News
Kassie DePaiva & Michael Easton Share their Disappointment at Prospect Park's Bowing out of Moving OLTL Online!
Courtesy/ABC
Two of One Life to Live’s biggest stars, Kassie DePaiva (Blair) and Michael Easton (John), who also had agreed to stay on with the series when it was to move online via Prospect Park, took to their Facebook pages tonight to share their disappointment and share their views on what went down, and to thank the fans of the show for their continued support!
Kassie DePaiva posted: “I think what upsets me the most is how this whole deal has been handled from the get go. I wanted more than anything not to have been canceled by ABC. I find it mind boggling that a… company can spend 45 years building the strongest brand in daytime… launch a cable network to support it and then decide to cancel both broadcast and cable airings leaving the beloved fans with no where to turn for that brand. Then PP shows up out of nowhere as the great white hope promising to continue these shows…. I was happy to sign on. I love what I do and I’m proud to go to work everyday. I was asked to take a cut in pay and was happy to do it if it meant our show would go on. That was the first week of September. But other than a very quick speech on the studio floor by PP in late September the company did not give out any information regarding when and where we would be working. Last Wednesday the cast received an email telling us our dressing rooms must be cleared out by the 9th of Dec. or ABC would be tossing things out… and then to hear the official news today via a media report.
The last 2 weeks have been emotional for me. The stories are rocking and show is so good. It is must see TV. Don’t miss a day… don’t miss a scene. My hat goes off to Ron Calivarti…. he has written really powerful stuff and I think the fans are going love it. I especially want to shout out to Frank Valentini… who has fought the hardest to make the transition happen.
Courtesy/ABC
He has been amazing and I want you fans to know how hard he worked to continue giving you fans the show you deserve. He found out this wasn’t going to happen just like I did…via a media report. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I have so much to be grateful for but I must say I wish things had worked out differently. It’s been the best 18 years of my life. I hope you will continue to watch “One Life” until the bitter sweet end.
Michael Easton posted: “I know how disappointing this news is to many of you. We tried to fight the good fight, we fought to the end to get the ratings up, but it wasn’t enough. We’re sorry we let you down. I just wanted to thank you all for the years of kindness, love and support you’ve shown me and my family. If you get a chance at some point, maybe say a prayer for the wonderful crew members of “One Life To Live”, many of whom are supporting large families, that they may find work soon. God Bless. Happy Thanksgiving.”
Clearly, Prospect Park’s lack of communication with the series and its stars is something to be discussed and just how many ducks they just could not get in order to pull off their grand plans. More on this story in the days to come!
All My Children
Kelly Ripa Talks On Her New Memoir ‘Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories’
Talk show host and All My Children alum, Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley) is opening up about her life and times in her highly-anticipated memoir available now, Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories.
Ripa chatted exclusively with PEOPLE who got some of intel and dish on what’s included in the book.
Kelly told PEOPLE, when she landed the gig as the new co-host of Live with Regis and Kelly, with the late Regis Philbin back in 2001, she felt like she was “getting shot out of a cannon.” Ripa was also appearing on All My Children at the same time.
She tells the story of when her agent called with the offer, Ripa was told: “They want you to know who your boss is. It was very ominous, and it did not feel good.” Her agent also said the show didn’t want her, “bringing an entourage.” She brought two people. “I came with hair and makeup,” Kelly says. “It was not an unusual thing for people on a television show to show up with.”
She added that Regis greeted her with executive producer, Michael Gelman, saying: “Uh-oh, Gelman, it’s got an entourage.” It?! Kelly expressed that she “felt horrible. He was probably trying to be funny, but at the same time it felt like a pile-on.”
As for Philbin’s attitude at the time, Kelly shared, “I understand that probably he didn’t want a co-host, but the network wanted me to be the co-host and I didn’t think I should pass up that opportunity. I don’t think it was fair to him. But it was also not fair to me.”
Photo: JPI
The actress-talk show host-producer also talked on her marriage to Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo), whom she met while both were on All My Children, sharing that they were, “too young to get married! On paper it should not have worked and when it didn’t work, we really worked at it. We fought for our marriage when it would have been easier to quit and throw in the towel.”
According to the book publisher, HarperCollins: “In ‘Live Wire’, her first book, Kelly shows what really makes her tick. Whether recounting how she and Mark (Consuelos) really met, the level of chauvinism she experienced on set, how Jersey Pride follows her wherever she goes, and many, many moments of utter mortification (whence she proves that you cannot, in fact, die of embarrassment) Kelly always tells it like it is. Ms. Ripa takes no prisoners.”
