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General Hospital’s Maura West Delivers The ‘Power Performance Of The Week’
From the moment Ava Jerome found out that her daughter Kiki (Hayley Erin) was dead, it set the stage for Maura West to bring to the audience a knockout performance that would be remembered for some time to come.
The storyline also sets the stage for riveting drama centered around Ava, which means more glorious moments to come from this three-time Daytime Emmy-winning star.
In one of the most gut-wrenching scenes in daytime, Ava goes to the Haunted Star to identify the body as her daughter, Kiki. When she unzips the body bag, we watch a guilt-ridden mother’s grief, for after all, she recently wished harm to Kiki, and has been wanting payback for Kiki taking up with Ava’s ex Griffin (Matt Cohen).
When Ava yells and demands to her daughter’s dead body: “Lauren Katherine Jerome you open your eyes and sit up!”, it is so devastating for Ava that she eventually crumbles next to Kiki screaming “No, no!”
Courtesy/ABC
On Friday’s episode, Ava wakes up thinking this has all been a bad dream with photos of Kiki throughout her life strewn across her bed, and an iPad looking at videos of Kiki with her when she was younger. It’s all too much for Ava. Ryan (Jon Lindstrom) appears and promises to take care of Ava, but little does she know he killed Kiki, and that she just had sex with a serial killer, not Kevin Collins, who is locked up at Ferncliff.
Later, when Franco (Roger Howarth) finds out the news, he and Scott (Kin Shriner) come to see Ava, but Ava now tells Franco she blames herself for what happened, because she wanted harm to come to Kiki. She asks Franco to leave. Ryan seizes the opportunity to tell Ava that she did nothing wrong, but Griffin did.
Courtesy/ABC
Ryan comes back a little later to check on Ava, and she is gone, but finds bullets on her bed. Next thing you know, Ava sneaks into the PCPD interrogation room where Griffin is being held as the suspect in Kiki’s murder, with a gun in her pocket and ready to kill him. As always with Ava, when she hurts she intends to make everyone else suffer, too!
Every note over the last few episodes was played to perfection by West, who has made Ava a character you go from loathing for her actions, but loving all at the same time. In the hands of West, Ava is a complex woman, often misguided with deep emotional wounds, who when all is said and done loves her children.
As fans of the genre, we got to see Maura deliver work that continually makes us take notice, and reminds us why she is a gem among gems. For all of these reasons stated above and more, Michael Fairman TV names Maura this week’s recipient of the Power Performance of the Week.
So, what did you think of Maura’s work when Ava found out Kiki was murdered? What was your favorite moment? What do you think Ava will do if she finds out Ryan murdered Kiki? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Maura West is the most compelling actor on television, period. Please don’t stone her to death when you hurl Emmy after Emmy at her. ☺️
YES!
Well said, Sprite! Maura West is amazing. Loved her as ATWT’s Carly Snyder. Her talents were wasted as Diane Jenkins on Y&R. She could have made that series shine brighter through the years. But as Ava Jerome, Miss West is incredible. Love or hate GH’s direction in the last few years, Miss West is so watchable and authentic, the show and her performances should not be missed.
Love Ava Jerome, and love GH the last few years, it was the few years before these few years that were unwatchable, I could not watch when Ron c. Wrote , it was not GH, but a soap of a soap, where all the characters continually just repeated the oh so exciting storylines they had, no meat no dialogue, and abd imbalanced use if vetren characters and new ones, I felt like they were trying a OLTL ,2.0 with GH scenery, Chris van Etten has been doing great as head writer, using real life dramas of now mixed with the right amount of soap opera, then again my favorite GH years were under Claire Labine, Robert Guza was good to but mob heavy, and like I said the only time I turned away in 30 years was under Ron c. , I believe GH is really good right now and at least it feels like GH! If it’s not everyone s cup of tea , try the Kool aid over at DAYs.
I watched it under Ron. Loved it!
once ava findas out that ryan killed kiki, she will kill ryan.
She was awesome n deserve a Daytime Emmy for her performance
Maura West was phenomenal as I knew she would be. Love Ava. But let’s get the facts straight: Ava might feel guilt or remorse for wanting to lash out .. but she never wished Kiki “harm.” She never wanted anything to befall her physically. She just wanted her to feel the emotional pain, hurt, betrayal that she did.
Kiki already knew that pain when she found out the Ava was having an affair with Morgan,not once but 2 times.I don’t feel sorry for her she is a witch.
She didnt have an affair with Morgan twice. And, lets back up. Kiki, though great with Franco, was a brat. She was no angel. Julian looked devastated. Lol; I get it was horrific but he had zero relationship with her and not for lack of trying. He stood by her side when Ava was burned and in the hospital, and the few scenes they had together afterward she snubbed him.
She befriended Carly and Sonny, Ava’s mortal enemies who, when they werent trying to take Avery from her like they took Michael from AJ, threatened to kill her. She also helped them keep Avery from her, going so far as to not let her hold Avery (Ava’s own daughter!) If they ran into her while out.
Kiki wanted Michael more then Morgan though she’d been with Morgsn first. The only reason she didn’t dump Morgan was because she believed the lie that she and Michael were cousins. When she found out it was a lie, she told Morgan she wanted a divorce and wound up right back with Michael. Only then did Morgan come on to Ava, who slapped him saying he was with her daughter, then when she believed that his marriage to kiki was over did dhe respond. And it wasnt an affair nor did she steal him away. Ultimately she and Morgan fell in love.
The one time she AND Morgan cheated on Kiki was when she came back as Denise to check on her daughters. She still loved him, he was still attracted. Wrong but at least she loved him.
She killed Connie? Could care less. Connie was engaged to Sonny so by that reason alone she had little regard for human life. If u can marry soneone thst kills others for money and power well…u play the game sonetimes you lose. Her discovery that Julian was a Jerome was a threat. Ava did what any good mob person would have done. Sonnys done worse.
Love Ava.
But she’s “harmed” a lot of people–she “harmed” Connie–and she plotted to “harm” her brother Julian.
Ho-hum. 🙁
Hey, rebecca….
I, very much, agree with you. Maura would never intentionally hurt her daughter–her personality is such which, mindlessly, seeks revenge; never thinking of the consequences!!
As I have always maintained, Ava is vindictive, impulsive, hurtful….probably more so to the people she loves the most—but, her heart does soften when her anger does not rule her mind. Fundamentally, she’s a good person ( just a bit screwed up–aren’t we all? LOL).
Nonetheless, if Ava were honest with herself, she’d fess up to the fact that Kiki suffered the same pain when she slept with Morgan….
I love Maura West….her proficiency in assuming so many ‘faces’ is exactly what an accomplished actress/actor should be able to offer the viewer!! ❤️
Hey CeeCee. Battery’s about to go so cant write more now. But, good comment!
YES! Hail to the Queen! Some of the recent hires need to sit back and take note. LOVE Maura. Emmy-worthy scenes!
Maura west is a powerhouse! She was amazing on ATWT and proved it for years! Never delivered a bad scene.
She was great on Y&R as Diane Jenkins but, of course, the writers couldnt fugure out how to write the character and the show lost the powerhouse! But she stood her ground with all the veterans from Peter Bergman to Eric Braeden and Melody Thomas just to name 3. The characters failure was that CBS and Sony and the writers wantsd to keep Maura on CBS but never took the time to write a fuller story or even plan further than the day at hand.
On GH, its a similar scenario. Maura is playing a character that is always knocked down by everyone. I mean, even the kids take pot shots at the character. BUT ITS MAURA WEST that makes the character great! Kiki’s death is just more proof of that and hipefully she will get to play it straight through and not be a victim in the serial killing.
”General Hospital’s Maura West Delivers The ‘Power Performance Of The Week’”
^^ No, wrong..
Maura West Delivers The ‘Power Performance Of The YEAR
Yes, the year– GH has absolutely nothing to brag over, now Maura West brings it home, the best performance in what seems a very long time.
the lady is Gold..
Hey su000,
Gold tarnishes 🙁
Hi Nancy, howya doing?
