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Soap Vet Jed Allan Passes Away At Age 84

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

He made a career in daytime soap operas over decades, and was beloved by fans of the genre for his performances. Now comes the sad news on Saturday evening of the passing of Jed Allan.

Jed’s son, Rick Brown took to Facebook to share the heartbreaking news of his father’s death, expressing: “So sorry to post the very sad news of my fathers passing tonight. He died peacefully and was surrounded by his family and loved so much by us and so many others. Thank you for all who are part of this wonderful tribute to my dad on Facebook.”

Allan started his soap career on CBS’s Love of Life in 1964 and then on to Secret Storm in 1965-65  He then came into daytime prominence with his role of Don Craig on Days of our Lives and playing opposite Deidre Hall in the Don and Marlena romance. Jed’s run on DAYS lasted from 1971 to 1985.

In one of the most memorable storylines, Don and Marlena’s son DJ died of SIDS (Crib death) in a groundbreaking story for its time.  The death of their child, caused a rift in their relationship and they would eventually part ways, and later DAYS eventually wrote out Allan.  However, he landed a new primo role on the new NBC soap Santa Barbara as the patriarch of the Capwell clan, CC Capwell from 1986 to 1993.

For a time in the mid=2000’s Allan also played the role of Edward Quartermaine on General Hospital.  He also appeared on the GH spin-0ff, Port Charles. In primetime, he appeared on the soapy Beverly Hills 90210 as Rush Sanders; the father to Steve Sanders, played by Ian Ziering.

The actor is survived by his sons, Mitch, Dean, and Rick.  At the time of his death, Jed had been living in Palm Desert, California.

Since Saturday night, several of Allan’s former co-stars took to social media to share their grief and remembrances including this very touching post from A Martinez (Ex-Cruz, Santa Barbara: “The actor Jed Allen walked on yesterday. Among his many unforgettable roles was that of CC Capwell, the powerful patriarch around whom the tempests of story swirled in NBC’s daytime drama Santa Barbara for many remarkable years. Jed was a pro’s pro in every sense, and an inspired artist in the moments when the red lights came on — he was fearless, and his work moved millions. I first met him in the early seventies, when his son Mitch Brown and I were cast mates on the TV series, The Cowboys. With his effervescent wife Toby at his side, he quietly asked me to keep a watchful eye out for Mitch, as it was his first gig. Jed was already a star by then, and he was as warm and articulate and charming as anyone I’d ever met. A decade later, when he came to Santa Barbara, the show finally began to find its eventually glorious stride. I LOVED working with him, as did everyone else who got the chance. Years later, he visited me backstage during the difficult run of a play I was doing — offered typically generous support — and then spoke of the loss of Toby, the love of his life, who had passed away shortly before, with literally no warning. (It was hard to imagine a human being missing another more…) In my dream, the two of them are dancing together again tonight — a great comfort to all who’ve known and loved them over the years. Condolences now to their wonderful sons, and gratitude to Jed for his unerring joy in the telling of stories, and for offering always the embrace of his massive heart.”

Wesley Eure, who played Mike Horton during Allan’s time at Days of our Lives tweeted: “It is with great sadness I report fellow DOOL’s actor Jed Allan passed away. He was a wonderful friend! Jed was always my mother’s favorite Actor on DAYS OF OUR LIVES! My mother would always say, “Jed can put his boots under my bed any day!“

Nancy Lee Grahn, who played Julia Wainwright Capwell on Santa Barbara, and is now Alexis on General Hospital said of her former SB star’s passing: “Goodbye for now to one of a kind, . His heart was as big as his fabulous swagger. Lots of laughs shared with him on & best of all my Kate was made in his stunning beach house that he let me rent for cheap the summer of 1997. I won’t ever forget that or him.” In a follow-up tweet realizing she misspelled Jed’s last name, Grahn added: “Allan. Allan. Allan. Damn. He’s been yelling at me for that for 30 yrs.”

Another of Allan’s former co-stars, Wally Kurth (Ned Ashton, General Hospital) shared via a tweet: “Jed played Edward on GH for a short stint. We had a lot of laughs. Sending regards to his family at this time. RIP Jed”

Ian Ziering, who played Allan’s son on Beverly Hills 90210 in an emotional post shared:  “So sad to hear we’ve lost another 90210 classmate. I had the pleasure of working with Jed Allan from 94 to 99. He played Rush Sanders, Steve’s father. Such a great guy to work with, he will be missed.” Allan’s death came five days after fellow 90210 actor Luke Perry died last Monday at the age of 52 from a massive stroke.

