Breaking News
(EXCLUSIVE) Joan Van Ark Reacts to the Death of ‘Knots’ Landing’ Husband Doug Sheehan: “My Heart … and ‘Valene’s’ Heart … is Broken”
As previously reported, former Knots LandingĀ and General Hospital star, Doug Sheehan has died. The actor passed away at the age of 75-years-old at his home in Wyoming with his wife, Cate Abert, by his side.
Now, his television wife, Joan Van Ark (ex-Valene Ewing, Knots Landing) has offered up her sentiments on the passing of her beloved co-star. In a touching statement to Michael Fairman TV, Van Ark shared: “My heart – and ‘Valene’s’ heart – is broken to hear the news of Doug Sheehan’s sudden passing.” In addition, she added, “Good night, sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.ā (Hamlet)Ā
Sheehan played Ben Gibson for five seasons from 1983-1988, while Joan Van Ark was with Knots Landing from its beginning to its very end from 1979-1993.Ā Van Ark also spoke highly of Sheehan as a co-star and cast member, when she recalled, “Doug kept the set light. He was funny and positive with wonderful energy, and usually cracking jokes. He would keep us laughing and smiling which is a good thing on set.”

Photos: CBS
On Knots Landing, the love story of Ben and Val certainly had its ups and its downs. As fans will remember, Valene fell for journalist, Ben Gibson, but a one-night stand with Gary (Ted Shackelford) resulted in Val becoming pregnant with twins. Valene decides not to tell Gary that he is the biological father as he is now married to Abby (Donna Mills), and she has fallen in love with Ben. At that point, Ben makes everyone believe he is the father of the twins. Shortly after they were born, the babies are stolen. This causes Val to have a breakdown and she leaves town. Eventually, she is found and she gets the twins back.
Next, Ben and Val are married in a ceremony in 1985. Ben’s condition was that he remained the twins father, but this proved difficult as he knew Gary wanted to be part of their lives. Eventually, Ben and Val breakup, but by the fall of 1986, the two find their way back to one another. However, things go south again after Jean Hackney (Wendy Fulton) wants Ben to murder Gregory Sumner (William Devane). Ben becomes mentally unstable and eventually leaves the cul-de-sac and heads to South America, never to be heard from again.
Now below, check out the love story of Val and Ben with clips from Knots Landing. Then, let us know if you were a fan of the on-screen pairing, and what you thought of Joan’s touching words on her former co-star via the comment section.
So saddened by Doug Sheehan’s passing.. Ben and Val were my favorite couple..Beautiful and poignant words by Joan Van Ark..
I loved them too. They had fun not so serious all the time. And Doug was great looking!
Doug Sheehan was a class act. On Knots I always wanted Val with Gary… but if Val wasn’t going to be with Gary then Ben would have been my next choice for Val. Rest in Power, Doug Sheehan. You left us with many memorable performances.
He was very good as Ben Gibson on KNOTS and as Joe Kelly on GH.
All My Children
‘All My Children’ Alum Alan Dysert, Ex-Sean Cudahy, Passes Away at 75

Alan Dysert, who played Sean Cudahy on ABC’s All My Children has died. He was 75-years-old. The news of his passing came from his wife Michele who shared via a Facebook post that Dysert died back on October 23.
āMy heart is broken as I share that my beloved husband, Alan, passed away on October 23, 2026. While I am struggling to imagine life without him, I am forever grateful to have experienced what so many people spend their lives searching for ā the love of a lifetime,ā Michele expressed.
While a cause of death was not made public at this time, Michele admitted that Alan, āfaced more than his share of health challenges over the years, yet he continued to approach life with determination, humor, and gratitude.ā

Photo: ABC
Dysert wrote about his battle with a rare, aggressive and incurable cancer in his 2023 autobiography, Lights, Camera, Cancer! He spoke of having undergone four major cancer-related surgeries, and many rounds of chemotherapy and CT scans.
SEAN CUDAHY WAS ‘BAD GUY’ PERSONFIED
On All My Children, Dysert played Sean Cudahy, the con man villain to his brother, good guy, Tom Cudahy played by Richard Shoberg. Dysert played the role between 1980 and 1990 returning for multiple story arcs, which included being revealed to be the murderer of Sybil Thorne. He was also involved in several affairs including with the impressionable Devon McFadden (Tricia Pursley).
THE LIVES HE TOUCHED
Alanās longtime agent Melinda Eisnagule told PEOPLE his death is a āloss to our community and to the acting community at large. He touched so many lives and made the industry and the world a better place every day with his positive energy and kindness.ā
Dysert leaves behind his wife, Michele and his two sons Cody and Cooper and will be remembered by those who knew him for a career that spanned the theatre, film, TV and performance coaching, and of course being a part of the legacy of All My Children.
Share your remembrances and condolences on the passing of Alan Dysert, All My Children’s Sean Cudahy, via the comment section below.
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.
Extraās weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the nightās 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.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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,Ā 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 (Patiās 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 Zimmernās Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,ā said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. āFrom familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this yearās lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.ā
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremonyās Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the eveningās 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.
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