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BREAKING NEWS: ATWT's Anthony Herrera has passed away

Courtesy/CBS

Courtesy/CBS

Very sad news to report tonight. Over the last several hours reports have been coming in while there has been an outpouring of comments by fans all over the Internet on the news that As the World Turns Anthony Herrera who played the former soaps all-time super villain, James Stenbeck, has passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina on June 21, 2011.

In January 1997, Herrera was diagnosed with a rare and usually fatal lymphoma. He underwent an autologous stem cell transplant at Sloan-Kettering  and a donor transplant at MD Anderson Cancer Center, which made medical history. In remission for 10 years, he wrote “The Cancer War”, www.thecancerwar.com.  In October of 2005 Anthony testified for Senator Arlen Specter on stem cell research. He gave a lecture on “The Human Spirit” at MD Anderson, Sloan Kettering, and St. Jude’s in Memphis, TN. It can be viewed on www.anthonyherrera.org.

Herrera’s former co-star, Martha Byrne (Ex-Lily) took to twitter tonight to voice her sadness at the news tweeting, “RIP Anthony Herrera…so many great memories…. 🙁  He loved that dog pictured with him on Facebook….He died in a place he loved…God Bless…. He wrote the book The Cancer War...please read it if you can. It would make him so happy….he fought that and won many times.”

It seems so parallel in some ways that Herrera, whose Stenbeck came back from the dead over and over in Oakdale, did so in real life coming back several times from cancer.  On-Air On-Soaps sends are thoughts and prayers to the Herrera family, and to all of ATWT fans who loved his tremendous portrayal that scared the living daylights out of the townfolk of Oakdale.

We will continue to follow this story in the coming days. But for now, watch below a promo clip of Herrera in action as James Stenbeck as he takes a look at how to avoid being murdered on a soap.

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DaisyADay
Guest
DaisyADay

I didn’t watch ATWT on a regular basis, but the times I watched Mr. Herrera portray the villainous John Stenbeck, I was mesmerized by his performance. There are a lot of good actors on soaps, but he was one of the best.

Brenda
Guest
Brenda

I watched the show and he was just simply a great actor.

SnapeGirl
Guest
SnapeGirl

Awww, that was a wonderful video to appreciate both the humor and the terror that Anthony Herrera brought to ATWT in the character of James Stenbeck. He was a very unique individual who certainly left his mark on anyone who was privileged to enjoy his work. He will be missed. God bless you A.H. <3

Webbie
Guest
Webbie

“Hello, Barbara.” No scarier words were ever spoken by a true soap villain. I loved his acting and send my prayers and sympathy to his family and friends.

Deb
Guest
Deb

I was talking about Anthony only this afternoon as a friend and I wondered if Stefano was really dead on Days of Our LIves. He was the best villain of all time on TV. And the line that I’ve never forgotten was “Hello, Barbara.” The way he said it, it just summed up their relationship. Even when he was struggling with the cancer, he never lost his absolute command of the character and the scene. It is really hard to think that he has passed away, but he won’t be forgotten as long as there are ATWT fans on this… Read more »

Regina
Guest
Regina

What an amazing actor!!! A sad day for us who enjoyed his work on ATWT. Rest in Peace.

kay killgore
Guest
kay killgore

He was part of the generation solid actors, solid performances and great storytelling! Thanks for the memories rest in peace.

Iakovos
Guest
Iakovos

This is sad news indeed. My mother died of lymphoma and knowing someone else (even if it is through his job as an actor on a favorite TV show) fighting the same battles is a comfort. It is one reason why continuous daytime dramas with familiar faces and names and places and families have a special place. Mr. Herrera was an excellent actor and delightful to watch as James Stenbeck on ATWT. He was fortunate to have so many others like him with whom to work. We were fortunate to have years of entertainment and happiness from their talents. God… Read more »

Patience
Guest
Patience

James Stenbeck will be among the top all-time villains in soap history, right up there with Sheila Carter, Roger Thorpe, Phyllis Summers, and Edmund Winslow.

Tammy
Guest
Tammy

I met him years ago at a St. Jude Event and even got an autographed copy of his book. I talked with him for awhile and he was quite an amazing sweet man. Prayers to his family. He will be missed!

