News
OLTL Takes Its Final Bow – The Curtain Comes Down on Llanview!
Courtesy/ABC
This afternoon across television screens in America, fans will be saying goodbye to One Life to Live after its 43-year-run.
To honor the show with a look at what made the show so special and with comments from members of the cast including Erika Slezak, Robert S. Woods and Hillary B. Smith, Ilene Kristen, John-Paul Lavoisier and Farah Fath and Kristen Alderson and Kassie DePaiva, On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman filed this special feature, OLTL Takes Its Final Bow – The Curtain Comes Down on Llanview and Daytime Will Never Be The Same for FrontiersLa.com!
Here are some excerpts below from the story introduction and a few quotes from the cast.
“As this sad kick-in-the-teeth twice story goes, ABC canned OLTL from their lineup, then Prospect Park (the entertainment media company) acquired the licensing rights to the show to move it to its new Online Network, only to pull out just five days after the series wrapped its final episode. The news rocked the soap world, and its devoted and loyal fans, that One Life, for all intent and purposes, will go to soap opera heaven with its epitaph reading: “You canceled the wrong show!”
From romance, intrigue and courtroom drama unmatched anywhere in soaps; look no further than Judith Light’s Daytime Emmy-winning, unforgettable performance in 1979 as Karen Wolek (when she took the witness stand and admitted she was a prostitute in front of her husband and family) to exonerate her best friend, Viki. Stories on mental illness, social issues of the day, action/adventure soap style and some highly creative fantasy episodes and more, OLTL packed all of it into its 43 years. They accomplished this with a quirky and loveable appeal that made the audience at home on occasion have a good laugh—and ultimately what a good soap does best—made us reach for a box of tissues and have a good cry.”
Erika Slezak (Viki) on dealing with the loss of the series for herself, the cast, and the fans: “When we were canceled, I was walking to work one day and I got so sad, because I won’t be seeing my buddies or my friends anymore,” Erika poignantly said. “There is a life that lives in this building, obviously. Many of us have been here together for many years, and even people that have been here for two weeks become part of the family so quickly. I was sitting next to Agnes Nixon when we did our final cast photo and I started to cry. I told her, ‘You changed my life, and I have not been able to properly thank you.’ What she did for me and what she has done for the audience is quite remarkable. Thank God we did not do the photo shoot the last day of the show. I think we all would have been in tears. I don’t think any one of us could have gotten through it. It’s kind of amazing that we were all together one last time for the photo. I am trying very hard not to think about Friday.”
Robert S. Woods (Bo) on the power of the fans, who patiently waiting for ten years for he, and on-screen partner, Hillary B. Smith (Nora) to be reunited on-screen: “I was so struck by that, because I kept thinking and telling them, ‘No. It’s over. Don’t you get that? Their lives have taken completely different directions. Doesn’t anybody get it but me?’ But as it turns out, I was the only guy who didn’t get it until we were reteamed, and then I went, ‘Wow, this is like stealing money and so easy!’ This last couple of years has been really fun. We came back together and it blew me away and I could not believe it. The fans are what kept us going. I know they are not happy about losing this soap. It is going to be a very devastating loss for them. ”
What do you think will be One Life to Live’s legacy, and what it will be most remembered for? Let us know!
ABC has named their ‘Bachelor’ for the upcoming 30th season of the reality series. Sam Hartman, a 27-year-old NFL quarterback who plays playing for the Washington Commanders, will be handing out the roses as he searches for love.
The upcoming season of The Bachelor will premiere in 2027 on Sunday, March 21 at 8 p.m ET. on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S.
The announcement was made, and Hartman’s first interview was on the Friday, November 13 edition of Good Morning America, where he shared with cohosts Sam Champion and Rebecca Jarvis: “I’m excited but also very nervous, I have a tough time holding conversation with one girl. 30 is going to be pretty tough.”
Photo: NFL
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS QB WRESTLED WITH THE NOTION OF BECOMING THE BACHELOR
Hartman also revealed his initial thoughts on appearing on The Bachelor: “Honestly, at first, I was like ‘no way. The connotation of it − I don’t know.” Ultimately the QB was swayed to take on the reality franchise lead for its upcoming season.
