Guiding Light
Guiding Light's Maureen Garrett Comes Out Publicly!

Courtesy/Out.com
Today is National Coming Out Day, and leave it to a former soap star’s story to be in the spotlight on this important date for the LGBT community! In a brand new feature at Out.com, Guiding Light fan favorite Maureen Garrett, who played the complex and long-suffering, Holly, and was part of the super couple of Roger (Michael Zaslow) and Holly Thorpe, has come out publicly. She discusses it in the piece about her time on Guiding Light, and her off-screen family.
The actress revealed her 20 year relationship with her partner, Janet Morgan and that together they raised three sons. When Garrett talked about the commonality between her and her on-screen alter-ego Holly she said, “She wore far too much makeup,” noting that her friends and family were entertained by her glamorous appearance on television: she’d arrive on the GL set straight from her cabin, clad in jeans and boots, and was completely made over. The daily transformation remained temporary, of course. “At the end of the day I almost always washed off the make-up, and with it, Holly’s brand of crazy.”
Below are some other excerpts from the feature detailing why Maureen never shared her story publicly during her run on Guiding Light, and how she stepped away from acting, but has begun getting her feet wet in it, once again!
Garrett’s story on being on Guiding Light while remaining closeted to the public: “While Garrett’s Guiding Light costars knew of her relationship with Morgan, fans of the Holly/Roger saga never had a clue. Several reasons the actress never shared her family story publicly. The first was Garrett’s predilection for privacy. The other reason is even more obvious: when she was center stage on GL, it was simply a different time in history. In the early ’90s—often considered by viewers to be the Holly/Roger heyday—very few celebrities publicly deviated from the socially prescribed norms. Despite what was happening to celebrities coming out in the real world, Garrett says she still approached GL’s writers about creating a storyline for Holly that involved a same-sex love affair. The result? The network wouldn’t touch it. That storyline would come several years later, in a notoriously G-rated plot involving Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia as Olivia and Natalia. (The fact that the storyline wasn’t between Olivia and Holly infuriated viewers, who bombarded Internet forums with comments about the tense undertones and chemistry that the two shared onscreen).”
Garrett on life post-Springfield: “After Guiding Light ended in 2009, Garrett’s decision to leave acting was simply a case of knowing when to move on and not looking back. “I no longer felt the desire to pursue acting,” she says of not turning up in a new onscreen role after the GL’s cancellation. “That muse had flown.” She left New York and pursued other interests, from sculpting and writing to studying Spanish. However, it wasn’t long before she was drawn back into performing. When Charles Towers, the artistic director of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, offered Garrett the chance to return to theater in the new play, Ghost Writer, she accepted. The timing proved to be perfect. Playing the character of Vivian Woosley provided a welcome distraction from her mother’s recent passing. For an actress who began in the theater, it was also a return to her acting roots.”
At the end of this story, Garrett had a special message to her fans: “I am very happy and fulfilled,” she says, before adding in a semi-mocking tone reminiscent of Holly, “and the kids are all right.”
So soapers, what do you think of the news of Maureen coming out? What went down at Guiding Light when Maureen suggested a same-sex storyline for Holly? Where you a fan of Holly on GL? Let us know!
Guiding Light
Tom Pelphrey Takes on The Role of ‘Jesus Christ’ with Y&R’s Courtney Hope as ‘Mary’ in New Podcast Series
Since first making a name for himself as Reva’s (Kim Zimmer) son, Jonathan Randall on Guiding Light, Tom Pelphrey’s (ex-ATWT and GL) post-soap career has featured many complex and dark roles in television and motion pictures. Now comes perhaps, Pelphrey’s most stunning role when he will play Jesus Christ in a new four–part audio series podcast, called The Christ.
