General Hospital
Michelle Stafford Interview: What To Look For During General Hospital's Live Shows!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Harkening back to soap opera’s humble beginnings, when they were broadcast live across the country, ABC’s General Hospital is set for a two-day network television event when GH goes LIVE from its ABC Prospect Studios in Hollywood. Under the direction of executive producer Frank Valentini, who was also a key part of One Life to Live’s successful live week back in 2002, General Hospital is set to deliver major story revelations and surprises when it goes live next Friday, May 15th, and the following Monday, May 18th. Be on the lookout for a wedding, someone getting caught in the crossfire, twists and turns … and secrets!
Daytime Emmy Award winning actress Michelle Stafford is one of the key members of the cast that will be part of the action, and as she teases to On-Air On-Soaps, even she was shocked when she found out what was going to happen to her character of Nina Clay during the live shows. So just how is this all going to be pulled off? Do you think it will go off without a hitch, or will someone make a major flub? Whatever the case, the cast will certainly be put through its paces, as they actually will be performing two sets of live shows back-to-back each day to air in most time zones (West Coast will get the playback of the live show). During our chat, Michelle shares some insight about working with her scene partner Roger Howarth (Franco) during the live shows, and how she is looking forward to having more scenes in the future with Nina’s nemesis’: her mother Madeline (Donna Mills), and of course, Ava Jerome (Maura West).
So, GH fans fasten your seat belts! The daytime drama series is touting that the live shows will truly propel the stories further, where anything and everything can happen live! To be part of the conversation, make sure to join use #GHLive via social media during the two-episode event. Here now is what Michelle shared to give us a glimpse into what’s ahead when GH goes live!
Michelle, you are the official General Hospital Live Shows representative! (Laughs) What are your thoughts about GH tackling two live episodes?
Courtesy/ABC
MICHELLE: I think it’s amazing. I am really excited about it, and I think its going to be fun. Obviously, I am in it! (Laughs) Actors love this … we are crazy people. We love walking on a tight-wire. When I heard about the live shows I was told I was in it at the same time they told me what I was doing in it. I was like “WHAAT?” They told me what was happening and I thought, “Cool!” Then they told me how it was happening, and I went, “Wait! What?” They surprised me and I don’t get surprised. You, Michael Fairman, and everyone will go, “Wait! What?” And I will tell you this … no one saw it coming. You definitely will not see it coming, but maybe, you will be pleased by it. I have a feeling, you, Michael Fairman; will be like, “Wait! How are they going to do this?” I think then after that you will go, “Whoa,” and then I think you will say, because I know you, “OK, well this could go this way, or this could go this way.”
Are you in scenes with Roger Howarth (Franco) during it?
MICHELLE: Yes, and then based on something I said to our head writer Ron Carlivati, he wrote a scene based on something I suggested between me and somebody else. And I went, “Oh, my God. This is amazing!”
At this point, what do you think is happening with Nina? Where is she at in her mind and in her life, and with Franco?
Courtesy/ABC
MICHELLE: She is trying to make things work and she is a damaged little girl. Nina is really in love with Franco, and completely in love. I like the dynamic and what the Nina character does to the Franco character. We definitely see a different side of Franco. Roger Howarth is such a good actor and he is a leading man. He is very beautiful and sensitive the way that he plays his character. I think it’s interesting that the two of them are criminals and they’re crazy, and they’re off. But I think there is this really interesting element that they find this beautiful and romantic love between them. You will see a lot of that in the live shows, and the romantic side of their relationship.
I am sure Roger was thrilled to do the live shows because he is so spontaneous anyways during his scenes!
MICHELLE: Yes, he is. They have certainly given him quite the challenge. I think three people are really challenged during the live shows, and Roger is one of them. We are all challenged, but three different people, in my estimation, reading the scripts back and forth I was like “Wow! That is some tough stuff you gotta do live!”
How are the live shows being rehearsed? What is the schedule for the cast?
