Breaking News
Stephen Markle, One Life to Live’s Mel Hayes, Passes Away At Age 73
In sad news for One Life to Live fans that Michael Fairman TV recently learned, the talented Stephen Markle, who played Mel Hayes, passed away late year. Markle died at his home in Los Angeles on November 6, 2018, following complications of long-term Parkinson’s disease. He was 73-years-old.
Markle’s on-screen partnership with Robin Strasser (Dorian) was one-of-a-kind and these actors made Mel and Dorian one of the best duos on daytime. In story, the character of Mel first came to Llanview in April 1997, and became close friends with Viki Davidson (Erika Slezak) then ultimately fell in love with and married Dorian Lord (Robin Strasser). Dorian never forgave Viki for Mel’s death, after he took Viki’s seat on a flight that crashed in January 1999. The character made a return to the show briefly in 2010.
Michael Fairman TV reached out to Robin Strasser to share her remembrances on working with Stephen. Robin expressed: “It’s hard for me to believe that Stephen Markle’s passionate energy has past. I can’t help smiling when I think about him, because all my memories of working with him are filled with dash, zip, and joy. He LOVED acting, had so much respect for it! He’d played Shakespeare & the Classics – he always came to work in the morning with enthusiasm – he’d speed walked to the set! I love how Dorian met Mel. He was in a bar- quite drunk-when Dorian walked past-Mel dizzily fell down knocking Dorian to the ground with him–end of scene. What a great “meet cute”:) I’m blessed to have been his acting partner and friend.”
Photo: ABC
A public memorial service will be held for Markle on Sunday, June 9, 2019, at First Christian Church of North Hollywood, California at 4390 Colfax Ave., at 1:30 p.m., followed by a private reception.
A fan tribute page, for fans of Stephen Markle, has been created on Facebook and you can visit it here.
Now take a look at this scene from One Life to Live with Mel and Dorian’s below. Then check out an entire playlist of OLTL scenes featuring Markle and Strasser here.
Share your thoughts and remembrances on Stephen Markle via the comment section below.
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I always thought that among Jill Farren Phelps’ (many) misdeeds when she was at the helm of One Life to Live, killing off Mel was the biggest and dumbest. Stephen Markle and Robin Strasser were magic together, and given that Mel and Dorian weren’t exactly perfectly matched, I thought there was tons of story for them. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
OMG one of the greats. I LOVED Mel & Dorian. Parkinsons is an AWFUL disease. May he RIP. So sad. Prayers to Robin Strasser and his family.
I am so very sorry to read this news. He was terrific in the role of Mel. I remember so many of the wonderful scenes between Dorian and Mel. I particularly loved the story that explored Dorian’s past and uncovered the emotional abuse she experienced in childhood. Both he and Robin Strasser did outstanding work during that storyline. I was so sorry when he left One Life to Live. I loved it the times Mel’s spirit popped up to guide Dorian.
Thank you Mr. Markle for sharing your wonderful talent with us. May you rest in peace.
Breaking News
NBC Chairman, Paul Teledgy Says: “Days of our Lives Is Going To Carry On”
Very exciting and hopeful news Days of our Lives fans, and those of the soap genre, coming out of the NBC Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, California Saturday morning.
During the lead-off executive session, NBC Chairman Paul Teledgy opened up about the status of Days of our Lives with the network since no official announcement had been made on their end as to the renewal pick-up of the beloved daytime drama.
However, Teledgy revealed: “We are in a middle of finding out very soon,” and then added, “Of course Days of Our Lives is going to carry on. We love it. Millions of Americans watch it every week. I know that will be good news for the fans.”
Teledgy also told Deadline after the executive session that negotiations are still ongoing and the series will stay on NBC, and will not be moving onto the upcoming Peacock streaming service said to bow very soon.
The chairman’s comments come nearly two months following DAYS executive producer, Ken Corday’s comments to the cast that the show had been renewed for its upcoming season. That came on the heels that for cost-cutting measures, during the dark months, that the cast had been let- \out of their contracts.
But as usual at this time of year, NBC, Sony (the soap’s distributor) and Corday Productions are engaged it the renewal window which also happens at fall at the beginning of the new year.
Now, it looks like there is no doubt there is more Salem to come! Buckle-up for more intriguing stories within the series innovative time jump in the coming months … and that the four networks soaps are all here to stay for now.
Share your thoughts on Teledgy’s comments that ‘Days’ will definitely live on to see another day on NBC via the comment section below
Breaking News
GH’s Nancy Lee Grahn To Wed
More love-bird news over the holidays! Now comes word from two-time Daytime Emmy-winning actress, Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis, General Hospital) that she is now going to marry her fiance’.
Grahn took to her social media with a post and an image of her and fiance’ while in his hometown of Eugene, Oregon.
Nancy expressed: “With my soon to be husband in his hometown, Eugene Oregon, right in the spot where he got his 1st kiss. 💋 #CircleofLove”
This will be Grahn’s first marriage.
Share your congrats to Nancy via the comment section below.
With my soon to be husband in his hometown, Eugene Oregon, right in the spot where he got his 1st kiss. 💋 #CircleofLove pic.twitter.com/qQDYIb8l3i
— Nancy Lee Grahn (@NancyLeeGrahn) December 27, 2019
Breaking News
DAYS Greg Vaughan and Angie Harmon Get Engaged on Christmas
Days of our Lives Daytime Emmy-winning actor, Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady) certainly had a surprise for his gal, Angie Harmon over the Christmas holiday.
Harmon, the former Rizzoli and Isles star, was in shock and in pure joy when Vaughan proposed to her on one knee during their Christmas gathering with his three sons and her three daughters present.
Vaughan re-posted the Christmas photos of the proposal to Angie, along with his sons and her kids, following the engagement where he expressed: “Well…that was FUN!!! 😜 Repost @angieharmon Marry, Marry Christmas!! ❤️🎄 #moderndaybradybunch #blessed #grateful #family #christmas2019 Wishing you all the most wonderful holiday from our family to yours!”
Greg was previously married to Dutch actress Touriya Haoud from 2006 to 2014. They share three children sons; Jathan, Cavan and Landan Harmon has three daughters: Emery, Avery and Finley.
Photo: InstagramG Vaughan
So it looks like it was a ‘Very Brady Christmas’ ala The Brady Bunch, and of course, a play on Greg’s Salem character of Eric Brady, especially when the couple used the hashtag #moderndaybradybunch with their pics on social media. All six children along with Harmon and Vaughan, were donning matching holiday sweaters.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Greg and Angie and their family on their engagement in the comment section below.
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General HospitalJanuary 11, 2020GH’s Genie Francis Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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Breaking NewsJanuary 11, 2020NBC Chairman, Paul Teledgy Says: “Days of our Lives Is Going To Carry On”
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General HospitalJanuary 17, 2020Real Andrews Returns As Marcus Taggert On General Hospital
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