Gold alone or pure gold does not combine easily with oxygen so it stays shiny, it does not rust nor tarnish, again, that is pure gold. …
I should have said
‘Maura is Pure gold’..:):)
Not even 18K? Or a gilded lily, su000? 🙂
Maura West is amazing. I was sobbing and when I watch the clips I sob again. Not since Laura Wright broke my heart over Morgan have I cried this much. Emmy is all I can say.
Oh please. Even Jim Carrey would call that over-acting. This is the sort of scene that they show on OTHER shows when they want to ridicule soap operas, and with good reason. The only think missing was her clutching her pearls. And I knew exactly how the whole thing was going to play out before it even happened: the helpless woman denies it happened (“NO! She’s not dead! She can’t be!!”). Then, she sees the body and talks to it and says “don’t be dead”. Finally, the howling and wailing over the body. Good grief, straight out of a 1960s episode of Edge of Night. NO grown woman acts that way. None. “You sit up right now”. Give me a colossal break.
You must not know any mothers who have loss a child/children! Don’t tell them what you wrote unless you want to be shamed or ridiculed.
I have a family member who lost her daughter.
But, YOU have never experienced the pain. Therefore, you have no clue. Do not assume!! By the way? I did not ACT through my pain……my everlasting ache in my core, my being is mine alone….not you or anyone else can say otherwise. It is cruel!!
Ava’s emotions were all over the place–quite appropriate for a mother who just list her child.
You said it all–and well! Can’t add to that!
Thank you! I was wondering what show some of these folks were watching. I understand Haley Erin wanted to move on, but maybe they should have just written her off (perhaps she could have gone to medical school at a hospital without gropey older doctors??) rather than making her Ryan’s Thanksgiving project.
The death just gives the Valentini regime another excuse to prop Ava & Frodd AGAIN. And that wasn’t really necessary.
It’s called a soap opera for a reason, it’s supposed to be over the top. That’s the beauty of the genre, it’s a dramatization, not real life. People die and come back from the dead, multiple times in some cases. People have evil twins. Women have four kids by four different fathers. People get shot, stabbed, electrocuted, poisoned, hit by cars, shoved off roof tops, go down in plane crashes, stuck in burning buildings, stage four cancer, and survive. It goes on and on. That’s a soap opera.
Maura’s performance was pure soap opera, it was also as real, raw, and heartbreaking as it gets. I used to work in the records department at a medical examiner’s office and saw countless families come in to identify their loved ones. The grief and gut wrenching anguish Maura portrayed is exactly how I’ve seen PLENTY of grown men and women act.
Dan… I don’t know when I’ve read a more excellent comment. Agree with everything you wrotw.
I agree with Why Not–Maura West is a notorious, over-wrought scene chewer. She needs to learn the art of the quiet moment,the timely pause, a certain profound look of utter devastation flickering in the eyes. This would off set and punctuate her usual histrionics making her performance more powerful. I didn’t cry at all during her scenes–she over acts, mugs it up, and people call that great acting. Besides, Ava was a horrid mother. Just wait until Avery comes of age–Ava will compete with her too because this character never evolves or changes.
What I really resent about the Ryan story line is that it should have involved Mac and Felicia as Ryan had some unfinished business with the two of them. Instead, they use it as an excuse to feed the insatiable Maura West another scene to chew, Then she has a reel to deliver to the nomination committee for consideration of an Emmy. There was no reason for Ryan to hook up with Ava–the story is manipulative and totally character driven.
I said as much, Harry….and ditto for MS’s Nina. Seems someone didn’t like that, even though I received an email saying my comment was accepted. So where is it??? My remarks were mild compared to some of the other posts on this thread. What gives?
You are so right especially on one thing in particular, She chews up every scean, spits and out tumbles Diamonds! Some people just hate to admit the fact that there are gems among gems that cannot be denied in their brilliance. Emmy number 4 for Maura West, now stick that in your over biased cap!
❤️Amen, Siggy!!
I beg to differ, Harry. You are describing an actress. What I saw was a grieving mother whose pain was ‘chewing’ her heart away. That’s the difference between acting and being real…… exactly what Maura did. She gave it up….to reality!! No ‘scene-chewer”.
Merry Christmas, Harry.❤️
I have lost a child. Have you experienced that neverending pain? Maura West is the best there is—–as far as I am concernd; and I speak from the ache in my heart, that she did not overact.
After raging against the world; I detatched myself from life–isolated everyone for months—-but my family saw me through.
Who will carry Ava? Ryan? Julian?
As evil as she could be; she is fundamentally a good person….. this is what marks excellence in an actress/actor–versatility–hot and cold–good and evil.
Nonetheless, as compelling as this story will prove to be……time to move on.
So very well said, Celia. Thanks for sharing that and providing some much needed perspective. I’m very sorry for your loss. I have no children, but do have a close friend that lost a child several years ago, and the pain and heartache that they went through and still go through to this day, as I know must be the same for you, is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. All the best to you.
Thank you, Dan….. you say it with so much feeling and understanding. As you have acknowledged, those of us who have lost a child may go on with our everday lives…..but, there is always that void; that missing piece which makes one’s life whole. I have a great life, Dan….loving husband and two healthy children ( thank the Lord), but my boy’s death changed me so much…I worry constantly about my kids—every little thing ….even when they sneeze!!
The ache is a living , constant companion!!
Some on this site have called Maura’s acting as howling and wailing…..I call it a superb showcasing of reality……thus, Maura’s performance of “par excellence”. And, that’s the crux of the matter……fiction DOES mimic real life. No overacting, here….none whatsoever.
Good night, Dan….again;! thank you for your sensitivity and encouragement❤️.
Celia, I had no idea of your loss and am so very sorry. I admire your strength in pulling through; I can only aspire to have your resilience and positive outlook. And you know what I think some of these “overacting” comments really are? When someone opens up the floodgates the way Maura did, it’s too real for some and, hence, they feel uncomfortable and don’t know how to react. So they react negatively. That way they don’t have to deal with heavy feelings. I suffered through a relationship with someone like that in my youth. I swear, he actually squirmed during TERMS OF ENDEARMENT because he couldn’t “handle it”. Needless to say, I couldn’t “handle” him for very much longer. So I agree Maura was right on target…And beyond. Hope you have a joyous season, my dear! Keep in touch.
Thank you, my sweet Soaphound…..there is pain and then there’s pain.
We have all experienced pain and sorrow in our lifetime; but, there is no greater pain than that of losing a child…….and, I was barely twenty-five, at the time. My baby is always with me, in my heart; on my mind—-forever!!
If “Ava” overacted as some suggest, only proves they have not tasted that bitter ache…..it’s Ok, though….I get it!!!! They simply speak from the “unknown”……However, said people should not judge. In my opinion, Ava acted as a mother would in her grief of having lost a child….”Nobody understands another’s sorrow, and nobody another’s joy” ( Franz Schubert).
Thus, “overacting” is exactly what I expected from a passionate character such as Ava……I can bet that Maura drew those feelings from some personal experience….GO MAURA!!
I will always root for her…..she is the Queen of soaps at this time and place, as far as I’m concerned.
Jimh understands, as well…..he has lost a child!! Sometimes it’s hard for parents to talk about their loss; but, I love talking about my baby……he was only one year old, where he spent most of that short year in hospital ( and I with him—never left his side). Yet, he was bright, happy and beautiful…..
Some of the comments, also, remind us how Kiki had betrayed her mother by fraternizing ( or is “sororitizing” a better word? LOL) with Sonny and Carly. And, yes, that irked me, as well. Sonny and Carly are my least favorite characters–dregs of the earth!!
The mother-and-daughter relationship was out there in space—–yet, they did love each other……all these negatives do not diminish Ava’s pain and sorrow, …..more poignantly is probably Ava’s regret and strong feelings of guilt.
Thank you, Soaphound for your loving largesse and intuitiveness!! I DO sense that your words, as Dan’s, come from the heart.❤️
Sweet C, everyone handles death differently. Maura brilliantly shared her version with us. Part of the rage or over the top acting, as some said, is because Ava is mad because of how her relationship was at the time of Kiki’s death. My friends dad died recently and his mom was jolly and friendly throughout which I thought was weird and then the casket was closed, flag draped and she lost it! Odd, but its okay, thats how she handled her loss.
