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As the World Turns and Guiding Light Favorite, Lisa Brown, Passes Away at 67

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: CBS, AP

(UPDATED) In just more heartbreaking news in the soap world in 2021, we have lost another beloved performer.  Lisa Brown, who was so noteworthy for her spunky and emotional turns as Guiding Light’s Nola Reardon from 1980-1985, and later as Iva Snyder on As the World Turns from 1986-1994, has died.

Brown passed away this week on November 24th at the age of 67 following a brief illness.  The news came via the As the World Turns Facebook Fan Group and Soap Opera Digest.

This comes just two months later following the death of her former on-screen love interest Michael Tylo (Ex-Quinton, Guiding Light), who passed away in late September.

Those that followed Lisa’s career know she also starred in the Broadway Musical 42nd Street, while still playing Nola each and every day on Guiding Light.

She is survived by her children: James “Buddy” Nielsen, and daughter Victoria from her first husband Tom Nielsen (Ex-Floyd, GL) in addition to her two grandchildren, Penelope Ruiz-Nielsen and Brayden Hopf, and her second husband Brian Neary.

 

Photo: JPI

Brown’s on-screen ATWT daughter, Martha Byrne  (Ex-Lily) simply tweeted, “My heart is broken.”

On Friday, Lisa’s son, Buddy Nielsen, posted a touching tribute to his mother, where he revealed that she passed away due to cancer.

Buddy shared: “My Mom passed away the day before Thanksgiving after a very quick battle with cancer. This all happened really fast and wasn’t expecting it. I’ve been MIA as I’ve been back and forth between LA and NJ as she has been in and out of the hospital the last couple weeks. This dream we live, we are all subject to the suffering, aging and death. It’s not to be morose but to understand that we have finite time and must take care with what we do and how we do it. To be able to be with someone at their last breath is truly beautiful. We must not fear death as without it we would never be born and experience the 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows. Our existence is both small and vast all at the same time. We are tiny but immense. I know she is here but no longer in her physical form, what we do in love we leave in death. My beautiful daughter and unborn son are her legacy.”

Share your condolences to Lisa’s family, and let us know of your remembrances of this wonderful actress who gave us so many memorable moments throughout her career via the comment section below. But first, watch Lisa in some of her classic scenes from ATWT and GL.

 

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A post shared by Buddy Nielsen (@budthechud)

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R.I.P. Nola Reardon.

Nola was my first favorite character on GL.

Mine too Phil, started watching GL in 1980, when she started on the show. and then she played my beloved Iva as well. I am still in shock ):

Such sad news. I loved Lisa as Nola Reardon and Michael Tylo as Quentin Chamberlain on Guiding Light.

I am in shock. Lisa was the reason I got hooked on Guiding Light – I would come home from school hoping that Nola would be on. and then she played Iva during the glory years of As the World Turns. Just loved her. I was hoping The Locher Room would have her on as a guest. This is so incredibly sad ): I will watch clips of Nola and Iva and begin missing her. It’s been such a hard year for us soap fans with so many wonderful people who have enriched our lives passing away ):

” Richard ” -“Thank You” for such nice words

I too AM IN SHOCK… stunned .. that i so wanted her to show up on “The Locher Room” . I just loved Iva. as the eldest child (adopted) of thee LATE GREAT Snyder Clan. Sure wish we could have seen MORE OF SETH. nonetheless, it was Iva and Momma who ran. oh my GOD

SURE , I was in LOVE w/Jon Hensley !!!! Holden smolder!!! argh! but all paths lead back to Iva and Momma. Ivy in particular I sometimes saw her as the underdog.. as she wistfully wanted something to call her own… as all her siblings came and went… She had her Lily

she so endeared herself to ??? the show, the fans, her co-stars… she trooped her way

I didn’t care for the “rose” story… Lilly “twin”. how I longed for Iva to have that solid relationship.. and it seemed like @kirk Anderson , (another smolder) yet w/Iva a snake in the grass… think Lenore.

this lady… worked solidly from @Guiding Light ! that will have to be my “Love and Romance” for ; Lisa Brown

from “HER” beginnings in THEATRE :Brown appeared in the lead role of Broadway version of 42nd Street in the early 80s

and thank our lucky stars landed in daytime :
Brown’s first notable role was on Guiding Light, where she played the role of Nola Reardon Chamberlain from 1980 to 1985 and again from 1995 to 1998 (with an appearance in the show’s final weeks in 2009). She and actor Michael Tylo, who played Quint, were a popular pairing on the show.

