News
UPDATE: A Mark Lawson "Imposter" posted comments in response to journo that OLTL was recently homophobic in its humor!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
UPDATED from earlier today! This evening On-Air On-Soaps heard directly from One Life to Live’s, Mark Lawson (Brody Lovett) who let us know that it was NOT the talented young actor who posted a comment on Advocate.com’s site about an item from Deep Soap’s, Sara Bibel, about an influx of what Bibel perceived as homophobic humorous lines over the last week of airshows, but that of an imposter, posing as the actor.
The real Lawson stated to us and on his facebook page, “I just want everyone to know that was NOT me! I appreciate whoever it was for attempting to back up the show, but they blamed it on the writers and that was a cheap shot. We have an excellent writing team as you can see from the last two incredible weeks on the show.”
It all came to light because Deep Soap’s journalist, Sara Bibel of Fancast.com had written an opinion piece that she felt after One Life to Live had trail-blazed last year with so many gay-inclusive storylines, including the incredible Kish romance and the en masse same-sex wedding ceremony, that last week’s new episodes of the ABC soap featured a plethora of homophobic humorous lines in the script that came across to her as insensitive, as said by various member of the cast in different on-screen scenarios.
One of those lines in question featured Lawson. In it, a shirtless Brody opens the door to the cousin of his bride-to-be, Starr, having just spent the night with his friend John, who is also getting married. Upon opening the door, he says, “No, no, it’s not what you think. We’re getting married … to Jessica and Natalie, not to each other.”
The leading LGBT news and entertainment site, Advocate.com has also ran an item on the piece. And, as in all of their online posts, visitors to their site can leave their comments. One of the names that jumped out of the comments area was that of a Mark Lawson! But now we have learned it clearly was a fake. On-Air On-Soaps has been in touch with the editor-in-chief of Advocate.com and informed him to delete the comments from the faux Lawson, as it is a misrepresentation, and we have received confirmation late this evening that the imposter’s comments were taken down from the website.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
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Utterly Ridiculous!!!!! I’m gay and laughed at the scene in question. Isn’t it just like the media to try and get some nonsense started to justify their very own existence. My opinion is that the scene was perfectly performed and gave a light note to the situation at hand. Ms Bibel, get real and please stop with the homophobic garbage. There certainly is enough homophobia out there without you inflicting these types of false allegations.
Same here Toscanti, it didnt even dawn on me that it could be perceived as homophobic. Everyone needs to lighten up!!
Wow, I appreciate that Mark Lawson wanted to clarify – but his response is very one sided and I think it really misrepresented Sara’s piece.
Sara says in her post that the scenes were meant to be funny and were, in her own words “innocuous.” But I thought she had a valid point in questioning that so many mentions (this was more than just the Brody scene) in a short time was worth pondering.
I’m sorry but that’s how straight guys joke..they are idiots, doesn’t make them “homophobic” God, people can’t joke about ANYTHING anymore
I have not watched the scene in question (as I refuse to watch OLTL until they bring back Kish, have another LGBT s/l or Jean Passante is no longer writing for the show), however from the description of the scene, the remark does not feel even remotely homophobic. I wasn’t offended by the remark.
In these times of misunderstood statements and comments, people indeed should think twice about what they say and how they say it. However, I’m hoping that openly-gay OLTL head writer Ron Carlivati thought about the intended humor that was needed for the scene and proceeded appropriately with the scene that I thought worked out quite beautifully!
I have a gay son who I love and support 100%. I did not see anything wrong with the scene at all. The writers did an excellent job. I thought the scene was quite funny! In all, this is America, and these watchdog companies have their right to add their two cents worth just as I am doing, but they can not expect the good people of country to support micro censorship. If you are offended, do not watch it. This is why we are free to choose what we watch. I think Mark Lawson had a very wise idea to go on the defense because all it takes is one act of ignorance such as this and careers are ruined. Kudos to you Mark Lawson, I’ll keep watching!!! One more thing, good luck to the bloggers who find it necessary to gain five more minutes of fame one soap at a time!
There were a few other homophobic jokes in the scripts as well. I am a loyal fan that happens to be gay and I felt weird a few times at last weeks shows. There was a joke between John and Brody about wearing a dress, and I can’t remember the 3rd one cuz it was really bad. It wasn’t bad enough to get me angry, but I thought it was in poor taste. Oliver Fish should be at the bachelor party. He was friends with John. Just a year ago such insensitive jokes would not be taking place. I was more offended by how dumb the jokes were, than by how homophobic they were. I thought the writers were better than that, but whoever wrote that particular script should not be there. It really cheapened the characters and the show. I know it seems like no big because everyone jokes like that, but OLTL should know better. I thought OLTL was smarter than people who need to make jokes like that.
If you want to hear a line from the show this week that is REALLY UPSETTING. Thursday the bartender in the biker bar said to John McBain: “I hope you have insurance because I hear “Obamacare” doesn’t cover plastic surgery!” INAPPROPRIATE first off! Secondly, real life political statements do NOT belong on this soap. I wrote the show a letter and if they don’t rectify this somehow, I am starting a campaign AGAINST Carlivati. Frankly, I have been watching for 30 years and was shocked by the line. IT IS NOT OBAMACARE! It is HEALTHCARE. It was disgusting and totally tasteless and classless.