All My Children
Prospect Park's Jeff Kwatinetz and Rich Frank Red Carpet Premiere Video Interview!
Courtesy/TOLN
The men of the hour at last week’s exclusive premiere of the first episodes of All My Children and One Life to Live, were clearly Prospect Park’s Jeff Kwatinetz and Rich Frank. Through their unique vision of how to revitalize and bring the iconic soaps into a new platform, Jeff and Rich have been heralded by the industry and their colleagues for their relentless efforts in the face of much adversity to bring to the fans the return of two soaps that were gone too soon, when ABC made that fateful decision to cancel both shows in 2011.
In a night of celebration, Jeff and Rich walked the red carpet premiere arrivals and TOLN & Michael Fairman caught up with them to find out their thoughts as they were about to show to the attendees for the first time the initial episodes of AMC and OLTL. As Jeff and Rich related, getting to this point was not an easy task, but as Kwatinetz says, “Passion is what got us here!”
During the interview, Michael asks the duo their thoughts on the caliber of actors and performances they have gotten to see up close and personal, when often times Hollywood looks down on soap actors, to which Rich Frank replied, “It wasn’t chic in Hollywood to say that actors who worked in this medium were of the same caliber. And I can tell you from working every day with them, that they are every bit as good as anybody who is doing primetime, and I’ve done it for as many years as these shows have been on the air. They are really, really artists in what they do, and we so appreciate what they have done.”
For the entire playlist of 32 interviews from the red carpet visit the TOLN Soaps You Tube Channel and look for the premiere red carpet videos with Michael Fairman! Now after the jump, watch Jeff and Rich’s premiere video interview, and then let us know what you thought of it!
All My Children
All My Children Alum Ben Jörgensen Reportedly Dead At 51
According to his former All My Children castmate, Brian Gaskill. there is sad news in the soap world today. Ben Jörgensen who played Kevin on All My Children and Chris on As the World Turns passed away on Tuesday at the age of 51, apparently via suicide, although unconfirmed as to his cause of death.
Gaskill, who played Bobby Warner while in Pine Valley shared via his Instagram: “Sad news to report. Ben Jörgensen who played Kevin Sheffield on All My Children has past away at 51 years old. My understanding is it was suicide. I have heard he suffered from Bipolar disorder but as I have not spoke to him in years I do not know all the details. I just want to remember the good times we had on the set of All My Children 24 years ago. He was a good guy and had the courage to play a gay teenager on tv back when it was nowhere near as common to have representation as it is today. He was part of an award winning storyline…but mostly we just had some good times back then…my condolences go out to his friends and family. Please everybody hang in there and reach out for help if you need it. ”
Since the time of Brian’s posting, friends, colleagues and fans have been posting tributes and condolences on the actor’s Facebook page. You can view that here.
In this heartbreaking photo below from Steven Bergman, during his time on As the World Turns, Ben is pictured with the late Nathaniel Marston, as well as Jaime Nicole Dudney and Terri Conn.
Photo: StevenBergman
On All My Children, Ben was part of the important social issue storyline brought into the ABC legacy soap opera by the iconic Agnes Nixon, who was always trying to move the needle forward in daytime, as the character of Kevin was a gay high school student facing bullying, ridicule and discrimination for his sexuality.
Share your thoughts on the passing of Ben via the comment section below.
All My Children
Hallmark Channel’s ‘Home & Family’ Returns to Production For Ninth Season; Premiere Date Revealed
All My Children
Michael B. Jordan Pays Tribute To Chadwick Boseman: “Since Nearly The Beginning Of My Career, Starting with All My Children When I was 16 Years Old You Paved The Way For Me”
Following the news of the tragic death of now motion picture icon, Chadwick Boseman late Friday, tributes and sentiments have poured in from celebrities, politicians and fans from all across the world.
Chadwick Boseman passed away late last week at the age of 43 from colon cancer – a battle he kept silent about for the last four years of life.
Photo: JPI
No one could be more intertwined with Boseman’s career than that of his fellow Black Panther star, Michael B. Jordan. For Jordan took over the role of Reggie Porter on All My Children from Boseman after the late actor lasted one week, following standing up to, and addressing concerns, of racial stereotypes in the way that the part was written. Reggie was introduced to Pine Valley as a gang member in 2003. As previously reported it was Boseman who helped the soap opera improve the role that Jordan took over with some recommendations.
Now Michael B. Jordan has written a heartfelt remembrance of Chadwick that he shared on his Instagram, and what he has meant to his life, including how he showed him how to be better, to honor purpose and create legacy.
Read below Michael’s post:
“I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything.
I wish we had more time.
One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness.
I wish we had more time.
Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family , your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here.
I wish we had more time.
I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother.”
What do you think of Michael’s tribute to Chadwick and how they have been interconnected dating back to 2003 and All My Children? Comment below.
