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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’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: LivewithKellyRyan

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.

Breaking News

Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco Welcome Baby Girl, Philomena into the World

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Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco

Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.

Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.

Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”

Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco

Photo: KCuoco IG

BABY MAKES FOUR

Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”

Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.

Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.

He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.

TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER

After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.

Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen!  Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”

Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.

Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.

 

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Hayden Panettiere’s Cause of Death Revealed

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Hayden Panettiere

On Tuesday, September 22, the Greenville, South Carolina Coroner’s office ruled that actress Hayden Panettiere’s death was an accident, attributing the 36-year-old’s passing to be a combination of toxic effects from fentanyl and other drugs that were in her system.

Panettiere was found unresponsive on Sunday, August 16. There have been numerous reports and sources speaking to various outlets about the manner in which the Nashville and Guiding Light alum died, but nothing was certain until now.

The Greenville County Coroner’s office shared that fentanyl, combined with 4-ANPP, Alprazolam (also known as Xanax), Methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant) and Quetiapine (used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia but is sometimes prescribed to treat depression), were all found in Hayden’s system.

Hayden Panettiere Guiding Light

Photo: CBS

GUIDING LIGHT ALUM’S DEATH IS STILL UNDER AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION

Meanwhile, the Greenville Police Department shared there is still an ongoing investigation into this case. “Our detectives will continue to follow leads and gather information as we work toward resolving this case,” the department shared.

That is, because despite Panettiere’s death being ruled accidental, authorities continue investigating whether anyone might be criminally responsible for providing the star with a lethal substance. It is being shared that this is  “cross-country investigation” stretching from as far as South Carolina to California.

As we previously reported, TMZ shared on September 14 that law enforcement officials believe Hayden’s “long time drug dealer” may have been the person responsible for supplying her with an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl which she took the morning of her death.

Panettiere “had been temporarily staying” at the apartment in Greenville, the coroner’s office said in August. Authorities did not say whose apartment it was but it was said to later be an Airbnb. It was Hayden’s on-again off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach who called 911 the afternoon of August 16 to say Panettiere was unresponsive, according to police reports.

Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Nashville

Photo: ABC

HAYDEN PANETTIERE IMPRESSED IN EVERY ROLE SHE PLAYED

Soap opera fans still remember Hayden’s as a very young Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live from 1994 until 1997, and then her signature daytime role as Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light from 1996-2000.

She later went on to star on the Music City primetime soap opera, Nashville from 2012-2018 on ABC and CMT where she played country and western singer, Juliette Barnes opposite General Hospital alum, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer), who played her love interest, Avery Barclay.

Over this past weekend, Jackson, Charles Esten (pictured above), Connie Britton, and others from the cast of Nashville gathered for a memorial service in Hayden’s honor to pay their respects for their beloved co-star.

So, what do you think about the ruling in the death of actress Hayden Panettiere that it was an accident involving toxic effects of fentanyl combined with other drugs and medications she was taking at the time? Share your reactions via the comment section below.

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‘Guiding Light’ and ATWT Alum Tom Pelphrey Wins Supporting Actor in Drama Series Emmy For ‘Task’

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Tom Pelphey

Tom Pelphrey, one of the greatest actors of our time, who got his first big break on the soaps, can now add a primetime Emmy to his two Daytime Emmys after receiving the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series tonight for his memorable role as Robbie Prendergrast in HBO’s Task.

Taking to the stage for his acceptance, Pelphrey delivered one of the more impassioned and touching moments at the 78th annual Primetime Emmys airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

Pelphrey shared, “I thank God for my life and my sobriety. I thank my family and my friends for all your love and support all these years, from Emmys to black box theaters and everything in between.” He added special thanks to his Task co-star and Emmy nominee, Mark Ruffalo, sharing, “Thank you for this incredible role and this opportunity and your friendship. I’m so proud to be your friend.”

Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco

Photo: NBC/TVAcademy

TOM PELPHREY GIVES BEAUTIFUL SHOUT OUT TO KALEY CUOCO

In conclusion, Tom gave a shout to his fiancée, Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco, when he expressed, “And to my favorite actor in this room, my love, my best friend, my partner, the very pregnant Kaley — I love you more than anything, and our family is the crown jewel of my life.”

Cuoco is the mother to their first child together named Matilda, and she is pregnant with their second child. Tom also gave shout oust to his children, the one they have, and the one on the way. “Matilda, daddy loves you. Baby girl, daddy loves you. Thank you. God bless,” an emotional Pelphrey said.

The now Emmy-winning actor beat out a stellar field for the gold statuette that included: Three men from the cast of The Pitt: Patrick Ball, Shawn Hatosy and Gerran Howell, The Morning Show’s Billy Crudup, Slow Horses’ Jack Lowden and Pluribus actor Carlos-Manuel Vesga.

Tom Pelphrey and Kim Zimmer

Photo: JPI

TWO-TIME DAYTIME EMMY WINNER FROM GUIDING LIGHT

Pelphrey had previously been nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 2022 for his guest star role as Ben Davis in the hit series Ozark. On the soaps, Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his role as Jonathan Randall on Guiding Light in the Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 2006 and 2008 and was nominated a total of four times.

For six years, Pelphrey played the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer) from 2003-2009, before later joining the cast of As the World Turns in the role of Mick Cain from 2009-2010. From there, it’s been all primetime television, stage and films for Pelphrey.

So, were you happy to see Tom Pelphrey winning an Emmy for his role in Task? What did you think of his acceptance speech? Do you think he was one of the best actors to ever get their start on soaps? Let us know via the comment section.

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