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.
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,Ā 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. āYou 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 showās history. Stay tuned!ā

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 teamās 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 writerās 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, Greyās Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original seriesā creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.
The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Greyās 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 ā the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC
In a statement, Marinis shared, āI am incredibly excited to expand theĀ Greyās AnatomyĀ universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from GreyāsĀ for more than two decades ā 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.ā
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.Ā 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.Ā The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.
It should also be noted, Greyās 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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