A Charlotte, North Carolina, native, Hartman played for Wake Forest and Notre Dame in the college ranks. It was there he set ACC records, including most career touchdown passes and 300-yard passing games. Sam was also featured in the documentary series QB1: Beyond the Lights. Currently, on the NFL’s Washington Commanders, he serves as a quarterback on their practice squad.
FORMER ATHLETES THAT ALSO GAVE OUT THE FINAL ROSE
The pick of Sam Hartman aligns with pro athletes who have appeared on the show in the past including: now ‘Bachelor’ host, NFL quarterback Jesse Palmer, former soccer player Juan Pablo Galavi, ace car driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. and former NFL practice squad player Colton Underwood.
The Bachelor is executive produced by Scott Teti, Jason Ehrlich and Andy Frank serve as executive producers.
You can check out Sam Hartman talking about being cast as the series lead for the upcoming season 30 of The Bachelor with GMA below.
Now let us know, will you be checking out the 2027 season of The Bachelor featuring Sam looking for love? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
‘General Hospital’s’ Eden McCoy Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: ‘Miss Beehavin’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Ava Tie the Knot With Drew?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘The Bachelor’ Names NFL Quarterback Sam Hartman as Lead for Season 30
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Eden McCoy Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Ava Tie the Knot With Drew?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
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This show has to come back somehow, some way. It just cannot be over.
told everyone victor was alive.and it looks like trevor st john did come back for a split second, I had a feeling crazy lady allison perkins was talking to him.cool.and our fight to save one life to live and all my children have to continue.cant stop the fight ,drive abc nuts call ,email ,dont watch anything but general hospital then change that channel ,yea,victor is alive.
Barbara: Read this. Still awake wasn’t feeling well BC of the headache, but feeling alittle better now.
ABC has already tried letting go of fan favorites and bringing in cheap newbies on General Hospital, which has sunk so low in the ratings that i sincerely doubt that it will be back after September 2012 when Katie Couric gets her talk show. Also, ABC should think about keeping both AMC and OLTL in its back pocket because I don’t know of anyone that is interested in watching either The Chew or the Revolution–my grandmother, who has never watched a soap in her 80 years, is planning on boycotting the new shows in solidarity with her friends that have watched.
As for Trevor St. John leaving the show, I wish OLTL would reconsider. I understand that Howarth was the original Todd, but St. John has made that character his own, and seeing Todd switched back to the old Todd is ridiculous. There has been so much character development in the past 8 years that even if this version of Todd isn’t the real Todd, I feel like I have been lied to and had the wool pulled over my eyes.
Comment by Elizabeth – June 29, 2011 02:12 PM PST Reply To This Post
It was a good finale! Going to miss Erika. And the last scene was AWESOME! Hope fully, Trevor’s Todd/Victor gets resolved in the crossover to GH. Nevertheless, it was a sad au revoir.
I Want My Show Back! The Ending Today was incredible!! I LOVED IT! I want OLTL Back on the air, And for someone To WAKE up and Do the RIGHT thing. Put This Program Back. I don’t care how you can do this…3 times a week…2 times a week???
It can be done!! Someone do it!!!
I can’t believe it is over! OLTL has been a part of my life for over 20 years! I choked up when they showed Pa(Asa) picture on the mantel. It was like he was looking down over everyone. All the actors are great. I have loved them all. Tuc Watkins has kept me laughing from the beginning. It was great ride, I hope it comes back in some other form. Good luck to all the cast and crew! OLTL -forever.
I have watched this show for 35 yrs (started watching it with my mom when I was 8 yrs old! I seriously have been crying watching it and cannot accept it is over!
SOMEONE PLEASE FUND THIS SHOW AND BRING IT BACK!
I have a campaign going, why dont you start one beginning with constantly writing the own network.
Great finale. I thought I would be able to let go when it was over, but it is a big loss. I will miss our show.
I have been watching this since 1980. I’m going to miss this show. Very depressing for everyone. I hope they can all move on to gh and make it a 2 hour a day series. I hope all the devoted crew of one life to live are able to move on tho bigger and better things, I’ll always have the memories of oltl and how it helped me entertain my mind and relate to different life experiences. Peace. Hope to see you again someday!
