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Mitchell Ryan, Dark Shadows and General Hospital Soap Vet, Dead at 88

Photo: 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merch

Another soap veteran has passed away.  News on Friday has that Mitchell Ryan, who was the second Frank Smith on General Hospital (1993-1994), and most-known to soap fans for his role as Burke Devlin on the cult classic Dark Shadows, has died.

The news of his passing came from his former Dark Shadows co-star, Kathryn Leigh Scott (Ex-Maggie Evans), who took to Facebook to announce Ryan’s death. Kathryn shared: “My sweet, beloved friend Mitch died early this morning. He was a great gift in my life. I cherish my warm memories of his beautiful soul. I’m heartbroken.”

Mitchell was 88-years-old, and no cause of death was given at this time.

In addition to GH and Dark Shadows, Ryan also played the role of Anthony Tonell on Santa Barbara and appeared on the nighttime soap, Dallas.

Ryan’s other primetime credits included: Dharma & Greg, The West Wing, Wings, and Murder, She Wrote, to name just a few.

Now below check out Mitchell Ryan in scenes with Genie Francis (Laura) from General Hospital and Kathryn Leigh Scott’s post.

Then, share your remembrances and condolences for the life of Mitchell Ryan in the comment section.

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Oddly enough, I thought he had passed away years ago, hence ReRon’s excuse for that ridiculous Frank Smith recast in that horrible “exit” storyline he wrote for Luke Spencer… where the fake “Frank” was the same age as Luke himself.

I actually liked Mitchell Ryan’s version of Frank Smith, because after Punky Brewster & the Police Academy movies, it would be hard to imagine George Gaynes as “evil” again.

He was a great actor. Rest in Peace.

Wasn’t he also Alex Hunter, Jeremy’s father, on All My Children?

I am very sorry to hear this news. I enjoyed him in so many roles over the years. With his booming voice and commanding presence, he was always a force to be reckoned with. I remember his Frank Smith very well. May he rest in peace.

I always liked him in any role he played. He was a good actor and easy on the eyes. He’s one of the classics. RIP.
When I saw the news elsewhere online, I hoped you would cover it and I’m glad to see you did. I wanted to make any comment I had about him here on this forum. Thanks for all you do Michael.

I just saw the scenes of Mitch Ryan w/ Genie Francis and sad to hear about his passing but what stood out to me was how powerful and charismatic Genie was/is. She was so powerful in that scene w/him. I can’t believe Genie has been overlooked for so many years as a top notch Emmy leading lady. I know she won the supporting actress years later, but wow she’s such a powerhouse who has been overshadowed by Anthony Geary and all his Emmy wins. Genie should have as many wins as him or any of the other Actress that have one over the years. If Maurice Benard is now the top male of GH, then Genie hands down should be his counterpart as far as storylines and airtime go.

Very well said. Genie Francis is a powerhouse performer who deserves much more recognition than she has received.

I did not see him in the mentioned soap roles, but saw him in so many other roles. He was one of those actors who continually popped up on many different shows. I really liked him – a talented and versatile actor.

Sending my sincere condolences to his family and GH crew.

Breaking News

‘The Price is Right’ Decks the Halls with Five Holiday-Themed Primetime Episodes & Pet Rescue & Adoption Week on Daytime

Talk about getting into the holiday spirit! The Price is Right is set to air five brand new holiday-themed episodes airing in December on primetime, plus the daytime version will also have a special week. Host Drew Carey will preside over the game show proceedings!

Daytime’s The Price is Right holiday week (Dec 18-Dec 22) will feature animal trainer, author and host of CBS’ Lucky Dog Reunions, Brandon McMillan, and Robert Valandra, nephew of legendary host Bob Barker, who both bring along some furry friends up for adoption. The week concludes with ‘Price is Right’ model Amber Lancaster, an advocate of animal adoption, and some adorable dogs who need a home for the holidays.

The Price is Right continues to network television’s #1-rated daytime series and the longest-running game show in television history, broadcast weekdays (11:00 AM-12:00 PM, ET/10:00-11:00 AM, PT).

