Days Of Our Lives
GH's Corinthos', Y&R's Newmans, B&B's Forresters & DAYS Hortons: Cast Members Speak On Being Part Of Soaps Royal Families!
Courtesy/ABC
At this year’s 43rd Annual Daytime Emmys, attendees found in their official NATAS program, a very special feature on the soaps hightlighting over 21 performers who make up members of some of the most recognized core clans in the genre.
The piece by On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman entitled: The Royal Families Of Television: Where On-Screen And Backstage, Family Means Everything In The World Of Daytime Drama, is now being made available exclusively here for daytime fans in its full-length form.
Featuring cast members from: General Hospital’s Corinthos family, to The Young and the Restless Newman clan, to The Bold and the Beautiful’s Forresters, to Days of our Lives iconic Hortons, the actors share anecdotes, love, humor, and what it’s like to have a second family to come to every day as their home away from home. Here now is the extended version of the piece below!
Each week soap operas take their audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride through the lense of a loving, feuding, dysfunctional core family with assorted characters that directly, or indirectly affect them. This year’s Daytime Emmy-nominated dramas feature their own set of ‘royals’ that are unique, longstanding, and distinct … and who rule the throne in the afternoon.
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
On General Hospital, the Corinthos’ rule the town of Port Charles led by mobster Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard), his wife Carly (Laura Wright), and Sonny’s many children: Morgan (Bryan Craig), Michael (Chad Duell), Kristina (Lexi), and Dante (Dominic), and baby Avery (Ava and Grace Scarola).
In the mob, family allegiance is the name of the game, and backstage at the ABC soap the same holds true. “The story of the Corinthos family and how they have each other’s backs, I truly love,” Laura Wright explains. “The loyalty to each other, and the way we play it. When we go up on set, everybody just goes right into their places. The character of Morgan can tell his parents to go to hell, because he knows they are never going to leave him. Your parents are your safety net, and it’s what’s on the page.”
Courtesy/ABC
In 2015 on GH, Morgan was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the same mental illness suffered by his father Sonny, and in real life by Benard, which made the drama raw, riveting, and often overwhelming. Bryan Craig revealed: “I’m a pretty laid-back person, and to play those highs and lows … I rarely hit those in my day-to-day life. I told Laura, there were days that when I came to work that I am having a good day and I’m pretty happy, and the last thing I want to do is become miserable!” (Laughs) Wright added: “I definitely feel we have each other’s back as actors, too. After five days of Bryan hitting the wall playing manic, Maurice and I will say to him, because we have all been there, ‘Here’s a way to make it new again.’ Also, we always know Chad’s blocking for him! (Laughs) There isn’t a time when we are not taking care of each other. It’s about the work.”
No one has been more pleasantly surprised by how the Corinthos family has grown over the years than Maurice Benard, who has played the role of Sonny since 1993. Fact is, he never anticipated that he would even have a family built around his beloved character until one unforgettable moment with another GH icon, Tony Geary (Luke, GH). “He told me once after sitting me in his dressing room one day, ‘Do you want to keep being my Tonto to Lone Ranger?’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He said, ‘You deserve more. So go upstairs and tell them that you want family.’ I did that, and they brought on my father, and a father figure, and put me at the time with Brenda (Vanessa Marcil). I guess you could say the rest is history.”
Courtesy/ABC
With Benard as the centerpiece, the actors that came in to play key roles in the Corinthos family had to pass the muster, and had their own initiation with the guy. Chad Duell recalls his nerves: “I was freaking out when I first came on GH, and I was trying to minimize everything. Maurice and I actually talked to each other for the first time when we did this scene at Michael’s trial. He said to me, ‘The secret is just look at me in the eyes, and I will take you to the promise land!’ (Laughs) Benard admits, “Chad was a tough one for me, because they fired an actor that I loved. It took me a while to warm up to him. It wasn’t cool of me. But, Chad was excellent on his own, and didn’t need my guidance. Now, I love him like my own son. And after Bryan’s screen test, I actually picked a different actor for his role! But GH hired him, and from the first second I worked with him I knew he was special. We have a real father/son connection.” Craig countered, “I just thought he was a jerk, and he knows this! (Laughs) Maurice did scenes with me, and then walked out the door, and this was the first and second day of shooting. Maurice demands a certain level of respect from new people who are coming on to the show. He has been here for 23 years. I did not know he wasn’t like the dude he was playing! But after I started working with him more, Maurice and I got closer, and closer.”
Courtesy/ABC
Dominic Zamprogna added, “Maurice likes to help people. He wants to work with actors who want to work. I don’t think there is a wall up with him. I think he just needs to know you’re in it with him. But, one of the first things Maurice and I did when I first came to GH was get in his Maserati together! He joked about it because it was such a lemon, and whenever he did drive it he would crank the windows down and put Jay Z on, and cruise down the streets going, ‘Maurice Benard, General Hospital, biggest star on daytime!”’ (Laughs)
Laura Wright, who came over from Guiding Light to take on the role of Carly in 2005, had her own interesting start with Maurice: “I go into a meeting with the powers-that-be at GH, and Maurice. They are all sitting on a couch and I am sitting across from them in a chair. Maurice could not have wanted to be there less. I said to him, ‘Can we talk? Not with everyone else in the room, because I have a couple of questions?’ He wouldn’t talk to me! (Laughs) Later he tells me, ‘Well, I didn’t really want you to get the job, and I didn’t want to lie about it, but now I am so excited you got the job.’ Now Maurice and I are so close, and we adore each other. I always kid him with, ‘Even though Maurice didn’t want me to have this job ….’ That’s why it makes those moments so funny, because we are so not like that.” Craig points out, “Maurice is one of the funniest guys I know!”
Photo: MBenardTwitter
Lexi Ainsworth, who recently returned to GH, is tackling one of the social issues of our time, that of sexual identity. Kristina was previously acknowledged as “straight”, but she may be bisexual, or gay. “Kristina isn’t quite sure which way she wants to go,” explains Lexi. “She doesn’t like the labels that are being put upon her, and she is kind of defining herself. She is in her 20’s, and she’s trying to figure out who she is. I am really lucky to have a storyline like this. I think it’s awesome.” Her on-screen dad is proud of the way Ainsworth is handling the material: “Lexi is truly like my 4th daughter,”says Maurice. “She just did some work that blew everyone’s mind, especially mine. I’m so proud of her. It’s an entire team of writers, actors, and of course, our executive producer Frank Valentini, that make this family work.”
For 29 years, the reining family of The Bold and the Beautiful is the Forresters. Against the backdrop of the world of high fashion and set in Los Angeles, these creatives are either having each other’s back, or turning their back on one another. “What I loved about it when we started was their wealth, notoriety, and celebrity is based on their design skills, and that they are artists,” notes series original cast member, and Forrester patriarch, John McCook (Eric). “They weren’t some crime family, or a family that were big into real estate. Their success was about competiting all over the world in the fashion business. The Forrester family is different from the other core families on daytime that are out there. Then, you come back to the soap opera element, and it’s all about love, and romance within that framework.”
Photo Credit: CBS/Cliff Lipson
Linsey Godfrey (Caroline) has been in the enviable position of any daytime actress to work with the actors that comprise the Forresters in romantic entanglements. Her character married two of them: Rick (Jacob Young) and Ridge (Thorsten Kaye), and gave birth to a child of another, Thomas (Pierson Fode’). “I am just making my way to Eric!” (Laughs) clowns Godfrey. “I am in such a fortunate position to work with not only extraordinary actors, but extraordinary men. With Jacob, it was my first time playing a love story on the soaps. He was so generous, patient, and understanding with me and the cadence of a soap. I had never done a love scene, or been in front of the camera in lingerie before. I love anytime I get to work with the Forrester men.”
Courtesy/CBS
The Forresters are complex. At any given time they will tear each other down, and are quick to build each other up. Jacob Young explains, “Families fight, but what I always love is that they always find time to make up and reconnect. I have been involved in other storylines where once you’re ousted, you’re ousted, and you are just the outsider, but I feel like it feels real because of that dynamic on B&B.” Godfrey added, “There was this scene where Caroline goes into labor, and meanwhile Rick and Ridge are fighting. Then Ridge gets the phone call that Caroline is in labor. Immediately, Rick switches gears and says, ‘No, go! Be with your wife!’ It is so indicative of this family!” McCook shares, “It’s a touchstone for all of us that no matter how fraught with anger these scenes are, that when somebody is hurt, or a baby is arriving, or a wedding is happening, everything gets pushed aside, and it’s about their support of one another.”
Courtesy/Bell-Phillip Productions Photo: Gilles Toucas
But what would happen to the family when B&B’s executive producer and head writer, Bradley Bell (the son of real-life soap royalty, William J. Bell and Lee Bell, creators of Y&R and B&B) made the decision to take the character of Maya Avant (Karla Mosley) and make her the first transgender leading lady of the soaps, and marry the character to Rick Forrester? “I wanted to really take it on as a topic and a story, and make it front and center,” Bell explains. “When I told Karla, tears came to her eyes. She was honored to portray this character. She just took it on so fully and completely, not only acting the role brilliantly, but becoming someone who speaks out on behalf of the transgender community.” Through this story, Bell explored themes of acceptance, and universal love with the turning point coming when Maya would disclose her truth to Rick: “The design of those scenes was that she would tell Rick, and we wouldn’t know his reaction at first. It would be a shock to anyone, and then to feel that the relationship is ending, but instead the twist is that he loves her for who she is. He still wants to marry her. Our writer, Patrick Mulchaey, did a great job with those scenes.”
Courtesy/CBS
Godfrey heaps praise on Bell, and his unwavering commitment to stories that are part of the conversation on the human condition: “I think the last four years B&B has been touching on social issues of our time. For me, it started with Caroline and her two moms. When my character came on it was like, “Yeah, she has two moms, but that doesn’t really make her it any different than having a mom and a dad, or being a single parent, or an adoptive parent. That is just our family dynamic. When we told Maya’s story, it was done beautifully. Brad is a pioneer in that way in that he addresses these issues that are prevalent in our society right now, and it’s told with love.”
With the daily grind of these emotional storylines, McCook says in the fast pace of daytime, the actors still find time to give each other a pat on the back as in any nurturing family: “There is a kind of professionalism that it is expected that really good work is going to happen, and it almost always does. I think if somebody came in from the outside and watched us they would go, ‘Where is all the applause everyday?’ We do take time and say to each other, ‘Good air show today’ or, ‘Wow that was good, ‘We did it’, or ‘Well done, and thank you.’”
