Guiding Light
One Life to Live and Guiding Light Stars Share Reactions and Remembrances of Jerry verDorn
Over the last 24 hours, tributes have poured in on social media for beloved soap opera veteran, Jerry verDorn (Ex-Ross, GL and Ex-Clint, OLTL) who passed away on May 1st.
The two-time Daytime Emmy-winning star, was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet and work with as noted by so many of his former colleagues from Llanview to Springfield.
Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this post as more remembrances for Jerry continue to be shared and posted. Here is just a sampling of verDorn’s impact on the lives of those who worked with him in front of the camera and behind the scenes:
Photo: JPI
Erika Slezak (Ex-Viki, OLTL) statement to her Fan Club: “For anyone who knew Jerry verDorn, Sunday, May 1st, was a heartbreakingly sad day.He was a man of such warmth and kindness, talent, intelligence and most importantly humor, that every day spent working with him could hardly be called work. It was joy. He so loved what he did and was so very good at it. I was the very lucky recipient of his last 8 years in daytime and I thank God for that. “He made every day one to look forward to. I will always think of him with that lovely, rather impish, smile on his face, and that will stay in my heart forever. I know that he has gone to a peaceful place, with no pain. I send my love and deepest sympathies to Beth and their sons and their families, of whom he was so very proud. They have lost a great man.”
Melissa Archer (Ex-Natalie, OLTL) expressed: “I’m heartbroken to hear of Jerry VerDorn’s passing. I have so many wonderful things to say about this man, but I’ll try to keep it brief. I had the honor of playing his daughter on oltl. He was genuine from start to finish. A giving actor, a caring coworker, funny, talented, and full of smiles. When he took over the role of Clint, it was seamless. It felt as though he’d always been there and he formed family bonds with all of us quickly. His family are in my thoughts and prayers.”
Bree Williamson (Ex-Jessica, OLTL) shared: “I am devastated to hear about the death of Jerry. He was a wonderful man and I am so grateful for the time that I spent with him as my TV father. He was a talented and generous actor and a kind and gentle man. He made it effortless for me to feel close to him and to love him like a dad. I enjoyed everyday I was lucky enough to spend with him and I will hold those memories of him in my heart and mind forever. 💔💔”
Photo: JPI
Amanda Setton (Ex-Kimberly, OLTL, now Brook Lynnm GH) said: “I am so very sorry to hear this news. I was so fortunate to have worked with Jerry early in my career. I learned so much from him. I remember we would often run lines in his dressing room, classical music playing and all. His preparation and commitment to his craft was inspiring. He was an incredible actor, the consummate professional; prepared, present, supportive, and kind. He treated everyone with such respect and admiration. We have lost someone special. I am holding his family in my thoughts and prayers. “
Ron Carlivati (Ex-head writer, OLTL, now head writer, DAYS) shared: “Sad to hear the news that Jerry Ver Dorn has passed away. Jerry stepped into the role of Clint Buchanan in 2005 and quickly made it his own, playing a loving husband and father and eventually a very convincing villain, although the man himself was all heart. Rest in peace. #OLTL”
Robin Strasser (Ex-Dorian, OLTL) said: “#JerryVerDorn a fine actor and true gentleman. It always felt good to see him, not just because he was so darn good looking (he was:) but because he was so affable & easygoing; while being thoroughly hardworking and dedicated to the work. All honor to one of the best of the best!”
Frank Valentini (Ex-EP, OLTL, now EP, GH) tweeted: “I was very sad to learn about the passing of my friend and all around great guy, Jerry verDorn (Clint #OLTL.) On behalf of everyone here at #GH, we send our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.”
Photo: JPI
Mark Lawson (Ex-Brody, OLTL) expressed: What a gentleman. I remember being so intimidated by both he and Bob Woods. Until I finally had scenes with them. Jerry was the consummate gentleman. So elegant and kind. With a blue collar approach to the work and a respect and generosity for his fellow actors that flew beyond what was necessary. He was a benevolent king on that set. And funny. And ready to laugh.This photo was from the very last moments of filming OLTL at the studios in Manhattan. I was blessed that day to work with Erika, Jerry, Bree, and Melissa. I think about that day and these people all the time. Farewell, sir. It was a pleasure to know you. #jerryverdorn #onelifetolive #oltl”
Liz Keifer (shared: “My heart is broken and filled with bittersweet love for Jerry and his family. Thank you for being my trusted friend onscreen and off. It was an honor to be yours. Rest well, dear Jerry. You are loved beyond measure.”