So, will you be ordering your copy of Kelly’s memoir? Let us know in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
Roark Critchlow on His Return to DAYS and Working With Cady McClain
It’s been 12 years since Roark Critchlow appeared on Days of our Lives as Dr. Mike Horton, the brother of Jennifer Horton Deveraux (Cady McClain). However, fans have been excited to see him back on their screens when the series teased his appearance in the extended fall preview.
Now with Jennifer spiraling downward (now that her pill-popping addiction is back), it seems like a good time for Dr. Mike to return to Salem to help his sis. (And if the promo for this week’s DAYS is any indication, it certainly looks like Jennifer is going to be involved in a car crash and need medical assistance or at least some brotherly love.)
Photo: JPI
Roark initially appeared as Mike back in 1994 and left the soap back in 1999. He returned in 2010 for a few episodes honoring the late Frances Reid (Alice Horton) who was Mike’s grandmother.
In an interview about his return with Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, Roark talks about working with McClain as Jennifer, when he previously worked with Missy Reeves in the part.
Critchlow expressed on sharing scenes with McClain: “Her character is going through a lot. She and I dropped in really easily, I felt. It was a very nice, natural care for each other. It wasn’t difficult, that’s for sure. Obviously, Missy is a super-duper person. But you don’t compare people. Cady and I chatted. We got on good. In terms of story, I thought we pulled it off nicely as being people who’ve known each other their whole lives.”
Look for Roark to make his DAYS re-emergence on the upcoming October 3rd episode of the Peacock streaming series.
So, looking forward to seeing Roark and Cady sharing scenes together? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first check out this week’s promo for DAYS below.
News
John Cena Sets World Record After Granting 650th Wish for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation
There is nobody more requested at the Make-A-Wish Foundation than John Cena. The 16-time WWE wrestling champ-turned-actor for years has granted the wishes of children with critical illnesses for the non-profit foundation.
Now comes the news from the Guinness Book of World Records that Cena has broken the record for granting 650 wishes to children who have put him as the person they want to meet the most.
Photo: WWE
To put this into context, no other celebrity has ever granted more than 200 wishes in the 42-year existence of Make-A-Wish.
According to a press release, Cena started granting wishes back in 2002 and completed his 100th in 2012, now he is at 650.
Recently this past June, John visited Misha, a teenager with down-syndrome who fled Ukraine after his home was destroyed. In order to keep Misha’s spirits up, his mother told him they were on their way to find John Cena. You can watch their story below, followed by a video package honoring Cena’s 500th milestone with the organization.
On a personal note: as someone who at one time worked as the Director of Communications for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation at a locale chapter in the U.S, I know the smiles and the impact a visit from a child’s personal idol can make to help lift their spirits when trying to cope with critical health issues.
Congratulations John!
What do you think about John Cena granting 650 wishes? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General HospitalSeptember 21, 2022GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brando Dies … But Not From His Wounds
Kassie, I loved every moment watching you as Blair. If you didn’t win an Emmy, perhaps it was because you are so incredible at what you do–you made it look easy and effortless. I will never forget your parody of Grey Gardens with Robin and so many other scenes. Michael, you didn’t let us down. The responsibility lies with ABC and Prospect Park. OLTL was a brilliant shinning star I loved and looked forward to more than anything else broadcast on television. The loss of OLTL is gut-wrenching.
I think Prospect Park should create a brand new soap with the 2 AMC actors and the 13 OLTL actors that have agreed to sign on. This would be a lot more easier for them to do than to try to carrying on AMC or OLTL.
Also, by creating a new soap, Prospect Park wouldn’t have to pay stupid royalties to ABC. Remember, ABC owns the soaps, but not the actors.
We love you both, and Michael, you have nothing to apologize for. ABC and PP have done you wrong. We fans will continue the fight to find our soaps a new home.
God Bless Both Kassie & Michael!!
