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Crystal Chappell Interview: The Grove, B&B's Dani and CC & Friends Event Photo Gallery!

Photo Credit: Lesley Bohm

Photo Credit: Lesley Bohm

Over the weekend, Crystal Chappell’s fans gathered from as far away as Australia and Germany for a fun-filled afternoon with the actress, producer, writer, trailblazer, at the CC & Friends Fan Club gathering.  With Chappell greeting the crowd upon her arrival, a luncheon … complete with a Q&A, and some surprises for Crystal, and the chance for each in attendance to take some pictures, get some autographs and chat with their favorite at the Universal Studios Hilton in Universal City, California.

Event organizers, publicist Leslie Penny and fan club president, Sasha Mote and CC’s extraordinary network of friends from around the globe, presented a stunned Chappell with a bike for a birthday gift, plus some heart-warming donations and contributions to several of Crystal’s projects.

After the event had finally subsided, On-Air On-Soaps sat down with Crystal to get her take on the days events, getting the scoop on her upcoming production of The Grove including the casting of daytime legend, Justin Deas (Ex-Buzz, GL), and why Jessica Leccia (Ani, Venice, Ex-Natalia, GL) and Crystal are once again playing a couple in a same-sex relationship. We then transition into what is going to go down at The Bold and the Beautiful now that Joanna Johnson has exited the series, when it just started its first same-sex storyline which features Chappell and fans welcomed Crystal back to their daytime television screens!

So without further ado, here is this week’s birthday gal, Crystal Chappell to fill us in on the latest in her fascinating and busy life … and yes, she is working on her memoir, too! Then after the interview, check out our very special photo gallery of CC & Friends Fan Event!

Your fans really gave you some pretty awesome gifts today in honor of your birthday, (which is actually this Saturday, August 4th) and … moved you to tears!

Photo Credit: MF SOAPS Inc

CRYSTAL:  They have always been very extremely generous. They have donated thousands of dollars to the Hetrick-Martin Institute and they gave me another one today, and a donation to help sponsor, The Grove.  I have been saying I wanted a bicycle! And you see, I just wanted something to go around town in.  I sure as hell will go around town with this!  It’s got a bell and a basket.  I was joking with my publicist, Leslie Penny, when I said, “I want a cruiser bike, but I want a basket, and I want to go to the store and to be able to put something in it.”   I mean, I was joking, but I did think this was the perfect gift today.  You have these weird thoughts in your head of the thing you would like to have, but that you wouldn’t necessarily go out and get for yourself, and then have it show up on your birthday, is just wonderful.

You have such lovely fans, and to donate to you this way in all of your philanthropic efforts, as well as your creative projects and endeavors especially in this hard hit economy, is truly amazing.

CRYSTAL: They have always been that way. They are the most amazing group of people. They take care of each other and it’s more than just being kind and supportive towards me. They are a community and I am very proud of who they are.  So I am the lucky one, really.

The Grove is about to go into production!  You had the table read.  So when are you shooting?

CRYSTAL: We go into a full production August 25th through the 29th and we will be shooting around in and around Los Angeles.

I have been hearing that the script and the feel of The Grove is very Aaron Sorkin-esque.  Sorkin is known to TV fans for the West Wing and the new hit series, the Newsroom, among countless others.

Courtesy/OpenBook Productions

CRYSTAL:  The script is very “heady” as one person alluded too, but the dialog kind of pops along and it has a much faster pace.  It is reminiscent of an Aaron Sorkin show with that light, breezy, popping dialog.  However, The Grove takes place in a small town and has a small town vibe to it.

So the Proposition 8 gay marriage ban issue is a theme in the series?  Nico, your character is already married, to Ivy, Jessica Leccia’s character, right?

CRYSTAL: They got married back in the time when couple’s could.  So they got married, but they never had the wedding, because they were rushed to make it happen and there was a sense of urgency to get this done. They are not the wealthiest folks. So they have to go back to work.  So the pilot is the wedding, and yes, there are other parts of story going on as well.

