News
OLTL's Michael Easton talks Liam's Paternity Reveal & Prospect Park's One Life!
Courtesy/ABC
Finally! And we mean finally, John McBain will learn that after a year or more of being denied his child that he is the bio-dad of cute little baby Liam, and according to TV GuideĀ it all happens on next Tuesday’s, November 15th episode of One Life to Live!
TVG chatted with Michael Easton (John) and not only talked how the reveal goes down, but the future of Jolie, and his decision to continue with One Life when it moves online via Prospect Park.Ā Here are a few excerpts below!
Easton on how the truth about little Liam is revealed:Ā “For a story that got dragged out, it’s resolved pretty quickly. I had nightmares of people on rooftops, and guns flashing and searchlights and rain, with Brody becoming a desperate, crazed lunatic when the truth came out. We’ve done that on our show before. A lot. Instead, they resolve it really nicely between the characters, I think.”
Easton on if the Liam reveal will finally bring John and Natalie together: “They’ve contrived some circumstances that once again keep him and Natalie at arm’s length, and in the middle is Liam. I don’t think two people who’ve been through all this would let that happen. They’d be spending an enormous amount of time together, but the story is what it is.”
Easton on his decision to put his name to Prospect Park’s version of OLTL online: “No one asked for my blood on the dotted line or anything like that. They basically said, “If you’re unhappy after a period of time, take off.” Obviously, they haven’t yet made their deal with the union but if this is to continue I want to be a part of it. We were all so down when the network cancelled us but this new team came in with really positive energy and enthusiasm. They feel what we do is good and worth saving. Not only that but they feel they can improve the show. There are so many jobs at stake. You’d have to be a bit of a Scrooge to not to jump in and support that. Prospect Park has been getting a lot of pessimism and maybe even some grief, from the establishment at the unions and they needed some of us to chip in and support this thing. If it helps move things forward, I was happy to step up. They’re not out of the woods yet, but they’re bright, amazing guys. ”
So are you ready for John to finally be reunited with his son, after so many people came between him and Liam?Ā Let us know!
News
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
The Young and the Restless fan favorite, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) is the special guest on this week’s edition of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart which dropped today on Tuesday, June 23rd.
During the interview with Rebecca and Greg, Khalil who had played Lily Winters on-screen since August of 2002, nearly 24 years with the CBS soap, shared how early on her teenage acting career, she was ready to call it quits in show business, after a heartbreaking audition for the lead of a new Disney Channel sitcom, which later turned out to be the hit seres, That’s So Raven, starring Raven-SymonĆ© which ran for four seasons from 2003-2007.
Christel recalled what happened. “I was 14 and I had always auditioned for all these Disney projects. So I auditioned for That’s So Raven, it was between me and Raven-SymonĆ© and it was called at the time Absolutely Psychic,” explained Khalil. “The character was this girl who had psychic ability, but then when Raven got the role, they named the title of the show after her.”
Photo: CBS
HOW A BROTHERLY TALK CHANGED THE COURSE OF CHRISTEL’S CAREER
Reliving the disappointment to Greg and Rebecca, Christel explained, “I lost that part and I was just so devastated, because for the network call there were 20 people in the room watching me, and I just have always had such performance anxiety. I just completely bombed the audition and it was terrible. So, I was just devastated. I was actually going to quit acting and then I got the final call for The Young and The Restless and I wasn’t going to go.”
It was Khalil’s brother, who actually got her to reconsider, and if he hadn’t, we would not have our Lily Winters in Genoa City! Christel recounted, “I was like, ‘You know what? I’m done. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m just going to hang out with my friends.’ I was just devastated. My brother, who is seven years older than me, and he had quit acting at the same age that I was at that time. He said to me, ‘I promise you, I actually really regret quitting. Just go on this audition and if you don’t get it, you can quit.'”
Christel’s screen-test for the role of Lily was actually with the late, great, Kristoff St. John who would play her father Neil (Later it was revealed to Lily, that Neil’s brother, Malcolm Winters was her bio-dad).
Photo: CBS
ACTING WAS EASY WITH THE LATE KRISTOFF ST. JOHN
“So, I went (to test for Lily) and I remember the screen-test was with Kristoff St. John. It was just so easy to act with him because he’s just so there. I remember just being on set, and that was my first time there for a screen-test where you were actually on set. I had never experienced that before. It was my first time being with an actor andĀ having makeup done, which just helps you really be able to do your best work.”
