General Hospital
Knots Landing Stars Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark On Oprah: Where Are They Now?
Courtesy/OWN
OWN’s series Oprah: Where Are They Now? tracks down the “Oprah” show guests who made you laugh. .. and made you cry with a glimpse inside the lives of the biggest newsmakers and most memorable celebrities of all time.
In an all-new episode airing this Sunday June 15th at 9:00PM ET/PT, it’s a Knots Landing reunion when the former cul-de-sac battling blondes of Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark appear together for a candid chat, plus segments with former soap heartthrob and Antonio Sabato, Jr., and another with Candy Spelling, the family matriarch famous for her 38-year marriage to legendary producer Aaron Spelling, and who recently made headlines for her public feuds with daughter Tori are a part of the broadcast.
On Oprah: Where Are They Now?, Joan Van Ark and Donna Mills (who plays Madeleine on General Hospital), reunite to reveal the truth about their enduring off-camera friendship with an inside look at how they live their lives today and in this clip after the jump they discuss their views on plastic surgery!
Will you be checking out Donna and Joan this weekend? Do you miss them as Abby and Val on KL? Let us know!
It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.
Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.
When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.
Photo: ABC
LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES
Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.
In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.
“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS
Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.
Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”
The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”
So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.
Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.
Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.
Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Everyone Turns Their Backs on Sonny; Can Anyone Get Chase to Open His Eyes About Willow’s Treachery?
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the ABC soap opera picks right back up with everyone turning their backs on Sonny (Maurice Benard), and now the one person he hoped would be by his side appears to be abandoning ship when Justine (Nazneen Contractor) doesn’t believe him about ordering the beatdown of Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in the latest spoilers video.
Sonny screams at Justine, “Someone is setting me up.” She says, “It’s over!” He proclaims, “I didn’t do it!” Little do they know that it was actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) who set Sonny up to take the fall for the Pentonville drama that left Curtis (Donnell Turner) with injuries as well.
Then, Lulu (Alexa Havins) is seen using her voice memo app on her phone to record her discussion with Sidwell while he is recovering from his injuries at the hospital. This moment is intercut with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) saying, “I wish there was someone who could get Chase (Josh Swickard) to open his eyes about who Willow truly is!”
Next, Willow is seen happily waving while at a table at a Metro Court Gardens, while Chase, Michael (Rory Gibson), Brook Lynn and Ava (Maura West) all receive text messages. Tracy (Jane Elliot) punctuates the promo stating, “That’s the real Willow,” while the words “The world knows” comes across the screen.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 5-9 below.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Sonny challenges Justine. Josslyn takes matters into her own hands. Britt and Willow discuss matters of the heart. Jason is taken to task. Serena finds herself in a bind.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Felicia has welcome news for Anna. Brook Lynn confides in Valentin. Hudson tries to talk Josslyn down. Lulu makes a daring play. Willow and Chase discuss his marriage.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Carly asks Anna for a favor. Tracy bites her tongue with Gio. Drew and Alexis go at it. Scout tries to broker peace between Danny and Rocco. Lulu pursues a lead.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Carly supports Sonny. Lulu’s latest article makes waves. Ava pitches a new target to Drew. Curtis gets a shock. Chase throws down the gauntlet.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Britt offers a lifeline. Anna offers her expertise. Sonny reassures Gio. Portia makes her loyalties clear. Dante’s investigation hits a roadblock.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo for the action this week entitled, “The World Knows” below.
Now weigh-in: With everyone disbelieving Sonny, what will be his next move? Will he hit rock bottom, or rise up and fight back and prove his innocence? Will Sonny enlist Jason to get to the bottom of this, even though Jason is out of Sonny’s business? Meanwhile, can this truly be the week that Willow is exposed for her multitude of crimes … or is this all a red herring? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Netflix Canada to Stream Past Episodes of ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’
‘Another World’s’ Mark Mortimer, Who Played Nick Hudson, Dies at 59 from Cancer
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Everyone Turns Their Backs on Sonny; Can Anyone Get Chase to Open His Eyes About Willow’s Treachery?
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Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
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Knots Landing, Dallas, and Peyton Place were my top 3 primetime serials…i hate to sound harsh but some aging stars need to stay away from botox because in most cases the results are not very flattering…
It’s the lips.. they get too much in lips..
When their top lip does not move it is plumped..
ALL senior soaps stars have work, even some of the men..
I once worked for a plastic surgeon and I can spot work done from 10 paces lol ..
I still work in the field. IMO Joan’s case it’s not just lips.)she has had several extremely bad rhinoplasties, eye work, (the “starry eyed” look eyes and lifts are the most obvious) botox, juvederm, besides face lift. Donna has had some work done, but not as much ; she probably does botox, juvederm, had some eye work, perhaps brow lift and neck work but certainly not going overboard.
Women and men in general, young or old not necessarily celebrities either who are addicted to facial work don’t see themselves as we do – People’s individual features go away and their faces turn into a one size fits all rubbery looking mask.- Eventually eyes and lips all look the same. It’s so rampant that you might say it is a production line prototype for people to see what they will ultimately look like after having too much plastic surgery. You made a statement that all senior soap stars have work done. You should preface that as it’s just your opinion, because you don’t know that for a fact.
Why on earth do these beautiful women keep carving themselves up like this? And no, for all the haters, I am not being mean. I find it incredibly sad. And if I’d made such a mess of my face as Joan I sure would not be putting it in front of a camera again, no matter how much $$ someone waved in my face. Pathetic and sad to see this.
