All My Children
JOY Director/Writer David O. Russell Calls Soap Actors "Professional Athletes" After Working With Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Susan Lucci & Donna Mills!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
In David O. Russell’s latest film Joy (which opens nationwide on Christmas Day) Virginia Madsen plays the mother of Jennifer Lawrence, who is obsessed with her soap operas! The motion picture features some very famous soap notables seen on screen on a daytime drama.
But rather than dig up old relic clips, Russell created new soap material featuring: General Hospital’s Maurice Benard (Sonny) and Laura Wright (Carly), Knots Landing favorite, Donna Mills (Ex-Abby), and the one and only Susan Lucci (Ex-Erica) of All My Children and Devious Maids, who appear in the film!
In a director’s roundtable of the most acclaimed films for this award season via The Hollywood Reporter, David said of working with actors from the soaps: “Jennifer Lawrence’s mother [in the film] is into soap operas. So we shot a soap opera from the ’60s to the 2000s, with Susan Lucci and Maurice Benard, who is like the Brando of soap operas. And those guys are like professional athletes. I’d go, ‘Donna Mills! Susan Lucci! Let’s have a catfight.’ They don’t go, ‘Oh wait, what’s my motivation?’ They just go, bang! I was blown away by the power of these women actors.”
Courtesy/ABC
Fellow director Quentin Taratino, who was part of the rountable for his latest film, The Hateful Eight chimed in and said: “That might be one of the most interesting things said at the table. The power of soap opera actors. That actually is a nugget, and I buy it 100 percent. (Laughter.)”
So, what did you think about the analogy made by David O. Russell on the soap opera actors as professional athletes? Excited to see Joy come Christmastime? Glad to hear a Hollywood “A” list director/writer/producer is giving props to the work ethic and talents of the likes of Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Susan Lucci and Donna Mills? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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Finally. They deserve far far more credit than they get. I hope that they get some consolation from the absolute fact that soap fans are die-hard. We support our favorites and will support them.
Finally, soap actors are getting the respect they long deserved. Can’t wait to see Maurice, Susan, Donna, and Laura all together on the big screen.
Maurice, Laura, Donna, Susan.
WOW & WOW!!!!! ^^^
David O. Russell picked GH power actors–
This I loved;
quote David-
”Maurice Benard, who is like the Brando of soap operas”
I love and agree ^^^
Totally agree! Maurice is TOTALLY the Brando of daytime. I’d like to see him doing Apocalypse Now! He blows me away every time I watch him. Mo is a national treasure.
Yes!
Sonny is the soaps Marlon Brando, for sure the best description.
I really luvs Sonny!!!
Once you peel away the all the layers, you do find a treasure, The Sonny !.
So good to hear soap actors are finally getting the respect and recognition they deserve. Many of them are just as good as “A”-list movie stars. Many of them have later BECOME “A”-list movie stars. And those who choose to stay on their soaps can go toe-to-toe with movie stars like James Franco. I am really excited to see “Joy”!
It’s great that soap opera actors are getting some recognition for their hard work.
Can’t wait to see this. Really nice, yet well-deserved, comments by industry big-wigs. About time!
Yeah….now if only the networks,would feel that way.
This is so true! Soap actors should get that kind of recognition! They work all year; not just do a movie every one or two years.
I cannot wait, to watch this movie JOY…
Soap opera actors have been doing the “heavy lifting” for years. These professionals have to learn pages and pages of dialogue each and every day. In addition, they must emote and film, put the scenes to bed and be ready to do it all again the following day. Oftentimes movie actors have weeks and weeks to learn their lines and “find motivation” Bravo that Soap Stars are FINALLY being recognized for their amazing talent and work.
Kudos to Mr. Russell for recognizing the true professionalism of soap actors. Too bad the network suits can’t or won’t see that.
Very excited about this movie. Can’t wait to see Donna Mills on the big screen. It’s her 75th birthday today too. 🙂
“… I was blown away by the power of these women actors.”
there you have it… the reason I watch and laud this genre
easy on the eyes menfolk is one thing
Sounds good to me! Love the actors, watched G.H. since start, and heard bout movie ”Joy” from HSN, have all her products! L.I. girl, like me! Can’t wait!
It is high time soap actors receive props from Hollywood. Our soap stars give their all each day, no time for retakes. I am proud to say I am a soap fan and the actors keep us coming back even when the story line may be inferior.
I remember thinking that when james Franco guest starred on gh he would bring some kind of Legitimacy but he chose to play the cliche soap opera actor (over the top) instead.
Roger has taken Franco in many directions, seeking the right fit..
I believe he has found it..
I am so loving Franco, as of late… a BINGO!
These industry “big wigs” know there stuff! They couldn’t have chosen better than my personal favorites – the ever gorgeous and intense, uber talented and fabulous – Maurice Benard and Laura Wright. They represent the best of a long list of actors who work hard everyday to bring their iconic characters to life day in and day out for decades, not just a couple of months. Kudos and thanks! Congratulations, much deserved, long overdue.