Recalling the screen-test with the St. John, Khalil, “It was where I had to be emotional ( in the scene) and I always had issues being emotional at auditions. But I was there with him, it just came, and it happened. It was natural and I felt so good and it was amazing. It stands out in my mind a lot.”
You can check out the full Soapy conversation with Christel Khalil where she also discusses jugglingĀ motherhood, marital life, and the demands of soap operas.
Fan can listen to weekly episodes of Soapy onĀ AudacyĀ or wherever podcasts are available, and can watch full video episodes weekly on theĀ CBS =Brand YouTube Channel. Whether a lifelong fan or discovering the genre for the first time, SOAPY offers a fresh, fun behind-the-scenes look at the stories ā and storytellers ā that define daytime drama.
Now let us know, over the years what had been your favorite Lily Winters story on Y&R as played by Christel Khalil? What did you think of of Christell’s recollection where she was up for the lead of “That’s So Raven” as a teenager, before it was even titled that? Let us know via the comment section.
This summer beginning on July 21, Netflix streams the return of WWE: Unreal for its third season. The behind the scenes docudrama series gives fans a glimpse of life in WWE and inside the writers room, as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWEās biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
WWE Unreal is taking fans deeper than ever inside World Wrestling Entertainmentās creative process, The hit docuseries will once again pull back the curtain on some of the biggest moments, boldest decisions, and unforgettable storytelling with some of the WWEās greatest legends whoāve shaped the industry and new stars who are emerging as prominent parts of the future.
In the new season of ‘Unreal’ which consists of 5 episodes at 50 minutes each: John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion.
Photo: WWE
The cast and WWE superstars featured include: the aforementioned Cena, plus Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
As previously reported AJ Lee revealed on General Hospital star Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health series, State of Mind, that she was part of the cast of WWE: Unreal.
WWE: Unreal production credits include: Directors/Showrunners: Chris Weaver and Erik Powers Executive Producers: Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Marc Pomarico Sr. Producers: Harley Glantz, Brian Decker, Michael Flynn Producers: John Galiani, Dan Gati, Jeremy Lundblad Production Companies: Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, WWE.
So, what do you think of the loglines for the new season of WWE: Unreal? Who are you most excited to see featured in the behind the scenes drama from the list of WWE superstars and the twists and turns leading into this past April’s WrestleMania 42? Let us know via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hallās first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
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‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
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You have to be kidding me—–after ALL this waiting, John and Natalie wont get back together??!!! They are killing me!!!
I am glad that Michael Easton (and all of the others) have signed with Prospect Park. I loved Michael’s comments about PP!
Actually No. I find them to be one of the worst dysfunctional couples on daytime and them reuniting is why I won’t continue to watch the show. They don’t work and I don’t even think they have chemistry. After all she has done with all the lying I don’t see how John would want her at all. She has proven over and over that she can’t tell the truth. Not only that, but these two can never communicate. I don’t want Natalie to get what she wants in the end. She doesn’t remotely deserve that. And who on earth would want a man like John is beyond me. Enough of this stupid couple.
I actually agree. John and Natalie bring out the absolute worst in each other. I agree they are dysfunctional and cannot communicate. The only reason John was even marrying her the first time was because she was his baby mama. I hope they move them on to new love interests.
John is a jerk! He didn’t want Liam when he thought he wasn’t his but now he is his, he wants him back! Brody loved Liam throughout, when he was his father & when he wasn’t! I feel bad for him!
I have and always will love Michael Easton’s acting, any other of his creative endeavors.Melissa Archer cut her acting teeth on OLTL and she has gotten better through the years. and I like her . I’ve tried to like them as a couple, but there is just no chemistry between them – they just don’t seemto have anything going, and quite frankly their interaction leaves me cold. Lately there seems to be more of a crackle or pop between them because of baby Liam who ties them together.But their lack of spark is especially noticeable after you watch Michael interact with Kelly , Kassie or Rene Goldsberry even with Ilene Kristen, Erica Slezak, Bob Woods Trevor St. John, Florencia Lozano and Roger Haworth just to mention a few.but, sadly and oddly not with Melissa.- don’t get me wrong, I truly wish that spark would ignite. I’d looove to see them sizzlei like on Port Charles between Michael as Caleb and (no not Kelly Monico although they has some good moments together),Erin Hershey Presley (Alison). Talk about hot..ooh la la
I am pleased that John will finally be allowed to be Liars daddy.
I am going be very unhappy if Natalie and John don’t get to be together. They love each other and should be together. Enough fooling around, please…
So glad ME is making the move to Prospect Park. Pulling for John and Natalie to get together again soon. They’ve been through so much and I’d rather see them in each others arms than at arm’s length. The sheer physicality of them together as a couple is a visual and emotional treat. Two of the best looking actors in daytime.
