Connect with us

General Hospital

5

‘Desperate Housewives’ Creator, Marc Cherry Speaks on His Admiration for Erika Slezak and Her “Astounding Acting”

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photos: CBS and JPI

This week, Marc Cherry, the creator of Desperate Housewives, joined Rebecca Budig (Taylor, B&B) and Greg Rikaart (Leo, DAYS) on the latest edition of Soapy. During his sit-down chitchat Cherry opens up about his love of soap operas, his writing process and more.

Throughout the conversation, Cherry shared that he used to watch the ABC line-up of shows and in particular, All My Children and One Life to Live, noting the likes of Susan Lucci (ex-Erica Kane), but also the iconic courtroom scene of Karen Wolek on One Life to Live and then getting to meet Judith Light in person.

In addition, Cherry had very special words for the incomparable Erika Slezak, who played Victoria Lord for more than four decades on One Life to Live and is set to debut on General Hospital this fall in a brand new role. He shared his thoughts on what made Erika so exceptional in his discussion with Rebecca and Greg.

Photo: JPI

Cherry stated, “You know who is also great? I got to see Erika Slezak on One Life to Live do some astounding acting. And the biggest thing with soap opera writing sometimes is the writers do a lot of exposition and will go, ‘Remember, the time you told me when we were in Greece about the affair,’ and I know that is part of the requirement to keep fans and in approaching it, but Erika Slezak could do that exposition and make it seem 100% real.”

He went on to say how daytime stars have often been perceived as less than, as compared to motion pictures or other television stars, simply because of the day-part and the target audience. Marc explained, “That to me is one of the interesting things about the daytime drama industry, if you would have taken these people out and just given them the opportunity on a movie, or you know a primetime show, they would be perceived so differently. They are amazing artists who might not be regarded as seriously as some other people, because they were doing their work at shows directed towards housewives at home in the afternoon. And that’s one of the other things, is learning to have respect because there’s some truly amazing talent in every sector of the industry.”

Photo: CBS

Fans can listen to Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart on Audacy or wherever podcasts are available and can watch full video episodes weekly on the CBS Brand YouTube Channel.  The show is produced by the Paramount Multiplatform Production Group. The podcast is executive produced by Mike Benson. Andrew Pemberton-Fowler serves as producer.

Make sure to tune-in next week for the Tuesday, August 26th episode when Rebecca and Greg welcome Greg’s Y&R family, Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin) and Tracey Bregman (Lauren Fenmore Baldwin) to the talk series.

So, what do you think about the comments made by Marc Cherry on the greatness of Erika Slezak and his fondness of the ABC soaps of the past? Let us know below, but first, you can check out the entire episode of ‘Soapy,’ and/or the clip following it where Cherry talks about Judith Light’s memorable courtroom scene and his love of the soap genre.

5 Comments

5 Comments
oldest
newest

It is so true what he said about Erika Slezak. I found an episode of OLTL dated 3/7/77 on YouTube the other day. There was a scene she did in the hospital cafeteria with Doris Belack as Ana Craig. They were pure perfection. Even though they were on a set with extras around them it was so believable. The little things that Erika did were masterful. It was while Viki was distressed over baby Kevin’s kidnapping. She continued to make wonderful acting choices for so long and we were lucky to witness them. Looking forward to seeing her on GH.

So true! OLTL in the day had some very strong actors… and writing. Emotional, heartfelt, suspenseful. I think it is because of the stage training.

So true

Could Marc Cherry be asked to restore some life into those daytime dramas that are lacking in strong character-driven story, or that need help moving on from a whirlpool trapping them in repetitive plotting?

Erika Slezak is the master. Watching her create a character is absolute magic. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss One Life to Live.

I cannot wait to see what Erika does with whatever she’s given at GH.

Breaking News

Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

Published

on

By

Robert Kelker-Kelly

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.

According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route, Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.

Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Robert Kelker-Kelly

Photo: NBC

Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.

As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.

Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Robert Kelker-Kelly, GH

Photo: ABC

Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.

Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.

Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”

The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”

Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.

Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Everyone Turns Their Backs on Sonny; Can Anyone Get Chase to Open His Eyes About Willow’s Treachery?

Published

on

By

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the ABC soap opera picks right back up with everyone turning their backs on Sonny (Maurice Benard), and now the one person he hoped would be by his side appears to be abandoning ship when Justine (Nazneen Contractor) doesn’t believe him about ordering the beatdown of Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in the latest spoilers video.

Sonny screams at Justine, “Someone is setting me up.” She says, “It’s over!” He proclaims, “I didn’t do it!” Little do they know that it was actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) who set Sonny up to take the fall for the Pentonville drama that left Curtis  (Donnell Turner) with injuries as well.