Tracey E. Bregman, who played Jed’s daughter, Donna Craig on Days of our Lives, before heading over to Y&R to play Lauren Fenmore Baldwin shared via Instagram: “When I was 14, I got my first job as the daughter of Don (Jed Allan) and Marlena (@deidrehall_official ) on @nbcdays There were no two better people to learn from. Jed was not only an amazing actor, he and Dei taught me everything With patience and love. I still hear his notes in my ear when I work today. I am so sad to hear that Jed has passed away. He was the nicest man ever. Rest In Peace, I will never forget you.”

Brian Gaskill, who played Rafe Kovich on Port Charles, posted a video of what he believes was Jed Allan’s first appearance on the ABC soap opera, he related in his post: “I believe this is JED ALLAN’s first appearance on Port Charles…and from jump street you see he was my dream acting partner…between the writing and his ace performance this brought me back to pretending I was in the classic films I love so much….this is also an example of why I was so in love with this show that was a dark horse sinking ship that finally decided…”lets just make the show we WANT to make…it dosent have to be “soapy”….and JED was perfect in this….much love to all his friends and family…I am sorry for your loss”

We will keep adding to our coverage on the reaction of the news of Jed’s passing from his former co-stars and colleagues throughout the weekend.

For now, share your remembrances and condolences for Jed and his family via the comment section below.  Then, check out this clip compilation from Don and Marlena’s story on DAYS from Athenatious on You Tube, and then from the Santa Barbara page, this tribute to Jed.

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RIP Jed, condolences to his family and friends. I’m from Australia and I have fond memories of him in Days Of Our Lives. I hope he had a peaceful death. Thanks Michael for a nice write up, there’s not much on the internet at the moment in regards to Jed.

Poor Don Craig… forever lost in search of his mailbox.

RIP Jed Allen. I saw him first as one of the rangers in “Lassie” in the late 1960’s, but remember him most as Don Craig on “Days Of Our Lives”. The crib death storyline was heartbreaking, and brilliantly acted by everyone including Jed. He also took on a risky storyline when D on married Maggie when everyone though Mickey was dead. He played the heartbeat beautifully when Mickey returned, and Maggie returned to him. A decade late he helped save “Santa Barbara” when he stepped in as the lead, C. C. Capwell. They had been through four actors; Lloyd Bochner, Peter Mark Richman, Paul Burke, and Charles Bateman. When veteran Jed Allen was cast in 1986, they finally had the experienced lead then need. He stayed through the end of the run in 1993, which is a tribute to his popularity and talent.

His role as Ed (really God) on “Port Charles” was left out. I loved that story when it was going on.

I’m heartbroken as I have many fond memories of this sweet man interviewing him, photographing him and just chatting up a storm with him when he was on Santa Barbara. Condolences to the entire family!!!!

My fondest memory of Jed is as host of “Celebrity Bowling”. He really enjoyed that gig and it showed when he interacted with the stars.

Felt bad for him on GH, a situation caused by JFP’s stupidity in thinking John Ingle would stick around off contract. Jed had the tough duty of playing Edward when Lila died and his subsequent relationship with Heather — which would have been tough for any recast, even one with Jed’s acting ability.

RIP.

So agree. He had a hard time to come in on GH, a more young and robust Edward Q than the others but did a great job. Excellent actor. Will be missed sorely.

Could never buy him as Edward…. primarily because he was the same age as Alan & Tracy, and supposed to be their father?? And the Heather thing was just ridiculous.

Ironically, I never really bought John Ingle as Mickey Horton either, so it’s good that he went back to GH and brought Edward back.

It’s just too bad that Jed never returned to Days. Don Craig deserved a better exit than getting lost on his way to check the mail. And the fact that his marriage to Marlena was virtually disappeared by the rewrite of that “Alex North” nonsense didn’t help matters.

My deepest condolences to Jed’s family and loved ones. The soap community is losing a lot of its veterans this year, and we’re only in the third month of the year. Devastating!

Such sad news

Another great gone…liked Don and Marlena…never got the great send off from Days that he deserved…he was very good as CC Capwell

I can not believe that one of my most favorite actors has passed. I’ve seen him in just about every show mentioned, but the one I loved and remember most was Santa Barbara. I thought he was the sexiest man alive, and cannot to this day think of another actor to compare to Jed. He could be as formidable as Victor Newman, but still in a good way. Nancy Grahn and A.Martinez were lucky to have him for their father-in-law on S.B. Most of all Judith McConnell got to be his wife.
We have lost a treasure, as has his family, whom I send my condolences.

