Breaking News
Daytime Emmys Add New Category: ‘Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series’ Eligibility Details Revealed
Last year. during the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards season, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences made the decision to drop the Outstanding Younger Performer category in a Daytime Drama series.
Over the decades, the title and qualifications for the category had shifted because of the age range of the actors in the category and it had often been the center of controversy. Knowing it needed to somehow rebrand and rebuild the category to offer more opportunities for performers on the soaps, NATAS has now greenlit a new category for the upcoming 2025 competition, entitled “Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series.”
NATAS’ Rachel Schwartz (pictured below), the Head of Daytime and Children & Family Emmy Awards, gave the inside intel on the new category to TV Insider, which come October’s Emmy ceremony will honor those who are appearing on your favorites soaps in their first roles.
Photo: JPI
Explaining why the ‘Younger’ category was dropped last year, Schwartz commented, “There just were not enough entries to consider it a viable category any longer. But it was never really our desire to remove a chance for some of the amazing on-screen talent in daytime to receive an Emmy.”
According to Schwartz, the new category will be for performers who specifically are on their first daytime contract, so there is not necessarily an age parameter with it. However, she noted, “I do imagine that some of the people that enter into the category will be on the younger end of the spectrum.”
Now, as to how you can qualify for the category, Schwartz explained that there will be a limit as to the timeline for qualifying entrants, in that, performers are only eligible for the first 2 years that they appear on their respective shows. In addition, actors can only win the category one time, because at that point they would not be considered as an ‘”emerging” talent.
Other key eligibility factors include: 1) Performer needs to have a speaking role and have at least one continuous story arc 2) The performer can be on the show for up to two years and also enter the category for those two years – unless they win ( as noted above). 3) After the eligibility window has expired, they are still eligible to enter the ‘Lead’ or’ Supporting’ categories, if they remain on their program.
Photo: CBS
From 2020-2023, which were the last years the Outstanding Younger Performer category was presented and when the competition became gender neutral, Olivia Rose Keegan (ex-Claire, DAYS), Victoria Konefal (Ciara, DAYS), Nicholas Alexander Chavez (ex-Spencer, GH) and Eden McCoy (Josslyn, GH) were named the winners.
Previously from 1985-2019, the category was split by gender, Outstanding Younger Actor and Outstanding Younger Actress, where the winners included the likes of: Bryan Craig (ex-Morgan, GH) Chandler Massey (ex-Will, DAYS), Tom Pelphrey (ex-Jonathan, GL), Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R), Hayley Erin (ex-Kiki, GH, now Claire, Y&R) and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle, GH) and many more.
The 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards which moved to October this year, are still without a broadcast partner, according to Schwartz. In addition, NATAS has yet to release its deadline for submissions for this year’s competition, or when the nominations will be announced. Michael Fairman TV will continue to keep you updated as developments warrant.
So, excited to hear that there will be a new acting category for the upcoming 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Who do you think might be a good contender given the guidelines for Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series? Share your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
Front runner for the first award is Kristen Vaganos (Molly/GH).
If I were Kristen and or team, I’d encourage her to go straight to supporting actress… that award/nomination will do more for her than an emerging “talent” nom/award… She is a gem and a half, in her first full year, Kristen has KILLED IT. She has great material for a nomination and a win. I believe supporting would actually serve her better and her career has huge potential. And, she‘s making films! Kristen, you do you!
Normally, I might agree. But, Kristen could not win Supporting Actress this year as Susan Seaforth Hayes is a lock in that category.
Unfortunately, the odds of Susan Seaforth Hayes winning are quite low in fact. As much as I enjoy the actress over the years, she’s been nominated six times for daytime Emmy awards in Lead and Supporting, respectively.
However, 2018 she “Won” the Life Time Achievement Award (shared with the late Billy Hayes). It’s my opinion that this year the category is too fierce and Susan is Susan just like Susan Lucci is Susan… you win some, or you lose some…
Besides, I watch Days & General Hospital only… both soaps have had powerhouse performances and very noteworthy contenders:
(Not in any particular order)
Supporting Actress:
1) Kristen Vaganos (GH)
2) Jane Elliot (GH)
3) Eva LaRue (GH)
4) Kelly Monaco (GH)
5) Elia Cantu (DAYS)
6) Tina Huang (DAYS)
(For kicks & giggles)
Lead Actress:
1) Brook Kerr (GH)
2) Tamara Braun (DAYS)
3) Ari Zucker (DAYS)
4) Genie Francis (GH)
5) Cynthia Watros (GH)
The Emmy nominations (and wins) all rely on what reels (2 episodes) the performer submits. SSH has the moving scenes related to her real-life husband’s passing, including the eulogy she mostly wrote herself. Hard to beat that.