Photo Credit: DuffImages.com
MICHELLE: We are rehearsing all day next Thursday, and then Friday we do the shows. Then we rehearse after that and into the evening, and then I am supposed to be at Nadia Bjorlin’s (Chloe, DAYS) wedding that my daughter Natalia is in. So, Natalia will be going. She will be Uber-ing there. (Laughs) I am kidding! She won’t be Uber-ing. (Laughs) But, I will go be able to attend Nadia’s wedding reception, obviously.
Don’t you think the audience and the GH fans want to see someone screw up during the live shows?
MICHELLE: Don’t you? Do you want to see a screw up … or, do you want to say, “I think a person just screwed up their lines?” Seriously, there are a couple of areas I can pretend that I totally screwed up, and the audience will go, “Was that intentional, or not?”
When One Life to Live did their live week, which is the archetype for the GH shows, it went very smoothly, actually.
Photo Credit: ABC
MICHELLE: It will probably go smooth, because you know how we shoot. We basically have the mindset of being live every day. We go up on our lines sometimes. But because we have all these rehearsals, we will all be perfect on our dialog. We will be rehearsing all day Thursday from early morning to late morning. I also, which drives some of my co-stars crazy, throw stuff out there at the last minute and see if they can catch it. Some of my co-stars dig it, and some of my co-stars don’t dig it so much. I think underneath they do dig it, and they may make fun of me, but I think they like the challenge.
Maura West and you, as Ava and Nina have been so amazing in scenes together. Do you think at some point GH will pick back up that on-screen vendetta, and the two of you will have more scenes together?
Courtesy/ABC
MICHELLE: I am sure we will. Those two women are not at a good place with each other, but there is simpatico between them, even though Nina hates her! I don’t think she will ever be supportive of her.
Donna Mills (Madeline) is back at General Hospital! At the Daytime Emmys she revealed that this time out, she thinks viewers will learn more as to why Madeline is the way she is. What are your thoughts on Madeline and Nina’s mother/daughter steely relationship, especially as we head into Mother’s Day this weekend? (Laughs)
MICHELLE: Donna and I were talking, and there was a moment in a scene when I decided to hug her and she doesn’t do anything. She just stands there. This was stuff that aired months ago. I thought that was such a good moment and so “Ordinary People” that Mary Tyler Moore moment in the film. I said, “That’s their relationship!” I also said to Donna the other day that we should discuss with Ron and Frank (Valentini) what are the elements that make up these women. We saw the first part of their relationship, but now I think the audience wants to know: What is up with Nina and why is she this way? Why is Madeline like this? Why do they hate each other? What did happen between them? I think you want to see that to bring a human element to these characters.
So, what do you think about General Hospital’s upcoming live shows? What do you think is going to happen to Nina Clay during it? Who will get married? Who will get caught in the crossfire? Are you rooting for Franco and Nina to stay together? Comment below on what Michelle previewed during our chitchat!
Franco and Nina are cuckoo for cocoa puffs. They both can star in their version of two people who flew over the cuckoos nest.
Agreed
Agreed
Maybe…but I am completely under their spell. I love this couple to the moon and back.
It is time for Michelle to be an adult, writers!!! Show her stuff, now!!! Tout-de-suite.
I am so happy she is finally appearing on the GH stage as I am accustomed to see her. Stylishly dressed and in-your-face esprit. And, that willowy figure? Wow!!
I am thankful that Ms Mills is coming back. We need to understand the dynamics between mother and daughter. I do think there is love there, but obviously something went awry for having created this angst…this antagonism…this distance between them.
Maddie’s stay will not be prolonged, so I hope she and Nina will finally let it all out…whatever it is. Nina will be much more receptive at this point, yes? I mean, she is ‘cured’, yes?
This is one storyline I await with excitement and hope for a very very happy ending. Well, I would love to have Kristen back as Kiki, and for her to be Nina’s long, lost baby. There is always the possibility that Maddie is back for this very tumultuous revelation.
As I re-read my post I realized that I did not make clear that the rift between Nina and her mother must have existed pre-coma. The contempt and repugnance which we have witness from Nina toward her mother after her “awakening” ( in more ways than one), that is; Nina is now aware of what her mother did to her and her baby, is merely only one reason, albeit the biggest.
