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Cicely Tyson Recalls Her Time On ‘Guiding Light’ & Her Mother’s Obsession With Soaps In Final Interview on ‘Live with Kelly & Ryan’

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The world is mourning the loss of legendary actress Cicely Tyson who died on Thursday at the age of 96.   On Wednesday, Tyson had taped what would be the final interview of her life with Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest for the morning show, Live with Kelly and Ryan.

Today on Friday, the show aired Tyson’s interview which was filled with so many moments made all the more poignant by her passing yesterday.

As soap fans know, Cicely was the first black actress to appear on the soaps, and on Guiding Light, back in 1966 in the role of Martha Frazier.  The character was married to Dr. Jim Frazier played first by Billy Dee Williams and then James Earl Jones.  Tyson’s role was eventually taken over by Ruby Dee.

 

During her interview with Kelly and Ryan, the hosts asked the Oscar-nominated actress and icon, best known for her roles in Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Roots, and A Trip to Bountiful about her time on Guiding Light.  Cicely revealed that her mother was a huge fan of Guiding Light and the daytime soaps, and was obsessed with the characters and what was going to happen next.  As it turns out, according to the interview, Tyson’s mother’s favorite role of her daughter was Martha on Guiding Light.

Watch the clip from the interview below.

Then, share your remembrances on the extraordinary work of Cicely Tyson via the comment section below.

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She was truly an Icon. She was the First Black Actress on a Soap who wasn’t in a subservient Role. She also started at Tradition where Guiding Light Alumnae would later work with some of America’s Top Black Directors. Spike Lee, John Singleton & Tyler Perry. She, Ruby Dee and Angela Bassett all played Nurses and got Oscar Nominations. Then She and Ruby Dee were in Two Different Productions of Roots. Cicely played Binta Alex Haley’s Great Great Great Great Great Grandmother who cried out when she found out her Son Kunta was gone from them “forever”, and Ruby Dee played The “Elder” Queen who was the only person representing Simon Haley her Son at his Wedding to Miss Bertha Palmer. She was Alex Haley’s Paternal Grandmother and Halle Berry future Oscar Winner played “Young” Queen. She is also a descendant of The West Indies like Shirley Chisolm as well.

Alright Tamla. Like the song says “And if you don’t know, now you know”. Well done.

R.I.P. Such an icon and powerful African American actress. Cicely Tyson definitely did her career her way.

The word “Legend” just doesn’t seem to do her justice. An amazing talent. Rest well.

What a lovely person. Sorry I missed Cicely’s interview with Kelly and Ryan. I did see another one this week with her and Gail King on CBS. Would love to see Cicely play opposite Billy Dee or James Earl. Are there still any copies of these episodes?

I don’t think so. CBS taped over most of their soaps, including the legendary Guiding Light, up until the late 70s. There is a scene of Billy Dee on Guiding Light but I do not think there is one of Cicely, Ruby or James Earl.

Stasia…It’s a real shame about those soaps that got lost or taped over during the years. No way for us latecomers to the soaps to catch up. One of the reasons I appreciate TCM for finding and saving older films of all kinds.

One of the Best Actress that ever graced the Big screen, small screen and stage. Iconic and legendary…..RIP.

Each time Cicely Tyson appeared on stage, in a film or on television she gave a Masters Class in acting

The 96 year old actress tapes an interview the day before she dies. Not only do I respect her talent and longevity, I also respect her work ethic. She kept working and promoting literally until the day she died.

I’m sorry that she is passed but have a LOT of admiration for her.

Ms. Tyson was such a legendary actress. I remember her great performance in Jane Pittman and even Fried Green Tomatoes that she filmed in Juliette GA. Nice to know that she and her mom appreciated her daytime stint on Guiding Light. Miss her already.

Guiding Light

GL Alum Nia Long Set to Play Michael Jackson’s Mother, Katherine Jackson, in Upcoming Biopic

Since her early days on Guiding Light, actress Nia Long (ex-Kat Speakes from 1991-1994), has made quite a name for herself with a list of credits that are very impressive. Now, Long can yet another when she has signed on to portray Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the Jackson clan and mother to superstar Michael Jackson.

Michael, the title of the upcoming biopic from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures is said to be working towards an April 18, 2025 release date. Director Antoine Fuqua is set behind the camera.

In a statement on the casting of Long, Michael producer Graham King expressed: “Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son. Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”

Photo: JPI

Long echoed the sentiments of King, sharing: “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere.”

Nia will be in great acting company for the film that includes Best Actor Oscar nominee Coleman Domingo who will play Katherine’s husband and Michael’s father, Joe Jackson.

Looking forward to seeing Nia taking on the role of Katherine Jackson in the Michael biopic? Remember her early days on Guiding Light? Comment below.

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All My Children

2023 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Fashion: Women In Glam: Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)

The 50th annual Daytime Emmys Awards brought out the women of daytime in sequined gowns, classic black, looks with an edge, and more as the stars gathered together for daytime’s biggest night of the year.

