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EXCLUSIVE: B&B's Brad Bell Talks On The Heartbreaking Episodes Of Stephanie's Goodbye Party & Says There is More To Come!
Courtesy/CBS
Soap fans who watched Monday’s and Tuesday’s episode of The Bold and the Beautiful were in for heart-wrenching drama at its best, times ten! That is because as Stephanie Forrester’s goodbye party played out, it just got sadder, and sadder, and sadder, with each little beat and moment played to perfection by the entire ensemble cast and caught on tape brilliantly by the production crew. Of course, the standouts that broke our hearts were Susan Flannery (Stephanie), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) and John McCook (Eric) who rose to the occasion and did not disappoint in what needed to be a powerful moment in the soap’s history.
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with series executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, the mastermind behind giving daytime legend Susan Flannery, and her long running character of Stephanie Forrester, a proper exit storyline befitting her and what she has meant to the series and fans worldwide. We wanted to know if Brad felt he delivered what he promised to the audience, if he was deeply affected by the episodes, why the decision to make the party Irish-themed, if there was more to this story to come, and to get his thoughts on the on-screen moment when we saw the passing of the torch from Susan Flannery to Katherine Kelly Lang on yesterday’s episode. Here is what Brad had to say about it all!
Brad, you delivered what you said you were going to do with these very special party episodes where Stephanie says goodbye to her family and loved ones. I needed boxes of Kleenex for the past two days. Did you cry when you watched the episodes back?
BRAD: I did cry. I was just talking to my wife Colleen about this. It really choked me up in many places and I hope that it affected the audience in the same way. She said, “Look, you know these people. You work with them behind the illusions and you see through the illusions, and yet you are getting choked up. The people that are invested in the characters and that don’t have the interaction that you do will be choked up as well and maybe even more so!” But, I do feel like I shot my mouth off and said that we would deliver a great send-off for a great actress and a great matriarch, but I feel like we delivered, and I am so happy to be able to say that.
Were you present on the set during the taping of the party episodes that we saw air Monday and Tuesday? I hear, even the taping of the episodes was an extremely emotional time for the cast and crew.
Courtesy/CBS
BRAD: No, I was not on set that day. Sometimes I have to just give it over to the actors and give it over to the directors, which is what I mainly do all the time. And sometimes, it’s best for me to just look at the script three times or so, and then pass it on and let them do with it what they will, and in these episodes they did beautiful things with it.
I noticed in the episode yesterday, there was key scene outside of the Forrester mansion between Stephanie and Brooke. It really felt like the passing of the torch from Susan to Katherine Kelly Lang in the way the dialog had been written. Was that the intent?
BRAD: Yes. It was passing the baton to the most unlikely of people and the lesson in that, if there is one, is that sometimes people you think are your worst enemies can be your closest friends in the end. If you just open your heart and open your mind, and reach across the aisle, you can make wonderful things happen. So in a political year, and a year of turmoil in so many places, we are just preaching that you can find love in the most unlikely places.
During the last few days, everyone was waiting for Ridge to show up! Yesterday, before Stephanie said her goodbyes, he did not. Does this get addressed?
BRAD: Well, it does get addressed. And in this next episode, you will see how it does get addressed. Ridge’s absence continues to play a role in the evolution of the other characters on the canvas.
Courtesy/CBS
Many in the viewing audiences thought perhaps yesterday’s air show was the second to last episode of seeing Susan Flannery as Stephanie, before her just announced final airdate of November 26th. Is there more of Stephanie’s story to come before then?
BRAD: There are quite a few episodes left. She and Eric take off and she wants to do things on her terms, and she does until the end and it’s a lovely ending.
One of the moments that just had me moved to tears instantly was when John McCook as Eric took to the piano and sang to Stephanie. What did you think of that moment?
BRAD: It got me and moved me tears. I have seen it now three or four times and every time I see it, it gets me. I know John, and there was just so much genuine emotion there.
So I was speaking to your wife Colleen, and she said that the inspiration of bringing on the musical group, Celtic Woman happened when the two of you were watching the Oscar-winning film, Titanic! However, I never knew Stephanie Forrester was Irish! How come you decided to go that way as the backdrop or theme of her goodbye party?
