News
Eileen Davidson Dishes On The State Of Y&R's Ashley & Confirms Return To RHOBH For Season 7!
Photo Credit: Hutchins Photo.com
She’s beloved in the daytime genre for the enduring role as Ashley Abbott on The Young and the Restless, and her Daytime-Emmy winning star turn as Kristen DiMera on Days of our Lives, but soap fans identify her most as the one and only Eileen Davidson.
A few years ago Eileen added ‘reality star’ to her resume appearing in season 5 and 6 of the hit Bravo franchise, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman caught up this week with Eileen at the CBS TCA Summer Party With The Stars to get the lowdown on: where things stand with Ashley, her take on the new EP of the top rated soap, her thoughts on being part of the legacy of the series that is about to air its 11,000 episode milestone, and how we need to go about finding a new leading man for Ash!
Then, Eileen confirms that she is indeed back for her third season of RHOBH, and that being on the series has provided her with some exciting and unique opportunities, and why in the beginning she was the “reluctant reality star”, and more.
We always love the chance to speak with Eileen, who calls it like she sees it, but with humor, and that star-appeal spark that makes her so special to us and millions of viewers worldwide.
Y&R needs to find a good man for Ashley! The series toiled with a pairing between her and Dr. Simon Neville prior to Michael E. Knight exiting the show. Have you put in your dibs for who you would like to work with now from the cast, romantically?
Courtesy/CBS
EILEEN: Yeah, it would be nice for them to find a man for Ashley. But I have not discussed it at this point. There has been a changing of the guard at the show recently that you sometimes wonder what’s the point putting in your two-cents when a lot is happening. So I really haven’t, but it’s probably time that I do.
How is Mal Young to work with as your new executive producer?
EILEEN: I love Mal. He’s terrific! I got along well with Jill Farren Phelps (Ex-Y&R, executive producer) and I get along well with Chuck Pratt Jr. (EP and head writer, Y&R), too. So, I don’t have any issues there. But right now a story for Ashley isn’t quite happening, so I have been concentrating on other things.
How does Ashley feel now about her daughter Abby’s (Melissa Ordway) marriage, and relationship with Stitch (Sean Carrigan)? After all, Stitch and Ashley were red hot there for awhile.
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
EILEEN: Well, she loves her daughter, and that’s about what Ashley has going on in her life right now! (Laughs) But, I think Ashley is happy for it.
So her feelings for Stitch are over, and Ashley just compartmentalized them for now?
EILEEN: Yes, I would say so, just because it would be weird for her to be harboring this thing for him, unless the show is going to do something with it. So I would say ‘yes’ … until further notice.
Y&R’s will air its 11,000th episode coming up in September. Did you think it would be around as long as it has when you started on the series back in 1982?
EILEEN: No! Who has any concept of what that is? It’s too huge. Even my son, Jesse, who saw the script and the episode number on it went, “What??” I go, “I know!”
Could you possibly envision a time when Victor (Eric Braeden) and Ashley would reconnect in a romantic way after all the ups and downs with their relationship, and their families?
Photo Credit: FlyntPictures
EILEEN: I’m always open for a good storyline, but I don’t know. They have tried it, and they have been there and done that. But again, it depends on how everything is written.
There was so much press on last seasons’ The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, in which you appeared as part of the cast, and at times you were vocal about some of the scenes, and moments with the other ladies that were filmed for inclusion in the episodes!
EILEEN: It is what it is! I don’t know what to tell you. (Laughs) They always get new people on the show, so there are new personalities involved in the mix.
I’m amazed that you continued with RHOBH, only because it was just never something I thought you would entertain being a part of it, but it’s also been great exposure for you and opened you up to a new audience.
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
EILEEN: This will be my third season coming up on RHOBH, and I would never, ever in a million years, seen myself on a reality show, either. However, I have to say it has opened up some things for me. The books I wrote are now being made into movies, and I am going to star in them, and I just had another interesting meeting the other day about something I’m working on. I am pretty excited about all of that.
It’s so funny, because knowing you as long as I have I would never have predicted you opening your life up on a reality show. You were always known to be such a private person.