Photo: JPI

On Primetime, here is the holiday lineup of shows (the week of Dec 4-8):

THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY (Monday, December 4, 8:00 PM, ET/PT) brings coworkers and colleagues together to cheer each other on as they play for prizes that can be shared and enjoyed by all of their office mates.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: BLIND HOLIDATE (Thursday, December 7, 8:00 PM, ET/PT) brings in a matchmaker to pair up an audience full of single, eligible adults, and lucky contestants will meet for the first time when they are called to “Come on down!” and compete together as a team. They play for fabulous cash and prizes, pairs of cars, and maybe they’ll even win a love match!

THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: COLLEGE STUDENTS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Friday, December 8 at 8:00 PM ET/PT) welcomes college students home adorned in their best school spirit gear, teamed up with their parents to play for exotic trips, amazing prizes, and cash for college!

Photos: JPI

THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: HOLIDAYS WITH THE FAMILY (Monday, December 18, 8:00 PM, ET/PT). Parents and their young children compete for some of the most desired gifts Santa has in his sleigh. Decorated in their holiday best, families work as a team to win prizes to make their holidays oh so bright!

THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: HOLIDAY HEROES (Tuesday, December 19, 8:00 PM, ET/PT) salutes the military to thank America’s brave heroes for keeping us safe all year round. Active-duty military members in uniform compete for luxury items, including trips to remarkable destinations, $50,000 in cash, and cars!

Of note: Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service as well as on demand. Essential-tier subscribers will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.

Lots of The Price is Right holiday cheer and pet adoptions coming your way. Will you be watching? Comment below. But first, check out a clip from one of the primetime episodes.

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Breaking News

96th Annual Academy Awards to Start an Hour Earlier, While Jimmy Kimmel Shares, “I Always Dreamed of Hosting the Oscars Exactly Four Times”

In a move to keep viewers not up past their bedtimes, the 2024 Oscars telecast will now begin one hour earlier than usual.  According to news from the Academy on Thursday, the ceremonies will begin at 7 pm ET/4PM PT on March 1o, 2024.

That is an hour shift when the broadcast usually begins at 8 pm ET/5pm PT.  The official pre-show will also begin earlier, at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The 96th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with nominations being announced on January 23rd.

Photo: ABC

A few weeks ago on November 15th, Jimmy Kimmel was officially named the host of the Oscars for the fourth time. The hosting gig marks the second year in a row for Kimmel. The comedian also hosted in 2017 and 2018.

Kimmel’s wife Molly McNearney will also one again, co-write and executive produce, the telecast.  In a statement on presiding over movies biggest night of the year, Kimmel joked, “I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times.”

Photo: JPI

ABC also plans on airing a special episode of their hit comedy Abbott Elementary, immediately following what should be a three-and-a-half hour telecast of the Oscars.

So, what do you think about the time shift with the Oscars starting an hour earlier? Happy about it? Won’t be settled in at that early time slot to sit and watch the show? Comment below.

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Breaking News

Marty Krofft Famed Children’s Show Producer of ‘H.R. Pufnstuf,’ ‘Land of the Lost,’ Dead at 86

Marty Kroftt. who along with his brother Sid, produced many memorable children’s shows throughout his career, including H.R. Pufnstuf and Land of the Lost has passed away at the age of 86..

A family representative told Variety that Krofft died of kidney failure Saturday November 25th in Los Angeles, California.

Krofft was often known as the “King of Saturday Mornings”, and along with his brother, Sid also produced primetime variety shows including Donny and Marie and Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.

Photo: JPI

At the 45th annual Daytime Emmy Awarda, Marty and Sid were the recipients of the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. The Kroffts also produced Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, The Bugaloos and Lidsville.

The brothers always shared that they came from a line of puppeteers, and Sid, traveled the world as young man performing an elaborate puppet show. The brother’s partnership worked due to Sid was the more on the creative side, while Marty was more on the business side.

Marty said in the book “Pufnstuf & Other Stuff: The Weird and Wonderful World of Sid & Marty Krofft” (1998), written by TV critic, David Martindale, “Sid was always ‘the artist’. He never did have a business sense. So I came in and filled that vacuum.”

Photo: JPI

Krofft’s wife, the former Playboy playmate Christa Speck passed away in 2013. He lived in Los Angeles and is survived by his brothers Sid and Harry; his daughters Deanna Krofft-Pope, Kristina Krofft and Kendra Krofft; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Share your condolences for Marty Krofft via the comment section. But,  first check out our interview with him along with is brother Sid, before they received their Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th annual ceremonies below.

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