As for those you list, how you could possibly leave out Nancy Lee Grahn and her powerful performance after Sam’s death is a glaring omission. She has a good chance of breaking the GH dry streak in winning the lead actress category.
I love Nancy, I love Maura, I love Laura, I love Finola, however, sometimes… actors on a whole, remain safe in their usual depictions… I was hoping I’d be all fired up for Nancy and even Kate Mansi, however, I didn’t get what I was expecting. Characters die like almost every week in soaps and the tears and anger/pain becomes the same, and feels stale.
Kristin Vaganos surprised me, she barely worked with Kelly Monaco but I was in awe of her depiction of losing her sister, I felt a connection that doesn’t seem mundane. I suppose that with SSH… it’s all the same…
Vaganos gave us so much more, I feel… the loss of her baby, Sam, the end of the LTR with TJ. Like I said, I love Nancy, Maura, Laura and Finola… here’s an example what I will to articulate with Jane Elliott, she is a force, her work is very specific and nuanced…
Since Jane returned (out of retirement)… Tracey’s journey with friendships and bonds with Gregory, (Finn), and Violet… the character has evolved quite a bit… she’s still typical Tracey, however, the character is in a new place… we see a softer side to her, bonds with Cody, getting her nails done with the Q ladies… Tracey is lighter which allows Jane to go to new place in her craft, allows her to tap into areas that are different yet challenging. So, I saw a journey with Tracey, I saw a journey with newbie, Kristin Vagonas (only in her first year)… I guess, I am noticing work that is newer, fresher, new, different…not all the same. Don’t get me wrong, I believe GH has quite the talented ensemble.
Here’s another example (for different reasons) Maurice Bernard – he’s cruising and phoning it in the past year. I get the actor is having mental health difficulties, and the show wouldn’t recast Sonny, unless it was short-lived and if Maurice needed a few months. I respect Maurice for talking about his mental health challenges. With that said, would I want to see him on the list for nominations for Best Actor, no way. He’s dragging his feet and I can see it, he’s a fab actor when he’s on, the past year, I am feeling dull and banal performances. Sonny is going though his next chapter of life, and Sonny is slowing down, but I don’t feel energy in Maurice’s scenes. So, point is, there’s nothing new or fresh with the actor.
I hope all I wrote out makes sense. I’m a trained actor and I get it, acting is a bloody craft. With that said, the BEST (actor, actresses) who get nominated need to BE the BEST in their body of work.
In a perfect world, the Daytime Emmys would go on body of work. However, a performer can stink up the joint for most of the year and find 2 promising episodes that they submit for Emmy consideration – and that is what the awards are based on.
Most performers do base what category they submit in (lead or supporting) based on what they’ve done in the eligibility period. For example, on GH, Wally Kurth would be supporting most years. In 2023, however, he submitted in lead as the Ned/Eddie plot line drove story most of that year.
Through the years, both Nancy and Genie have submitted in either category.
No argument on Jane. She doesn’t like to submit for consideration. The last time Frank convinced her, she lost to less worthy competitors. She’ll be coming up for lifetime consideration soon and should definitely get that honor.
Also agree on Mo. Who else for 2024 from GH could be considered lead? Burton returned in March, but was a talk-to for much of the year. DZ has submitted in Lead before, so that’s a slight possibility.
Susan has taken her real life story and brought it to life! this year has been banner for her . Honestly if her peers love her as much as the audience does she has more of a chance than you think! I would think it an insult that a GH newcomer would take that over a veteran such as Susan Seaforth Hayes especially since Susan has delivered daily and her journey has hit all the beats
Expect the unexpected
With all due respect, why is Eva LaRue on this list? I can’t recall one standout performance, and she’s come off as monotone, stiff and wooden. Yes, I hate her character but LaRue lacks the acting prowess that say, Maura West has to pull out the nuances that might make viewers like her despite her flaws. Her appearance thus far has been a colossal flop.
I would prefer the older way – Best Young Lead Actress and Best Lead Actor. GH has done a great job with the younger generation. Molly, Rocco and Danny are all amazing.
No offense, but this category is plain stupid, if I was a performer and won in that category I would never own up to it publicly. Emerging Talent sounds like a pre award to a the big award, jeez are they giving them mini Emmy to go along with their “Emerging talent” ?
