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OLTL's Hillary B. Smith on Bob Woods, Daytime Emmys, as her Auction Continues!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

It’s a start of a brand new week which means a new One Life to Live/Hillary B. Smith auction item is up for bids on ebay to support the Willee-Coppee Fund.  As previously mentioned, the fund discreetly assist pet owners who may be struggling with overwhelming veterinary bills for man’s best friend.

Make sure to bid this week on an adorable wood-framed cartoon by Anita Massimini Brown  from the personal collection of Hillary.  It was presented to her in 1998 by the “One Life to Live” Fan Club when Bo and Nora (Robert S. Woods and Hillary) were voted that year’s “Best Couple.” The cartoon depicts Hillary in her dressing room, smiling out at us from the comfort of her make-up chair.  Posters of New York and Hollywood are on the wall to her left.  To her right, with an appropriate star, is her dressing room door, which reads “One Life to Live Fan Club.”  Above her on the make-up mirror are the words “1998 Best Couple – Bo & Nora.”  In anticipation of this auction Hillary and Bob personally autographed the back of the drawing, with Hillary adding the words “Live, Love, Donate.”  The cartoon, including its very simple wood frame and blue matte, measures 11.25″ x 9.25″ and has been in Hillary’s “One Life to Live” dressing room since she received it twelve years ago.

And now, the next installment of our exclusive interview with One Life to Live’s, Nora and Venice’s, Guya.  And since tonight’s item up for bids has to do with Bo and Nora, we thought we would talk Daytime Emmy submissions, (since Bo and Nora had some amazing scenes with each other this past year) and Hillary’s thoughts on working with Bob Woods again after the couple (Bo and Nora) were split apart for ten years!

Hillary on what episode she is submitting for her Daytime Emmy Pre-Nom for Lead Actress:  “It was tough to choose, and I did not realize I had as much material as I did.  I had wonderful scenes with Bob Woods when Bo and Nora went to England but they were really his scenes.  I am referring to where he confesses and apologizes for the ten years of icky bitchiness that happened with Bo and Nora, and it melted away, and he confesses he still loves her.  I thought about that.  I hope Bob Woods uses those scenes for his pre-nom. Bob is so beautifully understated, and so subtle and funny.   But for me, in the end, I narrowed it down to two shows revolving around Matthew’s accident.  The one I am going with is when we are finding out that Matthew has no feelings in his legs, and dealing with the doctor and trying to figure out what does this mean. Then Nora has to go back in and be upbeat for Matthew.  Then I have a moment when I am alone and can let it all out. Marty comes in and I ask about Cole and then I find out Cole was doing drugs that night.  And, I go to Cole and I let him have it and I end up shaking him. Then I leave his room and I find out that the three kids knew he was doing drugs and I let them have it, and then Bo comes up to me, and he then has Cole arrested.  I love the scenes where I am kind of all over the hospital and moving things and as a mother, its totally relatable. It’s all her mothering instincts that kick in on all the levels. 

Courtesy/ABC

Hillary on finally re-teaming and working with Bob Woods again: “I am so happy working with him again, and we did that remote recently where we were doing the bridge scenes, and all of us in the cast were freezing, and we stayed a night at a hotel and it was fun. Bob and I were at the bar and I lifted my drink and I toasted him. I said, “It is so great to work with you again,” and Bob said, “I forgot how easy it is.” That was so sweet, and we have been trying to do the material that comes to us and try to honor it as best we can. Ten years ago we were split up in the most ridiculous fashion.  (Nora sleeping with Sam to get pregnant) I even called the President of ABC Daytime, and back then it was Pat Fili.  I said, “Are you kidding me? You can’t have me do this. This makes no sense at all.” But, I had to do it because that is what I am paid to do.”

Hillary on if years ago she truly wanted Bo and Nora to split: “There were plenty of things we could have done staying together.  I think that probably it’s exciting to work with other people and trying to make those things work with other characters.  There was a lot that got played in those ten years, but to be perfectly honest, I just want to do a scene on a soundstage with someone I can count on, and that person is Bob Woods.”

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Great interview, I love HBS she is such a wonderful actress and a gracious person!
I am hoping the Bo and Nora will be getting their own storyline soon

Thank you Michael. That was lovely. I agree with Hillary on which scenes RSW should use. He had some good scenes with Matthew’s accident and before the wedding, but those London scenes were really special.

I just adore HBS. What a wonderful interview. I agree with the episode she submitted– she was AMAZING in those scenes— and with everything she said about Bob and her. I hope Bo and Nora will be getting more screentime. They’ve been my favoriate couple for years. LOL.

i love hbs…great actress and so down to earth..she deserves an emmy especially after those scenes!!!

I love Hillary, but she will ALWAYS be MARGO HUGHES ( ATWT ) to me!

I am so happy to see Bo and Nora together again. They are such great actors and a great team!
Also, Thank you Hillary for the fund you have set up to help animals in need in honor of you r own dog. The auction is a great idea thanks Michael for bringing us the info and opportunity to help.

HBS IS THE GREATEST…I ENJOY HER ACTING SO MUCH AND IM THRILLED TO SEE BO AND NORA REUNITED AND TOGETHER ON MY SCREEN AGAIN EVEN IF THE CURRENT STORYLINE SUCKS….

I am a big fan of bo and nora. I am so glad that they are back together. Any storyline is great when they are in it. Hope they are together as long as the show is on TV and online. Great Actors.

Days Of Our Lives

‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast

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After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.

Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC

There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.

The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.

In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.

Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC

Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”

As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”

The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.

So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’

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Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark

Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”

In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.

It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.

Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.

You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.

So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?

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On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.

As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.

Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC

Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.

BROTHERLY LOVE?

Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”

With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”

BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE

Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”

So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.

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