News
Stephen Nichols Talks About Playing Jeanne Cooper's On-Screen Son! Watch Sneak Peek From Y&R's Tribute Episode!

Courtesy/CBS
Get out your hankies for this preview clip for Tuesday’s upcoming special edition of The Young and the Restless.
On May 28th the number one soap will air A Tribute to Jeanne Cooper. As fans know, Jeanne passed away on May 8th and so the show will celebrate her life as the actors who worked with her so closely, and Jeanne’s real life children, talk about her in emotional moments throughout the hour long special.
In a sneak peek, The Hollywood Reporter has run a very touching clip of Stephen Nichols (Ex-Tucker), who discusses how he had lost his passion for acting, until he came to Y&R and connected in his first on-screen moment with Jeanne Cooper as his mother, in a pivotal scene between the two of them. Jess Walton, actor Michael Fairman, Bryton James, and Elizabeth Hendrickson are also seated listening to Nichols’ story about the one and only Cooper.
Watch it after the jump! Let us know what you thought of Stephen’s heartfelt account of working with Jeanne. And, do you miss him as Tucker McCall?
General Hospital
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2023 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.
Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.
When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Photo: ABC
LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES
Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.
In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.
“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS
Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.
Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”
The three-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”
So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route, Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
General Hospital
GH’s Kayden Brenna Tokarski Addresses ‘Positivity and Negativity’ That Has Come Her Way as She Embraces Playing Scout Cain

Kayden Brenna Tokarski took over the role of General Hospital’s Scout Cain from her predecessor Cosette Abinante on the July 20th episode of the ABC soap opera, when they decided to age-up Scout. Abinante has played the part since 2022.
Now, as the story has been unfolding, viewers are witnessing Scout’s journey and burgeoning teenage romance with Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) and the conflict she’s caught in the middle of between her brother, Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) and her father, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison).
Since Tokarski has arrived on the scene, Scout has shed many tears and been in the middle of some heavy emotional beats. On Sunday, October 4, Kayden Brenna Tokarksi took to her X account and dropped a video message to all General Hospital fans.

Photo: ABC
During her message, Kayden addressed how General Hospital has been handed down generations within her family and how she had watched the soap before having the incredible moment of actually becoming a cast member, plus fans positive and negative comments since her debut.
Here’s what Kayden expressed, “I just wanted to come on here and show my gratitude for General Hospital. It’s been the largest dream come true. Seriously, I’m pinching myself. Every single day I get to come to work, and work with the incredible cast and crew. My mom grew up watching with her mom and I watched with her. So it’s very full circle. It’s insane that this is my life. I wanted to give a huge shout out to Cosette who played Scout prior. Thank you for building such a beautiful foundation, and really large shoes to fill, but just such a phenomenal, brilliant actress and young woman, and I just wish you all the best.”
As Scout has grown in front of our eyes, Tokarski shared, “Thank you to everyone for your grace, welcome, and support as Scout is transitioning into a teenager and more. I have never been on a soap opera before, so as I’m navigating this new world, thank you. Thank you for all of the positivity and also negativity, because I don’t look at it as negativity. I look at it as a way to learn and grow and evolve because right now.”
Being on a soap opera is always a work in progress, for any actor who has never fully performed in the medium, it is like no other, with the pace and how it required the actors to make things work often without much rehearsal time. Kayden added, “I’m at a stage where I’m figuring out what works for me and what doesn’t. And if we take it too far, we’ll pull back. Don’t worry. Thanks for being in the ride with me, I hope you stick it out and keep watching General Hospital.”
You can check out Kayden’s video message to all General Hospital fans below.
Now let us know, have you been enjoying Kayden’s performance as the teenaged Scout? Do you appreciate her addressing her love of the show, plus how she hopes to continue evolve in the role? Drop a comment in the thread below.
A message to all the wonderful fans of #GeneralHospital 🙏🫶 #scoutcain https://t.co/ofXCTFcuNx
— Kayden Brenna Tokarski (@KaydenTokarski) October 4, 2026
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And to think we lost this great actor SN all because of personal vendettas, I truly hope they bring him back for the on air death of JC. We as viewers deserve the petty BS to be put aside for the Duchess!
Personal vendettas? Doug Davidson, Jess Walton, and Melody Thomas Scott have worked on Y&R from 25 -35 years and hardly get any airtime..now that’s an issue.
