Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Recalls Writing Tony Geary’s Daytime Emmy-Winning Story Where ‘General Hospital’s’ Luke Revisits Raping Laura
As General Hospital fans, co-stars and former colleagues mourn the loss of eight-time Daytime Emmy winner, Anthony Geary (ex-Luke Spencer), tributes and remembrances are pouring in across social media, television entertainment and news program and more.
Now, in a just released new episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart, Beyond the Gates creator, head writer, showrunner and executive producer, Michele Val Jean, chats on her soap opera writing experience, and launching the first daytime drama on broadcast television in over 25 years and the first Black-led, one-hour soap in history, to boot.
In an ironic twist on timing, this conversation with Val Jean was taped back in October of this year around the presentation of the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards as explained at the opening of the episode by Rebecca Budig, but released today on December 16. Anthony Geary passed away on Sunday, December 14 from complications from an unnamed medical procedure three days earlier at the age of 78.
Photo: ABC
Michele Val Jean spoke on her time on General Hospital as a script editor and script writer, working under then executive producer, Wendy Riche. Val Jean began her GH journey in 1993 and had several writing stints throughout her career with the ABC soap opera.
Speaking on writing for and working with the legendary Geary, Val Jean explained that she spent a lot of time in his dressing room changing the dialogue for him, but from that grew trust and was key to opening the opportunity Val Jean had hoped for, to reframe Luke’s rape of Laura (Genie Francis) at the Campus Disco back in 1979, and to call it out for what it was.
MICHELE’S PERSONAL STORY, GOALS FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL AND TONY GEARY
Val Jean expressed, “We (Tony and I) got to be friends, and we got to the point where he trusted me enough to agree to do the rape story.” Then in a heartbreaking moment, Michele shared that she had been raped as young girl, so she knew from experience what is what and it needed to be corrected in story.
“When I was growing up I was raped. I had just turned 12, and I had lost my father three months before. He died in July. I was raped in September. So, I know what rape is. I know what it looks like. So, when Luke raped Laura, and she’s screaming ‘No!” and he’s taking her down to the floor, that’s rape, and because Tony and Genie had so much chemistry, the show started to call it a “mutual seduction,” explained Michele. “And I was like, ‘That’s not what I saw.'”
Photo: Almay
“So when I was on the show and I had some input into story. I had three goals. One, was to call a rape, “a rape.” Two, was to win Tony Geary am Emmy because he hadn’t won one since 1983. And the other one, three was to sort of exercise my own demons, because where I grew up on the south side of Chicago, you didn’t have therapy. There was a trial. My rapist went to jail. And then after all that was over, I was just supposed to put it behind me and move on. It was really shattering.”
The head scribe used her tools as a storyteller to work through her pain and grief of her own rape, but to also clear up any confusion is soap history that Luke did indeed rape Laura. “So, I wanted to kind of put myself back together through telling that story. I knew I couldn’t come at it directly because Luke and Laura had been together for decades at that point. I had to come in through another door, and that was through Lucky (Jonathan Jackson).”
“YOU GET AN EMMY!”
Finally in 1998, Val Jean spearheaded the story that would see Luke’s admission to his son that he raped his mother. “So, I had Lucky come on the aftermath of Elizabeth’s rape and see how shattered she was, and to go through her recovery with her. Then, find out that his father had done that to his mother and that just blew up the whole family. Everyone involved in that story got Emmys. It was like Oprah! ‘You get an Emmy, and you get an Emmy.” We (Tony and I) worked really closely together through the whole thing. I felt like it was like my rapist didn’t own that afternoon anymore, I did,” recounted Michele.
Photo: CBS
Rebecca Budig shared on the story point, “I commend Tony because a lot of times you don’t want your character to look bad and that’s a big admission, right?” To which Val Jean, replied, “He embraced it. I put him on a couch, sat him on a couch, and gave him a nine minute monologue with flashbacks when Lucky said, ‘I need you to tell me what happened that night.’ And that is what Tony won the (1999) Emmy for. It was that monologue.”
THE NEW FRONTIER – BEYOND THE GATES
Later, Rebecca and Greg speak to Michele about the importance of the creation of Beyond the Gates and representation of Black characters and families on the soaps. “I didn’t like that black people were always the “best friend,” or you know, a family who would be there for a minute and then they move on, expressed Val Jean. “It’s really, really gratifying to be able open the door to this world.”
