Guiding Light
THE BETH CHAMBERLIN INTERVIEW- GUIDING LIGHT
Beth’s affair with Coop has been exposed. Alan Spaulding has been publicly humiliated and is exacting revenge on his possession, Beth. How? By blackmailing her into an impromptu public wedding. The stage is set for one of the most dramatic returns of all of daytime. This Monday, Grant Aleksander returns for the first time in four years to “Guiding Light” as Phillip Spaulding, and actress Beth Chamberlin couldn’t be happier.
However, in this interview with “On-Air On-Soaps” it’s not all happy faces. Beth and I discuss the imminent departure of John Driscoll, and how the exit will impact the show. So, what’s it like to be the gal forced into a wedding dress, marrying a man you don’t love, while two men you do love are on their way to stop the nuptials? Beth reveals her thoughts, and of course, how she’s got the most rockin’ body on daytime television.
Listen to the audio:
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MICHAEL:
If we go back to the beginning, were you surprised when you found out that Beth and Coop were going to be lovers, and what the dynamic of that relationship would be?
BETH:
Yes. I was very surprised. In fact, when I first found out, I was on the set just doing a throw away scene with Frank and Coop. Just before we went to rehearsal, and just before we went to tape, Ellen Wheeler, our executive producer, told me, “Oh, and you have been carrying on an affair with Coop, but I don’t want you to play it here because it will be revealed down the road. But I want the audience to look back and say, ‘Oh, that’s what was going on there.” I was completely flustered. I went, “What? What’s going on?” It was great, and I have to say it’s been great fun!
MICHAEL:
I thought Coop and Beth’s affair was the most shocking plot twist of last year!
BETH:
Oh, yes! And what John Driscoll (Coop) brought to the table made it work. Thinking about the fact that Coop is a young writer, and has the same energy that Phillip brought to Beth years ago, it makes sense she would be attracted to him
MICHAEL:
And then to top this off, Beth’s daughter, Lizzie, was once involved with Coop, and Lizzie caught them together!
BETH:
Lizzie almost married Coop, and she did leave him at the altar! So I am not stealing my daughter’s boyfriend or anything like that, but obviously, she was and is quite angry about the affair. So are the people who do know, within Springfield. It’s hard for them to understand and to reconcile it. Although Beth is not married to Alan Spaulding, Alan views Beth as his property, and Alan is a dangerous man!
MICHAEL:
Did you like the idea of the younger man/older woman relationship, and that you were playing it out on television?
BETH:
I have to be honest. At first, I thought it was great because I love John Driscoll and I think he is a terrific young man. But, I was concerned about it. I think a lot of women may say when they look at Madonna or Demi Moore, “Hey, good for them.” At the same time, it’s something that a lot of women don’t really want. I was concerned about how this would play and would our female viewers get into this. I feel because of the depth and maturity John brought to the scenes, as I was playing it one day, I went “Ah, I get it,” and if I get it, then I will know our audience will get it. I think it’s been a great idea.
MICHAEL:
And this week, Alan found out about the liaison and has now strong-armed Beth to break it off with Coop. So in a heartbreaking scene, Beth tells Coop it’s over and falls apart.
BETH:
Yes, Alan found out and the way he did was explosive. Beth is his property and people do not walk away from Alan Spaulding. It creates a very dangerous situation, and he has a lot he can hold over his head, too. He views this as adultery and you don’t embarrass Alan. He does some awful things and uses everything in his power to make her break it off with Coop. Then he forces her to marry him, even though she is not in love with him.
MICHAEL:
However, Monday February 9, Phillip returns and we finally see the highly anticipated return of Grant Aleksander. Is Phillip on a white horse to stop the wedding?
BETH:
It’s an awfully nice position for a girl to be in, if she weren’t in such a terrible position. I have two men who are on their way to stop the wedding. One is Coop, and one is Phillip, although Phillip does not know until he gets to town that the wedding is taking place.
MICHAEL:
….That must send him over the moon?