Patrick Mulcahey (Former head writer, GL) “So sad to hear of Jerry verDorn’s passing. What a fine actor and a good guy. He never stopped thanking me for a special GL episode I wrote for him (Ross’s Election Day dream), but I loved his work way back when Ross was with Vanessa, then Carrie, and then later, with Blake… He and Peter Simon [ex-Ed] played best friends beautifully — abiding male friendships are rare on soaps — and he had crazy deep chemistry with all his leading ladies. Writing Blake and Ross was about as much fun as a writer could have and those scenes always aired so deliciously… Many thanks, sir, for all you offered us, the humor, the depth, the stuffiness and vanity too, which you knew was there in all of us. Sorry you had to leave us in apple blossom time. Sorry you had to leave us at all.”
Robert Newman (Ex-Josh, GL; now Ashland, Y&R): “This one really hits hard. Jerry Ver Dorn was a wonderful actor and a beautiful person. He was one of my first role models. He actually was instrumental in getting me into Union service. He was our Aftra Deputy on Guiding Light, and eventually I took over for him in that role on the show. That planted seed led me to over a decade of serving on both the National and Local boards of Aftra, then Sag-Aftra after the merger. One of the finest human beings I’ve ever known. Rest peacefully, Jerry.”
What do you think about the comments and tributes from Jerry’s former castmates? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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We have had so many losses within our beloved daytime drama family lately. Stuart, Lisa, Kathryn and now Jerry. I cherish all the great memories of Ross and Clint that this great actor shared with us over so many years. I miss our beloved New York shows and Jerry was such a large part of that rich history. I am so glad he was a guest several times the past several years on The Locher Room! He will be missed. RIP Jerry ver Dorn.
What beautiful tributes!! It makes us OLTL fans so sad to think that such an integral person in our beloved show has passed.
Rest in peace Jerry/Clint.
Wonderful tributes
.
Guiding Light
GL Alum Nia Long Set to Play Michael Jackson’s Mother, Katherine Jackson, in Upcoming Biopic
Since her early days on Guiding Light, actress Nia Long (ex-Kat Speakes from 1991-1994), has made quite a name for herself with a list of credits that are very impressive. Now, Long can yet another when she has signed on to portray Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the Jackson clan and mother to superstar Michael Jackson.
Michael, the title of the upcoming biopic from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures is said to be working towards an April 18, 2025 release date. Director Antoine Fuqua is set behind the camera.
In a statement on the casting of Long, Michael producer Graham King expressed: “Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son. Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Photo: JPI
Long echoed the sentiments of King, sharing: “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother, she was selfless and endured forces beyond her control yet still managed to help build a legacy beyond measure. I am honored to bring her voice to the screen and share Michael Jackson’s story with audiences everywhere.”
Nia will be in great acting company for the film that includes Best Actor Oscar nominee Coleman Domingo who will play Katherine’s husband and Michael’s father, Joe Jackson.
Looking forward to seeing Nia taking on the role of Katherine Jackson in the Michael biopic? Remember her early days on Guiding Light? Comment below.
All My Children
2023 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Fashion: Women In Glam: Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)
The 50th annual Daytime Emmys Awards brought out the women of daytime in sequined gowns, classic black, looks with an edge, and more as the stars gathered together for daytime’s biggest night of the year.
Prior to the two-hour ceremony airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday, many previous Emmy winners, nominees, and fan favorites walked the red carpet showing off their fashion sense to the numerous paparazzi in attendance.
The following morning on Saturday, more nominees and presenters took to the red carpet for the 50th annual Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Awards. Scroll below and take a look at some of the pics of the ladies as they made their way down the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
2022 Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winner, Mishael Morgan (Amanda, Y&R), who was a presenter on this year’s telecast in yellow.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital’s Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber) intro’d the GH 60 retrospective package during the telecast, but a blue-sequined dress was the order of the day on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Y&R Lead Actress nominee, Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) wows the carpet.
