General Hospital
QUEENS OF DRAMA's Vanessa Marcil Chats On Girl's Throwing Drinks, Donna Mills & The Man In Her Life!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
When former General Hospital star Vanessa Marcil joined the cast of Pop’s reality series, Queens of Drama (Wednesdays 8PMET), her long time fans were stoked to get to see the woman who played the feisty Brenda Barrett on the ABC daytime drama series from1992- 1998, then returned in 2003 and won a Daytime Emmy for her work, and then returned one more time in 2010 for a longer stint, and followed that up with guest appearances in 2013 surrounding the GH Nurses Ball! Marcil also went on to star in the primetime drama series Las Vegas as Sam Marquez.
If you watched the first four episodes of Queens of Drama, you know that Vanessa along with Crystal Hunt, Lindsay Hartley, Hunter Tylo, and Chrystee Pharris are trying to come up with an idea to pitch to a television network for a new show using their soapy background and expertise. But, they have run up against and joined forces with the formidable Donna Mills, who doesn’t allow anything to get past her, and is trying to executive produce this all-girl creation and steer the gals in a certain direction.
Tonight on an all-new episode, the “Queens”, since Vanessa has made it clear she does not want to act in front of the camera in the girls production concept, but would rather remain behind-the-scenes, they had to Palm Springs for an outing and the drama ensues … and we finally get to the bottom of that promo where Vanessa looks to be the first girl to throw a drink! But where does it land?
Marcil sat down with On-Air On-Soaps to give us some insight into shooting the docu-series, the drama in front of the camera, and gives us the scoop on how her new fiancé, a police officer, swept her off her feet!
What was your overall takeaway from being part of Queens of Drama? Everyone is talking about the scene in the promos, where you get mad saying, “I don’t care what Donna wants” and then we see you throwing a drink. Can you elaborate?
Photo Credit: Twitter
VANESSA: I can tell you this: it was a hilarious good time, and just like with all jobs that I have had there are days when I wanted to punch somebody in the face. But just for the record: I don’t throw drinks on girls … and I don’t call girls, “bitches”. That is not my nature. I am not a mean girl. If you see me do anything, I would act more like a mob wife: punching someone in the face! (Laughs) I am saying this because everyone thinks in Queens of Drama I throw a drink at somebody, and I am saying for the record, I don’t throw a drink at anyone, and I don’t throw drinks at girls! There is one moment where I get pissed and I throw my drink off the table. Now if it was Brenda on GH, she might throw a dinner role at someone, or whatever. Someone tweeted, “Are you going to throw a dinner role at anyone, because Brenda threw one at Carly (Laura Wright)?” I enjoy stuff like that, because I think it’s very funny. Brenda thought that was hilarious! (Laughs) I mean, I would get into a fist fight with somebody if they really hurt someone I loved. All the other stuff is boring to me. I think it’s silly.
When you found out that the premise of the series is that they wanted these “Soap Queens” to create an original new show, and would collaborate to come up with a concept to pitch a network, did you like that part about it?
Courtesy/POP
VANESSA: Yes, and that was the whole pitch to us. I love docu-series, and behind the scenes stuff, and blooper reels. So it really was: you girls are going to get together and create a female production company and create a show and try pitching it – which means – it could happen, or could not happen. And you know me, I am a risk-taker and I love that. And that was a big appeal to me for being in this show – having that underdog feeling to it of: Can we actually pull this off … or, will we tragically fail?
There are some very controlling personalities amongst the women on Queens of Drama!
VANESSA: Halfway through I thought these girls are crazy, and I can’t work with them! I have had that feeling many times at work. You know what I mean? That’s the way you feel at times. It’s not that different than any job anyone has in the workplace. My sister is the CEO of a company and she said it’s the same thing in her work.
Had you ever watched Donna Mills as Abby Cunningham on Knots Landing? You have quite the interesting relationship with her on Queens of Drama!