BETH:
That’s a tough thing, especially when you start to look at it. You go, “Wait a minute. You shot me in the chest, Dad. You sent me off, and then you married my wife?”
MICHAEL:
Beth and Phillip are the loves of each other’s life, wouldn’t you say? How is Phillip
going to view that Beth is marrying his dad?BETH:
It’s ultimate betrayal that Phillip is feeling. Beth does know that he is alive at this point and did not know for years. She thought he was dead. When she did find out, in a sense he was dead to her. Phillip left the family and was gone somewhere out there, and had no contact with them. In her mind, Phillip was gone for good, had a breakdown and had dropped out of sight. So it’s kind of a shock for Beth and everyone!
MICHAEL:
John Driscoll’s upcoming departure from the show must have been so devastating for you. I have to say; his performances this past week were some of his best work.
BETH:
I have worked with him fairly recently, but I am so upset that he is leaving. It’s really hard for me and for everyone who has known him. He is such a terrific guy, a wonderful gentleman, and a good actor. With this storyline, he has gotten the chance to do great story. He is so terrific! So many people are devastated that he is leaving, and that’s a testament to who he is as a person and as an actor.
MICHAEL:
He will be exiting on the heels of the wedding drama…
BETH:
….I will tell you it’s some good storytelling. The writers wrote a terrific story. I would say for all of us that are involved in the story, our first concern is, “Have we been doing justice to the story they wrote?”
MICHAEL:
Grants’ return has been building for all soaps fans for months. Next week he returns. What are your thoughts of having your on-screen acting partner, and real-life friend, back in the fold with you?
BETH:
It’s fantastic! Grant and I are close and we stayed in touch. Truthfully, we got closer after he left the show, than when he was on the show. We did not see one another that often. We would talk, but he and his wife live quite far from my husband and me, so we rarely see one another. It’s lovely to see him as a friend at that level, and then the other level getting to work with him as an actor. He is such a wonderful actor. Grant is talented and committed to the work. I hold Grant in the highest regard.
MICHAEL:
It must be fun to watch Marcy Rylan (Lizzie), work with Grant Aleksander for the first time. How is working with Marcy?
BETH:
I have adored Marcy from day one. It was one of the things I would talk about with Grant and say, “Oh, I wish you would come back. You’ll love working with Marcy so much.” They had
their first real scenes together
a few weeks ago, and they felt
really good about the scenes.
Marcy is a terrific actress!MICHAEL:
Now we must discuss the fantastic physical shape you are in. You put all women to shame with that killer body. You do the Kettlebell workout?
BETH:
I am truly in the best shape of my life. I look better in a bikini now then I did in my teenage years. I truly believe it’s the Holy Grail for exercise. I say, there may be other women my age that may be in good shape, but I would guarantee if they were not doing Kettlebell workouts they are not in the shape I am. I see people running and I think what an incredible waste of time. I mean, I am a mother and I am working, and I don’t have time for lots of exercise.
MICHAEL:
What do you eat? Nothing fattening?
BETH:
I eat whatever I want to. That was not true before, and that’s why I think this is the “It”. Anthony Diluglio who I paired with
for my workout DVD, “The Kettlebell Way
to Your Perfect Body” is the foremost
expert on this in the country. He put
together pure true Kettlebell training.
It’s cardiovascular, and strength training
together. I don’t believe in low fat anything.
If I am having “Ben and Jerry’s”, I believe
eat want you want, but you need to exercise
to do that.
MICHAEL:
Did Grant Aleksander who is a big fitness buff himself, direct your video?
BETH:
What he did was advise us. He was not available for the whole project. He is very knowledgeable on the body, and on camera, and so he was able to give me a lot of good advice on how I would go about doing this.
MICHAEL:
In closing, on Monday the wedding of Alan and Beth begins. Should we expect high drama and do we need “hankies”? Is there going to be a bloody wedding dress?