Courtesy/CBS
BRAD: I thought, “What I am going to do that is going to strike a chord in John McCook and Susan Flannery?” I started thinking about it and I thought, “McCook, well that is Irish, and Flannery, she is Irish!” So I thought, why not go to the roots of who Susan is and it will resonate out through Stephanie. Susan has never been that in touch with her Irish roots, but I think she became closer to her roots through this storyline. I think this has been a wonderful way to see an accomplished wonderful actress finish her career on a 25 year run of a daytime television show. It is so special.
Susan’s performance over the last two days of air shows takes your breath away as does Katherine’s. They were terrific. It was almost like the most heartbreaking embarrassment of riches, if there is such a thing.
BRAD: Everybody was spot on and great … from Lesli Kay (Felicia) and Winsor Harmon (Thorne), and on and on. Everyone was so present, because Susan demands that because of who she is.
You originally had been quoted as saying; Susan told you when you write her exit story that she did not want to know what was coming. So in the end, did it end up being a written collaboration between the two of you?
Courtesy/CBS
BRAD: No. I would say to her, “Susan, I am thinking about doing…” And she would say, “Ah, ah, ah, Braddy. You’re the writer. Give it to me and I will play it.” And that was it … Susan does not want to be involved in the writing process as much as I don’t want to be involved in the acting side. I can’t do it. Over the years, Susan has earned her respect. She makes the words in the scripts her own, but she takes my ideas and plays them to the hilt.
Do you think these three party episodes were everything and more that you wanted them to be? I know it must be very difficult being the executive producer and head writer, and hoping that your vision comes to its fruition each and every time in the pace of daytime storytelling.
BRAD: Yes. Doing 250 shows a year as we all do in this genre, I am more often left thinking, “What could have been had we had more time?” And with these party episodes, I am just feeling we did what we wanted to do. I am grateful and I loved them just the way they are.
Would you submit Monday and Tuesday’s episodes for your Emmy submission this year for Outstanding Drama Series? In my opinion, you should. It is highly emotional, and it tells a complete story, even though for the viewers there are still plenty of hankie-filled moments to come!
BRAD: I don’t know. (Laughs) I have not thought about it yet! But, that might be a good idea.
So soapers, what did you think of the Stephanie’s goodbye party? Did you reach for the hankies and the Kleenex boxes? What was your favorite moment? Do you feel that Brad delivered what he promised to fans of the show? And if that was not enough, check out the new promo from CBS marking the end of the road for Stephanie Forrester!
I definitely cried and I loved the Celtic Women and the Irish dancing. I was very moved by Eric singing to Stephanie and overall I am glad I tuned in. But… what I didn’t like was the way the party ended. It was supposed to be a celebration of her life and everyone there was enjoying the party, with no tears as she requested. I thought Stephanie said she wanted to quietly slip out the party, but instead she makes this big announcement she is leaving and they will never see her again.
To me this was quite the blindside. It was like saying ‘did everyone have a good time? Yes, well that is nice, now I am leaving and you will never see me again because I will be dead. Of course everyone broke down into tears and it was moving and touching, but didn’t it defeated the purpose of the party?
I thought she wanted everyone remembering her life and not dwelling on her dying, so I felt it would had made more sense if she quietly left the party with the image of her loved ones happy instead of crying. It was great television, it was moving to watch, but imo, story wise it made no sense to end the party that way.
why is Susan leaving the show is she sick or just tired of working…
she is retiring.
Ms. Flannery, who at the young age of 73 has been playing Stephanie Forester for 25 years and she just wants to enjoy her retirement, maybe do some traveling….She’s a licensed pilot, so she may want to get some flying time in and just enjoy her family….
Susan Flannery said she isn’t retiring in SOD, and that she is leaving the show to focus more on her directing career! Susan directs episodes of the web series “Venice”!
which tells you how she really feels about the present and proposed direction of B&B. Brad Bell is killing this show himself!
Dumb letting her goes. Susan is the show.