Brown also created another notable soap role in the form of Iva Snyder on As the World Turns, playing her from November 6, 1985 to 1994

I don’t normally like to do posts about the passing of actors

nevertheless… she struck Me.

godspeed Lisa Brown… there are tears here

taken from “we Love Soaps ” 50 Greatest couples. Quint N’ Nola #13.

50 Greatest Soap Couples: #13 Quint & Nola From GUIDING LIGHT
COUPLE: Quinton “Quint” McCord Chamberlain & Nola Reardon
SHOW: GUIDING LIGHT
RANK: 13
PLAYED BY:
Quint: Michael Tylo
Nola: Lisa Brown
YEARS: 1981-1985, 1996-1997

STORY:
Nola spent a year manipulating Kelly and Morgan (John Wesley Shipp and Kristen Vigard) in an effort to keep them apart even pretending to be pregnant with Kelly’s baby. When the truth came out–the baby was Floyd’s–Kelly told her off and the entire town of Springfield learned of her deception. Shortly after, Quinton, an archaeologist looking for a new start, came to town and moved into a mansion on Thornway Road. Quint met Nola when he interviewed Nola for a job as a live-in assistant, but it was not love at first sight. She thought he was dark and spooky and he thought she was odd. But Quint fascinated Nola and he became the subject of her vivid fantasy life. Despite their growing attraction something always seemed to stand in their way. But on a trip to St. Croix to search for an artifact known as The Temple of Gold, Quint rescued Nola and they shared their first kiss on the beach. But their happiness was short-lived with the arrival of Qunt’s ex, Helen Manzini, followed by Nola being kidnapped by the evil Silas Crocker (Benjamin Hendrickson).

Nola was eventually rescued and Quint declared his love her in the hospital thinking she was asleep (she wasn’t). Quint eventually admitted his feelings to Nola face to face but their life remained complicated with Helen living in the mansion with them. Soon Nola learned Quint was hiding another former lover, Rebecca, on the third floor of the mansion. Rebecca schemed to keep them apart lying to Nola about what had transpired with Quint in the past. Eventually Rebecca shot her husband, Samuel Pasquin aka Mark Evans, who fell off a cliff. She jumped off after him to her death. Quint and Nola were now free to be together and became engaged. Nola had discovered that Henry Chamberlain was Quint’s biological father and Henry threw them an engagement party (this was the infamous episode were Nola and Vanessa showed up wearing the same dress). Quint and Nola married and a year later their son Anthony James was born (fans voted on the name of the baby). In 1985 they left Springfield when Quint got a job in Tanquir. Nola returned in 1995 and it was eventually revealed Quint had cheated on her. Quint showed up and it seemed like they were going to reunite but the characters were written out with their story in limbo. In GUIDING LIGHT’s final week Nola returned and gave Vanessa a gift from both her and Quint implying they were still together.

IMPACT:
Quint and Nola were instant fan favorites who captivated viewers wondering when they would finally get it right all the while enjoying Nola fantasies like Wuthering Heights and Casablanca. Brown and Tylo played the odd couple to perfection.

CBS said at the time of the Kelly/Nola reveal, Lisa Brown and Nola received more hate mail than any other character on the network since Lisa in AS THE WORLD TURNS twenty years earlier. The fact that so many people came to love Nola, and Nola with Quint, is a true testament to the genius of Brown. She was named Best Actress by Afternoon TV magazine in 1981 but, sadly and unbelievably, was never nominated for an Emmy for her beloved work at GUIDING LIGHT.