Stephen Nichol’s Tucker ran for 3 years, exactly like 100s of other actors over Y&R’s 40 years to date so far…NOT an issue. Stephen Nichols is NOT a vet of Y&R. The show owes him nothing. If they need him for the funeral story-so be it, but otherwise there is NO reason what-so-ever for anyone at Y&R to feel obligated.
The total destruction of Katherine & Jill’s past in order to replace Tucker/Devon as her family was the worst chapter in Chancellor history. I’m hoping that Kay’s Will restores her family to what Bill Bell built and developed for her.
Please spare us your diatribes at this time! Really inappropriate to bring up your ‘issues’ with SN in these comments. Let it go and keep it about Jeanne Cooper!
Liza…well said! I wholeheartedly agree with your statement…Jill Foster Abbott needs to be restored to her position and carry on the legacy. My choice is pronto return Trisha Cast as Nina to inherit Kay’s half of the mansion…Jill vs Nina it continues…recast Chance immediately….he & Phillip III are true heirs. Have Jill interact more wAbbotts especially Billy, Jill needs to be up in Billy’s life again knowing the signs of Billy’s gambling addiction. Let Jill be a force again and not a side player. I would love if YR gave us a deep story in the aftermath of Katherine’s death the grieving Jill. How Jill realizes how Katherine was a mentor and teacher as well the furious tormentor and scheming bitch she could be with Jill…all these emotional beats needs to be played for the viewers to grieve Jeannie’s death properly and at the same time enjoy the story unfolding about the death of Katherine Chancellor….but the best way to do this type of story JFP & JG must have Jess on contract and give her the same deal as Steve Burton.
THIS was an important story to be told for lifelong fans. We always wondered what happened to the child she gave up. The dynamic between these two, the gutt wrenching turmoil, her guilt, his anger, both of their saddness over lost time, was MAGNIFICENT! It was lovely to hear his account of spending time with her, and what it meant to him personally. The Devon connection I agree was stupid and unnecessary and nothing Bill Bill would have done (Too convenient the Winters kid is a Chancellor too????) But I am happy they brought him in to speak…and he should be back on the show running Chancellor now! Would LOVE to see it go full circle like that! I am also hoping to see Brock comment during the special, and Phillip….You MUST remember these are the people she shared airtime with, and were essential to telling HER story. Nina should definately be here, as well as Esther, Victor, Nikki, Paul, Michael, Would love to see Rex from the old days at the funeral as a ghost, and Phillip Sr. Oldschool fans are greatly respected by honoring her whole career, all the cast who played opposite her, not just the current cast memebers. It is still the 40th year, so it would be a continuation of the celebration–and we are celebrating this wonderful woman’s life!
Says the one who hates and is obsessed with Mr. Nichols. Stephen is a well respected and liked veteran of the soap genre and Jeanne clearly was quite fond of him as he was of her. Very much apprpriate that he was part of the tribute and the character of Tucker is much needed on the show. Tucker was the best character introduced to YR in years and the pairing with Ashley was amazing until TOTB screwed it up so that ED could transfer to Days.
It’s so embarrassing to see the fuss made over Nichols with respect to Jeannie Cooper’s passing. Whether you loved or hated his time at Y&R (and there were many in both camps), the focus should be on Jeannie Cooper.
The character of Tucker was a fail. SN may be a great actor, & may be well respected, but Tucker wasn’t his best role and I’m not alone in thinking that. SN submitted himself for an Emmy for the last two years for his role as Tucker yet he failed to get a nomination. Although that can happen, I’ve never noticed anyone but his long time fans rave about him in this role.
Look at the Golden Derby website. It handicaps the Emmy’s for fun. But the results are telling. “The experts”, “the editors” and others, ranked him DEAD LAST in the actor category.
Jason Thompson 27/10
Peter Bergman 9/2
Doug Davidson 5/1
John McCook 6/1
Maurice Benard 10/1
Roger Howarth 12/1
Christian LeBlanc 33/1
Michael Muhney 33/1
Don Diamont 50/1
Stephen Nichols 100/1
Not ONE of the expert picked him for nomination:Nelson Branco/Soap Opera Uncensored, Jamey Giddens/Daytime Confidential, Dan Kroll/Soap Central Roger Newcomb/We Love Soaps, and Tom O’Neil & Paul Sheenon/Golden Derby. Not one of the editors or users chose him for nomination either. The SAME happened in 2012.
Again, why are you using this space to trash an actor instead of honoring Jeanne?? Thought you were a fan of hers? But here you go trashing one of her beloved co-stars instead of focusing on her and the lovely sentiments that Mr. Nichols expressed in the clip! Shame on you!
