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.
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
View this post on Instagram
Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
-
Beyond the Gates3 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
-
General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
-
News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
-
Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-
News5 days agoY&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Cast in New Thriller ‘Copperhead’
-
News1 week agoMatthew Atkinson Reveals New Project ‘Into the Wilderness’
-
Beyond the Gates20 hours agoTUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
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.