I’m no fan of John McBain’s – but I sure am a fan of Michael Easton. The man has class and he has smarts. And he has loyalty to the people he works with.
I don’t see it getting any better than that. I might have to start liking his character more!
I am so happy that this storyline will finally come to a head. I cannot wait to see John and Liam together, when the true paternity is finally out in the open on Tuesday. I am sure there will be very heartwarming scenes between the two (the baby who plays Liam is so adorable, and he can truly pass for Michael’s son, imo). I also look forward to John and Natalie reuniting, as they do really understand eachother and work well as a couple, despite her misgivings. Of course they will drag John and Natalie’s reunion out a bit longer, to keep this storyline on the frontburner for the duration of OLTL’s ABC airtime. I adore Michael Easton and am thrilled that he signed on to work with Prospect Park. I have very high hopes for where they will be taking OLTL. I truly believe they want great things for OLTL, as do I. Good Luck Michael, and I will remain a loyal fan!!!
After all that the viewers have invested, we really do need for John and Natalie to finally get together. Brody has shown his lack of character, and Natalie should be able to see this. The stories are really being dragged out, also with the Gigi fiasco. If we are to be switched to internet, please let these two story lines at least, be resolved before. There will be many more scenarios that can work from these resolutions.
Thank you “Prospect Park” for saving one of the best soap operas ever,
The unions are giving Prospect Park grief? Where the hell were the unions when Disney was treating their members so badly? What did they do then? I suggest they stand down, play nice and support their members………………. Just sayin’………………. Oh. And by the way, I’m a proud member of a union who actually cares and fights for me, so I can say this.
Well said, Tina.
Thank you!
By the way, Michael. I have followed you since Port Charles. I am so relieved that you will be on the on-line version. You are a wonderful actor. Keep up the excellent work!
I really like what Michael had to say about PP…..wish the people over at AMC would follow suit, but anyway…
Now, this whole John & Natalie situation…..I don’t know. I have been screaming at my tv for God knows how long, because this story has been driving me crazy, and I have been wanting them to get back together….but here recently, I must say that I agree with what someone stated before. I don’t know that I want them together anymore….they don’t communicate. I mean, neither one of them can say, I Love You….how sad is that? I don’t know why Natalie would want to be with a man that can even tell you how he feels about you….and the same goes for John….why be with a woman who tells you she loves you and she’s sorry for what she’s done, and then literally what feels like a few weeks later she’s back in the sack with Brody….and now the wedding? Yuck!! What I’m waiting for is Natalie going back to Jessica with her tail between her legs and saying I’m sorry for snapping on you when you tried to warn me. I am totally team Jessica….Natalie was dead wrong for hooking up with Brody. This is your sister!! There are just some things you don’t do.
finally!! i am so glad that john finally finds out that liam is his son – i really don’t want to see john & natalie as a couple because john deserves much better than her – also glad that michael is going with prospect park………………
So happy that John finally gets his son. Not so happy that after a year Jolie will still not be together. I’m sure it will happen soon. Love OLTL and would follow it no matter where it went. Still hoping Roger (Todd) signs.
i’ve never been a fan of john and natalie but love the actors who potray them with convincing realism that makes you want to watch even if your not rooting for those two characters to be together.
Okay, WE need this child & his parents to be a team, a loving family.
Nothing less should be excepted.
Of course John & Natalie have be at arms lengh but just for two minutes.
Yea, i am deffintely happy that John finally finds out about Liam, i hate how they waited this long to finally tell John & Natalie.. š i just can’t wait til John & Nat reunite. š & be a great happy family.. LIke they should.. I’m john & natalie, biggest fan.. I love these 2 together..
thanks
Amie
I am thrilled that John learns Liam is HIS son. I am one of Jolie’s biggest supporters and really was.t them to be together and HAPPY! But I think John needs to FIGHT for his family. Woo Natalie are and allow them both to learn to trust each other completely with UNCONDITIONAL love!
Can’t wait for Liam, John and Natalie to be togsther. This lie went on to long, and I hope Brody gets what he deserves. Hope One Life continues without interruption. This is the best soap on the air.
You need to stand up and tell Natillia how you fell be a man not a mouse .
I cannot wait for John and Natalie to reunite and raise their beautiful kid Liam. These three are a match made in heaven. This show would be nothing without Michael and Melissa doing their magic together! Let’s hope that the writers do them justice that they so well deserve!
Thanks Michael Fairman for posting this interview!