First of all his statement about JC was lovely. Second I was implying if they do have an on screen death for her they need to bring him back for it also Brock & Mac. The EP at Y&R does not care for him I know that I just was saying for the sake of the show bring them back for closure. Do this one last thing for Jeanne Cooper.
Liza, honey, please try and show some respect. This isn’t about nominations or predictions, personal vendettas, nor is it about Jill’s future on the show. This is about a great actress who will no longer grace out screens, yet leaves behind a wonderful legacy with the people she worked with. Why must you take away from that? This is not the time or the forum for such ludicrous rants. Save it for another time and another place, and for now, please show Ms. Cooper the respect she deserves. Stephen Nichols did an excellent job in honoring her. Please extend the same courtesy and not derail this tribute. Ms. Cooper and her fans deserve no less.
GH & Days must have the same vendetta since both have stories running & love interests thathave to do with his former character. His YR bunch is gone. Harmony, Ashley, Abby, Gen, Kay. Devon is never on. No reason for Tucker to be around anymore.
Agreed… he had his time, and it came and went. It’s ugly to use this opportunity to bash him, and ugly to use it to promote him.
Delia, I agree, but the question was posed by Mr. Fairman as to whether readers missed Tucker. There’s a line in answering that question that some have crossed though. I agree wholeheartedly that the focus should be to the greatest extent on Jeanne Cooper!
I watched the tribute yesterday and was moved to tears at the end. I loved hearing about this supportive, funny, talented, unstoppable woman! What a joy and privilege it must’ve been to know her and work with her! I still can’t believe she’s gone. 🙁
That is so touching. Just beautiful.
i truly felt every word he said in my inner being – yes i miss stephen nichols so much – i don’t care what soap he ends up on as long as he lands somewhere………….
I love hearing the sweet things all the actors remember about Jeanne. I can’t wait to see the tribute. But NO, I don’t miss him as Tucker McCall.
I much preferred William Russ and was very sorry to see him go. He had better chemistry with JC and romantic chemistry with Jess Walton. I was a big mistake to re-cast.
Ya know what? That’s not what this interview is about.
Agreed! (However, I do think he was the best Tucker, and their relationship was touching.)
Did you read the whole article? Michael Fairman asks ” And, do you miss him as Tucker McCall? ” He is asking for reader response on the matter and I am answering HIS question on HIS website.
This is about a wonderful woman who is missed by those who loved,knew, and her fans.
Let’s remember that.
Rest in peace .
It saddens me that a supposed fan of Jeanne Cooper’s is using her tribute to promote her agenda! Really inappropriate. Disgusting actually.
The discussion IS appropriate because the the author of this piece is asking his readers if we miss SN/Tucker on Y&R (on his own website.)
However he did NOT ask if we thought Y&R screwed over Stephen Nichols. I don’t know where this notion comes from. Didn’t he finish his full 3 year contract? Many actors don’t get that luxury and are cut before it’s up. It saddens me that fans of Stephen Nichols would use Jeanne Cooper death as an opportunity to get him back on the show.
You know what I’m not going to further this discussion!
Jeanne, you are dearly missed by your loyal fans! I have the deepest respect for you and all who participated in the tribute honoring you for the exceptional woman and actress you were! Your legacy will live on in our hearts!
I hope this comments sections flourishes with more positivity and actual dialogue about Jeanne!
Just so classless and inappropriate at a time like this. Please at least show some respect for Ms Cooper. She was beloved by many and deserves all the accolades.
Let it go. Her sons, Brock and Tucker should be there for the funeral, along with the characters that were closely connected to her. I think it should be Nichols who returns instead of William Russ, another good actor, because he worked closely with Ms. Cooper, to build the mother and son relationship.
The passing of one heck of an actress as well as a mighty “fine” human being, Mother, and thespian to “all” she touched, what a legacy. Our ‘Queen’, the most remarkable Ms. Jeanne, will be and IS so terribly ‘missed’, but we will forever remember and pay homage to “her”, I “hope”, everyone will join “in”, and make whatever donation “you can”, to Red Cross, in her “name”, for all those who are “so suffering”,[in and around Oklahoma,]- we can carry “on” her “love and kindness” SHE had in this thing we call-…life. We honor “her”, via doing “something” w/ that “love”, for “Another”. God Bless and keep “you”, Ms. Jeanne, you will NEVER be forgotten!
