Breaking News
NATAS President/CEO Adam Sharp Previews Daytime Emmy Telecast: How Will They Weave In Golden Anniversary & Tackle the In Memoriam Segment In the Face of a Year+ of Tragedy
Just how will the 50th anniversary Daytime Emmy Awards look and feel given that’s been an extraordinary 18 months since the Emmys were held? Michael Fairman TV chatted with NATAS President/CEO Adam Sharp at this week’s Daytime Emmy Nominee reception at the Hollywood Museum to get some insight.
During Sharp’s tenure, the Daytime Emmys have had to pivot multiple times due to circumstances beyond their control including the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic and this year, the writers and performers strikes. Sharp weighed-in on the circumstances: “In my head, I was thinking this is my fifth year and I’ve yet to have a normal one. We had headed into this year thinking we had finally made it through the pandemic and that this would be the return to normalcy and somewhat of a routine. Then, fortunately the practice of the last few years had taught us to be nimble. So it was like, take those emergency plans back off the shelf and know how to do it in variations. Our chairmen tells me it should be a musical.”
This is the 50th anniversary of the Daytime Emmys, and in a telecast of two-hours, Adam shared how the decision was made of how to feature the golden anniversary while staying also in the present. “Obviously a big component of it is honoring the great work that we honor every year,” Sharp expressed. “And so, in many ways, the main thrust will still be a traditional daytime Emmy ceremony. One of the things we thought about in planning for the ceremony is … do we want to sacrifice any of that to lean into that 50th anniversary piece? Those two hours goes by fast. I think what we found is a good balance of a straight-up award show, but remind people of the institutional history and legacy that went into this. I think you saw in our announcement of presenters this week that at every category there is that nod to the past, going back to some of these legacy presenters, some of these ‘first to win their categories’, and things such as that that. All building up to the Lifetime Achievement Award, where I think if you polled anyone, what is the most iconic moment in daytime Emmy’s history? It is Shemar Moore presenting the Lead Actress Emmy to Susan Lucci.”

Photos: JPI
2022-2023 has brought devastating losses of so many beloved people of daytime community, in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Sharp shared how decisions were made when they had to cut to time for the highly important and often highly critiqued In Memoriam segment. “It’s been a rough year … it’s been a rough 18 months, so that played into it as well,” Sharp related. “I think what you’ll see is normally we have run the same in memoriam segment in the telecast as we run in Creative Arts Emmy. This year they will be different. The Creative Arts In Memoriam will be an extended version, because we did have to make difficult choices for time of who could be featured in the telecast itself. The reality is, you want to acknowledge everyone. And no matter where you draw the distinction, whether it’s a three minute in memoriam, a five minute or a half hour, there’s always going to be someone worthy who is left out. That is unfortunately the curse of that segment and why it is one of the most difficult segments to produce.”

Photo: ABC
Sharp concluded, “By having the second opportunity the next day to have a more expansive tribute in Creative Arts, a lot of those people that we won’t have the opportunity to recognize in the telecast can have their moment. I think part of the thinking that goes into that is, where would they have been honored when they were alive? We do distinctions of categories across those shows, too. Their immediate peers are most likely going to be at one ceremony or the other. So, part of the thinking winds up being where are their immediate peers going to be, so that they can be recognized in the room of their colleagues and that guided a lot of the decision.”
So, what do you think about tonight’s 50th Annual Daytime Emmys? Will you be checking the In Memoriam segment closely? Will you be happy to see the present being honored with some nods to Emmy history? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
The 50th Daytime Emmy Awards airs live Friday, December 15th on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ beginning at 9pm ET (tape delayed on the west coast).
Lucci so deserving. Beverley McKinsey needs to be given a posthumous lifetime award.
Why didn’t FV mentioned Jaclyn Zeman when GH won?
Breaking News
Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco Welcome Baby Girl, Philomena into the World

Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”

Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmys Gold & Silver Circle Inductees: Francesca James, Patrika Darbo and Meredith Vieira Among Those Being Honored

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday, October 8, the 2026 Gold & Silver Circle Inductees who will be celebrated at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday, October 30.
This year’s honor roll features industry professionals that have made contributions across daytime television, including daytime dramas, talk shows, comedy, and more.
The Gold inductees include: Meredith Vieira (former c0-host of The View, journalist and EP and CEO, Meredith Vieira Productions),Patrika Darbo (ex-Nancy, Days of our Lives and Shirley, The Bold and the Beautiful, soon to be seen reprising her role of Shirley on Y&R), three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Francesca James (ex-Kitty/Kelly, All My Children, and ex-Marcy Wade, One Life to Live, plus director and/or producer at All My Children, General Hospital, Loving, Santa Barbara et al), and finally Byron Allen (Founder, Chairman & CEO Allen Media Group).
It should be noted that Vieira made guest appearances on both All My Children and General Hospital throughout her career. On GH, she played madam Bree Flanders in 2003 and 2012. She also appeared as a wedding planner on All My Children back in 2001.

Photo: NATAS
The Silver inductees are: Stephen Brown (VP Programming and Development, Fox Television Stations) and Rubin Ervin (Announcer/Warm-Up Host for Family Feud, The Bachelor and more).The Gold and Silver Circle Society Inductees are deemed by NATAS as “exceptional professionals who have performed distinguished service within the television industry, setting standards for achievement, mentoring, leadership and professional accolades for 50 or 25 years, respectively. They represent the best and brightest in the industry.”
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS shared, “This year’s Gold & Silver honorees are recognized for their continued exceptional contributions to our television industry. We are proud to honor a class of honorees from diverse career paths across many daytime genres. Their impact is evident in programming every day, inspiring generations and enriching the lives of countless viewers.”
MORE ON THE 53RD ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMYS
NATAS previously announced that soap opera icon Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s ceremonies.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys will be held at the historic Hollywood Palladium and will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
The annual 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.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be a single ceremony in 2026, produced by NATAS Productions. Adam Sharp and Lara Gates are executive producers, with Leon Knoles returning to direct for a fifth straight year. Rachel Schwartz serves as Head of Daytime, and the firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP, provides accounting services for the competition.
So, what do you think of this year’s Gold & Silver Inductees? Happy to see some of the names that will be recognized on October 30? Who in the future who has had enduring contributions to daytime television or the soap opera genre, would you like to see receive these honors in years to come? Let us know via the comment section below.
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.
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