MaryAnn42
Guest
MaryAnn42

Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Anthony Herrera on his recent passing.
He fought the good fight both in his own illness and in his war to promote awareness of new treatments and research. Even though “As The World Turns” has ended, our beloved villian, James Stenbeck, will live on in our hearts and memories. RIP, Anthony.

Paul Hurlburt
Guest
Paul Hurlburt

so sad my prayers go out with his family and his friends.

David stiffler
Guest
David stiffler

Anthony Herrera will surely be missed as the ultimate all time villain James stenbeck. I remember growing up watching him as James first made his role popular in late 70s early 1980s. He had such a big impression on me that I would start to write stories of my own while n school about evil Stenbeck and the lives he tried to ruin. Good always prevailed, though. James was a character you loved to hate. As a faithful viewer of ATWT, Anthony will surely be missed, but never forgotten. I still see classic clips of ATWT’s James Stenbeck on Youtube.… Read more »

BETTYEJ
Guest
BETTYEJ

I am truly sorry to hear of Mr Anthony Herrera’s death. He was a very gifted actor that we all loved and will deeply miss.

Margaret Dalton Begtoft
Guest
Margaret Dalton Begtoft

Anthony was a wonderful, wonderful person when we met in New Orleans in the Sixties before he became an actor. I followed his career and was proud of his success. ATWT was dubbed in French here in France so he was well known for his James Stenbeck character. You fought a good fight, dear Anthony, and may you Rest In Peace. I am so shocked to have read about your passing which was so premature. My sincere condolences to your family. Love, Margaret.

Ellen
Guest
Ellen

Gosh I miss ATWT

ANNA MARIE SULLIVAN
Guest
ANNA MARIE SULLIVAN

I just found out today July 21st that Anthony Herrera had passed away. I am 64 years old and have watched him all the years he was on ATWT and I feel as if I lost a friend . My parents both died of cancer and I just lost my only sibling to cancer less than two years ago. I am impressed that Anthony was trying so hard to help the fight with his particular cancer. May God take good care of him and his family. I intend to purchase his book as soon as I can. Thank you Anthony… Read more »

Lauren Dahmen
Guest
Lauren Dahmen

I watched and still watch ATWT daily and i have him as a friend on Facebook. I just found out he passed away. I actually sort of liked the way he played James Stenbeck on ATWT. He will be missed ,just like the show. I’m gonna try to buy that book as soon as i can. May God take really good care of him ,his family and his friends. It feels like i lost a friend. I’ve got a aunt who also had cancer, but she survived it. Thank you so much ,Anthony for all the years of the amazing… Read more »

Virginia Lee
Guest
Virginia Lee

I have been embroiled in my own soap opera this summer and only learned today about the passing of Anthony Herrera. After Roger Thorpe, Herrera’s James Stenbeck was the penultimate soap villain. The relish with which Herrera delivered Stenbeck’s barbs, threats, and purrs of seeming affection gave me many years of great delight. The fact that he was from a small town in north Mississippi made it all that much better somhow. I shall miss his work greatly, but am grateful I had all those years in which to enjoy it. Blessings to his family and friends. Thank you for… Read more »

George
Guest
George

RIP Anthony. Why does death come to

George
Guest
George

RIP Anthony. Why does death come early to nice people? And why was an early, tragic, cruel death written for one of the best characters, Dr. Reid Oliver, on ATWT. Hate the monsters CG and JP and the TPTB for their malicious intent, out and out homphobia and the train wreck plot. Hope they are out of work forever or even better hope they… (better not spell out) in the worst possible manner.

Dawn
Guest
Dawn

I spent some lovely times with Anthony in NYC during
1984-5. What a gentleman and talented man.
He was a writer, director, actor, a friend and much more.
I loved him.

M
Guest
M

Just heard of his passing…RIP. Enjoyed his work and ATWT.

bill dooley
Guest
bill dooley

Anthony was fun, interesting and a great squash player!

Bill Dooley
Naples, Florida

georjeana armagost
Guest
georjeana armagost

I am so sorry i didn’t see this sooner, my husband and met anthony at M D Andreson they both had the same type of cancer. Anthony and i stayed intouch for some time then after my husband passed 8yrs ago time started getting away from. I am very sorry for the loss of Anthony he will be missed deeply, I have hem both to think of when I see Anthonys book as Anthony has my husbands name in it, I will him in my prayers.