EILEEN: Tell me about it, I know! It just got to the point where I’m like, “What the hell!” (Laughs). But I decided if I am going to be doing it, then I am really going to do it. So, I am opening my life up even more, and even being more real. If I am going to be in a reality show, then I want it to be the real me that is shown, and not a façade. And if I am going to do it and appear on it, then I think I can help people, and lead through example. As people know, I have lost a lot of people in my life, and I will be exploring that, and grief, and taking it to a different level.
Courtesy/Bravo
Does your husband Vincent Van Patten ever watch you on Y&R or RHOBH and see the shenanigans you get involved with on-screen?
EILEEN: Sometimes he watches me on Y&R, and sometimes he watches “Housewives”. But sometimes he does say to me: “It’s entertainment, honey.” And my response is, “AHHHHH” (Laughs) He then goes, “Honey, it’s great TV.”
So, what storyline would you like to see Y&R’s Ashley involved in where she is driving story? Who should be Ash’s next leading man? Glad to hear Eileen is back for season 7 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Ashley needs to visit Bold and Beautiful and have an affair with Erick Forrester and fight with Quinn…
Im so very happy Eileen Davidson will be back on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
I kinda agree about Ash and Eric, but really would like her with new man TO BE AROUND for a long arc. Bring on a musical interest, who opens a new spot in town…Bailey Chase, Daniel Gillies, and Brian Wimmer, some choses.
Really need her back on DAYS! The show needs Kristen full time!
Amen.
Oh, my gosh, Ric. I looove Susan and Kristen….especially Susan. I bet if Eileen showed up as Susan, the ratings would rocket to the moon.
I agree, Celia!
Susan can show up as President of the ‘Vampire Killers Club,’ but her problem is there’s only one other member…her brother Tommy! But that’s OK because Tommy is a hitman. He just has to exchange his gun for a stake!
Susan visits her sister, Sister Mary Moira, who is now Mother Superior of a convent where Kristen is hiding out! Susan mistakenly believes her sister is the Queen Mother of the Vampire Den! Susan hatches a plan to drive stakes through the hearts of all the “vampires” and/or blow the Den (convent) sky high, with Tommy’s help!
Another resident could be Savannah Wilder. Hopefully they could lure Shannon Tweed back as Savannah who turned a new leaf and is now a nun mistaken for a vampire! Roman, played by the same actor who played Chris who was involved with Savannah could even be revealed as Roman after all! The thought of Shannon Tweed in a Habit gives me a chuckle!
It could be a huge umbrella storyline involving many characters…Maybe Will is recuperating there, too!
*Roman can be revealed as Chris!
High “stakes” dramedy, Celia, LOL!
@4ever DAYS.
Absolutely love it, 4ever!!!!! You and Jimh must take the same writing class. LOL.
And, yes, Roman should take off the Chris K mask. I wonder if he knows Faison?
You are so very funny….
YES! Her talents are utilized on DOOL! I LOVE Susan, hahahaha!
I don’t watch Real House Wives.
I have watched Eileen as Ashley since she began on the show.
I love her character – Ashley is a very strong,driven, independent woman;which may make her hard to write for AND hard to pair her with a man worthy of her – she’s a tough cookie.
I do think Victor is the love of her life ,but due to his manipulations and machinations, that relationship has run its course.
Maybe they should just leave it alone – a woman can be vital and interesting without being attached to a man.
Hey, Lisa.
I don’t watch any of those ridiculous, demeaning shows either.
But, I do love Eileen Davidson, regardless.
Oh, yes. You are so right. I agree that a woman does not need a man to feel empowered or self-sufficient.
However, I disagree about Victor. At this point in his life, he should not be anyone’s eternal love. He is too old for both Nikki and Ashley. But, soon enough, someone will end up pregnant by him. Meredith? LOL.
Don’t watch dool or yr but do watch rhobh and Eileen and Lisa rinna are the two most annoying housewives on that show, they are really unbearable, I was hoping they get the boot this coming season but appearantly the are both coming back, oh well gotta have someone of two to hate so they are my pick.
