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!
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Look who’s joining Justin Hartley’s hit freshman drama, Tracker! None other than another soap alum, former Days of our Lives and Supernatural favorite Jensen Ackles.
In a reveal via Hartley’s Instagram on Thursday, Ackles is set to play Hartley’s on-screen brother on the CBS procedural drama. In Tracker, Colter Shaw is estranged from his brother, Russell, which has been a big part of the mystery of season one.
Ackles is best known for his long run as Dean Winchester in The CW’s Supernatural, a role he reprised in the prequel of the series The Winchesters. He also recently starred in ABC’s Big Sky as Sheriff Beau Arlen and in The Boys as Soldier Boy.
Photo: CBS
Jensen was the original Eric Brady on Days of our Lives, a role he played from 1997-2000, before departing for the world of primetime and film. Eric was in love with Nicole played by Arianne Zucker. The part of Eric was recast with Greg Vaughan taking over the role in 2012.
Photo: JPI
In his Instagram post, Justin thanked everyone for watching Tracker, and then revealed Ackles as the surprise casting announcement in the role of Russell, while Jensen was playing pinball in the video! No word yet on when Jensen’s first episode as Russell will air. Stay tuned.
Check out Justin’s casting post featuring Jensen Ackles below. So, what do you think of Justin and Jensen playing brothers on Tracker? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
With the Melrose Place revival the talk of the town, now Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, GH, ex-Nick, B&B and ex-Peter Burns, MP) has weighed-in on it and if he would show up in the new series if it should find a home.
Currently, CBS Studios is developing a reboot starring Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton. But what is Dr. Peter Burns were to show up alive?
As those who saw the end of the original MP know, Peter and Amanda (Locklear) faked their deaths and then tied the knot with Peter on a beach, supposedly in a “happily ever after” scenario.
Photo: Fox
Speaking with PEOPLE, Wagner expressed, what we all know who watch the soaps, that no one is never, ever really gone for good. Jack expressed, “You never really die on a soap, right? How they unfold those two characters (Peter and Amanda), it’d be fantastic how they sort of tell that story.”
Wagner added, “That was a great finale to be included in, especially with Heather. If I’m asked to come back, I’d absolutely entertain that.”
Photo: Fox
The original Melrose Place aired for seven seasons from 1992 to 1999. The story featured the residents of an apartment complex, whose lives were intertwined. Eventually Wagner and Heather Locklear dated fro 2007-2011.
As previously reported, the new Melrose Place share that some of original neighbors and friends reunite after a death. The loglines add, “The pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”
So, would you like to see Jack Wagner return as Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, or Frisco Jones on GH, or both? Comment below.
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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 soap, OLTL…..I will watch until the very end. And my heart and prayers go out to the crew, producers, writers, directors, actors and anyone else associated with OLTL. You have done us proud for 43 years, and you will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Sincerely,
Torrey Breath
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 it.
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, because they are a talented bunch. As for ABC Daytime, you have lost me as a viewer. I waxh my hands of The View and I don’t support that thing called The Chew! General Hospital I say a prayer for you,because Frons is gunning for you. Regarding Prospect Park, you had a chance to create something great and unique and you blew it! To give hope to the crew, stars and fans of the shows and leave them dangling for months is just wrong! I will not be watching your programming either. There is something called RESPECT and there isn’t a price tag attached!
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 OLTL is gone. What a bleak January ahead. OLTL makes my day, every day. I am sick over this.
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 that worked so hard on OLTL even when the chips wee down. Michael Easton made John McBain real and I look forward to his future work. You will be missed.
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 most soap fans watch for an escape from reality and to be entertained not to have people telling them how to live their lives..
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 you my brother.
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