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Y&R’s Melissa Ordway (Abby) sleek in black.
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GH’s Katelyn McMullen (Willow) gives us old Hollywood with a modern twist in red.
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GH’s Tabyana Ali (Trina) in dark red sequined gown.
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The Talk co-host, Amanda Kloots, in silver and white.
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Six-time Daytime Emmy-winning star, Heather Tom (Katie) of The Bold and the Beautiful, truly in old Hollywood glam.
Photo: JPI
Daytime Emmy winner from Guiding Light and current star of General Hospital Cynthia Watros (Nina), in teal dress.
Photo: JPI
Eventual Daytime Emmy winner for Outstanding Younger Performer, GH’s Eden McCoy (Josslyn) in creme colored slip dress.
Photo: JPI
Susan Lucci (ex-Erica Kane, All My Children) should also win a Lifetime Achievement Award for all the red carpets she dazzled over the years, and this year was no exception.
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Grammy Award-winner, Jennifer Nettles. took to the morning Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmys in yellow. During the Emmy telecast, she performed during the In Memoriam Segment.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital nominee for Supporting Actress, Brook Kerr (Portia).
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The fabulous Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) who represented Y&R for their tribute during the ceremony, took to the carpet in this sequined print pantsuit.
Photo: JPI
A Daytime Emmy winner from General Hospital, now with Y&R, Hayley Erin (Claire), took to the red carpet in alternative modern fashion.
Photo: JPI
GH’s Jophielle Love (Violet) was ready for the carpet with patterned-bowed dress and matching black shoes.
Photo: JPI
Another nod to old Hollywood, B&B’s Jennifer Gareis (Donna) in white and silver with matching silver earrings.
Photo: JPI
Paige Mobley, a Daytime Emmy nominee at the Creative Arts & Lifestyle ceremony for co-hosting Instant Dream Home, took to the carpet.
Photo: JPI
Talk show host, Sherri Shepherd making a ‘statement’ at the Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards with this modern number.
Photo: JPI
B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) took home the gold for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the third time in her career. Here, Jacqui walks the red carpet prior to the start of the telecast glammed in black.
Photo: JPI
Also dressed in black, but in velvet, GH’s Tanisha Harper (Jordan).
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Talk show host and EGOT winner, Jennifer Hudson, was the final performer to arrive at the 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards and turned it out in sequins.
So, who do you think wore it best on the red carpet at the 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards weekend? Let us know your pick via the comment section below.
Guiding Light
Tom Pelphrey Set to Star Opposite Mark Ruffalo in HBO Crime Drama Series
Two-time Daytime Emmy winning star, Tom Pelphey (ex-Jonathan Randall, Guiding Light, ex-Mick Dante, As the World Turns), has landed another primo role in his primetime and motion picture acting career.
Pelphrey is set to star opposite Mark Ruffalo in the yet untitled Brad Inglesby Task Force Project currently in pre-production for HBO.
According to Deadline, Pelphrey will take on the role of Robbie, a sanitation worker and dreamer who has been knocked around by life, but has always gotten back up again.
Photo: JPI
The series loglines shares that it takes place in the working-class suburbs outside of Philadelphia and follows an FBI agent who heads a Task Force. His goal is to put an end to a string of drug-house robberies led by an unsuspecting family man.
Ruffalo is also one of the executive producers on the series. The Untitled Task Force project is based on an original idea by the creator of Mare of Easttown, Brad Ingelsby.
Photo: JPI
As for Tom Pelphrey, he is one in-demand actor. After receiving critical acclaimed in Ozark, he now finds himself in production on season 2 of Amazon Prime’s Outer Range. Next, he will play the lead in A Man In Full, a limited series from Netflix. The actor most recently starred in Max’s Love and Death.
Back in April, Tom became a father to a baby girl, Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey with his love, actress Kaley Cuoco.
So, what do you think about Tom’s upcoming role opposite Mark Ruffalo in the new untitled HBO crime drama? Did you always know, like we did when we saw him on Guiding Light, that Tom would become a major star in Hollywood? Comment below.
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