I agree Aria. I was surprised they asked them both back??
Eilieen is bored of Ashley.Just look at videos when she plays Kristen!She lightens up,she enjoys it,so by all means pay her the same salary and send her on Days!
Hi, Marion,
I agree. It seems, that for a while now, Ashley has been filling space for the sake of Abbott continuity. What a waste. She and Neville had such potential. But, we don’t really know why Michael left. His own volition?.
Regardless, I miss the ‘old’ Ashley…..the chemist; the lover; the mother; the sister……the woman with a fruitful brain.
I just can’t believe she’s on that so-called-reality show; which, may I add, I have not caught one episode, except for snippets on E news. But, I know people who do watch it. I am told the show is the farthest thing from reality.
Somehow, these ‘players’ lose both dignity and integrity. To each his/her own.
The ‘unreality’ of it could, also, be said about the Kardashians. The master-mind is Kris (sp), and I admire that in a woman. She created an empire. However, since it is, supposedly, a reality show….make it somewhat real!!
All the weight loss Khloe and Kim underwent? Well, when someone loses weight, the rear end and mammary glands go with it. But, these ladies did not lose one inch in said areas. Silicone Valley!!
Ahhh, what will we not do for the mighty dollar!!
I agree Celia ….. “these ‘players’ lose both dignity and integrity.”
People are laughing AT them , NOT with them. It is very sad. I feel sorry for their children. They must be so embarrassed?
I wanted to add that we don’t know what happened with Nevello(sp?). He had great chemistry with Ashley and great potential.
WORD, can’t believe they asked her back. Like her character on Y&R, a real Zzzzzzzzzzzz
I’d like to see Ashley take back the Jabot CEO position (Jack decides to focus on that boring foundation crap) and while looking for land to build her own home wanders onto an overgrown estate where she draws the attention of a handsome reclusive millionaire living on the outskirts of town. After a slow, romantic courtship they become engaged and Ashley learns that her divorce to Cole Howard was never officially finalized which brings Cole back to town where he is drawn back into Victoria’s orbit (Victor pushes Cole towards his daughter to prevent her from reuniting with Billy Boy). Looking for a reason to stay in Genoa City, Cole discovers that Ashley’s fiancee is a widower whose wife died under mysterious circumstances so he pitches a true crime book about it to his publisher, Randolph House which is run by Leanna Randolph a.k.a. Leanna Love. As Leanna gets the chapters of Cole’s book she begins leaking details to undermine Ashley and her beau (Leanna is still harboring resentment for Ashley marrying Steven Lassiter) and creates an air of scandal around Jabot in the media which leads to a drop in both sales and the stock price as investors begin to question Ashley’s judgement. As a result the two women’s feud is reignited and they become hellbent on destroying one another (a sort of female Jack/Victor dynamic).
Maybe it’s just me but when you have an actress like Eileen Davidson on contract and she is put on the back burner so that Summer Newman can be front and center, it’s time for a new head writer. Just sayin’…
Alan, as par for the course, you are spot on.
And Jim h (leave it to beaver) as usual, you just crack me the hell up.
exactly. i’m so sick of seeing Summer
Yeah; it’s one thing dealing with just Summer. But, we are also forced to suffer through “Lucifantori’s” wheeling and dealing, robert.
You and a whole lot of others.
Micheal E. Knight…he didnt fit well here…he was a ‘TAD” better on AMC-lol
Yup! Thaddeus Gardner Martin….best character, EVER!!
I disagree Jimh. I thought he had great chemistry and potential with Ashley.
yes,,,but the writing just wasnt there…he could always come back!!!
You are right, Abruzzfan. I also think Ashley and Neville had something going. Too bad the relationship was truncated before it even started.
I was just agreeing to the character of Tad and Jimh’s play-on-words. Jimmy is very good at that and I am sure his intent was to create levity.
I have heard how much everyone loved Tad- the Cad!! Understood! I can see why he was so loved! 🙂
Eileen is so neat and I love her as ashley but I LOVED her as Kristen on days!!!