When I saw him for the first time on Days I thought he was Burt Reynols’s brother – his voice and swagger so similar but he was his own person. He captivated me immediately. When he left there I missed him so but lo and behold after trying some very good actors to play CC Capwell on Santa Barbara they knew they had the perfect fit. Daytime’s Dynasty was perfect now with the best lead male character. I’ve always wished to see him act again on Days but we have great memories of a great actor. To his family and friends my deepest condolences. Rest my sweet Jed at home with your love.

Barbara,
Your comments really touched me. I felt the same way about Jed. I am two years older, but never thought of him dieing, just assuming he’d be with us forever. I have the 1993 issue of Daytime Magazine, special edition of just S.B, so I look at that from time to time, reliving the good old days.

,

WHAT a “Great” read

have to gavel : Marquee : All Points Bulletin

your post truly “encompassed” his being

thanks for warming the heart, triggering his memory, and bringing it home.

to his sons… your parents are

YES YES YES ! “Thank You” for your excitement

^^^”… I thought he was the sexiest man alive, and cannot to this day think of another actor to compare to Jed”

IF EVER a show should be released on DVD … this is it. according to WIKI, premiered July 30, 1984 – January 15, 1993. it’s a shame all the legalese the behind the scenes that the Dobsons went thru to keep this show. PLUS this show didn’t have much chance out the door.. w/NBC programming BLOCK with it’s markets… after @DAYS and @Another world.. respectively… trying to channel Santa Barbara unfortunately did not take… it’s blindingly staggering to think this happen.

who could ever forget when this show WON !!!! Best Serial three years in a row. OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES : 1988, 1989, 1990. FLOORED !

watching savoring just .. per @Barbara READ … completely captivated by this whole show.

Jed Allan
Judith McConnell
Nicholas Coster
Louise Sorel

BAM !!! it was drawing board crème de la crème

The Capwells
The Lockridges
PLUS

Every trigger imaginable LIVED … Jed Allan , just stood out… so damned handsome. his command; the passion with his family. Oy.. not to mention.. I got to see , every moment of Marci Walker… after she left All MY Children .

I always thought every daytime STAR at that time clamored to be on this show.. as this was truly the show where one feasted

yes, I dreamt right along

Have always been a fan of Mr. Allan. He and Marlena were the couple back in the day. Talk about chemistry!

Loved him as Rush Sanders on Beverly Hills 90210 .. RIP .. that’s 2 in one week for 90210, so sad.

Loved him on both Days and Santa Barbara. He and Marlena when DJ passed broke my heart. As the patriarch of the Capwell family…OMG! I always had wished they brought him back to Days for Maggie after Mikey passed. It would have been a great coupling. He will be so missed. RIP Jed. Heaven is enjoying this new angel. ❤️❤️

So very sorry for the loss of your Dad boys. I loved him on Days and Santa Barbara. He will be missed. 🙁

RIP Jed Allan, I loved you playing Don Craig on DOOL and I had the pleasure of meeting you in Tulsa Oklahoma when I was a teenager and I remember how kind you were, YOU will be missed…Prayer’s for his family….

He was great on Santa Barbara. Also enjoyed seeing him on 90210.
RIP

May he rest in peace.

Breaking News

George Cheeks, CBS President & CEO, on Timeline to Launch New Daytime Drama, ‘The Gates’: “We’re So Focused on Getting it Right”

March 2024 will be remembered in the TV and soap world when the news broke that CBS is prepping a brand new daytime drama. Many had thought a major network would never bring a new daytime soap into the world, given that the last time it was attempted was 25 years ago when the now defunct Passions bowed on NBC.

However, The Gates is definitely in development and moving forward with some major players associated with it including: Michele Val Jean as The Gates writer, showrunner and one of its executive producers, and Sheila Ducksworth from NAACP Venture

Now, for the first time since its announcement, George Cheeks, the president and CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports at Paramount+, spoke on the project that will feature a Black family as its central focus who live in a wealthy gated community.

Photo: NAACP

Speaking with Vulture, and when asked if The Gates is really something that truly has a chance of getting on the air, Cheeks clarified, “It’s super real. And just to give you a little bit of the backstory,  when we hired Sheila Ducksworth to run the NAACP Venture, she and I had multiple meetings talking about what different genres she was going to lean into, and we talked a lot about daytime.”