I thought the whole thing smacked of propping Brooke to be honest- more about Brooke and how Brooke feels than any the rest of the family- almost more so than Stephanie herself! Far too obvious and much less than it could have been IMO. Disappointed in Stephanies last story being one more thing about Brooke.
B&B has pretty much for the last 25 years surrounded itself with the storylines between Stephanie and Brooke in one way or another!!
what a classy lady. have watched from the beginning. will miss her terribly. cried throughout monday’s show. great writing. please submit this episode for emmys next year. good luck susan in whatever comes your way in the future.you will be missed. thanks for all the great years, laughs and tears.
I loved the last two shows and cried my eyes out. Yes submit this for Emmy!
Susan Flannery did an outstanding Emmy-winning performance in her Stephanie’s Goodbye as well as John McCook. However, it should have been about Stephanie and her family. It almost seemed over-shadowed by Brook’s presence. I understand that her and Stephanie had grown closer, but more personal scenes should have also revolved around Taylor (Hunter Tylo). It should have also focused on more on her children. While I understand this was short noticed, but it didn’t seemed short noticed to have KKL presence all over the screen all the time, which, in my opinion took some of the excitement out.
Mildred, I could not have agreed with you more, and I am so much saddened as to the story’s path. I’ve been, am, and will always be a “Taylor” fan, and the relationship between Stephannie and Taylor was one of the show’s pivotal relationships that Brad Bell has chosen to not honor. In daytime dramas, we seek to experience a “moment”, and I find it unfair the Brooke character had so many “moments” with Stephannie vs. Taylor; or her sister, Pam; or as you mentioned, Mildred, Stephannie’s own children.
This is, once again, the “union of Brad Bell & Katherine Kelly Lang” in their attempt to sell the “renaissance Brooke Logan Forrester Forrester Forrester Forrester Forrester Forrester (so many times married to Eric, Ridge, and Thorne), that truly, those of us, who’ve been watching since 1987, ain’t buyin’ for Brooke was, is, and always will be “the slut from the valley”, according to Stephannie.
This has been Brad Bell’s chosen approach for the past 2 years (or more), and at the end of the day, Brad is God of B&B – in his hands holds the fate of the characters. I’m however choosing to exercise my free will, i.e., once the “Brooke Logan many-times Forrester” show continues (and I’ll take my very last dollar and bet it will), I won’t be watching. There are way too many shows competing for my time – “Good Wife”, “Scandal”, “Blue Bloods”, “Mad Men” to name a few.
What a joke? How many times over the years has Stephannie cried how much Brooke was not worthy of being the matriarch of her family, and Stephannie tells Brooke on Tuesday, “she’s the matriarch”. Stephannie is going to be turning in her grave when Donna comes out to fight Brooke for that place in Eric’s bed come Valentine’s day because 1. reportedly, ain’t no “Bridge” without Ron Moss; and 2. according to Stephie, “dumping a rich husband is not in the Logan handbook”…here comes Donna to widower Eric
This was the best ever,was a great send off!
Brooke will never be worthy to step into Stephanie Forrester shoes. There should never be another Bridge, no real man on this planet would make a bimbo like Brooke his wife or Mother of his children.
Would have liked to see other grandchildren there .
REALLY? I THINK THERE A MANY, MANY MEN WHO HAVE MARRIED SOME TYPE OF BIMBO.
I thought it was awesome. I really love Stephanie’s character and it will be greatly missed when she is no longer on the show. Mr. Bell, you done a great job on her exit of the show and I don’t know how many Kleenex I went though. Susan, you have been a great inspiration to B&B and to the fans who has watched the show since the beginning. Enjoy your retirement and come and see us every now and again in someone’s dream or spirit. We would love to see you again sometime down the road.
I LOVED every moment of Stefanie’s party. I cried the whole way through it. I hope I get the pleasure of meeting the cast some day! This show has really come a long way. I do watch Y&R for over 25 years, but B&B is the one I can’t wait to see everyday. The storyline keeps turning over and over; no dragged out storylines. It was very upsetting not to see Ridge at his mothers’ party. That one I don’t understand. It depletes the speical bond Ridge and Stephanie shared through the years. Sorry, B&B…bad move.