One word—Disappointed! While I am grateful for the interview, I am disappointed that not more was said about Michael E Knight. I was looking forward to reading about how Eileen loved working with the incredibly talented and well loved MEK, and how she herself was greatly disappointed when his character was written off. It also puzzles me because MEK’s exit garnered very little attention from the soap opera media. It’s almost as if he were ushered out the back door with a “sshhh!” and a final pay check–a pay off, so to speak. Yes, I have a suspicious mind but cannot help but wonder if there is not more to the story about the hows and whys of the great Michael E Knight’s exit strategy. I love Dr Neville and miss him already.
The other reason for my disappointment? Eileen Davidson electing to be on that low brow, idiotic, insult-to-humanity-and sisterhood reality TV series. She says that her character Ashley does not appear to be in any future front burner story lines. Speaking for myself, her appearance on that heinous excuse for entertainment might be part of the problem. I tunned in once or twice just to watch her but was so turned off that the thrill I once harbored for Ashely was quickly and methodically extinguished. I think my reaction might underscore part of the answer as to why Ashely is not being given a decent story worthy of her talent and star power.
What star power? A bad dye hair job and oh so full of herself lets get Beth Maitland/Tracy back on this show lets get Lauren a storyline
Bad hair-dye job? Oh, Kay. I must disagree. Eileen’s hair is beautiful compared to others on the show., whom you have mentioned. At the least, it does not look like straw, and she wears no extensions.
Oh, k/kay, what can we do to get Traci/Beth Back? At this point I’d even settle for recurring status. And why can’t Cane go back to working with Lauren since Brash n’ Sassy is shaping up to look like High School Confidential with backstabbing, sourpuss Billy and flibbertgibbit Victoria again batting her eyelashes. Why are they making Cane look the fool while one-track minded Billy Boy is suddenly a marketing guru? If I were the gorgeous Mr. Ashby, I’d make a run for it NOW!
Harry, I feel exactly the same about these Bloody Awful “reality” shows. I still don’t understand the concept: most of these insults to intelligence are pre-scripted and “crafted” for maximum entertainment ‘value’. How is that REALITY? I was shocked that our Eileen would jeopardize our image of her with this drivel, so, like you, I will just avoid it. But I’d also like more Ashley time, especially her delicious fights with Hilary.
I would love to get Beth/Traci Abbott back. She was the sensible one and I wanted to know what happened with her & Steve. If only we could get more of her & Jill/ Michael/ Lauren. I like the Jack Phyllis story line as well but OMG can we have a show without Summer? I’m sorry but that is one actress I can’t stomach & she on almost daily.
I completely agree with you @Harry. I don’t understand why the very popular MEK exited? Very strange – indeed. His exit seemed to be swept under the rug and it was barely mentioned in the soap opera world.
When I heard Eileen was going to be on the show, I tuned in to see it for the first time ever. When I saw a couple shows, I felt sorry for her and kept thinking – how much money was she getting to humiliate herself? I was even more embarrassed for Lisa Rinna. Eileen doesn’t need to lower herself. As far as Lisa Rinna, I kept thinking about how embarrassed her daughters musty be? Lisa doesn’t need to lower herself either.
They really need her back on Days! I miss her so much! She was my favorite character on there.
eilleen is the goddess of daytime!!!
i m so excited rhobh asked her back..imo… she s the most normal of the bunch… some fans thinks she s a pot stirrer but i appreciate that she needs resolution to problems and is not fake like some of the othe other housewives
i ve followed her from y n r to her second stint with days!
my fave stories was her as kirsten/ brady/ eric… i was hoping she d make a paly for eric with his child after the rape which was soap milestone!
she s less instrumental on y n r which has always been such a waste… i ve always thought if maybe adams backs turned by everyone in genao city i d love for ash to forgive him and thay have a illicit affair.. the abbotts and newmans woud go nuts! she s best apaired with a younger hot male and she needs to be back in victors orbit again
coincedentally soap opera digest has a vintage throwback thursday article of eileens first interview 35 years ago…wow.. eileen is better than ever, classic beauty
she has been wasted since she came back to Y&R. she should be driving storyline,not being back burned. it’s mind boggling unpopular people are on everyday while fan favorites aren’t
I love Eileen! Don’t watch Days or the Housewives show, but on Y and R,
love her and wish she were on more often. She and Abby are great
as mom and daughter, etc., but I am still so disappointed that her
budding relationship and awesome chemistry with Neville was wasted,
then, poof! Michael Knight is gone. It is just wrong!