In addition to Val Jean, Beyond the Gates costume designer, Jeresa Featherstone sits down with Greg and Rebecca and shares how she draws inspiration for her crowd-pleasing looks that have come to define Beyond the Gates and how she gives each character on the canvas a distinct look and fashion sense.
Now below, check out the full episode of “Soapy” featuring Beyond the Gates creator, Michele Val Jean and costume designer, Jeresa Featherstone.
Then let us know, what did you think about the heart-tugging story of Michele’s past and how she worked with Tony Geary in the key storyline that had Luke admitting to Lucky that he has raped his mother, Laura which shed the optics on the controversial plot point of 1979 ‘General Hospital’ and more? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
I applaud her for writing the wrong and having it called a rape; a romance should have never been born from it, though.
Another occasion when Genie was robbed of an Emmy!
Exactly. Genie herself said in an interview no writer spoke to her at all or got any input from her. The show was always concerned about Tony at the expense of Genie. And that continued until he retired. You will never convince me he didn’t play a part in keeping her off the show all those years.
Genie also said in a interview, point blank, that Tony was not the one keeping her off the show. Make of that what you will.
But I fully agree, he was always given preference to her, from 1979 onwards. He’s said in interviews, particularly about the 78-83 era, he was treated like a prince. I did appreciate that he said his first Emmy win was 1/2 hers. I haven’t see the subsequent wins, but I have seen interviews where he and JJ say they are confounded that she gets left out.
Watched the entire podcast interview. Michele Val Jean is so down to earth and engaging. For those who love the genre she has lots of soap stories and not an unkind word about anyone. I hope she writes a book. Jeresa Featherstone was so inspiring for someone so young. This was my first time watching the podcast. I plan to seek out some of the earlier episodes. Rebecca and Greg are really really good and very well informed.. They should give up the day jobs and do a podcast full time.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ and NAACP Partner for Contest to Give Winning Viewer a Guest Spot on the 15-time Daytime Emmy Nominated Soap
Hot on the heels of its 15 Daytime Emmy nominations, which is a record-breaking number for a freshman entry in daytime, comes word that one lucky viewer has the chance to win a guest spot on an upcoming episode of the CBS soap opera, Beyond the Gates and a trip to Atlanta where the series is taped.
The NAACP and Beyond the Gates announced on Thursday via Instagram that they are holding a contest for you to show your love for Fairmont Crest, the Duprees, the Richardsons and other assorted characters who make up the canvas of Beyond the Gates.
Sharing the contest rules, the NAACP post said, “Your love for #BeyondtheGates could pay off. The NAACP/Beyond the Gates Contest starts TODAY! Share an original video showing how you watch, react to, celebrate, or talk about the @beyondthegatescbs show for your chance to win. From watch parties to your favorite characters and unforgettable moments, show us what makes the series a must-watch.
Photo: CBS
HOW YOU CAN GO BEYOND THE GATES
The contest asks, “Want to win a guest spot on CBS hit show, and a trip to the Atlanta set?” Then, they state the rules which are:
There will be one winner, one role.
Post an original video showing how you interact with the show.
Tag @NAACP +@BeyondtheGates via Instagram
Use the hashtag #BeyondtheGates
This past Monday and Tuesday, as aforementioned above, Beyond the Gates received 15 nominations for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards to be held on October 30 from the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California with the plans for the ceremony to be streamed on Watch.theemmys.TV and associated apps.
Beyond the Gates 15 nominations were in the following categories: Daytime Drama Series, Lead Actress for Karla Mosley andTamara Tunie, Supporting Actress for Trisha Mann-Grant, Supporting Actor for Timon Kyle Durrett, Supporting Actor for Mike Manning, Emerging Talent for Ambyr Michelle and Arielle Prepetit, Guest Performance for Jasmine Burke, Writing Team, Best Music Direction and Composition, Best Technical Direction, Best Lighting Direction, Best Hairstyling and Makeup and Best Casting.