This enmity and resentment goes deep into the past….perhaps as far as when Nina was still a child. I think Maddie kept Nina under lock and key ( figuratively speaking) as a child and beyond. I also believe that Nina went through something very traumatic ….thus, the childlike behavior.
However, we are beginning to see a more mature Nina….a more stable Nina; contrary to Shay’s estimation…LOL. Okay , Shay, I can practically see your ears perk up….I can hear your brain thinking of a fitting response…double LOL.
Just teasing, Shay, girl! I do hope she will not be recast, though. Michelle has too much to offer, …..Timmm said it for me. All she needs is a ‘custom-made’ storyline with the right dialogue and the right direction.
I have watched her in action since I was a young teen……she has always wowed me, even as a starry-eyed kid. And, albeit the fact that Harry believes that Gina Tognoni represents the Phyllis character in a better light than Michelle, I must respectfully disagree. Gina overacts….tries too hard. Her dramatic entrance and departure into and from a scene are forced….a spectacle, not spectacular. But, Michelle’s Phyllis? Oh my!….the natural fluidity of her motions……the flair in which she exited a room caught and held the viewer’s attention…one could not help follow those sinewy, feline movements. I wanted to be her…!! Regrettably I stopped growing …LOL.
“… I am completely under their spell. ”
ditto
Michelle Stafford and Roger Howarth… are their own show… and magnanimous
triumphant
Maybe there will be flubs on the live show that will be more entertaining than the flubs on the taped shows…lol…soooooo many dead eps so i look forward to the live ones…lol…i suppose Franco and Nina will get married—hope Heather is their and cuts the wedding cake and Ninas throat…lol…OMG, i sound like su talking about Sharon and Y&R…lol
aha!
Jimh, good one lol
I luv Franco and Nina !!!
they are an interesting, intriguing, entertaining couple..
Franco and Nina are indeed totally out of the box of soap couple (a rare couple) a rare love ..
Roger and Michelle are magic together..
Roger is a humorous guy, I’m sure he will give us some of his own throwin words lol
What you said, Su.
I love this couple.
I am still patiently waiting for the Kiki reveal..
No one – no one – brings crazy like Heather and I love crazy.
She’s been a great add. Looking forward to what’s next.
Sorry, but this interview reinforces everything I dislike about Franco and Nina and a lot of it stems from the actors and their approach. I don’t like watching schtick and that’s what I see, actors doing schtick. It takes them out of the character and it makes the character less believable if believable at all.
That is evidenced when Ms. Stafford says “there are a couple of areas I can pretend that I totally screwed up, and the audience will go, “Was that intentional, or not?” If that is the reaction you are going for, you are no longer presenting a character to the audience, you are an actor doing stuff and relating to the audience outside of the character. That may work if you’re doing skits on SNL. It’s the same thing with Howarth.
When she says she drives some of her co-stars crazy because she likes to just throw stuff out there, to see if her co-stars can handle it, it tells me even more. It’s one thing to improvise a bit, but if it is driving your scene partners crazy, you’re doing it wrong. There needs to be give and take and how often do we hear actors talk about other actors being “generous” and “giving.” Throwing things out there to “test” your co stars is neither and the fact that she admits that most don’t like it, tells you something.
I couldn’t disagree with you more. Nina and Franco are magical together. When they are on, I never fast forward. I hope the writers figure out a way to redeem their characters. Roger Howarth and Michelle Stafford are two of the best actors on television. They are so spontaneous and never seem to be just reciting lines, like some of the other actors. I can’t get enough of them.
AJQ..
Michell was referring to the ”live” show ..
Not the day to day regular shows ..
I wanted to see Michael Easton in the live shows. I guess not. Where Is Dr Silas Clay? I and a bunch of his fans want and need to know why he is not being used more.
I’m wondering about this, too. Silas is not integrated into the GH canvas at all and I can’t figure out why.
Love Franco but cannot abide the Nina character – still, I am looking forward to GH live. I think it will be fun to watch.
Can’t wait for the live show excited and looking forward to it wonder who will get married wow excited.