To me, it seems like a safe take on her Y&R stays, “I love Mal, everything is great” you know to keep her job. Meanwhile she seems to dismiss Ashley out of frustration? MEK was a bust on the show and he and Ashley had zero chem! I would like the original Tucker to come back for Ashley and Chancelor Industries.
Love Eileen. Would love to see her get a story on Y&R, would love for her to return to Days.
Ashley has always been one of my favorite Y&R characters and Davidson has always been the best at playing her. That being said, I think the writers have woefully underused both of them. Ashley should be a pivotal character in a plot, NOT simply trotting around fretting over Abby.
The writers need to focus on a plot for Ashley. Reading between the lines on Davidson’s comments, I get the impression from this interview that she presently may be bored with Ashley. Can’t say that I blame her from the measly writing that has been done for the character.
Eileen Davidson makes the Real Housewife of Beverly Hills so much more interesting. He’s the only one that really gives it to that Lisa Vanderpump who is so nasty and mean. I love Eileen Davidson on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Eileen is just so beautiful and talented! RHOBH is way below her talent; although, I know the pay was hard to turn away from. I miss Eileen on DOOL. It doesn’t seem as though her talents are utilized on Y&R, IMO.
I would really love to see her back on Days this show needs her help to liven it up some.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Alimi Ballard’s Role Revealed as WSB Agent William Baines Who Oversees Jack Brennan Investigation
The Thursday, September 3 episode of General Hospital featured the debut of former Loving and The City actor, Alimi Ballard (ex-Frankie Hubbard).
Now some 30 years later, Ballard is back on ABC daytime, but this time as was revealed today, he is playing WSB agent William Baines who arrives in Port Charles to oversee the disappearance of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).
Here’s what went down; after Josslyn (Eden McCoy) reported Brennan missing to the WSB, agent William Baines met her at the Port Charles bureau office. It was there that Baines informed Josslyn he was taking over the search for Jack.
Josslyn kept trying to stay on the case telling Baines she had connections with many people in Jack’s inner circle in Port Charles. However, Baines instructed her to keep on her current assignment as CEO of JJE. When she questioned why implanting her at her father’s company was so important, Baines shared she needs to get inside intel on JJE’s subsidiary holdings. Once she does, she will be briefed on what comes next.
DREW FRAMES NINA
In addition, Baines wanted to be briefed on what Josslyn knows so far about the MIA Brennan. One theory from the WSB is that Jack skipped town because of how badly the Cold Fusion debacle went down on Spoon Island. Then, as Josslyn brought up how her mother Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) witnessed a public shouting match between Jack and Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), Baines pulls out a photo of Nina from his folder.
As if things couldn’t get worse for Nina, Drew (Cameron Mathison) broke into her car, planted evidence of Jack’s wallet under the seat as retribution for her trying to kill Drew when she pushed him in his wheelchair into the lake at the boathouse. Drew snarled that “payback is bitch” as he sat in the driver’s seat of her car.
So, what are your initial thoughts on the arrival of WSB agent William Baines? Do you think he may wind up as Jack’s successor as the WSB Port Charles bureau chief ? What did you think of Drew framing Nina for Jack’s death? Share your thoughts via the comment section below. But first, check out the confrontation between Drew and Nina with Ava present.
News
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell First Microdrama ‘Hollywood Startlet’ Debuts in Launch of New aTwist Platform and Studio
Microseries platform and Studio aTwist launched today (September 3) complete with a slate of 10 original series including the first foray into the vertical drama space from The Bold and the Beautiful’s executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell.
As previously reported, Brad Bell and his son and B&B producer, Oliver Bell produced the vertical title, Hollywood Starlet which is now available on aTwist.