Michael Easton you didn’t let us down….I leave that in the hands of ABC and Prospect Park. I don’t know how many years I’ve been watching OLTL, but it has been an incredibly long time. I literally grew up watching AMC & OLTL. My mom watched it, and my two sisters watched….granted over the years they have not stayed loyal…but I have never stopped watching. You all have become an extended family, and I guess that’s why it’s so hard to hear this news. I vow to do the good fight, and not give up on my all time favorite… Read more »
To modify an old adage: Hell hath no fury as a soap fan scorned. We have not given up a season or two. We have lost decades of daily enjoyment. How many televisions shows can claim decades of entertainment on a Daily basis. Maybe we fans need to ask all those spotlight stars who watch and have held guest spots throughout the years to pool their fiscal resources to help find a way to save our shows. Donald Trump where is your boardroom and think tank when we need it? Someone has a solution we just need to tap into… Read more »
I am disappointed and it is very rare that I don’t have much to say. This whole thing stinks and is very strange. Kassie DePaiva said it best, that PP came out of no where as the white knight to save AMC & OLTL. I didn’t doubt anything then, because I was so happy the shows were going to continue. But now, the gloves come off! Was this just a smoke screen created by ABC/Disney/Frons, to shut up the vocal fans? I feel for the crew and stars of both shows and I am sure they will find employment elsewhere,… Read more »
So sad and so unecessary! OLTL is a great show and it has been getting greater each day. Thank you to everyone who makes such a wonderful show! The Thanksgiving show was lovely and shocking… still can’t believe the ending! Maybe some wonderful person or corporation will make OLTL a go for all of us! It is Thanksgiving today and we can only hope!
When I read the awful news last night all I could do was lay my head down & cry. Wow, dumping this on everyone right here at the holidays. Very cruel to do this, stringing us along all these weeks. I sure feel for the cast & crew, what a disappointment for all. I have been so relieved & excited since PP came along to save the best show on tv. Now, it feels like April 14 all over again. The whole thing is wrong on every level. I hate ABC forever, will never watch a second of it once… Read more »
Agreed! No more ABC for me, unless it is “One Life To Live” !!
I’m sad to hear OLTL won’t go on! I’ll miss these actors! I’d rather see Michael Easton on OLTL, but if it can’t go on I’m hoping Days of Our Lives will ask him back as Tanner! And then sign Nat, Melissa Archer on as redheaded Maggie’s daughter Sarah on Days too. And bring back Farrah Fath as Mimi and JPL as Kate’s son Rex on Days. (then we’ll have a little OLTL on another soap!
Great ideas! I will miss every single person on OLTL.
Prospect Park LET US down.
They’re both a class act. But it seems that class, good storytelling, and a loyal and talented cast and crew are no longer of any value to ABC.
And ABC is no longer of any value to me. But I will follow those actors ANYWHERE they go.
I have been watching One Life to Live every day since I came to the USA, while working I have taped/dvr’ed OLTL. The soaps are a part of American culture, kinda like hot dogs and apple pie,baseball and popcorn…way to represent America ABC, another talk show..Lord Have Mercy! More judges, more cooks, more home decor shows…really? isn’t there enough of that already? Oh well, the great thing about America is that there is so much to choose from. So I can watch another channel – and delete this one as soon as OLTL goes off the air…Farewell ABC.
For me, Michael Easton took an otherwise lifeless character and exhibited an emotional passion with the perfect touch and balance. I watched him pull off different dimensions of John as he battled with his inner demons and pursued his heart’s desire with the fiery Natalie Buchanan. His pairing with Melissa Archer was electric and was always consistent and kept me watching when I would otherwise have been disinterested. I was devastated when ABC initially cancelled the show, and doubly hurt when I heard the official announcment this week. I can only imagine how it feels for the actors and crew… Read more »
Well the saddest thing is that the transition to the web might have worked. Whats worse is they had all of us fans hopes up and then decided to scrap the plans to move online.. I will not watch the revolution nor the chew and if i can help it i won’t watch abc at all.. THis is the first time that there will be no soap on at 2pm in all of my years of watching .. It is sad that abc decided to do this they can come up with all the self help shows they want but… Read more »
The actors never let us down! I’ve loved watching every second of OLTL & AMC! ABC/ Disney & Prospect Park are liars! I’ll boycott anything to do with either of them!
It breaks my heart that Michael thinks that they let us down. I feel like it was US, the fans, who let them down. So many took the attitude of “the shows will still be there to watch when I retire” and stopped taping or watching. Well, this is what happens when fans take a genre for granted.
Michael, you and the others did not let us down. ABC is the one that let us down. I cannot figure out why they would kick OLTL to the curb because of, “poor ratings,” but keep GH which is even worse. I think OLTL was getting better since they got a new Head Writer. I also think that you played the part of John extremely well. I hope thatyou will be sure to let us all know where you will be in the future. Like a previous person said, you people are extended family. Michael, I would proud to call… Read more »
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