Prior to the two-hour ceremony airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday, many previous Emmy winners, nominees, and fan favorites walked the red carpet showing off their fashion sense to the numerous paparazzi in attendance.

The following morning on Saturday, more nominees and presenters took to the red carpet for the 50th annual Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Awards. Scroll below and take a look at some of the pics of the ladies as they made their way down the red carpet.

Photo: JPI

2022 Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winner, Mishael Morgan (Amanda, Y&R), who was a presenter on this year’s telecast in yellow.

Photo: JPI

General Hospital’s Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber) intro’d the GH 60 retrospective package during the telecast, but a blue-sequined dress was the order of the day on the red carpet.

Photo: JPI

Y&R Lead Actress nominee, Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) wows the carpet.

Photo: JPI

Y&R’s Melissa Ordway (Abby) sleek in black.

Photo: JPI

GH’s Katelyn McMullen (Willow) gives us old Hollywood with a modern twist in red.

Photo: JPI

GH’s Tabyana Ali (Trina) in dark red sequined gown.

Photo: JPI

The Talk co-host, Amanda Kloots, in silver and white.

Photo: JPI

Six-time Daytime Emmy-winning star, Heather Tom (Katie) of The Bold and the Beautiful, truly in old Hollywood glam.

Photo: JPI

Daytime Emmy winner from Guiding Light and current star of General Hospital Cynthia Watros (Nina), in teal dress.

Photo: JPI

Eventual Daytime Emmy winner for Outstanding Younger Performer, GH’s Eden McCoy (Josslyn) in creme colored slip dress.

Photo: JPI

Susan Lucci (ex-Erica Kane, All My Children) should also win a Lifetime Achievement Award for all the red carpets she dazzled over the years, and this year was no exception.

Photo: JPI

Grammy Award-winner, Jennifer Nettles. took to the morning Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmys in yellow. During the Emmy telecast, she performed during the In Memoriam Segment.

Photo: JPI

General Hospital nominee for Supporting Actress, Brook Kerr (Portia).

Photo: JPI

The fabulous Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) who represented Y&R for their tribute during the ceremony, took to the carpet in this sequined print pantsuit.

Photo: JPI

A Daytime Emmy winner from General Hospital, now with Y&R, Hayley Erin (Claire), took to the red carpet in alternative modern fashion.

Photo: JPI

GH’s Jophielle Love (Violet) was ready for the carpet with patterned-bowed dress and matching black shoes.

Photo: JPI

Another nod to old Hollywood, B&B’s Jennifer Gareis (Donna) in white and silver with matching silver earrings.

Photo: JPI

Paige Mobley, a Daytime Emmy nominee at the Creative Arts & Lifestyle ceremony for co-hosting Instant Dream Home, took to the carpet.

Photo: JPI

Talk show host, Sherri Shepherd making a ‘statement’ at the Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards with this modern number.

Photo: JPI

B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) took home the gold for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the third time in her career. Here, Jacqui walks the red carpet prior to the start of the telecast glammed in black.

Photo: JPI

Also dressed in black, but in velvet, GH’s Tanisha Harper (Jordan).

Photo: JPI

Talk show host and EGOT winner, Jennifer Hudson, was the final performer to arrive at the 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards and turned it out in sequins.

So, who do you think wore it best on the red carpet at the 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards weekend? Let us know your pick via the comment section below.

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Guiding Light

Tom Pelphrey Set to Star Opposite Mark Ruffalo in HBO Crime Drama Series

Two-time Daytime Emmy winning star, Tom Pelphey (ex-Jonathan Randall, Guiding Light, ex-Mick Dante, As the World Turns), has landed another primo role in his primetime and motion picture acting career.

Pelphrey is set to star opposite Mark Ruffalo in the yet untitled Brad Inglesby Task Force Project currently in pre-production for HBO.

According to Deadline, Pelphrey will take on the role of Robbie, a sanitation worker and dreamer who has been knocked around by life, but has always gotten back up again.

Photo: JPI

The series loglines shares that it takes place in the working-class suburbs outside of Philadelphia and follows an FBI agent who heads a Task Force. His goal is to put an end to a string of drug-house robberies led by an unsuspecting family man.

Ruffalo is also one of the executive producers on the series. The Untitled Task Force project is based on an original idea by the creator of Mare of Easttown, Brad Ingelsby.

Photo: JPI

As for Tom Pelphrey, he is one in-demand actor. After receiving critical acclaimed in Ozark, he now finds himself in production on season 2 of Amazon Prime’s Outer Range. Next, he will play the lead in A Man In Full, a limited series from Netflix. The actor most recently starred in Max’s Love and Death.

Back in April, Tom became a father to a baby girl, Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey with his love, actress Kaley Cuoco.

So, what do you think about Tom’s upcoming role opposite Mark Ruffalo in the new untitled HBO crime drama? Did you always know, like we did when we saw him on Guiding Light, that Tom would become a major star in Hollywood? Comment below.

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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