News
B&B's Jack Wagner discusses 6,000th episode & his hope's for Nick's future!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Today, The Bold and the Beautiful aired it’s milestone 6,000th episode. And to mark the occasion, the daytime series that of late has been doing an extraordinary job of tackling socially relevant issues of the human condition, added another thought-provoking and informative episode on lung cancer. If you missed it, you can view it here at CBS.com. At its center is Susan Flannery whose Stephanie Forrester has been dealing with stage four lung cancer, and Jack Wagner as Nick Marone, who recently found out he had a spot on his lung. Throughout the episode real life cancer patients and survivors are brought into the mix as sort of an intervention for Nick, and we hear about the emotional and physical toll this disease takes on people from all walk’s of life.
On-Air On-Soaps was at CBS this morning on the set of B&B for their 6,000th episode celebration which was streamed live on the Internet, and had the opportunity to speak with Jack Wagner regarding this important story and where he would like to see Nick head in the future. Here is our “quickie” interview with Jack!
When they said they were going to give your character Nick possible lung cancer, and thus making Nick and you a big part of the 6,000th episode, what went through your mind?
JACK: That my two sons and I have to go out and apply for jobs at Carl’s Jr.! Because when you get a spot on your lung on a soap opera, it’s kind of curtains (laughs). So we are now all working at Carl’s Jr’s… kidding!
Were you given much of a heads up by B&B head honcho, Brad Bell that this was going to be the story he was planning on telling for Nick?
JACK: I did get a heads up about it, but I did not know where they were going to go with it, of course. I was really grateful to be selected to drive this storyline with Susan Flannery. Today’s episode, episode 6,000, had no script. So it was really ground-breaking in that Susan and I were in character, but the people who were interviewed with cancer for our group therapy session that we were trying to put together, they were themselves, and we were in character with no scripted show at all!
It was really a Nick intervention spurred on by Stephanie that seemed to drive the show…
JACK: Exactly, but it wasn’t really set up for that. Ultimately, it turned out to be that and it was a nice bond between the Stephanie character and the Nick character. They really meet at this level of; from the heart and are kind of there for each other. It was very different from what I have done on this show previously, in terms of babies behind my back, or a whose baby is it type of storyline.
Do you feel the 6,000th episode, and Nick having a spot on his lung, showed or allowed a more sensitive side to Nick’s character?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
JACK: I think what it showed and what I was happy about was the part about the process of recovery. I have been around that for quite a few years now and the dynamic that people face; the real tough battle of trying to quit something you know is legal. It’s not like you are drinking walking around the streets. So this is smoking, which gives you some relief for three or four minutes, and it kills you. And when you try to quit anything that is an addiction it’s hard. You know, Nick was able to go through all the different phases which were (1) This isn’t happening to me (2) The denial of, “Well I don’t have a problem” (3) “Wow, this is really a possible problem” (4) The reality and acceptance of, “You know what? My kid could get sick.” And, by the end of it, acceptance.
And the cigar smoking, do you Jack smoke cigars?
JACK: I will smoke one cigar a month or something like that, and maybe one or two cigarettes a month. And even after I do it, I still have that taste of going, “Well, that wasn’t quite as good as I thought it was going to be.” But it still kind of lingers there, you know.
Was Nick’s cigar smoking just brought in at this point for the purpose of this story?
JACK: No, he actually smoked from the beginning of his time on the B&B canvas. When Nick came on the show, he was a drinker, smoker, with a beard and all of that, and then slowly tapered off and went into the fashion world where they cleaned him up a little bit. Then CBS Standard and Practices did not want the smoking anymore, but then when this story came along they wanted him to start smoking again. Nick has always been very clear that he was a cigar guy on his boat.
What would you like to see happen to Nick in the next phase of his life on B&B?
JACK: You know, I have got to be honest. There is always that unanswered question with Nick and Brooke and it really was hit upon with the last baby and the insemination and all of that. I think to revisit that somehow for the Brooke/Nick fans would be great.
There is something electric and fun to watch with you and Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) on-screen together. You are both very strong, sexy performers!
JACK: That is kind of it, to revisit something with Brooke and Nick, where it’s something that has some real sexual energy to it, not just a small story arc. But it would need to be something to bring back that chemistry that people seem to love. Maybe that will be down the road.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
With all your amazing list of television credits and that you’re a household name, why have you continued to stay with B&B all these years?
JACK: One of the reasons I came back to daytime was that my boys were where they were in their lives, and I was going through a divorce. You know I was married once, now divorced once. I really made a commitment that I would put my boys in a lifestyle that is the best for them. So I did kind of make that commitment. So, I am not going to now start to jump out of it and start auditioning. I like having security in my life. So it really was about my family. I have a boy who has two more years in high school, so I will be here for sure at least that long, I hope. And that was my commitment, to do the best I could to make this role as interesting as possible, and really fulfill my commitment as a father.
