News
OLTL Says Farewell to its ABC Studios – Exclusive Photos from last tape day via EW.com!
Courtesy/ABC
This just becomes even more real, when you see these newly posted exclusive photos at EW.com from today’s final tape day of One Life to Live at its ABC Studios in New York! In the emotional images featuring Erika Slezak (Viki) Jerry verDorn (Clint), Melissa Archer (Natalie) and the series longtime executive producer, Frank Valentini, the tears were flowing and hugs were all around.
Here is an excerpt of the publications and online platforms first hand report from the set:
“A day filled with tears, laughter, and hugs erupted into applause when the last scene of One Life to Live finished taping in its ABC studio Friday. Today saw scenes moving along at the famously whiplash-like speed common for daytime soaps, but with increasing fanfare and emotion. Then the studio quietly began to fill up in the late afternoon as Erika Slezak (Viki Buchanan) and Jerry vern Dorn (Clint Buchanan, right) started to shoot that last scene (which is not the last one that will be seen on the show’s finale in January) in Viki’s Llanfair living room.
Ever the pro, Slezak was determined not to break down and cry as the time approached, but even as she blinked back the tears, she had hugs for everyone who wanted one, such as Melissa Archer, who played her daughter Natalie and who went straight in for this embrace as soon as the scene was wrapped. “Why bother say goodbye?” said Slezak, who sees this as just closing a chapter. “We will see each other again, someplace, somehow, somewhere.”
“You were all a part of something so extraordinary,” said exec producer Frank Valentini to the cast and crew gathered around when the applause died down after that final scene. He’s also signed on for the online show. “I count us all so lucky and so blessed to be a part of this.”
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
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Beyond the Gates3 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
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News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
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Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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Beyond the Gates22 hours agoTUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
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This should not be happening. Thanks OLTL for years of memories and entertainment.
I agree, ABC/Frons/Sweeney are just idiots in charge. Iditotic to cancel their #1 soap that has gained hundreds of thousand viewers over last year!
So sad to see those pictures. Imagine being there.
This is truly, awfully upsetting to me!
Yet another BAD move on the part of ABC Daytime. I will never watch the Chew, nor will I watch the lame show that is going to replace the wonderful OLTL. Those shows will NEVER make it, even though the powers that be will do all they can to prove all of us wrong and keep the these shows (that belong on cable) on the air. On a much nicer note, I want to thank all of the wonderful cast and crew of OLTL for many, many years of wonderful television, as I too have been watching since day one. I wish all of you much success in your future endeavors, and hope that you all join Prospect Park online, as I will definitely be watching!!!! Good Luck to Prospect Park in bringing OLTL to fruition online, and I hope you can do the same with AMC at some point. I hope ABC is not foolish enough to nix GH for Katie Couric, but IMO, by the time she gets on the air, one or both of the other shows replacing AMC and OLTL will have already bombed, and GH can just take one of their spots.
Very sad about hearing of the last tape day. I read Michael’s previous post about the actor’s twitter and facebook remarks before I went to bed last night and I was so upset I could not fall asleep. I kept thinking about all of the wonderful actors, characters and storylines that have been on OLTL since I began watching over 40 years ago. I am 54 now and it is heartbreaking to think that a TV show I got involved with when I was about 13 is now being thrown aside. It is like losing an old friend.
Long live “One Life To Live”!
MY HEART IS BREAKING AND TEARS E GOING DOWN MY EYES RIGHT NOW !!!! IVE BEEN WATCHING FOR 41 YEARS AND SPENT MANY MANY FUN DAYS AT THE OLTL STUDIO MEETING ALL OF THEM INCLUDING THIS PAST SUMMER. THIS IS TERRIBLE !!!!!!!!
I can’t believe OLTL has finished taping. It does not seem real. Thank you OLTL for 25 years of intrigue and suspense. I hope you will be able to continue online. The daytime community is losing the best daytime drama on the air. Its a sad, sad day.
I read that the ABC people were at the OLTL farewell party. Can’t believe those a**holes did that. I can’t wait til karma bites them in the ass, and that ABC daytime will not have any passion or controversy anymore and no one will care about it like The Talk and that game show that took over Guiding Light’s spot on CBS.
With OLTL now gone, ABC has lost its last vestige of class. Not that class matters to the likes of Frons and Co. – but it matters to us, the viewers that ABC has no respect for. I wonder if they’ll finally be surprised to find out that the daytime viewers they evidently both take for granted, and despise, are deserting them and their network in large numbers, never to return.
We have loyalty, and we’ll take that loyalty to PP if they come through with OLTL. And the AMC folks will do the same, if AMC is resurrected. (I’m in both camps.)
But a lot of us are DONE with ABC and Disney. They can rot for all I care.
why is oltl gone and not gh.im not dishing gh.but can you tell me why is it all newyork taped soaps being cancelled.gl,atwt,amc i know they moved to la .but that was a scam of some sort. maybe thinging ratings would pass oltl.but oltl beat amc and gh in the ratings. it may be cheaper to do the chew but know won is watching.so no one in there right mined would want to put there product as a comercial in that time slot.
Up until early 2011, General Hospital had higher ratings than One Life to Live. It’s only after the cancellation annoucement in April that One Life to Live (and eventually All My Children as well) started to beat General Hospital in the ratings. Of course some problems within General Hospital itself (eg: bad writting, poor storylines, etc) contributed in General Hospital being surpassed by the two other ABC soaps.
So to answer your question: “Why One Life to Live was cancelled instead General Hospital?”. The answer is simple: General Hospital had higher ratings than the two other soaps at the time of the cancellation notice.
Ratings are not the reason that GH was selected to remain on the air over the other two that were canceled.
Michael – just asking – then what was the reason that GH remained on and the others were cancelled? Time slot?
Frons said he kept General Hospital because its was the highest rated soap. And if you look at the Nielsen ratings, it’s true that GH was indeed the highest rated ABC soap at the time. Things would change the next couple of weeks after,
Michael, if you knows something that the rest of us don’t, please let us know. Otherwise, it’s your word against the word of Brian Frons.
I give GH less than a year and the ABC soap hackers will have it cancelled too. I say boycott all advertising products for the replacement shows. More than one way to skin a soap hacker.
Sad day indeed. There have been too many since GL shut down in 2009. I loved OLTL and was a rabid fan during the days of the Craigs and Woleks. The Karen/Marco pairing was so strong, their plots so riveting. I loved Dorian Cramer as she rose from doctor (remember the Mark Toland murder?) to society grande dame. And Viki! From her torment between loves Steve and Joe at The Banner. The arrival of the Buchanans! I could do without all the multiple “lost children” and the silliness of Eterna, and the heavy reliance of multiple personalities, but more than most soaps, OLTL has remained true. Maybe thie Prospect Park thing will allow another life to live after all.
This SOOOOOO SUCKS!!! Wth has ABC loosing all my fav soaps???
This should not be happening Oltl by far was ABC best soap it should have been the last one standing at least Oltl cares about there audience GH doesn’t and I for one don’t understand why its still on and Oltl is gone. Thank you Oltl for your suspense and intrigue that you gave to the viewers daytime is loosing one of the best daytime dramas on the air. Daytime will never be the same ever again.
Because at the time of the cancellation, General Hospital had higher rating than One Life to Live (although this is no longer the case today).