Guiding Light
Cynthia Watros Speaks On Her New Y&R Role, Jill Farren Phelps, and GL's Annie!
Photo Credit: WireImage
This Friday, Daytime Emmy winner, Cynthia Watros returns to daytime on the number one soap, The Young and the Restless in a guest star story arc that hopefully will end up being much longer than anticipated! As soap fans know, Cynthia captivated audiences with her portrayal of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light! In fact, Watros collected the gold for her performances as a woman completely unhinged in her vendetta against Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer) and that’s putting it mildly! Remember, the dead fetus?
Now collaborating once again with Y&R’s executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps, Watros is excited about her new daytime role as Kelly, a woman mourning the loss of her son who crosses path with Billy (Billy Miller) in a support group for grieving parents. Billy is trying to come to terms with the loss of his little girl, Delia. The question is, will Kelly turn out to be psycho just like Annie Dutton was in Springfield? Nobody plays that type of gal better!
On-Air On-Soaps chatted with Watros to give us a small preview of why she took the role, what we can expect, and what about all the original rumors swirling about that she was a possible replacement for Michelle Stafford in the role of Phyllis? Below are excerpts from our conversation!
Cynthia on if she was aware of how much the fans were ecstatic upon hearing she was returning to daytime, and how unforgettable Annie Dutton was to the Guiding Light audience: “I haven’t gone on any websites or anything, but I am so thrilled that they remember Annie, and that they loved her as much as I did. I loved playing her and loved Guiding Light and my whole experience there. I am so glad they remember me and Annie with fondness. That makes me really happy! I hope with Kelly, I can dive into some issues where I can have some fun like I did with Annie.”
Courtesy/CBS
Cynthia on why she is so good at playing twisted women like Annie: ” I like playing psychos, but Annie wasn’t just crazy, and people could relate to her. She didn’t want to be crazy. She was a woman struggling with all these emotions: fear, sadness, anxiety, and all these things. She wanted love, and we all just want love.“
Cynthia on her take on the role of Kelly: “She is a grieving mother who lost her son and she is in this supportive, grieving group where she meets Billy. She is taking a little hiatus from her teaching job because of losing her son. I think she’s just a woman trying to get back to some normalcy in her life.”
Cynthia on meeting and working with Billy Miller: “He’s so gracious and lovely and welcoming to me, which is nice when you enter into something like this. I kept getting lost at CBS while trying to find my way around to the dressing rooms and stuff, and Billy was very sweet to me. He goes, ‘Can I help you?’ I think I know my way now, but he’s lovely and he’s so good … and it’s so fun to act with him.”
Courtesy/CBS
Cynthia on what Y&R would have to do to entice her to stay longer than her current stint: “I told Jill Farren Phelps, that as long as she wants me and we can work around each other’s schedules, I would be happy to do whatever I can for the soap and be there as much as I can. I would love to work with her and the soap. I love playing all kinds of characters. If Kelly turns out to have hidden characteristics, I’d love to explore them!”
Cynthia on what is it about working with Jill Farren Phelps that makes her want to collaborate with the EP again in her acting career: ” She’s a perfect combination of someone who knows what she’s doing, and she’s a strong woman. She’s been working in this field for a very long time, and she’s welcoming and warm. I think when I came on to Guiding Light I was such a newbie and so inexperienced. Jill just carried me through my first year and showed me the ropes and was very gentle. I have a very warm spot for her.”
Cynthia on the speculation that she was originally set to replace Michelle Stafford as Phyllis: “I think that is a subject I can’t really comment on … but, it’s interesting.”
Courtesy/CWatrosGetsLost
Cynthia on why she decided to create a web series, Cynthia Watros Gets Lost based on the trials and tribulations of her life. The series ended up being phenomenal! “That was just a fun little thing that I did just to make fun of myself. I love comedy and it was easy to do, and on the web, you can do something in one afternoon and then post it and it’s so much fun to do. So those were just fun little shows that I put on when I had a little bit of down time.”
So, are you excited about this Friday when Cynthia Watros debuts on Y&R? Do you think Kelly and Billy Abbott will have an affair? Do you hope Cynthia stays longer on Y&R? Did you watch Cynthia as Annie on Guiding Light? What do you think about the rumors of Cynthia replacing Michelle Stafford as Phyllis? So many questions to be answered! Comment below!