Six-time Daytime Emmy winning actor, Justin Deas is in the cast.  He is the best of the best!

Courtesy/CBS

CRYSTAL:  I could not agree with you more!  I asked Jordan Clarke (Ex-Billy, GL, The Colonel, Venice) to get him on the phone with me and Justin called me.  And he was like, “This is great!”  And I said, “Well, I wrote this show for you!”  He said, “Well you might want to re-think that.”  And I said, “I wrote this with you in mind.”  Look, I think he is one of the most brilliant actors anywhere and he can do anything.  You need actors like Justin on the set who can be creative and just fly with it, and scare the shit out of other actors, like myself! (Laughs)  I learned so much from working with the cast of Guiding Light, and Justin was one of those people.  He just made you pay attention and you had to listen to him, and listen to his acting.  So I was like OK this is a great part for him.  It’s interesting, if you don’t know Justin and Jordan Clarke’s work, it’s easier to write that way.  I talked to my writer and I would say, “Watch! These men are going to fill this in.”  They are the anchors of the show.  They are the patriarchs of the two families.  I said, “Don’t worry about filling in the blanks, because they will do it.” I can’t wait. The Grove has a certain rhythmic quality to it that will suit them very well.

So you are starting with making a pilot episode of The Grove.  What are your plans for it after that? 

CRYSTAL:  I am going to try to pitch the show and take it around.   I want to have it up on the web so people can see it.   I am not necessarily rolling it out as a web series.  I want to try to get it out there without subscription.  We are changing the model a little bit, and we are going to do fan sponsorship.  It’s a little different, but right now it’s working. And the great thing is, the team that I have working with me is the team I have put together after three seasons of Venice.  So it’s nice.  It’s a great team.  They always say, “We see what you are doing, and what you are trying to do. We like the quality of the work that you are doing and we want to be a part of it.”  I am grateful as well. And they have their own projects that they are doing and I am like, “Well, what can I do for you?” We are all out there trying to make something happen.

Did you decide to make another lesbian relationship the focal point of the series, because of the audience and following you have built with the LGBT community, and you did not want to veer from that ingredient, even though you could have changed it up this time?

Courtesy/VenicetheSeries

CRYSTAL:  Yeah, it came out of not being sure if I could continue Venice, but Nico and Ivy are different couple. They are interesting people to me.  Nico is a mechanic, but she comes from a small town and an Irish family, where whiskey at noon is perfectly OK. Things are very simple the way she sees things.  Ivy is a Latina and a baker. She has more traditional ideas about things. But they are married and have been for several years.  Nico has a daughter, and so they are already established and happy.  And the thing about the pilot is that these two women are celebrating their love and planning for a family, or at least Ivy is, but Nico is not sure what she wants to do.  They have things to go through, but they are happy, and for them it’s a celebration.  For the show as a whole, you really get to see the different families.

I hear there is lots of humor in The Grove!

CRYSTAL: Yes, there is humor in it and lots of issues.  I am from an Irish family were we argue brutally about something or a subject, and then in about an hour, it’s like, “OK. Now let’s go out and play some ball or let’s have a beer!”  It’s a very ebb and flow wild ride, and so that is what The Grove is about.

Now over at The Bold and the Beautiful, your scene partner, Joanna Johnson (Karen) has left the building to be a producer on the new series, Emily Owens M.D starring Meryl Streep’s daughter, Mamie Gummer!  That series will debut this fall on the CW.    It was a big moment for Joanna to come out as a lesbian publicly several months ago, and so many were looking forward to seeing you and Joanna’s on-screen relationship play out.

Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins

CRYSTAL:  Joanna is gone for now and I will miss her, although we have been emailing each other.   I am constantly learning as long as I have been doing Venice and before that Otalia on Guiding Light.  I continue to hear stories about people that I would never perceive as having an issue coming out to their family or the public.  There is still so much for me to learn and to teach, but I so admire her courage and what she said, “It was harder being outed as a 50 year old than a lesbian” And, I completely understand! (Laughs) Say anything you want about me, but let’s not mention any numbers, shall we? (Laughs)  I admire Joanna and I have been taught so many things along the way.  She was very funny about doing our kiss on camera. She was nervous. She said, “I am used to kissing guys on camera.  How are you?”  I said, “I’m fabulous. Go ahead!” (Laughs)  I really admire that she did that and the story still exists.  So it’s not something that is being ditched.  Brad Bell (executive producer and head writer, B&B would never do that!  Joanna told me she would be more than willing to come back and play the story out when her schedule permits.

Have you been reassured by B&B that they will write story for you sans Joanna?

CRYSTAL:  I have some shows that are coming up, and I have been told there is story coming. Beyond that, I don’t know.

On B&B, Linsey Godfrey plays Caroline, Danielle and Karen’s daughter.  How is she to work with? You must like her, because she is in the cast of The Grove too!

CRYSTAL:  She is dream and very focused, and a very sweet person. She has lived quite a life and fought her own battles.  So, I really like her.  I like what I know about her. She is very hard working person. When I asked her to be a part of The Grove, she was so gracious.

I interviewed The Young and the Restless’ Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) recently about her memoir, Not Young Still Restless.  She mentioned you as one of her biggest supporters and cheerleaders; especially on the night she finally won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.  She told me you are one of the finest actresses out there!  What would you say to that?

CRYSTAL:  First of all, Jeanne Cooper an idol of mine.  Those are big words coming from her.  Knowing that she said that, I am going to be floating around the daytime world for a little while with that!

Check out the Photo Gallery below from this weekend’s CC & Friends Fan Gathering!  Then let us know what you think of the plans for The Grove?

[slidepress gallery=’crystal-chappells-cc-friends-event’]
 

Photo Credit: MF SOAPS Inc.

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So looking forward to seeing what transpires with The Grove…

Aloha ctystal Chappal iwant to say happy new year.
can you please e-mail Brian Yonezaki

Aloha Ctystal chappal

Brian Yonezaki

Aloha Ctystal Chappal
can you send Brian Yonezaki a piocture of you

Aloha ctystal chappal
BRIAN yonezaki

God I love her! She is so talented, she has so many things going on. Love a woman that takes things into her own hands. She went from being an actress to an actress who started the webisodes. Is on a top rated soap and stars on and produces, writes, directs two successful web soaps! Amazing!

And I love that she wrote parts for Jordan Clarke and Justin Deas, two of the best actors from Guiding Light. She has had Jordan on Venice but it’s great that she sought out Justin for the new one!

I was there! My first CC and Friends Luncheon. I had a blast, not only seeing Crystal again but reconnecting with friends and making some new ones. Love CC and all that she does!!!!

Obviously she is a very talented lady I really only watched her a little in the 90’s on Days, glad she has other projects because B&B will never finish this story out he is stuck on Liam/Hope Steffy according to my sister who still watches why I do not know! What did she maybe have 10 episodes on B&B ? Glad her fans can see her on other things.

Awesome lady and a great interview. Mr. Fairman you’re one of the best interviewer in the soaps world. I love all the projects CC is doing. How wonderful of the fans to bless her in such a wonderful way. I really enjoy reading all about what took place last saturday at the luncheon.

Thank you so much,

It was such a great day spending time with CC. Looking forwar to supporting all her upcoming projects!!!

Sending lots of love to one of the most talented and awesome woman I have ever known. CC you are the best.

Looking forward to the Grove and anything from the talented Crystal Chappell. Happy birthday today 8/4 . Enjoy your special day.

A Beautiful and talented lady inside and out i have ever come across. Wish her all the success for Venice 4 and The Grove. I would love to meet cc and the cast of Venice . Hopeing to be in LA in November.