Photo Credit: Monty Brinton/CBS
On The Young and the Restless, the lives of Genoa City’s Newmans: led by the rich and powerful Victor (Eric Braeden) and his wife Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), and Victor’s children; Nick (Joshua Morrow), Victoria (Amelia Heinle), Adam (Justin Hartley), Abby (Melissa Ordway) and his granddaughter Summer (Hunter King) give new meaning to the words: ‘sibling rivalries’, ‘family loyalty’, and ‘dysfunction’. But one thing is for sure; being a Newman is a title not to be taken likely. For Joshua Morrow, he had no idea when he came to Y&R 22 years ago what he was getting into. “I was just a numbskull in college, and I didn’t watch soaps,” Morrow revealed. “Once I had been here for a few months, I quickly realized this is where you want to be. It’s the best family I believe in daytime, and obviously I am biased, but it has been a hell of a run and I get to work with amazingly talented people … and Hunter. (Laughs) You know, Hunter is like my child. I make fun of her constantly, because that is what I do with my own children. I had scenes with her where Nick tells her that he essentially lied, and he is not her father. Hunter won a Daytime Emmy for that. She just slayed me. I was so proud of her.”
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Morrow’s on-screen sister, Amelia Heinle, replaced Heather Tom (now Katie, B&B) in the pivotal role of Victoria Newman back in 2005, but at first had misgivings: “I couldn’t imagine walking into a role that the girl talked a lot and cried a lot. I thought this character is difficult to play. I almost chickened out in the audition. I was pretty terrified, and then I got the role. At that point I decided I would do my best, and that I would be let go within a year. (Laughs) I learned it was going to be a bigger deal then I thought. I knew Eric and Melody were kind of the king and queen of daytime, and they are icons. My first scenes were of course with them. I knew enough to lay low, and sort of watch them. I remember thinking it was hilarious, because they were so comical. I expected them to be serious. I did have the perception that I was in the presence of soap greatness. Then somehow they liked me, and I fit in, and now they are like my other mom and dad.” Morrow adds, “I remember the time when the show accepted Amelia. We had a scene with Kathy Foster, who was directing at the time. She gathers Amelia and me together and she says, “Listen, the sexual tension between the two of you is amazing, but you’re brother and sister!” Heinle recalls, “That was in the first week! I tried to look at Joshua like he is my brother, and it was kind of an involuntary thing. I couldn’t help it. Joshua is so handsome!” (Laughs)
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
When Melissa Ordway joined Y&R she had to convince her own family that she was actually becoming a Newman! “My mom watched Y&R every day. I called to tell her I received a call about playing Abby. She said, ‘No, no, no. You are not playing Abby. Someone else already plays that part,” Ordway shares. “I say, ‘I think that is what my manager said. I am pretty sure she said Abby.” So I met with Jill Farren Phelps (executive producer, Y&R) and Josh Griffith (former head writer) and I said, ‘Is the character really Abby? They said, ‘Yes.’ I went home and called my mom and said, “Mom, the character is Abby.” She goes, ‘Well, I don’t know about this! What are they going to do with the other one?’” (Laughs)
Photo Credit: Edward McGowan/PlainJoe Studios
A year and a half ago, Justin Hartley returned to daytime in one of the soaps most sought-after and coveted roles, Adam Newman, something he relishes portraying: “I get to play with all these guys, and play a jerk sometimes, and be the hero sometimes, and get under everyone’s skin. It’s fun!” When he arrived at the Y&R soundstages Hartley did receive some ‘brotherly’ advice: “Joshua was great to me right away. I went up to him and said, ‘This is what they told me about the character.’ And he goes, ‘Well, did they tell you this … and this?’ Joshua gave me five bullet-points and told me, ‘This is where the bathroom is.’ It was great. (Laughs) I was also trying to find my character, and I am a very visual person. I knew the history between Adam and his brother, but being around Joshua and just looking at him, and trying to get a feel for him, and being in the same room with him, it changes the way that I do things. One of the first things I did to find the character occurred when Nick was stuck in a bear trap. I made up my mind earlier on about Nick: ‘This guy is a moron. Who gets stuck in a bear trap?’ Immediately, I was like: ‘This is what the problem is! This is why I don’t get him. I would never get caught in a bear trap, but now I’ve got to fix him!’ I’ve got blood all over my hands after helping him out of the bear trap, and so I was just so disgusted with him. I just wiped the blood on him … and he is dying! That is when I thought, “This is who this guy is.”
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Hunter King also had some opening day jitters when she arrived to work as part of the prestigious Newmans: “Working with Eric and Melody was so nerve-wracking at first, but they are so much fun. Eric is very playful, and a lot of fun to work with. I have made lifelong friendships from this show that I will have forever for a lifetime. The one person who always says something funny and has us laughing is Joshua!”
Fun at Y&R can be contagious, yet these pros can turn it into drama. Morrow recalls one scene that had him, and Heinle in stitches. “We were doing the reliquary storyline about this old ancient artifact. Then out of nowhere, and overnight, Victoria becomes an art expert, and not only that, but she was able to make a replica of the reliquary to fool everyone,” Joshua recalls. “I wish I had it on in a loop in my house, when Victoria says: ‘I’m going to make a reliquary that is going to fool these gangsters and art people.’ They go to what is essentially Aaron Brothers, and take out a table and pour out paper mache.
Courtesy/CBS
There were all of these weird art items, and then Amelia wearing these odd glasses, comes out with this amazing replica. As Nick I had to say, ‘Victoria … you just made this?’ We had to be so serious, but there were tears. When you look at those scenes, I have giant red eyes from crying from laughter. Amelia and I are coming apart at the seams, just trying to get through the taping. We got in so much trouble over and over again.” Heinle admits, “I love it when we have to make something so unrealistic work, and we pull it off, and when we watch it back we say, ‘That didn’t look as stupid as it felt when we were playing it.’” (Laughs)
So why is it always a good day to come to Y&R and be a Newman? Justin Harley sums it up best: “I get to work with people who are enthusiastic, want to come to work and care, and I get to live in L.A!”
Photo: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
The longest running soap opera clan still on the air is the first family of Salem, the Hortons. When Days of our Lives premiered back in 1965, the show introduced viewers to Tom and Alice Horton, the matriarch and patriarch, (played by the late MacDonald Carey and Frances Reid) and the perils of their children. That legacy is still carried on today almost 51 years later through their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Longest running original cast member, Susan Seaforth Hayes, who plays the Hortons eldest grandchild Julie, recalls fondly how it all began: “What became quite clear when I joined the show was that this was a family that was not tainted with many of the classic problems of other soap opera families – great wealth and a desire for more power. The Hortons were above reproach. They were doctors, lawyers, there were three sons: two of them doctors, one of them a lawyer, and two daughters. The stories at that time were not about revenge, greed, murder, conspiracy. Generally, the stories were about being in love with the wrong guy. One of the big conflicts for several years was that the character of Mickey Horton was in love with the same woman that his brother was in love with, and this woman was a psychiatrist, and she married the less interesting guy. The chaos that came out of that, supplied stories for years.”
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Melissa Reeves, who has plays granddaughter Jennifer added: “The running theme for the family is that they can overcome, and that was woven into our fabric beginning with Tom and Alice. It’s always to fight for your family, fight to survive, and overcome obstacles. I think they have been so good over the years about keeping that common thread. So even with Jennifer currently being addicted to pain pills, I still believe as a Horton she is okay with going down, because she knows she’s going to be able to come back up. That’s the hope that was instilled in this Horton family as they created it.”
But while on-camera a family legacy was built, behind the scenes a soap family dynasty continued through Days of our Lives executive producer Ken Corday, who has steered the ship since his parents passing, (‘Days ‘creators Ted and Betty Corday): “There is a parallel in that my mother and father’s values, morals, and outlook on life were very much like those of Tom and Alice Horton,” Corday shares. “That’s something that I try to keep alive and vibrant today through Tom and Alice’s children, as well as with all of us in front of the cameras and behind the cameras.”
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
One of ‘Days’ most popular long-running stars, Kristian Alfonso (Hope) says that portraying a Horton granddaughter, and getting to share the experience with her on-screen cast mates has been a professional joy: “We laugh all the time. In group scenes we’re so excited and so happy that we’re all together, that we can get carried away catching up, and get in a little trouble. There’s never a shortage of laughter and love on set. I cannot stress enough that being a part of ‘Days’ is definitely not a job/work. It really is being part of a family. I leave my family at home and come to my family at work every day that I’m here.” One of the newer members of the Hortons, Casey Moss (JJ), believes he was lucky to have joined this on-screen family, and play Jennifer’s son: “I’ll tell you that as a new actor coming into this, and this being my first show, it’s nerve-wracking! They made it really special, especially Melissa Reeves. She is so mothering. There’s no weird tension between her real kids and her TV screen kids, you know what I mean? We all call her ‘mom.”’ Reeves confessed she keeps on eye on her on-screen son: “I will joke with Casey: ‘You are grounded! What are you doing right now?’ It’s kind of fun, and it is that way in our relationship.”
Photo: CMossTwitter
The Hortons are steeped in tradition, but none more so than come Christmastime when the family gathers in Tom and Alice’s living room to decorate the tree with handmade ornaments containing the names of each of the family members, past and present. The episode has been a touchstone, and a tearjerker, not only for the show’s enduring fans, but the cast. Suzanne Rogers, who has played Maggie since 1973, acknowledges what a special day it is: “I think Susan and I both get very emotional. We both have so many memories that flash before our eyes every Christmas. Every time we open the box of ornaments, they just all come flooding back like it was yesterday. I don’t think that will ever change.” Susan recalls, “I had the interesting experience of walking into Canter’s Delicatessen in L.A, a couple of months ago with a friend who had been a head writer on the show. The cashier looked at us, and this is Canter’s mind you, this is not the Midwest. She recognized me and burst into tears. The first thing that she mentioned was the ornament hanging, and how much it meant to her. She was a big city gal, and I think that a family that is sanctified by love and endurance means an awful lot to the American soap opera public, it really does.”
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
For Reeves and Alfonso, the Christmas episode reminds them of the unbreakable bond they share: “We hug each other and reminisce about the past, and how far we’ve come, and where we’ve been,” explains Kristian. “We both squeeze into Gran’s chair and flip through the photo albums. We still feel Mac and Frances’ presence so strongly every day that we’re on set.”
Reeves adds, “It’s really a big day for our show, and everyone is really respectful of it. We joke a little bit, but we all know we’re going to get in big trouble if anyone drops one of those ornaments (laughs) because some of them are the originals! It’s always sentimental, and I just love it.”
