General Hospital
GH's Roger Howarth Speaks Bringing Franco To Life, His Co-Stars & Soap Success!
Courtesy/ABC
He is elusive, a man of few words, but one of the biggest marquis names in the soap genre. Of course, we are talking about General Hospital’s Roger Howarth (Franco). Whether he is playing the dark side or the more loving side of Franco, or the complex Todd Manning of One Life to Live, or As the World Turns Paul, Howarth’s acting style is unique, profound, creative, and has been beloved by millions of television viewers since bursting on the scene in 1992.
Currently on GH, Franco has developed feelings for Nurse Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst), setting the stage for so much conflict with his arch-nemesis Jason Morgan (Billy Miller) and his wife Sam (Kelly Monaco). Franco’s “serial killer instincts” have also recently come into question during the investigation of the mysterious deaths that are running rampant inside the patient’s rooms at the hospital. And there was his ill-fated romantic entanglement with Nina Reeves (Michelle Stafford), but is that really over?
On-Air On-Soaps had a rare opportunity to speak with Roger at the recently concluded GHFCW, where he delighted the attendees not only with his appearance at the fan club main event with the cast, but at his joint event with longtime pal, Michael Easton (Finn, GH). While it was a bustling day for the popular star, Roger gave us a quick glimpse into his thoughts on his GH co-stars, how he brings the character of Franco to life, and a little flashback to One Life.
Rebecca Herbst has a very passionate fan base who always root for her getting the man she fancies in her life. Right now many of them are getting behind the pairing of the two of you now known as “Friz”! What has it been like for you working in a burgeoning romantic story with Becky?
Courtesy/ABC
ROGER: I really enjoy working with Rebecca. She is so good. It is very low key with us. I think we work in a similar way in terms of preparedness. Rebecca is really committed, and she’s great!
What are Franco’s feelings about this though? Is he in love with Elizabeth, but afraid that she won’t love him back?
ROGER: I can’t speak to that specific state of mind, unless you tell me when you are referring to it. In general, Franco seems to think a lot of different things at a lot of different times. But I think overall big picture: he is surprised at his own attraction to this person, and a little confused by it. I think that’s really interesting. There is some kind of playful part of him that seems to be confused that it was something that just showed up, and it wasn’t something he was prepared for. Particularly on the heels of his breakup with Nina (Michelle Stafford), which was over some pretty heavy adult set of conversations.
Speaking of Nina, Michelle Stafford told me she digs working with you. Do you think Franco and Nina are truly over?
Courtesy/ABC
ROGER: I like working with Michelle, too. I think Franco and Nina have a lot of value to them, and it’s a great pairing. I don’t think it’s an either or proposition. I think that if Franco and Nina were ever in the same room it would still be interesting.
Little Jake (Hudson West) and Franco’s performance at the GH Nurses’ Ball was so well received, and talked about by the viewers. Was that moment fun for you to do? It had so much emotional heart to it.
ROGER: It was super fun! It really was very sweet, and I am glad you liked it. It was a very simple story, which is what I liked about it.
It seems like the writers have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at you during your time as Franco. There have been plenty of twists and turns for the character including Franco’s brain tumor. How do you make sense of it all for yourself as the portrayer?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman
ROGER: It’s not unlike life. You can’t make sense of it on a day-to-day basis. (Laughs) I think my job is to manage the smaller strokes of what the day is like, and the big brush strokes belong to the people that write the show and actually create it. I’m just trying to keep up. (Laughs). It’s been a fun ride.
Fans always want to know how much of what they see on-screen in your performances is you infusing the lines of dialog for Franco with your own spin, or even ad-libbing, as opposed to what the writers have on the page.
ROGER: I think that’s what every actor does, but it can’t be antithetical to the purpose of the shooting day. So, ultimately the task is to figure out how to make those words come out of this mouth.
Franco also has a very unique bond and friendship with Dr. Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati). What do you think of their on-screen dynamic?
Courtesy/ABC
ROGER: I think their relationship is terrific! Kathleen Gati is a neat actor. One of the things I really like about Franco is he really is different when talking to different characters in his life. Todd on One Life to Live did this to some extent, too. When Todd would talk to Viki (Erika Slezak) he wouldn’t leave a dangling participle. Then when Todd was speaking with Dorian (Robin Strasser) it was this sort of snarky thing, and then between Blair (Kassie DePaiva) and Tea (Florencia Lozano) there were adjustments. I think in that way it’s like real life. People don’t talk to their grandmother in the same way they talk to their friends, or whomever.
In a recent piece in SOD, you spoke about how Erika Slezak, who played your sister Viki on One Life to Live, and that you felt she made you a better actor via her professionalism in the genre, etc. What can you say about Erika and how you learned from her? So many OLTL fans loved Todd and Viki’s scenes together over the years.
Courtesy/ABC
ROGER: Oh, she is a champ! I miss her. Erika was very supportive of me. I can’t say enough good things about her.
Jason and Franco have less than a stellar relationship. There is so much bad blood between them from their past. Now that Jason remembers his life prior to being “Jake”, and Franco is involved with Liz, things should definitely come to boil for these two. How has it been working with Billy Miller as an on-screen adversary?
ROGER: I love Billy. I don’t know how long he has been on the show now, but it seems it took a long time for Franco and Jason to reconnect. And those two have a real history there between them. I think there is value there, and it’s interesting. I think it would be cool to explore their relationship, and story more. Speaking about how people are different with different people, I have not yet figured out how would Franco behave with a real Alpha. There was always someone pushing on Todd, but on this canvas that was really a first, and I liked it.
Your popularity with the fans of this genre is off the charts! Were you surprised that starting off as the guy who played a rapist on One Life, would one day become one of those beloved, and respected actors on television?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman
ROGER: I am just grateful. I have had a lot of support for a long time, and that is no small thing. But I think your question is: “Was I surprised by it?” The answer is “Yes”. I think of myself as a worker bee, and I just go and do my thing. I hope that people like it, but there is still this weird part of me that is a little surprised if they do.
Looking back now, would you say ABC’s One Life to Live was a magical time in your career, or more of a difficult time?
ROGER: Magical is a big word. Difficult at times, certainly. It had its ups and downs, but I don’t feel that way about my current life, and current job. It’s been good. I am still traveling back and forth to New York to be with my family, and I know it’s not ideal, but people do it. I’m not breaking rocks at a salt mine. (Laughs)
So, are you rooting for Franco and Elizabeth to have a memorable love story on GH? Do you think Franco will eventually wind up back with Nina? What about Roger’s sentiments on how he views and creates the on-screen life of Franco? What do you feel makes him uber-popular with his audience and the fans of daytime? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
I am 100% on board for Franco/Elizabeth. I never would have thought to put them together but Roger/Becky have the “it” factor. Friz is fresh and being slowly developed like couples used to be.GH isn’t glossing over the past either.
On a soap where we’re expected to accept people coming back from the dead, wearing masks or absolving murderers as “romantic heroes” I can definitely accept that Franco’s tumor caused his psychosis.
Friz is one of the few things on GH that I think TPTB are getting right. Bravo to Becky/Roger for bringing this story to light.
True, along with creating Curtis
Yessss!!!! Viva Curtis. Hot! I am praying for a hook-up with a ‘sane’ Nina.
I love him in G H and wish his character was on every single day. Glad they killed off his character on Flash, maybe we will see more of Roger /Franco on GH
I also wish he was on GH every day! He could have been amazing on The Flash if they gave him ANYTHING to work with. He’d make a great villain on there! He’s an awesome actor who I’d wanna watch in pretty much anything AS pretty much anything!
I’m rooting for franco and liz 100 percent! I’m looking forward to what comes next.
I’m totally on board for Franco and Liz. I can’t believe I’m saying this, because I was a T&B forever fan, but this is working for me.
I must agree at this point in time, Margie. I think there is something very special between Franco and our Miss Lizzie. Just a few weeks ago, I would have vehemently protested because I loved Nina and Franco as a couple.
But, after all is said and done….Franco’s sweetness; his shyness, almost, around Liz warms my heart. Besides, I love Roger, LOL. Always have, no matter what!!
@Elizabeth.
Thank you for your reply, Elizabeth. I appreciate your little synopsis on Franco. But, as I have stated, I did not know Franco. I am a fairly new ‘watcher’ of GH.
I also did not really know Roger as Todd….I mostly knew Trevor as Todd. I was young; I barely ‘knew’ Roger’s Todd until he came back to OLTL.
Therefore, your inference does not apply here. I am not as ‘savvy’ with GH and other soaps because of my age.
What a child or a teen takes away from any story is completely different from what an adult comprehends.
I just happen to love Roger. However, if AJQ were to ‘cut-down’ a character, I would have no problem. I do it so much with Sonny, it’s amazing some of my comments get on the board.
This person attacked Roger in a very demeaning way….it becomes personal. He/she did it to me….very offensive. He/she has no clue who I am….that’s crossing the line.
He/she, by mowing over Roger, mowed over Mr. Fairman, diminishing his aim. That is, to give us a bit of insight to Roger’s essence and entertain us at the same time.
I had written an explanation to Shay, but it did not make it.
I repeat, if AJQ were to apply a little diplomacy and finesse, his/her comments would shine. So pessimistic, this person is.
Later, Elizabeth.