What makes Susan Flannery so amazing to work with, and what made this episode so special that aired today? She was so real in it.
JACK: You know that is the best part of Susan, she is really very real. It is a kind of a developed quality from a mature actress, and it is spontaneous. But yet, she is well rehearsed and at the same time you feel like you are challenged. I feel like I am challenged with Susan. Lesley-Anne Down (Jackie M), same thing.
And speaking of Lesley-Anne Down, that mother/son bond between the two of you has gone on for years and is still so interesting and enjoyable to watch because of the dynamic you bring together on-screen.
JACK: Thank you. It’s weird to have someone so close to my age, maybe five or six years older than me, and you would never guess that. I sort of revert back to this child or boy when she is around. (Imitating Lesley-Anne as Jackie) “You know, Nicky.” And then it kind of gets to that banter that tends to work with us and you take the dramatic license and believe we are truly mother and son, at least I think.
Coming up in a few months is your fifth Annual Jack Wagner Celebrity Golf Classic. What can you tell us about it?
JACK: It’s going to be held this year on Monday April 18th. It’s a one day event for Leukemia Lymphoma, and that will be at the Valencia Country Club, in Valencia, California. We are hoping to break the million dollar mark. That is what we are looking to do!
PROGRAMMING NOTE TO SEE MORE JACK! Make sure to also catch Jack this Wednesday, February 9th when he is the guest on an all-new episode of the hit TV Land comedy series, Hot in Cleveland! It all happens at 10PM EST/9CST!
General Hospital
William deVry to Appear on ‘Tracker’ Season 4; Shuts Down Rumors of a ‘General Hospital’ Return
William deVry addressed the rumors of his imminent return to General Hospital as Julian Jerome, which have popped up recently as click bait on websites or in video reels.
The soap opera veteran set the record straight when he took to Instagram to share a video of all that he’s been up to lately, and how fans catch him on multiple upcoming shows. Chief among them appearing in Justin Hartley’s (ex-Adam, Y&R and ex-Fox, Passions) drama series Tracker on CBS during its upcoming 4th season.
As deVry closed out his video message, he took a moment to confirm once and for all, “I am not coming back to General Hospital.” The last time viewers saw Julian on the Port Charles canvas, he was being zipped in a body bag after being shot in December of 2020, which ended deVry’s six-year-run on the soap.
Daytime fans also know that before his time on General Hospital, deVry played Michael Cambias on All My Children (2003-2004) and Storm Logan on The Bold and the Beautiful. (2006-2008).
Photo: CBS
TRACKER SEASON 4 HAS SEVERAL SOAP OPERA ALUMS
Coming up on Tracker, William is set to appear in episode 5 that airs in early November, where he is playing a bad guy. That’s the same episode that marks the return of another soap alum, Jensen Ackles (ex-Eric, Days of our Lives) as Russell Shaw, the brother of Hartley’s Colter Shaw.
Tracker premieres on Sunday, October 4 with its season premiere episode entitled “Safe Harbor,” launching Colter into a port-side case.
Before William is seen on Tracker, you can check him out next week in the movie Spill which drops on September 20 on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. That is followed on October 10, when the GH alum appears in Lifetime’s Movie of the Week, The Monster She Married, alongside Matthew Morrison (ex-Glee).
You can check out William’s video message below.
So, excited to see William deVry on the new season of Tracker? How do you feel about how the rumors got started that Julian Jerome might be resurrected? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
Hayden Panettiere’s Memorial Service Attended by ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Nashville’ Alum Jonathan Jackson and More
Over the weekend, the loved ones of Hayden Panettiere (ex-Sarah, One Life to Live, ex-Lizzie, Guiding Light and ex-Juliette Barnes, Nashville et al) gathered in Malibu, California on Saturday, September 19 to honor and celebrate the late actress’ life in what has been reported by TMZ as an extremely moving memorial service just one month after her tragic death.
Attending the funeral were several of Panettiere’s Nashville co-stars and closest friends including: six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer, General Hospital, ex-Avery Barclay, Nashville), Connie Britton (ex-Rayna James), Claire Bowen (ex-Scarlett O’Connor), Lennon Stella (ex-Maddie Conrad) and Charles Esten (ex-Deacon Claybourne) who performed one of Hayden’s song from the series with a band set up at the church.
In addition to Panettiere’s Nashville co-stars, her dear friends, Evan Ross, Paris Hilton and Ruby Rose were among the 150 or so guests, and the celebration of life was organized by Hayden’s family, including her father, Skip Panettiere.
Photo: ABC
INSIDE HAYDEN PANETTIERE’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE
The report shared that Connie Britton and Charles Esten made speeches about their late friend and colleague, and it appears guests watched as doves were released outside the church before moving inside for the ceremony in tribute to the 36-year-old star.
