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Bridget Dobson, Co-Creator and Co-Head Writer of ‘Santa Barbara’, Dead at 85

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: New World Pictures/DobsonFacebook

One of the most game-changing and prolific soap opera writers, Bridget Dobson has passed away at the age of 85.  No cause of death was immediately given at this time.

Bridget was the daughter of the late great, Frank and Doris Hursley, who were the co-creators of General Hospital. Being born into soap royalty, she carried on her parents tradition, and along with her husband Jerome Dobson (who she had been married to since 1961) created Santa Barbara for NBC.

Santa Barbara, to this day is considered one of the most creative soap operas in the history of the genre. The series aired from 1984 to 1993 and had the distinction of winning three Daytime Emmy Awards in a row for Outstanding Drama Series in 1988, 1989, and 1990.

Photo: SantaBarbaraBlog

Ironically, Dobson famously accepted the award in 1988, shortly after then New World Television (now New World Pictures) locked her and her husband out of the show’s studio. This was after a dispute with the production company when the Dobson attempted to fire then head writer, Anne Howard Bailey.

According to the LA Times, “As executive producer and series co-owner Bridget Dobson, whose contract gave her creative control, including the right to hire and fire writers–tried to dismiss head writer Bailey because of creative differences, she discovered that Bailey’s contract with series co-owner New World Television permitted her dismissal only upon NBC’s request or series cancellation. Citing breach of contract, Dobson’s attorneys declared her own contract with New World rescinded and demanded that the series be returned to her ownership.”

Throughout the series run, Santa Barbara took home 24 Daytime Emmy Awards and received 74 nominations. By 1991, the The Dobson had settled their dispute with New World Television and NBC, returning to the studio and overseeing the show in its final years of production. However, at the time of its cancellation, and when it aired its final episode in January of 1993, Paul Rauch was serving as executive producer, with Pamela K. Long as head writer.

Prior to their work on Santa Barbara, Bridget and Jerome Dobson had been the head writers for As the World Turns, Guiding Light and General Hospital.

The news of Dobson’s death came from Pierpaolo Dongiovanni via his Facebook page where he shared:  Jerome Dobson told me that his beloved wife Bridget passed away three days ago. They spent a lifetime together, co-created, co-produced and beautifully co-wrote Santa Barbara, among other things. Jerry and Bridget brought with them so much beauty on Earth. She gave me friendship, love, fun, hope and was pure inspiration to me, even when I was sick a couple of years ago. She may be gone, but always present. All my love to Jerry and Mary Dobson.”

Dongiovanni runs the Santa Barbara Blog and it is he, who had a multi-part interview with Bridget Dobson talking about the highs and lows of writing, and creating Santa Barbara.

Dobson is survived by her husband Jerome, daughter Mary and extended family and friends.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Bridget Dobson and of course, Santa Barbara via the comment section below.

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RIP
Santa Barbara was my first soap opera experience and remains my favourite. I caught the very first episode quite by chance and stayed with it until the end. Such a unique and creative show.

I agree. I think I started at the beginning too. Loved that show and all their stars, mainly Jed Allen and A. Martinez, Lane Davies,Nancy Lee Grahn, etc Never realized how many of that cast I adored.

RIP to Ms. Bridget Dobson, who, along with her husband, created quite a unique soap opera. And while I was not the biggest fan of the decisions they made, I respect they went up against the TPTB in the best ways they could!

Lots of fond memories watching Santa Barbara back in the day. May she rest in peace.

Santa Barbara was amazing. I didn’t know of all the behind the scenes drama at the time. RIP

Breaking News

‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis

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James Reynolds

Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.

Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.

Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”

Photo: ET

SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE

Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.

Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.

As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.

Abe

Photo: JPI

In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”

James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.

You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.

Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Men Duded Up – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)

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The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.

The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.

This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.

LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE

Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.

Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei  (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.

Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.

Al Calderon Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.

Jaden Lucas Miller Daytime Emmys Red Carpet 2026

Photo: NATAS

Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.

Eric Braeden Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: NATAS

The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.

Alex Cheeks

Photo: NATAS

Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.

Dominic Zamprogna Daytime Emmy Awards 2026

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.

Harrison Cone Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!

Sawandi Wilson 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.

Paul Telfer 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards

Photo: JPI

Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.

Kyle Pryor

Photo: NATAS

Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.

Sean Freeman - Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Crew Morrow

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.

Christopher Sean Daytime Emmys Red Carpet 2026

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.

So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

2026 Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet: Women in Glam – Who’s Got the Look?

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Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Arrival women

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.

From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.

Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”

Amanda Setton, Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.

Tamara Tunie, 2026 Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.

Hayley Erin 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.

Kelly Kruger - 2026 Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.

Christel Khalil 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.

Alexa Havins 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.

Cherie Jimenez 2-26 Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.

Rhonni Rose Mantilla

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Kristen Vagnos, Daytime Emmys red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.

Maura West and Cynthia Watros 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.

Michelle Stafford 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards

Photo: JPI

Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.

Melissa Claire Egan - Daytime Emmys Red Carpet 2026

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!

Finola Hughes 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: Hutchins Photo

The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.

So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.

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