Sorry I missed your reply, CeeCee….I’m going to take a wild stab and surmise that it was about my AJQ response??? Needless to say, it was certainly not aimed at you, mia amica!….I didn’t even read your comments prior to posting, so I was speaking in broad generalities! It seems that every time there is an AJQ post, this person gets absolutely slammed for stating their unvarnished, unsentimental critiques of today’s GH and its players, but rather than focusing on the message and simply debating its contents, too many replies come down to just personally attacking the messenger for calling it as they see it! I’ve witnessed this time and time again! That’s what I was referring to….not only in regard to this specific thread, but all of AJQ’s often daring, cheeky commentaries. As I previously noted, I always read their concise posts with great interest and occasionally, a bit of amusement….from what I gather, he/she was once a GH fan who still keeps casually abreast of the show—yet now finds as much lacking in it as I often do, and has no qualms in saying exactly why they believe that is. Quite frankly, I find that most refreshing….and sometimes even entertaining!!!! And whilst it’s true that the sentiments are frequently not particularly pleasantly phrased or of the “sugar-coated variety,” I certainly wouldn’t rate them as the most offensive or nasty we’ve ever been subjected to….not by a long shot!!!! Additionally, it’s not as if these so-called “gems of negativity” are presented ad nauseam on a daily basis….just now and then when a germane subject is broached, and AJQ feels inspired to contribute. I can dig that. Not everyone comes here to take part in a group “fawnfest” or to form friendships….I look upon posters like AJQ as “change agents”….people who are trying to get through to TPTB in as blunt a manner as possible to save this soap before it’s too late! (That’s actually why I began my stint here….as someone who was expressing my extreme frustration with the direction of the show’s storylines, and particularly, its characters!!!! Alas, too much remains the same to this day…..however, I discovered another more positive dimension to MFSoaps in getting acquainted with some very engaging individuals….like you!!!!) But hey, different strokes for different folks! I can appreciate AJQ’s efforts without agreeing 100% with them or their sometimes caustic style….just as I do with many others who post here! I simply don’t understand why his/her remarks singularly elicit such hissyfits….we’re all (presumably) adults here, and just because the posts aren’t necessarily always diplomatically put doesn’t mean that they are totally without merit! Should one take issue with certain points made, then why not just address them rather than coming down with the vapors like little snowflakes who can’t handle the indignity of an original thought that doesn’t comport with their own view of things???? (Again, I don’t mean you…I’m talking collectively!) That’s all I was trying to get across in my remarks, CeeCeeGirl…but no offense was meant to you…not ever!
@Shay
My beautiful, Shay. You can’t imagine how it gladdens the heart to communicate with you, and get back into the rhythm.
I have read and reread your comment, closely scrutinizing it for a plausible reason for AJQ’s ‘estimation’ of Roger (in this case). Bur, I still see insolence; and, not by you.
We all need to remember that while we do speak generally, we are all part of the general public, including myself; unless a statement is specific, in order to clarify any misconceptions. But, that’s okay, Shay….I was just taken aback for a sec. LOL.
Believe me, I do agree with some of what AJQ has to say. I read his, once in a blue moon comments. Unfortunately most of his comments are depressing and demoralizing. Hit me, personally right between the shoulder blades. HaHa.
At the risk of sounding ‘snobbish’, I cannot find it within myself to answer to personal insults and cynicism. It will take time for me to come down the proverbial horse, and ‘mingle’. I am a very forgiving person.
This is starting to become a vicious circle, and I hope that the moderators allow me a little leverage to further express my thoughts….assuredly, this will be it! I think I have told you this Italian adage my husband’s grandfather said to me a few times…”The more you stir the caca, the more it stinks’…LOL. Sooo…..
I am more than certain that most posters do not agree to the bashing of actors. The ‘debate’ started with that. I have a very open mind; read all comments, and agree or disagree.
‘Analyzing’ characters and storylines is probably one of my favorite things to do….LOL. I guess I was influenced by my Scottish grandmother. In her company, you would be compelled to cover your ears. As the daughter of a bonafide ‘sailor’ (7 navy) ….she’ up there with the best of them….all the way…. LOL…(you know the type?), but, a lady just the same….yes, Shay, she’s an oxymoron personified. I digress, Shay…LOL.
I surely try not to insult actors, albeit I am not very charitable with some characters. I am getting better. My point? AJQ completely disregards the actors’s feelings, I do understand what he/she says …..that is, actors, in general, are in the public forum; therefore, easy targets, and should get used to it. I feel much the same way and said the same thing, until Mr. Fairman opened my eyes and pointed out that much of what we say about the character seeps into the actor, himself/herself. AJQ’s direct appellation of the actors, in this case, Roger, is hurtful.
I would feel so inadequate and mortified if someone came up to me and told me I was a lousy Physics teacher.
That’s my profession…..much the same way anyone, including actors, would feel.
This is the thing, Shay….this person creates strife, each and every time …..as seldom as that may be. He/she flagellates actor and poster, at will.
Then he/she exits the scene leaving havoc in his/her wake, and we are left thus, duking it out amongst ourselves.
Everyone else assumes and carries on his/her nonsensical cause. Some people have the talent of dexterously and methodically incite the ‘crowd’. TALE OF TWO CITIES, much? LOL.
As you can see his/her work is done!!!!
Furthermore, ma belle, diplomatically or not, I would love to read a happy, encouraging phrase from AJQ. He/she has such flair and flourish with the plume….imagine the outcome!!
Okay, now. The moderators must be sick of us, by now. So, au revoir, ma chere. “All’s well”.
I will start by saying that Roger seems like a nice guy, but this narrative about him, perpetrated by a very small number of superfans and amplified by the soap press is ridiculous.
His style is unique, profound and creative? He’s a scenery chewer who gives nods and winks to his superfans from another soap. He is doing schtick that separates the actor from the character and therefore makes the character a fail.
Franco has been a disaster in very large part because of Roger’s terrible portrayal. He came on with the ridiculous blonde hair, looking like a clown and acting like one. The initial scenes at the Haunted Star were embarrassing. He made terrible choices and the execution was awful. And then on through. His scenes when he thought he was Jason were comical although unintended, the scene on the bridge with Carly was cringeworthy. His scene in the graveyard which landed him on The Soup was some of the worst acting I’ve ever seen.
And just last week we saw him chewing a muffin, stuffing his mouth, licking his fingers because Todd used to eat or whatever.
All this talk of what a great actor he is nonsense. I read how everything he does is Emmy worthy yet he’s won one Emmy for best young actor and that was two decades ago. He hasn’t been nominated in over a decade.
Sorry, Franco is a failure, Roger appeals to a very small number of OLTL fans who got into Todd and GH suffers for his presence and for Frank’s continued dedication to his friends and trying to make GH OLTL.
The notion that his popularity is “off the charts” is based on what? Varni’s focus groups and the chatter from the same superfans over and over. If an actor was this popular, so loved by “millions” than GH wouldn’t be in the tank and the lowest ratings it ever achieved wouldn’t have been last August when Franco was front and center for a month.
Must disagree about his popularity!! I just returned one week ago from the GH Fan Club Weekend in Los Angeles! I attended probably 12 different events over that weekend, and by far the largest fan turnout was for Roger & Michael’s event!! They both stayed very late to accommodate photos & autographs!! Very impressed with both of these guys & totally impressed with their very large fan base (compared to other events that weekend)!!
U do know ur talking shit about roger in Michaels page right? Ur bashing roger and that is not ok
AJQ’s comments are thoughtful and thoughtfully expressed. There’s no trash talk at all. You just don’t agree with him.
In what world Mark Y are AJQ’s comments “thoughtful?” No “trash?” Did you skip the part…basically the entire comment, where he insulted Roger’s acting in every way possible?
I loved Roger on OLTL and GH as Todd but he doesn’t work as Franco. There is too much bad back history for us to like the character and what he has done. I can’t get passed it no matter how hard I try.
I can understand that, Jensen. It’s very easy to be disappointed by a character’s new role. But, I started watching GH about the same time Roger picked up the role of Franco. So, all I know is this Franco, not the original.
Nonetheless, I can definitely see your point.
And, Roger has always held a place in my heart…(OLTL)
Well Celia, then you are exactly the type of fan to which AJQ was referring. One who loved Todd and who wants to see Todd live on. I agree with most of what AJQ and Jensen said. I liked Todd on GH. I thought his character fit well on the canvas. But I was appalled when he returned as Franco and was quickly put into a romance with the mother of the guy he arranged to be raped in prison as if it was no big deal. Just the most tone deaf story ever seen on the show. And his relationship with Liz is not too far behind. GH is supposedly trying to attract a younger audience, but most of the people in the key demo don’t really appreciate stories about serial killing sexual predators dating their victims or other victims of the same types of crimes.
I have actually gotten to the point where I don’t even see Franco and Liz scenes. I used to just turn the channel or do something eles whenever they were on – now it is so automatic to me that I don’t even realize when I have done it. I just am surprised when someone alludes to a Friz scene being on during a day I have watched because I have blanked it out.
I’m soooo tired of the OLTL haters on GH!!! Actors move from soap to soap all the time. I understand, at first, these actors portrayed their OLTL characters on GH. GH fans – GET OVER IT!!! They are all playing GH characters now. If you don’t like their acting, you have a right to your opinion but don’t blame OLTL.
Doesn’t mean we want every unemployed actor from OLTL showing up on GH’s doorstep either.
Who is blaming OLTL? What?
Yeah, they certainly are playing GH characters now…. one after the other. I’m soooooo tired of seeing posts on all the fan sites about how now GH needs Ericka Sleezek or Melissa Archer and etc etc etc. So that one goes both ways.
Ever think that you’re just a part of a small group of people who hate him?.. You seem to be in the minority here. I love Roger & Franco & his Todd schticks 😉
Damn you needed 8 paragraphs to dump all over Howarth huh?
Too everyone who wrote me back, the following.
First, talking crap? Well if actors can’t take criticism they should be in a different business. Thinking that actors should never be taken to task is what creates bad TV and that’s what GH is.
And Michael Fairman posted my comment, he chose to. Unlike other sites, he allows all points of view and I assume that part of the reason he posted it was to allow all of Roger’s fans to defend him and have at me. And you’re welcome to do it. I also notice that none of the initial responses stood up for his acting ability and defended the scenes I mentioned which were awful. And yes there will be many more of you commenting back because guess what? You are the viewers who are left. People who share my view aren’t watching GH anymore and aren’t posting on soap sites.
As for his popularity, using the example of a bunch of superfans who show up and pay money to hang out with soap actors doesn’t mean a thing. Look at the ratings.
