News
Joanna Johnson Comes Out Of The Closet as B&B's First Same-Sex Couple Begins to Air!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
In an absolutely fabulous interview out this morning with TV Guide, Joanna Johnson (Karen Spencer) admits publicly that she is gay and reveals that details and emotions that led her to keep her sexual identify under wraps during her many years in daytime soaps.
As many know, this week on The Bold and the Beautiful viewers and members of the Spencer family will begin to find out that Karen is a lesbian, and she has partner, too. Enter, Daytime Emmy winner, Crystal Chappell in her new role as Danielle. Here are a few riveting excerpts below from the feature!
Joanna on “officially” coming out, making her the only performer in daytime to do so publicly: “Daytime is a whole different world than primetime or theater or film. There’s a greater intimacy between the viewers and the characters. They think you are your character. And that creates a lot of fear. Fear of rejection. I was so worried I wouldn’t be employable as an actress if people knew I was a lesbian. Or that I wouldn’t be believable in romance stories. I had to deal with a lot of self-loathing. After I started playing Karen, I remember doing a fantasy scene that showed what life would have been like if Caroline had not died of cancer. She was married to Ridge and had two kids and a wonderful life. When we finished shooting, I ran to my dressing room and just cried and cried because I knew I was never going to have that kind of life. And now on B&B we’re finding out that Karen is married to this great lady Dani (Crystal Chappell) and together they have raised her daughter Caroline (Lindsey Godfrey) So times have certainly changed. I guess that’s why I’m ready to open up. It feels weird and wrong to play this revelation about Karen’s life and not talk about my own.”
Joanna’s initial thoughts when she found out that B&B’s head honcho Brad Bell was going to make the character of Karen, gay. “When Brad Bell called and pitched the story I was kind of thrown. I just said, “Oh.” And there was this very long pause. Then I said, “Where’d you get that idea?” He laughed. I laughed. And I said, “Just make sure you get me a hot wife.” And he did!
Joanna on how her working relationship is with Crystal Chappell: “She’s straight and she’s more comfortable playing gay than I am! When we first met up at the show we had to shoot some photos — vacation-type snapshots of Karen and Dani to put on the mantel — and I felt kind of nervous and awkward. I think Crystal thought I was a little crazy but when I explained that I hadn’t yet come out publicly, she got it and has been very lovely and supportive. ”
So what do you think of Joanna Johnson publicly coming out? Do you think more actors in show business should not be fearful of coming out as well? Or, do you think it would change your perception of them when watching them portray their characters on television or in film? Are you looking forward to Joanna and Crystal’s storyline kicking off this week on B&B? Let us know your thoughts!
Hopefully the world is more understanding. She is very brave! I was raised not to judge anyone.
That is awesome, and good for her!!!
Good for you, Joanna! I wish more performers would, or could, come out. They’d be so much happier and it would really help young people with their coming out.
Didn’t Joanna luck up with Crystal as her acting partner??
Great news! So glad she came out. Wonderful interview. Read the whole interview on tvguide.com. I have always liked her as Karen and never knew why she wasn’t on longer.
Very proud of her. At the same time I feel a bit disheartened that she had to go through so much anguish. I think she will have a great friend in Crystal Chappell and I look forward to their storyline very much!
Ms. Johnson I knew that you were gay and it never even entered my mind to be concerned about it as I loved your portrayal of Caroline. I am sorry that you have felt this way I do not put much thought into actors personal lives none of my business I just am glad you are back on B&B as long as they don’t have you become involved with Steffy/Liam/Hope and their love life it will be a welcome change to get off that bandwagon!!!!
first off… GOOD FOR HER! and 2nd… im so excited to see CC on my screen again 😀
Beautiful…. we pause, take it in… realize the truth, isn’t so bad after all… foward! March… focus on the economy… healthcare…. Jobs! so many other issues we collectively can deal with.
2ndly… my perspective. Sharing “gay” storylines… is a part of our world. We’ve been a part of your world… from the beginning. It’s not a choice. I’m so taken with the Will and Grandma Marlena story… it’s so lovingly portrayed. this reminds me so much of my life… i was raised by my grandparents… and my grandma (Nonna) loved me unconditionally…. so, hence, i cry, cheer, laugh, recall, remember… the heartache… of going thru the coming out process… the bullying. it’s a startling revelation to command oneself to take control of who you are. Acceptance, for all “americans”, is security. I watched Crystal Chapelle, on guilding light… geez! she’s a fabulous actor… she portrayed one of the best “gay” stories, ever. Thank you B&B for sharing with the public… simply put, another one of us, mixed in with the people.
Happy for Joanna, and look forward to seeing her storyline with the wonderful Crystal Chappell on B&B.
Joanna is SO GREAT! I can’t wait to see two of my favorite actresses together as a couple 🙂
Our straight male President has come out in favor of gay rights, taking a huge political risk. If he can take this kind of risk during a combative political climate, then gay people EVERYWHERE- sports stars, politicians, film stars, rock stars, policemen, firemen, teachers, and yes, soap stars- owe him one and need to come out of the damn closet already.
Bless you, Joanna, for taking that extra step towards opening up the closet door a little wider.
Big Congrats Go To You, Joanna!
Brian 😀
Read this yesterday in my TV Guide. Super surprised, but a bit saddened when she said she hoped B&B fans would still love her (for her to think that we wouldn’t). WE DO!!!!!