George H.W. and Barbra are gone BUT they are reunited with their daughter Robin and someday you will be reunited with your son.
God bless.
Thanks, T…..
You are among the ‘bestest’, my friend….always there with encouragement and kind words.
I have yet to see an actress to match Maura’s talent. She is sooo real—down to her face, bare of cosmetics!! LOL….I don’t think I remember any actress going in front of THE camera without makeup…takes courage—more power to Maura!!
Merry Christmas, my Timmmy….to you and yours!! Health, peace and LOVE!!❤️
i rewatched the scene…thought Ava was a bit better in some parts than i gave credit…im so mixed on Ava…was a fan of MW when she was on ATWTs but the writers here turned me a little off making Ava a killer…and i still think she will get pregnant by Ryan…i do not like how Nina butts in during Charlottes story…Willow is Nina’s daughter-predictable as those two dont like each other…i suppose Ryan will try to kill Maxie and predictably its Peter to the rescue-no surprised at GH anymore!!!
Hey, Jimh! How are you??
I don’t think Ryan will attack Maxi. I think he’ll attack Carly and Ava will save her!!!! Ugh; she shouldn’t but here’s my theory. Ryan goes after Carly but Ava figures out who he is, follows him and just as he’s about to make Carly the next bobbing apple or pushpin, Ava blows him away.
Either way, Ava’s gotta be the one to do it. Not Jason. Not Sonny.
Merry Christmas to you to and your wonderful family!
And since you brought up that subject, it seemed a good time to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, as well, Sir Timmmbo!!! In fact, given that so many of my favorite contributors have appeared on this particular thread, I’ll state likewise greetings to Jimh, Harry and of course, CeeCee! (Although I already forwarded her a separate one elsewhere….hope it makes it online!) You all make this site such a pleasure to read….please don’t ever stop posting!
Thank you dear! You and C are my first two here that I clicked with and see America for what it is and have such love and disdain for our favorite soaps! Keep watching, keep posting and keep those heavy thoughts coming. Meow!
Right back at you, Timmm! I thought of you as I sent one of the Christmas emails I created for like-minded friends and family….(which is thankfully the vast majority of them!)…I was wishing I could have included you on the contact list, because I KNOW you would have loved it…I’m sure you can guess the “great” subject matter….Lol! At any rate, here’s hoping your holidays are absolutely “purrrrrfect!” See you next year, “same cat time, same cat channel!”
CeeCee. I didnt realize your baby was one year. I thought, mistakenly, that you had a miscarriage (I’m sure that’s horrific and beyond painful, as well. My mother had two). So sorry…
But as with your comment further up, we’re totally in agreement about Ava and Kiki (regarding her traitorous friendship with Carly and Sonny. And now the biatch, Carly, wantsSo my to go for total custody of Avery. She’s disgusting. Never hated a character as much as I hate Carly.) Too bad Ava didn’t bury her at the gravesite after their little skirmish.
Hi, rebecca,
Thank you….
I’ve never suffered a miscarriage, but I’ m sure it must be a devastating experience. ….So, I can’t say one is worse than the other….it’s personal for each of us. All I can say is that once I had a baby and then I didn’t….it has been six years already….seems like yesterday….the pain is still raw!!
I see his gorgeous eyes, with lashes from here to tomorrow….they would have put any woman to shame….his baby smell still haunts me.
His little clothes, which I still have, have lost that fleeting, sweet scent…
That’s why I don’t think Ava/Maura was over the top. That’s how she expressed her pain—-as I said; I bet she drew those feelings/emotions from within the recesses of her heart.
I am so sick of Carly and Sonny—every scene…every day. It is worse for those of us who DVR the eps….we’re hit with a “lump sum” of the Wonderful World of the Corithos Clan. …like a phalanx right in the gut. LOL.
I still ask you guys, who know Carly better than I….what’s the dif between the two? What or who gives the formidable Carly her hauteur?
Avery belongs with her mother. It should not even be an issue considering neither Sonny nor Carly is a symbol of sublime parenthood, compared to Ava.
@CeeCee……As we have already broached the subject of the painful loss of your precious son on many a previous occasion, I shan’t add any more sentiments to those discussions, other than to say you know you have my deepest sympathy now and forever! But as someone who is simply not favorably swayed by either Ava—or your other GH character of choice, Nina—please let me explain that just because some of us feel uninspired or even disdainful of their performances doesn’t mean that we lack feelings for real life counterparts who have suffered under those same circumstances. It’s really more to do with not appreciating what has become the typically OTT banshee brand of acting that these two regularly bring to Port Charles…whether it’s West’s Ava wildly overly-emotive style in either grief or rage or Stafford’s Vesuvially-proportionate meltdowns during any given situation which sets her off, the fact that such outbursts have become wholly expected and regularly scheduled-events just leads to further disenchantment for non-fans of these women…and that’s from whence I contend such criticisms take root. (I would also add to this mix the too-frequent and predictible socio-political grandstanding from Alexis, which is another huge turnoff…) Some of us simply prefer a more subtle, refined and finessed sort of delivery from our soap characters…as in that of Laura and Anna, for example. They make it all look so effortless and natural, not contrived and overwrought in what is, quite frankly, an obvious pitch for future Emmy accolades!!! (Despite her often outlandish nature, Kathleen Gati’s Liesl also falls into that latter category…in the hands of a less-skilled actress, her Dr. O. could appear cartoonish and ridiculous, but due to the immense talent and theatrical restraint with which she is portrayed, Obrecht is both a compelling treat, and dare I say, authentically genuine, even when she is at her her worst and most animated, outre’ self.) In a nutshell, what it comes down to is different strokes for different folks, a matter of opposing acquired tastes..Hence from where I stand, CeeCee, such lack of enthusiasm and applause for GH’s more melodramatic madams and their equally emotional storylines is certainly not intended as disrespect for those who have suffered similar fates in their own lives. Never, ever, mia amica! We’re just not buying what they are selling!
Nail on the head Shay! Ava screaming at Griffin was down right ridiculous! SHE is the root of her failed relations with her daughter not “Father Whimper!” Michelle Stafford has been forced down the throats of us GH fans since she signed. Margo is to a failure but she isnt on as much so it isnt as bad. I like Liz Hendrickson but she should have been a Robin recast! I am not fan of Liesel. She is OTT to me and her crimes are no more forgettable than Sonny boys! Anna and Laura are the Queens of coolness!
I hear you, Timmm! Ava’s wreckless disregard for anything other than her own whims and desires is the source of her repeated downfalls…nobody else is to blame! Whether its keeping her bed warm or filling her own coffers, her needs and greed always come first with this woman. Then,,, when it all goes awry, she turns on the tears ala yet another tour de force effort that have her rabid fanbase singing her praises. (Same pattern with Nina and her constant woes….) Some of us are simply not so easily manipulated….I find nothing good in this character, period. As for her latest “loss,” I think another reason some of us are less than moved by it is due to the fact that we’ve never truly believed that Kiki was her real daughter. Too many things have not added up with those claims through the years….including some very pointed clues that she did not give birth to Kiki. Whether these will ever again be acknowledged—or conveniently buried with the corpse of Kiki—- remains to be seen, but this is yet another example of a promising storyline which went nowhere thanks to the convoluted nature of GH and its stubborn adherence to throwing out tempting tidbits which promise a tantalizing tale when there is absolutely no intention of delivering a satisfying conclusion. Fool us once, it’s our bad, but this oft-repeated cycle of deception is the show’s bad and some of us are now way too wise to fall for their games anymore. As for your dislike of Liesl, I can understand it, despite my own love of the character…we can agree to disagree on Dr. O., my friend! No catty comments directed toward you for not adoring my beloved Obrecht…..Lol! P.S. Ditto for your sentiments about Anna and Laura….they are indeed GH royalty! As for Hendrickson? Never liked and will be glad to see the back of her when she finally departs…preferably with Sonny in tow!