The problem with GH is that basically what is left are superfans of specific actors and shippers. The show does not appeal to long time fans and those who want to watch a show in its totality. There have always been the superfans, like those who love how Roger eats and chews and OMG his hair is long now like Todd’s! That gets you only so much and that’s why GH is in the tank. So am I in the minority? On this site sure. But so what? I rarely watch GH now and that puts me in the majority if you look at the ratings. The bottom line is, yes there are superfans who love Roger. Loved Todd. Those are the fans that are still watching GH and GH ratings are terrible.
As for getting over the OLTL stuff, there’s nothing to get over. Tell people that when GH is a quality show and the ratings aren’t dismal. Yes actors move around, but when they are awful in their new roles, their characters and performances, their mere presence cause people to tune out, leaving only those who love their hair or remember them from another show, there is a problem and that is the state of GH. Same goes for Easton. The amount of effort the show puts into these guys is astounding and I’m sure it has nothing to do with their previous employment on OLTL, none.
GH is unrecognizable, these so called stars do not raise viewership and their talents are myths perpetrated by supefans who want to justify their attraction and investment.
I like Roger. I don’t like Franco. I think his character has been a hot mess since he had to take it over.
Same goes for Michelle Stafford as Nina — just because she was a hot sensation on Y&R does not mean she’s been anything but dead weight on GH.
I see your point on what you are saying…..
WOW….DO YOU FEEL BETTER NOW????? YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WATCH THIS SHOW
Yikes.
The state of the ratings are hardly due to Franco. He’s not on all that much. The state of the ratings is due to the return to Guzaland–Saint Sonny rides again
You need to smile more.
Truly, you sound bitter! Have a cup of coffee and relax. Your just running off at the mouth right now! Roger is a fine actor. Talk about the character NOT the Actor! Gee where is your manners?!?
Well, I admire you speaking your mind when you know full well your going to get your ass chewed out! I will agree with you on the character of Franco, it sucks! I didnt like James Franco and I dont like Howarth’s version. Mind you and all his fans, I didnt say I didnt like Roger, I DONT like his character. He should have been a Q and would have been magnificent budding heads with Tracy and Ned!
if your not even a viewer, and you’ve given up on GH why is your opinion even relevant? i’m all for people not having the same point of view, hate roger, or hate who ever you want to hate, but at least be a current viewer that watches.
@AJQ….Even though I often–but not always—agree with you, I do admire your tenacity and straight-forward style whilst saying exactly what you think about the “unrecognizable” GH of today! You never fail to state your case with great certitude and clarity, and frequently back up your assertions with irrefutable logic. That’s why so many here seem to have trouble debating and responding to your comments with anything but personal insults….you make way too much sense for their little minds to comprehend and address in any remotely intelligent manner!
Game, set and match AJQ. Not one respondent is even trying to refute the points you have made. Because they are extremely well taken.
Once again AJQ you post to criticize. You made the same declarations about Michael Easton when he returned to the show after much fan support and outcry. Negative much? And I hate to burst your authoritative bubble but there are many fans of Roger AND Michael…and it has nothing to do with the ratings. A film with Meryl Streep can tank at the box office if the film isn’t well received. Nothing to do with the actor.
Personally, I’m loving GH and I ‘m thrilled these two guys are on the show! Love em!
AJQ, do you ever have a positive thing to say about anything? I mean, good lord, Michael posted two interviews today, and you took the time to write two long diatribes bashing GH and the subjects of both interviews. All I’ve ever seen from you on this site is negativity. And that covers many years. You must be a real joy to be around in your every day life, let me tell you.
Rebecca1: Well said, I agree with you 100%.
Well thank you GH1980!
Question Rebecca – if Michael or Roger’s fan appreciation has nothing to do with the rating then what good are they to GH or ABC?
Well if you go by that logic Elizabeth why are ANY of the current characters and/or actors on. The fans are made up of old and new, young, elderly and in between. The fans are also comprised of people who used to watch canceled soaps and viewers who never watched any soaps. I would LOVE (which I posted way down this page under someone else’s comment; not sure if it posted yet or made the cut) to see more GH vets and I named them from Scorpio, Frisco, more Ned, Scotty, etc. but I also like some of these actors, particularly Howarth and Easton and am thrilled they’re on. They don’t shoulder the responsibility for ratings.
Soaps will never reach the height of success they had. I think GH had 21 million viewers….DECADES ago. The bottom line is GH was next on the chopping block but thankfully it’s still on. The show’s ratings increased when the three OLTL actors came on board, however much that pissed off certain viewers. And yes, ratings have fluctuated. But they weren’t that high in recent years to begin with before new actors were added. But GH is still standing and many of us, while clamoring for more vets, can still appreciate and be happy that some of those thought lost are alive and kickin’ on GH. Some viewers don’t like some of the GH vets. I’ve heard complaints about Lucy, Scotty, Nicolas…I like them a lot. Viewers never agree…but when people ATTACK over actors and berate other viewers the ridiculous quotient on soaps is comparatively normal to these “fan wars.”
Rebecca, sorry that I am writing this on the wrong comment thread but if I responded to your comment I would be responding to myself instead of you. You asked if I was aware that GH was at risk of cancellation soon after the decision was made to ax AMC and OLTL…..
I would respond by mentioning that the key demo was at least a couple hundred thousand ahead at that time compared with where it is now. I think that the idea to have former soap stars from other shows come in, immediately hog the screen time and have characters which are either disconnected from the canvas or insulting to the long-time fans has failed miserably. I have no problem with RoHo but I think the character of Franco will never be anything other than an insulting fail to many longtime GH’rs. I know, not all. But enough that it should have been rectified long ago.
Never watched OLTL and I love Franco because of Roger Howarth’s portrayal (and Jean and Shelly’s writing). You only speak for yourself.
Did you watch GH when the chracter of Franco originated?
Elizabeth. This is an interview with Roger Howarth, not James Franco. Liking, loving or disliking James Franco the actor and/or his portrayal of Franco is not the subject nor does it have anything to do with AJQ’s bashing Roger as ACTOR, not just character. THAT is what most of us took offense to…you don’t have to like a character or the direction of a story, but bashing an actor and his abilities is uncalled for. Do we forget that regardless of profession we’re all people with feelings? Seems like some who approve AJQ’s harsh “critique” of Roger’s acting are the same that think it’s okay to insult their fellow posters as one of our regulars did above…she wrote, “you make too much sense for their little minds to comprehend and address in any intelligent manner!” Can’t expect someone like that to recognize insulting an actor is wrong….
Rebecca, the subject is RoHo AND the character of Franco. The character’s history was not erased just because he came back under a new actor. There is nothing in any comment I have made in this thread that speaks to anything about James Franco in his former role as Franco. The CHARACTER of Franco, who he was, what he has done, and what his psyche is DOES have a role in whether the character is effectively and authentically on the canvas these days.
I think AJQ has every right to express the view that Roger’s acting doesn’t cut it for her. I agree with her critique. It does seem like Franco very quickly morphed into Todd on this show. Roger shouldn’t be immune from feedback just because it isn’t all peaches and cream.
Todd Manning had his own doll! That says alot Also He’s done a lot of Primetime coupled with the Return of Todd back in 2011 rose One Life to Live’s ratings exponentially.
Lol…Shay just insulted all of us who don’t agree with AJQ. (Yet she initiates and takes glee when she accuses others of doing what she just as she rides her high horse.) Too funny!
A rapist had his own doll created after him?!? Run Barbie, run!!!!!!!!!
I’m a big fan of Roger, but even I will admit that his best work was about 18 years ago. He really nailed it from 93-98 as Todd, and even in 2000-2003 he had some good moments. I’m not a fan of Franco or GH so I can’t really comment, but for the work he’s done on ABC since 1992 he should be able to chew up as much scenery and muffins as the dude wants. He’s a legend.
If they intend to make Liz Hayden’s sister i at least hope her mother had an affair with Jeff and Hayden is a Webber…i fear they might reveal Liz isnt a Webber and really Hayden’s fraternal twin separated at birth and liz was adopted by the Webbers-ok, there is nothing wrong with being adopted-adoption is in my family-i just want Liz to remain a blood Webber!!!
Yes, Jimmy. That is EXACTLY what I said. Almost verbatim. But, a few disagreed. We cannot be 100%, though….however, we do know that you and I usually agree; except for Nina…LOL.
I tried to like Nina but i cant-she is overplayed in too many stories while other characters are neglected but i do hope Valentin is Nathan’s pappa(the actors age difference isnt a problem-ive watched soaps with the parent(the actor) as little as five years older than the actor who played their son or daughter-and Nina learns not only is Nathan Valentin’s son but she might also be prego by him then her’s and Sam’s baby are switched at the hospital thanks to Dr. Liesel???
@Jimh(leave it to beaver).
Yes, I’ll buy that, Jimmy. I can visualize that scenario. I can see Nina having a Cassadine baby. I won’t like it….but, it does add so many dramatic bubbles to the soap….LOL.
After-all, Nina’s heart’s desire is to have a baby. The Cassadines need to continue the line; yes? HaHa.
And, you are allowed to like or dislike anyone ….to your heart’s content. LOL. Always the gentleman, you are…..as are a very many few on these sites.
@Shay.
Hey, Shaybelle,
At the risk of carrying this a bit too far; AJQ does not limit his /her criticism to GH. Would it be that; no one would utter a word.
This person goes beyond ‘the call of duty’ by attacking someone….whether it be a poster or an actor. This time around, Roger simply happens to be his/her victim. AJQ hardly posts, but when he/she does; he/she constantly laments his /her disapproval of the actor, or a poster of the week. Nothing positive is ever, ever said. Good grief!! It just isn’t right or fair!!
You know exactly how that feels, my lovely lady. And, yes, he/she does state what’s on his/her mind ( as we all do…especially myself, who does not hold back), but he/she does it in a derogatory manner. Little minds, Shay? Expressing an opinion which does not raise this person to the skies and does not venerate his/her ‘oration’ does not mean we have little minds. Far from it.
Those of us who are fond of certain actors will jump in and defend them when necessary. Besides, I thought you knew my mind by now, amica mia. LOL. Later.
