News
OLTL Alum Catherine Hickland Pens Touching Tribute To Mother-In-Law Debbie Reynolds, and Sister-In-Law Carrie Fisher
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Catherine Hickland, who fearlessly played the role of troublemaker Lindsay Rappaport on ABC’s One Life to Live, has recently suffered an unimaginable loss of two women very close to her, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.
As fans of Catherine know she is married to Reynolds son, Todd Fisher. In sharing her thoughts on the passing of both Debbie and Carrie, Hickland took to her website CatherineHickland.com to express her grief and thoughts on their sudden passing and what it meant to her in a blog post entitled, “No Words Remembering Debbie and Carrie.”
Catherine began her post stating: “I loved my mother in law. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend seven years with this magnificent woman. We had a lot in common, and we did some seriously good deep talking over those years. Neither of us cared much for small talk. What a relief for us both. Deep talking is what I love to do, which is probably why I make my living as a hypnotist. I love real life, real feelings, imagination, and life experience. I have so many memories of those conversations.”
She later related a funny and touching story about her nuptials to Todd and Carrie’s part in the ceremony: “When Todd and I decided to get married, Carrie, Debbie and Carrie’s incredible assistant, Byron, planned our wedding. Debbie was not feeling well when we decided to get married, and so Carrie thought it was best if we got married at her home so that Debbie could come and go easily if she didn’t feel well enough to stay during the reception. Carrie was Todd’s ‘best man.’ Carrie did what Carrie wanted and everyone understood that, so I didn’t think a thing of it when she smoked an e-cigarette throughout the entire ceremony. At one point she spontaneously suggested that Todd, I, and our friend and pastor Henry Cutrona, take a hit off of the ‘peace pipe’to seal the deal. What were we going to say? We all took a puff. The guests howled. During the prayer before the rings, when everyone’s eyes were closed, Carrie dropped the ring. ”
Later, Hickland came forth with her sorrow: “My being hurts. I’ve now been home for 5 days, the first three spent with my face planted in my pillow. My body finally fell apart. Three weeks of little to no sleep, incredible compounding stress, keeping emotions in check to get through what needed to be gotten through, all takes a toll. But then, you know all this. A broken heart is a broken heart, and who hasn’t had one of those? We are all in this life together.”
Throughout this memorial to Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, Hickland truly made her sorrow relatable for anyone who has gone through the sudden loss of a loved one. It was a beautifully written account that we hope On-Air On-Soaps site visitors will take a moment to check out.
So, what did you think of the thoughts expressed by Catherine in her post on the passing of her mother and sister-in-law? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
News
Jere Burns Joins ‘The Young and the Restless’ in Multiple-Episode Arc with Emmy Winner Susan Walters
Next week, beginning on Monday, June 15, Jere Burns will make his debut in his new role on The Young and the Restless as Dr. Laurence Markham. The veteran actor who has appeared in numerous television and motion pictures will share scenes with Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins).
In an ironic twist, fans of the late 80s-early 90s, NBC sitcom Dear John will recall that Burns and Walters appeared together in the cast. Walters played the role of Mary Beth Sutton, while Burns took on the role of smooth-talking and quirky ladies’ man Kirk Morris.
This marks the first time in Jere’s career that he has appeared on a network television soap opera. His most recent credits include his recurring role on CBS’ FBI, and the Hulu series, Death and Other Details.
Photo: JPI
Now fast-forward to Y&R, and TV Insider has the inside scoop of what how these two link up. Dr. Markham comes into the story as Diane’s whereabouts remain in question after the falling out with her husband Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).
A LITTLE DITTY ABOUT JACK AND DIANE
Jack and Diane’s marriage has fallen on hard time, after Diane caught Jack in bed with Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) while drugged; all thanks to the machinations of Victor Newman (Eric Braeden). Although, Jack has tried to salvage his marriage, Diane moved out of the Abbott mansion and has stayed away from Jack.