Sorry, “know their stuff”.
I am so excited to see this, if our soaps stars are in it. I am 100% thrilled. Finally our soap stars get the credit, they so deserve.
If you read the cast of Joy, Sonny is the only one with a charter name, he will be Jared.
The others have no name given to them, they are just listed by their names.
Looks like quite small parts, perhaps? ..
sorry..to be character name..
Soap stars have the ‘office jobs’ in acting….reliable, steadfast and they show up on time. Can’t wait to see “Joy!”
Benjamin Hendrickson worked for him years ago so he has always appreciated talent. I’m glad he’s giving them recognition, though more needs to be done.
All My Children
All My Children Alum Ben Jörgensen Reportedly Dead At 51
According to his former All My Children castmate, Brian Gaskill. there is sad news in the soap world today. Ben Jörgensen who played Kevin on All My Children and Chris on As the World Turns passed away on Tuesday at the age of 51, apparently via suicide, although unconfirmed as to his cause of death.
Gaskill, who played Bobby Warner while in Pine Valley shared via his Instagram: “Sad news to report. Ben Jörgensen who played Kevin Sheffield on All My Children has past away at 51 years old. My understanding is it was suicide. I have heard he suffered from Bipolar disorder but as I have not spoke to him in years I do not know all the details. I just want to remember the good times we had on the set of All My Children 24 years ago. He was a good guy and had the courage to play a gay teenager on tv back when it was nowhere near as common to have representation as it is today. He was part of an award winning storyline…but mostly we just had some good times back then…my condolences go out to his friends and family. Please everybody hang in there and reach out for help if you need it. ”
Since the time of Brian’s posting, friends, colleagues and fans have been posting tributes and condolences on the actor’s Facebook page. You can view that here.
In this heartbreaking photo below from Steven Bergman, during his time on As the World Turns, Ben is pictured with the late Nathaniel Marston, as well as Jaime Nicole Dudney and Terri Conn.
Photo: StevenBergman
On All My Children, Ben was part of the important social issue storyline brought into the ABC legacy soap opera by the iconic Agnes Nixon, who was always trying to move the needle forward in daytime, as the character of Kevin was a gay high school student facing bullying, ridicule and discrimination for his sexuality.
Share your thoughts on the passing of Ben via the comment section below.
All My Children
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All My Children
Michael B. Jordan Pays Tribute To Chadwick Boseman: “Since Nearly The Beginning Of My Career, Starting with All My Children When I was 16 Years Old You Paved The Way For Me”
Following the news of the tragic death of now motion picture icon, Chadwick Boseman late Friday, tributes and sentiments have poured in from celebrities, politicians and fans from all across the world.
Chadwick Boseman passed away late last week at the age of 43 from colon cancer – a battle he kept silent about for the last four years of life.
Photo: JPI
No one could be more intertwined with Boseman’s career than that of his fellow Black Panther star, Michael B. Jordan. For Jordan took over the role of Reggie Porter on All My Children from Boseman after the late actor lasted one week, following standing up to, and addressing concerns, of racial stereotypes in the way that the part was written. Reggie was introduced to Pine Valley as a gang member in 2003. As previously reported it was Boseman who helped the soap opera improve the role that Jordan took over with some recommendations.
Now Michael B. Jordan has written a heartfelt remembrance of Chadwick that he shared on his Instagram, and what he has meant to his life, including how he showed him how to be better, to honor purpose and create legacy.
Read below Michael’s post:
“I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything.
I wish we had more time.
One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness.
I wish we had more time.
Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family , your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here.
I wish we had more time.
I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother.”
What do you think of Michael’s tribute to Chadwick and how they have been interconnected dating back to 2003 and All My Children? Comment below.
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 14, 2020James Scott Comments: “I Will Never. Never. Never. Never. Never, Go Back to Hollywood Let Alone DOOL”
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General HospitalOctober 20, 2020ABC Previews General Hospital’s Halloween Episode
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InterviewsOctober 16, 2020Marla Adams Talks Her Final Scenes As Dina Mergeron, The Alzheimer’s Storyline, and Her Touching Farewell
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General HospitalOctober 14, 2020Gregory Harrison Is The New Gregory Chase On General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 14, 2020Kristian Alfonso Bids Farewell to DAYS as Final Episode Airs Today Sharing; “Thank YOU From The Bottom Of My Heart For Welcoming Me Into Your Homes All Of These Years”
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General HospitalOctober 18, 2020GH’s Ingo Rademacher Shares Insight With His Son On Parenting & Anger On Maurice Benard’s “State of Mind”
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InterviewsOctober 19, 2020Y&R’s Peter Bergman Talks On Dina’s Death & How It Will Impact Jack, His Final Scenes With Marla Adams & Taping During COVID-19
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