The thing that pisses me off more than anything is that Kiki NEVER once ran into Dr. Finn? Never once said, “Hey you look exactly like my dad Silas Clay.” So LAME! The other pothole I’ve noticed is not ONE staff member past or present mentions to anyone especially on the 25th anniversary that Kevin Collins visits the Psych ward and there is a patient who looks exactly like him! LAME!
Hi, Shay,
Sorry I am answering so late—we were away for the holidays…
I don’t much care for Anna as much as I used to….how wonders never cease, right?…as I now love Alexis.
We cannot compare the way characters grieve. And, Ava’s character as a bad-girl has nothing to do with her anguish of losing a child. Yes, admittedly, she was horrible towards both Kiki and the forever-tortured sould that Griffin is. Ava was bitten by Karma. Yet, she did love her daughter in her mixed-up way.
All I was trying to say is that people show grief differently. I DO identify with Ava.
As far as Laura, whom I love, I remember when Nikolas died, everyone criticized her for not showing any emotion. Yet, the viewer didn’t know how she grieved behind the scenes.
I think that the sentiment we hold toward a character ( and actress; and actor), does influence our opinion. I love Maura…..I see Ava’s faults, yet I can appreciste the complexities of her character and admire the invincible Maura. She owns the role!!
It is a soap where bubbles are floating about everyone….where acting over-the top is permitted….isn’t that the scope?
Personally, I am not into sedate characters…..Maura is spicy, she makes every word, every syllable, every movement, every glint in her eye dance. As far as I am concerned, Maura West owns the stage…..the best there is on daytime….as well as Liesl.
Kathleen Gati is a seasoned professional–we do agree. My fear is that Ryan will get her, too. If that should happen, it will be a sacriledge…..why would they bring her back?
Happy New Year, amica bella.❤️
No need to apologize, CeeCeeGirl! I owe a number of people replies, too! I hope your holidays were enjoyable…honestly, the last few weeks of December really didn’t even feel like Christmas to me…much too busy, plus very unseasonable weather and so many acquaintances sick with the flu!. Oh well…I still survived just fine…happy, healthy new year to both of us!!!! As for your contention that there are different ways of showing grief, I totally agree….plenty of us are extremely composed and poised in public, then leave our tears for more private moments. It doesn’t mean that our losses are any less deeply felt. What I was responding to is the notion that those of us who commented that Ava’s reaction was OTT did not sympathize or empathize with the pain of any real-life mother who had experienced a similar situation…that was just not the case, as I’m sure you know firsthand from our own conversations. It was simply another example of posters assigning thoughts and emotions to those they do not personally know…it happens here far too often, and not just in reference to soap comments. In terms of the actual Ava character, I believe she’s an acquired taste, and one that will never appeal to me…like so many others currently inhabiting the GH canvas…they are huge turnoffs as far as I’m concerned! Even when I try to watch an episode of GH to see something about which I might care, there is so much noise and waste with players that I loathe, it’s not even worth ff-ing through the episode for an occasional gem. That just happened with yesterday’s show….I wanted to see the Scotty/Monica scene regarding Gail’s death….but first there was all the nonsense with that nauseating Lucy, then the ever-annoying Alexis (of whom we shall never again agree, so it seems…Lol.) and of course, some Sonny thrown in for good measure…I had about two seconds of the scene I desired before ABC cut in with that God-awful House debacle in DC….basta, basta!!! It all sent me back to my beloved British programming…STAT!!! At any rate, at least we are most definitely on the same page regarding Liesl…Ryan had better not mess with our dear Dr. O! Perhaps tangling with her shall prove to be his downfall??? (Even though my greatest desire is for Laura to be the one to vanquish Ryan and rescue Kevin…with a bit of help from my other favorite, Anna! Both of these ladies are true GH heroines…they need to relive their action-packedglory days once more! It’s the writers who have made these two fabulous femmes sedate to the point of seemingly no return….shame on them!) Anyway, welcome back, mia amica! P.S. Did you see my Christmas greetings I posted to you awhile back????
Hi Shaybelle…..as usual, my holidays were fantabulous, but tiring….LOL
I hope your were blessed with good tidings and happy family-time……many, many more.
We’re both a year older, Shay, and I feel it. It seems that I have arthritis on my knee.
You know, Shay, I used to roll my eyes at my grandmother when I was very young, whenever she’d be on the phone complaing to her friends about her aches and pains. ……You’ve heard of Karma, right? LOL….well, I’m there!!
I agree about the nonsense manifested on the GH stage. The only bright light is Jon Lindstrom; and Laura.
I WANT for Kevin to have some kind of mental telepathy and connect with Laura—-he will telepathically know she’s in danger . …..He saves her, somehow.
Yet, it seems that these writers are not aspiring to the impossible any longer; unless it’s nonsensical fantasy…..Kevin SHOULD be the one to save Laura. A deserving finale for Ryan and a happy, new beginning for Laura and Kevin.
Unfortunately, I did not see your greeting….I did the same, but I do not see it.
I get other people’s notifications in my inbox. I did say something, but it keeps happening. It’s OK, though. I don’t mind. It’s just that I have to go through the comments to see if I receive any replies.
Again, Happy New Year, my love!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m so glad you had a wonderful holiday, CeeCee! Mine was very nice, too…just perhaps not quite as celebratory as initially anticipated due to others’ sudden onset with the flu….though not in my immediate household, thank God! I try my best to eat right, exercise and get enough sleep even during the hectic Christmas month, so I do tend to stay pretty healthy even when it seems everyone else is sick…I’ve always been that way. I’m sorry to hear that “age” is catching up with you in the form of aches and pains…thus far, I have managed to escape that, along with the other telltale signs of joining the over-40 set…no wrinkles or other skin issues like sun damage….although I have plenty of friends who are already moaning about hyper-pigmentation and such…of course, they were baking in the rays when I was taking cover in the shade! I’m sure you can relate!.. (By the way, did Santa bring you those Frownies as a stocking stuffer??? Just had to ask…Lol!) As for the many woes of GH, yes, Kevin and Laura most definitely should be center stage in the woven web of Ryan’s great depravity…just as when it was Luke and Laura setting about on one of their legendary tales of mystery/adventure….nobody put them on the shelf in order to prop newbies and producer’s pets….they were the stars of their own storylines!!! (Those were the days!) Having said that, about the only thing I have gleaned from the last two days of skipping through nearly entire episodes is that new Jordan is much more palatable than old Jordan..very likeable and easy on both the eyes and ears.. she isn’t in the perpetual snit that was the previous one’s seemingly permanent state…excellent recast! As for those email notifications, they are extremely confusing, since they mention another person and imply that they received a response, yet what that really means is said person replied to you! Confusing, I know, but just follow the link and you will see the germane post. Hence if you receive an email that begins “Hi Shay,” that tells you I have posted a reply to you…Incidentally, I checked back and my last one addressing you before Christmas was on the November 27th thread called “GH: A Wedding, A Serial Killer, etc…” Hope you can find it, because it did make it online. Having said that, I’m finally easing into the new year…Since I’m always doing for others throughout the festive season, I like to give myself a holiday from the holidays once January arrives, so I’ve just been enjoying as much “me time” and relaxation as possible this past week…alas, reality shall be returning all too soon…well, it was nice whilst it lasted! Here’s to a super 2019…hope it is a happy and healthy one for you and yours, mia amica! Later…
YOU KNOW NOTHING! So pathetic in your thinking, obviously you don’t understand emotions of losing a child, loved one etc. Are you marooned on another planet? Maura West bent other actresses over her knees and whooped their butts! She always does, She punches her way through the crowd and not just stands out, she illuminates everything. So take your biased comment and stuff it! You Know Nothing!
Why didn’t the police notify Ava. This story is so dumb.
I think when she finds out Ryan killed her daughter and she’s been sleeping with him. She’ll be guilt ridden and realize he did it for her. She’ll want to kill him but will she?
She will kill him or see him in jail
She was phenomenal. Brought me to tears.
Maura West is so outstanding but I hate the character. I wish they’d kill off Ava and recast her like they did several times with Michael Easton
Love Ava. She is one the most multi layered characters on the show. Vindictive and vulnerable.
Carly is the one they should kill off. Pure evil.
