As The World Turns
Colleen Zenk issues heartfelt statement on the passing of ATWT's Anthony Herrera!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
On-Air On-Soaps reached out today to Colleen Zenk, (Ex- Barbara, ATWT) to get her thoughts and sentiments on the sad news that hit the Internet last evening on the passing of her longtime co-star and scene partner, Anthony Herrera (Ex- James, ATWT). For decades on-screen the duo tormented each other, well especially, James! But off-screen the two performers were very closer, and both shared the fact that they had battled back from cancer. As many now know, Herrera died on June 21st in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here below is the statement from Colleen. We wanted to share this with you, the longtime fans of As the World Turns, and the soap opera community!
Zenk: “I knew and worked with and fought with and admired and adored Anthony Herrera more than half of my life. From Jan 1980, before I turned 27, to this last fall at a Cancer Awareness event and then a screening of his film at the Player’s Club, Anthony was a pivotal and important part of my professional and personal life. From our on-location work in the Dominican Republic, (where we were invited to the home of the Army General), to the bullring in Spain (we were having a bump in the road in our relationship then, and I think he wanted the bull to gore me.), Anthony and I always found time to dance…a metaphor for our relationship. I remember brunches at the Plaza Hotel and waltzing to the orchestra, dinners in caves and dancing the meringue… and so much more. And that was real-life. And then there are all the Barbara and James dances and battles, too.
Courtesy/CBS
Anthony always called me his “fictional wife”. And I was that, but more too. I wasn’t a girlfriend, or a date, or just an acting partner. He and I traveled through life’s journeys’ together, including our cancers. We were joined at-the-hip in some ways. And like all couples, at times, we drove each other absolutely crazy over the years. But, the years flew by, and I grew to tolerate and love his quirks. He always bellowed “WIFE” to me and I loved it. No matter where we were. I think there were people who might have thought we were a couple. We weren’t. But, we were just like an old married couple. Last summer, when I was performing in a show in NYC after ATWT shut down and my real-life marriage was over, the stage manager knocked on my dressing room door to say that my “husband” was there to see me. And then I heard “WIFE”! It was Anthony. Cheering me on as he had done since he first saw me on stage in 1981 in Bring Back Birdie on Broadway. My biggest cheerleader… And supporter. And he made me feel like a woman…
Two years ago, after my last round of cancer, he left the most beautiful message of hope and love on my cell phone. I have saved it this whole time just to hear his voice when I need a lift. I needed that today when I realized the rumors of his death were true. I am so glad I saved that voicemail. A little piece of the wonderful, Anthony Herrera, that is all mine… God, I will miss you… And I have been so blessed to have been your fictional “WIFE”. I have 30 years of stories. We were quite a couple. And he doted on me…and gave me hell…and I gave it back. And I listened to the same stories hundreds of times. Just like a “WIFE” should.
As The World Turns
2024 Golden Globes: Justin Hartley and Amanda Seyfried Among First Round of Presenters
The 2024 awards season truly gets underway this Sunday night ,January 7th on CBS with the presentation of the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards honoring the best in motion picture and television as deemed by the voters of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).
The ceremony will be broadcast live and will air beginning at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST, from the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The ceremony will also be available on the CBS app and will stream on Paramount+. (Note, however, only Paramount+ subscribers who have Showtime can stream the event live; others can watch the show the next day.)
The first round of presenters was revealed on Wednesday and two soap opera alums are on the list including Justin Hartley (ex-This Is Us, The Young and the Restless, Revenge, Passions) and Amanda Seyfried (ex-Lucy, As the World Turns and ex-Joni Stafford, All My Children).
Photo: HFPA
Joining Justin and Amanda as presenters are: Angela Bassett, Will Ferrell, Michelle Yeoh,George Lopez, Julia Garner, Justin Hartley, Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams. Previously, Jo Koy was named host for the telecast.
The Golden Globes are back on CBS for the first time since 1982. In addition, Dick Clark Productions is back after years away as the longtime Globes producers.
To review the nominees click here.
So, looking forward to the Golden Globes and seeing Justin and Amanda? Comment below.
As The World Turns
Richard Roundtree, ‘Generations’, ‘ATWT” and ‘Shaft’ Star, Dead at 81
Motion picture and television leading man, Richard Roundtree, has passed away at the age of 81. The actor, best known for his role in the iconic film Shaft, and its sequels, died from complications from pancreatic cancer on October 24th in his home in Los Angeles.
