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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

General Hospital

Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker

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Troy Lennon Appel

General Hospital introduced the character of Hudson Parker back on July 30, 2026 marking the first appearance of Troy Lennon Appel in the role.

Quickly, we learned there was some connection to Ethan Lovett, after Hudson tracked him down and beat up the guy, the potential that Hudson is the biological father to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) adopted daughter, Phoebe, and that he is now Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) right hand man at JJE.

On Sunday, October 25 in a brand new episode of the That’s Awesome Podcast with Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), the Stone Cold and the Jackal duo welcomed Troy Lennon Appel to the show to delve into his background, landing the role of Hudson, and what may come next in a teaser for upcoming episodes of GH.

Jonathan Bennett

Photo: ABC

A NEW CHARACTER CREATED JUST FOR TROY WAS THE TICKET TO PORT CHARLES

As it turned out, Troy revealed that he had actually auditioned for General Hospital on six different occasions before being cast as Hudson, the last audition being for the role of Joe Fitzpatrick that went to Jonathan Bennett.

Appel explained, “Every time I showed up (to audition), I was like, ‘All right, I gotta nail this because it’s General Hospital.‘ It was my sixth one where I auditioned for Joe Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Bennett’s character. That was last November. Then, it was February of this year when I came in for an in-person callback. My wife and I were just like, ‘You gotta nail this.’  I didn’t get that character. Obviously, Jonathan got that, but then, they created Hudson Parker for me. I’m shocked I’m even on this show right now!'”

The General Hospital newcomer was even more stoked when he realized that not only did the producers and writers create a role just for him, but that he was going on contract as a series regular.

Appel recalled, “All at once, they were like, ‘We’re going to offer you a three-year contract and we’re creating a character for you.’ It was just something you never expect to hear. I was on the phone and I just fell down to the ground. I went through the range of emotions you could have. I know I cried. I hyperventilated. I’ve never hyperventilated in my life. But now, I get to essentially live the dream I have.”

Photo: ABC

HUDSON AND JOSSLYN

Eden McCoy shares many a scene with Troy, and he gave her major kudos for getting him through the beginning weeks of his run as Hudson. “We did a chemistry test, together and I give her so much credit because obviously, she’s a pro. She’s been doing it for so long. I’ll do scenes with her where I’m like, ‘I got to just try to meet her where she’s at because she’s just so talented.'”

Troy added, “Eden took me under her wing, and just helped me out so much with understanding the process of all of this and even just knowing where to go, when, when to be where I need to be. I don’t know how I would be feeling if I didn’t have her always working with her and just helping me out the entire time.”

The mystery of just who this guy is will become clear in the weeks ahead as Appel revealed, “We actually just shot what Parker’s background is. Right now, I am the Vice President of Operations for JJE. I manager the company’s financials, essentially. But, there’s more to Hudson which we will eventually find out.” Getting the chance to mix it up with the cast, Troy added of Hudson, “He’s up to some stuff.”

Check out the full conversation with Troy Lennon Appel with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson below.

Now weigh-in: what do you think about Troy having a role specifically creating for him after 6 auditions for GH? What do you think will be revealed of Hudson’s background in the weeks to come? Do you want to see a Josslyn and Hudson pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

 

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General Hospital

GH Alums Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan to Reunite for Special Fan Event

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Greg Vaughan and Kelly Monaco

General Hospital fan favorite Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall) will be making a rare public appearance teaming up with her longtime friend and former leading man, Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer), at a special fan event.

The announcement came from the stars on their social media accounts, but you can circle, Sunday, December 13, at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey as the spot to see Kelly and Greg at this meet and greet.

As General Hospital viewers know, Monaco spent 21 years as Sam McCall before being killed-off on the October 30, 2024 episode. Before that, she had become soap-famous for her dual roles as Livvie and Tess on the GH spinoff, Port Charles.

Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan

Photo: UncleVinnie’s

Vaughan is currently appearing on daytime’s newest soap opera in the recurring role of Dr. Kial Rollins, a role which he debuted back on December 8, 2025. Throughout his daytime career, Greg has appeared on The Young and the Restless (ex-Diego), Days of our Lives (ex-Eric) and as GH’s Lucky.

SAM AND LUCKY

It was back in 2007 that in story, Sam started pursuing Lucky (then played by Greg Vaughan) as a form of revenge against Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). Sam was furious after learning that Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) had a child with Elizabeth while Sam and Jason were broken up. That child was Jake. Eventually, Sam and Lucky became a hit with viewers and would continue to cross each other’s paths.

Uncle Vinnie’s comedy club took to their Instagram and shared, “The fans asked and we always deliver!!” Tickets going fast! Order on our website.”

In addition, Shanna Moakler, who is in a relationship with Vaughan, took to the comment thread and exclaimed, “My two favorite people.” Moakler and Monaco had previously announced in March of 2025 the start-up of their podcast called Bad Bunnies. It was expected to cover pop culture, personal stories, and Hollywood secrets.

Then, in July 2025, it was confirmed that Kelly Monaco would no longer be participating. At the time, she stepped away due to personal family matters, focusing on maintaining a private life, and new work commitments.

So, would you love to see Kelly and Greg together again? Happy to see that Kelly is making a public appearance for her fans? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now

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Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan

The one and only Susan Flannery (ex-Stephanie Forrester) dropped in to see her former co-stars on The Bold and the Beautiful at their Sunset Las Palmas Studio in Hollywood, along with her good friend and another B&B co-star Ian Buchanan (ex-James Warwick) on Tuesday October 20.

It was the first time in a very long time that The four-time Daytime Emmy winning actress was reunited with Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, Jennifer Gareis and even her TV sister, Alley Mills (Pam, B&B now Heather, GH) showed up for the day too!

Flannery played the Forrester matriarch from 1987 until 2012. It was then that after playing the part of Stephanie for 25 years that Susan made the decision to retire from acting and in one of the most heartbreaking sendoffs, passes away from lung cancer in Brooke’s arms in November of 2012. During her B&B tenure, Flannery won 3 of her 4 Daytime Emmys, the other being for her first soap role as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives back in 1975.

Susan and Kelly

Photo: Bell-Phillip TV

As for Ian Buchanan, he played Dr. Warwick, psychiatrist, from 1993 to 1999.  He returned for other runs in 2014 and 2017.  Buchanan took home his Daytime Emmy in 1997 for his work as James. Soap fans also remember, Ian as mobster Duke Lavery on General Hospital, and Dr. Greg Madden on All My Children,

Both Susan and Ian shared their thoughts on coming back to The Bold and the Beautiful, for Susan 14 years later since he exited and for Ian close to 9 years since his last appearance below.

Susan said, “It’s definitely like coming home in a way, even though it’s not the same studio. It’s really lovely to see old faces and old faces with new faces. It takes you back mentally. You start remembering what it was like back then, even things like how much your feet would ache at the end of the day from wearing six-inch heels. It was just lovely to be back and see everybody.”

Susan Flannery and cast

Photo: Bell-Phillip TV

Ian expressed, “It’s a mind trip, you know. When I was sitting looking at the big Forrester set, it was like stepping back in time, almost. It takes you back mentally, and you start remembering what it was like when you were here before.”

“It’s lovely to see all these people again, even if you don’t know everybody,” explained soap vet Buchanan. “There’s something really special about coming back and seeing the show and the people who have been part of it for so long.”

So, happy to see Susan and Ian with some of their former castmates? Do you think Stephanie and Brooke is one of the greatest frenemy stories in daytime history? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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