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.
General Hospital
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.
The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.
Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.
Photo: JPI
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST
Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”
Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”
Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”
Photo: JPI
KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”
You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.
So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!
The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.
TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.
That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.
Photo: ABC
STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.
Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.
GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS
Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.
Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.
So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
The Young and the Restless enduring favorite and two-time Daytime Emmy-winning actress, Jess Walton (Jill Foster Abbott) is set to release her memoir!
Kensington Publishing has revealed on their website that Walton’s book The Young and the Rest of Us is now available for pre-order while listing an April 27, 2027 release date. In addition, in June of 2027, Walton will mark her 40th anniversary with The Young and the Restless and her debut as Jill.
The official log lines for the memoir share, “Emmy Award-winning actress Jess Walton, known to millions as the iconic Jill Abbott on the #1 soap opera The Young and the Restless, shares her extraordinary journey to stardom, sobriety, true love, and self-discovery in this startingly candid, intimate, and star-studded memoir.”
Photo; Kensington Books
CAKE FIGHTS AND CORPORATE INTRIGUE
The book description for The Young and the Rest of Us adds, “In June 1987, Jess Walton walked through the artists’ entrance at CBS for her first day on The Young and the Restless,where she had just been hired to play the recast role of Jill Abbott. Two Emmy awards, four decades, and countless onscreen affairs, marriages, corporate takeovers, and cake fights later, she’s a beloved icon with an astonishing tale to tell.”
“In her refreshingly candid style, Jess shares her journey as a young actress from Toronto theaters to Los Angeles, where she found herself at the center of a Laurel Canyon circle that included the likes of Neil Young, David Geffen, Laura Nyro, and Joni Mitchell. Landing a Universal contract and a steady stream of guest starring roles, Jess embraced everything 1970s L.A. had to offer—including Hollywood parties fueled by limitless booze and drugs, and trysts with stars. She recounts with candor and gratitude the surprising path that eventually led her to sobriety, true love—and ultimately, to fictional Genoa City, Wisconsin, and the role of a lifetime.”
“Brimming with behind-the-scenes drama and celebrity cameos to delight fans, The Young and the Rest of Us is also rich in personal, relatable truths about marriage, motherhood, empty-nesting, self-discovery, and finding the courage to start over—as often as it takes. In a voice as fearless and frank as Jill’s, but with, humor and grace all her own, Jess Walton looks back on a life as unpredictable, and adventure filled as anything she has portrayed on screen.”
WHO ELSE PLAYED JILL FOSER ABBOTT?
Fans of The Young and the Restless know that Walton became the fourth actress to take on the role of Katherine Chancellor’s original nemesis Jill Foster back in 1987. The OG Jill was played by Brenda Dickson, also Deborah Adair, Bond Gideon and Melinda O. Fee played the part.
This year, Days of our Lives star Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) filled-in for several episodes for Walton who was unavailable to travel from her home in Oregon to Los Angeles where Y&R was taped. Walton is still with the long-running soap opera as Jill.
So, excited to learn of Jess Walton’s upcoming memoir, ‘The Young and the Rest of Us?’ Will it be it a must-read for you? Drop a comment below.
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
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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