News
OLTL's Hillary B. Smith comments that things are "up in the air" about continuing with series online!
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy Award winning actress, Hillary B. Smith (Nora Buchanan) spoke with TheatreMania about her new play, Any Given Monday which begins performances this Thursday in New York City, and her time with One Life to Live. Hillary also revealed where she stands with continuing with One Life when it moves online in January. Here are a few excerpts from the interview below.
Hillary on when OLTL goes off the air on ABC in January, what is the likelihood that she will continue with the show when it moves online via Prospect Park: “I can say that Nora and Bo (played by Robert S. Woods) will be leaving together when we stop taping on ABC, and that makes me very happy. As for the online venture, I am very excited that the show’s fans will have another venue, and I am sorry for ABC that they made this decision. But I don’t know what’s in store for me after Thanksgiving, when I stop shooting One Life. Things are up in the air. I am continuing to work on this Internet series,Venice, which shoots in Los Angeles. I would love to do more stage work. And I have to admit it’s both liberating and scary not to know what’s next. Like a lot of actors, I actually love change and love reinventing myself.”
Hillary on playing Nora for 20 years on daytime: “I have to say she has changed a lot in the last 10 years, and too often, she became a device to move the story rather than the character we started with. She’s done a lot of things I wouldn’t have Nora do. Lately, with the story about Destiny having Nora’s son’s baby, I’ve had to play Nora like she’s losing her mind — she’s so stressed out and so desperate and so full of grief that she’s making decisions Nora would never make and that go against her moral fiber. But, as an actor, you have to come up with justifications for what your character does.”
So can you see OLTL without Nora and the talents of Hillary B. Smith? Let us know.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Look who’s joining Justin Hartley’s hit freshman drama, Tracker! None other than another soap alum, former Days of our Lives and Supernatural favorite Jensen Ackles.
In a reveal via Hartley’s Instagram on Thursday, Ackles is set to play Hartley’s on-screen brother on the CBS procedural drama. In Tracker, Colter Shaw is estranged from his brother, Russell, which has been a big part of the mystery of season one.
Ackles is best known for his long run as Dean Winchester in The CW’s Supernatural, a role he reprised in the prequel of the series The Winchesters. He also recently starred in ABC’s Big Sky as Sheriff Beau Arlen and in The Boys as Soldier Boy.
Photo: CBS
Jensen was the original Eric Brady on Days of our Lives, a role he played from 1997-2000, before departing for the world of primetime and film. Eric was in love with Nicole played by Arianne Zucker. The part of Eric was recast with Greg Vaughan taking over the role in 2012.
Photo: JPI
In his Instagram post, Justin thanked everyone for watching Tracker, and then revealed Ackles as the surprise casting announcement in the role of Russell, while Jensen was playing pinball in the video! No word yet on when Jensen’s first episode as Russell will air. Stay tuned.
Check out Justin’s casting post featuring Jensen Ackles below. So, what do you think of Justin and Jensen playing brothers on Tracker? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
With the Melrose Place revival the talk of the town, now Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, GH, ex-Nick, B&B and ex-Peter Burns, MP) has weighed-in on it and if he would show up in the new series if it should find a home.
Currently, CBS Studios is developing a reboot starring Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton. But what is Dr. Peter Burns were to show up alive?
As those who saw the end of the original MP know, Peter and Amanda (Locklear) faked their deaths and then tied the knot with Peter on a beach, supposedly in a “happily ever after” scenario.
Photo: Fox
Speaking with PEOPLE, Wagner expressed, what we all know who watch the soaps, that no one is never, ever really gone for good. Jack expressed, “You never really die on a soap, right? How they unfold those two characters (Peter and Amanda), it’d be fantastic how they sort of tell that story.”
Wagner added, “That was a great finale to be included in, especially with Heather. If I’m asked to come back, I’d absolutely entertain that.”
Photo: Fox
The original Melrose Place aired for seven seasons from 1992 to 1999. The story featured the residents of an apartment complex, whose lives were intertwined. Eventually Wagner and Heather Locklear dated fro 2007-2011.
As previously reported, the new Melrose Place share that some of original neighbors and friends reunite after a death. The loglines add, “The pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”
So, would you like to see Jack Wagner return as Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, or Frisco Jones on GH, or both? Comment below.
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
‘Tracker’s’ Justin Hartley on His ‘Passions’ Soap Start, “They’d Have Me With No Shirt Walking Around a Hospital for Three Weeks. It Was Ridiculous, but I Loved It.”