Tom Pelphrey Set As Series Regular For Amazon’s Mystery Drama ‘Outer Range’
‘This Is Us’ Preview: Kevin Drops Baby Bombshell On Toby and Kate
The Bold and the Beautiful Celebrates Taping 100 Episodes Since Returning to Production Amidst COVID-19
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Thomas Gets Creepy As The Hope Mannequin Talks To Him
DAYS Alum Molly Burnett Promoted To Series Regular on ‘Queen of the South’
ABC Previews General Hospital’s Halloween Episode
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Chrishell Stause Shares & Performs Emotional Tribute To Her Late Parents
Kiara Barnes To Perform Her Original Song On The Bold and the Beautiful
As the World Turns Cast To Perform Virtual Reading Of Final Episode
Days of our Lives Returns To Production After Temporary Halt Amid COVID-19
James Scott Comments: “I Will Never. Never. Never. Never. Never, Go Back to Hollywood Let Alone DOOL”
ABC Previews General Hospital’s Halloween Episode
Marla Adams Talks Her Final Scenes As Dina Mergeron, The Alzheimer’s Storyline, and Her Touching Farewell
Gregory Harrison Is The New Gregory Chase On General Hospital
Kristian Alfonso Bids Farewell to DAYS as Final Episode Airs Today Sharing; “Thank YOU From The Bottom Of My Heart For Welcoming Me Into Your Homes All Of These Years”
GH’s Ingo Rademacher Shares Insight With His Son On Parenting & Anger On Maurice Benard’s “State of Mind”
Y&R’s Peter Bergman Talks On Dina’s Death & How It Will Impact Jack, His Final Scenes With Marla Adams & Taping During COVID-19
Judi Evans & Vincent Irizarry Set For Virtual Guiding Light Beth & Lujack Reunion
As the World Turns Cast To Perform Virtual Reading Of Final Episode
‘This Is Us’ Cast, Julianne Moore, Allison Janney & More Ask NBC To Move President Trump’s Town Hall Opposite Joe Biden’s To A Different Time Slot
GH’s Ingo Rademacher Shares Insight With His Son On Parenting & Anger On Maurice Benard’s “State of Mind”
Y&R Shares ‘Most Memorable Moments Of Dina Mergeron’: What Was Your All-Time Favorite?
‘The Bachelorette’ Releases Two-Minute Hot Mess Promo Ahead of Tonight’s Season Premiere
The General Hospital Promo Featuring The Arrival of Kim Delaney
‘Tiger King’s’ Carole Baskin Gets Emotional In ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Preview Leading Into Tonight’s Competition
WATCH: Ellen DeGeneres Address Toxic Workplace Issues & How She is a ‘Work in Progress’ in Talk Show Season Opener
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Anne Heche. Jesse Metcalfe & Chrishell Stause Make Their Ballroom Debuts; While Tyra Banks Bows As New Host
Chandler Massey & Freddie Smith Discuss Their Departure From DAYS, New Beginnings & WilSon’s Journey
WATCH: Matt Bomer & Tuc Watkins in Official Trailer for Netflix’s Film Adaptation of ‘Boys in the Band’
The Bold and the Beautiful Shows How They Shoot Scenes With Blow-Up Dolls & Mannequins On Access Hollywood
-
Days Of Our LivesOctober 14, 2020James Scott Comments: “I Will Never. Never. Never. Never. Never, Go Back to Hollywood Let Alone DOOL”
-
General HospitalOctober 20, 2020ABC Previews General Hospital’s Halloween Episode
-
InterviewsOctober 16, 2020Marla Adams Talks Her Final Scenes As Dina Mergeron, The Alzheimer’s Storyline, and Her Touching Farewell
-
General HospitalOctober 14, 2020Gregory Harrison Is The New Gregory Chase On General Hospital
-
Days Of Our LivesOctober 14, 2020Kristian Alfonso Bids Farewell to DAYS as Final Episode Airs Today Sharing; “Thank YOU From The Bottom Of My Heart For Welcoming Me Into Your Homes All Of These Years”
-
General HospitalOctober 18, 2020GH’s Ingo Rademacher Shares Insight With His Son On Parenting & Anger On Maurice Benard’s “State of Mind”
-
InterviewsOctober 19, 2020Y&R’s Peter Bergman Talks On Dina’s Death & How It Will Impact Jack, His Final Scenes With Marla Adams & Taping During COVID-19
-
Guiding LightOctober 15, 2020Judi Evans & Vincent Irizarry Set For Virtual Guiding Light Beth & Lujack Reunion
We owe them such a debt of gratitude for bring it back as a winner. I cannot imagine my life without Erica Slezak’s Vicki. I was raised on her.
My hat is off to both these men for believing in the project and making it happen. They are bold innovators. Both shows are first rate, top notch productions. Thank you gentlemen for giving back our beloved shows.
These two men are heros – to us fans, what they have done says they believe in all soaps – not just the ones they persevered to bring back. The quality of what’s on TV and online these days and the people behind them seems to be in the soaps. The passion of the producers, the actors and the fans… You don’t hear of that being the case with the plotless reality TV that’s taken over or all the violent “crime dramas” that run rampart on primetime.
I want to have Jeff’s love babies… he is just so dreamy. Seriously, it’s a dream having OLTL back, and I’m now a first time AMC watcher as well
So much gratitude and thanks to both these men.
I HAVE SUCH GRADITUTE TO THEM FOR BRINGING MY FAV SOAP AND TREVOR ST JOHN BACK.
Kudos to these two. Just love watching my favorite show OLTL.
I cannot thank PP enough for bringing back my shows. They mean the world to me. I will watch everyday. Many thanks for their vision.
To Jeff and Rich: HERO’S Many thanks for your hard work and dedication to breath life back into this project. ” Where there is a will, there is a way”. And……, you certainly had the ” will ” to find ” the way “. Here’s to wishing you all the creativeness that you can dream up for many juicy storylines for your hopefully long future, which someday I hope to find myself visiting. Blessings be unto you. All The Best, 1loveabcsoaps. PS> Um….people. There should be allot of comments on this board, praising these men, because when they were trying… Read more »
Ty,ty,ty,ty. Oh did I say TY PP! It’s almost purrrfect. Now if you could just find a way to get Alicia Minshew back full-time. In time to get rid of Lea and claim back her man Zach! Zendall will always rule. Their is no other for these two. Zach told Kendall she had his heart. No one will ever forget that. Kendall told Zach she would never let them fall apart again. Now divorced? Give me a break! It would never, never ,ever happen. Please re-unite the super couple of the century!!! Zendall fans are in agony every where and… Read more »