The series is from the Faith Podcast Network who will be releasing the series for Easter. It is being billed as “an audio epic and the first ever full-scale audio dramatization of Jesus’ life across four immersive episodes using cinematic-quality sound, music and performances.” The podcast series will feature more than 100 different characters and can be heard at TheChristPodcast.com
Joining The Ozark and Task star in the cast are some other high-profile Hollywood names including: David Ovelowo as Pontius Pilot, Paul Walter Hauser as John the Baptist, Patricia Heaton as the host and John Rhys-Davies as the narrator. In addition, none other than The Young and the Restless, Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra) also is featured as Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Photo: FaithPodcastNetwork
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “The Christ comes from a creative team that includes writer and director Paul Cuschieri, co-director and producer Mark Ramsey and producer Jim Young.” The series drops during Holy Week, with the first episode debuting on March 30. A new episode will be released each day through April 2, scheduled accordingly so that the entire series will be available by Good Friday on April 3.
The official logline says The Christ will cover “the life, death and legacy of Jesus of Nazareth. Through betrayal, courage, suffering and hope, the series explores how one man’s story reshaped history — and redefined love, authority and sacrifice.”
Pelphrey who announced he has 12-years of sobriety back in 2025, shared why this project was of importance to him, “Sharing about sobriety and faith are so personal to me, and it means so much to me. The other thing you notice is when people are sharing things, you could say a word to a thousand people, and a thousand people hear a different version of that word. In all humility, to share something that matters to you, you first have to come to an understanding and acceptance that you’re surrendering how it’s going to be heard or what it means to anyone listening. You have no control over it. That’s been an amazing process to go through.”
So, what do you think of Tom Pelphrey playing the audio version of Jesus Christ and Courtney Hope playing Mary, Mother of Jesus? Excited to hear the story of Christ via this podcast series? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Guiding Light
‘Guiding Light’s’ Kim Zimmer Reflects on Brilliant Scenes with Tom Pelphrey After Initially Telling Producers, ‘Hire Any of Them But the Last Guy’
Throughout its 57-year run on daytime, Guiding Light introduced television audiences to many actor who would go on to have major careers in motion pictures, primetime television and the stage. One such is the incredible Tom Pelphrey (Task, Mank, Ozark, Outer Range, et al.), who from the minute he debuted on the CBS soap took soap viewers by storm for his raw, relatable and emotional turn as Reva (Kim Zimmer) and Prince Richard Winslow’s (Bradley Cole) son, Jonathan Randall.
In the complicated storyline, Jonathan was conceived and born while Reva was suffering from amnesia and believing herself to be Princess Catherine while living in San Cristobel. As Jonathan grew up his life was torn apart making him a vengeful, menacing young man, who under it all was deeply wounded and who felt abandoned and forgot about.
Kim Zimmer won four Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Reva Shayne, while Tom Pelphrey took home two Daytime Emmys for the Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his performance. On-screen, together, they were a riveting pairing which included many a tense scene including when Jonathan choked out Reva.

Photo: JPI
During last week’s Guiding Light reunion livestream with Zimmer, Bradley Cole (ex-Richard and Jeffrey, GL) and Laura Wright (ex-Cassie, GL, now Carly, GH) on the You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, the three actors reminisced about their time together as romantic pairings: Reva/Richard, Cassie/Richard, Reva/Jeffrey etc, but also talked about many of their co-stars and their deeply personal feelings of what Guiding Light meant to all of them.
REVA AND JONATHAN WERE SOAP OPERA GOLD
Though the years, it’s been no secret that Zimmer, did not initially want Tom Pelphrey cast as her son, because as she admitted, in the audition process with her, she was scared of him based on the power of his performance in the scene.
Kim recalled, “I went in (to the producers) right after I auditioned like seven guys, and I said, ‘Hire any of them, but the last guy.’ And they all looked at me like I had six heads, because they had already decided they were going to cast him. And then when I said that, they were like, ‘we’re definitely going to cast him now! That’s the feeling they wanted. They knew he scared me.”
The beloved GL heroine said that once she began working in a scene with Pelphrey, all was A-OK! “It was almost immediate once we started really working together, and I could trust the story,” shared Kim. “It was such a bizarre story that I was being given, again (also referencing Reva’s Clone story as the other), that I was hesitant about that. But once we started really working together, there was no question that they had made the right decision.”