Really Celia? You would have to present specific evidence of AJQ criticizing a poster on this board because I pay attention to AJQ’s critiques, always. I happen to think they are extremely well thought out and almost always (not always, but almost always) find myself agreeing with them. I can tell that he/she is a long time GH viewer with standards that are aligned with the quality and an essence that used to be presumed and delivered on this show on a daily basis.
So, Celia, can you cite me a specific example of AJQ critcizing a poster? And, p.s., it can’t be about him/her calling out someone who, instead of refuting the comments just threw some insults down. Because responding in kind to someone else’s insults doesn’t count.
@Jimh(leave it to beaver).
PS. Jimmy; to reeterate what I think:,Naomi had an affair with Liz father and became pregnant with twins; Hayden and Liz. For unknown reasons, Liz was ‘regaled’ to the Webers, and Naomi kept Hayden, passing her off as the daughter of Ray Berlin, lol.
Another scenario could be that the ‘girls’ are half sisters. Liz is Jeff’s, and Hayden Ray’s.
I apologize for being repetitious, but when Hayden and Liz said “Mother?????” at same time, I knew it was no coincidence by the writers.
This may all be in our collective heads, Jimmy, but it’s great to share with you. You get me.
Agreed. As much as Elizabeth is not my favorite character, she does come from a legacy family (biologically) and that, I think should remain. Hayden seems to be thrown into a lot of scenes and storylines with many actors. I’m sorry, I am just not a fan of the actress or the character.
Yes, dmr. A legacy family whom I would love to get to know, and see Them interact. I like Elizabeth very much; but, I also like Hayden….both Rebeccas. LOL.
Roger is a fabulous actor and I’ve liked him since he first appeared on OLTL. He has charisma and can portray charming as well as devious. On GH, I’d prefer him to be any character but Franco, and to be paired with Nina, but what can you do? Whenever Roger’s on the screen, there is no fast-forwarding permitted at my house!
I so enjoyed seeing the real life Roger Howarth at his GHFCW with Michael Easton! I can certainly see why they are friends, because they are both such genuine and sweet guys!! And so funny!! Wasn’t sure exactly what I was expecting from Roger, but I’d always heard he was a bit shy about doing fan events. It didn’t show at GHFCW!! He was funny and charming, and both of these guys made the event wonderful for everyone!! Very warm and wonderful guys and I hope to see Roger again some time in the future at an event that a bit less crowded. Didn’t get a picture with him or Michael…just got too late for me Lol. I’ll try again sometime though!! PS thanks for the champaign guys!!❤️❤️
Wish I had been there!
I’m loving the heck out of “Friz”. I can’t wait for more and,, preferably, some “Jason Free” Friz storylines.
NO kidding! JaSam FREE, please.
Ratings, schmatings. GH had bottom of the barrel ratings during Frons, Phelps & Guza’s last years. Why do we think those 3 have exited the building? Miss me with how 1 character or even couple can be responsible for ratings when the writing is for an ensemble show.
Anyway, Roger is a very charismatic actor in my opinion. He is very good in the multidimensional characters he has portrayed. I would have loved to see him on the stage, also. Franco is “weird” just as the character told Liz but the vulnerabilities of his character do bubble up and Roger has portrayed these with brilliant emotion. The scenes Franco had with Nina explaining why he didn’t think he should be a father were so emotional.
A standing ovation & thunderous applause for Roger at GH Fan Club Weekend gives me an inkling of his popularity.
I am enjoying every bit of Franco and Liz angst. I think there is alot of story that can be told with this couple in regards to their similarities (artistic sides, family backgrounds, “pariah” labeling, etc.) to their differences, not to mention the “Friz vs. PC” aspect. Hoping, as Frank V stated, GH keeps capitalizing on this couple for awhile.
I agree with you verbatim!
Rebecca – not a “few thousand” more for GH then than now…..
A few HUNDRED thousand. As in, the GH audience during the mega soap experiment has dwindled by what, 35%? 40%?
FV has zero vision, zero creativity, and is STILL following a strategic path for the show (i.e., the MEGA soap incorporating stars from every other show) that has cost GH its audience, its essence and its legacy.
So, yeah, RoHo, Michelle Stafford and all the others will still have their fans who loll over their acting and support them to infinity. But it won’t up the viewership for GH, because the fans that left GH wanted to see THEIR show. And apparently many more of them have left than have followed the newcomers. Understandable since the writing has no depth – which it can’t since all the new “stars” need to be written for instead of actually focusing on writing STORIES. And Franco’s STORY is offensive and absurd.
I mean, the GH key demo, NOT the audience in total. Sorry about that one.
How many people were in that room with thunderous applause for Roger? 300? 1000? What does that translate to for ad revenues? One thousanth of one percent?
Meanwhile the demo has lost hundreds of thousands of viewers and is now bouncing along the approximate low of the key demo that ABC purports to be seeking. Reality is that the MEGA soap idea was that last great brainstorm failure of Brian Frons… and FV has so little artistic creativity that he doesn’t have any better ideas. So relying on the super fans of actors from other shows is the best that he can come up with.
So yeah, I usually have the TV on to see one or two scenes that pull me in during the week’s worth of shows. And when I want to marvel at what a great show it used to be I can find whatever I want to see on the internet.
But I will be the first to say the writing is much better than it was before Jelly. That was unwatchable.
I wrote to you above but you do realize that GH was about to be cancelled soon after AMC and OLTL? Before any new actors came aboard? It’s still here. That’s not to negate some criticism of the show or the desire for more vets. But apparently the “revenues” are holding their own or we wouldn’t be here debating.
Hi Elizabeth…I know . It’s difficult to reply under the correct post when there’s a lot of responses. Lol, you kinda have to go thru rather comments to figure out the spot to reply and it gets a bit wonky.
I understand your points but I still don’t agree. I think back when OLTL and AMC were cancelled everyone was taken by surprise, not just the fans. I also think, regardless of whether the numbers were a few thousand more for GH then they are now (don’t know; haven’t looked it up recently and they always fluctuate) it was still next on the chopping block.
After the ferocious fan outcry, the shock and anger displayed by many of the cast that were let go, ABC had to stall its plans to drop GH and think of ways to keep the viewers from the other shows who might not have watched GH. Just speaking for myself, I watched OLTL and GH so I was thrilled that Roger and Michael were continuing their OLTL characters. Crossovers, Worlds colliding, can be fun. We all know that fell apart with the lawsuit. I have no idea why they saddled Roger with Franco. Probably because he plays psycho well…dunno. What I do know is that I’d really miss Roger if they gave him the boot. I’ve come to love Franco and see him as a different character than James Franco’s character. Roger’s version had gone from infantile and obnoxious to dare I say it again as I said for Nina…complex character. I don’t think either he or Michael Easton take up so much airtime that it’s to the detriment of others. I can live the vets and the yesteryear of GH and appreciate p/enjoy new characters and stories, as well.
Correction..love the vets and the yesteryear… (Disregard letter p)
Elizabeth…you’re not a happy camper. I get that. The bottom line is GH is still on the air. Period. For how long none of us know, bit that goes for all the remaining soaps. It’s obviously no longer cost effective for the networks.
The show will never be the same even if they brought back every original character. The actors have grown up, the characters who were the young set are now middle aged and the middle-aged are now elderly, gone or retired. I’ll repeat..I loved the show and I miss a lot of the characters from Scorpio and Frisco, Mac…to Lucy, Lois, Brenda. it’s not going to happen. Even when the characters come back it’s not the same. I loved Bobbie’s brownstone. I loved how a few lived there, many passed through. I loved Stephan Cassadine and young Nic. I loved Ruby’s when Nic, Lucky, Liz and Emily used to hang out. I loved Lila and Edward and the goings-on at the Q’s. That’s the loss we face when decades pass by…life changes on TV as in reality.
I like a lot of the “newbies” but am thrilled when vets appear. I want more Scotty. He’s adorable from his looks to his comical personality. I want Mac back and Scorpio. I’d like to see LIz’s gran. There’s a lot the show can do to bring back the familiarity while ringing in the new. But I don’t see it as harshly as some do. And I certainly don’t think it’s acceptable to tear an actor apart. It’s one thing to say I don’t like the character or I’m not as impressed with the acting as some but there’s no need to be brutal or justify it by saying if an actor does an interview he’s fair game. I never tear apart an actor’s looks either. It’s bad enough kids are subjected to that type of hurt; we’re supposed to know better as adults. Not everybody does.
Thanks, Michael, for the great interview. Roger is one of my all time favorite actors and I’m very happy that he seems to be doing more press these days.
Any day that Franco’s on #GH is always a good day for me. It’s nice to hear about Roger’s process. His choices are always a hit with me. I love his humor and vulnerability. They wouldn’t have the same impact without the questionable things Franco does. He’s definitely not a one dimensional character and Roger makes the most of it.
Roger is an amazing actor who has the ability to portray conflicting emotions and impulses simultaneously. Even during his characters’ worst behavior you can always see the vulnerability just below the surface. He can also leaven the most dramatic moments with an undercurrent of humor. His performances are multi-layered which makes his characters multi-faceted. Also, he acts with his face and body language in the service of the character. Some actors just recite the lines – Roger inhabits the character. He is one of my all time favorite actors in ANY genre. Had he been allowed to continue playing Todd Manning on GH I think a lot of the naysayers would get it. He has been saddled with the ill-conceived role of Franco which should never have been recast, but he has largely done what the writers have been unable to do – redeem the character and integrate him into the canvas in a meaningful way. Long live GH!
I’ve read this from superfans before and here’s the bottom line, if all of this was true, if he could do all of these things, had so much range, could convey so many emotions and layers, he would be the greatest actor that ever lived and not only wouldn’t he be hanging around GH, no actor in Hollywood would ever get a script before he read it. It amazes me that Tom Cruise has had a career the last twenty years when an actor of this caliber is out there.
“Had he been able to continue playing Todd”, that says it all.
LOL! love it AJQ.
What you said!