The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
AEW Dynasty: Swerve Strickland Becomes AEW World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Perry Returns, Will Ospreay Retires Move After Scary Finish
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General HospitalApril 21, 2024‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
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NewsApril 20, 2024The Young and the Restless Preview: Ashley’s New Alter Emerges
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Days Of Our LivesApril 19, 2024Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
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General HospitalApril 22, 2024Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesApril 17, 2024DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
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Breaking NewsApril 17, 202451st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
No, I can’t imagine OLTL without Bo and Nora. I waited a decade for them to be reunited. But I have hated the writing with all this Destiny baby mess and what the writers have done to Matthew. I don’t blame the actors for moving on at all. I wish Hillary the best in all her future projects. She is very talented and OLTL has not appreciated her in years.
I wish that Bobby & Hillary were asked to continue as “Bo & Nora” on-line!
Too bad they will not be going along with P&P but who knows. Maybe that will change in the future. Either way I will be watching 😀
Too bad they will not be going along with P&P but who knows. Maybe that will change in the future. Either way I will be watching 😀
For Llanview to be Llanview as OLTL fans love it and are supportuing it, Bo Buchanan is a critical player as a key member of the Buchanan family dynasty with history and depth. Mr. Robert Woods (aka The Commish, aka “Woodsey” [aside from being the cast ensemble’s most beloved and renowned practical joker] is a highly talented and seasoned veteran displaying great flexibility, and who has been with the show for many years. Hilary B. Smith, as Nora Buchanan, not only is one of Llanview’s finest attorneys (she is one tough lady!), beloved wife and companion to Bo and mother too to Matthew Buchanan, she is also a great sucker for junkfood, burgers and fries, and Bo & Nora are great dancers and rock n’ roll fans, also having brought to the show some of its finest moments ever with tremendous humanity and love. They and their partying and dancing prowess have brought people like Little Richard and Snoop Dog into Llanview with great style (and ratings!) time and time again. Bo & Nora are one of soap operas’ greatest couples ever, certainly in that fictional suburb we have come to know and love as Llanview, Pennsylvania. Prospect Park is toooooooooooooooooo smart to not do the right thing…IF Llanview can BE Llanview, and granted that is still an IF but overall there are tremendous signs of hope, then there will be an international blockbuster success and riches aplenty for those who were smart enough to have banked on it, as one brilliant savvy and well founded investment. Hire them on PP and millions of us will do the Happy Dance for you: Just Name The Location!:.))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Losing Bo and Nora would be a huge blow to OLTL as I believe they have always been the stable couple, even through their ups and downs and the heart of the show. I am hoping that both Hillary and Bob take a chance with the online format as I have a feeling its going to be great and attract new viewers from around the world.
I hope that both are offered contracts to stay with the show, and that we see a return to the real “Nora & Bo” storylines
I don’t think there performance will make a big impact, they kind fizz out and in. I like the actors, but I don’t think it will make a big difference without them.
I agree. I think the show will have to feature the “next” generation. I see it being about Viki’s kids, and the Mannings. It appears that Destiny will still be on, otherwise they would not have asked Sean. I can see Bo and Nora leaving Llanview. I don’t want that to happen, but if the show has to be downsized, so be it. I need to see Viki, Jess and Nat, Todd Tea and Blair. It could still feel like OLTL without them. It would not be OLTL without a Todd Manning.
Not everyone watches the show for Todd. This Todd stuff has gotten old fast. Im sick of the silly Buke twins. I love my Buchanan men and Cramer women. When Bo and Nora leave so will Matthew and with them Asa’s legacy. Kevin is gone. Dorian and her children are all gone. The show will be all Lords. Bo and Nora are certainly the heart of the show as someone said, even when they were apart. Losing Bo’s family will be a huge blow. I am in my 30’s and I watch for the core characters and families. I don’t care about the younger characters nearly as much, especially Todd and company and Jolie.
bo & nora are major staples in landview – what are these people smoking????
i remember when the buchanans came to landview – i can’t imagine not seeing bo & nora………………..smh
The problem is Nora needs her arch nemesis in the picture….. Please bring back Cathryn Hickland!!! Nora is at her best, when she and Lindsay are going at it, toe to toe. I hope that PP makes that happen. I love Bo & Nora, and the show wouldn’t be the same without them, but let’s face it, Nora hasn’t been the same since Lindsay has been out of the picture.
As a matter of fact, wouldn’t it be something if Matthew got better, Lindsay was released from prison and found out that he was responsible for the Eddie Ford’s murder and she got even with Nora…..I mean after all, Nora went after Lindsay so hard, when she faked her nervous breakdown to avoid prison, so it would be karma coming back and biting Nora in the butt….It would be so juicy to watch unfold.
I would hate to see Robert S. Woods and Hillary B. Smith not on OLTL when it moves to online in January. They are both talented actors who give amazing performances. I hope PP is listening and offer these two intergal characters and actors a contract.
No Bo and Nora ??
If not on OLTL on line….then maybe something else.
Hillary and Robert have such a wonderful acting partnership…..it would be a shame not to see them together in anything…..God I’d watch them in commercials.
