News
Soap Stars Share Reaction And Devastation Over The Death Of Pop Icon George Michael
Photo: Reuters
Christmas Day 2016 will be remembered for yet another huge loss in pop culture and the music industry, in a year that has seen so many beloved public figures lives cut too short.
Late Sunday afternoon, the world learned of the death of pop icon, George Michael at the age of 53. The British singer, songwriter, musician, died of what at this point is said to be “heart failure”.
“It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period,” read a statement sent to USA TODAY by Michael’s London-based publicist, Connie Filippello.
The statement went on to say: “The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.” Michael died in Goring, England. His U.S. publicist, Cindi Berger told the Associated Press he had not been ill. The singer was a fierce champion of LGBT rights and came out in a now famous interview in 1998 on CNN.
The Grammy-winning star sold more than 100 million albums globally. George leaves behind an incredible body of work from his start with Wham to his solo career from: Father Figure to Freedom, to Careless Whisper to Everything She Wants, to Last Christmas to Faith, to Fast Love to One More Try, to Praying For Time and the incredible body of work in the albums: Listen to without Prejudice Pt 1, Older, and Faith, and those are just a small sampling of the songs and works of this artist’s legacy.
Several soap stars, upon learning of the death of George Michael, shared their shock and love for the artist via social media. Below are just a few examples:
Y&R’s Daniel Goddard: “George Michael has passed! Can all the horrible news from 2016 please just stop! #RIPGeorgeMichael #Legend” Then on an Instagram posted, Goddard shared: “Grew up with his music. Loved his lyrics. Was in awe of his voice. What a colossal loss. #RiPgeorgemichael”
DAYS Eric Martsolf: “Ahh dammit”.
Ex-GL, AMC and B&B star Ricky Paull Goldin: “Sad to hear about George Michael’s death. I actually wore out my FAITH album back in the day. He was a Big part of my youth. #RIPGeorge”
GH’s Rebecca Budig: “So sad. A part of my youth…RIP”
Other soap stars such as GH’s Finola Hughes and Laura Wright shared their grief over the loss by simply and effectively posting photos of Michael on Instagram. For Hughes, their was another connnection to George’s career. Her husbandm Russell Young, was the photographer of Michael’s Grammy-winning album cover and massive mainstream hit, Faith.
Let us know your reaction to the passing of George Michael, and your favorite song of his in the comment section below.
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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I first seen Wham on MTV-when MTV was all about music and was great-that channel sure went downhill…so many celebs passing away…On Dec.19th Dick Latessa passed away-he played Noel Douglas No.2 on Edge Of Night in the mid 1970s and was involved with the Whytney Family!!!
Too many songs to ban as my favorites. If I have to choose one, it would be “Cowboys and Angels”. I attended every one of his concerts in the tri-state area, the last being in 2008 when after surgery and in pain I attended his 25th Anniversary concert in what turned out to be the best concert ever! He was my favorite singer/performer and he will be missed. May he rest peacefully.
Sorry, that should read “name”, not “ban”.
George Michael was more than a pop icon. He had the voice, talent and skill to prove it on stage. So many people identify George as a “part of their youth” or a member of Wham but this man was a songwriter, could sing anything and was probably one of the most underrated talents that came from the 80’s pop world. George Michael was just fantastic. He will be sorely missed. RIP sweet man.
Beautiful so true
I agree with you Mateo. I loved him since I first saw him in Wham. The beginning of the ” boy bands “. I played his Faith album so many times, I still remember the order of the songs, and I can probably sing every one of them in my sleep. If you haven’t already, look up the song Somebody to Love by Queen on YouTube. George is singing lead with the original Queen band backing him, and not surprisingly he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Excellent performance in my opinion. Another wonderful talent gone way to soon. Take care and thanks for listening.
Beautifully said, Mateo and you too, Soapie. George Michael is possibly the only one who could do that song justice as no one could hit the notes the way Frerddy Mercury could.
I saw George in an interview and he said that while rehearsing this song that he had to start over and over because he kept breaking down in tears while singing the first line,”Each morning I get up and die a little.”
We know how you feel, George.
I just watched George Michael, 20/20
“Wham” : definition;
used to express the sound of a forcible impact.
“the bombs landed—wham!—right on target”
“solo acts” branch out to own… first thing that came to mind
from 20 he was a superstar
@26 he’s done with it
after his first solo album… “Faith” to his last… videos featuring female persuasion
he quit with honor… dang it took me this long… he quit and steadfasted for us
to the last.. “don’t let the sun… go down on me”
what a salute
I like this guy so much
@Addison
upon hearing… I went to Youtbe
knowing in my mindset, i’d recognize as soon as I saw it… “kissing a fool”
OMG
classic sophisticate
sophisticated baby
upon real
THANK YOU
i just don’t have any works right now – i am devastated right now……….