Lol…not what AJQ said…I’m with Mister Media!
“He can also leaven the most dramatic moments with an undercurrent of humor”. As far as Roger’s impeccable role-playing, truer words have never been uttered or written.
Your words simply describe who, in my estimation, Roger is. For this thespian to convey his inner turmoil; his joy/happiness; his sadness and confusion etc. so effortlessly through facial expressions speaks volumes. His eyes tell the story. Yes, Roger ‘rises’ to any challenge given him. For him to be compared to others is out of context. Smells of envy to me.
Some of us are too big for our britches.
I love your writing Mister Media. I am an avid reader of the classics……I do appreciate all writing techniques; whether they be personification, sarcasm, irony, humor etc. However, I abhor sarcastic ridicule applied deliberately to wound. You, and a few others never do that.
You, sir, have my admiration. Good show!!!!!
@Elizabeth.
Now, that’s a good question, Elizabeth. Why, indeed! Why the return of Franco?
We must make light of some situations some of the time.
So, perhaps it’s to prove that bad people can be redeemed? How about, all criminals should have brain surgery in case they have a tumor embedded there?
It’s a soap…and I am enjoying it….as ridiculous as some of the storylines are. Such as, Sam not telling Jason she’s expecting and/or that she may have malaria. In what realm does a woman not share this kind of news with the father of her baby? To protect him? The baby? Herself? The universe? Go figure.
Roger has been playing Franco for a little over 3 years now, but I honestly don’t think the character came into his own until he started interacting with Liz. Liz has given him a real place and purpose on GH. He’s been a friend to her and has been there for her when others turned their backs on her. Franco has a terrible past, but he had a brain tumor and is working hard now to live a better life. In my opinion, Franco and Liz have off the charts chemistry. I hope the writers keep them together for a long long time.
I think the new writing team and moving Franco into new interactions has really solidified the character. I really been enjoy Franco lately.
Luvin Roger Howarth /Franco..
The Franco character, now newly created and owned by Roger, is uniquely awesome.
Only Roger could handle the character..
Franco is a unique entertaining interesting character superbly played ..
So glad that Roger is “not breaking rocks at a salt mine” but AM sorry that he has been saddled with a killer persona–even he cannot make much of what he has been given here. Oh, he can continue to do the shtick that he is so good at but it’s a dead end as far as building a character that the audience can empathize with.
hi nancy–
I picked this up–
James Franco played/acted his Franco very dark crazy and that made him a kickass villian !
Franco was in 12 episodes and never has been forgotten..
BRAVO!!! James Franco !
During his 12 weeks ;
When he got out of prison for a crime he did not commit he-
killed a man in an alley
Killed a mobster in a gunfight
Strangled a videographer
He did kidnap 6 and terrorized them with his crazy dark chilling mind-games but- he never killed them. LOL
pfffft that ^^ is child’s play for GH ..ahaa!
0ooh his serial killing stuff, well that was a back story that was never seen on tv or ever proven..
James Franco’s Franco, 12 episodes, and he still he has some undies in a bundle !! LOL he really was good!! Freaky dark and crazy !!
I luv Rogers version of his totally recreated different Franco..
but- I could go for 12 more episodes of James Franco’s Franco !!! ohh yeah!
Love it, su…..you do put a smile on my face. I love both Franco and Nina. I just wish Nina could go forward and not backward. I have no clue where TPTB are taking her, other than a Cassadine baby.
But, lol, speaking of psychos, there is a FOOL in midtown Manhattan trying to scale the Trump Tower. The natives are so pi$$ed off…..traffic stopped ….rush hour no less. My husband smack in the middle of it.
What was the purpose of even making him the re-cast of Franco?
Great interview! What a “get”! Love Franco and Liz together, though I thought Nina and Franco had a lot of potential that was left unexplored. Roger is always interesting to watch.
Well written but, ridiculous. Roger Howarth is not only a well respected daytime actor, held in high regard in the industry itself but, has a huge fan base outside of soaps, especially in the New York metropolitan area. He has an impressive resume, demographic interest and a Q rating that supports Varni’s high praise . Your command of the English language, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and syntax is impressive and you are clearly unafraid to utilize your writing skills but, that doesn’t make your case. Clearly another disappointed Liason fan with multiple issues.
You had me up until that last, unnecessary, and very misguided sentence.
This again? Repeat after me: Not everyone is invested in particular couples to the extent that some fans are. Not everyone who criticizes a particular couple or storyline is doing so because of blind devotion to some past, present, or future coupling.
To insist that the only reason someone might not like Franco and Liz as a couple is because he/she is pining away for a Jason and Liz reunion is ridiculous, and it shows more about you than it does about the person you were responding to. (Franco is a murderer, for goodness sake, not to mention a maniac and a rapist-by-proxy. Have you forgotten that?) It’s entirely possible to be anti-Franco/Liz AND anti-Jason/Liz, for example. There are quite a few of us out here.
Hi, Deborah,
Command of the English language? Impeccable grammar and punctuation? I respectfully disagree.
And, I am not talking about typos, here. To be truthful, I believe you have a much better command of the English language. Let’s not partake of the drivel.
As far as the above poster is concerned, I have had my run-ins with him/her. Therefore, I refuse to address said person directly.
This person has a distorted view as to the reason fans choose to be part of this forum. For anyone to stop watching because the storylines are not up to par is problematic. And, to harbor an antipathy for a certain actor ( in this case, this person despises everyone) Is incomprehensible to me. But, to assume that the same applies to the rest of us, is delusional.
By all means, criticize the character. Criticize the writing. We all do it.
I complain on a regular basis. Nonetheless, I do not threaten to stop watching!! Who cares, anyway? I love soaps and it gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to interact with all of you on these sites. I care not if I disapprove of the direction the story is taking. I follow the vein wherever it leads. I care not how bored I get. Soaps are part of my life. I will watch to the end.
Isn’t this ‘gathering’ the point? That is, to discuss the good with the bad, per se?
This person always sounds like a disgruntled employee. And, for him/her to sashay in this site, as dictatorial ‘as you please’, leaves a bitter taste in the esophagus.
Mr. Fairman works hard to present the fans with the best–something we all enjoy. ‘Tis a shame for someone to trample all over the intro and rain on my parade.
None of us agrees with everything that is expressed in the intro or with what some of the posters say. However, there is no good reason to be oafish.
Believe me, Deborah; I held back as long as I could not to give my two-cents worth. Alack, I am weak. LOL.
Stay well, my friend.
Celia, you’ve expressed my thoughts exactly! You stay well too, friend!
Hi Celia ! “Thank You”
gaveling your write-up
“…By all means, criticize the character. Criticize the writing. We all do it.
I complain on a regular basis. Nonetheless, I do not threaten to stop watching!! Who cares, anyway? I love soaps and it gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to interact with all of you on these sites. I care not if I disapprove of the direction the story is taking. I follow the vein wherever it leads. I care not how bored I get. Soaps are part of my life. I will watch to the end. ”
rumba
cha cha cha
tango
PS: LOL
Happy Dance still
@Patrick.
Patrick, you are a love, and a dear friend. You always bolster my mood in a most happy way.
Let’s boogie!!!!
Thank you Celia! Well said!
No, no, Abruzzfan. It is I that must thank you; for the compliment. You’re sweet. So, thank you. Later.
Love getting Roger’s thoughts on his character and career. Thanks for sharing! Really enjoy Friz!
I mostly always enjoy Roger Howarth, but I’d have preferred he stayed on as Todd Manning. Something about the Franco connection doesn’t jive with me, maybe because James Franco was SO sexy and sly in the original role. Roger was great as Todd (and had nicer hairstyles) and I just don’t feel that the writers can decide who they want certain characters to actually BE. Is Jason the old Jason or a funnier Billy Miller Jason? Is Franco reverting back to crazy or Not? Is Nikolas evil or Misled? These personality changes leave me confused quite often. I can imagine how the actors feel.
This is the crux of the problem when FV is more interested in nabbing the actor than he is about producing the show. None of the characters he has brought on have much development behind them at all – and that INCLUDES Franco as much as anyone else.
I agree, Elizabeth….to a certain point.
Of course, there is always that ‘residual’ feeling of ‘dislike’ or ‘like’ towards a character from another soap; eg. Roger/Todd; Michelle/Nina.
Therefore, sometimes we form preconceived notions of how a ‘new’ character played by the actor(s) should perform….in what guise. It’s human nature to react that way.
Obviously, Franco has had a bad reputation in Port Charles…a mean, murderous rapist from what I have learned since Roger came on the scene. But, I can also discern a genuine change in Franco ( whom I did not know….James Franco, in the role). I like his child-like, puppy love toward Liz. However, I do not know how stable this euphoric, newfound love will prove to be.
I definitely agree with you about all character developments not having a ‘gripping’ effect on the viewer. I know I sound like a broken record, but the disappointment in the Nina character sticks to the craw.
…….which, by the by, proves exactly your point. We do expect the same challenges and that certain air of ‘je ne sais quoi’ to stimulate the brain. Don’t get me wrong; I think Michelle Stafford is giving an exemplar performance….simply put; the character did not take root with the majority of the audience. That is not her fault.
But, going back to Roger, he is a newbie with a lot of baggage and garbage inherited by the previous actor (whom I also love). Will the reborn Franco fail? Is he being kept on because of the OLTL fans? No one knows, albeit many think so. I can only speak for myself.
I am extremely happy to watch Roger perform…..even on a daily basis. We all have a right to feel what we feel and be outspoken about it. Nonetheless, I draw the line at insults; both towards other posters and the actor(s). And, what annoys me the most is when someone challenges my ( and others’s) intelligence. I will not truncate my daily routine just because the storyline isn’t going my way. It’s a soap; and, I love it. Good for me, eh? LOL.
First off I said (and have said, repeatedly,) I thought Todd fit well on the canvas and even though I never watched OLTL I enjoyed getting to know Todd and see him interact with other Port Charles characters. That said, if you didn’t see James Franco play Franco then I don’t think you realize the extent to which FV forced GH to jump the shark with this stupid character transition in the way of “New” Franco.