The last time anyone heard from Diane in Genoa City was back in the May 14 episode when she left a voicemail for Jack, telling him although she is hurt and confused over what happened with Patty, she wants to try and find a path forward. However, since that time no one has seen her. Does Diane’s disappearance have to do with Patty and now the incoming Dr. Markham?
Currently, Susan Walters is appearing this week on Beyond the Gates as part of the crossover event between the two CBS soaps. As a result of production timelines between the two series, things are not in line with the story of Diane and Jack on both soaps. On Beyond the Gates, the two are attending Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) political fundraiser together and get caught in a tornado that hits Fairmont Crest, even as her disappearance remains unsolved back in Genoa City.
Walters shared on working with Jere Burns again decades later, “He was a fantastic scene partner in this upcoming story arc.”
So, do you think Dr. Markham will harm or help Diane? Is Patty behind Diane’s disappearance? Do you feel a bit discombobulated watching Diane and Jack seemingly OK with each other on Beyond the Gates, while on Y&R she is MIA? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
News
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell to Launch First Microseries Featuring Vertical Drama Stars Eric Guilmette and Molly Anderson for ‘aTwist’
On Thursday June 11, it was announced that The Bold and the Beautiful’s Bradley Bell (executive producer and head writer) is getting into the burgeoning vertical space, and will bring his first microseries, Hollywood Starlet, under his Red Flair Entertainment banner to aTwist (formerly MicroCo) the U.S.-based microseries studio and platform that is set to launch later this summer.
The upcoming microdrama is called Hollywood Startlet and will be led by vertical drama stars: Eric Guilmette (You Belong With Me, Tails of Christmas) and Molly Anderson (We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together) and Bella Mraz (Faceless). Guilmette will also serve as co-producer of the series.
Hollywood Starlet will film at Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Hollywood across multiple stages where CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful transitioned in 2025 after 38 years at Television City.
Photo: JPI
The upcoming microdrama was created by Brad Bell; directed and written by Kristen Brancaccio; and executive produced by Anthony Ferrari, Oliver Bell, Paxton Fuller and Graham Lawyer. Bradley Bell and his son Oliver Bell founded Red Flair Entertainment to specifically focus on elevated vertical series.
Microseries are serialized stories designed for mobile-first viewing: typically 40-60 episodes of one to three minutes each, built vertically, and consumed either in moments throughout the day or as a binge experience all at once. This is a fast-growing global category, generating an estimated $10 billion annually worldwide.
By combining Hollywood storytelling with a tech-first production and distribution engine, aTwist is focused on delivering quality vertical content alongside an engagement-driven platform for dedicated fan communities.
aTwist is founded by: chief executive officer Jana Winograde (former President of Showtime), chief creative officer Susan Rovner (former Chairman of NBCU Content and President of Warner Bros TV), and executive chairman Lloyd Braun (former Chairman of ABC Entertainment Group, studio and network, and Chairman of WME).
In a statement on Bell’s upcoming foray into microdramas, Susan Rovner expressed, “Brad Bell is one of the most influential creative forces in daytime television, and bringing him into the aTwist universe is a major moment for us. The Bold and the Beautiful has defined storytelling for decades, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him as he brings that legacy into a new format with Hollywood Starlet. We think fans are going to love seeing this world evolve in such a fun, fresh way.”
aTWIST TO SERVE UP SLATE OF ORIGINAL MICRODRAMAS
With a track record of building iconic franchises, launching global hits, and transforming creative vision into scaled entertainment businesses, the aTwist leadership team will create a home for original verticals in a multitude of genres, curated acquired microseries, and creator-led innovative narrative storytelling – building a quality-driven, globally scalable microseries ecosystem, rooted in fandom, community, and storytelling excellence.
aTwist is creating original content that spans comedy, drama, unscripted, horror, and romance built for how mobile-first audiences consume content today. From fresh, bold ideas by emerging talent to exciting collaborations with existing IP, brands, and stars, aTwist is establishing a destination for audiences who want engaging stories anytime, anywhere. A platform built to create community around fandoms, a place where consumers can find stories built for joyscrolling, not doomscrolling.
