Tom Pelphrey, one of the greatest actors of our time, who got his first big break on the soaps, can now add a primetime Emmy to his two Daytime Emmys after receiving the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series tonight for his memorable role as Robbie Prendergrast in HBO’s Task.

Taking to the stage for his acceptance, Pelphrey delivered one of the more impassioned and touching moments at the 78th annual Primetime Emmys airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

Pelphrey shared, “I thank God for my life and my sobriety. I thank my family and my friends for all your love and support all these years, from Emmys to black box theaters and everything in between.” He added special thanks to his Task co-star and Emmy nominee, Mark Ruffalo, sharing, “Thank you for this incredible role and this opportunity and your friendship. I’m so proud to be your friend.”

Photo: NBC/TVAcademy

TOM PELPHREY GIVES BEAUTIFUL SHOUT OUT TO KALEY CUOCO

In conclusion, Tom gave a shout to his fiancée, Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco, when he expressed, “And to my favorite actor in this room, my love, my best friend, my partner, the very pregnant Kaley — I love you more than anything, and our family is the crown jewel of my life.”

Cuoco is the mother to their first child together named Matilda, and she is pregnant with their second child. Tom also gave shout oust to his children, the one they have, and the one on the way. “Matilda, daddy loves you. Baby girl, daddy loves you. Thank you. God bless,” an emotional Pelphrey said.

The now Emmy-winning actor beat out a stellar field for the gold statuette that included: Three men from the cast of The Pitt: Patrick Ball, Shawn Hatosy and Gerran Howell, The Morning Show’s Billy Crudup, Slow Horses’ Jack Lowden and Pluribus actor Carlos-Manuel Vesga.

Photo: JPI

TWO-TIME DAYTIME EMMY WINNER FROM GUIDING LIGHT

Pelphrey had previously been nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 2022 for his guest star role as Ben Davis in the hit series Ozark. On the soaps, Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his role as Jonathan Randall on Guiding Light in the Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 2006 and 2008 and was nominated a total of four times.

For six years, Pelphrey played the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer) from 2003-2009, before later joining the cast of As the World Turns in the role of Mick Cain from 2009-2010. From there, it’s been all primetime television, stage and films for Pelphrey.

So, were you happy to see Tom Pelphrey winning an Emmy for his role in Task? What did you think of his acceptance speech? Do you think he was one of the best actors to ever get their start on soaps? Let us know via the comment section.

The tragic death of Hayden Panettiere last Sunday on August 21 continues to rock the entertainment world as her passing is still under investigation. Sadly, the former Guiding Light and Nashville star, died just days before her 37th birthday.

Now Grant Aleksander who played her on-screen father, Phillip Spaulding on Guiding Light a role he played on and off for nearly 30 years,  shared a touching tribute with The Locher Room via Instagram, to his former TV daughter on her birthday on Friday, August 21.

It was back in 1996-2000 that Panettiere played the role of Phillip and Beth’s (Beth Chamberlin) daughter, Lizzie Spaulding. When Hayden was on-screen her performances were outstanding even as a little girl.

Photo: CBS

Aleksander began, When I think of Hayden the first image that comes is of her running down the hall in the studio with a huge, toothy grin on her face. Literally bursting with joy. And that’s what she gave to us. Pure, infectious joy. That and a talent that belied her years.”

“She was a natural with an instinctive understanding of acting that most adult actors can only dream of possessing. But that’s not what I’ll remember most about her. It’s that sunshine she brought to all of us that were lucky enough to be in her orbit that will stay with me, expressed Grant.

He concluded with, “I’ll always cherish the years I got to be her tv Dad. I wish I could have seen her one more time just to tell her how proud I was of her. She’s left us way too soon. We can only hope that she’s finally found the peace that eluded her in her short life. Rest in peace Princess!”

Michael Fairman TV previously shared emotional tributes from many of Hayden’s co-stars here, plus Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky, GH and ex-Avery, Nashville) who wrote a beautiful tribute to his former co-star.

So, do you remember the scenes between a young Lizzie and Phillip on Guiding Light? What did you think of Grant Aleksander’s words? Let us know via the comment section below. Here’s just a sampling below, of how great Hayden was with her scene partner, Grant.

Tributes continue to pour in from the entertainment and soap opera community, and especially from former co-stars of Hayden Panettiere, who died on Sunday at the age of 36.

Panetierre was best-known to soap fans for her roles as as a young Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light and Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live, and as an adult in ABC’s music city primetime soap opera, Nashville where she starred as Juliette Barnes opposite General Hospital alum, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky, GH and ex-Avery, Nashville).