In fact, fans loved Reva and Jonathan so much, they would vote them top couple as Kim remembers, “And, you know, in the soap magazines, we got voted, ‘Best couple,’ and we weren’t a love couple. We were a mother and son. That was like the biggest compliment to me – we’d get nominated as ‘Outstanding Couple.’
ONE OF THE FINEST ACTORS IN THE HISTORY OF GUIDING LIGHT
Kim’s real-life son, Jake Weary has also made quite the name for himself in TV and motion pictures and Pelphrey also bonded many years ago: “When my son was living in LA, he and Jake would hang out together. They had mutual friends and they got to know each other pretty well, which I love. Jake actually asked me recently if I had any favorite Guiding Light scenes that I could remember. And I said, ‘Anything with HB (Larry Gates), Billy Lewis (Jordan Clarke) and Tom Pelphrey.
During the livestream, Laura Wright, who worked in many scenes with Pelphrey, added, “In my opinion, Tom took the bar and he raised it. Not just in talent because he had that, but Tom inspired you. He made you want to do like that, and he wanted you to be as great. He just was all around a great guy to work with.”
In case you missed it, you can check out the Guiding Light live reunion with Kim, Bradley and Laura, followed by some incredible scenes between Tom and Kim as Jonathan and Reva.
Then, let us know, do you think Reva and Jonathan as played by Kim Zimmer and Tom Pelphrey, were the most dynamic mother/son duo all-time on the soaps? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Breaking News
‘Guiding Light’ Reunion: Kim Zimmer, Bradley Cole and Laura Wright to Chat Live!
In a very special livestream reunion; three of the former stars of the legendary Guiding Light, who’s on-screen lives were forever intertwined, will visit the Michael Fairman Channel on Friday, January 30 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
Look for GL icon and four-time Daytime Emmy winner, Kim Zimmer (ex-Reva Shayne), Bradley Cole (ex-Prince Richard Winslow and Jeffrey O’Neill and ex-Warren Bauer, GH), and Daytime Emmy winner Laura Wright (ex-Cassie Layne, now Carly Spencer on GH) to reminisce about their time together and memories of the daytime drama that lasted an astounding 57 years on television and counting radio, 72 years.
Guiding Light fans will recall, Bradley’s first run as Richard and his royal wedding to Cassie, to returning as a Jeffrey O’Neill, and how it caused tension between sisters, Reva and Cassie, and much more.

Photo: JPI
As viewers know, Kim Zimmer played the iconic role of Reva Shayne from 1983–1990 and from 1995–2009. Bradley Cole portrayed Prince Richard Winslow from 1999- 2002, and after the character was killed-off, he returned as Jeffrey O’Neill, a lawyer-turned-special agent, who was with the series from 2003-2009. As the show went off the air for the last time in the September 18, 2009 finale, Jeffrey was presumed dead. Then, in 2010, Cole came to General Hospital to take on the short-term but important run of Warren Bauer, who was believed to have abused his son, Kiefer Bauer.
Laura Wright played Reva’s sister Cassie Layne in a stunning reveal in 1999, and stayed with the series until 2005, before moving to General Hospital later that year to take on the role of Carly Corinthos, now going by Carly Spencer and the rest for Wright is as they say, history.
Not only will the GL alums and stars chat about their time on the soap, but will bring you up-to-date on their lives now. First, Bradley has a new album out entitled Desert Dreams. The 12 track project pays a musical tribute to Cole’s upbringing in Los Angeles and the classic rock, pop, and south-of-the-border influences of the ’60s and ’70s that shaped his musical foundation. Desert Dreams blends a classic rock vibe with nostalgic country and a modern Americana sensibility, highlighting Cole’s clear storytelling and skillful melodic songwriting.