In addition, aTwist recently announced a partnership with BET to develop and distribute microseries across linear and vertical platforms, with a first-of-its-kind windowing model bringing microseries to television while expanding storytelling rooted in Black culture and community. aTwist currently has more than 20 series in production across scripted, unscripted and animation formats, with a strong pipeline of series in development. The studio and platform will deliver a slate of originals that push the current microseries offerings, tapping into underserved fandoms across horror, thriller, comedy, drama, anime, sci-fi and more.
As soap fans know, The Bold and the Beautiful has aired on CBS for 39 years, and is the most-watched U.S.-produced daytime drama in the world. In addition to his work with The Bold and the Beautiful, Brad Bell is also an owner of its sister soap, The Young and the Restless, which has aired on CBS for 53 years.
Photo: EGuilmette IG
HOT STARS OF THE VERTICAL WORLD
Vertical drama leading man, Eric Guilmette recently participated in a livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel, along with other stars of the microdrama space including: Nick Rittaco, Sam Myserson and former General Hospital star, Robert Palmer Watkins (ex-Dillon Quartermaine). You can check that out below.
Now let us know, what do you think of The Bold and the Beautiful’s Brad Bell developing a microdrama company along with his son, Oliver, to bring new series to your phones and more? Might we soon see soap operas have side stories as well as companion to their main shows on network television? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Avery Pohl Joins Cast of Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Series
Previously on General Hospital, Esme Prince caused so much trouble for Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) until the character went overboard and was presumed dead back in January of 2024.
Esme’s portrayer, Avery Pohl was heralded by GH fans as one of the great young baddies in recent memory. And now, Pohl is taking her talents to the new Netflix series, and joining the Scooby-Doo universe in an undisclosed role in the upcoming show, Scooby-Doo Orgins!
News of Pohl’s casting came via Deadline when they revealed 12 actors joining the upcoming live-action series which also includes notables: Sara Gilbert (ex-The Talk and The Connors), and Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks), plus previously announced, MacKenna Grace (ex-Faith, The Young and the Restless) who plays the central role of Daphne Blake. Tanner Hagen takes on Shaggy Rogers, Abby Ryder Fortson plays Velma Dinkley, Maxwell Jenkins is Fred Jones, and even Paul Walter Hauser also appears in a secret role, and not to be left out, Scooby-Doo himself.
Courtesy/ABC
ZOINKS, RUH-RO AND JEEPERS!
Avery Pohl took to her Instagram upon the reveal of her new project and said, “Dog’s outta the bag. So grateful to work with so many talented and kind individuals.” Immediately many of her former GH castmates congratulated the actress including: Tabyana Ali and her predecessor in the role of Trina, Sydney Mikalya and Eden McCoy (Josslyn).
According to the official loglines for Scooby-Doo Origins, its a, “Modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”
The series, which introduced supernatural mystery-solving teens Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, and Shaggy Rogers and their talking Great Dane Scooby-Doo, originally aired on CBS from 1969-76. It then moved to ABC, where various versions of the show aired until 1986. The Scooby-Doo franchise has also released three movies more than adozen animated series, and over 40 animated home entertainment movies.
WILL ESME PRINCE RETURN TO GH?
Pohl received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2025, in the Outstanding Guest Performer category and initially debuted on GH back in 2021.
In case you missed it, Avery participated in a livestream chat last year along with GH’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow) and their acting coach and soap alum Holly Gagnier (ex-Days, GH, and OLTL) on the Michael Fairman Channel. You can check it out below.
Now, share your congrats for Avery on landing her upcoming role in ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Let us know, if you hope GH brings back Esme one day and Spencer Cassadine via the comment section.
