As The World Turns

ATI's Jim Romanovich on ATWT's Cancellation and Daytime Emmys!

Published

17 years ago

December 9, 2009

Michael

Associated Television International’s President Jim Romanovich weighed in today on As the World Turns cancellation, the state of the soap genre and moving ahead with the option for producing The Daytime Emmys.

“A few weeks ago I made the announcement that ATI would be picking up our option to produce the next Daytime Emmys which means that we have agreed to enter negotiations. I stated how well the soaps have rebounded through 2009 and I still believe that.

Then came the shocker that As the World Turns was cancelled. Yes, I too was shocked although I should have known better since I get all the numbers and inside news. I actually bought into the rumors flying left and right that ATWT’s ratings were so good that CBS was going to offer another contract. The reality was only partially true. The soap’s ratings were up and creatively they seemed to have hit a stride. But there was never going to be a contract. Like Guiding Light before it, the die was cast.”

“Many of you saw the Les Moonves interview about soaps “having their day”. I think that is true for the P&G soaps especially since they are the lowest rated and are not owned by the network. The Bell soaps are another story, but not without their problems. We just saw two very public displays in dissension with The Young and the Restless recently with Sony gathering the troops to brace them for additional cuts and, of course, the Eric Braeden salary dispute. Being #1 is not enough. Being profitable and relatively pain free, however, is. Ratings wise, Let’s Make a Deal has done better in households, but relatively flat in the demo-which means about the same as GL. The one big difference is the “pain-free” aspect. Contracts, egos, sets, writers, residuals, etc. If networks can get the same bang for less bucks and less hassle, they’ll do it. Let’s Make a Deal, I believe, also has a Vegas hotel tied into it which either pays to have the show there or provides a venue in exchange for promotion which is as good as money, plus the promotional consideration of the prizes adds tremendous value.

And the ABC soaps? ABC owns them. Big difference.

The networks have no emotional investment in anything they broadcast. None. They’re not like you. If it sells, it stays on, if it tanks, it’s gone. The goal is to create wealth and if they could do that with a test-pattern, they would.

We are still committed to producing The Daytime Emmys next year pending negotiations this week with all involved. But everything is set on our part. We know all we need to know as far as where and when. With the cancellation next June of As The World Turns, we are now thinking about doing something special for them. The extent of that partially depends on As The Worlds Turns itself if they all want to attend the Emmys. Costs P&G money. We have an All My Children 40^th anniversary tribute planned to coincide with their move to Los Angeles which is what we decided to do even before this past Emmys aired.

And while we’re discussing tributes…In my long discussions with Michael Fairman (who did an outstanding job on the Guiding Light tribute), there are some things that are just beyond our control. His and mine. You saw that four minute Guiding Light tribute he posted. That’s the one we wanted but we were outvoted by those with greater veto power. It had nothing to do with allotment of time in the show. But we did well by having Betty White introduce it. I made sure Michael’s cut was seen by all.

Brad Bell’s speech being cut off at the end was a pure network choice. Bad choice, in my opinion, but theirs nonetheless. I spent the next month tracking down that footage and presented it to Brad so all could see. The Bold and The Beautiful actually told me that because it didn’t air, it created more of a PR buzz for them. Maybe so, but it should have aired. But networks aren’t emotionally invested, remember?

My reason for now talking about this is because I do care about the fans that make this whole ball of wax known as The Daytime Emmys happen and losing yet another show puts a very grim reality on things. But they should also know, it’s not all black or white. There is no evil scientist looking to wreak havoc on the viewer. In relation to the 2009 Daytime Emmys, key decisions are made by higher powers in which I have zero control at times. But when that happens, I do everything I can to make that available to you in some way so you miss nothing. Hopefully, I won’t have that issue next year if we go forward. But history tells me I will. And when it does, know that I’m behind the scenes doing everything I can.”

Related Topics:ati ATWT daytime emmys Romanovich

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As The World Turns

Scott Bryce ‘Celebration of Life’ to be Livestreamed for Family, Friends, Near and Far

Published

2 weeks ago

July 22, 2026

Michael

Scott Bryce’s beloved wife Jodi Stevens Bryce announced on Instagram that a memorial service for her husband will take place this coming weekend and will be able to viewed via livestream for family members, friends and fans who loved the actor, personally and professionally.

As first reported by Michael Fairman TV, Scott passed away on Sunday evening, July 13 at the age of 68. His son, Jackson Bryce took to Instagram to make an official announcement of his father’s passing sharing, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”

As the World Turns fans know that Bryce was smash hit in the role of Craig Montgomery, a part he played for several runs on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008. Along the way, Bryce earned two Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nominations in 1986 and 1987.

Previously, Scott had been diagnosed 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 during a conversation on The Locher Room in July of 2025. At that time, Scott had shared he had undergone medical treatment and had since reported being “on the mend.”

Jodi Stevens Bryce’s message for those who want to view Scott’s ‘Celebration of Life” shares, “To our dear family and friends, both near and far, thank you for surrounding our family with so much love, kindness, and prayer. If you’d like to join us in celebrating Scott’s beautiful life, his memorial service will be livestreamed on Saturday, July 25 10am ET.” She signed the message, “With love, Jodi and Jackson.”

Photo: JPI

AS THE WORLD TURNS CAST SHARES REMEMBRANCES OF SCOTT BRYCE

Over the last few weeks heartfelt condolences on the loss of Scott have poured including from: Finn Carter (ex-Sierra, ATWT), Martha Byrne (ex-Lily, ATWT), Melanie Smith (ex-Emily, ATWT) and many more.

In fact, Bryne made note to TV Insider following the loss of As the World Turns co-star, of just how memorable Bryce’s work with the late Elizabeth Hubbard’s work as Lucinda was, and their unforgettable pairing; “The energy between them, their dynamic, all the play, fun, and the intensity just jumped through the screen. Most actors wouldn’t go down to set just to watch other performers. They’d stay in their rooms. I would go and just watch them work.”

The livestream will be broadcast courtesy of the The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, Connecticut.

We all loved Scott Bryce and his powerful performances as Craig on As the World Turns and his body of work in primetime television as well. Now, it’s time to say our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones. Comment below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jodi Stevens (@jodistevensbryce)

As The World Turns

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

Published

3 weeks ago

July 12, 2026

Michael

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

As The World Turns

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

Published

1 month ago

June 30, 2026

Michael

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.