As previously reported, Panettiere died on Sunday afternoon, August 16 in a home in Greenville, South Carolina. The coroner released an official statement on Monday, which read in part “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death. The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.” First responders rushed to the scene after a 911 call about a woman who was unresponsive from an overdose and in cardiac arrest.

Photo: JPI

Now below, check out some of the heartfelt remembrances for the extraordinarily talented, Hayden Panettiere from several of her Guiding Light co-stars and more. Michael Fairman TV will continue to add to the list of tributes throughout the next few days as they become available, as well as keep you updated on any further developments in Panettiere’s death.

Beth Chamberlin (Beth Raines, GL): “Hayden played my daughter for 3 years. She was the most brilliant child actor I’ve ever seen.  The things she could do, the way she could remember 20+ pages of dialogue, day after day.  Even on days where the director would come out between dress and tape and make huge cuts to the scenes, Hayden, never once forgot a line or missed her blocking.  The adults would, but not Hayden.  I felt blessed to work with her. And always perfect in her playing of the scene.”

Connie Britton (Rayna James, Nashville): “This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak.
I love you girl. Sleep easy now. 💔”

Tina Sloan (Lillian Raines, GL): “Hayden Panettiere was my granddaughter on Guiding Light. She died at 36 and was such a star.”

Rebecca Budig (ex-Michelle Bauer, GL, now Taylor, B&B): “I remember working alongside her..loved her and her family. She and Beth were spectacular together. So sad for her family and those who knew and loved her.”

Karla Mosley: (Dani Dupree, BTG) “This is awful awful news. Blessings to her soul and all who loved her.”

Photo: CBS

Bethany Joy Lenz: (ex-Michelle Bauer, GL) “There is nothing that posting pictures on the internet can do. I avoid it usually in moments like this. But Im here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue. I’m crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play. We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.”

Lenz continued, “I don’t understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real. These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”

Brittany Snow: (ex-Daisy Lemay, GL) “I was lucky enough to play your sister for 3 years. I related to you so much in so many ways. Ways that I never even told you. Your talent was remarkable & so was your determination to be a bold, bright shining light. And you were. Always supportive, curious, funny and brave. You will always be remembered undoubtedly for your undeniable strength and spirit 💔.”

Photo: CestenIG

Charles Esten (ex-Deacon Clayborne, Nashville): Patty (Esten’s wife) and I are stunned and saddened at the loss of our dear and beautiful friend Hayden. I will never forget the first time I met her. In a sound stage office in Hollywood, I was finishing up my very first NASHVILLE audition. I had read two Deacon scenes before pulling out my guitar and singing two songs. I said my goodbyes and, hoping I’d done well, went to open the door to leave. Instead of swinging all the way out, the door bumped into somebody. Kinda hard.”

“To my complete surprise, It was Hayden Paniettiere, who – in full Juliette Barnes mode – had been listening with her ear to the door. Instead of looking even a little bit caught, her face instantly bloomed into the most beautiful smile. Eyes twinkling, she clapped her hands and said, “That was so good!!” I can promise you that in that moment, there was nothing in the world I needed to hear more than that. I told her that, along with my HEROES-watching family, I was already a big fan of hers, and that I was grateful for the very kind words. It was her turn to go in, so as I went to leave, I said a jokingly cocky, “See you on the set!”

“I was, of course, many auditions away from landing that incredible role. But when I finally did, and showed up in Nashville to start work, she walked right up to me, pointed in my face, and with that magical grin said, “See you on the set!” From there, we became fast friends, working very hard to play those 2 troubled Nashvillians, but always having fun and laughing a whole lot along the way. She was, of course, extraordinarily talented, infusing her larger-than-life character with all the heart, charisma, humor, whip-smart intelligence, and flat-out magic that were, alongside whatever troubles and pain she carried, a part of her own personal palette. What a great gift it was to act with her, sing with her, and to just be her friend. She was always extremely kind to my family, especially my wife, Patty, who I’m certain she liked even more than me.”

Together, we are heartbroken that she is gone, and praying for her family, and for all those who, like us, will miss and mourn her so dearly. God bless you, Hayden.
Rest In Peace and Light ❤️

Emme Rylan: (ex-Lizzie Spaulding, GL et al.)” So very sad. Rest in peace sweet soul.”

Bryan Craig: (ex-Morgan, GH) posted a text exchange via his Instagram story he had with Panettiere where they laughed about her making fun of his hat. He wrote: “Love you Hayden. Rest in peace Angel.” Craig later added, “Cherish the moments with people you love and care about. As cliche as it sounds. Send that text, get that cup of coffee, tell them you love them and you’re proud of them. You may not get the chance again.”

Share your remembrances of Hayden Panettiere from Guiding Light, Nashville, or any of her other roles in her 3 decades long career via the comment section below.

 

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