Courtesy: NBC
Perhaps no one is more affected at seeing the continuum of tradition and life for the Hortons of Salem than Ken Corday: “Of course, I get choked up – it’s been 51 years! It’s my life and for many of the people on the show it’s a look back at their lives, too. The Hortons are the cornerstone of Days of our Lives.”
Melissa Reeves imagines that if the day would come where she would be sitting in Alice’s chair as the eldest and wisest Horton, it would be the honor of lifetime: “I would love to be Frances! Come full circle, and just be there for all of her kids. I’m kind of old fashioned in that way. I’ll stay at the Horton house, and make those famous donuts.”
Tune in tomorrow …
What did you think about what the actors shared on working with each other, and creating their on-screen family dynamic? What was your favorite story shared in the piece? Which is your favorite royal family from daytime? Share your thoughts in the comment secton below!
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The Corinthi, the clan of murdering mobsters, is NOT GH’s “royal family,” and as a long-time viewer I find this assertion deeply offensive. They represent all that is wrong with GH: its emphasis on violence, immorality, dishonesty, nastiness. That Frank Valentini promotes them as GH’s “royal family” is proof that he does not get or respect the history and traditions of General Hospital. And his inability to get GH, as well as his refusal to respect its history, is why it has persistent ratings problems. The audience keeps saying “no” to the Corinthi. And he keeps refusing to listen.
Your right tristan,gh royalty is and always has been the quartermainrs and not some slippery thugs!
Hi Timmm! I am replying to you here, based on your comments to me on “Focus Groups” and Hunter King. Yes, TPTB should know all about the fans’ views on this actress as well as Michael Muhney (a terrific actor) — and I’m in agreement with you. Further, “slippery thugs” is too good for Sonny and his ilk…
Timmm…dude…YOU ARE SO RIGHT ON!!!!! Also, the networks need to listen to us soap viewers A LOT MORE…and focus on their ‘soap pets’ A LOT LESS!!!!! Oh…and BTW, when it comes to their own ‘soap pets’, I think that Y&R is the WORST OFFENDER…PERIOD!!!!!
Later, Timmm.
What Tristan said. The Corrintho family may have grown but Sonny is not. He’s still the same thug who ran the stripper joint while plying underage girls with drugs and alcohol before having sex with them (geez, he sounds like Bill Cosby). The only difference is that back then, Sonny knew he was a sleazeball, now he lords over his mansion like a sanctimonious patriarch The other day he was bad mouthing AJ while saying that AJ distorted history. To call that speech ironic would be the understatement of the year. And no one ever seems to mention or care… Read more »
meant to say, but Sonny has not–not is not.
Sorry but The Corinthos are Royal…..a royal pain in the (BLEEP)!!!-lol
Yes, Harry! I so agree! Corinthos family royalty? What hogwash!
I thought the same thing. I don’t watch GH but even I know the royal and core family is the Quartermaines.
What Tristan, Timmm, Harry & Blake said! Times 20! Of all the “royal” families on GH – Spencers, Quartermaines, Webbers, Cassadines, Devanes, Joneses – what the h*ll were the Emmys thinking in highlighting the Corinthi? Every other family I listed predates them by about 10 years & still has active characters involved in current storylines, and the MOB family is the one they offer up? No, no, no…HELL NO!
VERY, VERY WELL SAID, TRISTAN!!!!! AGREED!!!!!
Co-sign. Qs and not mobster clan. I love how they ‘dance’ around his illegal deeds. So, drug running? Can’t be prostitution. They made a bunch of moralizing noise that illegal weapons are baaaad. So, he’s a mobster that doesn’t do anything illegal in a turf war with other mobsters over this non illegal activity.
The viewers aren’t this stupid.
Tristan, thanks so much for your reply to my comments far below. I wrote what I wrote without even reading the other comments until now. I see that you expressed the same sentiments first — and eloquently so… It pleases me to no end that the overwhelming majority of these comments are negative toward the Corinthos family of GH. While I appreciate Michael Fairman’s post in this thread and his attempt to satisfy fans, the vitriol to the Sonny/Carly/Mob storylines is well founded. Notice that the other soap families given prominence in this feature barely merited a mention. That is… Read more »
Focus groups, huh! Networks ONLY care about money! Fans DO NOT like Hunter King as Summer. We have bitched for years and they WILL NOT change the actress. She has a new permanent night time job. GOOD! Studios see talent. Fine, we just dont want her on Y&R. It doesnt matter what WE want. Same network, they never ONCE came out and told the FANS what happened between their princess and Michael Muhney. HOGWASH!
You are so right–the Corinthos family does stand for all that is wrong with GH.
Well said, this article is a slap in the face to GH fans who are very vocal about the way this show is being flushed down the pan.
GH is desperately trying to turn the Corinthoses into a core family. I’ll have none of it. The Hardy’s were a core family until GH let them disappear. Liz being the last connection and GH is constantly trying to let her go except the fans keep revolting. The Quartermaines are the next legacy family after the Hardy’s and look what GH has done to them. Killed all of them off. And what are we left with? Sonny and Carly and their hypocrisy and self importance. GH’s weakest link constantly propped up by TPTB.
Couldn’t have said it better myself!!!
I’ll take Tom Hardy Jr over Kristina, Morgan, Michael, Dante, and Avery any day.
Your right,it’s the hardys and then the q,s but the hardys are washed away and none of these ep,s will fully revive the quartermainrs!
Right Melissa, and I meant to include the Hardys on my list of families in my earlier post.
I’ve started watching GH in the early 70’s. The Hardy’s were the core family and it is a shame they’ve all but been written off! The Q’s seem to have come much later, though I love them.
BRING BACK the Hardy family and enlarge the Q’s. THAT is how you save GH.
I watched the Hardy’s too, but I don’t know why everyone wants to go backwards. This is my favorite daytime show, and I refuse to go around saying “oh, what a shame” about any of it. Maybe people could “save” the show by appreciating what it is, and not bashing it all the time. Everyone whines once in a while, but when it comes to soap viewers, some want to be suspended in time. Not me. I got older, and I do not want to go back to what was. The fact is it “was”, just like black and white… Read more »
I’d be tempted to agree with you if we were talking about two things of roughly equal value. Instead we have, on one hand, the Hardys, Webbers, Quartermaines and the kind of values they represented, and the Corinthoses, on the other–and the kind of “values” they represent. If I found the show equally enjoyable as I did back when the central families held values I could recognize, I would be doing as you suggest and supporting the show. But I don’t; I am actually aghast at some of the things I see on my screen and am clearly expected to… Read more »
Thank you for clarifying the Hardy’s, Webber’s and don’t forget the Baldwin’s. They were there before the Spencer’s with the exception of Ruby, then Bobby and many others to follow. The show has been called General Hospital with less and less about a hospital and who works there for many years. I understand that the Godfather movie pushed a new trend but it should share with at least 1/2 being focused on the core families and hospital. Give me Jason Q back! Give Liz a “normal” guy like Jason Q 😉
When Sonny and his spawns can trace their heritage back to 4/1/1963 (hen they can claim to be royalty, otherwise, have a seat. Dr. Steve Hardy and his descendants are the show’s Royalty (Jeff, Elizabeth, Steven Lars, Sarah, Cam, Jake, Aiden, Tom Hardy, and Tommy Hardy Jr)!
The Corinthos are Royalty of GH ..
royalty;
kings and queens and their families
^^ that is them ..
;;;; Dr. Steve Hardy and his descendants are the show’s Royalty (Jeff, Elizabeth, Steven Lars, Sarah, Cam, Jake, Aiden, Tom Hardy, and Tommy Hardy Jr)!;;;;;
^^^ they are legacy/ Lineage of the original forefathers..
descent in a line from a common progenitor, a group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor; especially : such a group of persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder.
Great, the core families !
General Hospital’s Corinthos family
The Young and the Restless Newman family
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Foresters
Days of our Lives the Hortons
Those are the front burner families. The ones the soaps revolve around.
The Corinthos will be front and center.
(I wish it were the Cassadines !)
but yet.. love the Corinthos, all of the….
The ONLY 2 real core families here are The Forresters and The Hortons. The other 2 were created long after their respective shows were started and we have had them shoved down our throats ever since…LOL
Brooks sisters and the Fosters and the Chancellors were the original families on Y&R. Remember when Victor had his ex wife’s 🙁 caged in his basement for a year? Oh yeah, he’s so noble.
hi..
it is ”royal families” not core families ..
That was a delightful read. Really impressive – sincere thanks for putting it together! I’ve never watched B&B or Days, but it was still interesting to read about them. I guess each soap has its own flavour of “first family” that suits the desired recipe of its show. I’ve had a long, long struggle with the fact that the mobbed up Corinthos family is the center of a show called General Hospital, but of course the show isn’t the General Hospital I fell in love with years ago. I certainly appreciate the actors, but the Corinthos family is actually the… Read more »
Hi, Tracy, I am completely taken by your comment. Perfectly phrased….I was waiting for more, lol…. I definitely concur with your synopsis of the Corinthoses. I am allergic to people with no scruples. Furthermore, any storyline affixed to Victor Newman, at this point, is a joke to me. I do believe TPTB are pushing the envelope where he is concerned. I noticed Victor reels a little when he walks. So, are we to believe he is in the throes of a brand new passionate relationship? In jail, no less? WOW!! Delusional, these writers are!! Really? Am I to understand that… Read more »
I give Maurice credit,he basically admitted he was a dick at the time of michael and Carly’s hiring.
That poor women who had sex with crusty Newman!
And c, you leave my Ian alone,I love his cartoon antics!
Oh Celia, how right you are about Victor. That this, or any, clearly intelligent professional female could be taken in so quickly (if at all) by the Moustache’s dubious charms is even more laughable now than it was nearly ten years ago with Sabrina. Mon cheri, my behind! And don’t get me started on Nick, acting like he’s just lost the love of his life, a woman he’s known, what, a year? And his constant, self-centered, self-righteous judgment of Adam, among others, is truly nauseating.
@Timmm.
Lol, my Timmmy…..not complaining; I am just as entertained by Ian Ward, as you are. I just do not get why he is still on stage.
There must be a reason…..maybe for comic relief? But, I find it hysterical enough contemplating Victor’s carnal prowess at his age……where no woman, young or old is off limits, or cannot resist his charms. His technique must be fulminating.
I wonder what regimen of vitamins he takes, other than blood pressure pills.