Brown went on to star as Iva in AS THE WORLD TURNS (where she did receive two Emmy noms). Tylo played memorable roles in multiple soaps including ALL MY CHILDREN and THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Their reunion on GUIDING LIGHT was cut short when the show said they didn’t have enough time to focus on the characters. Thankfully Nola’s gift line (see above) in September 2009 gave fans a bit of much-deserved closure.

Richard’ wanted you to know… if haven’t already seen…. TODAY’ Locher Room… ie: Christian LeBlanc 30th anniversary especial’. The ending , will floor. ie: Tribute.

People… fans of Christian LeBlac AND Ms. Lisa Brown… really oughta check this out…. stunner

I know what you mean… I lived for the days that Nola was on GL.. she deserved an Emmy! loved her.. so talented..

She was truly something special. Such a big part of my childhood was watching GL and ATWT. May God comfort her family and friends as they mourn Lisa’s passing.

:'(

Lisa was the best on guiding light I’m so sad

One of my all-time favorite characters (Nola) & actresses, (Lisa Brown.) Rest-in-peace.

Very sad

This is genuinely sad news today. I loved ATWT and the years featuring Miss Brown as Iva Snyder were among the best of the series and the most engaging for this fan. Miss Brown was so natural and so authentic in this role. Tho I did not follow GL, friends to this day recall Nola with great fondness. God bless you, Miss Brown, and thank you for sharing your talents.

OMG, Nola and Iva. Tearjerker days and very memorable. R.I.P lovely lady.

I read once that Bette Davis was a huge fan of Lisa’s and wrote a letter praising her work on guiding light!

She always reminded me of my mother….

First Michael Tylo, now Lisa. I am beyond sad. I enjoyed so much romance and adventure vicariously as they brought to life my all time favorite couple.

Devastating. A one-of-a-kind star and phenomenal actress. Daytime just got dimmer…

What an actress! Stunned to learn of her passing. She should have won Emmys for both Nola and Iva. What a super star. Grew up watching her on GL. Man I miss that show when it was so good.

I met Lisa twice and Michael spent a week with him at a soap festival in New Jersey. The nola and Quinton storyline was one of the best things on the GL. I loved Nolas dreams the fantasy.I miss them both Rip Lisa and Michael well Nola and Quinton are together in heaven now.:(

Extremely sad and gone at such a young age…I received an autograph picture with a kind note back in the 80’s from Lisa…She was extremely talented and she will be missed…Prayers for comfort to her family.

Very sad and surprising news. I always looked forward to Brown’s appearances on ATWT and GL. She was fantastic. I’m sorry to hear of her passing.

I was a huge ATWT and GL fan. I am so sorry for your loss and hope you are able to find peace in the days ahead.

Lisa Brown was a fantastic actress that certainly deserved an Emmy for her outstanding work as Nola at Guiding Light. I will never forget rushing home from school to see the mess that she could stir up with Kelly and Morgan. May her family know that she will always be remembered by daytime fans of GL and ATWT. Rest in peace our friend.

lisa brown was a stunning actress, shoulda been in movies for world to see. will never forget the enjoyment she brought to both soaps……R.I.P. G’Nite-n-God Bless You Lisa & Michael.

Unless I’m mistaken, there were two Lisa Browns on the shows, GL & ATWT. When the original left the show, (still very alive) CBS panicked and had another actress who looked like Lisa Brown play the part.

As The World Turns

Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68

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UPDATED: Heartbreaking news to report this Sunday evening, July 13. Two-time Daytime Emmy nominee and beloved soap veteran and television actor Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery, As the World Turns) has died at the age of 68.

Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Bryce’s longtime friend and former co-star announced his death via her Facebook under an hour ago (in a post that has now been deleted, but see below). Arnaz expressed, “a wonderful actor, a beautiful man and a terrific husband and father, Scott Bryce, passed tonight. I am going to miss his eyes, his smile, his wit, his brain, his intelligence, his talent, his bravery, his laugh and his hugs. Dearest Jodi, dear Jackson, he’s watching over you now from a place of pure joy and will always be your guide. But, I hate these goodbyes. Rest in peace you marvelous, magnificent man”.

