Breaking News
Guiding Light & One Life to Live Favorite, Jerry verDorn, Passes Away at 72
Very sad news to report on Monday. Two-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Jerry verDorn, has died at the age of 72 after a months -long battle with cancer.
Jerry passed away on Sunday, May 1st peacefully at his home.
Daytime fans loved Jerry for his portrayals of Ross Marler on Guiding Light (1979-2005) and then Clint Buchanan on One Life to Live (2005-2012 on ABC and 2013 on Prospect Park’s online version). He later retired after 34 years of acting on daytime TV.
For his work on Guiding Light, Jerry took home back-to-back Daytime Emmys in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category in 1995 and 1996. Throughout his time on the CBS soap, he also earned four additional nominations for his performances.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Beth, his sons Jake and Peter, daughters-in-law Laura and Erin, his sister Bonnie, brothers Jim and Dan, and grandchildren: Benjamin, Nora and Penelope
A private memorial celebration will be held at a later date this summer.
Share your thoughts, remembrances and condolences for Jerry and his family in the comment section below.
Sad news. Mr. VerDorn is part of a special generation of very talented performers who through their hard work and gifts for storytelling, created characters that became a like family to us during TV’s golden age of daytime drama. I’m appreciative of the legacy they leave us but it just is not the same anymore. We will remember Ross and Clint through Mr. verDorn. I like how he successfully assumed the iconic role of Clint on OLTL and made it his own.
Very well said, lakovos. I, too, miss that ‘family feeling’ that soaps once had. Heck, Y&R can’t even use music themes they presumably already own the rights to. If you watch the show on All Access, they play the full theme over the closing credits and it reminds me of what we’re missing. Performers like the great Jerry verDorn are so rare anymore. Here’s to his talent and dedication to his craft.
Death is part of the cycle of life but every time I read about the death of a soap star particularly one who acted on either the Proctor and Gamble/ New York ABC soaps it always feels like I’ve lost yet another childhood friend. It reminds us that fewer and fewer of us remember TV golden age of daytime drama and the greats like Mr. verDorn who provided us with so many precious memories are slowly slipping away. My condolences to his family.
This is such sad news. I loved watching him as both Ross on Guiding Light and Clint on One Life to Live. He was an incredible actor.
I’m happy he did several episodes of “The Locher Room” with his costars. It was sure good seeing him again. Rest easy, sir. Rest easy.
He was a great actor. I watch him for many many years he will be miss by all you loved him! My favorite was Clint on One life to Live. Rest in Peace
My heart! X
OLTL hit the recast jackpot with Jerry. A fine actor who fit in perfectly with the powerhouse cast despite being younger in real life than his tv younger brother.
RIP to one of daytime’s finest.
Not Jerry verDorn! He was a consummate actor. He was at Guiding Light for such a long time, and one of the main reasons I stayed with the show for as long as I did. His acting with Michael Zaslow, Beverlee McKinsey, Maureen Garrett and especially the actresses who all played Blake, especially Elizabeth Keifer, was just outstanding! He was too young. What a great loss.
Loved Jerry he was a wonderful man, and wonderful actor. May he RIP.
This is terrible news. I am so shocked. I loved him on One Life to Live. He seamlessly slipped into the role of Clint Buchanan. He didn’t try to imitate Clint Richie. Jerry was his own Clint. The writers gave him plenty to play and played it wonderfully. He also came across as being a very nice man in real life. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Thank you Mr. verDorn for sharing your wonderful talent with us. Rest in peace kind sir.
As frequent as recasts are in soaps, it’s not common to look back at male characters that have multiple actors equally associated with the role. Clint Buchanan was one of them.
Others include:
Jack Abbott (Lester/Bergman)
Edward Quartermaine (Lewis/Ingle)
The jury’s still out on the Adam Newmans, Billy Abbotts of the soap world. We may have verdicts already on the Ridge Forresters and Nikolas Cassadines.
RIP JvD, job(s) well done!
Another bog loss! Loved him as Ross on GL and he made you believe he was the only Clint Buchanan on OLTL.
It’s been a sad few months for ATWT/L fans….Lisa Brown….Kathryn Hays…. and now Jerry Ver Dorn…..Heartbroken!
He was one of those actors that put quality into daytime. Perfect as Ross, even better as Clint. A sad day for those of us who love daytime and the people who made it great.
I started watching Jerry VerDorn on GL when I was 10 years old. My babysitter loved him, so I did too. Fly high, you are at peace now!
Terribly sad news has hit another daytime star. Jerry verDorn’s portrayal of Ross Marler on GL will never be forgotten by his fans. Six Emmy nominations and 2 wins! I will never forget him thanking his wife Beth after receiving his awards. Praying for the family! Wish he could have been a part of a GL reboot.
Wow. Jerry VerDorn: Soap icon. I was just watching an “old” scene with him & Wendy Monize (Dinah.) Ross Marler evolved from bad boy to respectable family patriarch. Rest in peace. Mr. VerDorn.
I remember him on both shows. So sorry for his family. He portrayed excellent character on both shows. This was back when soap opera’s were at its best. Vergie Sears
Oh, one of my all time favorites from GL. I just loved Ross and Blake with sometimes interfering Holly and Dinah. He was the consumate attorney, husband, dad, friend, etc. R.I.P Jerry, you were loved by many!
I remember as a teenager first watching him on Guiding Light. He was one of my favorite characters on the show and I was so sad when he was written off. He was a gem.There are few daytime actors like Jerry anymore. Sending sympathy and warm thoughts and prayers to his family.
I went to the same college as he did and saw him in many local productions. He was so talented. I am so sorry.
Loved Ross and Holly’s brief time together before he got involved with Blake. Wonderful memories from GL’s heyday.
Read this and thought “now both my Clints are gone!”
I enjoyed watching him on the real One Life to Live on ABC and felt really bad he had to destroy Clint on that debacle on Prospect. I hope he got to do something more enjoyable after that.
A wonderful human being indeed one of the good guys ! RIP !!
I am so sorry to hear Ross Marler has passed I enjoyed watching him on Guiding Light. My son and I were just speaking of him this morning. I was supposed to go meet him at a mall sponsored by Chick full of nuts at a mall in New York. I fell I’ll that day. So my son went to see him. My son said he was a very pleasant man. He sent me a photo of him with best regards. I will never forget that. All my prayers to his family friends and fans. May he rest in Peace
Loved him as Ross..
I never met Jerry, nor watched any Soap Operas. However, I met Beth at a hotel pool in Ames, Iowa several years ago, and had a delightful long visit with her. I would like to thank Beth for her graciousness that day, and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family upon hearing of
The death of her beloved Jerry. He was terribly talented and a good husband and father, by all accounts. Our deepest sympathy to you Beth.
Breaking News
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.
Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.
While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100, A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman
HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM
Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.
There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC
A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN
In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”
Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”
So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.
The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.
On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI
THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.
Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.
The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.
As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.
Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.
So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Breaking News
ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.
The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.
The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC
In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”
A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS
The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.
Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear. The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.
It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.
So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.
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