Photo: JPI
Meanwhile, Laura Wright continues to star on ABC’s General Hospital whereas Carly Spencer she is embroiled in a major storyline with Carly’s current love interest WSB Port Charles Bureau Chief, Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). After finding out he enlisted her daughter, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) to be a WSB spy, she believes the guy is bad news, or does she? Laura continues her project Sacred Circle where “women pause, breathe, and reconnect with ourselves — and with each other.”
Then, there is GL icon, Kim Zimmer. She will soon be seen in an upcoming production of Driving Miss Daisy, in the role Daisy at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre in Fayetteville, NC, running from March 19 to April 4, 2026. Last year, Kim starred in the play The Trip to Bountiful at Theatre Raleigh. Back in 2024, Zimmer went public with her breast cancer diagnosis and that she had undergone treatment. She is also the proud mom to TV and film, actor Jake Weary.
If you cannot be with us in the live chat, but have a question or comment you would like posed to Kim, Bradley or Laura, make sure to drop it in the comment section below, and we just might ask it during the live broadcast.
Now below, also check out the Guiding Light profiler with clips from Bradley Cole’s run as Jeffrey O’Neil and how the character was involved with Reva and Cassie and more.
So, excited to see Kim, Bradley and Laura reminiscing about their time on Guiding Light and more? Let us know via the comment section!
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She’s an amazing woman and actress.
Congrats to her!!! So happy that she’s able to feel comfortable coming out of the closet after all of these days! Proud of you Maureen! Glad you’re happy with where you are in your life!
I would have loved to have seen them do a story like that with Holly, she was an under utilized and under appreciated talent.
I love Holly and Maureen Garrett. Usually I have idea before an actor goes public, but this was a complete surprise. I wish her all the best. She looks lovely as always.
Hello Ms. Maureen Garrett.
Thank You.
Sincerely…
Pride in who you are…. “I am Gay”.
I loved Guiding Light.
I would have loved Holly to find love with Olivia – it would have been so special, especially after the hell she had been through with Roger Thorpe who for better or worse, was the love of her life.
They would have been so sweet together. I always thought there was a delightful sapphic undercurrent to scenes she had with both Crystal and Beverlee McKinsey:
https://youtu.be/1O_1BJrBBj4
I watched GUIDING LIGHT here and there, but I remember her – her voice was so sexy! I was so envious.
I’m glad she is happy. 🙂
Loved her as Holly and respect her so much as Maureen. Congrats!
Thank you, Ms. Garrett! Loved you then; love you now! All the best!
I was so surprised to see this! But great news for Maureen to come out! I have always loved her as Holly Lindsey on Guiding Light! I always loved it when she was on. I really loved it when Holly and Blake fought, or when Roger and Holly fought their passion for each other. They really were one of daytime’s best and hottest couples!
She and her partner and their three sons look so happy, what a great family!
I love Holly and Maureen Garrett. She is an inspiration for all mature women (regardless of sexual preference) who are very comfortable with their place in life. Off topic: I miss Guiding Light so much!!!!
Way to go Maureen!! Continued happiness
I’d question the idea that the fans didn’t know. While it wasn’t common knowledge, anyone who was into soaps at that time- I mean really into soaps- heavily suspected. Michael Zaslow’s wife wrote a fictional novel or two that clearly drew from her life with him and his role as Roger Thorpe. Reading between the (albeit fictional) lines, it was fairly clear his co-star’s sexual orientation.
In the end, good on her for her choices, then and now.
I wish that Guiding Light was still on the air. Maureen G is a good actress and wish she would have stayed acting. I loved everything about Guiding Light. It would be nice to have it continue online. As far as her coming out, I don’t think any less of her. We can’t help who we fall in love with.
Maureen, congrats to you and your family. I truly admire your work as Holly on GL. Watching you on GL was part of many wonderful memories with my dad. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. You are beautiful inside and out. Best wishes for you and your family.
As a very long time GL fan I loved the Holly and Roger story. But I have to say that this news does not surprise me. Just by virtue of her always shunning personal publicity, I kinda figured.
I loved her with Roger…..as bad a guy as he was on the show, he was absolutely wonderful in his part……they were great together…..