Previously, Bryce was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal and stomach cancer back in October of 2024. He had credited early detection as a vital part of his journey. He had underwent medical treatment and had since reported being “on the mend.”

Photo: JPI

SCOTT BRYCE’S RUN AS CRAIG MONTGOMERY WAS MEMORABLE

However, Lucie Arnaz shared on her Facebook post in the comment thread section when asked, that Scott’s cancer had returned. She has appeared in two projects with Bryce, the Indie film, The Pack and the TV series, Sons and Daughters.

Jackson Bryce, Scott’s beloved son, shared a beautiful tribute to his father after his passing on his Instagram where he shared that, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”

Scott was the son of actor Ed Bryce, who was best-known for his role on the soaps as Bill Bauer on Guiding Light from 1959 to 1983.  On As the World Turns, Scott had a significant run as Craig Montgomery, and at one point was initially paired on-screen with Meg Ryan (ex-Betsy Stewart). Bryce had appeared on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008.

AS THE WORLD TURNS CO-STAR PAYS TRIBUTE

On As the Word Turns, Scott’s on-screen romance was with Finn Carter, who played Sierra Esteban was a fan favorite for longtime viewers.

Carter expressed her grief on Instagram following the news of Bryce’s passing sharing, “My sadness knows no bounds. My gratitude for Scott knows even fewer. Scott was the best husband a woman could ask for. As an actor he was fearless, kind, generous and forever looking for ways to grow. And what a sense of humor! It is so difficult to write this as I can not stop crying . Scott , you were a gift that I did not deserve and one the world was freely given . All of my love to you – ah, just can’t stop crying. See you soon ( not too soon) and look forward to recalling our days on As The World Turns . You patiently taught me so much . XO”

It was during his initial run that Scott received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as the manipulative Craig Montgomery. Bryce was nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in both 1986 and 1987.

Bryce exited ATWT in February of 2008 and by December of that year, Jon Lindstrom, (Beyond the Gates, General Hospital) was brought in as the final Craig from 2008-2010 as the soap went off the air. Over the years, Hunt Block and Jeffrey Meek also played the role of Craig.

FROM OAKDALE TO PRIMETIME

In addition, Scott appeared in numerous episodic comedy and drama series throughout his career with roles in: Murphy Brown, The Facts of Life, ER, Law & Order, Reba and Sex and the City and Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Homeland, 30 Rock to name but a few. On the soaps, Bryce also appeared on One Life to Live in the role of a psychiatrist, Dr. Ed Crosby, from 2006-2007.

Scott is survived by his wife Jodi Stevens and their son, Jackson. 

Michael Fairman TV will bring you further updates on this developing story.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Scott Bryce via the comment section below. But first check out these scenes featuring Scott in moments from As the World Turns with Cady McClain and Marie Wilson.

Photo: LArnaz Facebook

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As The World Turns

‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Alum, Colleen Zenk Arrested for Third DUI Since 2010

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UPDATED: Fan favorite, Colleen Zenk (ex-Barbara, As the World Turns, ex-Jordan, The Young and the Restless) found herself in trouble with the law when she was arrested for a DUI in Naples, Florida near where she lives.

The incident took place back on May 15 at 7:35 pm, when the actress was charged with a DUI resulting in damage to property or person of another with a with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher, above the legal limit of 0.08. Both misdemeanors carry a bond of $1,000.

Soap Opera Network was the first to report the news after they had obtained records from County Sheriff’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office in Collier County.

Photo: JPI

Zenk posted bond on May 16, 2026, and court date that was set for June 10, 2026. Although she did not appear in person at the hearing after filing a Waiver of Appearance at Non-Mandatory Court Appearances, she pled not guilty through her attorney, with a continuance scheduled for July 29, 2026, for pre-trial.

Now, according to PEOPLE.com, Zenk’s attorney shared on June 30, “The charges are being defended. Ms. Zenk has not been convicted of anything. The truth will be played out in court.”