And, yes, it is a soap. But the defining paradigm of a soap was always the element of continuing story. If TPTB wanted RoHo to be a different sort of Franco they should have just made him a different character. Otherwise, why not just change the cast out periodically, say, every new contract, or every couple of years, or whatever, just to keep the writers fresh and the actors interested? Better yet, why not just have skit vignettes on a daily basis where the characters could be a completely new person for each new scene?
The point is, with RoHo or without RoHo, what they did with the character of Franco only cheapened the franchise quality and got nothing in return for it.
Final point….. I have no problem with actors moving soaps AS LONG AS NEW CHARACTERS SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STORY. I loathe the way FV hires his friends and then puts them on the canvas through the most contrived plot points the genre has ever seen. Especially when we have to sit through multiple dropped story lines every time the show introduces someone new. FV should start eating lunch at his desk so the show doesn’t have to absorb the next friend he meets over that mid-day meal.
Wow–Mr Fairman how in the world did you snag an interview with the every so elusive, Roger Howarth?
You would have had an easier time getting an interview with Big Foot.
Michael is the best interviewer, and RH seems like middle age, LA, the reality of the existing soap world has softened him. I would have loved to go to that GH party if I’d known. Next year?
Good one Harry!
Until he showed up on GH I had never seen one minute of Roger Howarth’s work, and I was quickly a fan. He has a distinctive on-camera presence – I can’t really put it into words! – and his portrayals are never dull. I definitely see Friz’s odd appeal. Rebecca Herbst has a subtler approach with Elizabeth, but she knows that character inside out and can play her truthfully against anyone. The unlikeliest of pairings feels absolutely genuine.
ditto on not knowing RH work, prior to GH.
truth be told… I spend more time reading his face… there’s YUM… can’t deny that
the way he expresses himself… there’s never a finality to his character
I can’t say I clamor demand or expect more than what he does…
I just like him… like you… I can’t really put in to words
it’s such a huge cast… and to put all our eggs in one basket and… let the chips fall where they may ?
what cast appeal lasts ?
I’m just glad that GH is “trying” to keep Franco in the mix… and yes… I believe GH did not expect the windfall they have in the new pairing of Franco and Liz
so… I hope they mine these two.. because their presence as actors… gets me watching
I just hope… beyond hope.. that GH just lets the rival of Franco and Jason dormant
it’s like bubblegum… and apples and oranges… to even put Jason and Sam… in the same arena as Franco and Liz… who are leads
You put it into better words than I did!
Roger was not tolerable u till he started having scenes with Becky she is a actress that plays it understated she should have a wall full of Emmys you do not know she is acting nothing ott about her! Roger you might want to take her out for dinner she saved your job for me!
While I personally have enjoyed him since he started with GH, I do agree that his pairing with Rebecca Herbst has added some needed dimension to his character. Watching Franco struggle with this relationship has been a good thing. I did find Nina and Franco entertaining at times, and MS is talented, but the combination of those characters and those portrayals was mostly too overwhelming for my taste.
I really love Franco and Liz but I don’t agree with you k/Kay. Roger doesn’t need another actor to prop him up. He’s got a presence and a natural rhythm to his acting. Nothing awkward or self-conscious.
His Franco has been very loving, sweet and protective of Kiki; I love their father/daughter type relationship; wish they would start showing that again. He also displayed great love for both Carly and Nina, humor with Dr. O, tenderness with lil Jake. And he completely cracked me up when he “lost” Ava’s baby when he put her down in the bin. He’s poignant, quirky, sexy!, vulnerable, defensive, humorous…oh…and I wish that he and Scotty would have more scenes together. Since people always bring up age, lol, Scotty’s only about eight years older and looks more like his older brother, but I digress. They’re great together personality-wise. Really good pairing…
Roger can work with anyone. Did so on OLTL, displays the same on GH.
Thanks Rebecca!
@k/kay…..Whilst I’ve always been pretty neutral in my opinion of RoHo (I could take him or leave him, although I was glad to see the back of Todd in Port Charles because I found him off-putting….I think it was that revolting scar….) I must say that pairing his Franco with Liz may finally be the making of this up-until-now wildly meandering, moorless creature. His first coupling with Carly was wholly contrived, totally uninspired and patently ridiculous, and his second chance at lurvvve with the infantile Nina was the equivalent of watching two pathetic halfwits incapable of creating one functioning mind between the two of them….it was painful and wince-inducing to witness, like a slow-motion trainwreck just waiting to happen! Hence I’ve never been so elated for an actor to escape the onus of carrying his less-than-appealing leading lady as I now am for Howarth since his Franco dumped Nina—okay, it did happen once before when Jason Thompson’s Patrick finally ditched Sabs, but look how long it took, and the damage was already done!!!—-In the brief time that Liz and Franco have been doing their dance, he’s already displayed far more chemistry with Rebecca Herbst than in both of his other “romances” combined….there is a natural, easy and completely relatable feeling to these characters and their budding attraction for one another….it’s not simply a case of two actors being thrown together, awkwardly playing off each other and trying to make the best of it…there’s really something there to build upon if the writers can just do them justice! Here’s hoping that the third time is going to be a charm for Roger….if anyone can turn him into a palatable and endearing character, it’s RH and her lovely Liz!
@Shay totally agree their are a lot of actors on this show I just FF thru and Roger was one of them but Becky has brought a different take I don’t find him hamming it up to the camera like a stand up comedian in his scenes with her. As for MS/Nina will not watch just to much OTT which is a shame because when she was first on Y&R I enjoyed her work this character just seems forced like as my husband would say In Your Face Acting. But I know a lot of folks like the character different opinions.
Yes, k/kay, Rebecca’s “Liz” has humanized (and normalized!) Franco in a way that his odd coupledom with Carly, not to mention, co-starring role in the village freak show with the nuttier-than-a-fruitcake Nina never, ever accomplished. Perhaps Franco’s presence will also bring to Liz a more relaxed, down-to-earth relationship than her previously chaotic, high-drama dealings with Jason and Nik. Both characters needed a new direction and I’m glad that Herbst and Howarth have been given this opportunity to spread their wings and together take Liz and Franco in such an unexpectedly delightful direction.
Roger is amazing! I fell really hard for one of his pairings on World Turns (with a nurse) and it seems the same chemistry is present in the Franco & Liz pairing. Watching for #friz! Still in awe of Roger! Keep them coming GH!
I enjoyed this wonderful peek inside the mind of the always entertaining Roger Howarth .
I really didn’t enjoy Franco’s pairing with Nina but I am absolutely loving Roger and Becky as Friz.
GH has lightening in a bottle with Friz and I hope they don’t mess it up with the tired triangle trope by throwing Nina back into the mix. More Friz please!! They are odd, quirkily, adorable and absolutely the best part of the show for me.
Thanks for the interview Michael.
Back when Tod was the first came on OLTL, and was involved in the rape storyline. I knew there was something very special about Roger. I was one of I am sure many that wrote in the the network to keep him as a regular on the show. I still 25 years later enjoy watching him. He is truly a very talented actor.
I have no interest in a rape survivor like Elizabeth being paired up with a man that sexually assaulted Sam and had a teenage Michael raped in prison, tumor or not. It is gross and to be blunt, Franco/RoHo looks way TOO old to be romantically paired up with Elizabeth/BH, when there are other actresses (Ava, Carly, Nina, Alexis, Olivia, etc) that are in his age bracket. Franco and Ric are stealing Elizabeth’s youth and that makes me mad.
In real life, Roger is 47 and Rebecca is 39. The age difference of 8 years is not that much.
Ummm…. R Herbst is seven years younger than Roger H. And while you consider someone who is 40 as young, most of Hollywood doesn’t.
Their alleged age differential is the least challenging aspect of putting these two together. I agree with your reasoning from a character standpoint.
Maybe she could pull an Ava/Morgan thing with Michael!
I agree.
I wasn’t clear, sorry. I agree with Missy. I don’t find the coupling physically attractive. If I don’t find tou attractive it’s hard for me to watch. And I hated Liz with Ric. That was a very painful time for me, lol. Niz was hot, hot, hot!!! Don’t know why they didn’t let that happen. Liason (with Billy), was equally as hot. Don’t know why the writers won’t let Liz be happy. One thing I can say is that ROHO/Franco is very polarizing. You either really love him or you really don’t.
Roger is an amazing actor. He had great chemistry with Kassie DePaiva and Erica sleazy as his sister. He has great chemistry with Rebecca Herbst but I think his chemistry with Michelle Stafford is off the charts. Two of the best daytime actors of all time…an explosive combination. I hope they eventually reunite them. Super couple stars!
Totally agree with everything you said. Loved Franco and Nina together. Cannot see him with Elizabeth at all.
Loved him as Todd Manning on OLTL, and love him as Franco. Michelle has been one of my favorites forever still miss her as Phyllis on Y&R, glad I get to watch her on GH.
Another Stafford fan. Thank you K. Ross. She is my favorite female soap star EVER!! As I said many times….I have had a girl-crush on Michelle for the past 15 years!!!!!! And, I’m straight!!
Lol, y’all are funny. I’m a fan of Michelle’s, as well 😀
this is a fun post
Kassie DePaiva
Erika Sleazak
Rebecca Herbst
Michelle Stafford
this is a lot of va va voom STRONG dynamic
these ladies are stand alone acts and can all carry show
it can read like Roger Howarth is the supporting one… BUT
without Roger
I have every reason to believe that Franco and Nina will always be in the picture
adding Liz and Julian…. and/or (they should go back to Ric Lansing ) to flesh out their characters just ADDS
PLUS these are top draw characters … who pay attention to their craft…
quality begets
LOL PS: I can’t wait for Tyler Christopher to get back… so Maura West and James Patrick Stuart can tango…. let alone… add in Valentin and Nina ?
