Breaking News
‘Ryan’s Hope’ Favorite Michael Levin Dead at 90
The heartbreaking news of the passing of beloved soap opera stars continues. Now comes word that Michael Levin, who played the fiery ace reporter with a heart of gold, Jack Fenelli, on Ryan’s Hope has passed away.
Levin died on January 6th at the age of 90 at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York. Michael’s son, Jason Levin told The Hollywood Reporter of his father’s death.
What made Michael so endearing to Ryan’s Hope fans was not only his exceptional performances as Jack, but that he was with the show from the very beginning, and all the way to its end – a total of 13 years. Ryan’s Hope aired on ABC from July of 1975 to its final episode on January 13th, 1989.
According to IMDb. Levin appeared in 1,074 episodes and only Helen Gallagher (ex-Maeve), Bernie Barrow (ex-Johnny) and Nancy Addison (ex-Jillian) appeared more often.
Michael was nominated three years in a row for the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series at the Daytime Emmys from 1978-80.
Photo: ABC
Along with Kate Mulgrew (ex-Mary), Levin was part of Ryan’s Hope first and most prominent and memorable supercouple of Mary and Jack. In a highly-awaited soap wedding back in 1976, Jack and Mary tied the knot on location at St. Benedict the Moor Church on Manhattan’s West Side.
Year later, in the final episode of Ryan’s Hope, Jack remarried Leigh Kirkland played by Felicity LaFortune. In fact, Kate Mulgrew returned for the series finale as the ghost of Mary in a voice-over, speaking to Jack from heaven.
Courtesy/ABC
Throughout his career, Levin appeared on two other soap operas, As the World Turns in the role of John Eldridge and All My Children as Dr. Tim Gould. Michael also appeared on the Broadway stage including three plays in 197o’s: Tennessee Williams’ Camino Real with Al Pacino, Sam Shepard’s Operation Sidewinder with Garrett Morris, and Bertolt Brecht’s The Good Woman of Setzuan with Colleen Dewhurst.
Photo: ABC
Levin is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, sons Jason and Aaron, and grandchildren Veronica and Nico.
Share your remembrances and condolences for one of the finest actors to grace the daytime screens, Michael Levin, via the comment section. But first, check out Mary and Jack’s wedding and the final episode of ‘Ryan’s Hope’ below.
Ironic that I was just watching an episode of Ryan’s Hope that featured his character. Rest-in-peace.
Remembering this very special actor who made us all feel special every time we watched an episode of Ryan’s Hope. I remembered taking a vacation day from work so I could say goodbye to this series final episode. Michael Levin forever in the hearts of his fans. Praying for his family.
Ryan’s Hope was a special daytime drama. I loved that New York City feel. Wonderful, and much credit for that goes to Mr. Levin.
I was not a regular Ryan’s Hope viewer but saw episodes from time to time. I always taught he was great as Jack. He and Kate Mulgrew were unforgettable together. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Thank you Mr. Levin for sharing your wonderful talent with all of us. May you rest in peace.
My heart is . I only watch Ryan’s Hope because of Michael Levin. Praying for his family. He will never be forgotten.
Loved his performance on Ryan’s Hope.
I wish you wouldn’t use click bait words like “heartbreaking”, “tragic”, “devastating” etc when an elderly person dies of natural causes. Of course it is sad when anyone passes away, but when a person has led a full and productive life, and now they are at peace, that is not tragic or heartbreaking. Many of these people were suffering or ill for prolonged periods of time. Many times it is a blessing. By all accounts, a person who lives until the age of 90 and then passes away leaving a legacy and a family is a a very heartwarming thing.
I am not trying to diminish anyone’s sadness, or tears. These actors are real people with family and friends who are in mourning. They do not need to be reminded how tragic and sad and heartbreaking the death is. They are living it.
I wish you would write your pieces more like a newspaper obituary. They tend to write their pieces as more a celebration of the person’s life. They remind us of their family members, their life accomplishments, and what they loved. They don’t dwell on the negative, or reinforce heartbreak or misery. Sometimes with the word or stylistic choices you use when an actor passes away, it feels like you want to emotionally force people into focusing on the sadness and death, rather than the positive and the life.
I love your site, and I hope you take this in the spirit it is intended. As viewers, we don’t know these actors personally. We know characters they portrayed, which are fictitious and not real. They entertained us for a time. We have our memories of them, and that is how we will remember them. Thanks for listening.
Janina
What you said was wonderful, thoughtful and true. Being 90 myself, I feel the same way. Why can’t we just be happy they led a good life if that was true and let it be a blessing ,if it wasn’t. Birth and death are facts of life to celebrate and grieve, not all the drama given when it’s over.
He was so solid as Jack on Ryan’s Hope and a darn good actor with charisma and sex appeal.
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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