News

One Life to Live Icon and Soap Vet, Andrea Evans Remembered by Her Daughter, Husband, and Co-Stars

July 11, 2023

Photo: AP

In the last 24 hours the soap community is in mourning on the passing of one of its greatest, Andrea Evans. As revealed on Monday, Evans passed away on Sunday from her battle with cancer. She was just 66-years-old.

Andrea leaves behind her beloved daughter Kylie and her husband, Stephen, and so many former castmates, colleagues and fans, who paid tribute to her and shared their remembrances of this kind and talented soul.

Evans was best-known for her role as Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, but throughout her career she made stops to several other daytime dramas including: The Young and the Restless as Patty Williams, The Bold and the Beautiful as Tawny Moore, Passions as Rebecca Hotchkiss and the role of Patty Walker on the streaming series, The Bay.

Below are just some of the tributes that have poured in on social media, and websites since yesterday. We will continue to add more as they are shared publicly.

Andrea’s beloved daughter Kylie shared with TV Line: “Today, I face an immeasurable loss — the passing of my beloved mother, Andrea Evans, after her courageous battle with cancer. At just 19 years old, my world has been forever changed, and words cannot adequately convey the depth of my sadness. My mom was my best friend. Her vibrant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless love for life left a mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her,” she continued. “Throughout her fight with cancer, my mom displayed awe-inspiring strength. She faced each hurdle with grace and determination, cherishing every precious moment. Despite the pain and uncertainty, she taught me the invaluable lesson of finding joy, even in the darkest of times. We held hands until the very end. While I struggle to come to terms with her passing, I am profoundly grateful for the love and support we have received from family, friends, and the community. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the healthcare professionals who cared for my mother throughout this incredibly challenging process. Although my mother’s physical presence is no longer with us, her love and spirit will forever endure. The lessons she taught me about resilience, kindness, and love will guide me through the difficult journey ahead.”

Photo: AEvansProdIG

Evan’s husband, Stephen Rodriguez wrote: “Andrea was a remarkable individual, cherished by all who knew her. Her unwavering strength, positivity and indomitable spirit inspired us every step of the way throughout her fearless fight against this relentless disease. She faced the challenges with grace, resilience, and an enduring love for life. Andrea and I spent 30+ years together. She was a great wife and mother. She was my rock. Cancer killed Andrea, but it did not kill her spirit. That spirit is alive and well and lives on in each one of us, whom she touched.”

Photo: FValentiniTwitter

Frank Valentini (ex-EP OLTL, now GH) shared: “I am so sorry to learn of Andrea Evans’ passing. Andrea was already a huge star when my career began at OLTL. She was always kind, gracious, and so fun to work with. A daytime legend who will be missed very much. My sympathies to her friends and family.”

Photo: RCarlivatiTwitter

Ron Carlivati (ex-head writer, OLTL, now DAYS): “I am absolutely heartbroken to learn of the untimely passing of Andrea Evans who played the iconic Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live and is one of the reasons I fell in love with soap operas in the first place. Andrea brought such a sense of guilelessness and fun to a selfish and scheming character and made you fall in love with her. After watching her as a fan for many years, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to write for her and it was one of the most satisfying experiences of my professional career. I will treasure the memories of Tina trying to misappropriate the Crown Jewels of Mendorra with her beloved dog David Vickers under her arm. She survived a trip over the Iguazu Falls and made her way back to Llanview to crash Cord’s wedding to Kate Sanders with a stolen baby in her arms, and that’s how I will always remember both the character and the actress: resilient and resourceful, but also so warm and kind. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Rest in peace, dear Andrea.”

Photo: AFrantzIG

Adrienne Frantz (ex-Amber, B&B): “I lost my tv mom yesterday! I am in shock and beyond devastated! Andrea may have been cast as my mom when I was 18 but she became my mom! Never did I ever think of her as a friend, only family! I will miss her beautiful infectious positivity! Her love of life! Going on trips to Disneyland together which was her favorite place to be! She was at every birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, wedding just as mom! There will forever be an empty spot in my heart. Even now as I am writing this I can still feel her beautiful positive spirit around me! Everyone who truly knew her was blessed by this beautiful soul! I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of her life! I hope you are enjoying the Disneyland of the sky! Save a seat for me on Winnie the Pooh! I will forever love you Mom!”

Photo: ABC

John LoPrieno (ex-Cord, OLTL) “Working with Andrea Evans was one of the highlights of my acting career. From the day that she first welcomed me to the set of One Life to Live, through the final reunion episodes that we shot when the show was ending, Andrea continued to be a generous, blissfully comedic and insightful scene partner… I think my finest memory of performing with Andrea was not standing in our bathing suits in the Iguazu Falls in Brazil but working on the Banner newspaper office set on rolling chairs in a playfully choreographed love scene… It was one of my earliest appearances on the show. The magic in the room was palpable, and it offered promises of the great fun that was to be created and enjoyed in the years that followed. We will all miss Andrea and her mischievous looks toward [the] camera at the end of the scene.”

Courtesy/ABC

Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian, OLTL): “This is sad to hear. My memories of Andrea Evans are of a woman who was super smart and energized a heat-seeking missile. That’s a compliment/ You knew when you worked with her, it’d be like going head-to-head with a champion. I admired her daring. I hate the disease that took her.”

Photo: NBC

Liza Huber (ex-Gwen, Passions): “I’m searching for the right words…. Searching for the right story to share or the right words to post that would convey how much Andrea Evans meant to me. What a spectacular human she was and what a tremendous impact she had on my life. The truth is, there are no words. I’m heartbroken and my heart aches for Steve and Kylie. Andrea was a powerhouse. She was a firecracker. She was warm, loving, generous, and wildly funny. We would talk for hours about life, family, love, parenting, work, and how to find the perfect light on set 🌟 She taught me so much about love and keeping my heart open. That’s when I found Alex ❤️ I have a million wonderful memories of this incredible woman. Andrea, I know you are up in heaven watching over your beautiful family illuminated by the most perfectly radiant light 💫 You are a superstar in every way and will be greatly missed.”

Eric Martsolf (ex-Ethan, Passions, Brady, DAYS) “We lost Andrea Evans. She was wildly responsible for showing me that working in daytime doesn’t have to feel like work at all. I will miss the sparkle in her eyes when she smiled, which was seemingly all the time. Rest in peace, Andrea, and thank you for all you gave.

Photo: ABC

Erika Slezak (ex-Viki, OLTL): I send love and deepest sympathies Steve and Kylie — they were her whole life. Andrea and I worked together for so long. On her first day at work, she was living one block away from me, and I walked her to work. She was just a child — never been to NYC — so sweet and kind and loving. Amazing that she played such a complicated, confused and selfish character so well. When she and Steve got married and then got Kylie, it seemed her life was finally complete. She was so happy. So very, very sad.”

Melissa Archer (ex-Natalie, OLTL): This is heartbreaking news. Andrea was a kind woman, fun to work with, and such a pro. I feel so fortunate that I was able to play with her on One Life to Live and The Bay. Sending love to all our soap family and Andrea’s real family. World lost a good one.”

Photo: FionaHuchisonIG

Fiona Hutchison (ex-Gabrielle, OLTL): “Andrea and I were very close friends during my time on One Life to Live… she and our dear friend Renata Long traveled to England to be bridesmaids in my ( first marriage) wedding to Sean Dromgoole … we were all so young and impetuous!”

Kassie DePaiva (ex-Blair, OLTL): “So saddened to hear of this talented actress’ passing She helped put One Life to Live in the spotlight. Cancer sucks!”

Michael Damian (Danny, Y&R): “I’m so very sad to hear the news of my castmate Andrea’s passing. It was so wonderful having had the chance to work with her in the beginning of my career on Young & Restless! She was always so very kind and professional. God bless you, and I will keep you in my prayers always.”

The Bay the Series: “Sending love to all our soap family and Andrea’s real family. World lost a good one.

The Bold and the Beautiful: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the loved ones of Andrea Evans. She will forever be a part of the Bold and Beautiful family. “

The Young and the Restless: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Andrea Evans. Her memory will live on in our hearts.”

What do you think of the outpouring of love and grief shared by so many on the death of Andrea Evans? Share your remembrances via the comment section below.

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Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85

April 26, 2024

Marla Adams, best known for portraying matriarch, Dina Abbott Mergeron on CBS’ The Young and the Restless for 37 years, died on April 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. The news came from Y&R’s Director of Media and Talent, Matt Kane.

Throughout her veteran soap opera career, Marla appeared had appeared on Secret Storm (in her other longest running soap role as Bell Clemens from 1988-1974), The Bold and the Beautiful (ex-Beth Logan), Days of our Lives (ex-Dr. Claire McIntyre), Generations (ex- Helen Mullin), General Hospital (ex-Mildred Deal) and Capitol (ex-Myrna Clegg).

However, it was her role as Y&R’s upper crust Dina, who abandoned her children and her marriage to John Abbott (the late Jerry Douglas) that was her most memorable role. Throughout the years, Dina would have several romantic reunions with John, but in 2017, the character returned to Genoa City to reunite with her estranged family. Dina was the on-screen mother to Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson), Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).

Photo: JPI

As for Adams, she joined Y&R in 1982, but left the soap three years later her contract expired. She returned to Genoa City for stints in 1991, 1996 and 2008 before being asked by then Y&R head writer-producer Sally Sussman to return in 2017, which would begin the top-rated daytime drama telling the story of Alzheimer’s disease. Through Dina, the show shed light on a person going through the perils of the illness, and how the family copes and tries to come to terms with its fate.