A beautiful talented and caring lady inside and out. I wish her all the success for Venice 4 and The Grove.
I hope I will one day get the chance to meet cc and the cast .

How on earth does Crystal do it? With so many project’s going on, plus a family. The woman is a “friggin supper hero”. It is on my bucket list to meet Crystal & some of the community that surround’s her one day. Sound’s like the party start’s there. As for the Grove can’t wait as I’m sure it will be done with class & be filled with talent.

Hey Cc

Cc…Can u take a trip 2 mobie

I’m a hug fan of u Cc

aloha Christal Chappall
my name is BRian yonezaki
Doese the tv soap. venice play in tv in
hawaii. Can you send apicture off. you in veince
I have a crocked spine because of aaccident lastv year.
can you help with a charty toraise for my oopeertion
aloha chtystal chappal
BRian Yonezaki

Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star, Greg Vaughan, Gives Health Update and Thanks Everyone for Their Support

Greg Vaughan (Eric, Days of our Lives, ex-Lucky, GH, and ex-Diego, Y&R) provided an update on his health on Sunday, March 17th. Vaughan had previously shared that he had become ill during a trip with his sons to Colorado, and had developed altitude sickness when he was having trouble breathing accompanied by terrible headaches and landed in the urgent care.

Now on St. Patrick’s Day, Greg took to his Instagram and shared how he is feeling now, and to thank everyone for their love and support.  As it turned out, Vaughan was diagnosed with high altitude pulmonary edema, commonly known as HAPE. However, he is on the mend slowly and surely.

In his new video post, the DAYS favorite started by expressing, “I just felt such an appreciation and gratitude for everything. . reaching out. Your prayers have been felt. It’s been a struggle, but I’m over the top. And, taking this moment just to say I didn’t realize the things that I was going through. My (original) post was simply just to educate, put some information out there and some things that I was feeling, just share that information and the struggle that I was going through, which I didn’t quite understand. And it wasn’t because I’m stubborn or just because I’m a father, a man, and didn’t want to go to a doctor. It is just something I thought was so minor that I could overcome it, just by taking care of myself.”

Photo: JPI

The Daytime Emmy winner then revealed his actual diagnosis, “So, basically my situation was high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). With some good friends, doctors that had reached out to me, it kind of gave me some understanding on the aftermath, which was very, very beneficial.”

“But I’ve been resting, taking care of myself even though I live in a hamster wheel,” said the dad of three teenaged boys. “I gotta get up and, you know, do my normal domesticated stuff, eventually. I’m tired of laying down in this bed, but, I am feeling much better.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

Talking on his confusion of trying to understand what could have been ailing him, Vaughan expressed, “I couldn’t quite figure it out, even though I was emphasizing and professing to my children going on our spring break getaway about hydration. I professed it. But, even though I was acting on it, it had a greater effect on me, and for which I did not even think, because my head was such in pain, and I was in a very bad state of mind – not being able to be out there with my kids on the mountain, enjoying their time, as well. I thought I was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, my lungs were full of fluids and my head was in severe pain and even migraine pills didn’t even help. So, I just want anybody that goes into the Colorado Mountains to know, it is no joke. It is this very serious thing which I guess is why they call it the Mile High City.”

Greg had a mountain of ‘thank you’s’ to give for the outreach he received from his original post, “For everybody internationally, wherever you are, I love you and I appreciate you and just the time and the thoughts that you’ve shared with me,” said Vaughan. “I didn’t realize that it would make such an impression on so many people around the world. I feel tremendously loved and I can’t say it enough. I’m good. And I appreciate you.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

The actor concluded his video with, “To all the family and friends that have reached out to me, man, it means the world. So take care of yourself, enjoy your spring break with your families. It’s Saint Patty’s Day, obviously. I wish I could be out there.” Vaughan added, “I feel loved and touched and I can’t emphasize that enough. I’ll take better care of myself, promise you will do the same.” Before he signed off, Greg shared, “Just know, that I’m alive and well and breathing, and I’m sore. So, be well, take care. I mean it. Thank you, tremendously.”