PS: I really have to add… on Jax first day back … OH I was LIVID… dang near wanted to reach in to the tv
talking about Jax : Sonny to Carly
” theres always more to the story, behind that stupid smile” ?????? !!!!!
right back at ya – studless –
Ingo Rademacher – still thee MAN . wowsah
Roger brought up all his leading ladies… including Tea Delgado
I fell in love with her
I always smile when I read your posts Patrick!
I as well love the #Friz pairing. I also don’t know how it happened I wanted Lucky for Liz so bad, but then Franco and Liz started connecting and it was like wow that is so intense. I am so in love with my GH and think so much is really good right now. By the way, I am a Kiki and Morgan fan and I prefer Ava off on an adventure. When she bitches at Kiki about Morgan my ears start closing. Can she have a life outside controlling her kids?
Otherwise I love Roger Howarth and am very excited about GH right now.
I would love to see Franco make a go of it with Nina.
I loved them together and thought it was wrong to split them up. They were two lost souls who found each other, supported each other, understood each other and truly loved each other. It was a great match. However, I’m interested to see where Franco and Liz go at this point. Their mutual love of art…their creativity (Liz paints too but hasn’t for years), Franco’s affection for lil Jake coupled with the animosity between him and Jason could be interesting. Open to see where it goes….
I’m loving Franco and Elizabeth!!! Can’t wait to see where this goes. I was a big Jason and Elizabeth fan and I never thought I would give up on them but I finally did. I was sick of being disappointed all the time. Now I’m getting mad at Jason for getting in Elizabeth’s face over Franco I know it’s all about Jake but he needs to back up and back off. Lol.
Thank you for the Roger Howarth interview, Michael. I’m a huge fan of both Todd and now Franco.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Franco’s scenes with Heather. I’m a HUGE Robin Mattson fan and the 2 of them in the same room are EVERYTHING! They play so well off each other and are a true joy to watch.
I think I’ve been really surprised by my reaction to Friz. Roger & Becky have a talent for milking every ounce of emotion out of every glance, touch, verbal exchange so when they were put together? It’s been Soap Heaven for those of us who are fans. I’m so intrigued by their story and where it’s headed and can’t wait for that second kiss (and possibly more) in the very near future.
REAL’ly well said about Robin Mattson… she is mega watt presence – lightning always strikes
it’s a unique partnership these two share . Roger gets acting lesson
PLUS w/Scotty Baldwin as his father ? these are big deals
Heather and Scotty
Robin and Roger are GOLD. I so wanted Heather to get a grandbaby from Nina and Franco. No one has a better history with babies then Heather. LOL
Roger has been my favorite daytime actor for many years. I’ve been watching GH since 1981 and I still love it. I happen to love how he chews up those scenes and has chemistry with everyone. He makes it fun to watch him. Part of being a daytime actor with longtime fans is doing little things that pay homage to those longtime fans. Sort of like an inside joke. Roger is great at it and we love him for it. There are other characters on GH need to go, but Franco is not one of them. But the writers definitely could do a better job at giving him something with more substance.
In order to create a supercouple I think the couple should be together and overcome some outside obstacles together, in order to make them a solid duo. Franco and Nina had the potential to be a really interesting coupling. These days the writers choose to break up couples and so desperately chemistry check actors that they throw everyone around without creating foundations or real history to draw from. I’d like to see more couples become set in stone before throwing them to the wolves.
Agree with you about the F/N pairing. It was engaging and I actually found myself rooting for them. That’s another element to a successful super couple – the audience cares enough about them to root for them. I’m in the same spot with Pristina, but we’ll see if that one happens. Back to F/N ……they weathered the looney bin together and they had one another’s backs and stuck by one another. They took on the world who labeled them outcasts and still they had one another. They had such potential, but as per usual with GH and other soaps, they fill themselves of missed opportunities.
These days I actually like Franco then Jason. Think about it, how many people Franco killed since his return in 2013, 0. Meanwhile, Jason has gone back to his killing spree ever since Robin revived him!
Even though I would prefer having him as Todd on “GH,” I love Roger Howarth. He is one of the few things keeping me watching the show these days.
How Roger portrays “Franco” is enjoyable. He’s fun to watch. I don’t really like the Elizabeth/ Franco pairing…but I do love the Nina/ Franco paring.
Also, Mr. Fairman, can you give us an update on the ABC/ Prospect Park lawsuit. I would really love to see some of our old friends from those soaps return before they get too old or uninterested.
I totally second the last part of that comment.
I really enjoy Roger Howarth, not necessarily as Franco, but I do enjoy his acting and comedic skills. I wish that TPTB brought Roger back as a Cassadine, Quartermaine, or an entirely new character. I liked Franco with Nina. They were two misunderstood characters who found supportive partners in one another. Liz, while not my favorite character, I would prefer with Jake (not Jason).
Love you, dmr.
Love my Nina, love my Franco. I was heartbroken when the relationship dissipated, as it were…lol. But, if the fates work against these two and cannot be together; then I don’t mind Franco and Liz as a couple. They are cute and sweet together.
Also, the sparks between Nina and Curtis are electrifying….he “better shape up because she needs a man”… LOL.
Great interview. Have always enjoyed Roger Howarth’s work, but this quirky-odd pairing of Franco & Liz has elevated both to new levels. It works in a very good way.
I think Roger shines with Becky Herbst. The characters relationship is interesting & fun, yet layered & so so complicated. Two broken souls just trying to keep it together. Pretty amazing to watch. Not the typical soap 101 couple. Looking forward to more awesome work by Roger & his new leading lady. More Friz please!! Best part of GH. Again, great interview.
The fact that Friz is very different is really appealing. Love the chem and both Becky and Roger look like they are having fun.
I love Franco and Liz His vulnerability around her is touching. OK let me just say this. I love Roger Howarth and no matter who his love partner is I just love watching him. If I were his wife and I wish i were, I’d move my family to be with him. Don’t be naiive Mrs, Howarth!
Three words sum up Mr. Howarth’s acting ability…..
ONE TRICK PONY
Word!
I think the “gallop” poll would disagree with you.
Thad Bosley, apparently you’ve never seen Roger Howarth doing theater, in Californiaation or in any number of roles that are so not Todd Manning. One trick pony indeed.
Hi Deborah…just thought I’d give a nod to Californication. I loved that show! Brilliant …and Duchovney? Perfect in every way! I fell in love with Hank.
Firstly, let me say that I like ROHO. Secondly, he was the embodiment of Todd, although I liked Trevor St. John better. Just because I think TSJ is a better actor and had more depth and range. But the part was clearly RoHo’s. Roho is playing Todd Manning with a new name and identity, but those are the only things that have changed. Look how many times he, himself interjected the conversation with a remark about Todd. He played the character for a very long time, so I get it. But I think they should’ve given the part to Michael Easton. Michael has a spark of mischievousness (is that a word) to him. And Roger should have played Silas. Basically this would’ve given them both a chance to stretch their chops and play the opposite of what they had been doing. Even now they’re still type cast no many how many times ME dies off and they bring him back he’s always the good guy. Now he’s a good guy with a lizard on his shoulders and RE is bad with a dash of crazy or the other way around. I would like to see RoHo as a doctor. A good guy. Not because he’s struggling to be good, but just because he is. I’m speaking about the characters not the actors themselves.
JaSam. Just because you date in real life doesn’t mean that it will make for exciting television. They are better with other actors. I’m sorry it’s true. Billy was better with Becky and Kelly is better with just about anyone else. She kinda perked up when she had a scene with ME. I mean I could hear her, she projected her voice. It was almost like she was acting and then Jason entered the room and things fell silent again.
I miss GH of yesteryear.
Interesting role switch that you suggested. I didn’t watch Michael as Caleb (though I love sexy vampires so I’d like to find and watch it) but he obviously has the range to play the bad boy…and Roger too has the range to play the good guy. Oh well…when they kill them both off each one can come back as per your suggestion. Lol…
does Franco have a ‘sister’?
how about erica slezak?
that would make the show even better!
lol, you do know that franco biological parents are scotty and heather right? how exactly would that work?
“sister” was in quotes. sarcasm…(erica slezak was his sister on OLTL)
and besides is there ever any definitive parentage on soaps?
so how about erica slezak as heathers’ mother? (or was that already established – definitably)
Mgb357 Robin is 60…not sure of her birthday but could be close to 61. Erika just turned 70. And I think she’s a young 70. I’d like to see her as some friend or distant relation to Tracy and the Q’s…we need to build that family back up.
I don’t think the poor ratings can be blamed on one actor. GH has had rather low ratings for years. It seems as if it is difficult for some of the old viewers to accept the OLTL crossovers. I also like Franco and Liz together. As for the actor, Roger does his job well and he is not a prima donna like some of the other actors.
While I agree with most of your reply, Michael (not Fairman) please understand that, in my experience, fans who criticize a popular and very talented actor usually have an agenda or particular bias. This may, or may not be true of AJQ. It was the virulence of her/his opinion that lead me to my “Liason fan” response. If I seemed to paint anyone with too broad a brush, I apologize. My only reasoning is, like I said, past experience. I’m sure you didn’t mean to make this personal. Either way, whatever your intent, I take no offense. I needn’t have bothered anyway, I see Roger’s fans have picked up the mantle of his defense and deftly run with it.
Good show, Deborah. Adore your very subtle, but ‘to the point’ writing. You say it so much better than I.
Fair enough, Deborah (and thanks for the clarification). I just wondered why you went there, when the rest of your post was so solidly argued, and you didn’t need the Jason/Liz angle to support what you were saying.
As for why (people might dislike popular actors, including RH)–I think there are multiple reasons beyond the couples wars. Not everybody sees the same things in actors, and I can’t think of a popular actor in 40 years of soap watching who has not had some critics. There have been some very popular actors whom I’ve looked at on screen and thought, “Seriously? What on earth do they see in him/her?” I’ve also thought highly of quite a few actors who just didn’t catch on with most fans. So although the couples-war aspect may make a difference in some instances and to some people, I don’t have the sense that it’s quite as pervasive as you think. (After all, this phenomenon [of some people not particularly caring for popular actors] has been around a lot longer than the couples wars, which are a post-Internet phenomenon.)