In a statement, Roundtree’s manager, Patrick McMinn shared, “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film. The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
During his extensive credits and career, Roundtree made two stops to two daytime soap operas. In 1990 till 1991, Roundtree played Dr. Daniel Ruebens on the defunct NBC soap opera Generations. He later appeared on As the World Turns from 2002-2003, taking on the role of Oliver Travers, the father to T. Marshall Travers played by Lamman Rucker.
Photo: NBC
Roundtree’s leading lady on Generations, Jonelle Allen took to her Facebook upon learning the news of the death of her former castmate and friend, expressing: “My Leading Man on Generations. I Am Very Sad. My Condolences To Your Family. Dearest Richard Roundtree.”
In a subsequent post, Allen shared a photo of their Generations’ characters, Daniel and Doreen about to lip-lock. Jonelle stated, “In the scene with him I kept thinking: ‘Shaft is about to kiss ME!!!’ Thank You.”
On Generations, Roundtree’s character of Daniel Reubens was a brilliant doctor, who was accused of killing someone by causing an explosion at a lab in 1974. He and his daughter, Maya, then went “underground” for the next 15 years. Maya was played by Viveca A. Fox.
Photo: AP
Fox, honored her former on-screen soap father with an Instagram post upon learning of his death. Vivica wrote: “GM Dawlings! My heart is sad this morning as late last night I learned that LEGEND Actor @officialrichardroundtree had passed. I had the blessing of working with Richard on alot of 1st in my acting career! He played my Dad on the soap opera #Generation‘s TV show #90210BeverlyHills Mr Roundtree thank u for your AMAZING GIFTS! U will truly be missed as u were the 1st African American Action Star #SHAFT I’ll never forget the time u stood for ME when a director was being a jerk to me! I’ll miss your smile, jokes, laughs & hugs! REST EASY KING! U DID WELL. #Classic #LEGEND #LeadingMan #Actor #SuperStar #Respect #RestInPeace”
Richard was also known for his roles in Roots and the Brad Pitt thriller Se7en. On television, Roundtree appeared on: Murder, She Wrote, A Different World, Beauty and the Beast, 21 Jump Street, MacGyver, Beverly Hill 90210, L.A. Law, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Alias, Desperate Housewives, Heroes, Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Fire, and Private Practice and many more.
Share your condolences on the passing of Richard Roundtree via the comment section below.
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As The World Turns
Soap Alum John Wesley Shipp Shares Health Update
John Wesley Shipp, best known to daytime fans for his roles on As the World Turns, Guiding Light, One Life to Live et al, and primetime fans for his role in The Flash, shared a heartfelt health update via his Instagram.
While Shipp did not go into specifics, he did say he underwent surgery earlier in September for an urgent medical issue.
In his post, accompanying by his photo, John expressed: “Hello out there! Friends and contacts have written recently, like, “where are you? are you ok?” Well, here’s the deal: I had surgery early this month for a health issue that had to be dealt with immediately. All went well, but I’ve had to postpone a theatre production and personal appearances as the recoup will take some weeks. I do read and appreciate what you share with me, that you entrust me with your thoughts and feelings. You are ever on my mind and in my heart, and I look forward to getting active and out there again as soon as possible. Until then, remember to play nice, be kind, and stay engaged! Our futures depend on it.”
Photo: JPI
John’s soap resume is quite impressive having portrayed: Dr. Kelly Nelson/Victor Laszlo on Guiding Light, Doug Cummings on As the World Turns, Martin Ellis on Santa Barbara, Carter Jones on All My Children and Eddie Ford on One Life to Live. Shipp won two Daytime Emmys along the way.
More recently, John has appeared in primetime’s, Arrow, The Flash, Stargirl and countless other TV appearances.
Share your well-wishes for a speedy recovering to John via the comment section below.
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Very sad news. I got choked up reading Colleens beautiful words. I still miss seeing Barbara and James on my tv.
Wow, what an absolutely beautiful tribute to Anthony from Colleen. Nicely said Colleen and thank you Michael Fairman for sharing her thoughts with us. Anthony will be missed but he’s no longer in pain and his soul/spirit is free.
Godspeed Anthony!
Anthony Herrera was one of the best villains in daytime. He kept ATWT moving!
Colleen, this was beautiful.
Thank you for sharing this Michael. This brought tears to my eyes. I was so sorry to hear of Anthony Herrera’s passing. He was an incredible actor and I so miss seeing him and Colleen. It was so nice to hear of their friendship off screen as well. Rest in peace Anthony.
You two were great together
You two were great together. Rip Anthony
Anthony played one of the best villains to hit daytime & he was a joy to watch. The chemistry he had with Colleen was remarkable. I loved the stories of their friendship through the years & supporting each other.
Anthony you will be missed, you were a class act.