Glad to know that Greg has been on the mend, and shared his appreciation for everyone that reached out to him during this trying time? Comment below.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Access Hollywood’ and ‘Couple to Throuple’ Host Scott Evans to Appear on Days of our Lives

Scott Evans, host of Access Hollywood and the Peacock reality series Couple to Throuple, will make a guest appearance this week on Days of our Lives.

Circle the Thursday, March 21st episode of DAYS for Evans’ arrival in Salem. During his tape date last fall (since DAYS tapes months well ahead of when episodes actually stream), Scott posed for a snap alongside Mary Beth Evans (Kayla), Jackée Harry (Paulina), James Reynolds (Abe) and Greg Rikaart (Leo).

Teasers for the 3/21 episode of DAYS share that Leo tries to come up with his next gossip column, and Paulina and Abe return home to a mini-celebration set up by Johnny and Steve. Will Evans pop up in one of those scenarios? Stay tuned.

Photo: JPI

For a long time, soap opera fans knew only of one Scott Evans. The one who played Oliver Fish on One Life to Live from 2008-2010.  But in show business, there are two Scott Evans’ that are widely-known.

Last Thursday, March 12th at the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards, it found both Scott Evans and Scott Evans together in the green room and they taped this video ditty below, calling out how they both share the same name.

Photo: JPI

Last weekend, viewers saw OLTL’s Scott Evans on-stage at the Oscars when he performed in the musical number “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie led by Ryan Gosling.

As for Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans, he has been with the entertainment news program since 2015, appeared in the recent Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas with Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Nicollette Sheridan, Loni Anderson and Morgan Fairchild, and currently has an overall talent and development deal with NBCUniversal.

So, looking forward to seeing Scott on DAYS? Check out ‘Evans meeting Evans’ below, and then share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star Greg Vaughan Shares Sudden Health Scare: “I Truly Feel Like I Work & Live in a Soap Opera!”

What started out as an adventure with his sons, quickly turned into a nightmare for Days of our Lives Daytime Emmy winner, Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady).

In a series of Instagram posts, Vaughan shared the sudden health crisis he found himself in.  The images show Greg with an oxygen tank to help him breathe.

The actor began to fill people, sharing, “I’ve said more than a few times, I truly feel like I work & live in a Soap Opera! 🤪 this trip was nothing short of another great Vaughan adventure!”

He went on to say that on a father and son Colorado spring break trip, he began to feel shortness of breath, feeling tired and with a headache and after two days of hoping he would feel better, Vaughan finally went to an Urgent Care to get checked out.

Photo: GVaughanIG

“I finally surrendered & went to urgent care and to my shock I learned that I was experiencing severe altitude sickness.” Vaughan admitted. “My Blood Oxygen was at 54% & my lungs were full of fluids! Blood oxygen, also known as oxygen saturation, represents the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that is carrying oxygen. Most people have an oxygen level of 95-100%….”

Providing more detail to his health scare, Greg shared, “Well, 4hrs later, a couple of bags of IV & oxygen tank strapped to my face, I was told that I needed to immediately get off the mountain! However I couldn’t, we still had another day to go & wanting the boys to enjoy their last day on the hill tops! I opted to go home with an oxygen tank, a good laugh for everyone, and I know will follow, but my boys looked after their old man & fortunately they had friends on this trip!”

Photo: JPI

The experience of altitude sickness in the Colorado Rockies gave Vaughan a bit of a new perspective, “In all seriousness, no matter your age, and all the times I’ve ⛷️ & 🏂 in my lifetime, Colorado Rockies is no joke! As they say, ‘ take a breathe and smell the roses!’ That is truly something we need to remember & appreciate! #recover”

Share your well-wishes to Greg as he continues to be on the mend via the comment section 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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