Looking forward to it. Too bad she’s not Phyllis. She would have been the perfect person to play the part.
THANK GOD THAT PHYLLIS IS NOT COMING BACK! I WAS AFRAID THEY WERE GOING TO USE THIS ACTRESS AS THE NEW PHYLLIS! Keep Phyllis away for good
After reading an interview in SOD {old one} MS hinted after she left that she thought they had already recast the role of Phyllis I think maybe JFP thought about it then switched gears. Just a thought no proof!
I think an affair would be TRULY disgusting and disappointing considering just how much he and Victoria have loved each other for four years. I will be so disappointed. Victoria and Billy have been everything and more to each other so to ruin this pairing for something like this would probably make me tune out. And Victoria has been there every single step of the way.
I am weary of affairs. How about a story about coping with grief without going that obvious direction?
Didn’t really watch her on GL, but everyone seems to love her acting, so it’ll be nice to have her on for a while, I guess.
My concern though is anytime we hear anyone speak “fondly” of Phelps that indicates that the person may be thrust upon us to occupy screen time that YR fans want THEIR characters to have. We just got Nikki back the past couple of months.
Sounds like she might have originally been approached to replace Michelle Stafford from her response. We’ll never really know though.
I think it would be horrible if they have Billy cheat on Victoria with anyone much less a complete stranger. After years of professing his undying love for Victoria and the fact that she has stood by him through every crisis he has been in, it would be a slap in the face of their many fans and truly disgusting writing for Billy and Victoria.
No kidding Mary! I couldn’t agree more. I really hope that’s not where CBS/Sony are going. They’ve spent four years creating something special it would be terrible.
Couples do not have a happy ever after on soaps..
I feel this is Billy and Victoria’s time for the breakup..
Changes coming 🙂
((Billy and Victoria are not immunized from the soap breakup))
We will have to suffer through it lol ..
She’s one of the ten best actors to ever grace daytime. She is right up there with Douglass Watson, Debbie Morgan, etc. So please soap gods, do not put her in Dullan’s romantic orbit!!! He’s so damn dull!
Yes, agreed. Nice to see Douglass Watson’s name here as well. It’s almost Thanksgiving and Mac almost always delivered quite the toast at the holidays
Strange that she wouldn’t comment on the Phyllis thing.
She would be great as Phyllis they should re-think that. Annie was great I loved her on guiding light!
I’m hoping that if there is a Phyllis re-cast in our future, it will be with Liz Keifer.
I’m not familiar with her but have heard nothing but good things about her as an actress so I am excited to see her on Y&R. I hope she doesn’t have an affair with Billy because that to me is the easy way out, too predictable and overdone on soaps. Let them be friendly and help each other. I think though it is far more interesting to see a couple work through a tough time together so let Billy and Victoria work through this together. Let’s not have a repeat of Nick after Cassie died. I think there are other men to pair her with if she can stick around. Heck even if she isn’t Phyllis, how about with Jack?
Finally!
Billy and Victoria’s turn for a troublesome breakup! 🙂
It is a soap and happy couples do not last long, ALL couples get their time for the breaking up story, it is soap drama 101..
Billy and Victoria have out run their happy time…
The only reason I had to wait so long for it is because Y&R is slow slow slow moving, the stories go on and on and on to the point of me losing interest and suffer total boredom.
I really think this Billy and Kelly story will be a tearjerking sleeper, just a feeling, hope not..
This show just continues to not get it. Why bring on a newbie nobody that we have NO emotional attachment to to tell the story of a grieving mother?? Ashley has lost children. Traci has lost a daughter. Sharon has lost a daughter. Why not have Sharon help Billy through this and put that towards Sharon’s return to normalcy? Why should we care about a grieving mother that we don’t know when there are at least three mothers on he show with decades of history who have lost children? There better not be an affair between Billy and this woman. And victoria darn well better conceive her own child, if she hasn’t already. This new character might be a good match for Jack or another bachelor in town but not billy.
Good points!
If I remember when Annie came on GL she wasn’t a psycho at first she was just an ex-addict (pills I think with Rick) who kept making bad choices and Cynthia was so vulnerable and subtle playing that. I just loved her. Then the crazy stuff started and she was great playing that too and funny! I am really looking forward to seeing her!