It is so nice to see that their are actors that get along and truly care about each other! Well said Ms. Zenk, you are as pretty on the inside as well as the outside!!
Also did he have family or not? When I used to watch ATWT he was indeed awesome did he ever have an emmy?
Yes, he did have a family. A daughter, both parents, 5 siblings, 1 niece and 4 nephews.
His daughter ia a famous actress……….
Blessed are the meek. I was moved by your performances together as you battled through your relationship on screen. You both were my champions throughout lights dimming with “As the World Turning” . Which were all inspiring tributes of performing. The greatest one of all was your grace with championing their individual battles with cancer. As a 32 year cancer survivor, your performances on screen were the moments that gave strength my own personal battle. RIP Anthony and Keep the fire burning Colleen.
Mark in CT
I just read the news I l;oved James and I never knew he was sick
I’ve been all choked up and near tears ever since I heard about Anthony, I enjoyed being his facebook friend – such a nice man. Now Colleen, you’ve made me cry. Thank you for your memories……i’m sorry that you lost your close friend.
Colleen is a class act! Beautiful words.
What a wonderful tribute….I did not watch ATWT …but I do know who Anthony and Barbara played on the show.
I just want to cry…
oops ! I meant Colleen.
My deepest sympathy on the lose of your dear friend. You two were H*ll on wheels on screen on ATWTs and I think the two of you were one of the reasons that I watched it since I was a child. Remember the happy times you both had always.. And RIP Anthony..
Also thanks for the memories!!!!!
My heartfelt sympathy with his family and friends. I knew Colleen would issue some kind of statement with all the years of “James & Barbara” entertaining me on ATWT. Long life fan of ATWT and their was nothing like “James Steinbeck” in soaps with the exception of “Roger Thorpe”. Colleen you are such a classy lady and it had to hurt your heart just as much, because I was there in the beginning and the chemistry between “James & Barbara” was always on fire. R.I.P. “James”. Godspeed, Anthony.
BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE!
Colleen, thank you for sharing your beautiful memories of Anthony with us. It is touching to know that the two of you had such a wonderful relationship. Back when I first began watching ATWT in the early 80’s, my entire family got hooked on it, and Anthony was both my husband and son’s favorite character on the soap. Even though he played the villain so well, you could just tell that he was probably one heck of a nice guy. We were so saddened to hear of his demise. To this day, we miss ATWT so much and all of you guys/gals who became like a second family to us!! Wishing you all the best!
What a beautiful tribute from Colleen. When I first heard this sad news, I immediately thought of Colleen as I knew although sometimes rocky they still had an extremely close and loving relationship. I am so grateful she took the time to share her thoughts. Nobody could have done it better. Anthony will be greatly missed and my heart goes out to all who loved him. To all of us who watched him on ATWT, we were blessed to have him.
I met Anthony at MD Anderson Bone Marrow Cancer Survivor Day in June 2004 where he was the guest speaker. My daughter, Aviva was a survivor but she died 4/16/06 at the age of 19. That was the last day I spoke to Anthony. He became fond of her and would visit us whenever he was in town for his check-ups. I will always remember his kindness and treasure the memories. Rest in peace, Anthony. Now you will see Aviva again.
I’m so saddened by this news. I watched ATWT on and off for almost 30 years and James Stenbeck was my all-time favorite character. I was home sick one day last summer and caught most of that day’s episode, the first time I had watched in a few years. To my great delight the episode featured Colleen and Anthony. The show only had a few more months on the air and it was such a treat to see them together again as James and Barbara one last time. RIP, Mr. Herrera, and my deepest condolences to Colleen and all his friends and family.
Anthony Herrera will be missed. I was a long time viewer of ATWT and although I hated his character of James Stenbeck, I loved him as an actor. He played the character so well. His interactions with Colleen Zenk and Roger Howarth (and many other actor’s who played Paul Ryan over the years) were legendary. He was such a talented man. My thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. We all miss you Anthony and ATWT. God Bless You.
In the early 80’s I was blessed to have the lovely COLLEEN ZENK on my Orlando, Florida TV show, “Central Florida Spotlight”. Of all the celebrities I have met and interviewed, Colleen was the prettiest and most gracious. Read about her visiting Orlando to promote the movie “Annie” and how she turned to the camera and wished my dad a speedy recovery from his cancer surgery at http://florida-backroads-travel.com/the-day-as-the-world-turns-star-came-to-orlando.html
I came out of the Womb watching this soap. so sad to see it leave HECK I thought I was apart of the show it has always keep me on my toes especially James and Barbara
I loved them together so much! ATWT always took my mind off of me and MY troubles, because theirs were always much worse! Bless them!