Guiding Light
Guiding Light's Maureen Garrett Comes Out Publicly!
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
GL Alum Nia Long Set to Play Michael Jackson’s Mother, Katherine Jackson, in Upcoming Biopic
Since her early days on Guiding Light, actress Nia Long (ex-Kat Speakes from 1991-1994), has made quite a name for herself with a list of credits that are very impressive. Now, Long can yet another when she has signed on to portray Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the Jackson clan and mother to superstar Michael Jackson.
Michael, the title of the upcoming biopic from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures is said to be working towards an April 18, 2025 release date. Director Antoine Fuqua is set behind the camera.
In a statement on the casting of Long, Michael producer Graham King expressed: “Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son. Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Long echoed the sentiments of King, sharing: “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere.”
Nia will be in great acting company for the film that includes Best Actor Oscar nominee Coleman Domingo who will play Katherine’s husband and Michael’s father, Joe Jackson.
Looking forward to seeing Nia taking on the role of Katherine Jackson in the Michael biopic? Remember her early days on Guiding Light? Comment below.
All My Children
2023 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Fashion: Women In Glam: Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)
The 50th annual Daytime Emmys Awards brought out the women of daytime in sequined gowns, classic black, looks with an edge, and more as the stars gathered together for daytime’s biggest night of the year.
Prior to the two-hour ceremony airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday, many previous Emmy winners, nominees, and fan favorites walked the red carpet showing off their fashion sense to the numerous paparazzi in attendance.
The following morning on Saturday, more nominees and presenters took to the red carpet for the 50th annual Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Awards. Scroll below and take a look at some of the pics of the ladies as they made their way down the red carpet.
2022 Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winner, Mishael Morgan (Amanda, Y&R), who was a presenter on this year’s telecast in yellow.
General Hospital’s Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber) intro’d the GH 60 retrospective package during the telecast, but a blue-sequined dress was the order of the day on the red carpet.
Y&R Lead Actress nominee, Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) wows the carpet.
Y&R’s Melissa Ordway (Abby) sleek in black.
GH’s Katelyn McMullen (Willow) gives us old Hollywood with a modern twist in red.
GH’s Tabyana Ali (Trina) in dark red sequined gown.
The Talk co-host, Amanda Kloots, in silver and white.
Six-time Daytime Emmy-winning star, Heather Tom (Katie) of The Bold and the Beautiful, truly in old Hollywood glam.
Daytime Emmy winner from Guiding Light and current star of General Hospital Cynthia Watros (Nina), in teal dress.
Eventual Daytime Emmy winner for Outstanding Younger Performer, GH’s Eden McCoy (Josslyn) in creme colored slip dress.
Susan Lucci (ex-Erica Kane, All My Children) should also win a Lifetime Achievement Award for all the red carpets she dazzled over the years, and this year was no exception.
Grammy Award-winner, Jennifer Nettles. took to the morning Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmys in yellow. During the Emmy telecast, she performed during the In Memoriam Segment.
General Hospital nominee for Supporting Actress, Brook Kerr (Portia).
The fabulous Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) who represented Y&R for their tribute during the ceremony, took to the carpet in this sequined print pantsuit.
A Daytime Emmy winner from General Hospital, now with Y&R, Hayley Erin (Claire), took to the red carpet in alternative modern fashion.
GH’s Jophielle Love (Violet) was ready for the carpet with patterned-bowed dress and matching black shoes.
Another nod to old Hollywood, B&B’s Jennifer Gareis (Donna) in white and silver with matching silver earrings.
Paige Mobley, a Daytime Emmy nominee at the Creative Arts & Lifestyle ceremony for co-hosting Instant Dream Home, took to the carpet.
Talk show host, Sherri Shepherd making a ‘statement’ at the Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards with this modern number.
B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) took home the gold for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the third time in her career. Here, Jacqui walks the red carpet prior to the start of the telecast glammed in black.
Also dressed in black, but in velvet, GH’s Tanisha Harper (Jordan).
Talk show host and EGOT winner, Jennifer Hudson, was the final performer to arrive at the 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards and turned it out in sequins.
So, who do you think wore it best on the red carpet at the 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards weekend? Let us know your pick via the comment section below.
Guiding Light
Tom Pelphrey Set to Star Opposite Mark Ruffalo in HBO Crime Drama Series
Two-time Daytime Emmy winning star, Tom Pelphey (ex-Jonathan Randall, Guiding Light, ex-Mick Dante, As the World Turns), has landed another primo role in his primetime and motion picture acting career.
Pelphrey is set to star opposite Mark Ruffalo in the yet untitled Brad Inglesby Task Force Project currently in pre-production for HBO.
According to Deadline, Pelphrey will take on the role of Robbie, a sanitation worker and dreamer who has been knocked around by life, but has always gotten back up again.
The series loglines shares that it takes place in the working-class suburbs outside of Philadelphia and follows an FBI agent who heads a Task Force. His goal is to put an end to a string of drug-house robberies led by an unsuspecting family man.
Ruffalo is also one of the executive producers on the series. The Untitled Task Force project is based on an original idea by the creator of Mare of Easttown, Brad Ingelsby.
As for Tom Pelphrey, he is one in-demand actor. After receiving critical acclaimed in Ozark, he now finds himself in production on season 2 of Amazon Prime’s Outer Range. Next, he will play the lead in A Man In Full, a limited series from Netflix. The actor most recently starred in Max’s Love and Death.
Back in April, Tom became a father to a baby girl, Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey with his love, actress Kaley Cuoco.
So, what do you think about Tom’s upcoming role opposite Mark Ruffalo in the new untitled HBO crime drama? Did you always know, like we did when we saw him on Guiding Light, that Tom would become a major star in Hollywood? Comment below.
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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:
http://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…..