News
OLTL's Hillary B. Smith on Bob Woods, Daytime Emmys, as her Auction Continues!
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.”
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.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
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
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘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’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
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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.