Breaking News
Helen Gallagher, ‘Ryan’s Hope’ Three-Time Daytime Emmy Winner and Broadway Star, Has Died at 98
One of the best to ever appear in a leading role on the soaps, Helen Gallagher (ex-Maeve Ryan, Ryan’s Hope), has died at the age of 98. Gallagher is a three-time Daytime Emmy winner and a two-time Tony Award winner. News of her death came from her longtime colleagues at the Herbert Berghof Studio. Helen passed away on Sunday, November 24th.
Soap fans know Helen as the feisty matriarch of the Ryan clan on ABC’s beloved Ryan’s Hope. She played the part through the series entire run from July 1975 to January 1989. It was Gallagher singing “Danny Boy” that took Ryan’s Hope through its final episode that many will remember as an iconic moment in soaps.
Helen won three Daytime Emmys for Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1976, 1977, and again in 1988. At the time she was cast in Ryan’s Hope, Gallagher was teaching singing three times a week and one of her students was Michael Hawkins (ex-Frank Ryan). Sadly pictured below are Helen’s beloved co-stars, Ron Hale (ex-Roger), Bernie Barrow (ex-Johnny) and Michael Levin (ex-Jack), all of whom are no longer with us.
Photo: ABC
After Ryan’s Hope was canceled, Helen would appear on three other soap operas: Another World, All My Children and on One Life to Live as a sex therapist for Dr. Dorian Lord, played by Robin Strasser.
On Broadway, Gallagher was a sensation winning two Tonys. Her big break came in 1947, when Jerome Robbins cast her as Charleston-crazed Nancy in High Button Shoes, catapulting her from the chorus to principal roles. What followed were roles in the musical Pal Joey where she won her first Tony, and her second in 1971 for her grandiose turn in the musical, No, No, Nanette.
Helen’s other Broadway credits include roles in: Sugar Babies, Mame, Sweet Charity, Pajama Game, and in City Center productions of Oklahoma!, Guys And Dolls, Finian’s Rainbow, and Brigadoon, to name but a few.
You can watch the last scene of Ryan’s Hope final episode featuring Gallagher below.
Share your remembrances and condolences for the one and only Helen Gallagher via the comment section below.
Ryan’s Hope was a very good show. Miss Gallagher was a key reason why. God bless!
Ms Gallagher gave an exquisite and perfect performance for all those years on Ryan’s Hope. A true actress, I wish I had seen her on Broadway. Always loved her singing on the No, No Nannette cast recording.
Helen Gallagher. What a talent. She will most definitely be missed. My deepest sympathy to her surviving family and friends.
Thank you Ms Gallagher for sharing you outstandingly tremendous talent with all of us. Rest in peace.
When Maeve spoke, everyone listened.
As painful as news like this is, I want to thank you, Michael Fairman, for continuing to keep us informed when soap stars from the past pass away. Sometimes the articles hit me really hard, as this news does, but I don’t get this information anywhere else, and I’m really grateful.
Very well said.
A wonderful woman and actress who gave us so many fantastic memories! One of Daytime’s Great Dames! Rest in Peace.
She was one of the best actresses in the genre. Ryan’s Hope was the first soap I watched and Helen Gallagher’s portrayal of Maeve Ryan was outstanding.
Thank you Michael for sharing this news with us. I think about her when I read an article on Ryan’s Hope or listen to the soundtrack of Sweet Charity. She is interviewed at a party after opening night and it’s captured on the CD. I wish I could have seen that performance. Later in the run she took over for Gwen Verdon. Everyone should read the obit in the Hollywood Reporter. Several great quotes by Helen.
A true inspiration on how someone can keep working and doing what they love well into their 90s.
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
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