News
Corbin Bernsen Reflects On The Passing Of Jeanne Cooper One Year Later!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Today was a hard day for many of us in the soap industry who came to know and love the beloved Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) of The Young and the Restless. A year ago on this date, Jeanne passed away at the age of 84 leaving behind millions of fans and legions of friends.
Jeanne’s son, Corbin Bernsen reflected on his mother’s passing a year later with TV Guide Magazine’s Michael Logan, where it was also revealed that Corbin will return to Y&R and continue carrying on the torch when Father Todd returns for a not-so-happy occasion. Here are a few excerpts from Corbin on how he has coped with the loss of his incredible mother!
Corbin on the feelings the anniversary of Jeanne’s death brings up: “I can’t lie. It’s really tough. This year has been very challenging, enlightening and exhausting — especially hard in these last few days leading up to the anniversary. My mom was the center of my support system, that place I always went to talk things through, whether I was feeling joy or fear. She was always there with a huge, open heart and the best advice. (Laughs) She could quickly cut through all of your bulls–t! She knew the difference between real concerns and imagined ones, and she had this wonderful healing presence. Her touch literally made me feel better. And, God, how I could use some of that right now! Twelve months later, I’m still grieving for her.”
Corbin on going back to do a stint on Y&R and how it helps keep him connected to Jeanne’s work life: “I got a wonderful note from (Y&R associate producer) Josh O’Connell telling me that the special tribute episode that the show did for my mom has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy, and that just feels so incredible! So does going back once again to play Father Todd. This time I’m doing four episodes, working with Doug Davidson (Paul) and Lauralee Bell (Christine), which my mom would have loved. She adored them. I really like keeping this link to the show, because it’s also a link to my mom’s fans.”
Share your thoughts below missing Mrs. C and the Jeanne Cooper one year following her death, and what did you think happens that brings Father Todd back to Genoa City?
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
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Wow time flies, I miss Jeanne Cooper so much.
Hard to believe its been a year already…im not a regular watcher(only occasionally) but i can tell the show hasnt been the same without Jeane Cooper! Meanwhile, i always thought the actor playing Stitch resembles Corbin Bersen who i think shouldve played his father!!!
I feel for Corbin Bernsen because the first year after a loved one dies might always be the hardest.Plus the fact that Mother’s Day is this Sunday might make it even tougher.Plus him going back to Y&R might be helpful because he’ll be around people who knew and cared about his mother too.
We all miss her.
I miss Jeanne Cooper. She was the heart of the show.
I have been watching Y&R since its inception in 1973. I loved watch Ms. Cooper portray Katherine Chancellor every day for 40 years. It was one of many things that my mom and I did together. When I got home from work, she would call me to tell me what had happened on Y&R and then on the weekends I would go over to her house and me, mom and dad would watch the tapes together. Yes! Dad was a devoted fan of Y&R as well!
It was heartbreaking when Kiro7 Seattle broke into regular programming to announce that Ms. Cooper had passed. I looked over at my mom laying in her hospital bed that we had for her in her apartment and just bawled like a little baby not knowing that just 2 short months later, I would lose my BFF as well! I know how Corbin feels about grieving a year later for his mom. My mom was also my support system. She was always my go-to person in any situation. She also had the uncanny ability to cut through all the bull and get to the heart of each problem. I miss her soooooo much each and every day! Her 1 year anniversary will be July 25th. God speed Corbin, Caren and Colin…Your mom is looking down over you…
The one thing network exec’s and ratings grabbing writers forget is the heart and soul of the daytime drama is connection. The connection we make with those on the screen and those in our lives we share those stories with. Thank you for sharing your story of connection. God bless you.
Oh, we miss Jeanne Cooper and Katherine Chancellor. And the style and drama and emotion the women — one real, one fictional — brought to the drama. The show is not the same these days for many reasons but this is one that unfortunately cannot be reversed. I lost my mom six years ago and it is always difficult. But how lucky for the Bernsens that they have so much of their mother’s work to enjoy and to celebrate when they miss her. And how lucky are we that they were generous to share their mom with many fans who truly respect her.
I SO agree with your post Iakovos and sorry about your mom.
Jeanne Cooper and her portrayal of Katherine was mesmerizing.
JEANNE COOPER WAS THE HEART OF THE SHOW…..IT HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE SHE LEFT AND NEVER WILL BE…. ALL OF HER FANS MISS HER .. LOVE TO HER FAMILY….
Corbin.
You don’t have to be on Y&R to maintain a connection with the fans. You and your MOM will always have a place in our hearts and minds.
Each time when the episode airs with scenes from Mrs. C’s estate, the name her loving friend BFF, Ester V gave her, I always think that she’s still alive and in the series, just somewhere on the estate grounds, or at the office, I find myself missing her all over again. having had to meet and greet the living legend, Ms. Cooper, she was a beautiful, spiritual,majestic, the most gracious actress who truly loved her fans, and was genuine, the real deal. The show withstanding will never be the same, without her, but her presence in the story line will continue………….light a candle in her honor this Mother’s Day in tribute and honor for her.
You said it beautifully…a candle in her honor…that’s perfect!
She was the true QUEEN of daytime. She was so kind…sassy at times, but always there for her family, friends, and fans. I will never forget her…never!
Catherine Chancellor has been a household name for 3 generations in my home! She was so beautiful back in the day in all that hollywood glam era. *RIP Jeanne copper*
Opps *Katherine!
Mr. Corbin Bernsen…your reflecting and all (one year later) on your mom’s death is so beautifully heartfelt. My mom passed away from cancer over 10 years ago (on November 6th, 2003). Corbin…I miss my mom more and more each day. Yet…the more that I remember my mom (humor and all), the less sad that I am each day. And talking about my mom (a lot) keeps me more and more saner. Corbin…dude…you will ALWAYS be an A+ CLASS ACT in my book!!!!! Most of all, I feel like our moms are keeping an eye on us from up above…24/7 and beyond. Amen.
Take care, Corbin. Peace.