According to the arrest report, a witness told deputies they saw Zenk backing out of a handicap parking space near a Tommy Bahama store when her vehicle struck another parked car. The same witness alleged Zenk continued moving after the collision before being stopped a short distance away and claimed she appeared unsteady after exiting her vehicle.

In addition, after Zenk greed to perform field sobriety exercises, the arresting officer notated that Zenk showed multiple signs of impairment, including balance issues, swaying and difficulty following instructions.

Photo: JPI

PREVIOUS DUI TROUBLE

This is not the first time Colleen has been arrested for DUI. This is her third. She was first arrested in April 1, 2010, when she was pulled over by police in Wilton, Connecticut, for erratic driving and crossing into the oncoming lane of traffic, resulting in charges of DUI and improper lane usage. The second time was back on May 28, 2017. Zenk was charged with a DUI, marking her first offense and arrest in Collier County.

Zenk made her daytime debut as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns in 1978 and remained with the series until its final episode in 2010. Viewers will recall, Barbara dancing with Henry Coleman (Trent Dawson) to “Last Dance” in the finale.

Along the way, Colleen earned three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for taking the once girl to a bad girl and eventually a fully evolved character. Then in November of 2023, Colleen made her triumphant return to daytime as the villainous and oft-kilter, Jordan Howard who had more than nine lives! The character was eventually killed off in 2025.

Jordan was the creation of departing head writer, Josh Griffith, who has brought Zenk and Hayley Erin as “Claire” to Y&R to shake things up for the Newmans.

Share your thoughts on the latest DUI charges for Colleen Zenk via the comment section below. Do you hope she gets the opportunity to appear on another soap? Let us know.

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As The World Turns

ATWT Alum Martha Byrne Pays Tribute to Eileen Fulton: “The Original Soap Star Who Paved the Way for the Likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans”

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Tributes and remembrances are pouring in for the the late Eileen Fulton, who passed away on July 14th at the age of 91. Fulton broke the soap opera mold back in the early 60’s when she was cast to play Lisa Miller on As the World Turns, who would turn out to be the first villiainess, vixen, and homewrecker of daytime television.

Fans of the soap loved to love to hate her for how she destroyed many lives in her quests to nab a husband; especially one she had set her sights set on. In fact, Lisa was married 8 times during the history of the show. Fulton was with ATWT on and off until the final year of the show in 2010.

Martha Byrne, who has been Fulton’s castmate for a time (Bryne played Lily Snyder from 1985 to 1989 and then again from 1993-2008 where she also played Rose D’Angelo), took to her account on x to share her thoughts on what Eileen meant to the genre, and also spoke on how Fulton handled not being as front and center on the soap operas as the years went by.

Photo: JPI

“What can I say about Eileen Fulton. The original soap star who paved the road for the likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans,” began Bryne. “Since Eileen started on ATWT when the show was live, there aren’t enough pieces of history for us to truly grasp the enormity of her stardom and presence in the entertainment business. I remember being so impressed that she was a writer. The best part was she would use real stories from behind the scenes and change the names. Maybe that was her way of giving the audience a wink to include them even more.”

Photo: CBS

Bryne went to share, “She (Eileen) loved her fans and she had many. I went to her one woman shows and the place was always packed. As the years went on and her role wasn’t as prominent as it had been she took it with class. I never heard her complain as many did who were frustrated they didn’t have a storyline. She was always a class act and a true pro who knew a storyline or another opportunity was only around the corner. She knew her value and was secure in herself. A national treasure who shaped the entire industry. Thank you Eileen. I’m sure there was a pink feather boa waiting for you just inside the pearly gates.”

So, what did you think about the sentiments shared by Martha on the legendary Eileen Fulton? Would you agree, as we have previously noted, that Lisa as played by Eileen, was really the prototype for all soap opera “bad girls” to follow? Did you appreciate the fact that while having a more diminished role over the last few decades of ATWT, Eileen took it in stride? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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