Maria Herrera Orr
Guest
Maria Herrera Orr

I am Anthony’s sister. Thank you for your nice words. It has been a year already. I am sorry for your loss of your husband.

Martha Guillotte Carson
Guest
Martha Guillotte Carson

Maria,
My name is Marthe Guillotte Carson. While at Millsaps College, Anthony posed for me when I studied figure painting under Karl Wolfe. He was a marvelous , patient and free model. I regret your loss and would appreciate a contact with you. Best wishes as my own dear husband who was at Millsaps with us passed from esophogeal cancer this October. If you would like to talk to me please search out my daughter Rachael Carson Tootle. She is in Katy Texas and she is on Facebook.

Martha Guillotte Carson

david
Guest
david

i am so sorry for the loss of Anthony Herrera. i watched As the World Turns for 0 Years and most just to see How James Stenbeck came back from the dead. James and Craig were my 2 favoritecharaters, RIP Anthony. You will be missed.

david
Guest
david

i meant 30 years

Rita
Guest
Rita

Mr. Herrera was so generous and giving of his knowledge about the cancer he suffered. Besides writing the book, he personally cared about the people that were going through the same experiences. Our daughter contacted him when her father was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. He sent my husband a copy of the book with a wonderful message of courage. He kept in touch with my daughter and his book is now treasured by the family. Although Mr. Herrera and my husband never got the opportunity to meet, he had offered and spoke to him on the phone. In those… Read more »

Diane Harper
Guest
Diane Harper

I just now heard of Anthony’s passing and am so saddened by it. My husband died of brain cancer in 1996 so I definitely knew what a battle he fought. I was one of the lucky girls to get to meet this handsome and gifted man. We had lunch together (I got to sit next to him!) in the late 70’s when he visited a CBS affiliate where I worked. I am proud to say I am a Mississippi girl, not far from where he is from. Again, so sorry. With fond memories, Diane.

donny hill
Guest
donny hill

Anthony herrea.
Made as world turn worth watching
When he left the show
I quit watching it.
James steinbeck was my favorite charactor.

Your loyal fan . From new london wisconsin

Wendy Bettis
Guest
Wendy Bettis

I just ordered his book. I remember him on the soap when I was a kid. My husband has the same cancer, and I am trying to learn. RIP Anthony. You were a true warrior.

Mr Mike
Guest
Mr Mike

I turned so many female friends on to ATWT back in the 70’s and 80’s and they all never stopped watching. ATWT was the best written Soap of all time. And James Stenbeck will always be the greatest villain ever portrayed on daytime television. “Hello, Barbara”, Classic ! Anthony Herrera will always be remembered ’till the end of time. Hope he’s doing well up there High In The Sky…

Lori Bock
Guest
Lori Bock

You were Awesome Anthony. I always liked the bad boys. The good ones were boring! RIP James

All My Children

Pride Month Celebrating LGBTQ+ Soap Supercouples: Nuke, Kish, Otalia & WilSon … Which Stands the Test of Time?

June is Pride Month, the time when across the U.S and the world there are celebrations and commemorations to recognize all who identify as LGBTQ and their allies.

Daytime soap operas have had a rocky road when it comes to the representation of same-sex couples.  The soaps have been at one time leaders in portraying key social issues of our time, as well as treading lightly on other subjects, as to its concerns to ‘turn-off’ its core audiences.

When you look back at the groundbreaking first same-sex weddings, and the first gay kiss, the soaps have come far in some ways in their representations of gay characters, but there is always work to be done to serve and to shed light on the under-represented.

As we reflect back to the then and the now, which LGBTQ soap supercouple remains your favorite and had made a lasting impact? Let’s take a look at four duos who captivated many viewers.

Nuke  – Luke Snyder and Noah Mayer – As the World Turns

Van Hansis (Luke) and Jake Silbermann (Noah) were a key part of the evolution of, and representation of LGBTQ character on the soaps.  ‘Nuke’, as they were known as, became the first gay male soap couple to share an on-screen kiss back in 2007.  ATWT also became known as the first soap to depict a fully realized romantic male couple as an integral part of the show.  There was plenty of backlash along the way for the long-awaited kiss to happen, but when it did, the show moved forward to tell their love story.