Cheeks added, “One of the things that the data made very clear to both of us is that daytime soap operas over index with Black women, and yet when you look at soap operas, it’s usually sort of a white-led family with supporting characters that reflect more of our society. So we just thought, wouldn’t it be interesting to flip that and make the core anchor family a Black family, and then make the other characters reflect more the broader scope of society?”

Photo: JPI

The CEO gave props to Michele Val Jean,  and how Ducksworth came to the table with the former B&B and GH writer. “She found this great writer, Michele Val Jean, who’s been in the soap opera space for 30 years. She came up with a pitch, and we loved it,” shares Cheeks. “We brought Procter & Gamble into it as well, because if there were going to be (product) integrations, we could do it more holistically and organically. All of that is to say, we did a lot of work on the front end to put this together. So while yes, it’s development, it’s accelerated development.”

When prodded on the timeline of when The Gates could come to full fruition, Gates related, “The actual timeline and when we’re going to do it is still uncertain, because we want to get this right. I mean, there hasn’t been a new soap opera launch since I can’t even begin to tell you when. But we have great success with Bold and the Beautiful and Young and the Restless, and so we think we’re the right folks to be launching a new soap. I wish I could tell you more about exact timing, but we’re so focused on getting it right, and that will dictate when we’re ready to launch it.”

The CBS exec also shared that whether The Gates will wind up an hour soap or half-hour is not yet determined, but that it is being developed as an hour show.

So, after reading what George Cheeks, the CBS President & CEO had to say about ‘The Gates’, are you even more excited for what looks to the first new network soap in 25 years? Comment below.

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Robyn Bernard, ‘General Hospital’s’ Terry Brock, Dead at 64

Former General Hospital star, Robyn Bernard, who played aspiring singer Terry Brock has died. She was 64-years-old.

Bernard’s body was found Tuesday in San Jacinto, California. A Riverside County Coroner told TMZ they identified the actress’ body using her fingerprints after deputies responded to a death investigation call on Tuesday March 12th.

Sources told the outlet that Bernard’s body was found in the wee hours of the morning. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Photo: ABC

Bernard joined General Hospital back in 1984 as Terry Brock, the daughter of the abusive D.L. Brock (played by David Groh). Robyn remained on the ABC soap opera for six years before making her exit in 1990. At one point, Terry’s stepmother would become Bobbie Spencer (the late Jackie Zeman) when the nurse married her father.

Terry was involved in the Laurelton Murders storyline and after first setting her sights on Frisco Jones, wound up with killer Kevin O’Connor. Later, Terry was blamed for several murders and in the end killed Kevin in self-defense. In addition, Terry had a relationship with Dusty Walker played by none other than Shaun Cassidy.  She eventually left Port Charles after landing her own recording contract.

Photo: ABC

The last time GH Fans may have seen Bernard was in 2014, when she appeared at the GH Fan Club Weekend Past Cast event. Robyn is pictured below with the late Susan Brown (ex-Gail) at the fan gathering. She has been out of the limelight for several years.

Photo: JPI

In addition to her role on GH, Bernard was featured throughout her TV career on primetime’s Simon & Simon, Tour of Duty and The Facts of Life.

Share your remembrances and condolences for GH alum Robyn Bernard and her loved ones via the comment section below.

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51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Announce Broadcast Date on CBS

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Tuesday, that the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Friday night, June 7th (8 – 10 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.

This year will mark the 18th time CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmy Awards, which is more than any other network.

The 2024 Daytime Emmys will take place at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles. Back in December of 2023, the delayed 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards were also held at that venue. The June 7th date for the upcoming ceremony will be the first time in several years that the event is scheduled a few weeks earlier than normal; excluding last year’s revised date to the actors and writers strikes.

Photo: NATAS

Lifetime Achievement honoree, nominations, host, and additional information will be announced in the coming weeks.

In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS noted, “We eagerly anticipate our return in June as we once again partner with CBS to recognize the exceptional and talented individuals who make daytime television great. We’re thrilled to kick off our second half-century of the Daytime Emmys.”

The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.

Photo: JPI

The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will once again be produced by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI), which produced Daytime Emmy Award ceremonies on The CW in 2009 and on CBS in 2010, 2011, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie is executive producer from ATI.

So, glad to know that the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards honoring performance and shows in the 2023 calendar year, will be held in early June this year, and once again broadcast on CBS? Comment below.

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