VANESSA: No. I never watched Knots Landing, and that’s hilarious, and here is where there is six degrees of separation. Donna played my baby daddy’s (Brian Austin Green) mother on the show. I should at some point watch a clip that the two of them are in together. It would be cute to see. Now that I am in Queens of Drama with Donna, the two of them send love through me to each other.
You are now engaged! What about this guy (MC) worked for you to decide to accept his proposal?
Courtesy/POP
VANESSA: Yes, I am now engaged, and we are planning our wedding for next summer. For 20 years I never got married, and I was never the girl that wanted to, and then I decided to marry my last husband because I felt it was the right thing to do. I had known him for 12 years and it didn’t work out. And then I said to myself, “See, it’s not meant for me to be a married girl.” Maybe, I thought it wasn’t meant for me to fit into society like that, because I was thinking I should do this to fit into society! (Laughs) But now this happened! So, I learned to say, never say never about anything! Every time I say, “I’m not doing this. It’s not for me,” look at me now? I am now planning a wedding with an Iraq war vet who is a police officer! I have no secret message, or how you know this is how you know someone is the right one. I just know that when he asked me I genuinely wanted to say, “Yes!” He was on one-knee in his police uniform on the side of the road. I just knew that I meant it when I said, “Yeah! I would like to do this!” But again, who knows? It could turn out to be wrong again, but you got to trust your gut, and follow your heart, and when you fail you learn stuff from it.
And you met you man getting a speeding ticket?
VANESSA: Yes! He pulled me over. You will see more about that story coming up in a new project I am working on.
Courtesy/ABC
Finally, are you staying in touch with your General Hospital people: former cast and crew?
VANESSA: Oh, always! Are you kidding? I have stayed in touch with almost everyone I have worked with, and it’s really meaningful to me, and the best job I have ever had. I grew up in Indio, California working at a Wienerschnitzel, and I cannot believe that I am lucky enough to do this. It’s unreal to me.
So, what do you think about Vanessa on Queens of Drama? Are you enjoying watching how the story unfolds and the dynamics between the actresses? Share your thoughts below, but first watch the promo for tonight’s fifth episode via Pop!
Quit pissing around with this stuff and get your butt back on GH!
I know! I love her as Brenda so much! That show needs her back!
There is no room on GH for any more lead actresses who are over 40 with major storylines who receive a big paycheck to boot. It’s chock full of those kinds of characters. I never thought I would write this – but where is the younger generation on GH? Are TJ & Molly it? Maxie, Lulu, Dante, Michael – believe it or not, they are in their 30s. GH really needs some young adults with character. Kiki & Morgan aren’t cutting it for me. They are unemployed and stupid IMO.
She’s said she doesn’t want to be an actress right now
Thats sad to hear but she needs to me happy. Maybe someday.
I love Vanessa Marcil, she is a wonderful actress. Vanessa needs to come back on General Hospital as Brenda Barrett. I miss her so much. She looks very sexy with her glasses. LOL.
Ok, at first I bought the press that this was a documentary series, but it’s clearly a scripted series. Why are they not honest with the audience that we’re watching a scripted soap opera? In any case, I have been enjoying the show so far–especially Donna Mills.
I knew from the sneak peak it was a bunch of BS!
We need you back on G.H
It definitely comes across as a scripted series – what is the truth about it? I also want to know: do people seriously pitch a series without having worked out the characters, storylines, and even have at least one spec script? Bizarre…. and why, if this is supposed to be about girl power (or woman power) do they have a male showrunner? WTH? Donna Mills is coming across as pure evil – controlling, and infuriating – what’s up with her being “too busy” (???) to go to the Palm Springs meeting? WTH? Ridiculous! It’s my guilty pleasure show right now – it’s so ridiculous and fun fun fun!
I am having fun watching this show! Didn’t think I would like it but it has a very pleasant surprise.
like the show but like the fact that vanessa worked at my favorite fast food place ever der weinerschnitzel. best chili cheese dogs ever.
can’t say I care for donna mills, interesting to see joan Collins. don’t know the other women. hunter tylo – what in god’s name did she do to her face – just awful
Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.
However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).
From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).
In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.
So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?
Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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Breaking News4 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
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General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
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