BETH:
I am telling you it’s such good drama, and not only the part I am part of, but stuff I am witnessing. I think it’s some of the best story in…. I can’t even tell you when. It’s so dramatic, and again, everyone that’s involved in it is bringing everything they have to the table.
Guiding Light
‘Guiding Light’s’ Grant Aleksander Shares Heartfelt Remembrance of TV Daughter, Hayden Panettiere On What Would Have Been Her 37th Birthday
The tragic death of Hayden Panettiere last Sunday on August 21 continues to rock the entertainment world as her passing is still under investigation. Sadly, the former Guiding Light and Nashville star, died just days before her 37th birthday.
Now Grant Aleksander who played her on-screen father, Phillip Spaulding on Guiding Light a role he played on and off for nearly 30 years, shared a touching tribute with The Locher Room via Instagram, to his former TV daughter on her birthday on Friday, August 21.
It was back in 1996-2000 that Panettiere played the role of Phillip and Beth’s (Beth Chamberlin) daughter, Lizzie Spaulding. When Hayden was on-screen her performances were outstanding even as a little girl.
Photo: CBS
Aleksander began, When I think of Hayden the first image that comes is of her running down the hall in the studio with a huge, toothy grin on her face. Literally bursting with joy. And that’s what she gave to us. Pure, infectious joy. That and a talent that belied her years.”
“She was a natural with an instinctive understanding of acting that most adult actors can only dream of possessing. But that’s not what I’ll remember most about her. It’s that sunshine she brought to all of us that were lucky enough to be in her orbit that will stay with me, expressed Grant.
He concluded with, “I’ll always cherish the years I got to be her tv Dad. I wish I could have seen her one more time just to tell her how proud I was of her. She’s left us way too soon. We can only hope that she’s finally found the peace that eluded her in her short life. Rest in peace Princess!”
Michael Fairman TV previously shared emotional tributes from many of Hayden’s co-stars here, plus Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky, GH and ex-Avery, Nashville) who wrote a beautiful tribute to his former co-star.
So, do you remember the scenes between a young Lizzie and Phillip on Guiding Light? What did you think of Grant Aleksander’s words? Let us know via the comment section below. Here’s just a sampling below, of how great Hayden was with her scene partner, Grant.
Breaking News
Hayden Panettiere Remembered: ‘Guiding Light’ and More Stars Mourn Her Loss in Wake of Tragic Death
Tributes continue to pour in from the entertainment and soap opera community, and especially from former co-stars of Hayden Panettiere, who died on Sunday at the age of 36.
Panetierre was best-known to soap fans for her roles as as a young Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light and Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live, and as an adult in ABC’s music city primetime soap opera, Nashville where she starred as Juliette Barnes opposite General Hospital alum, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky, GH and ex-Avery, Nashville).
As previously reported, Panettiere died on Sunday afternoon, August 16 in a home in Greenville, South Carolina. The coroner released an official statement on Monday, which read in part “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death. The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.” First responders rushed to the scene after a 911 call about a woman who was unresponsive from an overdose and in cardiac arrest.
Photo: JPI
Now below, check out some of the heartfelt remembrances for the extraordinarily talented, Hayden Panettiere from several of her Guiding Light co-stars and more. Michael Fairman TV will continue to add to the list of tributes throughout the next few days as they become available, as well as keep you updated on any further developments in Panettiere’s death.
Beth Chamberlin (Beth Raines, GL): “Hayden played my daughter for 3 years. She was the most brilliant child actor I’ve ever seen. The things she could do, the way she could remember 20+ pages of dialogue, day after day. Even on days where the director would come out between dress and tape and make huge cuts to the scenes, Hayden, never once forgot a line or missed her blocking. The adults would, but not Hayden. I felt blessed to work with her. And always perfect in her playing of the scene.”
Connie Britton (Rayna James, Nashville): “This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak.
I love you girl. Sleep easy now. 💔”
Tina Sloan (Lillian Raines, GL): “Hayden Panettiere was my granddaughter on Guiding Light. She died at 36 and was such a star.”