Incredible, have only watched Monday’s episode but have Tuesdays and today on DVR. Brad Bell the cast and crew did an amazing job. Classy show!
Brooke is the new Matriarch and not Tayhoe and I love it
It was heartbreaking to watch but so well acted especially by Susan Flannery and KKL. It was nice to see how those 2 finally became so close and Stephanie chose her to take over. Susan will be missed but I wish the best for KKL to get some amazing storylines. She is an amazing actress and can show such real emotions.
I have watched since day one and I love it, but I do not think it is going to survive with Susan and Ron leaving the show…
I thought the episode was quite emotional. I was choked up from the time Brooke and Stephanie spoke outside throughout all of the goodbyes. I think all the actors and actresses did a great job. In saying that the most emotional moment was when Brooke and Stephanie had their last goodbye. It is so nice to see how far Brooke and Stephanie have come since The Bold and the Beautiful aired for the first time. I have been watching it ever since and always wanted these two to get along. It is a great way to end Stephanie’s story. Super emotional for me.
YOUR SHOW HAS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE FOR A VERY LONG TIME YOU ARE MY FAMILY EVERYDAY YOU ARE IN MY LIVING ROOM WITH ME I WILL GREATLY MISS STEFANIE SHE WAS A BIG PART OF THE SHOW YOU CAN BET I WILL BE WATCHING THIS SHOW UNTIL THERE IS EVER A LAST EPISODE (WHICH I HOPE WILL NEVER HAPPEN) JUST KNOW THAT I LOVE THE WHOLE CAST YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB WRITING THE STORY LINES KEEP IT UP LOVE YOU ALL MARLA HECK
It is only fitting that the last scenes be with Eric/Stephanie/Brooke. I was surprised when I watch it that I ended up in tears. Of course, the baton would be passed to Brooke. It is as it should be. Our super couple Stephanie and Brooke will be greatly missed. Susan Flannery, John McCook and Katherine Kelly Lang were superb.
I have never cried so hard during an episode as I did this. It was all beutifully written and all the actors did a fantastic job. Susan will be missed in a big way and I wish her all the best in her retirement. I am looking forward to Brooke taking over as matriarche of the family.
not if Donna has anything to do with it…
I thought the episodes were very emotional and moving. I also believe the theory about finding love in unexpected places and can believe the growth of love and closeness between Stephanie and Brook, but I disliked the downplay of the love and closeness she shared for a longer time in her relationship with Taylor. I understand Brook’s tears, the moving speech, the need to spend more time and be there for Stephanie, but what would have been more real for me would have been to see Taylor there at the end, holding Stephanie in her arms saying goodbye to a woman that has been like a mother to her for years no matter their past differences. Stephanie and Taylor had been there for each other for a long time they even lived together. I felt like you downplayed Taylor’s relationship with Stephanie to build up her relationship to Brook. The same thing was done in the relationship with Ridge and Taylor. I just don’t see the need to diss an old relationship just to build a new one, so in the end I am very dissappointed.
I agre Francene. So disrespectful to the Taylor-character fans, who also experiened history – the ups and downs; the anger and the joy; the pain and the healing – between Stephannie and Taylor. Just for the sake of throwing “new Brooke” in one’s face. I disagree though on Taylor holding Stephannie in her arms at the end. I think that place belongs to her life partner, and one true love, Eric.
The story has definitely improved over the last month. I suppose these major exits brought to realization that having basically one story line for over a year is not what will keep the genre going. I am sure everyone longs for the old days when the story was much more exciting– we need a Sally Spectra like character!
Absolute tears all the way. I will miss Susan Flannery’s Stephanie so much more now..because of the bond she finally forged with Brooke. It was so fitting to have her there in Brooke’s arms in the end as they had developed a true and strong love, respect, admiration, and appreciation of one another. Although Stephanie was aligned with Taylor first ..and longer theirs was a weird..symbiotic, sycophantic relationship wherein their main bond one of was not pure love and respect ..and forged as such. Their mutual bond was borne of mutual hate and forged as a support of one another in that..and their mutually destructive agendas. It’s so much better and befitting that the matriarchal baton was passed from Stephanie to Brooke. ….Kudos Brad Bell. ..This was an excellent one.