I couldn’t believe it: Victor/Todd alive! Did Trevor lie about not coming back for the end? What an actor! The end was the best I could hope for. Most people had happy endings, and in true soap opera form, we were left with a cliffhanger. I loved it.
As for OLTL’s legacy–it’s incredibly rich: exceptional ensemble cast, decades of moving performances, compelling storytelling, remarkable capacity for surprise, whimsy, humor, and fine stagecraft. It is the art of theatre for the masses.
That is the final straw! I am no longer going to watch ABC. I’ll watch my news elsewhere too!
Karen: I missed today’s show, I had court. abc has already taken down the OLTL site, I cannot BELIEVE IT. Can you or someone tell me how I watch this weeks episode someplace else. I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY TOOK THE SITE DOWN ALREADY FOR PEOPLE WHO WORK AT NIGHT AND WATCH THIS SOAP AND COULDN’T BE HOME TO WATCH THE FINALE. THIS IS REALLY BS. MAYB THAT WAS THE WAY FOR THEM TO GET BACK AT US BARKING FANS….. CAN YOU OR SOMEONE DIRECT ME TO A SITE THAT WILL SHOW IT.
soapnet.and you missed alot, it was good ,better then good.Id tell you what happened, but I dont want to be a spoiler,however I will say ,I was right.
You can catch it one last time on SoapNet tomorrow night, as part of OLTL’s late night marathon. The ending of it was a real surprise, and a real shocker! I sure hope that you can catch it, believe me, you won’t be disappointed!
FYI: You can still access the OLTL site on ABC.com but you have to go into the area where you view the videos and then choose from the list. OLTL is on the list and I just got done watching it. It’s there. Relax.
I believe that ABC knows it made a horrible mistake shelving OLTL and they didn’t expect to have the tidal wave that hit them in terms of the fan outcry.
I’m one of RC’s biggest critics, but I do think that he set things up nicely yesterday about the cliffhanger ending as well as he could have, although yesterday’s story seemed like the finale.
I would have liked some sort of shout out about KISH besides the derogatory way that Mitch referred to Oliver as “the homosexual.” For a show that prided itself in being groundbreaking, there seemed to be some narrow minded bigotry going on with OLTL the way that they depicted fundamentalist Christians, which I found actually appalling. There are many good people out there who are fundamentalists but RC chose to depict them to be ignorant and evil. It’s like the whole thing on Glee: Gays good, Straight People weird and evil.
The past 2 weeks have been great! Great stories wrapping up and I love how Friday’s show had so much going on, it really flew by because it was so interesting. Love that Victor was on there. I figured he and Dorian would be on there even though the actors denied it (I was wrong about Dorian sadly!), I figured there had to be surprises.
ABC sucks for taking OLTL off. I am going to dvr Days of Our Lives now. At least NBC seems to care about their show and want to keep it going.
Brilliant, shocking, climactic, breathtakingly wonderful! What a ride! Long Live One Life! My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the making of this show, you have brought us years of the very best in entertainment. Thank you for every cheer and every tear, I will miss this show more than words can say. Bravo!
Remember on Monday, don’t even turn you TV to ABC! I know some might get curious about how bad the new show will be, but the best way to really stick it to the network is not to watch at all. Let’s show ABC, just how big of a mistake they made by canceling OLTL!!!
Torrey, I’ll join you in not tuning into the Chew or the Revolution, but I’m going to be tuning into GH on Monday for the very first time. I think its a gift to the fans of OLTL to know some of our beloved characters will live on, and with Frank and Ron at the helm, and the actors that have signed on I can only say thank you! And I will be there with my support and viewership, and so much appreciation.
Yeah, I’m just protesting The Chew & The Revolution…..this has nothing to do with GH. I want soap fans to continue to support the soaps….that’s the only way that the networks can see that we are serious about our soaps.
“This afternoon across television screens in America, fans will be saying goodbye to One Life to Live after its 43-year-run.”
hmmm… OLTL has also been very popular in Canada… i watched it for the last 30 years.
Bless You OLTL. We Love You In Northwest Illinois! 😀