@Soaphound. Exactly, Soaphound. There are personality switches/changes left and right, within the Newman family alone. We know Victor will never be redeemed. If that happened, there would be no reptilian fossil to rule the city, including the jail. So, he is a needed evil. But, Nick fluctuates between heaven and purgatory. Can’t pin a name on this guy. Bad guy? Good guy? In-between guy? Adam seemed to be going in the direction of righteousness (lol). I wonder how long it will take for the little devilish imp in his head whispers naughty nothings in his ear? I can’t go through… Read more »
Celia, are you Cee Cee?
@Harry.
Yes, my dear Harry. I am she. I encountered a few issues with my previous email address…..more than once.
It seems that the nick-name Cece or CeeCee ( derivative of Cecelia) is more popular that I thought. Thus, the change.
I did explain on the onset, but, I guess, not everyone read the comment. Most, as yourself, guessed. I suppose I have a distinct style of writing? LOL.
Later, my friend.
i started laughing reading that the corinthos were picked as the royal family for GH, thank goodness the other posters saw this as a bad joke too, i mean i love GH and i do like the corithos, but GH royal clan? i don’t think so, i agree with posters mentioning the Quatermaines, Webbers/Hardy, even the spencers sorry but the corinthos have nothing on those other clans.
Hello Aria: Thank you for your passionate post. However, I am going to answer your comments with a reply below and hope others read this as well: 1) NATAS was insistent on the title of the article, this was a piece for THEIR program. 2) Because of NATAS allowing me to post the article, I was able to share it with the fans worldwide here. Thought fans would like to read about what the actors had to say. 3) I am very aware of the legacy of the Quartermaines, Hardys/Webber, Scorpios. However, during the time this feature needed to be… Read more »
THANK YOU for the clarification, Michael!
I stated that I loved Maurice,s candid comments on Michael and Carly,s screen tests. Also,people didnt like Anthony Geary’s power but it shows how speaking ones mind can benefit ones career as he advised Maurice to speak to the powers that be about a family. The rest is history for sonny, 20 plus years later!
Thanks Michael, you did clarify it, and it makes sense , you have no idea how excited I am that you responded to one of my post , it’s great to hear from you, an maybe using or wording of the Corinthians as ” Royal” is what got most of us going, now if they would of said notorious family or something like that then hey the Corinthos rule, but since it’s been clarified then it makes more sense thanks Michael..
I think fans are more upset about #3 and #4 than with you Michael. Why the hell are the Corinthoses still front and center, thriving when Guza/Phelps have been gone for years? And the other families don’t have 5-6 other cast members available simply BECAUSE the Corinthoses are front, center and thriving while the other families aren’t invested in. It’s stifling for the show and the fans who watch it. The past few months are confusing because the show seems to be starting to invest in other families yet every time we turn around, Sonny and Carly are referred to… Read more »
Horton’s yes!!!!!!!! Daytime FAMILY. The others?????? NO THANKS!!!!! Incest and murder is NOT my thing.
No, the Corintos will never be a core family for many of us viewers. Quartermains, Hardys, Webbers, and even Spencers, Cassidines. They were usurpers. The off repeated mob storylines and the regular shooting attempts, Jason staying a Morgan and not a Q, killing off the Q’s and surreptitiously bringing them back, Jason all of a sudden is a twin, is what made me turn the channel on GH a couple years ago. This from a viewer who I watched GH on the first day it aired with my mother. Since my mom worked, I ran home after school, since it… Read more »
The conrinthio family has nothing compared to the Hardy’s/Webbers who was the first family in pc, what about the Quartermaines.
It speaks to the root of the show’s problems when the Corinthos family is lauded as GH’s core family. They are a murderous disgusting group who actively bring down the show.
It’s General Hospital not MobLand. It’s been down hill since the day GH started glorifying murderers. GH used to have real heroes who sought to destroy the mobsters.Now every character has to praise & whitewash the heinous clan. There’s nothing romantic, heroic or rootworthy about people who murder for greed & power.
Yep, MobLand. You nailed it. That’s why I quit GH years ago.
Just wish they all had the class of McDonald Carey but nope we have everybody who thinks they are the star of the show! Sad indeed that as we move I. Time we also lose the class of what made the shows great! Good luck all four will need it when you have morons recycled writers running the show
I agree. It is sad that there is no class anymore, and McDonald Carey and Frances Reid are perfect examples of class.
For the last fifteen or so years, each time the decision has been made to keep General Hospital on the air, instead of letting it die like a dozen other great soaps – it was the Corinthos family that kept it alive. That is today’s truth and that’s what the article captures. Irrespective of what was happening years ago, GH being on the air today is not about the Hardys or, the Quartermaines. They have been over and done with for over a decade so clearly, the Corinthos clan is the most important family and it would only make the… Read more »
They’re only over and done with because the writers keep killing them off! We lost AJ, Emily, Curtis, Jason (living as a Q), Alan (before he passed in life). But we still have Ned, Tracy, Monica, Dillon, Michael a bit of the time, Alice, BrookLynn, Skye…they just choose to not feature this great family enough. And the POTENTIAL of what could have been between Jason and AJ, Michael and AJ…just a waste that the writers were so shortsighted.
Except when the focus on the mob and all things Corinthos almost got the show cancelled, of course. Why GH has gone back to that focus, after near cancellation and a shift for a while to a much more balanced canvas, is a real question.
Wonderfully written and a beautiful homage to the families of today’s daytime serials.
GH is a soap opera for goodness sake. It has been around since I was a child and started watching it. For all the negative comments, there are more bad shows on TV in the evening and even cartoons far worse violence than GH. My advise for my favorite soap opera for all the negative comments you get double in fantastic. For those who don’t like the violence go play with your cell phones or watch violence on NCIS or any other show. I have watch GH since it started and it has come a long way. The rating must… Read more »
the ratings are FAR from “Great”. May 2016 is down about 500,000 viewers from May 2015.
I think, Wanda, that it is not necessarily exclusive to the violence many of us object to……it is a soap; snd, you are right, of course. Violence in any show is almost a given….but not when every storyline is somehow linked to to the no-good-doers. Nonetheless, I, among many others, find it so ironic how Sonny, for instance, is hypocritically put on a pedestal as holier than though….How he accuses a deceased AJ, whom he killed in cold blood, without any qualms of committing these ‘rancid’ crimes, as if, he itself, is the epitome of decency snd honesty. The same… Read more »
Wow!!!!…..sorry about the errors/typos. Did not check back.
…..Thou, not though.
…..himself, not itself.
…..PC, not GC; though it also applies. Lol.
I only read the Corinthos section and was very unimpressed with what they had to say. Maurice sounds like a prima Dona and his standoffish attitude towards his castmates during auditions sounds incredibly rude. (I’m sure it’s nerve wracking to audition, just like going out for any job in any field.) So now, since they all got the job they can go in for a virtual group hug as they recall how arrogant he was? Doesn’t sound too far off from Sonny.
Yeah I found that disturbing also. Laura Wright must’ve already been nervous about leaving Guiding Light (where she was very popular and successful) for GH in the first place, and then to have Maurice Bernard behaving like that? No wonder I’ve never cared for him.
Josh and Amelia still at times show sexual chemistry with eachother. Hilarious read
Here is my two cents (some may say it’s only worth 1.99) on the Corinthos Family. Whether or not anyone agrees with me here is inconsequential to me, but they are a CORE family. I read about the Hardy’s being the core family. Well most of the Hardy’s are gone from the show. Some dictated by actor’s passings and others by actors leaving said show. The Quartermaines are still portrayed as a CORE family as well. Monica, Tracy, Ned, Dillon, Michael …they constantly speak of the family past like Edward and A.J and Lila. I like the story of the… Read more »
I agree with your comments. Thank you for taking the time.
Old is not necessarily good or Royal or regal or best. Sometimes it’s just old.
Agree totally, I don’t like all the bashing people do, if you don’t like it turn the channel lol, Always loved GH always will
Mateo, Thanks for the post I wish I had written. I am old and I don’t want to go backwards on the soaps. Hopefully they are not all taken off the screen before I die. A continuation of a story, the way soaps do it, is different than even the Movies with 1, 2,3 etc. behind the titles. It is almost a lost art form. I remember 15 minute soaps, and radio shows. There is no way I want a bunch of people walking around pure as snow on any show I want to watch every day, and there is… Read more »
Wanda, sigh. I am so tired of that refrain. ” If you don’t like it, turn it off” is a silly refrain. You don’t want viewers to turn it off, hence causing ratings to plummet thereby leading to cancellation. Soapstix, no one said anything about going back into time. Folks just want good and solid story telling which adheres to the basic story board concept. That yearning has nothing to do with a craving to go back into time. In essence, what folks are complaining about is the adjective “royal” being applied to the mob family. Yes, the Corrinthos are… Read more »
We are so FAR from seeing the older generation too much. We almost never see Felicia! She’s been in a total of 4 episodes in 2016. Look at the other soaps; we are on the opposite spectrum. We don’t have one Classic SuperCouple. Not one! Every family but the Corinthoses has been gutted and every attempt to bring them back has been derailed. We are asking that they use the 70s-80s characters and build up their families with younger ones as well. It’s not even so much about age as a continuation of Guza and Phelps’ GH. Sonny is not… Read more »
Very well said, JMER!
I thoroughly enjoyed your post, Mateo. No bashing here, LOL. No matter the speculations; the critiques; the obstinate opinions I may put out there, I, too love GH. Better than not having a show at all. I second your YAY, GH!!
@Harry. Thank you, Harry. No one could explain IT more explicitly and concisely as you have. Without criticism ( not bashing, as some suggest) these boards would be so bland, wouldn’t you say? My guess is, Mr. Fairman EXPECTS a fair (lol) amount of it……with limitations, of course. ‘Peachy’ comments cannot always be the thing. We all love GH, but we also have brains where we are given this fantastic and freeing opportunity to discuss what we love, dislike, appreciate and condemn (lol). The Corinthoses are far from ROYALTY; at least, my envisionment of the definition. Sure, they are royalty,… Read more »
I miss Tom and Alice, the Mathews family, the Bauers and Hughes…and Mike and Nancy Karr…Bruce and Van Sterling, Maeve and Johnny. Ryan..and Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Green Jeans..lol…these are your Royals!!!
I miss Tom and Alice too, Jimmy, but I also miss Herman, Lily, Grandpa, Eddie and Marilyn, LOL!
I dont miss Herman and Co. that much…i have my own Munsters for relatives-lol
Funny you say that I saw the DVD for the first season of The Munsters while shopping lol.
My first thought right away was why weren’t the Quartermaines chosen as the GH royal family? That’s sad that the mobsters were chosen instead.
