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

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/CBS

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? 

 

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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.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’

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The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).

Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.

Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.

Photo: JPI

FOR LESLIE CHARLESON

Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”

Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).

Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.

“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”

Photo: JPI

SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?

During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.

Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.

You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.

Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series

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Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.

ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.

Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.

Photo: NATAS

THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …

The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.

This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.

Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.

Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.

Photo: ABC

DAYTIME TALK SERIES

In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.

“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”

The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.

So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo

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Today’s Monday, July 13 episode of General Hospital marks it 16,000 episode to air on the ABC television network. It is a remarkable milestone. The previous television record was held by Guiding Light which clocked in at 15,762 episodes before it went off the air on CBS in 2009.

To mark the occasion, the cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles back on Monday, June 1, 2026.

In addition, GH has released a new cast photo taken the day of the on set celebration. Pictured in the photo are front row: Rory Gibson, Finn Carr, Kayden Brenna Tokarski, Asher Antonyzyn, Giovanni Mazza, Braedyn Bruner, Dean Geyer and Nathan Dean.

Featured in the back row are: Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, Kristen Vaganos, Rebecca Herbst, Dominic Zamprogna, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison, Brooke Kerr, Cynthia Watros, Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Maura West, Donnell Turner, Nancy Lee Grahn, Tanisha Harper, Kelly Thiebaud, Kristina Wagner, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Katelyn MacMullen and Sawandi Wilson.

In addition, the official GH social media handles shared these sentiments along with some other photos from the cake cutting: “Today’s episode of General Hospital is the 16,000th produced since the show’s inception in 1963. It’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass by without taking some time to celebrate as a family (and, of course… eating some cake). 🍰 We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE 16,000th Episode?

The 16,000th episode will feature Jason Morgan returning to the town of Port Charles, Anna and Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) reuniting, and a new surgeon, Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) joining the staff of ‘General Hospital.’

GENERAL HOSPITAL HOLDS SEVERAL RECORDS

Now in its 64th year, Emmy Award-winning daytime drama General Hospital is currently both the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production.

General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 18 times. Will they do it again and make it 19 in 2026? Stay tuned for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations tomorrow on Tuesday, July 14 to find out if GH will be going for gold in the category, once again.

The ABC daytime drama series was created by Frank and Doris Hursley and premiered back on April 1, 1963. Frank Valentini is the current executive producer with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.

What do you think of the new cast photo marking General Hospital’s 16000th episode? What do you think of the accomplishment to have that many episodes of a television show and its still thriving and kicking? Share your thoughts and congrats for everyone in front of the camera and behind the scenes on this milestone airing.

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