I wonder how I might feel someday about someone in whose hands I placed a gun and asked her to kill herselt to make my life easy?
If you had any decency in you at all, and the person was like Brooke, hopefully..you’d end up feeling very, very bad that you ever did anything like that; very glad that she did not take your ill-conceived advice, and very, very grateful that she gave you ‘love’ back instead of hatred..and time to see and correct your error in judgment.
The 11/14 is the best episode of the three — Flannery just nails it and McCook is certainly showing Emmy consideration as well. Stephanie’s character is closing her life on her own terms with her husband… and also provides some insight about why Ridge missed the party. Thank you writers for some excellent dialogue today and a primary focus on Eric and Stephanie.
I lost my Father to Cancer 8 years ago and I never got to say goodbye to him. Watching Monday and Tuesday’s episode I felt like got to say goodbye to him. I never miss B&B and I look forward to seeing Stephanie’s family grow closer after she’s gone. I will miss Susan and her character Stephanie. Good luck to her.
It’s hard to say that I “loved” the episodes, when they were so emotional and sad for all of us. She is an outstanding actress and I wish her well. She will be missed! My best friend and I were very disappointed when our “president” decided to give a speech throughout the entire time. I was fortunate enough to have the internet and was able to see today’s episode. My friend won’t get to see it at all as she doesn’t have access!. I’m looking forward to the November 26, special that will be honoring Susan Flannery! Outstanding job by everyone, only wish it were an hour instead of only 30 minutes.
Thought all grandchildren should have been there not just Ridges.
I’m sad there wasn’t room in the story for Stephanie’s most formidable adversary Sheila. I always felt there was unfinished business between these two women.
I have watched the show from the beginning and yes I did cry these past few days. I have liked Susan’s character, Stephanie, from the beginning and came to love her over the years. Up until today with these parting shows, my favorites have been since she met Dayzee. I am going to miss her on the show. I was disappointed that Ridge was not there. He should have made an appearance. Keep up the good. I will be a FAN forever.
They were very touching, emotional and well done! I definitely had my Puffs ready and they were needed. Susan is so very taleneted and they were not disappointing! She will be missed. I think the next episodes will be even sadder and more emotional. John is doing a fabulous job with these and everyone is great! Excellent job B&B!!!
I have been watching the whole 25 years. Monday and Tuesday’s episodes had me crying and I will so miss “Stephanie”. “Brooke” was the correct character to “lead” the family. She and “Stephanie” had so much history. I wish Susan luck and happiness, but hate she’s retiring. I love Bold and the Beautiful!!!
those were both extremely wonderful episodes filled with emotional scenes. Wonderful job by all at B&B. Hope that Susan Flannery will enjoy the next part of her career as she is still planning to keep directing. maybe she can enjoy her hobbies more too.
Oh please, Brooke? Matriarch? LOL that is laughable at best. She is only good for one thing and that is sleeping with everyone man including her daughters, am I really suppose to believe she is prone to do things like Stephanie done? Wrong and Fail?… just prepare for this show to end I give it less than 2 years. Katherine is a nice person I’m sure, but no way can she carry a scene like Susan did, she never won any accolades in her entire career span and that is saying something in itself. We all know Brooke and Bill will sleep together, she will bond with Katie son only for Katie to get well, stake claim to her son and nag Bill until he comes back. Snooze! I tell, ya Snooze. Those that actually got skills outside of daytime television, need to leave like right now, Steffy it’s time to leave the sinking ship. Susan Gone, Ron Gone the show is done! just a matter of time. Sorry, Brooke fans will not be enough to sustain it’s life line
Brooke is not going to sleep with Bill. If this were 2002, or 1992, yes, but not in 2012. Brooke is new matriarch, according to Brad, and it’s the joke of the year for all of us who’ve been on the B&B journey since inception. With Susan leaving, I won’t be watching. I stopped watching in June, and started back last month to experience Stephannie’s end journey. Once Stephers is gone, so am I
I’ve watched B&B from day one and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday had me in tears. I felt like Stephanie was part of my family leaving. Writing her out as a terminal Cancer patient felt like I was loosing a relative. It’s good to know she is retiring on to enjoy the rest of her life. Hopefully she will be watching episodes of B & B from home.