As I heard of the live episodes, I thought they’d show other actors from GH. So it’s going to be about Nina and Franco. Would they stick to their lines? The episode is going to be different, I am sure.
Really do not care for Stafford’s character at all.
Laughing at Michelle’s responses above… at times, she sounds like Nina magically thinking out loud! 🙂 Looking forward to what they all have in store. BREAK A LEG, ALL!
I like Nina and Franco and I was rooting for them but I think their relationship is going to be over very soon. I think both characters will be moving on to other people.
Michelle is SO talented. I hope they figure out how to properly write her. She alludes to being shocked on her character twist so maybe they are re imagining Nina Clay?
Sorry, Timmm, but the only way to “reimagine” Nina is to recast her….an action of which I would heartily approve!!!! (I know, I know…..you won’t like this suggestion, nor will CeeCee!!!! LOL….)
Well Shay, I loved Michelle on Y&R BUT she is really talented and would want to keep her. However, this is one of Frank’s few miscues, the character Nina is a bust! They either figure out how to use her or send her packing. No recast. Same with Franco. I hate that character but love Roger.
Of course the west coast gets screwed again
I think I will skip it. So far the characters I don’t care about are the ones going to appear. So Michaelle and Howarth both throw stuff out. No wonder I just FF all their scenes.
Thanks for this great interview. I love Franco and Nina. Roger Howarth and Michelle Stafford are daytime legends and have formed a truly magical soap opera super couple (and they haven’t even made love yet). Having followed Roger in daytime for over 20 years, he is my main reason for watching GH and I have sorely missed seeing Franco and Nina recently. Last we saw, she actually threw him out of their Metro Court suite. Therefore, it’s wonderfully reassuring to read Michelle’s view points on the state of their relationship. Nothing would be more marvelous than to witness Franco and Nina exchanging wedding vows on the upcoming live shows!!! Michelle and Roger are absolutely phenomenal performers and their characters deserve more screen time and a long reign as General Hospital’s #1 love story!!! Thanks again.
Mea Culpa: I forgot the salient fact that Nina is still married to Silas Clay so there cannot be any nuptials between Nina and Franco at this point.
Plus, it seems that Franco and NIna are currently scripted for a rather stormy relationship scenario including insults, mistrust and seeking forgiveness.
Again, sorry for my mistake.
“… Nina is really in love with Franco, and completely in love. I like the dynamic and what the Nina character does to the Franco character. We definitely see a different side of Franco. Roger Howarth is such a good actor and he is a leading man. He is very beautiful and sensitive the way that he plays his character. ”
this is thee answer: and, why… this pair is leading
it’s two powerhouses… who, are worth waiting for… but… at the same time… are taking too long! and it’s more for MS’.
GH has supercouples … moving :
Nikolas and Hayden : are stirring ALL my senses !!!! YES… keep them! Tyler Christopher is dynamic… welcome Rebecca Buddig.. isn’t she the teasingly “dangerous” counterpart to Nikolas stamina… and world turns his way
Jake and Liz: romance… love… teasing… force … being a part of something
that they can’t control? they have already solidified this twosome… when Jake finds out… it won’t matter… his heart already knows… draw this out GH production… just to see Rebecca Herbst layer !!! fiesty, fierce, foible, bitch back… take us with her
Franco and Nina : GET THIS PAIR trusting each other… and loving each other… with lust, fire, passion, unrequited !!! it’s them against the world… and they’ll win
do it now!!!! Mac and Felicia forefront frontburner… take the time to figure out a story for these two… it’s history veteran magic… I love them…. Felicia
sigh! I dont’ know yet what’s going on with Duke… tears… couples who have it… and if this is Anna tragic … then i’m in… just wish … WISH it was not at the expense of thee forever Ian Buchanon
Carly and Ric Lansing : !!!! ??? huh? whats to figure ? this works… I don’t know… you can’t tell me… with this new team… of RC/FV that they;ve done anything worthwhile with Carly…
i’m sorry that Wally Kurth’ Ned is leaving the show… i’m sorry that it’s at the demise ?? and expense once again… of Lisa LuCicero’ FUN from the bronx… Olivia… she would be so MUCH BETTER with Julian… than will tread over and over… Alexis…
MORGAN: with? Ava…. recast kiki… with Kelly Missal ! please… you want sexual
Brad and Lucas : dang ! it works for me… where’s that waterfront clinic… so Lucas can be featured more… make Brad a nurse along with lab tech… just to see these two working together
couple w/ honorable mention??? just not on the same tier as above mention
Sean and Jordan
Maxie and Nathan
Lulu and Dante
potential : I like Sabrina w/Michael… tone down his machismo… and loud behaviour like Carly… just doesnt add up….