Hollywood Starlet tells the tale of an 0verlooked cleaner named Starlet who supports her abusive sister and mother until her acting talents are finally recognized by famous actor Jack as he falls for her and helps her kickstart her Hollywood career. The microdrama was filmed using sets from The Bold & The Beautiful sets at their Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Hollywood. The series features popular vertical stars: Bella Mraz, Eric Guilmette, and Molly Anderson.
Photo: MFTV
aTWIST FEATURES 10 ORIGINAL MICRODRAMA SERIES
The new vertical entertainment platform from noted TV executives: Jana Winograde (Former Showtime), Susan Rovner (Former NBCUniversal) and Lloyd Braun (Former ABC/WME) debuts by expanding the microdrama genre with scripted, unscriped, animation, horror and comedy titles. The launch today also includes a curated library of content. aTwist is available now at www.aTwist.com, with the app available for download across all major app stores.
New microseries will launch Thursdays on aTwist. Viewers can watch select episodes for free with ads, or unlock complete seasons using coins or a subscription. Countries at launch include: Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States.
Courtesy/aTwist
The launch slate available now which includes the aforementioned Brad Bell created Hollywood Starlet also features these titles:
Buried Alive, Back For Revenge
A blind heiress, buried alive by her husband and best friend on her wedding day, claws her way out of her grave to reclaim her company and destroy those who betrayed her. Starring: Nicole Mattox, Nick Ritacco, Molly Anderson, Eric Guilmette, Jon Briddell.
Cash Out
A heartbroken woman and her 2 best friends are gifted $50,000 to spend on experiences in Las Vegas in under 24 hours. Roadblocks crop up, her ex returns, chaos ensues. The Hangover meets Bridesmaids. Starring: Violet Benson, Kristen Ochoa, Jaden Ashley, Christa Texeira.
I Fell in Love with a Dragon Prince
Abandoned and enslaved, when Sylvia meets and heals the injured Kiel, heir to the Sky Kingdom, their quests merge – will he regain his crown and she, her freedom? And are they meant for each other? Animation microdrama starring: Jayme Mantos, Ted Evans, Cornelius Mohr, Kristen DiMercurio
I Swiped Right on a Serial Killer
A pediatrician goes looking for love on the apps, but has no idea when she falls for a manipulator with a master plan to wife her, who’s willing to kill anyone who gets in his way. Starring: Mariah Moss, Shayne Davis, Addison Bowman, Ali Badalov, Nick Ritacco<
My Billionaire Kidney
In this rollicking vertical spoof, a down-on-her-luck Cinderella-type becomes a pawn to her evil aunt and uncle and multiple absurdly powerful men as they fight for her kidney. Will she finally find a way to control the chaos and choose herself? From Jonathan Stern (Abominable Pictures), starring Hannah Pilkes, Nate Smith, Brandon Micheal Hall, Erinn Hayes, Steve Agee, Peter S. Kim.
My Book Boyfriend Came To Life
A love-averse librarian accidentally summons a romance novel hero into the real world to help her save her library. Starring: Bella Grace Mraz, Cayman David Cardiff, Eric Ruof, Shannon Foster, Rebecca Ritz.
Pretty Hurts And So Do I
A bullied high school girl is hit by a bus, gets a major glow-up, and comes back for revenge on the mean girls who wronged her. Starring: Kim Sandwich, Jake Ryan Nuttall, Caroline Abigail Rich, Shahadah Keyonna Abdullah.
Something Is Alive In My Attic
A woman returns home to her estranged, ailing mother to discover that something evil is alive in the attic. Starring: Moriah N. Boone, Suzie Haines, Richard Trotter, Charing Draper, Triana Brown.
Strangers, A Plane And A Deadly Game
Two women on a plane joke about committing murder, but when one takes action, the other is drawn into a chaotic, deadly spiral – will there be any survivors?
Starring: Grace Swanson, Monaye Moyes, Sean McHugh, Madeleine Barnette, Myron Donley.