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Jere Burns Joins ‘The Young and the Restless’ in Multiple-Episode Arc with Emmy Winner Susan Walters
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell to Launch First Microseries Featuring Vertical Drama Stars Eric Guilmette and Molly Anderson for ‘aTwist’
‘General Hospital’ Alum Avery Pohl Joins Cast of Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Series
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
‘General Hospital’ SORAS’s Scout Cain and Casts Kayden Brenna Tokarski in the Role of Drew and Sam’s Daughter
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell to Launch First Microseries Featuring Vertical Drama Stars Eric Guilmette and Molly Anderson for ‘aTwist’
‘General Hospital’ Alum Avery Pohl Joins Cast of Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Series
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Ashley Jones Makes Her ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut in a Shocking Reveal as ‘The Impaler’
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A nice tribute. Why is she holding what appears to be a rooster in the photo here?
I found that rooster kind of odd myself.
Beautiful – understandable. So sad for her loss…the world will miss both Carrie and Debbie it almost seemed as if their souls were stories together -one would not live without the other…magical, wonderment — my
Mom said death is the next big adventure. I’m sure those two are Singing in the rain someplace there is no pain…
Beautiful tribute beautiful person inside and out. Its good to write out the feelings helps with the tremendous grief. This woman loves people, life, the planet and the animal kingdom. Memories are things that matter and live on hold them dear and close to the heart.
It was truly beautiful and heartfelt. The family has my deepest condolences and sympathy. Thank you Catherine Hickland for such a warm and loving account of your relationship with Debbie and Carrie you all where so lucky to have that deep of a bond with one another. Your words are beautiful and moving.
My condolences to Catherine and Todd. I’m glad she could share this story.
Very heartfelt! Sorry for your Loss, it’s everyone’s Loss.
Catherine,
To you and Todd deepest thoughts. A Mother and daughter leaving about same time is quite a shock.
Just hope God puts you both in his hands and guide the way for the future.
Love, Judy Vlcek
In a world filled with violence and opposing sides on every issue big or small getting nastier and nastier, I think what she said about all of us knowing what it is like to have a broken heart is profound in its simplicity – we are all human, life is filled with so much sorrow on its own, so why can’t we all be a be more kind to one other— and it might be as simple of being just that within our own circle, with friends, family, acquaintances or with strangers we might only meet once—I know this has nothing to do with DR or CF, but just felt the need to say it—
“Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another, right now.”
GET TOGETHER by The Youngbloods.
Love your message, Mary. This song is about fifty years old. The message was clean. It still resonates. But, we walk around with our eyes “open shut”. We are still in the same boat; well, the boat is now a ship.
It seems we are regressing, in this society. THE WORD means nothing, anymore. We should all give a positive word, as hard as it may seem….for the sake of humanity and unity. Love sounds more and more like an illusion and delusion. There should be no room for anything else……Hate will only divide us further.
We can see how fragile life is.
I get it, Mary.
And it does need to be said. Things are growing more acrimonious by the day and we have a president elect who seems to embody the worst of humanity.
Maybe he will surprise us and suddenly grow up at age seventy and stop with the idiotic, thin skinned, immature Tweets and finally rise up and become a leader of whom we are not so ashamed.
And, you add to the agitation, Harry. I do not think that was Mary’s intent. She is in Canada, and for her to suggest LOVE and PEACE, means so much to me, as I have clise relatives in Canada who get an earful from the media. Yet, they kerp an open mind.
Spread positivity instead of your negative spiel….pardon the “acrimony” with all due respect…..but, your litany is getting old. Who are the fascists?? Look up its definition, it may surprise you.
Your answer to Mary was the opposite of her intent. Give it up, Harry. This is a new kind of President, whether we like it or not. He will continue to tweet, and so he should.
It is the only way to get his truth across instead of it being spun by the media.