I am not happy with same sex marriage or same sex so called sexual relationships. Please write this story line off the show & let’s not go there.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Josh Swickard Stars in Faith-Based ‘The Space Between Us’ as The Man Who Has an Affair with a Married Woman
While General Hospital’s Harrison Chase’s (Josh Swickard) marriage to Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) has seemingly come to an end based on trust issues, and his unrelenting believe of the innocence of his ex-wife Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) when she has committed heinous crimes, Josh Swickard is also being featured in another story on another platform in the new faith-based movie, The Space Between Us.
In the streaming feature now on the Angel platform, Swickard is playing Levi Boone, a handsome young solider, who finds himself attracted to a married woman played by Jennifer Taylor. The two have an affair. The movie made it’s debut last week on October 8.
According to the loglines, “The Space Between Us dives deep into modern relationships, following marriages straining under the heavy weight of busyness, unmet expectations, and spiritual disconnection. Described as a story of grace in the mess, the film takes a grounded, deeply relatable look at how even the best intentions can fall apart—and how faith, strong community, and honest vulnerability can bring true healing.”
Photo: Angel
In a cast interview, which features Swickard, Taylor and Kristoffer Poloha, the trio discussed their thoughts on betrayal in marriage, and who’s right and who’s wrong and more.
Josh Swickard explains, “The audience can get it from a lot of sides too where we can show it, and if you have crossed that line in your marriage. it doesn’t have to be over. And when two people are willing to work, anything’s possible. Not giving the end away. I’m just saying. It could happen. It could happen. People can end up together.”
Meanwhile, Kristoffer Poloha added, “Like, wait a minute, but this other guy steps in and I think passion takes over. I think what you see is how easy it is to stumble. Whether it’s adultery or whether it’s another type of sin, you can basically burn your house down in many different ways and how quickly it is to light that fire.”
The Space Between Us is from Canyon Productions. The company delivers faiith-based media designed to encourage, inspire, and uplift viewers along their spiritual journeys. By showcasing the genuine struggles and eventual triumphs of relatable characters facing tough real-world challenges, Canyon aims to create projects that point audiences directly toward hope and perseverance.
You can check out the discussion between Josh, Kristoffer snd Jennifer Taylor on what happens with their characters in the film below, followed by the scene where Swickard’s Levi meets Taylor’s Mona … and her husband!
So, will you be checking out Josh Swickard in The Space Between Us? What do you think about GH’s Chase, portraying the man that ignites passion in a woman who previously had been faithful to her marriage? Let us know via the comment section.
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It’s the soap opera wedding of the season, and now The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy-winning stars, Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott) and Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra), will visit the Michael Fairman Channel during Billy and Sally’s wedding week to discuss the nuptials and its aftermath.
Be with us live on Tuesday, October 20th at a special time at 3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT when Jason and Courtney give us the inside dish and behind the scenes of the taping of Billy and Sally’s wedding, talk the unexpected twists that viewers will see, and what’s next!
Going into the wedding, Sally is pregnant with Billy’s child and any undo stress could trigger the baby to come early. Meanwhile, the long-history of Billy, Sally, Adam (Mark Grossman) and Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) is sure to play into the proceedings. Y&R has gone all out for this Great Gatsby-themed celebration which features the Abbotts, the Spectras and their friends and special guests.
Photo: JPI
WITH THIS RING, I THEE WED …
Speaking with TV Insider ahead of the wedding episodes, which kick-off tomorrow on the Friday, October 16 episode of the top-rated soap opera and continue on to next week on the Monday, October 19 episode, Jason Thompson teased, “Our wedding really is a really beautiful accumulation of all the things that we love about this job and that the audience loves about soaps.”
Thompson also added what fans of the soap are about to see, “Being in the business long enough, those are things you’re like, ‘Oh, damn!’ It’s not a one-day event. This continues on, and it changes story.”
Courtney Hope explained, “Standing at the altar came with its own set of emotions. I was nervous because I’ve been to a lot of weddings over the years and seen so many people get up there and say their vows. I knew it would be great, but I wanted to do it justice. I wanted to make Sally’s history proud.”
Photo: JPI
HAVE A QUESTION FOR JASON AND COURTNEY?
In true soapy fashion, just because the couple may makes it past the “I do’s,” does not mean trouble is not right in front of them! “There’s a lot of tension. There are a lot of tinderbox moments,” shared Thompson. “There’s something that goes down pretty serious with Jill, and it throws everything into the blender in that moment.”
If you have a question for Jason and Courtneym but can’t be with us in the live chat, you can drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it during the broadcast!
So, excited for Billy and Sally’s wedding? What surprises do you think will go down? Will the couple live happily ever after? Will their baby be on the way sooner than expected? Weigh-in!
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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‘General Hospital’s’ Josh Swickard Stars in Faith-Based ‘The Space Between Us’ as The Man Who Has an Affair with a Married Woman
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Confronts Katie On Her Vendetta Against Her and Claims, ‘It Breaks My Heart’
Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco Welcome Baby Girl, Philomena into the World
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Guillermo Goes Home
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Delon de Metz Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Netflix Canada to Stream Past Episodes of ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’
‘Beyond the Gates’ Fall Preview: Michele Val Jean Reveals Twists and Turns in Fairmont Crest, Teases New Faces
‘General Hospital’s’ Hudson West Wins Big as Contestant on ‘The Price is Right’
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell and Oliver Bell Talk How Making Microdramas and Soap Operas Can Coexist
‘General Hospital’s’ Josh Swickard Stars in Faith-Based ‘The Space Between Us’ as The Man Who Has an Affair with a Married Woman
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Guillermo Goes Home
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Trina Reminisces About Spencer, Soon After Roses and a Note from Her ‘Biggest Fan’ Arrive
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Zende Quits Forrester Creations in Another Standout Performance by Delon de Metz
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