I could have done without Brooke being the one to speak for all the people at the party plus involved in almost every scene. Then you have Stephanie lying in her arms during her final hours. Friends or not, Stephanie’s husband, children and grandchildren should have been the focus from beginning to end. As a viewer, I cannot accept Brooke as the head of anything Forester/Douglas, you just don’t come back from how she mowed thru that family for years and she is to be rewarded as their matriarch! Thorne and Taylor should be married and move into the Forester mansion. Every time Hope walks across my TV screen, I remember how she was conceived!
P.S. While Forester is a Scottish name, Douglas can be either Scottish or Irish!
Blame it on Brad, AJ! Blame it on Brad himself for not honoring the history of the show. I appreciate Stephannie experiencing Brooke in a new way – Brooke was there for her in the initial cancer diagnosis. But all the “I love you, honey” is so false when for more than 97% of the character Stephannie’s history, she did not like, neither respect Brooke. I think it might have been more “realistic” and easier to accept if Stephannie’s love for the other characters – Thorne, Felicia, Taylor, Stephie, Pam – was presented more intimately, and there was no “passing of the baton”, i.e., let the matriarch emerge in the form of the woman who Eric chooses to marry next. What’s done is done since we all know Eric is going to marry Brooke, or Donna. The Logan sister battle royale for the role of matriarch!!
Thanks for your reply. In comparison to B&B, I just watched the tribute to John Engle who played Edward Quartermain on General Hospital. At the perennial Thanksgiving dinner, ruined once again with the family having to eat pizza, you see Edward with Lila as apparitions observing their legacy — their family. In the end, they leave the family, venture out into the hallway. Lila (who died some years back) leaves her wheelchair and together they climb the staircase in the home that they shared for years. (And yes, we know it is Monica’s house because Alan gave it to her, lol)
Great interview as usual Mr. Fairman! It was great meeting you Yesterday at the B&B book signing! Thank you for signing my book and being nice enough to take a picture with me! Looking forward for reading your next interview.
I thought that the most emotional farewell that I would have liked to have seen more of was Thorn’s–he couldn’t get near Stephanie without my starting to cry. Of everyone, he was the one whom she loved unconditionally and who was always there for her, even more so than Taylor. I totally feel his pain. So sad, I love my B&B friends so much, best wishes for a great retirement to Susan, so well earned.
I really cried my eyes out!!! I think it was great and I am glad that Susan’s hard work over the years was appreciated!!! I am very sorry to see her go and I truly wish I can celebrate with all the cast members since I am and will always be a fan of the show!!!! Great job!!!!! Love you all!!!!
I will miss Stephanie very much. She was the bold and beautiful!! It doesn’t seem like it has been 25 yrs already. This is worse then when Ridge left the show. He’s not ever coming back and neither will Stephanie. I wish her well in her future endeavors. Stephanie you really are bold and beautiful!!!!
I would like the poem she said to her children on Wednesday show ,it was beautiful as she is i hate to see her go, but understand why.She is a beautiful woman inside and out.
Listen, I have been watching this show for years. Brad Bell has never had any respect for women/children or families. He made Brooke(KKL}LowDown, character into a bed hopping tramp, and many of you jump on the band wagon and made her your hero. Stephanie was hated for not wanting her son’s married too this bed hopping tramp. Could it be because Brooke HO-HO, not only married her so called Soul MATE,Ridge’s, Father, and had a couple of kids with him, but also , she married Thorne, another son, and then Nick. She gave “Who the Daddy”, a whole new meaning, when she hiked her dress up, like a $2.00 hooker, and screwed her daughter, Hope’s, boy friend at her graduation party. Let’s not forget how Hope got here. This career bimbo, had a full blowed affair with he daughter, Bridget, husband, and got pregnant. And this is who Stephanie give the keys to Forrester Creation,(Rick/Hope) her children, never have to work for nothing, but just whine ,whine, whine! Brad Bell, thanks, but no thanks. You can take your non writing skills, and keep pumping out BS like the Katie story. A woman with a heart transplant that had a cc, get released the next day, and reject her baby, and go on the run, is just bull crap.