I LOVE Michelle Stafford and Roger Howarth
Ava and Silas : sure, why not… a mature relationship… that Ava will route… because she’s recuperating, on the mend, and all she knows is her daughters… and fills Silas with….
but… once up and running… she runs in to Sonny ! LOL
if GH has to keep Sonny… he does work it with Ave(s) (2)
dang! (Jon Lindstrom) Kevin
and : Brandon Barash : Johnny Z
would be good RIGHT about now
” I “love” Carlos”
Jeffrey Vincent Parise
can do it
drama, comedic, foible… mix… draw… turn… and dang! all of it
I see Carly , Sabrina, Rosalie.. Valerie… Ava…
LOL any one missing…
the guys gush about him… ie: the actors … in SOD issue
ie: can you imagine : if Kiki was again recast with the acclaimed Kelly MIssal
should blew me away on the nuOLTL
she acts gangbusters and takes
as Dani, she had two of the best fathers…. Todd and Victor…. or vice versa
dynamic stuff
picture her on GH as Kiki… her OWN two mothers… Ava and Nina
???
POWERful scenes and big time stuff
Oh, my gosh, Patrick! Kelley Missal would be perfect. Why didn’t I think of her? I loved her as Dani…how ironic though, …. Starr’s sister !
Can’t get enough of Nina and Franco. Hope Ron finds a way to integrate them into some of the main storylines so they are not always off to the side as they have been for some time. They deserve to be front and center along with the likes of Sonny, Carly, Jake, Liz, Nikolas, etc.
I don’t know about “integrating” them … as these two are so heated, disliked by all of Port Charles
I posted about : Franco (aka Todd) owning or taking over that magazine or newspaper ??? was it “the Crimson magazine” that he tookover from Connie ???
why not have Franco and Nina …. as a newspaper team… magnates …. in your face Port Charles residents… nothing goes unnoticed by this duo… as this commanding duo “learn” report … and use to their advantage … and build an empire that only these two should
I like that idea a lot. Not sure TPTB would be willing to put Franco in charge of a newspaper because they’re still embroiled in the Todd/Starr/McBain lawsuit, but if they made Nina the owner and Franco a reporter that would work.
I think that would be a great storyline, Patrick. Once Nina recovers her assets, the sky’s the limit.
I would love to see her and Franco as a team in the workplace.
Furthermore, what Nick D. said.
I should rephrase that… as these two powerhouses… irregardless of like or wont
will take over
LOL
once the court frees up Nina’ inheritance…
there’s no stopping this magical duo….. can’t wait
Happy to see my new favorite couple Nina and Franco will bit on the live shows! Can’t wait the watch!
So Michelle Stafford said she likes to “throw stuff out there at the last minute” Kind of like that time she SPIT in Victoria Rowell’s face on The Young & Restless….hmm ok girl
I know that Roger Howarth will be totally awesome. He was great on OLTL when it went live so I know in my heart he will be awesome again. He is a professional, I am so curious who the other two who is to be challenged in this show. Can’t wait to see it. I love this show and love Roger.
Love Roger, do not like Nina at all!!
I am pumped over the live shows. Only thing, wish we could have seen it here on the west coast. Am sure,
everything will go smoothly, because they the players are terrific in their roles, and the audiences all over will have a blast. Thank you Messrs Valentini and Carlivati for your genius
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer.
Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.
As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.
Photo: ABC
A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY
Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.
Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.
Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.
Courtesy/ABC
WSB WAR SCARS
Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.
In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.
Courtesy/ABC
Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”
So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.
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