Funny – now that you brought it up… the title does have the “Best Newcomer Award” vibe that the Golden Globes notoriously gave to Pia Zadora.
The globes also gave the same award to Richard Burton Natalie Wood and Paul Newman just to name a few
I totally agree with you. I’m a working actor and emerging doesn’t sound like a solid award. I wouldn’t submit myself to the emerging if I had the choice. These Emmy people get paid a lot of money to what..:. Change the names of categories…, I’ll take that job!
They need to revert back to Best Younger (both genders) or Younger Actor & Younger Actress. If I was a younger actor and won an Emmy, hands down, I’d want to be for Best Younger Actor…. Not emerging! How does emerging sound on the resume for those who submit who are 30+? Sounds silly and weird. Emmy people do your job and stop fixing what ain’t broke.
By that logic, Genie Francis would have been ineligible by the time Laura killed David Hamilton or battled Bobbie over Scotty, which would have been insanely unfair. I get that they’re trying hard to come up with something workable, but I don’t think this is it.
Probably Laura Wright will get it.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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This week starts with heartbreaking news. Patrick Muldoon, best known for his roles as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives and later as Richard Hart on Melrose Place, died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57. Reports indicate his death was sudden following a heart attack.
Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, told TMZ on Monday more details on her brother’s death, “Patrick went to take a shower Sunday morning after drinking coffee with his girlfriend in their Beverly Hills home. His girlfriend decided to check on him after he was taking too long and found him unconscious on the bathroom floor?” Shana added that paramedics rushed over and tried to revive Patrick, but there was nothing anyone could do.
Soap fans first saw Muldoon as Kate’s (Lauren Koslow) son on DAYS back in 1992, where he quickly became a fan favorite during the on-screen love story between Austin and Carrie Brady (Christie Clarke). Patrick left the series in 1995. He later made comeback for appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Photo: JPI
On Melrose Place, he played bad buy Richard Hart from 1995-1996. Patrick launched his acting career while in college landing the role of Matt in the 1990 sitcom Who’s The Boss? alongside the likes of Judith Light (ex-Karen, OLTL) and Tony Danza. Following his graduation, Patrick nabbed a recurring role as Jeffrey Hunter in Saved By The Bell by 1991.
Throughout his decades long career, Muldoon also starred in several motion and TV series including his leading roile in Starship Troopers (1997). He also had parts in Deadlock (2021), Vanquish (2021), Dakota (2022), Marlowe (2022), and Murder At Hollow Creek (2023).
Photo: JPI
Not only was Patrick an actors, but a producer and a musician and singer. He often made appearances and put out music with his band, The Sleeping Masses. Muldoon was the band’s lead singer and guitar player. Patrick was also a producer of TV and film projects.
At the time of his death, Patrick was also an executive producer on a the movie “Kockroach,” which is currently in production.
Taking to his Instagram, just a few days before his death, Muldoon expressed,“So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz And Alec Baldwin. Filming now in Australia,” he captioned his post.
Sadly, on April 24, Muldoon can be seen in his 2025 film Dirty Hands also festuring Denise Richards (ex-B&B, RHOBH), which will be released on digital streaming platforms on VOD.
Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shana and Ahmet Zappa; and their children, Muldoon’s beloved niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.
Share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Patrick Muldoon via the comment section, which is followed below by the trailer Dirty Hands due out later this week on digital platforms.
All My Children and Hallmark alum, Jonathan Bennett has been cast in the newly-created role on General Hospital as Joe Fitzpatrick.
Look for Bennett to make his debut on the ABC soap opera next month in May. Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans for his work as JR Chandler on All My Children from 2000-2001. Later, he landed the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout role.
Jonathan would go on to star in seven Hallmark Channel movies and then hosting and producing the network’s reality competition show Finding Mr. Christmas, Bennett has also appeared as a contestant on Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, plus Celebrity Big Brother in 2019, and he starred on Broadway in Spamalot.
Courtesy/ABC
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital shared to Deadline who first reported the casting news, “We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast. He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to ‘GH.’
After the news broke, Bennett took to his Instagram and shared, “There’s a new guy in town…” Meanwhile, the official General Hospital account shared a pic and expressed, “He’s already tired of us telling him his hair looks sexy pushed back. Welcome to the family, Jonathan Bennett.
Bennett is married to Jaymes Vaughan. Back in 2022, they became the first gay couple to appear on the cover of the wedding magazine, The Knot.
So, what do you think of the casting of Jonathan as Joe Fitzpatrick? Is he the new man for Lucas? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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