She seems awfully evasive about the Phyllis thing—-right now it seems like it is a short term gig, but she seems she very much wants to be a part of this show– so maybe she could be the next incarnation of Shelia Carter since she is known for playing someone not playing with a full deck.
“Reva drove off a bridge. That’s right, it’s crazy. She drove off a bridge. For five years, my husband couldn’t get over that – and then he met ME! And then she came back.”
Oh goodie we have someone who can comfort Billy who gave birth to Delia! It is beyond disgusting that this piece of whatever producer has so little concern for women Chloe gave birth gosh help me but what is that woman’s problem. Chloe & Kevin raised this child Billy was an after thought.
I am adding GR/Kevin is twice the actor Billy Miller is give him a story!
If Billy and Cynthia’s character have an affair, then Victor will have been right about Billy all along and that will be a real shame.
I’m happy to see Cynthia Watros and YR. And I’m all for Billy having an affair if it frees him from Victoria. That pairing needed to end yesterday.
I can’t stand Michelle Stafford especially with some of her backstage antics at Y&R over the years. Those namely to do with marring and attempting to blacklist Victoria Rowell’s name. That being said I do like the character of Phyllis as portrayed by her and I could see Cynthia Watros as a long term replacement. But, Cynthia has an extensive primetime background now and she would be hard pressed to commit to a long term contract right now. It’s just not in the cards which is why after she most likely declined JFP’s offer of the long term role of Phyllis she still accepted a short term arc as this new character Kelly. They could quite possibly have it in the cards to make a Sheila type character out of her over her grief. Who knows. But from GL to Lost to primetime comedies I do love Cynthia and am looking forward to her time on Y&R.
Her as Phyllis could’ve been incredible. But I gladly welcome her as Kelly, and hope this role turns into something worth while! Loving the regimes at Y&R since Jill. Hope this works!
I think she would of made a great Phyllis dye her hair red and we would have it at go. Have watched her on and off for years, and because of her various characters would of been able to pull it off .
Loved Cynthia as Annie Dutton, she would have made a good Phyllis replacement ( miss that character a lot!) and i hope she stays on for a long while, but NOT with Billy!!!! She can have Dylan!!!!
I do not want Cynthia stay longer!!!!! Yes she is a great actor. BUT PLEASE MAKE SURE that we not going to have more CRAZI character no PLEASE NO! Find something else for Billy. Not an affair with a crazy girl Thank you
I THINK KELLY HIT DEE .There was a Kelly on the list of SUV drivers.DON’T THINKIT WAS A CIONCIDENCE..
I couldn’t be more thrilled to see Cynthia Watros back on daytime. I was completely enthralled by her role as Annie on Guiding LIght. Her performance is what kept me watching during the show’s later, declining years. While her story appears only to be for a short stint, I would love to see her stick around. I think she would be an incredible addition to the cast. Though she has more than enough chops to fill her shoes and I’d love to see what she would bring to the role , I must say that I’m hopeful for Michelle Stafford’s return as Phyllis. I’m a couple weeks behind in episodes, but I will be doing a marathon session to catch up to see her debut. Welcome back, Cynthia!
Kelly seems likeable now, but I can see her reeling Billy in bit by bit. From what I remember, this story line is eerily similar to what happened to Nick and Sharon after Cassie died. I agree that grieving a lost child doesn’t necessarily have to lead to an affair, but I never saw Billy and Victoria staying together forever either. Victoria is so supportive, but not as suspicious as she should be when she sees Kelly and Billy together so often.
I hope they bring Phyliss back. Who they need to get rid of is that psycho nimphomaniac Sharon. And this new woman is horrible! What is wrong with her skin? She looks splotchy and shiny or something. Like she is dirty or something, or doesn’t know how to put make-up on. Get rid of her NOW!
I am very disappointed in the show, I think getting rid of Adam is a mistake. Even if they replace him the story wil never be the same . When I watched the hit and run I didn’t think he ran over Dehlia. Why can’t he and Chloe have a chance of happines with their little boy. I hate to see Billy go; even the replacement to my mind will not truly replace him. I see how it is going victoria and Stitch and who knows what this wise fellow will do. I am not at all liking the way the show is going so after many, many years of watching I think I will call it a day!!
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.
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.
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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