I am glad to see the Hortons on there, they are the best. And I do like how close everyone was to Frances Reid, especially Melissa Reeves and Kristin Alfonso.
I guess after reading all the posts, the Corinthos are the relevant core family in 2016. Sonny, like the mustache, like them or hate them, set the tone on their soaps with their families.
When was the last time Sonny’s kids were mad at him. Why weren’t Sonny’s kids mad at him for lying to them for weeks on end about being able to walk. I wish we had more Spencer family scenes. The only one of sonny’s family I like is Dante and sometimes Michael.
ok..
I have to say..
I see very low comprehension skills.
Too many yelling about- ”they are not ”core” families.
They were said to be ”Royal Families” not core anything.
The Corinthos are ;;Royalty;; of GH ..
royalty;
kings and queens and their families
^^ that is them ..
it was not ‘Core’ families.
It is ‘Royal’ families.
(( Legacy/ Lineage of the original forefathers= core families.
descent in a line from a common progenitor..
The originals the Lineage is long gone.
0ooh well what difference does it make LOL 🙂
Oh, SuzieQ. I just can never get enough of your comments. Soooo appealing they are to me….in a roundabout way!!!!! Luv-ya.
Suzie Q? That’s a man! Lol.
There are no kings and queens in the Corinthos duo, just a spoiled pair of hypocrites who THINK they’re above everyone else. What makes it worse is that we, the viewers, have to listen to their arrogance as they gloat about everything horrible they’ve done and everyone they pass judgment on from Alexis and Ava’s supposed threat as a mother to AJ and Franco. We sit, helpless to tell them to shut it, hoping one of the other characters will talk about THEM.But no, Hayden, Nicolas, Franco, our dearly departed AJ are punching bags while Sonny and Carly are proclaimed… Read more »
su, I re read your post and the article…refers to the Corinthos clan as royalty AND a core family. So, again, no ” low comprehension skills….” on the part of posters u were sorta mocking.
When I fondly think back and fondly remember the Quartermaines, I remember the Quartermaines as being (among other things) compelling, entertaining, intriguing, LOL hilarious and multi-dimensional. As far as I’m concerned, those Corinthos are N-O-N-E of those things!!!!! N-O!!!!!
Jay, you are right on, Brother! I am with you 100%. It’s too bad that TPTB don’t get it…
Hey, James, I do believe that ‘they’ believe the misconception begets viewers. Does it? I can only speak for myself. I can only take this mob-thing in small doses. But, when storylines are saturated with slick Sonny and cohorts (his family and then some), the original concept of any soap loses integrity, big time!! I am not a long-time watcher, but I have gleaned enough to entertain opinions. I do not even consider Michael ( AJ’s son) a Corinthos. He should be made to be the black horse here, eventually….done with finesse…..Change his psyche, somehow. TPTB aremagicians….sooooo…. I cannot dispute… Read more »
Your accompanying photo of the GH stars (the Corinthos family) is at the heart of what is wrong with GH. This is one so-called “royal” family I cannot stand. The Corinthos saga has “royally” devastated GH for more than 2 decades. The focus on Sonny and Carly has been at the detriment of many vital characters and storylines. Glorifying a snarky, abusive, ill-tempered mobster who never gets comeuppance for any of his crimes, including murder, is disgusting, irresponsible, and unforgivable; further, it sends the wrong message to viewers. Okay, I am ready for the slings and arrows, but I would… Read more »
James…of course, you won’t hear any arguments from me, Brother!!!!! Also, to glorify those Corinthos as a, uh, Royal Soap Family (or whatever) does nothing but give me the creeps and it leaves a horribly bitter taste in my mouth. And, GH putting Sonny The Scumbag in a wheelchair was BEYOND INSULTING!!!!!
Later, Brother.
Thanks for the backup, Brother! We are not alone…
Yep!!! There are MAYBE five posts in support of this soul draining, disgusting “family”. And most are written or re written by the same 3 delusional people. Lets get a paradigm shift happening on tbis once beloved show!
You are NOT alone; just read the comments. The Corinthi are killing GH.
And one more thing: putting a murderous character in a wheelchair as a sympathy ploy is ill-conceived, and it is an affront to those decent people for whom any disability is a way of life…
How right you are, James. But, be that as it may, the ploy did not work on me, or you, or you, or you, or you. LOL. I do not venerate murderers and distorters of the truth.
Funny how a few have yet to pick up on this deceitful maneuver. Trick of the trade, I guess…..if one falls for it.
Thank you, Celia! And your characterization of this as a “deceitful maneuver” is spot on!
Celia, this is in response to your other reply, which has no “Reply” button: Yes, you, Jaybird, Tristan, and many others on here feel the same way. You mentioned, “saturated with slick Sonny and cohorts.” It is oversaturation gone amok! Best to you, Friend!
@Jamesj75.
Thank you, James. This is how some of us regard anything Sonny. I, for one, will certainly not sugarcoat what mine eyes behold just to go with the flow. Goes against my principles.
I appreciate the beauty of truth, dear friend.
@Jamesj75.
PS, James. What are the chances Elizabeth and Hayden are sisters? How ironic would that be that both Haden and Lizzie, as they rose from their roll on the floor, both said MOTHER!! Hilarious.
Hayden, not Haden.
Interesting that the bulk of the comments are anti-Corinthos. I understand from Michael’s explanation why they were chosen. But like most people here-it’s a travesty that Frank thinks they are the best GH has to offer. Sonny has NO redeeming qualities, Carly gets more shrewish every day and they’re not fun to watch. Sonny’s recent scenes with Ava were just disgusiting and misogynistic. Carly drooling about trying to keep yet another kid from its natural parent–what’s soapy about that? Everyone in PC most worship Sonny. TPTB took a great storyline–Michael turning against Sonny for killing his bio dad and screwed… Read more »
In my opinion, Maurice Bernard is a very decent human being, though not perfect. The fact he would even consider letting people know more about his own affliction of being bipolar puts him high on my list. General Hospital is the only show that has done anything with mental illness to date, that is worth even talking about. The Y&R is completely botching it daily. Back to Maurice/ Sonny, Maura/ Ava… When you watch these two people on your screen, you may hate one or both, because they are what daytime is about. They are actors, actors, and so is… Read more »
Brava, Lucy!!! I agree 100%%%%%%%
thanks–this was all so illuminating
Lucy, People can act outraged all they want about the comments, but it has been going on for some time and swelling up; fans have had enough.
Twitter is much, much worse and blunt. Fans have remained mostly nice over here.
It’s a matter of taste and the producer is supposed to reflect that. If the audience doesn’t buy into it, the ratings are low. It is a large concern. Much larger than this one article.
Lucy, I love your post. My feelings exactly!
Thank you.
I love the Corinthos Family!!! Funny to hear how they got hired n now they are a close knit family!!! Thanks for sharing this Michael!!!
oh my god… just because it’s written that Maurice Benard… taking “advice” from Anthony Geary…. write/cast me a family ??? this is what we get… after all these years ???? they are dulling down… they are the worst part … they are NOT in the least… interesting it’s so obvious that the show.. is featuring in and around… the Corinthos’ who gives a bleep that they are inclusive… because of having ex amount of characters to support… reasoning they are DULLARD what needs to be said GH has a huge cast you feature all else outsideof the Corinthos clan… and… Read more »
Well that’s your opinion. I don’t find the Corinthos Family boring n I enjoy what they bring onscreen!!! Also love what Brian the comment below wrote!!! Thanks again Michael for sharing this!!!
Wow, so much hate and vitriol written here. I think the majority of the commenters here have a lot of nerve. Michael Fairman took the time to share something with us that he himself wrote, that was exclusive to the Emmys show program, which we wouldn’t have been able to see otherwise, and all anyone can do is crap all over it, and stomp their feet like children because they don’t like that the Corinthos Family was picked as GH’s “royal family.” I don’t think this was the time or place to rant and rave about what you like or… Read more »
No one’s picking on Michael. It’s just pretty obvious that many viewers don’t like the Corinthos clan dominating the show–as is underscored by the sorry state of GH ratings
Yes, Lucy!!!!
hi Lucy..
The chorinthoes are the only family with a family.
They are the strong family, the family members are the ones active.
There are no other families with active members.
Q’s.. Tracy and Dillion
Cassadines.. Nikolas and young Spenser
etc etc the Corinthos are the only family with active members, a family of 5 adults and also the young children.
Contents [hide]
1 The early years (1963–77)
2 Cultural phenomenon and supercouple pairings (1978–87)
3 The transition (1988–91)
4 Era of “womansense” (1992–2000)
5 New millennium, mob era (2001–11) 5.1 2001–04
5.2 2005–06
5.3 2007–08
5.4 2009–10
5.5 2011
6 Remodeling and resurgence (2012–present) 6.1 2013
6.2 2014
I can’t pinpoint with accuracy… when … GH “remodeled and resurged with story WITHOUT Mob…
from the time frame above… GH turned from 2011 to 2015
NOW all J and S are doing… is featuring nothing but… mob related story and it’s all about the Corintho’s
so… yes… I agree with @Lucy
YOU GO, GIRL!!!!!
No one is picking on Michael F ( I loooove him) or on Maurice. We are discussing Sonny-talk here and what his character represents. ‘Tis very sad, indeed, when some of our comments are misread or misconstrued.
Hi Brian:
Thank you so much for your post on this thread. I too, thought with a piece featuring over 21 performers from the soaps talking about each other and fun tidbits and scenes and moments they shared would have been of interest to fans, and that is something rarely done, that would have not received such a negative backlash. It certainly gives me pause to think twice about spending so much time conducting interviews and features.
I am glad you enjoyed the piece, and its true intent.
Best always,
Michael
You are the BEST, Mr. F.
Michael,
As you can see the comments are not directed at you. Yes you hit a nerve when declaring the Corinthos clan as GH royalty, but that is because many view this clan as the ruination of this show, especially in the last decade. I for one enjoy all your interviews and features as do many others who feel passionately about these characters. Please, however respect those opinions because they are valid. There is obviously a reason for it that cant be ignored.
Michael, as I stated to Brian, we appreciate you sharing this with us. You must love all the attention this has gotten? We are ALL passionate about our soaps and the behavior of its characters. ANY of these actors who walked into a room, I would praise them for pissing me off! Thanks Michael.
