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OLTL Favorites: James DePaiva, Ilene Kristen and Tonja Walker Added To The Cast Of Tainted Dreams!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photo

Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photo

Three of One Life to Live’s most beloved fan favorites Ilene Kristen, James DePaiva and Tonja Walker have signed on for Tainted Dreams, a new dramedy providing a rare, realistic view behind the scenes of producing a daily scripted drama.

Ilene Kristen, the original “Delia Reid Ryan” on Ryan’s Hope and most recently, her twice Emmy-nominated role as the outrageous “Roxy Balsom” on One Life to Live, will play “Vivian Park,” the estranged mother of soap star, “Liza Park” played by Natalia Livingston. Kristen is also no stranger to the Broadway stage appearing in the original Broadway cast of “Grease.” She is credited on the original 1972 Broadway cast album (along with Adrienne Barbeau as Rizzo and Barry Bostwick as Danny). A talented singer and songwriter, Kristen frequently performs a catalogue of her own original music on the New York City cabaret scene, and she has made numerous guest appearances in primetime and independent films.

Photo Credit:Sue Coflin/Max Photo

James DePaiva, who played sexy, heart-throb “Max Holden” on One Life to Live, will play “Eddy Parish,” an honest, hard-working NYC cop married to a high-profile, powerful network executive. In real life, DePaiva is married to his former co-star, the inimitable Kassie DePaiva (“Blair,” One Life to Live.) James began working at age 15 as a professional musician, a bass player. Eight years later, DePaiva back-burnered his musical career to focus on acting, and he quickly landed a recurring role as a waiter who tried to romance “Holly Scorpio” (Emma Samms) on General Hospital. Not long after his short stint on GH, DePaiva auditioned for the role of “Max Holden,” and for the next 15 years, he was one of daytime’s hottest hunks. After leaving the role of “Max,” he took up directing for both One Life to Live and As the World Turns. In 2006, James directed the suspense thriller Undone starring many of his former One Life to Live cast-mates, including his wife Kassie, Heather Tom, Forbes March, Roy Thinnes, Dan Gauthier and Timothy Stickney.

Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photo

Emmy-nominated Tonja Walker, known for her portrayal of two volatile, dangerous women “Olivia Jerome” on General Hospital and “Alex Olanov” on One Life to Live, is slated to play “Eddy Parish’s” (James DePaiva) domineering sister-in-law, high-powered attorney, “Tina Scott.” Walker has starred in a number of pilots for television, episodic TV and films. She is also an accomplished singer; during her 15 years in Daytime television, Walker made singing tours across the country opening with national recording artists and in her own one-woman show in LA, New York and Las Vegas. Her first venture into production, earned her a Tony nomination for BEST PLAY, as the associate producer of “Enchanted April.” Her production company, TWD Enterprises produces film, literature, television, music and theater that uplifts, entertains and inspires the public. In 2005, Walker successfully produced her first film – The Derby Stallion. Tonja discovered Zac Efron and cast him in his first lead role in film in the award-winning, critically-acclaimed Derby.

Kristen, DePaiva and Walker join Tainted Dreams’ all-star cast which includes Alicia Minshew (All My Children), Terri Ivens (All My Children), Grant Aleksander (Guiding Light), Kelley Menighan Hensley (As the World Turns), Walt Willey (All My Children), Natalia Livingston (General Hospital), Marnie Schulenburg (As the World Turns), Michael Lowry (All My Children), Austin Peck (Days of our Lives), Colleen Zenk (As the World Turns), Larkin Malloy (Edge of Night and All My Children), Dina Manzo (Dina’s Party and Real Housewives of New Jersey), Anthony Wilkinson (My Big Gay Italian Wedding and the new My Big Gay Italian Funeral), Lisa Marie Varon (IMPACT WRESTLING) and “Mr. PEC-Tacular” Jessie Godderz (IMPACT WRESTLING and Big Brother).

Tainted Dreams begins filming next week in and around NYC July 29.  What do you think about the additions of James DePaiva, Ilene Kristen and Tonja Walker to the Tainted Dreams cast list? Comment below!

 

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i think its wonderful..love them all..there great actors.can not wait to see them

It’s fabulous!!! So glad they have acting jobs!!!

I am so excited to see this. Can’t wait. Will it be showing online?

Great to see these OLTL stars again!! I hope each of them can appear some time
in Prospect Park’s LLanview. Hillary B. Smith does One Life and also is in Venice- the series. I think the new OLTL could stand at least a visit ( cameo) from Max, Roxie, and Cutter’s ” mama” Alexis.

Where will Tainted Dreams be broadcast? Is this a movie or series?

I look forward to watching this drama/soap it looks great with many old faces and what seems a perfect story line (death of a soap). I’m really enjoying the reboots of AMC and OLTL which are only getting better since they first premiered, but am very tired of having to fight for them. If Prospect Park is the only company/network that airs them then I say more power to them for being innovative thinkers. The OWN network choose to air repeats (which I get) but are they really surprised at the numbers. I do DVR but do not watch since I have already seen them online, which I love by the way. Here is a piece of Landview reboot trivia, who said “no on watches TV anymore”. Can’t wait Tainted Dreams and will continue to watch reboots online while I can.

I think this is wonderful.

They have a pretty impressive line-up of actors, so I’m going to watch for sure…at least to give it a chance. I never thought I would watch online shows, but since I’ve gotten an iPad, I’ve been watching AMC/OLTL so I’ll just add one more.

I’ve been trying to find out when the shows are scheduled to start airing, but can’t find any info so far. Anyone???

Good for them! But not gonna lie, wish we could get them back on OLTL lol!

Great cast. Who is writing this?

I wondered why James DaPaiva didn’t return to OLTL before it went off of the air. I always liked him and Blair together.

Where can we find this online when it is available?

What channel will it be on? I wish Roxy would come back on OLTL instead!

YAY!!!!!!!

Wishing it were on OLTL, maybe in the future! Sounds like it will be great with all of the talented actors and actresses included in the cast. Best wishes to all of them. Hope OLTL is around long enough for them to come back to it too!

Wonderful! Looking forward to watching ‘Tainted Dreams’!!!!

If we can’t have them on OLTL it’ll be wonderful to see all 3 of ’em back on screen in anything! They made their previous soap opera characters so enjoyable, I’ll be following “Tainted Dreams” as soon as it begins!

I will be watching this show for sure. I love the cast members that they are getting. Maybe TOLN will pick this up too.

Holy cow, what a line-up!

I love it these three are very good actors and I am sure this show will be a hit, cant wait to see it

It’s about time that Ilene gets back on the screen. I know she is a talented broadway and singing star. I miss her witty role as Roxy. Bring it on Ilene. We love you!!!

When can we find out where and when it will start???

For those of you asking Tainted Dreams is a webcast that is created and produced by Sonia Blangiardo. She’s also the supervising producer of PP’s AMC as well as produced directed ABC episodes of GH, AMC and OLTL. It’s a NYC Brand Productions webseries. I think it’s going to air on the Soap Channel.

And James how about dry get to the barrell a James Ok
A James – James have fun jumping around with a barrell a James
In the room a James ok – and James put your head upside with a barrell
A James ok and thank a James ok

Beyond the Gates

TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up

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Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.

However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.

Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).

From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).

In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.

So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?

Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.

For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.

So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’

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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.

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Beyond the Gates

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series

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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.

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