News
One Life to Live's Hillary B. Smith & Robert S. Woods On Production Halt and Resolution, Writing of Bo and Nora & OLTL Losing at The Emmys!
Courtesy/TOLN
The most popular duo of all-time on One Life to Live ( except probably Viki and Dorian) are clearly Bo and Nora played brilliantly by Daytime Emmy winners, Hillary B. Smith and Robert S. Woods!
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with the duo last week during a press junket to ask three burning questions we wanted to know … how did the twosome feel when they heard the news of the early hiatus that was imposed by the labor union, which may have meant the end for the series, but in the end turned out A. O.K? How do they feel about how their characters have been written for? And, why do they think One Life get no love ever at the Daytime Emmys when they had two amazing submissions, their finale on ABC?
Here now is what they had to say below. We think you will be touched by what Hillary had to say to the crew at One Life and more! Fans are thrilled that in August, Bob and Hillary will be back at One Life shooting new episodes as life in Llanview continues, thanks to the resolution of the dispute and Prospect Park’s efforts.
When you heard about the labor dispute between the Union and Prospect Park and received the news that the production of One Life to Live had to suspend a week earlier than anticipated … what were you thoughts? Did you think it could be even feasible that One Life would get shut down a second time within its life span, the first being its cancellation by ABC? Or, did you think it would all work itself out in the end?
Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos
HILLARY: I started laughing. I really did. I started laughing. I looked at Woodsy and was giggling.
ROBERT: We were actually working and we had to go back and shoot scenes, and my phone rang and there was an email, really a brief statement. I leaned out the door and said to people, “Did anyone else just get an email?” And then when we were on the set it was like, “What do we do now?” Hillary, you were not ready to see it go? You did not believe it would happen, did you?
HILLARY: Well, I spoke. You heard what I said to the crew. I wanted to go on record, because I wasn’t sure how this was going to play out and there were a lot of dynamics that went on the weeks prior before both sides started talking. And, I had seen the guys walk out the door of the studio. And I went, “Oh, I don’t think that’s good.” I was with our costume designer, Susan Gammie getting a fitting and then Robert Gorrie (Matthew) came in and showed me the email. There was a part of me that went, “This just can’t happen again. It just can’t!” And then there was another part of me that went, “It could.” When we did our then last scene, and we had to be out by 11am, and we finished at 10:15. I got up and spoke and said on behalf of everyone in the scene, “It has been an honor and privilege to be part of this reboot,” and I truly believe that. It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of this reboot to see Jeff Kwatinetz and Rich Frank, and Jennifer Pepperman and Ginger Smith, pour all of their heart and soul into this, and the staff and the crew. I said, “We are a family. It’s been wonderful to come to be with our family again. And, for those of you who weren’t a part of it before, you are now. We are family and this is what coming to work means.” I just wanted everyone to know that, and I wasn’t sure if that was my “goodbye”, but I wanted them to know how touched I was by this whole experience, and being part of it.
ROBERT: So now when we get back, Hillary you can say, “See, what I told you guys?”
Recently, there were new head writers appointed for One Life to Live, whose work fans will not see until the show resumes production later in summer. How do you feel about how your characters were written for thus far?
ROBERT: Jennifer Pepperman is still there, and she is not going to let anyone get to off track! I have been happy thus far on how they have written the Bo and Nora relationship. I haven’t had any real grievances with things I have bee asked to do, or the way it was written. I think they have written pretty well. I am always concerned more about the police department which feels like it has saloon doors, where anybody can just walk in and out! (Laughs) That stuff does not apply! Try walking down to the 20th precinct in New York City.
HILLARY: I have been ecstatic the way they have been writing Nora. I feel light as a bird and unfettered, and not carrying any major heartache around. So this is nothing but sheer joy.
Two weekends ago, One Life to Live was nominated for its final time in its ABC version for Outstanding Drama Series for the last two episodes of its historic run at the 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. The last episode featured those heartfelt moments between Bo and Nora, and Bo and his son, Matthew. The episodes were brilliant, and yet, once again, One Life left the Emmys with no cigar, or shall we say no gold! Why do you think this show can’t ever catch a break for the big award of the night?
HILLARY: Politics are huge when it comes to Emmys. I don’t think One Life to Live had any political support when it comes to winning an Emmy. As a matter of fact, if it had won Outstanding Drama Series that would have been a kind of … ahem… awkward moment for ABC. I love the fact that Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati were nominated for two shows. I thought that was great. I am sorry that they didn’t win. I don’t quite understand how the voting system works anymore. All I know is, it was a win for our fans.
ROBERT: I did not know the Emmys were even on a few Sunday nights ago until I got a text from Eddie Alderson (Ex-Matthew), telling me that Kristen Alderson (Ex-Starr, OLTL and GH, now Kiki, GH) had won! That is great! And I got a great picture of Eddie who looked like a movie star there! He had a tuxedo on, but he was wearing it the way you are supposed to wear a tux, with a tie! He looked great. I was texting him back as I was watching the NBA finals, so I never caught the Emmy telecast. I was trying to find a replay of it, but I guess I was too late.
So One Life fans, what do you think about Hillary’s speech to her cast mates and crew? Could you imagine having to say goodbye to One Life for a second time? How do you feel Bo and Nora have been written for thus far? What do you think about One Life’s loss at the Emmys … political as Hillary feels? Share your comments below!
They are both class acts!
I agree!
I didnt feel the labor dispute meant the end…just a delay. Also, you dont need an award to prove your a winner(but oltl still shouldve for that final year)…oltl has the support of its fans…its on the air again…its doing well proving it still has ‘life’ and the genre isnt dead…and so the winner is…oltl(and its fans too!)
Love Bo and Nora. So glad they’re back. When the reboot first aired I thought that they were not seen enough. When they were seen…for me they didn’t “feel” the same. I didn’t like Bo yelling…he was never that harsh on ABC. He was not warm…there was just something missing. Was disappointed in the writing for both of them.
But!!! Recently, as in maybe the last two weeks, they seem much like their “old selves.” The playfulness is back, the flirting, the sort of easy breezy rapport…the family feel with Nora’s attempted dinner with Destiny and Matthew.
I think it’s unfortunate. I’ve posted this before but I think the now-dismissed writers went about their initial storytelling the wrong way and caused a lot (not everyone…) but a lot of fan dissatisfaction with the writing. Shelter was over-emphasized, the cursing, the yelling, the disjointed segments, the lack of connection between characters who on ABC were close…the lack of reaction to Victor’s return.
In the past few weeks, it seems like it’s starting to gel. There’s more cast interaction, less Shelter, not as much swearing…and for me it feels more like the original. Clint is up to his old ways, Natalie is actually “feeling” and reacting rather than just rubbing up against Cutter (llove Cutter) and taking her clothes off. I’d like to see them together…but it just happened out of the blue.
I feel the writers went for the “here’s what we can do now online” instead of developing story at the beginning.
If it had started out the way the current episodes are running from day one I think there would have been less disappointment and much more enthusiasm from MOST as opposed to maybe half of the fans.
They’re on the right track now…but unfortunately the writers are out. I’m hoping that the new group on board can maintain and go beyond so that the old and new feel right for most. And now I feel bad for the fired writer….LOL..maybe he can contribute once they all get a feel for the direction…
I don’t even want to THINK about saying goodbye to these shows again….
The shows are not going anywhere. I’m not scared. I’m GLAAD!
Ditto!!!!!!
With anything in life, the worst can happen. But they are all professionals and they’ve been so gracious thus far with the fans. I just want OLTL and AMC to get nominated next year and win an Emmy or two just to shove it in ABC’s face!
And I love that Robert S. Woods and Eddie Alderson are still in touch. So adorable.
I’ve always felt that OLTL is extremely under appreciated when it comes to the Emmys. It has always had the strongest cast. I love the way characters develop. And story lines unfold beautifully. Each time a cast member wins an Emmy I am thrilled. I hope the show will take the top prize someday.
I feel the same way…
Michael you know OLTL is my 2nd family. When the news broke about the union mess I didn’t let it scare me. Kept my belief in them returning. Hillary did a wonderful thing saying bye after all they have been through with PP. I believe ABC has always played OLTL down. Several years OLTL was overlooked. I believe ABC for some reason has always pushed AMC & GH over OLTL & I just don’t know why. Cancelling our shows must have been in ABC plans for years. OLTL was still making money so they play them down ever if it meant DIRTY POLITICS. I still hate ABC.
ABC is garbage! I hope OLTL wins nt. time and that would really stick it to ABC!
I agree ABC stinks!!
Sucks about the Emmys, it’s never been perfect but it’s gotten worse probably the last decade.
I agrre. I rememeber much better daytime emmy’s years ago..And OLTL won those years ago(for one Erika Slezak)! Don’t care for the emmy’s lately…
Yeah those were the days!
Loved this;
”’HILLARY:
Politics are huge when it comes to Emmy s. I don’t think One Life to Live had any political support when it comes to winning an Emmy. As a matter of fact, if it had won Outstanding Drama Series that would have been a kind of … ahem… awkward moment for ABC. ”’
——-
It is very close as to what I have thought for past years, and I am happy someone actually told told it like it is..
The awards are network Politics ..
Love the two of them.
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: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’
‘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
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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