Otalia – Olivia Spencer and Natalia Rivera Aitoro – Guiding Light

When Crystal Chappell (Olivia) and Jessica Leccia (Natalia) began to play the love story of Otalia, they had to show their affection by a kiss on the head, or holding hands.  It took quite some time for GL to move forward to have two women, two moms, no less, share a lip lock. The complicated love story featured Natalia being conflicted to face her true romantic feelings for Olivia, because of her value system and religions upbringing, and that made this all the more riveting and frustrating at the same time.  In the end, the rabid fan base for this duo was so great that Chappell wound up creating her own series, Venice, to honor and serve them, remaining one of the LGBTQ communities greatest allies.

Kish – Kyle Lewis and Oliver Fish – One Life to Live

In 2009, One Life to Live’s Kyle Lewis (Brett Claywell) was an out lab tech in Llanview, who back in college had a relationship with Officer Oliver Fish (Scott Evans).  It imploded when Oliver denied he was gay.  For years, Oliver remained in the closet, before finally coming out to himself and Kyle.

Kish had been a big success with the media and One Life’s gay audience. LGBTQ-advocacy groups honored the couple and the story.  However, Kish was cut short when the network felt that the data showed that the storyline was not resonating with the show’s core audience.

WilSon – Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis – Days of our Lives

Days of our Lives delivered daytime’s first-ever gay male wedding in 2014, between Will (then played by Guy Wilson) and Sonny (then played by Freddie Smith).

In an interview with EW, Days of our Lives executive producer, Ken Corday shared on the union, “Will and Sonny have been together for a while and it was the natural progression of their love story. We didn’t feel like there was anything we could or couldn’t do, we treated them like any other couple on the canvas and continued to grow their romance as such.”

In addition, the coming out story of Will Horton was critically praised and noteworthy for the performances of Chandler Massey, who won three Daytime Emmys for his work in the Outstanding Younger Actor category 2012, 2013 and 2014.  Freddie Smith also won in the same category in 2015.  Will has been played over the years by Chandler Massey and Guy Wilson, while Sonny has been portrayed by Freddie Smith and Zach Tinker.

There have been several other key LGBTQ couples throughout the course of daytime history including All My Children’s Bianca (Eden Riegel) and Reese (Tamara Braun). These two characters were involved in the first same-sex lesbian wedding on daytime. Problem was … Reese kissed Zach (Thorsten Kaye) before the wedding, making this infuriating for viewers at home.

Other notable LGBTQ couples through the years have included: Bianca and Maggie on All My Children, Mariah and Tessa of The Young and the Restless played bv Camryn Grimes and Cait Fairbanks, Maya and Rick on The Bold and the Beautiful, Lucas and Brad on General Hospital and others.

Which couple do you think has had the most lasting impact on the history of LGBTQ representation on daytime soap operas? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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As The World Turns

As the World Turns Castmates Mourn the Loss of Elizabeth Hubbard

UPDATED: Monday, the soap world was saddened by the loss of one of the most respected actress ever in the genre, when the news broke of the death of Daytime Emmy-winner, Elizabeth Hubbard.

This powerhouse performer who was best known for her work as Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, and as Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns, died this past Saturday at her home in Connecticut from cancer.

Throughout this afternoon, several of Hubbard’s former As the World Turns castmates took to social media to share their reactions on the passing of this beloved daytime icon.  In addition, Retro TV, which has been airing vintage episodes of The Doctors, also paid tribute to Hubbard.

Photo: CBS

Martha Byrne (ex-Lily, ATWT) shared on her Instagram: As many of you are finding out this morning, Elizabeth Hubbard passed away. First and foremost I want everyone to know I made sure she was aware of how much everyone loved her. I would share your comments from social media, videos and your fond memories of her as Lucinda, Althea, every time I saw her. She loved the audience and fought like HELL to bring truth and honesty to her performances. On a personal level there aren’t words to describe how much she meant to me. Only feelings, which override words in so many cases when it comes to love. I will be sharing more so we can all grieve together but here are our last words together only just a few days ago. I said, “Liz, do you know how much you have done for me?” She said, “You can do more.” Because of what she has done for me over the last 38 years, the strength and fearless nature in how she lived her life, she is right, I can AND WILL do more. I look forward to sharing more about her life, which encompasses so much more than her INCREDIBLE career on daytime television. She also said to me when I told her how much the fans loved her…”I tried.” She more than tried. She left it all on the screen. I’ll miss her every day but grateful the universe gifted me with such a force of nature, of which the world will not see the likes of again. ❤️”

Michael Park (ex-Jack) shared via Twitter: “If Liz was involved in a scene I was lucky enough to be in, I could always count on learning a little something and laughing a whole lot. She was a ferocious talent in love with her craft. One of the greats that will certainly be missed.”