Rebecca Budig (ex-Michelle Bauer, GL, now Taylor, B&B): “I remember working alongside her..loved her and her family. She and Beth were spectacular together. So sad for her family and those who knew and loved her.”
Karla Mosley: (Dani Dupree, BTG) “This is awful awful news. Blessings to her soul and all who loved her.”
Photo: CBS
Bethany Joy Lenz: (ex-Michelle Bauer, GL) “There is nothing that posting pictures on the internet can do. I avoid it usually in moments like this. But Im here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue. I’m crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera. And she’d sit with you for a great conversation, then giggle and go play. We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away—but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. We’d make a pact to talk soon. Lunch. Dinner. Somewhere we could curl up into a corner—but we never quite made it happen. I mostly stayed up to date through mutual friends.”
Lenz continued, “I don’t understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real. These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 26 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”
Brittany Snow: (ex-Daisy Lemay, GL) “I was lucky enough to play your sister for 3 years. I related to you so much in so many ways. Ways that I never even told you. Your talent was remarkable & so was your determination to be a bold, bright shining light. And you were. Always supportive, curious, funny and brave. You will always be remembered undoubtedly for your undeniable strength and spirit 💔.”
Photo: CestenIG
Charles Esten (ex-Deacon Clayborne, Nashville): Patty (Esten’s wife) and I are stunned and saddened at the loss of our dear and beautiful friend Hayden. I will never forget the first time I met her. In a sound stage office in Hollywood, I was finishing up my very first NASHVILLE audition. I had read two Deacon scenes before pulling out my guitar and singing two songs. I said my goodbyes and, hoping I’d done well, went to open the door to leave. Instead of swinging all the way out, the door bumped into somebody. Kinda hard.”
“To my complete surprise, It was Hayden Paniettiere, who – in full Juliette Barnes mode – had been listening with her ear to the door. Instead of looking even a little bit caught, her face instantly bloomed into the most beautiful smile. Eyes twinkling, she clapped her hands and said, “That was so good!!” I can promise you that in that moment, there was nothing in the world I needed to hear more than that. I told her that, along with my HEROES-watching family, I was already a big fan of hers, and that I was grateful for the very kind words. It was her turn to go in, so as I went to leave, I said a jokingly cocky, “See you on the set!”
“I was, of course, many auditions away from landing that incredible role. But when I finally did, and showed up in Nashville to start work, she walked right up to me, pointed in my face, and with that magical grin said, “See you on the set!” From there, we became fast friends, working very hard to play those 2 troubled Nashvillians, but always having fun and laughing a whole lot along the way. She was, of course, extraordinarily talented, infusing her larger-than-life character with all the heart, charisma, humor, whip-smart intelligence, and flat-out magic that were, alongside whatever troubles and pain she carried, a part of her own personal palette. What a great gift it was to act with her, sing with her, and to just be her friend. She was always extremely kind to my family, especially my wife, Patty, who I’m certain she liked even more than me.”
Together, we are heartbroken that she is gone, and praying for her family, and for all those who, like us, will miss and mourn her so dearly. God bless you, Hayden.
Rest In Peace and Light ❤️
Emme Rylan: (ex-Lizzie Spaulding, GL et al.)” So very sad. Rest in peace sweet soul.”
Bryan Craig: (ex-Morgan, GH) posted a text exchange via his Instagram story he had with Panettiere where they laughed about her making fun of his hat. He wrote: “Love you Hayden. Rest in peace Angel.” Craig later added, “Cherish the moments with people you love and care about. As cliche as it sounds. Send that text, get that cup of coffee, tell them you love them and you’re proud of them. You may not get the chance again.”
Share your remembrances of Hayden Panettiere from Guiding Light, Nashville, or any of her other roles in her 3 decades long career via the comment section below.
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UPDATED: Hayden Panettiere, the original Lizzie Spaulding of Guiding Light, and one of the leading stars of ABC’s country music drama Nashville, has died at the age of 36. According to a report on Sunday night, August 16 from TMZ, who broke the news of Hayden’s passing. Panettiere was also well-known for her role in the primetime series Heroes.