Its hard not to feel sympathy for Ava’s loss, and the fact that guilt will flood her to the core right along with the hell bent vengeance to make someone pay. In the end she will see it was her that once again, set it all into motion. Her guilt may send her to Ferncliff where she will come face to face with Dr Collins!
I like the way you think, Madalyn….wouldn’t that just be the ‘thing’ to shut Carly , and her ‘investigative’ nose, down?
TPTB have taken it upon themselves to make Carly the heroine…..shouldn’t Laura be the one to find her husband, and save the day; considering this is HER life?
She may have set it in motion but through no fault of her own, Im hoping she unkeashes her vengesnce with a fury, but in self defence mode so she cant be arrested. Hope the writers dont disappoint. This is Avas story to finidh.
When all is said and done, she and the real Kevin, will both be traumstized and overcome with guilt and devastation.
Maura West is a consummate actress and easily one of, if not THE best, currently in daytime. She can take material that should not work and makes it work. That’s just a masterclass! Her performances at the conclusion of this week’s episodes were Emmy-worthy, and cannot wait to see how this storyline spirals out of control!
Maura absolutely brings the best of the best! Emmy win for sure,,without a doubt
Hopefully the writers will have her kill Ryan,,not just shoot him,,but torture the hell out of him, then blow him straight to hell.
I have to admit, i never saw her work before gh, but since her infamous arrival in a unique conversation with Luke, i have been very entertained.
Ms. West non-verbal communication in scenes is something many should adapt to learning. Rather the storyline is good or bad, she delivers no matter what.
Maura is doing her job, which is to ACT! and I’d must say i am very pleased with the PERFORMANCE!
Maura is one of the most talented performers I have ever watched! Love her as Ava!
W-a-a-y over the top. Excruciating to watch.
And, again, so very predictable.
No fun.
It was…and Ava will probably be pregnant with Ryan’s baby and Laura will still think he is Kevin…first crypt sex/and a baby withSonny…so why not a child with your daughter’s killer…oh, Ava is a killer too…i no longer watch every day…show continues its down hill ride imho!!!!
Jimh…I miss when GH had storylines where you in particular used to be able to comment with a lot more of your own brand of humor and speculation as to what could happen next. It’s all just become too dreary and a little sick for me. :))
And thats the reason i rarely watch…too dreary ect…
Hope when Eva finds ryan is quilty, she does away with him on the spot…his part in gh turns my stomach, almost from the show, so creepy
I didn’t care much for the character of Kiki. They didn’t really give her much to do until the end. Thus, I wasn’t too upset when she was killed off. HOWEVER…Maura West’s performance, the writing, it all had tears streaming down my cheeks as I watched, breathless. When they get it right at GH, they get it right. Those scenes were a tour de force! Bravo to Maura, Matt, Roger, Jon, and the writers for a heart-ripping episode! Can’t wait to see what comes next!
So did Ryan and the writers forget about Felicia who was featured heavily in the original Ryan story?????
Nope. They originally focused on it when Ryan broke out and will be revisiting it in the next few weeks.
Jim, they couldn’t engage in a character driven story which would pay fidelity to Ryan’s history with Felicia and Mac. No, they had to twist and distort the story so Maura West could sink those choppers into another story so she can get another Emmy.
Why in a million years is Griffin a suspect?
Why do Jason and Sam stare at each other like they just landed on Mars every time they see each other?
Why would Joss want to be with that Whinny little B named Oscar?
Why is Mike’s Alzheimer’s story been shelved?
Why in the hell is it possible for Ava to walk right into an interrogation room and attack Griffin?
Dumb Writing…and i asked the same thing sometime ago how easy it is for people to walk in and out of the jail…there is no way someone would be able to get in that second door!!!!
Hiyaah, Jimmy,
I am coming up for some needed air…..LOL
Now that Kiki is dead ( so upset about this—WHY DID THEY HAVE TO KILL HER OFF??????), one would think my fixation to make her Nina’s daughter has died with her. LOL. I know you have your own thoughts about this….is Nelle still within your orbit of possible candidates? It is still possible–a twin of Kiki’s.
What about the new teacher? I did mention her before. Valentin will have signed his death sentence with Nina after she finds out Sasha is her fake daughter.
More and more I think the teacher ( forgot her name; is it Willow?) could be Nina’s.
I am as tired of this story as the Kevin/Ryan saga, and JT’s mystery –is he alive or dead? (Y&R).
Whats dumb is no one figures the Mary Pat and Kiki connections…the cops put 2 and 2 together and get zero…Kevin works at same hospital with Kiki and seeing her mother…Kevin and Mary Pat had the mental hospital connection… right there should be a little suspicion…rather keep Sasha-she should be Brits daughter…Willow is a snooze…also tired of Nina now after being ok…dont like how she butts in at the school and when lulu and Valentin are trying to get thru to their bad seed bully daughter…and watch Kevin/Ryan will try to kill Maxi but Peter will save her and they will grow closer…and Carly will probably figure out Kevin is Ryan ect …Carly and Sonny will rescue Laura or Ava who will kill Ryan…it should be Laura’s story and her figuring it out and save the day or at least Felicia who was part of the original Ryan story…Ava will be a hero instead of the killer she is…dumb how Anna and Finn have to fly all the way to Cuba to catch an attempted killer Lisel but no one can find a way in PC to put Ava away for Connie’s murder or finally put Sonny away for all the crimes he has been involved in!!!
Hi Jimmy…
I agree with everything you said….even the Nina part ( eating crow here. LOL)….but, I still love Nina….albeit, she has no right butting into Lulu’s and Valentin’s rearing of their daughter—-the bullying should be a story unto itself—what is exactly driving Charlotte to act this way? The PTB do not take advantage of these “little” plots which are a big part of society…especially today, with all the Cyber-bullying going on…
Sonny and Carly should NOT be in every damned ( pardon me) storyline–what the heck?!
I said the same thing….Laura should be the one front and center in this neverending Kevin/Ryan story.
Anna and Finn? Enough of the juvenile playacting and gallivanting hither and yon. So not appealing!!
Personally, I find no warmth, no AWWWW-inspiring, fuzzy feeling in their romantic jaunts or lovemaking.
And, when Anna speaks of her “son”? My skin ‘kinda’ crawls.
Merry Christmas, Jimmy–and to your family.❤️
On a different subject, Did you see Johnny Depp’s movie version of “Dark Shadows” and did you like it?
hi Timmm 🙂
I saw it- it was horrible..
A mockery of the real deal..
I wish Dark Shadows would return!!
(I watched it via CD)
I thought it was okay. Depp ruined Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so I was skeptical about watching this movie. It was free so it wasnt a big deal.
hi Timmm..
I saw it, did not like it.
it was a mockery of the real deal..
I watch Dark Shadows via CD ..
It was excellent and should be brought back..
Not really…it was ok but it turned me off going to the movies-havent been to the movies since that one…
I go first showing with all the old people! The tend to be there to watch the movie and not be on their phones and eat a dumpster full of popcorn!
When i went to movies i brought my own snacks…and some older people were on their phones…
Hey, T,
Between me and you? Soaps have their own set of rules and regulations. Some of this caca defies “what is” and/or what happens on Mars.
I know C, just venting a bit. So, they kill Kiki but Amy lives! What? And I agree, JT on Y&R needs to be over yesterday!
I know, Timmm. There was less attention paid to the JFK assassination. Enough already!
Oh, I simply adore Maura West! She should set-up shop & teach acting class. Her students can include a few of the “actors” on-set. She is incredible and unstoppable!
Maura West is a genius, AVP. There’s no one like her. And I would like to nominate her first pupil: Kerry from Y&R. She reminds me of the Ted Baxter character on the MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW. He rarely knew when the cameras were rolling, either.
Wow! Crying in my kitchen. This is soap opera Ms. West! Thank you for the decade plus of your work, the human connection, and forever and always bringing it to the table and to the fans…why we watch. No fan like a soap fan. Happy Holidays.
As soon as I watched that episode, I said to myself, Maura better make some room on her mantle for a 4th Emmy.
She was phenomenal in those scenes. So raw and heartbreaking. It doesn’t happen as much these days as it used to, but when something on GH moves me to tears and touches me emotionally like this did, I know it was good.