Photo: aTwist
MICRODRAMA PARTNERSHIPS
aTwist recently announced: A strategic partnership with Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s global entertainment company, making aTwist the exclusive home for Hartbeat’s slate of original microseries, including comedy programming under the LOL umbrella and adaptations of Blake Karrington’s bestselling book series and a partnership with BET to develop and distribute microseries across linear and vertical platforms, with a first-of-its-kind windowing model bringing microseries to television while expanding storytelling rooted in Black culture and community, among others.
Microseries are serialized stories designed for mobile-first viewing: typically 40-60 episodes of one to three minutes each, built vertically, and consumed either in moments throughout the day or as a binge experience all at once. This is a fast-growing global category, generating an estimated $10 billion annually worldwide.
So, will you be checking out Brad Bell’s Hollywood Starlet on the aTwist platform? What do you think of all the currently slated new titles for launch? Drop a comment below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday, September 3 than none other than Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Honor at the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, taking place October 30 in Hollywood, California.
In addition, next year in February, Genie will celebrate her 50th anniversary milestone of her debut on General Hospital where she first appeared on-screen as a teenaged Laura Vining back in 1977. She secured her place in pop culture history when an estimated 30 million viewers tuned in to watch the iconic 1981 wedding of Laura and Luke Spencer (the late Anthony Geary) Fast-forward to 2026, and Laura serves as the mayor of Port Charles.
Throughout her daytime career, Francis has also appeared on ABC’s All My Children as Ceara Connor, Days of Our Lives as Diana Colville, and CBS’s The Young and the Restless as Genevieve Atkinson. She won her only Daytime Emmy back in 2007 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series for her role as Laura on General Hospital.
Photo: JPI
GENIE FRANCIS TO MARK 50 YEARS AS GENERAL HOSPITAL’S LAURA
In a statement on her Lifetime Achievement honor, Genie Francis expressed, “I want to offer my deepest gratitude to the leadership of NATAS for honoring me with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. This February marks 50 years since I first portrayed Laura on General Hospital. Stepping onto that set at just 14, I could never have imagined the extraordinary journey that lay ahead. I am deeply grateful to have been welcomed onto your television screens and into your homes for five decades; for the love, support, and loyalty I’ve been given; and for the privilege of being a small part of your lives.”
She continued, “Thank you to NATAS, my colleagues, the daytime community and, most of all, the viewers. My career in daytime television has truly been the adventure of a lifetime, and I am deeply honored by this recognition.”
Adam Sharp, President and CEO, NATAS said on the selection of the iconic actress, “We are thrilled to celebrate Genie Francis’s remarkable career. From Port Charles and beyond, she has left an indelible mark on the landscape of daytime television, and she continues to tackle bold topics as a courageous storyteller to this day.”
Photo: ABC
A CAREER THAT SPANNED DAYTIME, PRIMETIME AND THE STAGE
In addition to daytime, Francis began her career at the age of 13 guest starring on ABC’s Family. Thereafter, she has enjoyed a diverse acting career, with notable roles in the miniseries North and South and Bare Essence, as well as The Note. Following were numerous television guest starring roles ranging from: Third Rock From the Sun, Murder She Wrote, the final episode of Perry Mason, Roswell, and more, plus numerous stage productions.
Francis and her husband, Jonathan Frakes, (best known for his role as Commander William Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation) have been married for nearly 40 years, and have two adult children, Jameson and Eliza.
MORE ON THE 53RD ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming. This year’s Gold & Silver Circle Inductees and ceremony presenters will be announced at a later date. Tickets will go on sale September 9, 2026.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be a single ceremony in 2026, produced by NATAS Productions. Adam Sharp and Lara Gates are executive producers, with Leon Knoles returning to direct for a fifth straight year. Rachel Schwartz serves as Head of Daytime, and the firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP, provides accounting services for the competition.
Fans can watch the ceremony when it streams live on October 30 via the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) official website at watch.theemmys.tv or via the official The Emmys app.
What do you think of Genie Francis being named the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at this year’s Daytime Emmys? Share your thoughts and reactions via the comment section below.
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Action-Thriller ‘Supermax’
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General Hospital19 hours ago‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
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