Susan Flannery (Stephanie) IS the Bold and the Beautiful. I watched her from the time she was on Days to B&B. I will miss my afternoon coffees with this great lady!!!
XXXOOO
Susan Flannery is the reason I started watching the show and sad to see her leave. Absolutely love Stephanie, and did watch even though it was sad. But what ruined the moment for me was Brooke constantly being shoved in our faces on screen when this is suppose to be all about Stephanie.
I’m not buying the OVER THE TOP love Stephanie has for Brooke. It’s one thing for Stephanie to come to an understanding with Brooke, but what Forrester, other than Eric, needs Brooke to take care of them since we know how she treats them all.
Very disappointed in the lack of Taylor, since she has been like a daughter to Stephanie, who took Stephanie in her home when she was kicked out by Eric (and the Logans). I will never believe that Stephanie thought of Brooke as a daughter when Stephanie’s goal was to protect her family from Brooke. Also disappointed in the lack of quality time with Felicia (who survived cancer thanks to her mother) and Kristen, and no special time or hug for Thomas, who will inherit her stock (or will he now lose that to Brooke).
Very disappointed in the ending of Stephanie’s story and will never believe that Brooke can be matriarch of the Forrester family, especially since it was her family that went after Stephanie for revenge.
No one can replace Susan Flannery, the Queen of Daytime TV, and no one can replace Stephanie Forrester.
It’s a 30 minute soap opera that films two weeks ahead of air date. In addition to crafting an exit story and laying out a foundation for the future of the show. The Bold and The Beautiful doesn’t end with Stephanie’s death however Steph’s death needs to propel story and the show.
This is a soap opera. Brad Bell is one of my favorite writers in daytime because he has an excellent grip on laying a foundation for the next generation and I find it fascinating to watch that early beginnings of this new legacy.
While Brad Bell has chosen to have Stephanie die with Brooke, I would have preferred that it was Thorne by her side. The writing decision appeared based upon KKL’s tenure with the show even though the argument is made that the two “mortal enemies” end up at death’s door.
Although three different actors have played the role, Thorne was on the show from the first day. Since the company has been charged to Ridge’s son rather than brother (again, poor writing choice…Thomas leading the company?), Stephanie’s passing was an unused opportunity to provide a catalyst for returning Thorne into greater prominence in both the family and the business (SORA Alexandra and get her in the biz too).
I believe that Katherine Kelly Lang and Susan Flannery started this show together it was more than appropriate for them to end it together.. Kathrine has had to pay her dues on this show over and over…Brad Bell needs to Bring the charachter of Brooke full cirlce and end her Slut routines. People hate on the charachter and on the actress the fans who love Brooke want to see her finally have a decent place in the show…It is time that she become matriarch…she has stayed with this show way too long not to be given the honor!! Tayor has come and gone her performances lack quality and she has not earned position as matriarch! Viewers are dropping from the show since she has moved into Erics home. It is wrong on so many levels. Writers, quit jerking Brooke around and give her deserved and honored spot in your show before even mor fans tune out!
News
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
The Young and the Restless fan favorite, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) is the special guest on this week’s edition of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart which dropped today on Tuesday, June 23rd.
During the interview with Rebecca and Greg, Khalil who had played Lily Winters on-screen since August of 2002, nearly 24 years with the CBS soap, shared how early on her teenage acting career, she was ready to call it quits in show business, after a heartbreaking audition for the lead of a new Disney Channel sitcom, which later turned out to be the hit seres, That’s So Raven, starring Raven-Symoné which ran for four seasons from 2003-2007.