Maura is one of those performers, she pours her heart and soul into everything she’s given. She’s such a pleasure to watch. When you can make people feel sorry for a character as dastardly as Ava Jerome, you’re doing something special.
The writing is up and down, some hits, some misses. But when it comes to acting, GH has such an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the best cast in daytime, as far as I’m concerned. Particularly on the female side. Maura just set the bar even higher. Bravo!
I finally caught up ( somewhat) …….. WOW!! This is the Maura West I remember. She gave a one-two-punch ( as my granda would say), heart-wrenching performance. Her desperate mourning was too close to home and I could not stop the flood of tears—it hurt so badly–My heart aches every day–yet, Ava’s helplessness touched me more than I could have imagined a like-scene had the power to do. Maura is a STAR!! A TRUE STAR!! If this superlative performance does not win her an Emmy, then TPTB must have been taking a nap during Maura’s “outpouring” of talent …….
What throws be aback is the fact that no one ( other than Laura) finds “Kevin’s” behavior unusually mystifying……What happened to Anna’s olfactory capabilities of sniffing out a crazy, rabid dog?…..
What’s even more “out there” is Ryan’s confession to Ava……he will probably tell her, it was what she wanted; so, what’s the problem? Of course Ava will blame herself.
Nonetheless, my ennui is growing……I would love to be done with this ordeal…..’tis dragging….
They F’d up Anna when the show paired her with FINNished please!
I cry watching the actress give this script her all.She had me convince this was real
You bet, Bj….. Maura West is indisputably the best!!
I’ve often said Maura West is magnificent. I really feel she is the Erika Slezak of her generation.
Magnificent , already
not even Erika Slezak
Maura West knows that
I so MISS Marj Dusay.. the GENEious : gene
I guess I am of the minority here about Maura. Perhaps it’s because I so dislike the storyline, and her character which I have no sympathy for,
it’s rubbing off on how I feel about her over-the-top performance…imo. There were times when she could have had decent relationships, both with men and women. But she always poisons and sabotages them. Just can’t feel sorry for her now. And I can’t forgive what she did to Connie and Morgan. So I guess we can expect more of the same when she catches on to Ryan’s role in the killing of Kiki.
Ava is no different than Sonny. TWO bad apples!
At least Sonny expresses regret for some of his actions. Ava always blames others and if she cannot destroy those she blames, she just keeps it moving.
Well then, we are both in the minority, Rose, since at least upon this issue we are in hearty agreement! The opportunity for Ava to generate any feelings of sympathy from me evaporated long, long ago. For a brief moment between her pregnancy nightmare scenarios with the psychotic Nina and Sabs, then her subsequent illness, this character had the promise of redemption and a new direction in her life, but even after all that emotional upheaval, she chose to return to her own vapid, self-centered, disgraceful self…and that’s when my potential sense of goodwill permanently waned for this character. She will never do right in my book after all of her dirty deeds, no matter how many tour de force acting spotlights the writers gift this actress. I’m well and truly done with the rotten-to-the-core Ava and her crocodile tears….
Hi Shay…And Nini is starting to irritate me when it comes to Charlotte. I am worried about all the shakeups in soaps, most recently Y&R. They are just having such a hard time getting it right, especially keeping a good balance between newbies and vets , and stories that integrate the generations. At last we can look forward to the Downton Abbey movie. Plus there are several other British movies coming out. They have been advertising an all Brit channel on tv. Would be great to binge on, but I hesitate in watching anymore tv than I already do. Did enjoy a movie about the making of Mary Poppins as the author, P.L.Travis/Emma Thompson, vs (can’t think of a better word…I’m sure you could) stood her ground and more with Walt Disney/Tom Hanks. Notice also how the Brits (I know Travis is Australian I think) seem to have a lot of strong women…good and the not so good with human flaws of jealousy and/or ambition. Examples are queens and “queens in waitng” all the way to anything Agatha Christie and favorites Helen Mirren/Prime Suspect or Judi Dench in Bond movies. And without getting into politics I really do wish you a Happy Holiday, especially because, to paraphrase what Bette would say about next year, it’s only going to be a bumpier ride for all of us.
And I likewise wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year, as well, Rose! (I actually extended you—and my other friends here on the opposite end of the political spectrum—my best at Thanksgiving, too, but I guess you missed it!) At any rate, I’ve really been too occupied by the holiday season to pay much attention to GH and its multiple woes as of late…I try to keep apprised of what everyone is saying here to see if my generally negative impressions of the show are justified, and they seem to be more and more so. However, like you, I think I’m just spoiled by watching so many RADA-produced actors in British productions…they really are unsurpassed when it comes to the acting craft. And I have viewed some truly amazing UK movies and tv series over the past few months…some new, some vintage….I wish we could discuss them because they were quite superb and I’m sure you would enjoy them as much as I did. As for “Downton”…now there’s one thing to look forward to in 2019….not too much other that I’m anticipating with undiluted pleasure, at this point, but I shall always be an optimist…any future that shall include the return of the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith and her indomitable Dowager Countess cannot be too dreary! Cheers!!!!!!! P.S. Don’t know if you ever caught “The Man Who Invented Christmas” starring DA’s dearly-departed Matthew, Dan Stevens, as Charles Dickens in a tale about the creation of his classic “A Christmas Carol,” but it was a simply magical movie. Just a heartwarming feast for both the eyes and the heart!
Shay…I”ll watch for “The Man Who Invented Christmas.” Surprised I haven’t heard of it since many stations are running all kinds of new and older Christmas movies. Today on CBS Sunday they announced Dame Maggie will be celebrating her 84th birthday on Friday, Dec 28. She has great staying power, and the best to her as well.
@Rose…Absolutely, “Happy Birthday” to Dame Maggie! She is my favorite actress!!! No matter the film, she always delivers. She was especially excellent in “The Lady in The Van,” as her character could not have been more of a departure from her “Downton” dowager. yet she still maintained her immense dignity and strong presence…That film was based upon a real life homeless woman who actually lived in a van for years whilst it was parked in the driveway of London-based playwright Alan Bennett…obviously she was totally mad, but the story was so well-written with equal parts of pathos and humor that you couldn’t help but love her…Dame Maggie totally owned the plum role!!!! I also enjoyed her in “The Last September,” Keeping Mum,” “From Time to Time,” and of course, “Gosford Park!” (To name just a few….) As for Dan’s film, it was released just last year….not huge box office material, but very nicely done. (By the way, did you know that he appeared pre-Downton in an adaptation of “Turn of the Screw” with Michelle Dockery, aka “Lady Mary?” That’s another good one to view…) And lastly, since I know you like Dame Joan Plowright, I also just watched a lovely 2005 movie of hers called “Mrs.Palfrey at the Claremont”…it’s charming. Of course, I could go on forever with my recommended UK tv shows and motion pictures….there’s so much quality out there to see, that I’m never bored or without choice of great things to watch…someday I would love to tell you about all the crazy roles I’ve seen Downton actors portray….some are really hilarious and completely opposite the characters of which we now know them best! Maybe next time…
Shay… Where do you view all of these films? And where do you get your list? As far as the new Downton Abbey I hope the family has some way of keeping together into the future. and doesn’t have the same decline as the Quartermaines.
I primarily watch my British programming on a few free websites….one is well-known, another a bit lesser so, although it was phenomenal until it was recently mysteriously taken down, however, the creators are currently rebuilding it and are now in operation again…I probably would not be allowed to mention either here, but if you search for various movies or tv shows, these sources will sometimes show up in the list of available videos, which is how I initially found them. I’ve never been that into streaming, so I’ve not used a particular US-based service, however, after shopping on Amazon last month, I accidentally signed up for a free trial of prime video, therefore, I have been enjoying their wonderful selection of foreign programming, including many UK productions, old and new. That is where I found many of those movies I have previously mentioned, but not the entire list of them. Some I even located in the past on You Tube..yet, I do have to say that “Prime” has served up numerous offerings of which I was not previously aware….excellent British miniseries and lots of period pieces, hence I have been availing myself of their marvelous assortment, and may even extend my subscription for a month or two in order to splurge on their excellent variety of shows…perfect for winter viewing! By the way, there are other streaming sites that also offer trial subscriptions in association with Amazon Prime, so you can watch even more British programming on them, as well. Honestly, I don’t like to veg out that much, but the possibilities are pretty endless if you take that option!
