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
‘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.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo
Today’s Monday, July 13 episode of General Hospital marks it 16,000 episode to air on the ABC television network. It is a remarkable milestone. The previous television record was held by Guiding Light which clocked in at 15,762 episodes before it went off the air on CBS in 2009.
To mark the occasion, the cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles back on Monday, June 1, 2026.
In addition, GH has released a new cast photo taken the day of the on set celebration. Pictured in the photo are front row: Rory Gibson, Finn Carr, Kayden Brenna Tokarski, Asher Antonyzyn, Giovanni Mazza, Braedyn Bruner, Dean Geyer and Nathan Dean.
Featured in the back row are: Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, Kristen Vaganos, Rebecca Herbst, Dominic Zamprogna, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison, Brooke Kerr, Cynthia Watros, Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Maura West, Donnell Turner, Nancy Lee Grahn, Tanisha Harper, Kelly Thiebaud, Kristina Wagner, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Katelyn MacMullen and Sawandi Wilson.
In addition, the official GH social media handles shared these sentiments along with some other photos from the cake cutting: “Today’s episode of General Hospital is the 16,000th produced since the show’s inception in 1963. It’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass by without taking some time to celebrate as a family (and, of course… eating some cake). 🍰 We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE 16,000th Episode?
The 16,000th episode will feature Jason Morgan returning to the town of Port Charles, Anna and Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) reuniting, and a new surgeon, Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) joining the staff of ‘General Hospital.’
GENERAL HOSPITAL HOLDS SEVERAL RECORDS
Now in its 64th year, Emmy Award-winning daytime drama General Hospital is currently both the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production.
General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 18 times. Will they do it again and make it 19 in 2026? Stay tuned for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations tomorrow on Tuesday, July 14 to find out if GH will be going for gold in the category, once again.
The ABC daytime drama series was created by Frank and Doris Hursley and premiered back on April 1, 1963. Frank Valentini is the current executive producer with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.
What do you think of the new cast photo marking General Hospital’s 16000th episode? What do you think of the accomplishment to have that many episodes of a television show and its still thriving and kicking? Share your thoughts and congrats for everyone in front of the camera and behind the scenes on this milestone airing.
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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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