So, if you were to enter the contest for a guest spot on Beyond the Gates, what would you do to get the judges attention and show your love to the CBS soap? Will you enter the contest and try to win a trip to Atlanta and meet everyone at the show? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Tamara Tunie Shares Bittersweet Moment of Learning She’s a Daytime Emmy Nominee Following the Loss of ATWT’s Scott Bryce
As many are celebrating their nominations for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30, for some it was a “mixed bag of emotions,” as detailed by first time nominee Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree, Beyond the Gates), who was named as one of the five women in the coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress category.
The Lead Actress nominations were actually announced on Monday on Entertainment Tonight, ahead of the full nomination announcement by NATAS on Tuesday. Sadly, on Sunday night, Tamara’s longtime friend, and former As the World Turns co-stars, Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery) passed away from cancer at 68-years-old.
Michael Fairman TV first reported the heartbreaking news of Scott’s death, and his beloved son, Jackson took to his Instagram to announce the death of his father, sharing, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”
Photo: JPI
THE LOSS OF ‘AS THE WORLD TURNS’ CO-STAR
Tamara spoke on receiving the recognition from peers while mourning the loss and trying to process the news of Bryce’s death via heartfelt message on her Instagram on Wednesday. Tunie had appeared on As the World Turns as Jessica Griffin from 1986-1995, 1999-2007 and 2009. She crossed paths with Bryce during several of his runs on the show 1982-1987, 1988-89, 1990, 1993-94 and 2007-08.
In her video message, Tunie explained she was at the airport in Atlanta (where Beyond the Gates is taped) and was heading to Pittsburgh for a speaking engagement, but she took a few moments to address these two moments in her life.
Tamara began her video with, “Hey family. I didn’t want to let any more time go by without expressing some of the emotions I had been feeling over the past couple of days. Many of you know that a dear friend of mine passed Sunday night. He was like a brother to me. We were friends for 40 something years and we actually met on the set of As the World Turns, a daytime drama. Monday, a mere 24 hours later, it was announced that I was nominated for an Emmy award for Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama.”
Sharing how the loss of Scott Bryce has deeply-affected her, Tamara added, “So, you can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions that I have been feeling since Sunday night. I know my daytime soap opera brother is smiling down on me and cheering me on, and I am so grateful for this recognition from my peers. Being nominated for the first time it’s a mixed bag of feelings I have to tell you.”
Photo: CBS
BEYOND THE GATES FAMILY SCORES BIG IN EMMY NOMINATIONS
However, Tamara took some moments to recognize Beyond the Gates Emmy nomination haul, expressing, “I’m looking forward to the next couple of months leading up to the awards as we continue to create great television. I am so proud of the rest of my cast members, not only those who are nominated, but every single person who works on this show and gives a hundred percent of themselves every single time they show up. Our crew, our production staff, the Beyond the Gates family is truly special.”
“To have these 15 nominations is really extraordinary. Thank you family for watching. Thank you for supporting us. Thank you for supporting me,” concluded Tunie.
You can check out Tamara’s emotional video message below.
Now, let us know, are you happy to see Tamara receiving the first Daytime Emmy nomination of her career for her role as Anita on Beyond the Gates? Do you remember when Tamara and Scott Bryce both appeared on As the World Turns? Share your thoughts on Tamara’s heartbreaking words on his passing via the comment section.
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Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.
However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).
From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).
In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.
So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?
Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.
‘Beyond the Gates’ and NAACP Partner for Contest to Give Winning Viewer a Guest Spot on the 15-time Daytime Emmy Nominated Soap
‘Beyond the Gates’ Tamara Tunie Shares Bittersweet Moment of Learning She’s a Daytime Emmy Nominee Following the Loss of ATWT’s Scott Bryce
‘General Hospital’s’ Amanda Setton Talks Her Reaction, Scenes, and Co-Stars After Becoming a Daytime Emmy Nominee for the First Time (Exclusive)
Grady Eldridge Makes His ‘General Hospital’ Debut as Music Executive Simon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Tells Danny: ‘The Place They Were Holding Me Was Bad, Really Bad’
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Amanda Setton Talks Her Reaction, Scenes, and Co-Stars After Becoming a Daytime Emmy Nominee for the First Time (Exclusive)
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
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As The World Turns4 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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Breaking News7 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
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Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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General Hospital7 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
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Beyond the Gates5 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
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Beyond the Gates3 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 15
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General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
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General Hospital1 week agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