Shay..Also add to Dame Maggie’s list “California Suite,” “Quartet,” “The Best (& 2nd Best) Exotic Marigold Hotel” movies, and, I-wish-I-could-be-her-many-times, as Professor Minera McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” movies.
And with Michael Caine and James Spader in “Curtain Call!” It was great fun!’ As for “Downton” going the way of GH’s Q Clan, I don’t think we need be concerned, Rose!….Julian Fellowes loves and reveres his characters….he won’t sell them out for the almighty dollar…and will continue to handle them with care and respect, as long as he logically can provide them a place onscreen. However, if it would keep this quality dynasty going, I wouldn”t mind a prequel tale of our favorites…it would be wonderful to see Violet, Carson, Mrs. Hughes, et al, in their youth with an entirely new cast. That was one possibility that was previously discussed in order to preserve the Downton franchise without having to face the inevitable loss of our favorite players due to the given timeline of the series…not to mention, the growing stardom of so many of its current actors whose careers were launched by this international phenomenon which makes getting them back for future projects a major undertaking, indeed! Hence I would be for this option, since there are plenty of other fantastic Brit thesps who would be ready and willing to jump on board. Even with this upcoming movie, there is an impressive list of venerable and familiar UK stars who are joining the cast, including the real life wife of Jim Carter (aka “Carson the Butler”) who is better known as Imelda Staunton…(You know you watch too much UK material when you know all these people by name!!! Lol…) Perhaps we should reconvene to the actual “Downton” thread in order to appropriately discuss this matter more in depth! See you there….
No matter what you may think of the character or the writing of Ava Jerome, this actress brings it in every scene! She is in the same league as Genie Francis and only a select few others! This performance was incredible! Bravo!
Maura West is one of the BEST actresses on television… not just daytime. She has consistently delivered for decades from the moment she stepped into Oakdale.
The sad thing is she has not been properly utilized since she went and left Genoa city or even arrived on the scene in Port charles. This story should flip the switch from villian to heroine.
And a strong willed woman.
Breaking News
Hayden Panettiere Remembered: ‘Guiding Light’ and More Stars Mourn Her Loss in Wake of Tragic Death
Tributes continue to pour in from the entertainment and soap opera community, and especially from former co-stars of Hayden Panettiere, who died on Sunday at the age of 36.
Panetierre was best-known to soap fans for her roles as as a young Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light and Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live, and as an adult in ABC’s music city primetime soap opera, Nashville where she starred as Juliette Barnes opposite General Hospital alum, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky, GH and ex-Avery, Nashville).
As previously reported, Panettiere died on Sunday afternoon, August 16 in a home in Greenville, South Carolina. The coroner released an official statement on Monday, which read in part “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death. The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.” First responders rushed to the scene after a 911 call about a woman who was unresponsive from an overdose and in cardiac arrest.
Photo: JPI
Now below, check out some of the heartfelt remembrances for the extraordinarily talented, Hayden Panettiere from several of her Guiding Light co-stars and more. Michael Fairman TV will continue to add to the list of tributes throughout the next few days as they become available, as well as keep you updated on any further developments in Panettiere’s death.
Beth Chamberlin (Beth Raines, GL): “Hayden played my daughter for 3 years. She was the most brilliant child actor I’ve ever seen. The things she could do, the way she could remember 20+ pages of dialogue, day after day. Even on days where the director would come out between dress and tape and make huge cuts to the scenes, Hayden, never once forgot a line or missed her blocking. The adults would, but not Hayden. I felt blessed to work with her. And always perfect in her playing of the scene.”
Connie Britton (Rayna James, Nashville): “This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak.
I love you girl. Sleep easy now. 💔”
Tina Sloan (Lillian Raines, GL): “Hayden Panettiere was my granddaughter on Guiding Light. She died at 36 and was such a star.”
Rebecca Budig (ex-Michelle Bauer, GL, now Taylor, B&B): “I remember working alongside her..loved her and her family. She and Beth were spectacular together. So sad for her family and those who knew and loved her.”
Karla Mosley: (Dani Dupree, BTG) “This is awful awful news. Blessings to her soul and all who loved her.”
Photo: CBS
Bethany Joy Lenz: (ex-Michelle Bauer, GL) “There is nothing that posting pictures on the internet can do. I avoid it usually in moments like this. But Im here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue. I’m crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play. We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.”
Lenz continued, “I don’t understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real. These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”
Brittany Snow: (ex-Daisy Lemay, GL) “I was lucky enough to play your sister for 3 years. I related to you so much in so many ways. Ways that I never even told you. Your talent was remarkable & so was your determination to be a bold, bright shining light. And you were. Always supportive, curious, funny and brave. You will always be remembered undoubtedly for your undeniable strength and spirit 💔.”
Photo: CestenIG
Charles Esten (ex-Deacon Clayborne, Nashville): Patty (Esten’s wife) and I are stunned and saddened at the loss of our dear and beautiful friend Hayden. I will never forget the first time I met her. In a sound stage office in Hollywood, I was finishing up my very first NASHVILLE audition. I had read two Deacon scenes before pulling out my guitar and singing two songs. I said my goodbyes and, hoping I’d done well, went to open the door to leave. Instead of swinging all the way out, the door bumped into somebody. Kinda hard.”
“To my complete surprise, It was Hayden Paniettiere, who – in full Juliette Barnes mode – had been listening with her ear to the door. Instead of looking even a little bit caught, her face instantly bloomed into the most beautiful smile. Eyes twinkling, she clapped her hands and said, “That was so good!!” I can promise you that in that moment, there was nothing in the world I needed to hear more than that. I told her that, along with my HEROES-watching family, I was already a big fan of hers, and that I was grateful for the very kind words. It was her turn to go in, so as I went to leave, I said a jokingly cocky, “See you on the set!”
“I was, of course, many auditions away from landing that incredible role. But when I finally did, and showed up in Nashville to start work, she walked right up to me, pointed in my face, and with that magical grin said, “See you on the set!” From there, we became fast friends, working very hard to play those 2 troubled Nashvillians, but always having fun and laughing a whole lot along the way. She was, of course, extraordinarily talented, infusing her larger-than-life character with all the heart, charisma, humor, whip-smart intelligence, and flat-out magic that were, alongside whatever troubles and pain she carried, a part of her own personal palette. What a great gift it was to act with her, sing with her, and to just be her friend. She was always extremely kind to my family, especially my wife, Patty, who I’m certain she liked even more than me.”
Together, we are heartbroken that she is gone, and praying for her family, and for all those who, like us, will miss and mourn her so dearly. God bless you, Hayden.
Rest In Peace and Light ❤️
Emme Rylan: (ex-Lizzie Spaulding, GL et al.)” So very sad. Rest in peace sweet soul.”
Bryan Craig: (ex-Morgan, GH) posted a text exchange via his Instagram story he had with Panettiere where they laughed about her making fun of his hat. He wrote: “Love you Hayden. Rest in peace Angel.” Craig later added, “Cherish the moments with people you love and care about. As cliche as it sounds. Send that text, get that cup of coffee, tell them you love them and you’re proud of them. You may not get the chance again.”
Share your remembrances of Hayden Panettiere from Guiding Light, Nashville, or any of her other roles in her 3 decades long career via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
John Oliver Recaps His ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘General Hospital’ Soap Opera Experience on ‘Last Week Tonight’
Last Week Tonight host, John Oliver had his soap dreams come true on not one, but two long-running daytime dramas, heralding it his “hot soap summer” on the Sunday night, August 16 edition of his HBO series.
As viewers recall, Oliver’s tour of soap duty began back in March when he made a request and an offer to appear in any daytime drama that would have him with certain conditions, which included: having a ridiculous and over the top character name, a juicy storyline, and a slap.
