News
Robin Strasser on her early OLTL exit & how Dorian leaves Llanview and if she would return!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Daytime Emmy award winning actress Robin Strasser (Dorian) of One Life to Live discusses with TV Guide many questions that fans have wanted to know and to understand since last May when Robin told ABC she’d needed to exit OLTL early to deal with a severely bad back that’s plagued her for years. Strasser was hoping a schedule could be worked out where she would be seen on air through the fall, closer to the end of OLTL’s network television run. However, Strasser has said that the ABC network abruptly gave her her walking papers as part of a major summer cast-cutting and budget measure.
In this very compelling interview, Strasser give her thoughts on what went down with OLTL, plus now that her medical treatment plan for her back has been altered, if she would entertain the thought of making some more appearances on the show before its conclusion, and then if she would move to the web with the series if asked to be part of the online version. Here are a few juicy excerpts!
Strasser on if OLTLcalled… would she be up for taping a return appearance before the shows network finale: “Since I am not going to be having an immediate surgery, if the show needed me and I can walk, I’d run to Llanview! If they want, they can consider me part of the recurring group. It’s a badge of honor as far as I’m concerned — that would put me in the company of the fabulous Ilene Kristen [Roxie] and Patricia Elliott [Renee]. I would have been fine about becoming Great Aunt Dorian with the hair and the clothes just getting flashier and crazier as the years go on. I really would! I just love that whole Cramer family of female energy and being a part of it. Just thinking about it, I get all crushy for it! I call myself “the team-playing diva” — an anomaly in some circles but not in my universe. There was a point, about a year and a half ago, where I even volunteered to go off contract and become recurring.”
Strasser on how Mayor Doriane exits Llanview: “She’s going to become a United States senator. They have her being appointed by the governor and going to Washington to replace the current senator who is caught in a scandal. They wanted to do the old thing about the men’s room and the tapping foot and I said, “I will not!” It was in the middle of the Weiner thing, so I said, “Make it a sexting scandal.” I just wasn’t going to do the bathroom thing. [Laughs] I think they were, like, “She’s on her way out. We’re not going to argue with her.” So it was changed. They also say Dorian will be running for the dethroned senator’s seat in November… apparently without a primary. Hey, I just say the words! Mine was not to question why, mine was to do it and die! [Laughs] It’s okay. It’s nice to know that, at least forensically, Dorian is still alive. Did I ever tell you about the time [former OLTL executive producer] Paul Rauch thought Elaine Princi was practically my lookalike twin and told me to my face — to my face! — “They are going to forget all about you, Robin! I have found a woman to replace you!”
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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Thanks for posting the link, Michael. Very interesting interview. Well, Paul Rauch–You were WRONG! I recall EP in the role of Dorian Lord and not to take away from the actress but I really missed Strasser as Dorian. She leaves a strong impression. Frank Valentini has been known to work magic with his budget. Since presumably they had budgeted for her to stay through the end of the show, It seems only logical that she return since she no longer needs the immediate surgery. OLTL just isn’t OLTL without Dorian Lord as played by Robin Strasser. If FV for some unknown reason can’t get it together this is a REQUEST to Prospect Park to get us our Dorian back!
she is a hoot
I love me some Dorian!! LOL
There is nobody like her, please Frank and Ron bring her back somehow.
Robin Strasser is awesome. Her Dorian is a delicious blend of good and bad. She is as vital to the pulse of this show as any character. It is a shame that the headwriter and producer fail to recognize or care about the brilliant gem they had in their midst. Fans of OLTL knew it.
In his interview, Ron Carlivati claims Rama and Vimal are popular. Okay. Then he must recognize that RS’s Dorian is immensely popular and has enthralled, angered, and entertained viewers for decades. With that knowledge, penning such a terrible exit is astounding. A possible Senate seat and David and Dorian compromise –to what end? Another break-up or separation? No happy ending or promise of love and romance, just another David rejection or flight for something else? Really?
Dorian languished whenever David took flight; RS had no story until TW returned. Now after chaining her for years to only David, they end them as she leaves? Too late. This show should have invested the same time, care, thought as that of a fan. This is especially true if they foolishly fail to bring RS back for the finale (they will certainly bring back David).
Soaps are at their core about love. Dorian should leave on the arm of a man who loves her (how about Mel, Herb, or even Ray) and leave town for a reason that makes sense in the midst of her Cramer women Todd crisis. Dorian fans deserved a happy ending.
At any rate, thank you to Ms. Strasser for the decades of fun, tears, and entertainment. Hopefully this wrong will be righted and RS returns for the final months.
Paul Rauch is an idiot, To me, Robin Strasser is the one and only Dorian. She is irreplaceable.
Ha – no one can replace you Robin.
I do hope that you can return before the end….maybe for the TV finale…
and then for some web shows.
I love your spirit.
robin you ARE dorian! i pray they bring you back to llanview!!
Robin Strasser is the quintessential Dorian in the same way Andrea Evans is the ultimate Tina. That said, Elaine Princi did a fine job in the role of Dorian at a time when Robin Strasser did not make herself available to play the part. ABC treated Elaine horribly in the way she was fired so that Robin could return during Linda Gottlieb’s tenure as executive producer. The least ABC could have done was to give Elaine another role on another ABC series. She’s a lovely woman and a talented actress who got short-shrifted in every respect. I wish only the best for both women.
Dorian and Viki have been the heart and soul of OLTL for decades. I can’t stand to think about Robin’s absence after August 25. Robin, you have provided such satisfying entertainment and incredible performances, thank you. You are so loved and will be so missed.
There is only one Dorian and there will only ever be one Robin Strasser! I hope everything works out for her back and that she rejoins the cast on the new online network. She is the reason I watch OLTL.
Robin (Dorian)
I am 62 years old & have watched OLTL since the first day it came on– always arranging my lunch hour to be home in front of my TV or in later years recording every show! You have always been my favorite actor on the show–even when they tried to fill in with someone else, it never worked and I hated them– they were not Dorian (you)! I just wanted to tell you without “Dorian” the show is already over! I wish you all the best — and if OLTL goes to the web, I will follow. Just one question, I have always wanted to know–do you really speak French?
I am a 44 year old male Family Practice Physician. When I was about 4 years old I started watching the Soaps while my Mother ironed (back then you could let a 4 yo watch the soaps!) . Dorian Lord Riley …etc ….became one of my favorite characters as a kid (which means Robin must have only been about 2yo at the time!). I have never stopped pausing to watch the show in my office or the hospital if Dorian is on…particularly if Vickie is there too! I am glad the Tina, Cord and Jessica are back, but I just cannot imagine OLTL ending without Robin Strasser there. I’d really love to see her back for an amazing Dorian Swansong! We love you Robin!!
Well, let’s see,its been two years, OLTL is BACK and Robin with it, and that bag of dirt Paul Rauch is well,how shall I put it, roasting in hell. I never cared for the way Elaine Princi copied Robin’s performance rather than bringing something new to the role. I always figured she was under order’s to do this, but it showed a lack of ability and integrity as an artist. I think it’s interesting to note that when Robin took off for California she found a lot of work to keep her busy, and Elaine, well, not so much. Poor Elaine. Whenshe got dumped she complained to the soap press that she was stabbed in the back, was lied to and mislead. Ironic considering she was on TV several hundred times a day all over the county assuring us all that she knew everything that was going to happen to her before it happened because she talked to her Psychic Friend every day. The Psychic friends Network canned her ass after that even faster than ABC when Robin wanted to come back east.