Michael we love you and we love your website. Thank you for providing this forum for us! I just wish that the showrunners would read this forum!! Viewers speak loud and clear on here! To sum it up…..too much mob on GH…….too much misery ln DAYS…….too much incest on B and B…….and too much Victor on Y and R. We know soaps can and should be better…but its like tbe writers and producers are reading these…..and giving us fans the big middle finger……and doing tbe EXACT opposite of what we want! Contrary to Chuck Pratt ‘S opinion……..writers absolutely have to… Read more »
Michael, I loved this article about the soap families and think it was a creative idea on your part but best of all the Corinthos family are my favorite current family on soaps. I am so happy that Frank and Jelly have rebuilt the Corinthos family (this is the strongest and most united they’ve ever been) with Sonny and Carly getting married for love and family which weren’t always the reasons they got married in the past. I am thrilled that Michael returned to the fold and they brought Kristina back to town. I loved how the entire family came… Read more »
Brian, we appreciate Mr. Fairman’s article. It was entertaining. What HE must like is it has over 100 replies! Its a discussion. We are ALL fans. No disrespect. Its truthful honest fun!
No one has said a negative word about Michael! This site is awesome! The subject matter is polarizing however, and that is what people are ranting about! We want our show back! It has been far too long! Twenty years of mobsters as heroes is MORE than plenty!!
I believe the Corinthois family is number 1 on gh right now. Whether or not there royalty is everyones own opinion. Its unbelieveable the bashing people are doing on them right now. Yes Sonny Corinthois is a mobster and that will probably never change but what makes him interesting is he is both good and bad. The best part about him is his love for his kids ( would literally walk through fire for them) no matter what. Another thing what mobster do you know who doesnt deal with drugs and prostitution. He is flawd so is everyone, he was… Read more »
I dont get where you see Sonny is both good and bad. I challenge you to give me ONE single instance where Sonny was “good”. He shot his own son, an unarmed cop, point blank in the chest. He thretened to murder Carly a few years ago. He turned on the child he kidnapped. He murdered AJ in cold blood. He is a savage disgusting greasy pig!!! He gleefully threatened to murder AvA, a woman pregnant with his son! Buf we all know it is not his kid, it is Morgan’s. Sonny has never been good in any way shape… Read more »
Right, Dylan. And, now Hallowed Sonny is about to swallow Ava whole. Anaconda !! Why? Because he is the better parent. Isn’t that what TPTB are trying forcing on us? Carly, the exemplar, nurturing mother and Sonny, the all-American virtuous Dad. What galls me is that Carly actually said Avery is safer with her and Sonny. WOW!! Ava’s transformation from a determined, strong feline with sharp claws, has been turned into a meowing kitten with a bent backbone. Why? To crown Sonny and Carly king and queen. There is one statement, by Soapstix,……”….they are interesting to me for their flaws….”.… Read more »
How about when he stood by Carly several times in the past when they didnt deserve it. He helped bring Brenda son back to her, stood by Connie during her breakdown, was willing to sign over his kids and stay out of there lives in the past. Are we forgeting how great he was with Stone and Robin in the past. Right now helping Morgan deal with his illness and become a better man. Yes he shot Dante when he didnt know he was his son, but he also took a bullet that was meant for Dante. He normally only… Read more »
By the way when I say there are worst people im specifically referring to Julian who had Duke killed and stabbed a man he thought of as his friend to death. On top of all that he brings Alexis into his mess. Think what you want about Sonny he would never involve Carly in his business. Sonny has actually matured recently by allowing Ava to see Avery even though she doesnt deserve it. Ava is a cold blooded killer who murdered the woman he loved over a secret that was later discovered.
Dylan, thanks for your reply to me elsewhere in this thread! I’ve had a chance to read all your posts here (and all those of Celia’s), and I am thrilled that we and many others are fighting the good fight against this despicable character who is paraded as “royalty.” It makes me want to puke…
I have referred to the character of Sonny with many disparaging words, but I bow to you with your words: “savage disgusting greasy pig!” And we’re supposed to tune in everyday to root for this guy?!?!?!
So GH had to agree to the family that was chosen as it’s royal family, per Michael’s response to a poster. We all know from the writing on the show and Frank V’s comments that he thinks the Corinthi are the stars of the show. But I think Frank and ABC are really out of touch with what long-time GH viewers want: stories and screen time for core characters and families who are not mobbed up, like Laura, Liz, the Qs, the Scorpios, Anna DeVane, the Cassadines, etc., and the resurrection of core families such as the Hardy clan, the… Read more »
Exactly Trudy. Featuring the Corinthos is just another attempt by the network to shove them down our throats. Hint to ABC: look at the ratings–it’s not working
I am wondering why some posters say Corinthi and not Corinthoses. That is the pluralization of Corinthos, not Corinthi, if one is to follow English grammar etiquette.
As a linguist ‘i’ is added to the plural of Italian names, not Greek? (Corinthos is Greek, I believe. Derivative of Corinth).
If I am missing something, please explain. Eager to learn, LOL. Thanks.
Wow some of these comments are crazy. We all get it the Corinthos family are not like the Quartermaines. If this was 20 years ago i would say yes to another family being on top guess what its not we are in 2016 and currently the core family on gh are the Corinthos. As far as ratings go did everyone not hear about the Emmys where gh took home most of the awards and won the Outstanding Drama Series. Honestly Michael I would feel the same way as you some people are so ungrateful and dont understand this is a… Read more »
That’s another thing. Please refrain from using the word HATE. no one hates anyone on these boards. We all appreciate Michael Fairman and what he does. He gives us precious gifts each day. He is just as passionate about the soaps as we are. I thank him with all my heart….these remaining soaps are such a legacy to me; going back to childhood. Thus, I doubt any of us would diminish what Mr. Fairman does. Please take the time to really read/comprehend the message all of us try to impart. If we hated, we would not be watching. Just the… Read more »
Im entitled to my own opinion and the way people are responding to this article is a form of hate. If you dont like how i said something than grow up and act differently. For the record I never said anyone hated Michael just the piece he took time to write for the fans.
Ashley, viewers are entitled to dislike characters…intensely…and hate the status they’re given on a show. That doesn’t mean we can’t differentiate fact from fiction or are haters nor does it have anything to do with being “ungrateful.” We’re expressing our opinion of characters, not Mr. Fairman, so it seems you are rhe ine who didn’t understand, in this case, what was being expressed.
Hope we’rs all on the “same page”now…
Your right viewers can dislike certain characters on a show the way some of the viewers express it says everything. When I hear comments about I never liked this actor to begin with or this character shouldnt be front and center. Even though certain actors have been carrying the show for over 20 years it is very much ungrateful as a loyal fan to bash them. At the least the actor portraying these characters for so long have earned your respect. In other words there is a time and place for everything. This wasnt the place to leave some of… Read more »
Ashley…I’m not “grateful” to any actor. If I think he or she is a good actor I can appreciate how good they are at their craft.
And of course this is the “time and place” to leave comments…that’s what any site with topics open for discussion are about. No one bashed anyone…we expressed our disagreement with the way these particular fictional characters are esteemed, “fictional” characters who rub many of us the wrong way. It’s time the writers on GH paid attention.
Im done trying to explain the error of your ways. Unfortunately some of the viewers are to ignorant to comprehend what is being said to them not just by me but Mr. Fairman as well. Yes you should be grateful or there wouldnt be a show on air for you to dislike so intensely. You can dislike a charcter on a show (some I dislike) still show respect to an actor, but unfortunately some don’t seem to know how to do that. I suggest if you dislike what the show has become so much to just stop complaining and watching… Read more »
Ashley, since Mr. Fairman has very strongly and rightly requested respect for our fellow posters, I will tell you, with all due respect, to know who you’re addressing and what their opinion is before you make accusations that don’t apply. If you were addressing “you” in a broad sense to anyone who doesn’t like the show…you’re still out of line. if you were specifically talking about me you simply don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m a big fan of GH and usually defend characters…not the other way around. So please go back to your corner and figure out who… Read more »
Sonny allowed Ava to see her own daughter, Ashley? Ava has custody of Avery and the only reason Ava acquiesced to his demands was because he and Carly are blackmailing her. How ROYALLY noble!! As someone else has stated on another site, Carly and Sonny plucked Michael from AJ and brainwashed him against his own father. Adoring Sonny is tantamount to upholding Beelzebub. Ava and Sonny are both cold blooded murderers; not just Ava. And, you are absolutely right….Julian is just as a Blackheart as Sonny; as Ava; as Paul….and, the list goes on. I think the difference here is… Read more »
My comments were/are directed towards those who decided to approach me in a specific way. I will continue to speak my mind and never (go in a corner) because im very much an adult. Like i have said before people can express their opinions however they feel regarding a character (even that has limits). Show respect to the actors and writers who have earned that much from the fans.
.
Your right and it was great of Ava to bully a man in a wheelchair that caused him to lose custody of his daughter. There have been many occasions where Sonny says his kids deserve a better father or he isn’t in a good business. He ownes up to his wrong doings, has said that he’s killed people and will probably go to hell. The issue with some viewers is everything that goes wrong is blamed on him and that is not the case. Like I said before he is both good and bad, best part about him is his… Read more »
@Ashley.
Good. More power to you, Ashley. We should all be allowed to express ourselves, regardless……the purpose for these boards. Just one thing. You crossed the line when you called those who do not share your sentiments, ignorant and beyond comprehension.
I am not here to chide, or argue. I have no bone to pick. I respect your opinion; why would I not? It is fun to exchange thoughts and ideas whether we agree with each other or not.
Nonetheless, the rest of us are entitled to our opinions, as much as you are….with all due respect.
When i say Sonny has become a better man I’m referring to his bond with his children. He has been helping Morgan with his bipolar disorder. He has also been there for Michael with the Sabrina situation. When Dante needed to talk to his dad about Lulu Sonny was there. Finally after years of destroying each other Sonny and Carly are able to talk through their issues like adults.
Cee Cee, dont get pulled into someone else’s bad day. We love and respect who you are and what you know. It amazes me that we are all supposedly adults here and the name calling and accusations keep spinning and spinning and then Mr. Fairman will have to jump in and chide us all because of personal attacks. I know how wonderful you are and a bit of your background. You have lived and conquered things that most could not and should not have to do! Luv ya!
Ummm, in the interest of a new page, hello, Celia. And yes, I know who you are. I thought being in agreement was a pleasant, lol, moment for us. I come in peace… 😉
@Timmm.
Again, my Timmmy, you have brought me to my knees. Your words of confidence and praise are a comfort. And, you are right: sometimes we step into someone else’s bad day. Life is fleeting, my friend. I hold no grudge or resentmrnt.
It is people like you who make this world a better place….and Michael Fairman. Where’s Shay? LOL.