Thanks for responding to me, and I’m glad you took no offense. None was intended, I assure you. (The couples-war thing is a push-button issue for me at the moment, I’ll admit, so apologies if I overreacted.)
Roger is one of the best actors out there. Daytime is lucky to have him!!! I think he is soooooo good – king of the micro expressions! He always brings more to the scene than he even has to, and I just love love love watching him in his craft. He can make us laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. I hope GH utilizes his talent and lets him loose…. maybe even go nuts and kill someone and then die and then come back as another character. Roger can do just about anything. Loved him with Nina (Franina?) and LOVE Friz too!
I read one viewers comments about the two Todds on OLTL – Roger left and Trevor St. John took over the role. Who did you like better? As for me I thought Trevor St. John did a fantastic job although I always wanted Roger back (the whole time he was on other networks), when he finally came back for the last year and the reboot, I was thrilled. I think they handled the storyline well, as did both actors. So Roger was Todd and Trevor was Victor. I am disappointed the soap was not continued because all these years later, I am still curious to know the bigger story that was brewing for them. Maybe one day we will get a play, a movie, or another 40 episode reboot. We can only wish, right?
Muchele…If only…it would have been fantastic to have Roger and Trevor on the show with an extended storyline. In reality, even if OLTL had continued we wouldn’t have had Trevor for long. I read an interview with him where he stated he never intended to play Todd as long as he did and is the type of actor who likes playing different roles and genres. (Which is probably why we haven’t seen him on any soap since; I’ve no doubt he was approached). The little he was on the reboot just had him on the run…( man! That online version was terrible!). Maybe Trevor’s soap hiatus has lifted; it’ d be great to have him on GH even for a short arc. But I agree with you, the two Todd’s would have been soap magic.
Lolololol…Michele!
Roger is and always has been a “character” actor who can work well with any other actor. He is so good that he brings out the best in the other actors who are fortunate enough to play opposite him. I really am enjoying his portrayal of Franco. He is softened him and give him real depth. I continue to enjoy his scenes. Especially enjoyable is having the chance to witness someone who also manages to bring humorous aspect to lines that I am not sure other actors would be able to pull off playing a similar character. In my opinion, I believe Roger is versatile enough an actor that he could make even scenes that would stretch the line of credibility and somehow make it believable. To top it all off he is humble, it appears from this article and others I’ve read over the years. I hope he stays that way.. I think that quiet humility is probably what enables him give such Emmy worthy performances on a consistent basis.
I have been enamored with Roger since he was 24 & I was a teenager. He’s a fantastic actor! And lately I have seen & read interviews with him & he is SO down to earth & humble, & it makes me think even more highly of him! Love him!
Breaking News
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
After exciting morning for your favorite daytime stars when they were revealed to be nominees for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards comes tonight 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special.
Beginning at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, several of the nominees will talk with Michael Fairman on their reactions to the news they have been nominated for a Daytime Emmy, share what scenes they submitted that landed in the top five or six in their respective performer acting categories and much more.
Scheduled to appear are: Days of our Lives nominees, Tamara Braun (Ava), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), The Young and the Restless nominees: Allison Lanier (Summer), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Courtney Hope (Sally), Bryton James (Devon), The Bold and the Beautiful’s John McCook (Eric), General Hospital nominees, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Alley Mills (Heather), and The Bay’s Mike Manning (Caleb).
Photo: JPI
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th and emanating, once again this year from the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Photo: JPI
For a full list of this year’s nominations click here.
Now, watch below as the stars chat it up as we celebrate their Daytime Emmy Nominations. If you have a potential question you might want posed to any of our guests, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on air.
Breaking News
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) have officially announced on Friday, the full list of nominees for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
While Thursday brought with it four reveals of the nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama, Talk Show Host, Lead Actor and Actress categories (as presented by various entertainment news programs), today’s nominations include all the other categories not previously announced.
The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast is set to be presented live on Friday night, June 7, at 8 PM EDT /delayed PT, on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. This will mark the 18th time that CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmys.
Photo: JPI
In addition, The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards will be presented on Saturday, June 8 at t9 PM ET/6 PM PT and streamed on The Emmys apps and at watch.TheEmmys.tv. The ceremonies will take place at the Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles.
Television icon, Dick Van Dyke has received his first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Guest Performer category for his touching portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s Days of our Lives. The nomination makes Van Dyke the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee in history at 98-years-old. In addition, motion picture and TV star, Guy Pearce, is also nominated as Guest Performer for his longtime role as Mike Young in the reboot of Neighbours.
Speaking of Neighbours, the Australian soap opera also received its first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Daytime Drama Series now that its a revival can be streamed on Amazon Freevee. In addition, The Young and the Restless iconic, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) received his first Daytime Emmy nomination in more than 20 years in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
In the Daytime Drama series categories, CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless each scored 12 nominations more than any other show. Leading the acting nominations was B&B, who landed 7 performers in the various categories, a first in its 37-year history.
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS expressed, “We are happy to once again honor the creative talent both in front of and behind the camera of America’s favorite Daytime programs. We look forward to celebrating the icons who enliven the days of audiences across the country.”
Photo: JPI
Brent Stanton, Head of Daytime, NATAS added, “Producing the Daytime Emmys is a labor of love for all of us at NATAS. The huge popularity of these shows continues to be must-see viewing for their fans.” NATAS also revealed that Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Hosts, Presenters, and Silver and Gold Circle honorees will be revealed at a later date.
The Daytime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in television programming honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.
The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be produced once again by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI). Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie executive produces from ATI.
Congratulations to all the men and women in front of the camera and behind the scenes for their recognition as we take a look at who will be going for gold come June. Here are the nominees below starting with the Daytime Drama Categories.
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Neighbours
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Tamara Braun, Days of our Lives
Finola Hughes, General Hospital
Katherine Kelly Lang, The Bold and the Beautiful
Annika Noelle, The Bold and the Beautiful
Michelle Stafford, The Young and the Restless
Cynthia Watros, General Hospital
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Eric Braeden, The Young and the Restless
Scott Clifton, The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye, The Bold and the Beautiful
Eric Martsolf, Days of our Lives
John McCook, The Bold and the Beautiful
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Jennifer Gareis, The Bold and the Beautiful
Linsey Godfrey, Days of our Lives
Courtney Hope, The Young and the Restless
Allison Lanier, The Young and the Restless
Emily O’Brien, Days of our Lives
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Robert Gossett, General Hospital
Bryton James, The Young and the Restless
Wally Kurth, Days of our Lives
A Martinez, The Bay
Mike Manning, The Bay
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
Linden Ashby, The Young and the Restless
Ashley Jones, The Bold and the Beautiful
Alley Mills, General Hospital
Guy Pearce, Neighbours
Dick Van Dyke, Days of our Lives
OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION
General Hospital
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
The Kelly Clarkson Show
OUTSTANDING CASTING
African Queens: Njinga
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Start Up
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
General Hospital
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING
African Queens: Njinga
The Bold and the Beautiful
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri
Photo: WarnerBros
OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING AND MAKEUP
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
Sherri
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG
“Shine” General Hospital
“Unexpected Truth”Unexpected
“We’re Home” Reconnecting Roots
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME TALK SERIES
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall
Turning The Tables with Robin Roberts
The View
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SERIES
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
OUTSTANDING CULINARY SERIES
Be My Guest with Ina Garten
Family Dinner
Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays
Valerie’s Home Cooking
What Am I Eating? with Zooey Deschanel
OUTSTANDING LEGAL/COURTROOM PROGRAM
Hot Bench
Judy Justice
Justice For The People with Judge Milian
The People’s Court
We The People with Judge Lauren Lake
Photo: Disney/ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES HOST
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, Live with Kelly and Mark
Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
OUTSTANDING CULINARY HOST
Lidia Bastianich, 25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee
Valerie Bertinelli, Valerie’s Home Cooking
Eduardo Garcia, Big Sky Kitchen with Eduardo Garcia
Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Cooks
Sophia Roe, Counter Space
Buddy Valastro, Legends of the Fork
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME PERSONALITY – DAILY
Frank Caprio, Caught in Providence
Kevin Frazier, Nischelle Turner , Matt Cohen, Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Will Marfuggi, Rachel Smith, Entertainment Tonight
Deborah Norville, Steven Fabian, Lisa Guerrero, Ann Mercogliano, Jim Moret, Les Trent. Inside Edition
Robert Hernandez, Star Jones, Divorce Court
Judge Judy Sheindlin, Whitney Kumar, Kevin Rasco, Sarah Rose, Judy Justice
What do you think about the nominations for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Who do you think deserved to get in that did? Who do you think got snubbed? Who are you happiest to see receive a nomination? Let us know via the comment section below.
Make sure to be with us live starting tonight Friday, April 19th at 8pm ET/5pm PT for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th anniversary edition of its Daytime Emmy Nomination Special 2024, featuring some of the just announced daytime drama nominees.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
On Thursday, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards revealed nominations in several key categories via four entertainment news programs: Access Hollywood, E! News, Extra and Access Hollywood.
Three of the four announcements were major categories in the field of Daytime Dramas.
The nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category are: The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Neighbours and The Young and the Restless.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital won this category last year, and has the most all-time wins for a series in this category. For the first time, the beloved Australian-based soap opera, Neighbours is now eligible for competition due to its reboot which streams on Amazon Freevee.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th.
Previous categories announced tonight via the entertainment news outlet included: Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
So, what do you think about this year’s nominee for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series? Who do you think should win? Comment below.
Steve Kent Reportedly OUT as Sony Pictures Television VP in Charge of DAYS and Y&R
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’
‘The Golden Bachelor’s’ Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist to Divorce Three Months After TV Wedding
-
General HospitalApril 12, 2024George Russo to Appear on General Hospital as Carmine Cerullo
-
General HospitalApril 15, 2024General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 13, 2024Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
-
RecapsApril 14, 2024Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 14, 2024Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 19, 2024Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes