As The World Turns
P&G spokesperson Tharrington:"P&G wanted to keep ATWT on the air for another year but CBS canceled it!"

Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Jeannie Tharrington, Proctor and Gamble Spokesperson out of Cincinnati, where the P&G headquarters is located, had this to say in a new article out today on Cincinnati.com about the end of As the World Turns historic run, P&G getting out of the soap business, and that the company had hoped that ATWT had a few more years left before it was taken off life-support.
Tharrington stated: “The world has changed radically since “The World” started spinning stories in 1956 sponsored by Oxydol or Duz detergents. Not only are a lot of women not home anymore, there’s also competition from cable, DVRs and online videos like YouTube. We’re certainly proud of As The World Turns. The legacy soaps that got us into production created a chance for us to do other shows. P&G wanted to keep As The World Turns on the air for another year or two, but CBS canceled it. P&G tried to move the show to another network, cable, syndication or online without success.”
Marie Masters who has played Susan Stewart for 40 years, and is a native of Ohio, had this to say about the sadness she feels in her heart with the end of the series this week: “As The World Turns ends with main character Dr. Bob Hughes (Don Hastings) retiring. The taping was chaotic and crazy. People were crying and laughing and breaking down. They respected the format. I liked that. Life in Oakdale goes on. But there will never be closure. It’s heart-breaking that they (P&G) are out of the business.”
Now that P&G is officially out of the soap game it has shifted pursuit of consumers to producing quarterly family movies on NBC with Walmart; working with producer America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) on MTV’s new “Pedro & Maria” telenovela; producing the “People’s Choice Awards”; and making “My Black Is Beautiful” for BET. P&G has produced more than 50 TV movies and miniseries, plus “Circus of the Stars” and other specials.
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“As The World Turns” ends with main character Dr. Bob Hughes (Don Hastings) retiring. The taping was “chaotic and crazy. People were crying and laughing and breaking down,” Masters said.
“They respected the format. I liked that. Life in Oakdale goes on,” Masters said. “But there will never be closure. It’s heart-breaking that they (P&G) are out of the business.”
As The World Turns
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68

UPDATED: Heartbreaking news to report this Sunday evening, July 13. Two-time Daytime Emmy nominee and beloved soap veteran and television actor Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery, As the World Turns) has died at the age of 68.
Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Bryce’s longtime friend and former co-star announced his death via her Facebook under an hour ago (in a post that has now been deleted, but see below). Arnaz expressed, “a wonderful actor, a beautiful man and a terrific husband and father, Scott Bryce, passed tonight. I am going to miss his eyes, his smile, his wit, his brain, his intelligence, his talent, his bravery, his laugh and his hugs. Dearest Jodi, dear Jackson, he’s watching over you now from a place of pure joy and will always be your guide. But, I hate these goodbyes. Rest in peace you marvelous, magnificent man”.
Previously, Bryce was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal and stomach cancer back in October of 2024. He had credited early detection as a vital part of his journey. He had underwent medical treatment and had since reported being “on the mend.”

Photo: JPI
SCOTT BRYCE’S RUN AS CRAIG MONTGOMERY WAS MEMORABLE
However, Lucie Arnaz shared on her Facebook post in the comment thread section when asked, that Scott’s cancer had returned. She has appeared in two projects with Bryce, the Indie film, The Pack and the TV series, Sons and Daughters.
Jackson Bryce, Scott’s beloved son, shared a beautiful tribute to his father after his passing on his Instagram where he shared that, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”
Scott was the son of actor Ed Bryce, who was best-known for his role on the soaps as Bill Bauer on Guiding Light from 1959 to 1983. On As the World Turns, Scott had a significant run as Craig Montgomery, and at one point was initially paired on-screen with Meg Ryan (ex-Betsy Stewart). Bryce had appeared on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008.
AS THE WORLD TURNS CO-STAR PAYS TRIBUTE
On As the Word Turns, Scott’s on-screen romance was with Finn Carter, who played Sierra Esteban was a fan favorite for longtime viewers.
Carter expressed her grief on Instagram following the news of Bryce’s passing sharing, “My sadness knows no bounds. My gratitude for Scott knows even fewer. Scott was the best husband a woman could ask for. As an actor he was fearless, kind, generous and forever looking for ways to grow. And what a sense of humor! It is so difficult to write this as I can not stop crying . Scott , you were a gift that I did not deserve and one the world was freely given . All of my love to you – ah, just can’t stop crying. See you soon ( not too soon) and look forward to recalling our days on As The World Turns . You patiently taught me so much . XO”
It was during his initial run that Scott received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as the manipulative Craig Montgomery. Bryce was nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in both 1986 and 1987.
Bryce exited ATWT in February of 2008 and by December of that year, Jon Lindstrom, (Beyond the Gates, General Hospital) was brought in as the final Craig from 2008-2010 as the soap went off the air. Over the years, Hunt Block and Jeffrey Meek also played the role of Craig.
FROM OAKDALE TO PRIMETIME
In addition, Scott appeared in numerous episodic comedy and drama series throughout his career with roles in: Murphy Brown, The Facts of Life, ER, Law & Order, Reba and Sex and the City and Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Homeland, 30 Rock to name but a few. On the soaps, Bryce also appeared on One Life to Live in the role of a psychiatrist, Dr. Ed Crosby, from 2006-2007.
Scott is survived by his wife Jodi Stevens and their son, Jackson.
Michael Fairman TV will bring you further updates on this developing story.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Scott Bryce via the comment section below. But first check out these scenes featuring Scott in moments from As the World Turns with Cady McClain and Marie Wilson.

Photo: LArnaz Facebook
As The World Turns
‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Alum, Colleen Zenk Arrested for Third DUI Since 2010

UPDATED: Fan favorite, Colleen Zenk (ex-Barbara, As the World Turns, ex-Jordan, The Young and the Restless) found herself in trouble with the law when she was arrested for a DUI in Naples, Florida near where she lives.
The incident took place back on May 15 at 7:35 pm, when the actress was charged with a DUI resulting in damage to property or person of another with a with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher, above the legal limit of 0.08. Both misdemeanors carry a bond of $1,000.
Soap Opera Network was the first to report the news after they had obtained records from County Sheriff’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office in Collier County.

Photo: JPI
Zenk posted bond on May 16, 2026, and court date that was set for June 10, 2026. Although she did not appear in person at the hearing after filing a Waiver of Appearance at Non-Mandatory Court Appearances, she pled not guilty through her attorney, with a continuance scheduled for July 29, 2026, for pre-trial.
Now, according to PEOPLE.com, Zenk’s attorney shared on June 30, “The charges are being defended. Ms. Zenk has not been convicted of anything. The truth will be played out in court.”
According to the arrest report, a witness told deputies they saw Zenk backing out of a handicap parking space near a Tommy Bahama store when her vehicle struck another parked car. The same witness alleged Zenk continued moving after the collision before being stopped a short distance away and claimed she appeared unsteady after exiting her vehicle.
In addition, after Zenk greed to perform field sobriety exercises, the arresting officer notated that Zenk showed multiple signs of impairment, including balance issues, swaying and difficulty following instructions.

Photo: JPI
PREVIOUS DUI TROUBLE
This is not the first time Colleen has been arrested for DUI. This is her third. She was first arrested in April 1, 2010, when she was pulled over by police in Wilton, Connecticut, for erratic driving and crossing into the oncoming lane of traffic, resulting in charges of DUI and improper lane usage. The second time was back on May 28, 2017. Zenk was charged with a DUI, marking her first offense and arrest in Collier County.
Zenk made her daytime debut as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns in 1978 and remained with the series until its final episode in 2010. Viewers will recall, Barbara dancing with Henry Coleman (Trent Dawson) to “Last Dance” in the finale.
Along the way, Colleen earned three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for taking the once girl to a bad girl and eventually a fully evolved character. Then in November of 2023, Colleen made her triumphant return to daytime as the villainous and oft-kilter, Jordan Howard who had more than nine lives! The character was eventually killed off in 2025.
Jordan was the creation of departing head writer, Josh Griffith, who has brought Zenk and Hayley Erin as “Claire” to Y&R to shake things up for the Newmans.
Share your thoughts on the latest DUI charges for Colleen Zenk via the comment section below. Do you hope she gets the opportunity to appear on another soap? Let us know.
As The World Turns
ATWT Alum Martha Byrne Pays Tribute to Eileen Fulton: “The Original Soap Star Who Paved the Way for the Likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans”
Tributes and remembrances are pouring in for the the late Eileen Fulton, who passed away on July 14th at the age of 91. Fulton broke the soap opera mold back in the early 60’s when she was cast to play Lisa Miller on As the World Turns, who would turn out to be the first villiainess, vixen, and homewrecker of daytime television.
Fans of the soap loved to love to hate her for how she destroyed many lives in her quests to nab a husband; especially one she had set her sights set on. In fact, Lisa was married 8 times during the history of the show. Fulton was with ATWT on and off until the final year of the show in 2010.
Martha Byrne, who has been Fulton’s castmate for a time (Bryne played Lily Snyder from 1985 to 1989 and then again from 1993-2008 where she also played Rose D’Angelo), took to her account on x to share her thoughts on what Eileen meant to the genre, and also spoke on how Fulton handled not being as front and center on the soap operas as the years went by.

Photo: JPI
“What can I say about Eileen Fulton. The original soap star who paved the road for the likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans,” began Bryne. “Since Eileen started on ATWT when the show was live, there aren’t enough pieces of history for us to truly grasp the enormity of her stardom and presence in the entertainment business. I remember being so impressed that she was a writer. The best part was she would use real stories from behind the scenes and change the names. Maybe that was her way of giving the audience a wink to include them even more.”

Photo: CBS
Bryne went to share, “She (Eileen) loved her fans and she had many. I went to her one woman shows and the place was always packed. As the years went on and her role wasn’t as prominent as it had been she took it with class. I never heard her complain as many did who were frustrated they didn’t have a storyline. She was always a class act and a true pro who knew a storyline or another opportunity was only around the corner. She knew her value and was secure in herself. A national treasure who shaped the entire industry. Thank you Eileen. I’m sure there was a pink feather boa waiting for you just inside the pearly gates.”
So, what did you think about the sentiments shared by Martha on the legendary Eileen Fulton? Would you agree, as we have previously noted, that Lisa as played by Eileen, was really the prototype for all soap opera “bad girls” to follow? Did you appreciate the fact that while having a more diminished role over the last few decades of ATWT, Eileen took it in stride? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
What can I say about Eileen Fulton. The original soap star who paved the road for the likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans. Since Eileen started on ATWT when the show was live there aren’t enough pieces of history for us to truly grasp the enormity of her stardom and presence… pic.twitter.com/bN3skb2Rws
— Martha Byrne (@MarthaByrne10) July 20, 2025
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I am sorry but I do NOT believe the P&G statement. The spokesperson made a similar comment when the taping ending that the company had made a thorough and exhaustive effort to find a home for it. I read this and other sites and as well as message boards for months following the cancellation decision and never saw ONE thing suggesting that P&G was doing anything to try to find another spot for ATWT. I do remember reading one comment from a P&G official that the day of the soaps was over.
If the company wanted out of the business (which appears to be the case), I would prefer if they simply just said that and not make after-the-fact statements like this that are not supported by past events. Kim Zimmer remarked after GL was cancelled that she believed P&G wanted out of the soap business. I am beginning to think she was right.. Personally, I view these throw away comments by P&G officials that they wanted to keep the show on the air as inaccurate and insulting.
I’ll never understand why P&G just didn’t sell ATWT. The show had been on 54 years and, while no longer a powerhouse, it still had some value. Someone somewhere would have bought the show at a great price and, with some vision and changes, could have made some money off of it.
I’m with you Brock! P&G wanted out and they just got out–no ifs, ands or buts. I was a pre-teen when I joined my mom in watching this soap (along with Valiant Lady, Search for Tomorrow and Guiding Light) when they first appeared at 15-min intervals–LIVE!! I was enamored for years after that LOL! When the soaps went to 30 min, LIVE, well that truly was a treat beyond compare. It’s when they were expanded to the 1-hour format that things began to get messy. Then there was a soap on from Noon til 4…those were the days! Then we had the primetime soaps join in the foray; however, before too much time had passed, the cancelations began. Since I’m not a talk-show fan, a reality enthusiast, nor a cook-show person, guess I’ll be spending more time at the bingo hall! LOL!
As we all know that’s a bunch of bullshit. It was there dream to get out of soaps. They slowly down size and dumb size there soaps so much in hopes fans would turn be turned off. They have succeed. A slow and painful death.
CBS wanted to buy the rights back in ’96 when ATWT & GL were still profitable. But P&G said no.
i always thought if the show was moved to evening on cable, bravo ,etc. it might have had a chance.P&G says they tried and there were no takers.That really is sad because a lot of the shows on are sleazy and disgusting.A lot of the Reality shows are not watchable…the Jersey Shore, Housewives of NJ,The kardashians, and so many more.Of course we still have some great reality like Top Chef,etc. but so much on TV is not watchable at least not to me.But somebody’s watching, and what does that say about us?ATWT always had a core of decency, even with all the trials and tribulations many of the characters went threough.I’ll be hard pressed to find something to watch with my Grandchildren besides cartoons…maybe Jeopardy.Not much because it’s all about swearing, dressing like the corner hooker,and having no respect for anything.So sad that this show is ending …I think I’ll be spending more time in the library.
What really pisses me off is that the actress that currently plays Lily was will to step aside. But old Gouty said no. She is fine actress, but just want Martha back. Now who would do that.
I’ll tell you ‘who’ would do that. A man who ran our beautiful show into the ground by forgetting the ‘fans’ are what kept the show on the air for so long. He did everything in his power during his ‘reign’ over ATWT to destroy our lovely show. He took away the family connections, the gatherings, the bonds that made ATWT stand out from every other soap on TV. His decisions were poorly made and for his own personal reasons–NOT for the fans. That’s what killed it.
I can’t help but think that shows that are gone now (ATWT, GL) will re-surface in some way in the future. It’s an exciting time with the different vehicles that exist for telling stories – the web, YouTube, mobile devices, etc.
we’ll see what happens. look at all the prime time shows that have gone away and then, years later, come back. it’s food for thought.
When the Guiding Light went off the air I was so sad as though I lost my BFF. Now that As The World Turns is leaving I feel like they have forgotten about all the Grandma’s who listened and watched these soap’s.. My husband ‘s mom came from Grmany she was a “war bride” and learned how to speak listening to soap operas on the radio and then watching them when they came to air on t.v….. It is soooooooooooo sad that they have just forgotten how many lives they have reached and just to through it away…..
Brock: I have friends that work for P&G, and from what I gather, their statement is true. If you want to be mad at someone, that someone should be Les Moonves, who wanted to take this show so that he could provide a vehicle for his wife, Julie Chen.
I loved the final show – I cried when Luke listened to Reid’s heart, and pretty much cried through the rest of the show. I loved the lighted, spinning globe at the end – proof that the world did not stop turning after all…we just aren’t privy to it’s effects any more.
perfectly stated. thank you. goutman and passanante destroyed the show. no question
perfectly stated. thank you. goutman and passanante destroyed the show. no question.
this should have been posted after snapegirls comment
It is not housewives that watch soaps anymore. It has not been that way for years. My friends and I grew up in the 70’s watching our shows with our Moms. As teens in the 80’s we taped our shows and watched them when we got home from school. We also taped soap weddings. My Mom let me stay home and tape Cruz and Eden’s wedding without commercials. As an adult through the 90’s and now my friends and I still tape and watch our shows. Now there is the ability to watch the episodes on-line, and DVR them.
We the fans are still here. I doubt the ratings system is accurate. All one has to do is see the love for the soaps on fb, twiiter, fan created web sites and fan posted soap clips on youtube. If there was some way to let all of us who continue to love our shows be counted AW, GL, ATWT would still be here. For now there is no way to count all of us, so the Networks can say the viewers are slipping.
Yes some of the shows have lost viewers, but not as many as have been reported. I do believe that each show needs to get back to basics. Days needs to make the Hortons the center of the show, bring back Marlena and get rid of many cardboard characters. GH needs to revolve around the hospital and the Quartermaine and end the Sonny crap. They all need to revolve around what made each show great. They all need to revolve around family, love romance, social storylines and humor, and good old fashioned conversation. Watching old episodes of RH on SN reminded me how a good conversation kept you glued to the TV and wanting more.
News flash CBS, NBC and ABC, if Daytime Soaps go, there is no reason to watch Daytime television. Do you really think anyone who has time during the day will watch TV? They will be Tweeting, FBing e-mailing Iming. Oh yes and watching soap clips on Youtube. Get a clue!!!!!!
ive watched gl/atwt i have watch them everyday since i was a child now i m 37 years old and my daughter that is 7 she watched them with me fear well to all hope to see you all on someday
I won’t be dvr’ng any daytime shows if the soaps go. The soaps are entertaining and give me a reason to “tune in tommorrw”. ATWT was my show. It was like watching family. I grew tired of a few plotlines, but I also get tired of the plotlines on those endless detective shows too. There is NOTHING new under the sun. Both GL and ATWT could have been saved in some form, even if it was just 5 minutes internet web series. CBS is going to wish they had shows that such devotion.
I just hope that they will consider putting out the shows on DVD’s or have some kind of tv special n the future to honor the PG soaps. As for the DVD (and books) on ATWT put me down. I’ll buy one (or two).
This is a bunch of crap. P&G is blaming CBS and Barbara Bloom is blaming P&G. One thing is for sure, I do remember reading an article where Les Moonves said that ATWT wasn’t special enough to be saved. Well it was very special to me as well as a lot of other fans. It can’t be replaced and should have never been cancelled. I don’t care what you put on your daytime schedule to relace it, I won’t be watching. This was a big mistake. You might not realize it now, but you will later on. “The Talk” isn’t going to be special either.
Everybody is putting the blame on everybody else.I wonder if we’ll ever know the whole truth.The writers are intimating that they didn’t have total control as to the luke reid love story.That could be…but even so , the ending was so awful and as a long time viewer made me have such unhappy memories, wheras if everyone (especially Reid and Luke)had a happily ever after I could have looked back on this wonderful show with only happy memories!
They did’nt try hard enough to save the World Turns and Guiding light