This is so true, jimh….I really don’t care what people do to themselves, it is their personal business, except when their face is plastered on an HD, bigscreen TV it does give the viewer a right to comment. Some celebs have had very successful tweaks that provide a more youthful appearance and that is fine….Donna Mills, for example…you can tell she has done some subtle work, but when the camera is close-up, she still looks like herself, albeit a bit older than her KL days….which is fine…she is lovely and vibrant, and I have immensely enjoyed her stint at GH. However, when someone completely overdoes the plastic surgery and injections to the extent that they look like they belong in a freak show, then it is almost impossible to enjoy their work….it affects the quality of the program and the acting…..like one current cast member of GH who shall remain nameless. I really wish they would just get her off my screen.
Joan Van Ark looks horrible in this clip. What in the world has happened to her face?
Her face did well, it is the lips..
the lips make one change appearance more than other work..
It takes a very good rare surgeon to do lips to look near natural..
I do so miss Donna Mills and Jone Van Ark. They are such good actresses. I hope that there can somehow be a reunion of Knots Landing.
Someone needs to produce a brand new Knots Landing with our favorites and some great new talent just like Dallas did. That’s a formula that works well.
Donna, I agree.
at the very least…
release the rest of Knots Landing…. i’d buy it
I understand they stopped after season 3
geez! in this day and age… to find quality material…. to watch
it’d be a Knots feast
Knots Landing was my only nighttime soap. Loved it. I will watch. I agree with jmh(leave it to beaver).I have never seen any of the beautiful actors who went this way, that are still beautiful. They actually look weird. What is so bad about getting old? there is only one alternative. Death. Sure we would all love to stay looking 25, but what they end up looking like is a lot different.
To Barbara in Atlanta and others who feel the need to publicly post comments criticizing appearance … does it occur that these are real live people with real feelings and who likely read what is written about them online? It is so unnecessary and unkind. Sure, they are public personalities and we may not feel that they look the way we think they should today, but is that any reason to only post some negative comment about someone’s appearance? Imagine how YOU would feel if you posted YOUR photo and all of us commented on what WE think of the way you look. You might think twice before posting “mean girl” comments next time. Just sayin …
I know…i feel bad for commenting about stars appearances myself…but i have…imo…a good reason for it…ive often been critcized for my appearances since early childhood…everyting from my clothes, looks ect.,…schoolmates were so horrible that a few said i wouldve been better off if i wasnt born…even a teacher had made harsh remarks…in recent years i tried to cover up a medical problem and my own relatives make jokes about it…this all started decades ago and it continues to this day even publically…so YES, i have the experience to know what it feels like…thats why i said i wish aging stars should stay away from botox because most results arent flattering and i know the harsh things people will say because iv experienced the same harshness for over 50 years!!!
I’m sorry you have experienced this. Hopefully your bad experience helps you, more than anyone, understand why commenting on other people’s appearance is neither kind nor helpful. All it does is hurt their feelings.
I absolutely loved Knots Landing the baby storyline on Valene’s twins should have won Joan Van Ark an emmy. The comment that JVA said about it being the norm is right Welcome to Hollywood and what is so funny is some of your best actors and actresses are just regular looking Joes. Can you say Jack Nicholson & Kathy Bates.
@jimh….In general, kids are brats, especially when grouped up in school. It’s universal, and they delight in bullying anyone who doesn’t fit the norm, whether good or bad in nature. I happened to be blessed with a stylish, glam mother who loved to dress me in the latest and most beautiful fashions from the time I was born, and this didn’t go down well with my classmates. They did everything in their power to torture me, and depending upon the year in question, some of the teachers were not much better…many thought their job description included being a social arbiter-they wanted nothing more than “cookie cutter kids” to make their work easier. Fortunately, those early life experiences made me stronger and more determined….I never let it bother me, probably because of wonderful parenting, but I’m just trying to say that being different and an individual is not always easy, but it makes life much more interesting and satisfying. As a matter of fact, the very things that made me a target in my early years made me extremely popular later on in college, yet because of those formative lessons, I was able to handle that end of the stick just as ably. What matters most is what you think of yourself because in the end you are the one who has to live with that person!!!!!!
Paul, you make a very good and appropriate point in your post.
Well put Paul…
Norman Bates mother had work done on her and she didn’t look good either. I was expecting Vera Miles to walk in and scream!
Donna Mills was fabulous as psycho socialite Madeline Reeves aka Magda Westbourne on ‘General Hospital’ earlier this year. Hope they can get her to come back again!
Donna should REALLY give Joan her plastic surgeon’s number!!
Loved KNOTS LANDING. Not sure I love measures taken here to look young. No shame in aging as we were intended. There is vitality and vibrancy from within. How about we embrace that as a culture?
I remember Donna’s performance in Play Misty for Me with Clint Eastwood. How time flies! Loved watching these two ladies on Knots. Maybe they can visit TNT’s version of Dallas.
Im hoping DM returns to GH for more guest appearances, especially in scenes with Dr.O…strange how so many villians get away with their crimes but not Madelyn…i still want flashbacks showing Silas and Nina before Ninas coma!!!
Seriously, they need to create a new Knots Landing. Call it, Knots Landing the Next Generation (or something like that). Have some of our KL favorites and bring on some great new talent just like they did on Dallas. I know I would be tuning in.