I will be in DC with bells on to support our country and the people’s President. If Hillary and Bill can do it, so can you. Holy gosh.
I am ready for any bashing with which anyone wants to attack me. Isn’t that the theme? I suppose what’s good for the goose is NOT hood for the gsnder. It’s a free country with freedom of speech for all.
Hi Harry…Nice to see you surfacing again…miss you being part of the soap dialogue. Wish it was under better circumstances. Gotta keep positive, even if it’s just “small” gestures of kindness. I truly believe miracles can happen. 🙂
Hi Mary SF…Your comment may not be directly related to Catherine’s comments about being heartbroken over Debbie and Carrie, but I have to think all three would agree with you. Kindness is such a lovely thought, and easy gesture to make when sincere. Better given when one can than when the moment has passed. Who knows…it can be like a little sunshine coming out from behind a cloud for someone. 🙂
I am so sorry for your loss.God be with you all.
Yes, this is what it’s about…loss and suffering. May they sleep their eternal sleep in peace, xmxascarol.
That’s her therapy animal/chicken (name unknown). The HBO documentary delves into it just a bit more. It is a wonderful and informative film about both mother and daughter.
Whose therapy chicken is it?
The rooster’s name is Nugget. He went everywhere with Catherine. Sadly, he passed away last year.
I really want to see that HBO documentary, but I don’t get HBO. Hopefully, it will make it to blu ray or regular cable tv.
Abadaba & Momby were my true to life Angel Queens because I kept praying to know who was talking to me…….who kept me believing…….I could hear them from far far away! Even before I knew their names. They were not imaginary……I am 65.
No lie….not making up stories……they know what I mean……you all in their family know…because they maybe physically removed have been transported to Higher Realms of our existance. As God is so busy Earthly Angels soon depart to quickly assist those in need in times of rapid changes so quickly must they serve as services were rendered borrowed for a while to change the needy who live on. Live on & on & on they say…..as life is to live in joyous sharing, in touching moments expressing the breath that breaths deep the love of never ever forgetting. Angels are among us as Angels we all are aware. Blessed be Abadaba & Momby because they are simply here but INVISIBLE……feel them? Hear them? See them?
Such a beautiful heartfelt Tribute to our Debbie & Carrie
Cat found the right words. My heart goes out to them. May God bless , wish I was a fly on the wall during their talks. Todd you have amazing wife
Love & prayers
The world lost two unique people. RIP
I can imagine how Catherine and Todd feels…
I felt a deep connection to Debbie and Carrie…
While I didn’t know them personally,I learned a lot from them in my upbringing…They been there my whole life and now they’re not…my heart is still choking me over feeling the loss and pain of missing them so much
Just beautiful. Grief Touches so many the same way, and how we choose to deal with it how we can get past it. Your words are an inspiration to show others that we’re not here in this world to control what they do but to support and love them, thank you so much for your touching words. And may God speed to healing for you and your husband.
Thank youCatherine for sharing your personal thoughts & experience. Utterly painful, that kind of loss. As a survivor of this as well, I send my love and best wishes for gentle recovery. God bless you and your entire family
The rooster Catherine is carrying is a white Leghorn bantam rooster. I believe it’s name is “little” if it is the baby chick she is holding on her twitter page with the caption “watching Little grow”. The rooster appears to be young as his legs are still yellow. They fade to white as the bird gets older. Good for Catherine! most people have no idea how wonderful and therapeutic it is to keep chickens. They all have their own unique little personalities and readily bond to humans.
I was thinking of her when I heard of the deaths of these two. I wish her and her family the best during this very hard time.
I read Cat’s full post and it was beautiful. She was so lucky to have heard Debbie’s stories.
It’s worse than being kept in a cage! Every time I see pictures of Katherine she’s clutching the bird. As much as I understand support animals but a rooster is suppose to be free and that one ain’t! Not good.
On the topic of the story, so sad for her entire family losing two beautiful souls so fast