Christel recalled what happened. “I was 14 and I had always auditioned for all these Disney projects. So I auditioned for That’s So Raven, it was between me and Raven-Symoné and it was called at the time Absolutely Psychic,” explained Khalil. “The character was this girl who had psychic ability, but then when Raven got the role, they named the title of the show after her.”
Photo: CBS
HOW A BROTHERLY TALK CHANGED THE COURSE OF CHRISTEL’S CAREER
Reliving the disappointment to Greg and Rebecca, Christel explained, “I lost that part and I was just so devastated, because for the network call there were 20 people in the room watching me, and I just have always had such performance anxiety. I just completely bombed the audition and it was terrible. So, I was just devastated. I was actually going to quit acting and then I got the final call for The Young and The Restless and I wasn’t going to go.”
It was Khalil’s brother, who actually got her to reconsider, and if he hadn’t, we would not have our Lily Winters in Genoa City! Christel recounted, “I was like, ‘You know what? I’m done. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m just going to hang out with my friends.’ I was just devastated. My brother, who is seven years older than me, and he had quit acting at the same age that I was at that time. He said to me, ‘I promise you, I actually really regret quitting. Just go on this audition and if you don’t get it, you can quit.'”
Christel’s screen-test for the role of Lily was actually with the late, great, Kristoff St. John who would play her father Neil (Later it was revealed to Lily, that Neil’s brother, Malcolm Winters was her bio-dad).
Photo: CBS
ACTING WAS EASY WITH THE LATE KRISTOFF ST. JOHN
“So, I went (to test for Lily) and I remember the screen-test was with Kristoff St. John. It was just so easy to act with him because he’s just so there. I remember just being on set, and that was my first time there for a screen-test where you were actually on set. I had never experienced that before. It was my first time being with an actor and having makeup done, which just helps you really be able to do your best work.”
Recalling the screen-test with the St. John, Khalil, “It was where I had to be emotional ( in the scene) and I always had issues being emotional at auditions. But I was there with him, it just came, and it happened. It was natural and I felt so good and it was amazing. It stands out in my mind a lot.”
You can check out the full Soapy conversation with Christel Khalil where she also discusses juggling motherhood, marital life, and the demands of soap operas.
Fan can listen to weekly episodes of Soapy on Audacy or wherever podcasts are available, and can watch full video episodes weekly on the CBS =Brand YouTube Channel. Whether a lifelong fan or discovering the genre for the first time, SOAPY offers a fresh, fun behind-the-scenes look at the stories – and storytellers – that define daytime drama.
Now let us know, over the years what had been your favorite Lily Winters story on Y&R as played by Christel Khalil? What did you think of of Christell’s recollection where she was up for the lead of “That’s So Raven” as a teenager, before it was even titled that? Let us know via the comment section.
This summer beginning on July 21, Netflix streams the return of WWE: Unreal for its third season. The behind the scenes docudrama series gives fans a glimpse of life in WWE and inside the writers room, as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
WWE Unreal is taking fans deeper than ever inside World Wrestling Entertainment’s creative process, The hit docuseries will once again pull back the curtain on some of the biggest moments, boldest decisions, and unforgettable storytelling with some of the WWE’s greatest legends who’ve shaped the industry and new stars who are emerging as prominent parts of the future.
In the new season of ‘Unreal’ which consists of 5 episodes at 50 minutes each: John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion.
Photo: WWE
The cast and WWE superstars featured include: the aforementioned Cena, plus Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
As previously reported AJ Lee revealed on General Hospital star Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health series, State of Mind, that she was part of the cast of WWE: Unreal.
WWE: Unreal production credits include: Directors/Showrunners: Chris Weaver and Erik Powers Executive Producers: Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Marc Pomarico Sr. Producers: Harley Glantz, Brian Decker, Michael Flynn Producers: John Galiani, Dan Gati, Jeremy Lundblad Production Companies: Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, WWE.
So, what do you think of the loglines for the new season of WWE: Unreal? Who are you most excited to see featured in the behind the scenes drama from the list of WWE superstars and the twists and turns leading into this past April’s WrestleMania 42? Let us know via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
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‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
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