Photo: NBC

Mary Beth Evans (ex-Sierra, ATWT and now Kayla, DAYS) expressed: “I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Elizabeth Hubbard for six years on As the World Turns, where she played my mother. What an amazing powerhouse this woman was … always striving for spontaneity and keeping it real. My favorite times with her were riding in the car from Manhattan to Brooklyn — the stories she would tell were so much fun. Rest in peace, sweet lady. #RIPLIZ #ATWT

Photo: CBS

Peter Boynton (ex-Tonio, ATWT) added: “Rest in peace, Boss! Working with/for you at ‘Walsh Enterprises’ was a highlight of my NYC years! Your encouragement and respect meant the world to me. I’m raising a glass to you and feel so lucky to have worked with you in that great ‘ATWT’ community. On angels wings. – Peter ‘Tonio Reyes’ Boynton.”

Scott Bryce (ex-Craig, ATWT) said, “She was astonishing. Liz RIP. Love you woman.”

Retro TV expressed: “We are saddened to hear of soap-opera legend Elizabeth Hubbard’s passing at age 89. A force to be reckoned with, Hubbard stole our hearts with her portrayal of Althea Davis on The Doctors. Please share your favorite memories with us as we remember the beloved Elizabeth Hubbard.”

In addition, Alec Baldwin who played Billy Aldrich on The Doctors wrote: “I worked on The Doctors with the great Liz Hubbard. An amazing woman and remarkable actress.”

Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this post as reactions continue from Liz’s colleagues.

What do you think about the remembrances shared thus far from Martha Byrne, Michael Park, Mary Beth Evans and Peter Boynton on working with the great Elizabeth Hubbard? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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As The World Turns

Daytime Icon Elizabeth Hubbard Passes Away at 89

One of daytime drama’s most beloved and revered actresses, Elizabeth Hubbard, has passed away. The legendary Daytime Emmy-winning star was best known for her performances as Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors and Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns.

Elizabeth’s son, Jeremy Bennett, broke the heartbreaking news via his Facebook page, sharing, “I’m sorry to say with a broken heart mi mum passed over the weekend. Thank you for being an unmovable rock that guided me through life. I will try to honour your memory for as long as I live.”

Photo: NBC

Hubbard received 11 Daytime Emmy nominations throughout her career on the soaps. Of her 11 Daytime Emmy nods, Hubbard earned eight for her towering work as Lucinda Walsh on CBS’ As the World Turns, a role she played from 1984 till the the beloved soap went off the air in September of 2010.

However, Liz was the very first actress to win the Outstanding Lead Actress award in 1974 for her star-turn as Dr. Althea Davis on NBC’s The Doctors.  She followed that two years later winning a Daytime Emmy for the TV movie, First Ladies Dairies: Edith Wilson.

Liz was born to be an actress and graduated from the distinguished Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England,  She got her soap start with roles on Guiding Light, then Edge of Night, and eventually joined The Doctors as Althea.  She played the role from 1964-1969, then again from 1970-1978 and one last time from 1981-1982.  After The Doctors was cancelled, she went over to One Life to Live for a short run in the role of Estelle Chadwick.

Photo: JPI

Later, everything changed in Oakdale when As the World Turns wisely cast Hubbard as Lucinda Walsh, a defining role in her career.  Lucinda was a tough-as-nails corporate business woman with a past, who guarded her heart, and carried on tumultuous relationships with her children and the men in her life.

Photo: JPI

Elizabeth’s final appearance on-screen was in the web series Anacostia in 2015 that reunited Hubbard with her ATWT on-screen adopted daughter, Lily, played by her dear friend, Martha Byrne.

We will continue to provide updates and reactions in the soap community on the death of Elizabeth Hubbard in the days ahead.

Share your condolences and remembrances for the great Elizabeth Hubbard vis the comment section.  But first, we share the last times we had the opportunity to connect with Liz.  One, on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys along with Martha Bryne in 2018, and her participation as one of our ‘Doctors’ alums during our pandemic game show, ‘Soap-Opera-Know-It-All’, where she was gracious enough to be a part of the episode.

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