact that Julie’s last days were spent in peace in her own home, thanks to Francesca.
Joe, who lives in Chatham, is correct. I was the person who Julie’s doctor called after her first stroke when Julie asked me to come to Cape Cod to be with her. ( I live in Camarillo, California. My husband, actor Eric Christmas, was a long-time friend of Julie’s.) The housekeeper, Kathy, who claimed she was Julie’s nurse, was mean to all of Julie’s long-time friends. I told Julie that Kathy was mean to me. Julie said she would tell Kathy to change. Kathy never changed. She had even gone through my luggage on the day I arrived! And the lawyer, Nass, was a real piece of work. It was obvious that he and Kathy had an agenda. They kept isolating Julie. Each trip I made to visit her the situation was worse. Her son lived in the guest house a few feet from her door but never visited her–she had to put his Christmas presents outside his door. When he did lower himself to enter his mother’s house he expected her to treat him like the Czar of Russia and make meals for him, etc. (he was 50 years old) I do not know Francesca–all I can say is that I applauded when I read what she did. When I arrived at Chatham these minor employees were circling the wagons in 2003. These people so disturbed to me that I could only fly in to visit her on week-ends when they weren’t around. If anyone can pass this along to Francesca I’d like to speak to her. My number is in the phone book. Marcy Mattox Christmas
I hate anyone taking advantage of the aged.
WOW! That is a soap opera!
Death makes for strange bedfellows – I’ve seen it happen too many times in my own family.
Oh, the DRAMA!!!!!
All I know for sure, is my experience after my father died. Those who were fair and kind before, acted in similar fashion; while those who worried only for themselves before, acted even more selfishly.
My heart goes out to all who are grieving.
Same with my father. The ‘daughter’ who wanted nothing to do with anything but MY father’s money, turned out to be one of my mother’s married boyfriend’s. Always felt badly for her, but wondered why she was so homely. She’s a con, just as my neglectful mother always was. I refer to her as ‘mini-mom’.
My dad died not knowing I was his only child, but he was quite aware I was the only one who loved him.
Why can’t the current writers of the soaps give us this type of storyline? It would be far more interesting that the stuff they typically give us.
Imagine a storyline like this on Y&R with Nikki taking on the role of meddling into an elderly, dying Kay’s affairs while Jill, Brock, Tucker, Esther, and Nina challenge the subsequent will and bequests to her. Would be far better than seeing another scene of Dylan or Cane.
Ridiculous- complete hatchet job from the Post (shocking!). Anyone who knows Francesca knows what a kind and generous person she is, and only has the best interests of her friends and loved ones in mind. Total junk, with allegations from disgruntled former employees and unnamed “sources.” Don’t believe it.
I worked for Julie for over 10 years, everything about Francessca James is true, and she knows it. What goes around comes around bitch
The thing that bothers me is the clause that states that if Julie Harris’s son threatens anybody – specifically mentioning Francesca, the will must be interpreted as if he had predeceased his mother, in other words, he would be disinherited. And then Francesca files a report that he made a “threatening gesture” toward her?
I don’t know any elderly person in his/her right mind who would put a clause in their will like that, to jeopardize their only child’s inheritance of their estate. By all accounts Julie Harris doted on her son, she even built a house next door to her for him to live in.
Easy enough to google the son’s name and see that he was charged with assault on an elderly person at Julie Harris’ address in Chatham. This was several years ago. I would think that is why the son will lose everything if he harms Francesa in any way.
I attended Fitzgerald High School in Warren Michigan with Franceska Jaimes then known as chichi Rubino. She was the valedictorian of her class and was the most idolized student in the high school.I had a chance to know her for several years and she came from an extremely ethical and religious Catholic family. Everyone who knew her would say the same thing. Also Francesca has never mentioned Fitzgerald high school in any of her biographical information or did she lived in Warren Michigan for several years and graduated from Fitzgerald high school her reputation was above reproach. I knew her personally when we worked on the Wizard of Oz together as a touring play and I was the choreographer.chichi was known for her waist length hair, for 4.0 grade point average her dedication to both study and her s letic ability and dramatic talent.Francesca dated very little in high school and was a year behind me. She was the most famous student we ever had and no one ever dream she would have accomplished what she has in New York. She was always skeptical, polite, focused with a reputation above board. None of these allegations can possibly be true. I know that because I knew her personally many years ago
Francesca is one of the most trustworthy people I know. She is also one of the most generous souls one can encounter. Dame Harris knew exactly what she was doing!
I have known Francesca since we were kids in Caseville, Mi. I worked at her parents restaurant in Caseville for several years and our families were good friends. I will always remember Mary and Joe as the people who gave me a chance when nobody else would. Francesca, like her parents, would not and could not be as ruthless as these disgruntled people have claimed. This apple didn’t fall far from the tree her parents established. Those who think otherwise are merely projecting their own selfish personalities into this situation. Francesca is a good human being, period!
Sounds quite typical of MANY who appear the last years of the lives of the wealthy. Isolation from friends, doctors, family, firing long-time employees is all you need to see.
Ms. Harris’s ONLY CHILD was not allowed to see his mother the last 3 years, post debilitating stroke, of her life! That the judge would issue such a paper and have it enforced screams ‘he’s in on it’ too.
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.
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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.
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