Hayden’s mother, Leslie Vogel was reportedly not invited to the memorial. However, she denies this according to TMZ, and shared that she had a family emergency which precluded her from making her daughter’s funeral. In addition, Hayden’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were also not invited to the memorial. It was Zach who first found Hayden unresponsive in an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina.
Page Six reported, that Hayden’s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, and their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, were not photographed at the event.
CAUSE OF DEATH STILL UNCLEAR
Additionally, recent reports from September 14, have indicated that Hayden’s cause of death is related to her taking a fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill. According to TMZ, multiple law enforcement sources connected to the case believe she took one fatal oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl the morning of her death, Sources with direct knowledge allege that Panettiere had a “long time drug dealer” in Los Angeles who provided her with several black-market prescription drugs, including oxycodone.
However on September 16, a rep for Panettiere told ENews,“As reported by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise. Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
So, are you glad to know Hayden was given a memorial service and that so many of the main cast of Nashville showed up for it? Are you saddened to hear the most updated reports on how the extremely talented actress may have died? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ James Patrick Stuart Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Sometimes not overplaying moments within two-person scenes, carry the weight and the gravitas of the situation and tug at our heartstrings. That’s exactly what General Hospital’s James Patrick Stuart (Valentin Cassadine) was able to do on last week’s Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16 episodes of the ABC daytime drama series in scenes with Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) and Laura Wright (Carly Spencer).
We know last week saw many emotional turns from the likes of the aforementioned Hughes, plus her GH co-stars, Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Cynthia Watros (Nina), plus The Bold and the Beautiful’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy). All the actresses delivered noteworthy performances. However, for us, James Patrick Stuart’s Valentin, showed his deep love and care for a woman torn to pieces by the WSB and the sadness he felt seeing this great love of his in so much turmoil, while also trying to hold on to the new woman in his life, which pulled us in.
In story, Valentin hightails it to Anna where she explains how she almost killed Britt Westbourne, and how she faked her recover at the clinic in France, when all along she was seeing visions of Peter August (Wes Ramsey). Anna is in such a state that Valentin offers to run away with her. Carly shows up at Anna’s door and sees Valentin is there and makes a quick exit.
Courtesy/ABC
VALENTIN IS HEARTBROKEN FOR ANNA
Anna tells Valentin that he needs to go after Carly and explain to her that he was just visiting her to check in and to take care of an old friend. Valentin says share so much more than that, which Anna says she knows. After Felicia (Kristina Wagner) comes to watch over Anna, Valentin leaves, but is heartbroken over Anna.
SMOOTHING THINGS OVER WITH CARLY
When Valentin arrives back at Carly’s he wants to explain to her what has happened to Anna, but Carly says she wants to respect Anna’s privacy. In a very adult conversation, Valentin tells Carly he believes Anna will come back from this and land on her feet as she always does. He adds that he hopes that one day she can find some peace, just like he has now with Carly. Valentin realizes how good Carly has been for him, his outlook and happiness. The two share a hug.
Throughout all of these beats, James Patrick Stuart was able to shift from gut-wrenching concern, caring, and panic, to self-awareness, and hope for the future. It certainly touched us and we hope many viewers felt it too.
It does go to show that sometimes on the soaps, the big histrionic performances are not always the most memorable ones. Sometimes it’s the quiet ones that sneak up on us. All you needed to do was watch Valentin’s eyes in the scenes and you knew exactly how he was feeling.
So, for all the reasons stated above, Michael Fairman TV names General Hospital’s James Patrick Stuart, as our pick for the Power Performance of the Week.
So, do you agree with our choice of James Patrick Stuart, or do you think someone else should have been gotten our recognition? If so, share your picks and thoughts via the comment section below.
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Great article on one of daytime’s enduring legends. Hopefully try will let Jack Wagner sing on the show soon!
It is a great article, thanks you very much!
Oh boy! Where is RJ? Who is Baby jacks actual Mother? Continuity Brad!
I really like Jack Wagner. He truly seems like a great person. It is great that you had this interview with him, Michael. Telling the new story about him becoming sick from a smoking addiction is being done effectively. Having Stephanie the person that he has turned to and her willingness to help him is very good. We saw him taking a cigar and starting to hide it and as luck would have it ,Stephanie saw him and stopped him. His life with women has not gone well,though. But smoking addiction is another topic I’m happy the show is doing. I hope they don’t kill him off, though. Nice article, MIchael.
I’ve started to watch B&B now and then since i don’t have my beloved ATWT anymore..I’m not crazy about some of the actors but i am starting to really appreciate Jack Wagner .He has a special charm without being over the top.I like watching him he’s so real.And he’s a handsome guy too.I would not like to see him back with Brooke.I hope this show keeps him for a very long time because he’s now one of the good guys!