Both Days of Our Lives and General Hospital came a-calling for Oliver, taking him up on his offer and in short order. Oliver appeared on GH in the role of the head of the WSB named Z on episodes airing July 2-6, and then on DAYS in the role of Salem’s chief water inspector, Devlin St. John, in episodes that streamed the week of August 11.
Photo: ABC
FIRST STOP, PORT CHARLES
On Last Week Tonight, Oliver shared that both soaps delivered, and then launched into a comedic send-up complete with clips from some of his scenes. Starting with General Hospital.
Oliver said, “To General Hospital’s credit, they met all my requirements and more. First, my character got to arrive by a helicopter flanked by a pair of armed goons. And I got to do a dramatic walk during which I bravely shot in the general direction of a guy who was already on the ground. It’s called being an action star, by the way, unless you’re me or Vin Diesel, you really wouldn’t understand. And then in my next scene, I revealed my true identity. (Oliver played the scene where Josslyn wakes up in a hospital bed with Z standing at the side of her bed introducing himself).
He continued, “As for getting slapped, well, they knocked that and me out of the park too, because it turns out that agent’s mother was not happy with me,” explained Oliver, as they cut to the slap of Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) in the WSB Port Charles bureau office on Z. Oliver screamed, “YES! It has everything! A slap, a dramatic closeup, and me doing a voice so wrong, it is genuinely embarrassing. That was my honest attempt at an American accent. I can’t tell you why it’s southern. I can only tell you I was trying my hardest.”
Photo: ABC
SECOND STOP, SALEM
Then, came John’s wrap-up of his role of Devlin St. John on Days of Our Lives, the town’s chief city water inspector. “It is on Days of Our Lives I appeared in scenes alongside soap legends like Jackée Harry (Paulina) and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie). And the Days of Our Lives team met my demands in a whole different way because instead of being an international spy boss, they wrote me a character a little more my speed.”
Cut to a clip of Oliver introducing himself as Devlin St. John to Rita. He explains, “I’m the only thing standing between this town and a catastrophic plumbing failure. A literal sewage apocalypse. They made me Salem’s Chief City Water Inspector, which let’s be honest, is perfect casting. If you’re going to bottle my essence and sell it as cologne, it would be called ‘Chief City Water Inspector.'”
DEVLIN’S WIG
The late night host also clarified all the reports, that the wig he wore for his DAYS character he actually brought from home. “Now, as for the hair, I agree, it’s absolutely incredible. It’s been reported this past week that it is a wig I brought to set from home. And while it wasn’t technically from home, we did actually provide that wig, and for good reason,” joked Oliver. “I’ve seen myself act. I knew the hair was going have to do 90% of the work. I’ll be honest, I was going for a healthy John Stamos (ex-Blackie, GH) look, but instead, it appears I ended up looking more like Tina from Bob’s Burgers.”
Photo: Corday Productions
“And if you’re wondering whether I got slapped on Days of Our Lives, not only was I slapped by a man wearing elegant silk pajamas (EJ), I also got to slap him, which felt utterly incredible. But wait, I was also stabbed with a syringe and not once, not even twice, but three different times. And if that wasn’t enough, this happened too.” At that point, Oliver played the clip of Rita using the taser on Devlin.
JOHN OLIVER LEAVES DOOR OPEN FOR A SOAP RETURN
The now late night star-turned-soap actor concluded his segment with, “Are you not entertained? Watching that makes me feel the way I assume Matt Damon felt after seeing the first cut of the Odyssey, both proud and impressed that my body could even do that. Which again, you wouldn’t understand. You’re not an action star like I am now. ”
As he ended his recap, Oliver thanked both soaps for playing along, and noting that neither DAYS or GH actually killed him off! Could a John Oliver return happen down the line? Stay tuned.
Watch John detail his soap dreams come to life on General Hospital and then Days of our Lives below.
Now let us know, what did you think of the performances of John Oliver on General Hospital and Days of our Lives? Did you prefer one over the other or enjoy both of his guest arc visits? Could you see Oliver nominated in the Guest Performer category at next year’s Daytime Emmys, even for a 3-episode run on one of the soaps? Let us know in the comment section.
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UPDATED: Hayden Panettiere, the original Lizzie Spaulding of Guiding Light, and one of the leading stars of ABC’s country music drama Nashville, has died at the age of 36. According to a report on Sunday night, August 16 from TMZ, who broke the news of Hayden’s passing. Panettiere was also well-known for her role in the primetime series Heroes.
Sources close to the situation have told the outlet that Panettiere died on Sunday, although details of her death are still undisclosed, there is a current ongoing investigation into the matter. Brian Hickerson’s, Panetierre’s on-again off-again boyfriend and her flew from Los Angeles to South Carolina on Saturday. They reported, it’s a “sad situation.”
Now, in the early hours of Monday, morning August 17, new details have emerged that first responders and paramedics responded to a call from a friend (not confirmed at this time it was Brian Hickerson) at a home in Greenville, South Carolina at 1:51pm who said that Panettiere was unresponsive and in cardiac arrest.
Photo: CBS
PARAMEDICS CALLED TO THE SCENE
According to the outlet, first responders attempted to resuscitate Panettiere using “advanced cardiac life support.” In addition to CPR, this involved special medicines, breathing tubes and heart rhythm tracking. Parademics could not bring Hayden back to life and at 2:32pm, they called her death.
The Greenville County coroner is set to perform an autopsy Monday to determine a cause and manner of death and at present there is no indication that foul play was involved. According to dispatch audio, paramedics are called it an “overdose,” and “cardiac arrest.”
Meanwhile, the actress’ father, Skip Panettiere offered a up this statement to ABC News. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.” Her father asked for privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
Courtesy/ABC
FROM HER EARLY YEARS ON ONE LIFE TO LIVE AND GUIDING LIGHT TO HEROES AND NASHVILLE
Panettiere began her career at a very young age with roles on television and film including her Daytime Emmy-nominated role as the original Lizzie Spaulding, the daughter of Phillip (Grant Aleksander) and Beth Raines (Beth Chamberlin) on CBS’ Guiding Light. It’s a part she played from December 1996 until 2000. Before Guiding Light, Hayden also appeared on ABC’s One Life to Live as Sarah Roberts, the daughter of Cord (John Loprieno) and Tina Lord Roberts (then played by Krista Tesreau) from 1994-1997, and right up until she left to go to Guiding Light.
In primetime, Panettiere is remembered for her roles as Claire Bennet on the hit series Heroes (2006-2010) and as Juliette Barnes on the musical drama Nashville where she starred opposite General Hospital alum, Jonathan Jackson’s (ex-Lucky) role of Avery Barkley. Nashville ran for six seasons on ABC and them moved over to CMT for two final seasons (2012-2018).
In films, Hayden also starred in: Remember the Titans (2000), Raising Helen (2004), Ice Princess (2005) and as Kirby Reed in three ‘Scream’ franchise films including: Scream 4 (2011), and cameos in its sequel Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023), to name but a few. Early on her film career, Panettiere, was the voice of Princess Dot in 1998’s A Bug’s Life.
Throughout her career, Panettiere earned Golden Globes, Critics Choice Television Awards, Teen Choice Awards and People’s Choice Awards for her role in Nashville. Her performance in Heroes landed her Teen Choice nomination and a Young Artist Award. She also won a Young Artist Award for her role in Remember the Titans.
Photo: JPI
HAYDEN PANETTIERE RELEASED MEMOIR EARLIER IN 2026
Back on May 19, 2026, Hayden released a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning, which talked about her struggles from childhood to adulthood in front of the camera and off including her battles with alcohol and pill addiction, postpartum depression and more.
Sadly, Hayden’s brother Jansen Panettiere (pictured above), died suddenly back in February 2023 from cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) coupled with aortic valve complications. He was only 28 at the time of his death. Hayden told PEOPLE that she would never be able to get over her brother’s death, citing, “No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss.”
Panettiere is the mother to one child, her daughter Kaya Klitschko, 11, whom she had in December of 2014 with her ex-fiancé, heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.
This is a developing story and Michael Fairman TV will provide updated information and details on the passing of Hayden Panettiere as they become available.
Now below, share your thoughts and prayers to the Panettiere family and your remembrances of Hayden via the comment section below.
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