I love you, Timmmbo.
@Rebecca1.
Thank you.
Some of these comments are hilarious. You start a debate with me about something I posted then get upset when I defend myself. Tell me I’m unable to comprehend what is being said. This is beyond funny, by the way I’m having a great day.
@Ashley. Actually, Ashley, I was defending myself and others whom you referred to us as ‘haters’, after our comments. These are your words : “i am tired to explain the error of your ways”. Who were you talking to? A child? Someone who did not know her/his own mind? Error of our ways, indeed!! Then, you go on saying, “Unfortunately, some of the viewers are too ignorant to comprehend what is being said to them, not just by me but Mr. Fairman, as well”. So, here we are, Ashley. I never said you were unable to comprehend….you said I, and… Read more »
Really so you didn’t respond to a post I originally wrote to say I need to read and comprehend what is being said. I must be seeing things then. You try to pick at someone else point of view then get a attitude when I speak my mind. Why are you taking what I said personally when I never said specifically who was being a hater. The people I were originally commenting on were those who disrespected the actors not charcters. So maybe next time don’t start an argument/ debate over a comment that was never directed towards you. You… Read more »
I wish Bell would make more Forrester characters front and centre, I’d love Kristen, Felicia and Thorne to be onscreen.
The Corinthos family is now the Royal family of GH especially in the recent years with the grown children and the rekindling of Carly and sonny. They are strong, loving, and loyal to each other. Sonny is finally being portrayed as a good father (yes we all know he’s a mobster, but even that is so downplayed lately). And, he has been good to his kids. As a loyal fan of GH for over 25 years, the Quartermaines used to be “the family”, but they have killed off so many over the years, with only Tracy consistently and occasionally Monica,… Read more »
The intent of this article became secondary to many of us GH fans who got stuck on Sonny and Carly described as “royalty.” Lol, like playing telephone where you start out with one scenario and by the time it gets to fhe last person it’s completely changed. Well, it’s sorta like that! 😉 I think I speak for many of us (could be wrong but that’s my impression) when I say I don’t want Sonny or Carly, or Maurice and Laura, gone. Sonny Corinthos, Carly…they’re a big part of the show and characters I expect/want to see. What I DON’T… Read more »
One of my favorite storylines and times in the history of the show was Stone’s battle with AIDS, and the involvement of some great characters, Robin, Sonny, Brenda, etc. I loved the writing team in the 90’s. I used to rush home from high school to turn on the television to watch Sonny and Brenda, my favorite super couple of all time. Besides the mob storyline they were involved in, the storylines seemed somewhat believable-about relationships, friendships, love, betrayal, hurt, forgiveness, reconciliation, etc.. People could identify somewhat with what the characters were going through. Time was invested in the character’s… Read more »
So, so happy to see the response against the Corinthos clan. God I hate them. Why can’t Frank and the writers see this as well.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Alison Sweeney on Working with Bryan Dattilo: “28 Years Later, Some Things Never Change. Still Laughing Between Takes and Grateful to Have Such a Talented Supportive Co-Star”
Days Of Our Lives
Kevin Spirtas Talks ‘After Forever’s’ Digital Special ‘Riley’s Unforgettable School Project’, The Loss of Michael Slade, and a Chance to Reprise DAYS Craig Wesley
The coronavirus pandemic has put to the test many content creators on just how they would keep their projects moving forward in ways they never dreamed of. However, out of that situation has come some of the most compelling, unique series, specials, and features currently streaming for viewers. One of which is Riley’s Unforgettable School Project, brought to you by the team from the six-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning series, After Forever.
Former Days of our Lives star, Kevin Spirtas (Ex-Craig Wesley) has starred in and created the first two seasons of what has become the most honored Emmy-awarded LGBTQ-themed drama series on any platform. Along with his ‘After Forever’ writing/producing partner, the late Michael Slade (DAYS, OLTL, Passions, Another World), the two also conceptualized and delivered this latest documentary-style offering now on Amazon Prime Video.
What makes Riley’s Unforgettable School Project so noteworthy is not just how they were able to execute the series based on fictional 11-year-old Riley’s virtual school project and utilize its cast, which includes: Spirtas, Cady Huffman, Jamison Stern, Lenny Wolpe, Erin Cherry, Anita Gillette, Christopher J. Hanke, and Finn Douglas, but that it was made while Slade was succumbing to his battle with cancer, and that this special marks the final script from this talented writer.
Michael Fairman TV spoke with Spirtas about making the special during Covid-19, how the death of Michael Slade has made a lasting impact on his life, what After Forever has personally meant to him, and how an official third season is still in the works, and … if he would consider a return to Salem and Days of our Lives, should they come a-calling. Here’s what Kevin had to say about it all.
Photo: AfterForever
I think the entire story of this digital special has become even more meaningful with Michael Slade’s passing. What was the genesis of the concept? You wanted to continue the telling of the story of After Forever … but we are all in the middle of a pandemic?
KEVIN: Yes and… when we filmed season 2, we had the scripts for season 3 already completed. It was our hope and desire to film them at the same time, back-to-back, so that we would have had all of our cast and crew together, and we could have gotten through it because we’ve always imagined this story being told in a trilogy so to speak – a beginning, middle, and end to Brian (Spirtas) and Jason, (Mitchell Anderson) and Brian’s healing or his steps towards healing through grief. Schedules turned out that they couldn’t really work out for us to hold all the people and hold all of the sets for that amount of time. So, we thought, “We’ve got the scripts for season 3 ready. We’ll come back to it in the following year,” and that was always the intention, and then the pandemic hit. So, it was shut down immediately that we weren’t going to do anything, but we wanted to stay current, and instead of going back in and telling the third installment of After Forever as a Covid-19 story as well, Michael and I sat down and looked at a way of staying relevant and current with a story within COVID, and there was born the idea to do this documentary style story/special about the characters of After Forever told through the lens of the character of Riley, the 11-year-old boy, who is now being homeschooled during the pandemic. He gets an assignment to do a project about the most unforgettable person he has ever met, and he, of course, chooses his best friend, the late Jason Adams, and he enlists all of Jason’s friends and family to join in. Michael actually said, “What if we tell a story about Riley being homeschooled?” And, not only is Riley a technical genius at 11-years-old in the story, but Finn Douglas, who plays Riley, is a technical genius.
And didn’t Finn perform and write the song “Forever There” contained within the special?
KEVIN. Yes. He is this incredible musician. Michael thought, “What would it be like if we asked to have the character of Finn sing a song for Jason?” I said, “Well, what kind of song would we have him sing?” Finn could play anything, I’m sure, because he’s self-taught, he plays by ear – guitar, piano, and drums. Michael said, “What if we ask him to see if he could write a song?” and when we heard this song, we all called each other and we all got on Zoom and went, “Can you believe this song? Can you believe this came out of this 11-year-old?” It’s pretty incredible. Michael did a gorgeous job of weaving the stories in and out and how they just sort of dove-tailed into each other, and then it was framed by Riley opening the project and ending the project. During the Zoom reading we wanted to hear the song out loud. We said to Finn, “Would you want to sing the song?” We all just watched everybody on that Zoom call just fall apart. It was just so beautiful. He’s an amazing talent.
Where is your character within this?
KEVIN: I still stand in the center of the story of Jason because my character, Brian, was married to Jason, and it sort of connects us all, and through Riley’s understanding of how we all connect to Jason, is how we are all sort of spread out throughout the story. Michael jokingly said, “You know, you’re not going to be the star of this special,” and I said, “I don’t think it’s about being the star. It’s really about the storytelling.” The beauty of Riley’s Unforgettable School Project is that we get to see moments of each person’s relationship with Jason, which Riley sets out to say, “Answer these three questions: What did you like most about Jason? What did you like least about Jason? And what’s your favorite memory?” Those three things, cut back and forth is where we all kind of fit in. Nobody has more of a story than the next person, and it’s all telling honest portrayals of how they’re dealing with their loss of their good friend, or their child, or partner.
It’s a very inventive idea during Covid-19 to continue it in a way where you weren’t having to go shoot a full season of episodes.
KEVIN: Well, we couldn’t. I have to say, Allison Vanore, who not only produced this special, but she also stepped up saying, “I’d love to direct this,” and I said, “Yes, please!” She knows the characters. She understands the story because she’s been a part of it for the last two seasons. Allison also has this extraordinary amount of knowledge and expertise with the camera and what was needed for a remote shoot, and to also be able to organize filming 13 people in 2 different countries and 5 different cities… that’s just the technical side of it, but having that in our back pocket, knowing that it was a remote shoot, we had to send the camera, the computer, the ring light, and the microphone to each person’s house. We had to location scout over Zoom. We had to do wardrobe over Zoom. It was all this big puzzle putting it together, and once you look at that board of storytelling and how we were going to do it, it kind of fell into place. I feel blessed that a) we still had Michael with us, at that point, and b) Allison had the know-how to do this. We all feel that at least this pandemic didn’t keep us from doing what we love.
Photo: AfterForever
In terms of the contribution of Michael Slade in this special, was it the construction of the story, and how was he able to work and write this during his illness?
KEVIN: Michael’s contribution to the special was no less than the contribution to season 1 and season 2, and the future of season 3, because the scripts are written. We did everything on Zoom, and we worked around his schedule of treatment. We scheduled 2 people per day, and we spread them out over two weeks. He was very present, and when there would be a day where he would say, “I’m going to be an hour late, let’s just push that call time,” I would ask, “Is this too much right now? We can shelve it; we can stop it.” He’d then say, “Absolutely not, otherwise cancer will win.” He was determined to stay focused and to stay active because it took his mind off of what was happening to him.
Photo: AfterForever
It would be lovely moment if you both were to win a Daytime Emmy for this project.
KEVIN: It’s our last collaboration together as a team, as I said, season 3 has been scripted, and it is on the calendar to get made. We are just waiting for the COVID restrictions to lift a little bit and everyone to get vaccinated. Michael was really hit hard with cancer – to stay healthy was so challenging for him. Sadly, he didn’t make it to see the final edit of the special, and he died four days before we launched, but he had seen the cuts before that and was very approving of it, and had made some decisions, and offered some suggestions, and if God gives him an Emmy for this, it’s not because he died. It’s because it’s great work. It just happens to be that the work that was involved in this particular special was very tricky. It brought up everything, like life itself to have to deal with. Here we are dealing with the loss of a colleague, the loss of a friend, someone’s brother, someone’s son, this is life imitating art, imitating art imitating life. I can’t tell you the darkness that I went through just experiencing the need to stay focused on getting everything edited, and everything ready, and everything aligned for a release of this project that we had put into motion. On top of it, our editor lost his mother just before Michael passed, and Allison’s mom was sick at the time, as well. It took a lot of heavy deep breaths with Michael’s death, and the pandemic, and the loss has, for me, on a personal level, sent me back to really questioning my spiritual muscle and to help remind me that we have to come out of this better than we went into this. I had many dark nights of the soul this last year, and December was probably the darkest. I feel like I’m just kind of coming out of it now with the spring revealing itself.