In fact, Marla took home the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 2021 for her work in the storyline, She had previously been nominated in 2018.

Photo:JPI

Speaking with Michael Fairman TV, Marla shared on her final scenes on Y&R when Dina passed away and was reunited with John Abbott, “It was heart-wrenching for me. In the story, Dina died when she went outside and to the front door of the Abbott home. They did not tell me before-hand, and that’s why it was so wonderful. I hope they came in for a closeup of that because I had no makeup on, it was beautiful, and then, Dina said, “Oh, John.” I’ve done everything from movies, to daytime, to nighttime, to Broadway, but that was the iconic moment for me, to do this gig with wonderful, wonderful actors and friends, and to do this particular storyline.

Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, on August 28, 1938, Adams’ love for the stage was ignited after winning the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants and finishing as a runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant. She also fondly remembered being the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ocean City’s founding. A student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams appeared on Broadway in the 1958 production of The Visit at the Morosco Theatre with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne and starred as June in the 1961 feature film, Splendor in the Grass

Over the span of her decades long career, Adams starred in more than 40 productions including television’s: The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Harry O, Adam-12, Starsky and Hutch, Marcus Welby, M.D., Barnaby Jones, and the feature film, Beneath the Leaves.

Photo: CBS

In a statement, Y&R’s current head writer and executive producer, Josh Griffith expressed, “On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to Marla’s family. We’re so grateful and in awe of Marla’s incredible performance as Dina Mergeron as both Marla and Dina made an unforgettable mark on Y&R.

Marla is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates, son, Gunnar Garat, grandchildren, Gefjon and Stone, and her great-grandson, Remi.

Photo: JPI

Michael Fairman TV sends our condolences to Adam’s family, friends and co-stars. Now below, share your remembrances of Marla Adams, and watch a few of our interview with Marla from the set of Y&R during the show’s 45th anniversary celebration and on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys below.

General Hospital

Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine

April 26, 2024

Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.

In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.

Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”

Photo: ABC

Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.

Photo: ABC

The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.

So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.

Days Of Our Lives

Arianne Zucker Reveals Her Last Days of our Lives Airdate

April 26, 2024

Arianne Zucker, who is no longer on contract with Days of our Lives, and involved in a lawsuit against the show, took to her You Tube channel and in her latest episode, and offered up what she believes is her final airdate as Nicole Walker DiMera.

The actress expressed: “I was really appreciative of the amount of support that I have had since leaving Days of our Lives.” She then added, “My last airdate, I think, it’s July 29th and we’ll see how things go after that.”

Zucker went on to say how she has continued to receive overwhelming support since suing her former employer, Corday Productions, with the allegations that former Co-EP Albert Alarr sexually harassed her and other females at the show, and that the production company entity did not respond sufficiently and adequately.

Photo: JPI

After lodging her complaints, Zucker said her agents received two notices that Corday Productions were reducing her pay before her character was ultimately written off. Zucker’s contract expired in January and since DAYS tapes over six months ahead it brings her final airdate, which as of now, to the end of July. Zucker is suing for harassment, discrimination, retaliation, negligent hiring and supervision, and wrongful termination among other claims.

Previously, Corday Productions issued this statement on Zucker’s claims: “The allegations in Ms. Zucker’s lawsuit are without merit. Corday Productions, offered to renew Ms. Zucker’s contract including offering her a pay increase. Rejecting Ms. Zucker’s counteroffer does not constitute retaliation. Complaints about Mr. Alarr’s on-set behavior were promptly investigated. Corday Productions fully cooperated with the impartial investigation and subsequently terminated Mr. Alarr.”

On her You Tube channel, Arianne went on to thank everyone who came out to the east coast fan event last weekend that featured several DAYS stars. She expressed, “My whole goal is to really help people stand up for themselves.” Arianne also shared she thinks it’s important for people who have gone through trauma to help each other through it.

Photo: JPI

On DAYS, Nicole is still in the dark that Sloan (Jessica Serfaty) is raising her child, Jude, with Eric (Greg Vaughan), and Eric also doesn’t know that he is raising his biological son. Will Eric and Nicole reunite and will Nicole find out what Sloan, Melinda and Leo (Greg Rikaart) have been hiding for months, before she exits the show? Stay tuned. There has been on official confirmation from DAYS that July 29th is Zucker’s final airdate.

You can check out Ari’s latest episode from her You Tube Channel below.

Now let us know, do you think somehow DAYS and Arianne will work these out and she will somehow be back on the show? What do you think Nicole’s exit will look like? Do you think they will recast? Let us know in the comment section below.