I cannot imagine OLTL without Bo & Nora. I hope both Hilary & Robert take some time to think about the move to Prospect Park and seriously consider maybe even making some appearances if that is possible. We have seen Bo throughout the Todd storyline, but sure missing Nora…plus Matthew needs to recover and return to his family .
If that is not possible, then good luck to all three of them and hopefully we will see them again with whatever the future may hold for them..primetime?
well, she really didnt say she wanted to continue or not continue did she? grrr! lol.
I for one absolutely love Bo and Nora and really think that they need to continue with OLTL when it goes on TOLN.com with PP. I want to see them with their grandchild, I want Matthew to be ok and be with Desitiny, I want them all on OLTL when it goes to the net 🙂
I CAN’T SEE MYSELF WATCHING 1L2LIVE ONLINE IF HILLARY B. SMITH IS NOT ON THERE… I LOVE TO WATCH IT WHEN I SEE NORA AND BO ON THERE 2GETHER… THEY ARE THE BEST COUPLE ON THERE THAT MAKES THE SHOW… YOU ALL NEED TO DO WHAT YOU CAN TO MAKE SURE HILLARY B. SMITH COMES 2… SHE IS A GREAT ACTRESS…
To tell the truth I’m only interested in seeing if Florencia Lozano or either Roger Howarth or Trevor St. John will be with the online version I’m happy enough with the people they have signed so far.
Bo has to stay! As much as I love Nora I could do without her but NOT BO! OLTL is the best show on tv right now. I wish ABC had not cancelled it. I love the flexibility of watching on tv at work during my lunch hour, recording it on a vcr at work or dvr at home, watching at night in bed on Soapnet, or online the next morning if necessary. So many choices. I hope all this works out in January.
She has time to fly off and do Venice, but doesn’t know if she’ll stick around to do OLTL? I am so over it!! I know that all of these stars have the right to go on and do whatever they feel is in their best interests, but to be honest with you, I’m getting tired of feeling like I’m begging for my faves to stay on and be a part of the show that the fans help save. It’s totally about my own selfish desires, but geez, sometimes I fell I would be better off not knowing until we get a complete list of all the people who are going to stay on, and all of those who want to go on to something else. Just when we get good news about Ron, Melissa, Jerry and all the others that plan on staying, we hear that some of our other favorites aren’t so sure. This is a rollercoaster ride that I’m getting tired of. Hurry up PP and let us know more details! LOL
It doesn’t feel like AMC is coming together as well though….the AMC camp has been very tight-lipped and quiet about what’s going on, which concerns me….but anyway, if Hilary decides to go in another direction, I wish her the best, but I hope that she reconsiders. I have never seen fans fight for their shows so hard, as with AMC & OLTL, so I hope the talent considers that in their decision on whether or not the choose to live another life in LLanview…..
Maybe I missed it, but I don’t see anything in the article to indicate she has even been asked to stay on, or that not knowing whether she’ll be doing the online version is her choice. I don’t see anything there about having gotten an offer and now she’s considering it. All I see is that she doesn’t know what the future holds.
If the characters of Bo and Nora will be leaving Llanview together when the show ends on ABC, it sounds to me as though Prospect Park has decided not to keep the characters/actors around.
I think it’s pretty clear they’re going to have to cut some people. Maybe they’ve decided Bo and Nora are expendable.
I can think of so many other characters I would prefer to see leave Llanview, frankly.
They need to try and keep OUR favorites, lets just hope for the best.
I heard a rumor that Bob Woods wants to go into semi retirement after the ABC finale. Most likely, Kris Alderson and Eddie Alderson will not be coming back due to their family’s move to LA, so Starr and Matthew would have to be recast…Without Bo, Nora would be kind of…lost…in Llanview. I hope that they decide to stay on as recurring if they do not sign contracts.
I heard that Bob Woods wants to go into semi retirement after the ABC finale. Most likely, Kris Alderson and Eddie Alderson will not be coming back due to their family’s move to LA, so Starr and Matthew would have to be recast…Without Bo, Nora would be kind of…lost…in Llanview. I hope that they decide to stay on as recurring if they do not sign contracts.
One of my biggest OLTL prayers has just been answered…..They are bringing back Lindsey Rappaport!!!! Happy days are here again! Finally, TPTB are listening to some of the fans prayers….LOL Now, just bring back Trevor & Robin, and I’ll be a happy camper. Looks like Nora will get some much needed attention….being that Lindsey’s on her way back into town.
I don’t want to lose Nora. OLTL will be diminished without her. Smith is so good. She makes what she does look so easy that I don’t think she has been recognized recently for her incredible work regarding her son as a murderer and his subsequent injury. It doesn’t get any better in soap land than Nora and Lindsey or Nora and Bo.