*words
Complete shock and disbelief when I saw that on the news feed last night.
Great voice ,great talent ….too young 🙁
Please say hello to Michael and Whitney for us, George. RIP
That was another shocker of a famous death this year. I really liked George Michael and Wham growing up. I had many of his albums and singles, in fact I just recently got spotify to have a large amount of music to listen to at work and I added a lot of George Michael and Wham to it the other day. RIP George.
Loved his music
Too much loss, what a miserable year. Especially for those of us who grew up in the 80’s, it feels like 2016 has been an all out assault on our youth. George Michael was a beautiful artist… I’ll never hear ”Last Christmas” the same way again. 🙁
I feel like I have been double sucker punched. I never expected the eternally boyish George Michael to die so young and I never expected it to hit me so hard.
He won my respect with “Kissing a Fool” which played on the television (which was always tunned onto MTV while I hit the books) in my studio apartment in SF back when I was a young undergraduate. I was not a fan of Wham at all so when I heard the throaty alto of the bass strum in conjunction with George Michael’s pitch perfect voice ,coupled with the visual of him filmed in black and white with a jazz quartet, I was like–who IS that?
That’s when he won me over and trust me, I am a really tough music critic.
“You are far, when I could have been your star.”
How can this be? And thank you for posting this, Mr Fairman.
Check the liner notes of your ‘Faith’ album. Finola posted the cover of the ‘Faith’ album, because her husband, photographer Russell Young, shot the cover for it. It wasn’t merely just her posting a pic of him in tribute, shock or love. It meant more than that. She was asked about her husband’s connection to him on twitter and, she typed, ‘Gutted,’ with the same cover.
I love all of George’s music, but what I found myself listening to after hearing the news was his duets: ‘As’ with Mary J Blige, ‘Learn to Say No’ with Jody Watley, ‘I Knew You Were Waiting for Me’ with Aretha Franklin, ‘How do You Keep the Music Playing’ with Tony Bennett, ‘Heal the Pain’ with Paul McCartney, ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ with Elton John, ‘Wrap Her Up’ with Elton John, and ‘This is Not Real Love’ with Mutya.
And British soap star, Martin Kemp, from EastEnders (and rock star bassist with Spandau Ballet) was good friends with George because he introduced him to his future wife, Shirlie, who was George’s backup singer in Wham!
‘I was completely obsessed with Shirlie. I’d seen her on Top of the Pops doing, I think it was Wham! Rap, wearing this white dress with a big slit up the side and I was in love with her,’ Martin remembered.
I was in shock and disbelief when my mother told me.
I loved Wham! and George. I am so glad I saw him in concert when he came to the U.S. a few years ago.
George was a very talented songwriter. His lyrics amazed me with his creativity.
Very sad, but his music will live on. RIP
Me too! I was expecting it’d be the last time he toured the US because he comes here so infrequently so was glad I nabbed a seat although I never thought he wouldn’t come back due to an early death. He truly is one of the top 5 standout artists that began their careers in the 80s for me and I will miss the occasional news, videos. and singles overseas from him
I cannot believe that George Michael has passed away. Beyond sad. Rest In Peace, George.
Amen.
I had always wished George would do a follow-up to “Faith” or him and Andrew would reunite and tour. So sad.
“part of my youth”
George’s music is still a part of my life. Yes, I listened to him in my youth, but still do today and it is still FANTASTIC!
Agreed! And I caught that reference to the first Wham! album.
🙂
He had an amazingly good voice, loved his ballad singing, we lost some one really special.
One of my friends told me that her sons and nieces and nephews (who are all adults) don’t know who George Michael is. I find that to be really sad. Just because you’re not alive when maybe a musician is in their heyday doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be aware of them or introduced to them. Granted, I guess pop/R&B isn’t their type of music.
Looking forward to the documentary on his life that he finished up before his death and the reissue of Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1. It’s almost as if both he and Bowie knew they were going to die and had forthcoming projects as a gift to us post-life on Earth.
Master male vocalist, superb songwriter, pop idol, sex symbol….
George Michael showcased such a full spectrum of maleness. One might say he would be treated with similar regard and respect as
The King Of Pop and Prince
Had he suffered through his angsty uneasy feelings about fame and celebrity and calculations of image instead of removing himself too early from
His Popstar aspirations. I Love him so much and im very grateful to the universe for his presence un rgis world . Just like a muse too me