News
Erika Slezak to Celebrate 80th Birthday; How Fans Can Share a Special Memory and Message to the Soap Opera Icon

The one and only Erika Slezak, whose classic and moving portrayal of Victoria Lord on One Life to Live captured all of our hearts for decades and who thrilled us with her guest stint on General Hospital in 2025 as Ronnie Bard is about to turn 80-years-old on August 5.
To help celebrate and to make this birthday extra special for the six-time Daytime Emmy-winning icon and her fans, Walter Miller, Erika’s fan club president and website administrator, has revealed that you now have a chance to wish Erika happy birthday or a share a special memory of her from her time on One Life to Live, General Hospital or you’re own personal experience.
All of the messages will be compiled and shared with Erika. The first collection of messages will be presented to her on August 5, but Walter notes that he is accepting submissions through August 14 and will include those in a later collection to pass on to Erika.

Photo: ABC
AUGUST IS SPECIAL MONTH FOR ERIKA SLEZAK
Not only is August a special month with Erika’s birthday, but Erika and her longtime husband, Brian Davies will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary on August 4.
To send your birthday greeting and message to Erika, click here For more on Erika, make sure to check out her official website erikaslezak.com
It was back in 1971 that soap opera fans first saw Erika in the role of Viki on One Life to Live, when she took over the part from Joanne Dorian who has replaced the original Viki, Gillian Spencer. Through many storylines, marriages, and of course, Viki’s battle with DID (Dissociative Identify Disorder), Erika got to portray an array of emotions and characters until One Life went off the air in 2012. She then appeared in the Prospect Park revival of the series in 2013.
While Erika continued making guest appearances in primetime in episodics such as The Resident and Blue Bloods, she returned last year to ABC daytime playing the sister of the late Monica Quartermaine (the late Leslie Charleson). The door was left open for the character of Ronnie to return one day.
So, make sure to send your birthday greetings to Erika through the link above and tell us below your messages honoring Erika on her upcoming 80th birthday via the comment section.
An early happy birthday to the true queen of ABC soaps. Yes, Susan Lucci got more press and Genie Francis got more viewers. Erika, however blows everyone away with the quality of her work. At 79, she proved she still “had it” going toe-to-toe with the amazing Jane Elliot.
Here’s hoping Frank convinces her to stop in as a surprise guest at the annual Quartermaine Thanksgiving Fiasco
Don’t build her up by tearing Genie down.
How is saying Genie got more viewers “tearing” her down? It’s a compliment.
Jesus.
I adore Erika. She is so good that I take her for granted. When she appeared on GH, my appreciation came rushing back. I miss her.
Hope she sees Mark Derwin there!!
Erica didn’t replace Gillian. She replaced Joanne Dorian, who played Vicky [original, correct spelling than the 1980s Viki abomination] in 1970-1971. Famous story of Erica replacing Joanne as they shared the same agent(s).
If you’re going to point out the spelling issue with the character name, at least have the courtesy to spell the actress’ name correctly (Erika).
oh lord!
I’m sure it wasn’t intentional and was just a typo.
Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off

While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.

Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)

In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.

Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.

Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”

Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
News
Don Diamont Gets Emotional Talking About His ‘Bold and the Beautiful’ Co-Star ‘Thee Heather Tom’ (Exclusive ‘Soapy’ Preview)

The Bold and the Beautiful’s Don Diamont (Bill Spencer) is the special guest on this week’s all new edition of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart. Don’s episode drops Tuesday morning, August 18. During his visit, Diamont talks about his 40+ years in daytime, his co-stars, and much more.
Don has had the distinction on appearing on three different soap operas throughout his career, Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless and his current home on The Bold and the Beautiful. His road to B&B, began after in his second run in the role of Brad Carlton on Y&R, when he was let go. Diamont played Brad from 1985-1996 and again from 1998-2009. Little did he know, he had someone being his biggest cheerleader behind the scenes, six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Heather Tom (Katie Logan).
While Heather and Don worked together on The Young and the Restless, when she played Victoria Newman, it wasn’t until Don came to B&B that the two truly got to develop something special, and now since 2009, the ups and downs of the relationship of Dollar Bill and his “Katie” have often resulted in some of the most dramatic moments in the past 16 years.

Courtesy/CBS
HEATHER TOM GOES FOR HER RECORD-BREAKING 7TH DAYTIME EMMY WIN
Heather Tom is once again in the running for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series at this year’s upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in late October. If she were to win, she would become the winningest actress in a Daytime Emmy history, breaking the tie with Erika Slezak (ex-Viki, One Life to Live).
During his visit with ‘Soapy’s’ Rebecca and Greg, when Budig asks him about working withHeather Tom, Diamont becomes overcome with tears welling up in his eyes, for the love, admiration and respect he has for his longtime co-star, in this exclusive preview clip provided to Michael Fairman TV below.
In it, Diamont expressed about Tom, “The greatest .. it makes me emotional… the greatest blessing in my professional life. Beth Maitland (Traci) at that point in my career (with Y&R), and then Heather, later.”

Photo: JPI
DON DIAMONT EXPLAINS THE ROAD TO ON-SCREEN LOVE STORY WITH HEATHER TOM
Explaining how he wound up paired in story with Heather Tom, Diamont provided a bit of history lesson to the ‘Soapy’ podcast co-hosts. “The story goes, which Heather always tells, when she heard I was coming to B&B and God bless, Brad Bell (executive producer, and head writer, B&B) that after being all of a sudden, out of nowhere, being fired from Y&R, Brad brings me over to B&B.”
Don continued, “Heather hears I’m coming, and she is somewhere where she couldn’t talk so, she had to reach under the table and type, ‘I want Don Diamont,’ t0 Brad. So, that to me is an Emmy. That to me, that Heather Tom, that I call ‘Thee Heather Tom,” wanted to work with me, that was enormously flattering.”
Realizing how lucky he is to have such a phenomenal leading lady by his side, it never goes unnoticed by Diamond. “It is such a gift,” he said. “She’s just the best person. The finest actress, just fun and funny and so talented, just amazing. It has just been my great privilege and joy to work opposite her all these years.”
MORE SOAPY
For new or past episodes from the ‘Soapy’ audio/video podcast series, you can find them via the Audacy app and the CBS brand YouTube channel. The podcast is produced by the Paramount Multiplatform Production Group, with Mike Benson serving as executive producer.
You can check out Don getting choked up, and explaining how important Heather Tom has been to his TV and ‘Bold and Beautiful’ career, below.
Now let us know, do you love seeing Katie and Bill together on B&B? Do you consider, like Don and many others in the daytime drama industry, that Heather Tom is one of the greatest actresses of all-time, with her six and counting Emmys to her name? Let us know via the comment section.
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