Sources close to the situation have told the outlet that Panettiere died on Sunday, although details of her death are still undisclosed, there is a current ongoing investigation into the matter. Brian Hickerson’s, Panetierre’s on-again off-again boyfriend and her flew from Los Angeles to South Carolina on Saturday. They reported, it’s a “sad situation.”
Now, in the early hours of Monday, morning August 17, new details have emerged that first responders and paramedics responded to a call from a friend (not confirmed at this time it was Brian Hickerson) at a home in Greenville, South Carolina at 1:51pm who said that Panettiere was unresponsive and in cardiac arrest.
Photo: CBS
PARAMEDICS CALLED TO THE SCENE
According to the outlet, first responders attempted to resuscitate Panettiere using “advanced cardiac life support.” In addition to CPR, this involved special medicines, breathing tubes and heart rhythm tracking. Parademics could not bring Hayden back to life and at 2:32pm, they called her death.
The Greenville County coroner is set to perform an autopsy Monday to determine a cause and manner of death and at present there is no indication that foul play was involved. According to dispatch audio, paramedics are called it an “overdose,” and “cardiac arrest.”
Meanwhile, the actress’ father, Skip Panettiere offered a up this statement to ABC News. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.” Her father asked for privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
Courtesy/ABC
FROM HER EARLY YEARS ON ONE LIFE TO LIVE AND GUIDING LIGHT TO HEROES AND NASHVILLE
Panettiere began her career at a very young age with roles on television and film including her Daytime Emmy-nominated role as the original Lizzie Spaulding, the daughter of Phillip (Grant Aleksander) and Beth Raines (Beth Chamberlin) on CBS’ Guiding Light. It’s a part she played from December 1996 until 2000. Before Guiding Light, Hayden also appeared on ABC’s One Life to Live as Sarah Roberts, the daughter of Cord (John Loprieno) and Tina Lord Roberts (then played by Krista Tesreau) from 1994-1997, and right up until she left to go to Guiding Light.
In primetime, Panettiere is remembered for her roles as Claire Bennet on the hit series Heroes (2006-2010) and as Juliette Barnes on the musical drama Nashville where she starred opposite General Hospital alum, Jonathan Jackson’s (ex-Lucky) role of Avery Barkley. Nashville ran for six seasons on ABC and them moved over to CMT for two final seasons (2012-2018).
In films, Hayden also starred in: Remember the Titans (2000), Raising Helen (2004), Ice Princess (2005) and as Kirby Reed in three ‘Scream’ franchise films including: Scream 4 (2011), and cameos in its sequel Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023), to name but a few. Early on her film career, Panettiere, was the voice of Princess Dot in 1998’s A Bug’s Life.
Throughout her career, Panettiere earned Golden Globes, Critics Choice Television Awards, Teen Choice Awards and People’s Choice Awards for her role in Nashville. Her performance in Heroes landed her Teen Choice nomination and a Young Artist Award. She also won a Young Artist Award for her role in Remember the Titans.
Photo: JPI
HAYDEN PANETTIERE RELEASED MEMOIR EARLIER IN 2026
Back on May 19, 2026, Hayden released a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning, which talked about her struggles from childhood to adulthood in front of the camera and off including her battles with alcohol and pill addiction, postpartum depression and more.
Sadly, Hayden’s brother Jansen Panettiere (pictured above), died suddenly back in February 2023 from cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) coupled with aortic valve complications. He was only 28 at the time of his death. Hayden told PEOPLE that she would never be able to get over her brother’s death, citing, “No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss.”
Panettiere is the mother to one child, her daughter Kaya Klitschko, 11, whom she had in December of 2014 with her ex-fiancé, heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.
This is a developing story and Michael Fairman TV will provide updated information and details on the passing of Hayden Panettiere as they become available.
Now below, share your thoughts and prayers to the Panettiere family and your remembrances of Hayden via the comment section below.
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