Photo: AfterForever
It must have been extraordinarily difficult for you to also go to New York during a pandemic and also knowing Michael did not have much time left.
KEVIN: I will say this: I am grateful that I was able to stay in touch with my heart and my instinct and go out to New York to let that be my remote location. Yes, maybe there was some risk involved. I wore my mask; I was Covid-19 negative, and I was determined to be fine. Once I got to New York, I would visit him very protectively with our masks and our gloves, and I’d sit across the room, and then I’d go back to the house I was at. It was a gift that I was able to see him at that time. We had some good talks then about how he was feeling, and I think he was still being optimistic, and then once we got the project in the can there was maybe this psychic letting go. That’s when everything really started to reveal itself as this could be the end. I did go back to see him when he was in hospice. I think I was there the last two days that he really was able to really stay coherent. He would close his eyes and be at peace and quiet for a minute, and he would finish a conversation and sort of close his eyes, not to sleep and not to go away, but I remember watching him going, “Look how peaceful he is,” and then he’d open his eyes and he’d remember that he is in this body that has been given a time limit of life, and he’s on his way out. I’d watch the fear go back in his eyes. At one point, he did say, “I’m so scared,” and I just held his hand, and I said, “I’m scared too. Let’s be scared through this together.” I don’t know how to navigate grief like that. We are all going to be in a position at some point where we are going to be on the other side of the hand holding. The wonderful thing is that we were able to have honest communication about our feelings. I thanked him for everything that he has done for me and how he believed in my talent and creativity and our partnership. I will always take that with me. I waved my finger at him, and I said, “Listen. Now, we wrote a series about a man talking to his deceased husband. You’d better talk to me!” So, we laughed about that.
Photo: AfterForever
You’ve done a lot of things in your career from Broadway to television, and of course, daytime fans know you best as Dr. Craig Wesley on DAYS. How does the entire After Forever project stack up to you within all that you have done?
KEVIN: Former DAYS casting director Fran Bascom, sought me out and offered me this 2-day role on Days of Our Lives, and those 2 days turned into 8 years, and unbeknownst to me at the time, the final 3 months of that contract of those 8 years, Michael Slade was brought in to write. We didn’t cross paths at that point, but years later, when we did cross paths in New York, and then After Forever was born, that was that universal crossing point. I am most proud of the fact that we were able create something fresh, and real, and personal to ourselves that we didn’t have to cater to any “powers that be” that had their vision and their tinkering, that they thought that it could be better in this way or that way. Then for After Forever to gain such recognition, within the film festivals, and the Emmys, and then, just after Michael died, we won the GLAAD award for Special Recognition this year. We don’t even fit into one of their categories! They found a way to acknowledge this project. If another Emmy happens again, that might be another one to put up on the shelf for After Forever that would be beautiful, and I couldn’t have done it without Michael.
For the Daytime Emmys this year, what category have you entered Riley’s Unforgettable School Project?
KEVIN: We are not a series this year, we are a daytime fiction special, and the “Daytime Fiction Special” category is a special class. It’s anything that’s digital in the construct of less than 40 minutes. NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) is being bombarded with so much content, they’re trying to find ways to put categories together.
Photo: JPI
So, now, when we last saw Days of Lives’ Dr. Craig Wesley, where was he? (Laughs)
KEVIN: (Laughs) He was in a flash from the past or something in the DOOL app’s Last Blast Reunion series. I had a fun time working with Patrika Darbo (Nancy) and Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe), once again.
So, if they were to want Craig to come back to DAYS, would you be all for it?
KEVIN: Hell yes!
Photo: JPI
Now, what story would you want to be told involving Craig?
KEVIN: When Craig was first on the canvas in Salem, there was a lot of mustache twirling and a lot of hand wringing. He was always plotting; most of the time with Nancy. It was kind of this high drama, evil villain storyline being told, but when the writers created an opportunity for us to be on after those first three months by bringing on Chloe without a father, there was something real about it. It may have been told under the construct of soap opera storytelling, but there was a reality-based story about, “You have a daughter, and we are just now finding out about it?” Then, finding a cure to her health was another realistic story, and finding out that Craig was her real father. Anything that’s reality based is what I’m getting to. I would welcome any job that brings me back and gives me an opportunity to dive into something real.
Photo: JPI
Would you welcome the opportunity to play a gay character on daytime; in a medium where there are very few represented in storylines?
KEVIN: I’d have no problem with that. Do you know anybody who is starting that? Let’s do it! (Laughs) First of all, there’s nothing to hide anymore. There’s nothing to pretend you’re not anymore. I would think that bringing in a storyline that deals with anything outside the norm that we are used to seeing would be interesting. How many times can you retell a story? How many times can you set the same story up with another couple? So, why not be diverse and have a stylized story being told through the lens of a gay person.
Photo: AfterForever
In closing, so many go through life without acknowledging people who had an impact them. We don’t give pats on the back, often enough, and especially in Hollywood, where people can be very self-involved. You have already paid tribute to Michael Slade in our discussion, but what gift from him is your personal takeaway?
KEVIN: The gift that Michael really gave to me is to remember to be kind to myself and to others, and to acknowledge and salute the person who is in front of us, because we don’t know when we will have, or if we will have, another moment to do that.
Now below, check out the trailer for Riley’s Unforgettable School Project. Then let us know, what do you think of its concept? Kevin’s thoughts on the passing of his collaborator on the project, Michael Slade? And, do you hope DAYS brings back Dr. Craig Wesley? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
Breaking News
REPORT: Dan Feuerriegel is DAYS New EJ DiMera
Could Days of our Lives finally found their new EJ? Rumors have been circulating on the internet for weeks that the character of EJ DiMera may finally have a new face and a new actor portraying and heading back to Salem, especially since Sami (Alison Sweeney) is back on the canvas.
The role was previously played by longtime fan favorite James Scott, who had made it very clear he would never return to Days of our Lives.
Photo: DFeuerriegelIG
Now according to Daytime Confidential and their report from setside sources, the new EJ will actually be played by former Spartacus actor Dan Feuerriegel.
The Australian-born actor has been seen in Starz’ Spartacus franchise in the role of Agron.
According to the report, look for the new EJ to make his debut sometime this summer.
DAYS fans know that in story, EJ was brought back form the dead, from the serum from Dr. Rolf, but then was injured in an explosion and had reunited with Sami and had been recovery in Europe.
So, if this reports turns out to be true, what do you think of the new EJ? Comment below.
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Former ‘Bachelor’ Colton Underwood Comes Out as Gay
Former Y&R Star Jason Canela Lands Recurring Role on ‘The Rookie’
DAYS Alison Sweeney on Working with Bryan Dattilo: “28 Years Later, Some Things Never Change. Still Laughing Between Takes and Grateful to Have Such a Talented Supportive Co-Star”
‘The Talk’ Returns as Sheryl Underwood Shares the ‘Trauma’ She Feels Over Incident That Led to Sharon Osbourne’s Exit
Kevin Spirtas Talks ‘After Forever’s’ Digital Special ‘Riley’s Unforgettable School Project’, The Loss of Michael Slade, and a Chance to Reprise DAYS Craig Wesley
Lynn Herring Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Her General Hospital Debut; and ‘We Love Lucy’
Y&R’s Sharon Case Shares Bittersweet Goodbye to Alyvia Alyn Lind: “We Wish You Well with Your New Endeavors & Of Course We Will Love & Miss You Always”
GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
‘Soap Con Live’ Event to Feature Panels from The Doctors, ATWT, OLTL, GH, Plus Virtual Meet & Greets
GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan Reveals Pregnancy News; She is Expecting a Baby Boy!
Lynn Herring Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Her General Hospital Debut; and ‘We Love Lucy’
Cailtin Reilly to Appear in General Hospital Tribute Episode to Her Father John Reilly
Joe LoCicero on His B&B Demise: “I Do Believe I’m Done Filming But it is a Soap Opera So Anything is Possible”
The Stars of Y&R and B&B Ask the Questions & Appear on Virtual Game Show ‘Soap Opera Know-It-All’
‘The Talk’ Returns as Sheryl Underwood Shares the ‘Trauma’ She Feels Over Incident That Led to Sharon Osbourne’s Exit
Former ‘Bachelor’ Colton Underwood Comes Out as Gay
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Don Diamont & Scott Clifton Shine In Father/Son Scenes; As Bill Watches Liam’s Meltdown Over the Accident that Killed Vinny
GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
The Stars of Y&R and B&B Ask the Questions & Appear on Virtual Game Show ‘Soap Opera Know-It-All’
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Takes Supporting Actress Honors for ‘7 Days to Vegas’ in Garden State Film Festival Awards
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick and Sharon Band Together to Help Faith in Crisis Reminiscent of Cassie Tragedy
Y&R’s Newman Kids Talk 48th Anniversary, Storylines, Camaraderie, and Take the Trivia Challenge
B&B Celebrates its 34th Anniversary Today
‘Days of our Lives’ Writing Team Bests ‘General Hospital’ for Daytime Drama WGA Award
TONIGHT: Lauralee Bell in V.C. Andrews’ Lifetime Movie ‘Pearl in the Mist’
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NewsApril 7, 2021Y&R’s Sharon Case Shares Bittersweet Goodbye to Alyvia Alyn Lind: “We Wish You Well with Your New Endeavors & Of Course We Will Love & Miss You Always”
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General HospitalApril 8, 2021GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
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As The World TurnsApril 8, 2021‘Soap Con Live’ Event to Feature Panels from The Doctors, ATWT, OLTL, GH, Plus Virtual Meet & Greets
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General HospitalApril 8, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode
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NewsApril 6, 2021Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan Reveals Pregnancy News; She is Expecting a Baby Boy!
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General HospitalApril 11, 2021Lynn Herring Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Her General Hospital Debut; and ‘We Love Lucy’
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General HospitalApril 14, 2021Cailtin Reilly to Appear in General Hospital Tribute Episode to Her Father John Reilly
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NewsApril 6, 2021Joe LoCicero on His B&B Demise: “I Do Believe I’m Done Filming But it is a Soap Opera So Anything is Possible”