Then, Lulu (Alexa Havins) is seen using her voice memo app on her phone to record her discussion with Sidwell while he is recovering from his injuries at the hospital. This moment is intercut with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) saying, “I wish there was someone who could get Chase (Josh Swickard) to open his eyes about who Willow truly is!”

Next, Willow is seen happily waving while at a table at a Metro Court Gardens, while Chase, Michael (Rory Gibson), Brook Lynn and Ava (Maura West) all receive text messages. Tracy (Jane Elliot) punctuates the promo stating, “That’s the real Willow,” while the words “The world knows” comes across the screen.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 5-9 below.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Sonny challenges Justine. Josslyn takes matters into her own hands. Britt and Willow discuss matters of the heart. Jason is taken to task. Serena finds herself in a bind.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Felicia has welcome news for Anna. Brook Lynn confides in Valentin. Hudson tries to talk Josslyn down. Lulu makes a daring play. Willow and Chase discuss his marriage.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Carly asks Anna for a favor. Tracy bites her tongue with Gio. Drew and Alexis go at it. Scout tries to broker peace between Danny and Rocco. Lulu pursues a lead.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 
Carly supports Sonny. Lulu’s latest article makes waves. Ava pitches a new target to Drew. Curtis gets a shock. Chase throws down the gauntlet.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Britt offers a lifeline. Anna offers her expertise. Sonny reassures Gio. Portia makes her loyalties clear. Dante’s investigation hits a roadblock.

Check out the latest General Hospital promo for the action this week entitled, “The World Knows” below.

Now weigh-in: With everyone disbelieving Sonny, what will be his next move? Will he hit rock bottom, or rise up and fight back and prove his innocence? Will Sonny enlist Jason to get to the bottom of this, even though Jason is out of Sonny’s business? Meanwhile, can this truly be the week that Willow is exposed for her multitude of crimes … or is this all a red herring? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GH’s Kayden Brenna Tokarski Addresses ‘Positivity and Negativity’ That Has Come Her Way as She Embraces Playing Scout Cain

Published

on

By

Kayden Brenna Tokarksu

Kayden Brenna Tokarski took over the role of General Hospital’s Scout Cain from her predecessor Cosette Abinante on the July 20th episode of the ABC soap opera, when they decided to age-up Scout.  Abinante has played the part since 2022.

Now, as the story has been unfolding, viewers are witnessing Scout’s journey and burgeoning teenage romance with Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) and the conflict she’s caught in the middle of between her brother, Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) and her father, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison).

Since Tokarski has arrived on the scene, Scout has shed many tears and been in the middle of some heavy emotional beats. On Sunday, October 4, Kayden Brenna Tokarksi took to her X account and dropped a video message to all General Hospital fans.

Kayden Brenna Tokarski

Photo: ABC

During her message, Kayden addressed how General Hospital has been handed down generations within her family and how she had watched the soap before having the incredible moment of actually becoming a cast member, plus fans positive and negative comments since her debut.

Here’s what Kayden expressed, “I just wanted to come on here and show my gratitude for General Hospital. It’s been the largest dream come true. Seriously, I’m pinching myself. Every single day I get to come to work, and work with the incredible cast and crew. My mom grew up watching with her mom and I watched with her. So it’s very full circle. It’s insane that this is my life. I wanted to give a huge shout out to Cosette who played Scout prior. Thank you for building such a beautiful foundation, and really large shoes to fill, but just such a phenomenal, brilliant actress and young woman, and I just wish you all the best.”

As Scout has grown in front of our eyes, Tokarski shared, “Thank you to everyone for your grace, welcome, and support as Scout is transitioning into a teenager and more. I have never been on a soap opera before, so as I’m navigating this new world, thank you. Thank you for all of the positivity and also negativity, because I don’t look at it as negativity. I look at it as a way to learn and grow and evolve because right now.”

Being on a soap opera is always a work in progress, for any actor who has never fully performed in the medium, it is like no other, with the pace and how it required the actors to make things work often without much rehearsal time. Kayden added,  “I’m at a stage where I’m figuring out what works for me and what doesn’t. And if we take it too far, we’ll pull back. Don’t worry. Thanks for being in the ride with me, I hope you stick it out and keep watching General Hospital.”

You can check out Kayden’s video message to all General Hospital fans below.

Now let us know, have you been enjoying Kayden’s performance as the teenaged Scout? Do you appreciate her addressing her love of the show, plus how she hopes to continue evolve in the role? Drop a comment in the thread below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

5
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x