I love Stephen Nichols. He needs to be back on daytime as Patch or Stephan!
Nichols is one of the most dynamic actors in soap history, and his scenes with Jeanne Cooper were electric. I will always love Steve and Kayla, but he had great chemistry with Eileen Davidson. So what did Y&R do? Put Tucker in a coma, fire ED and destroy Tucker and Ashley, and finally fire him and have the character limp out of town. C’est triste.
Wow… that was so heartfelt and… words are escaping me… endearing and very appreciative and powerful. I only wish Jeanne could hear all the beautiful and fun things her castmates are saying and felt about working with her and being friends with her… I will hope she is aware and was watching over the taping of those shows!!! What a wonderful lady and actress… one show doesn’t seem to be enough!
Very well said Stephen!!!
Well at least the ptb at Y&R had the decency to include SN in the tribute show for Jeanne. And SN is all class for accepting despite having been given the shaft from that show.
What lovely words from Stephen Nichols – another testament to the wonderful talent of Ms. Jeanne Cooper.
You will be forever missed Grand Lady.
Lovely words describing the connection these two wonderful performers had from the beginning. Their natural dynamic showed on screen in each and every scene they shared. The characters they portrayed had a difficult, layered relationship which Stephen and Jeanne played beautifully. No matter the harshness of the words in the script, they played the undertones of love being held back for a myriad of reasons so well. I’m glad Stephen’s passion for acting was reignited by working with Jeanne Cooper. Very high and well deserved praise!! We miss you Jeanne!!!
I hope to see Stephen come back as Tucker at least for the funeral of his mother, Katherine. It’s only fitting.
Beautifully stated Kat.
Thanks Jillanne! I can’t wait to see the whole tribute. Though it will be very sad, I love that those that worked with her will be sharing their memories of her.
Such heartfelt words by such an extraordinary actor. It’s obvious he and Ms. Cooper shared more than just scenes. I am grateful as a viewer that I was treated to two incredible talents. I do hope he will return to Y&R, but wherever he lands, I will watch. I only wish we had more time with Jeanne Cooper. She is an icon that won’t be forgotten. Beautiful!
Yes, indeed their time together ended too soon!
I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to watch Jeanne and Stephen act together as mother and son. Every scene was honest and genuine. Not a single one of their scenes together was phoned in. They had obvious chemistry as mother/son, and reading their comments about each other thru the years, they had an obvious respect for each other personally and professionally. Stephen’s words about this wonderful woman really touched a chord in me. I may not be happy with TPTB right now, but I respect and appreciate them for having Stephen in to celebrate Jeanne’s life with the cast and her family. I will always be a Steve and Kayla fan and wish so much that they get more and proper attention on Days of our Lives, but watching Kay and Tucker, that was a story that was worth watching, too, and I really wish he’d come to that show alot sooner as her son and given us alot more of their dynamic.
Having them work together longer would’ve been wonderful!
Very touching words from a wonderful man. I only hope that Jeanne sees this, and all the wonderful things her costars and friends have said about how positively she affected their lives. I can’t wait to see the entire tribute.
Very touching clip! Such high praise bestowed upon Jeanne! Bravo Stephen Nichols! I bet she was every bit the inspiration. It showed in all their scenes together. I will miss Jeanne on Y&R. There will be a huge void that will never be filled! I’m glad, however that Stephen and Jeanne got the opportunity to work together. Looks like they enjoyed and respected each other immensely!
Hope to see Tucker as well as others return for Katherine’s funeral service.
Very touching. Thanks for the hankie warning, Michael; it was definitely needed. I will miss Jeanne Copper/Kay so much. Y&R will not be the same without her.
I would absolutely love to see Stephen Nichols/Tucker return. With so much left unresolved between Tucker and Kay, the material practically writes itself; and I can only imagine what SN could do with it!
That was very heartfelt. I can’t stop crying. Our grand dame, Duchess will be sorely missed. Thanks for sharing such moving comments. I feel like I have lost a member of my own family. Her class, style and strength always touched me, even as a child. I can vividly remember the face lift story line being real and not really understanding as a child what that meant, but I do remember everyone in my family saying how innovative that was. She was a trailblazer and her immense presence will be always missed. I pray that we have a memorial for her every year so to continue her awesome legacy to those who didn’t have the blessing to have seen her in action. I know the great beyond is even greater now. RIP Mrs. C.
Stephen Nichols is one of the best actors. He is very much missed. I have lost
my interest in Y & R since he left. Please bring him back.