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The Roger Howarth rumors continue: Is he headed back to One Life?

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

For the last few weeks, and over the last few days, a return to One Life to Live, by the original Todd Manning, Roger Howarth have picked up steam.  First, there was the episode on the ABC Daytime series, where a confused Tea, pulled out a picture of Howarth as Todd and was insistent that Trevor. St. John (the current Todd Manning) was an imposter.   Then came a report from Soap Opera Network just a few days ago that declared through their setside source that Howarth was indeed returning to the series sometime towards the end of this year, or the beginning of 2011. Then, last night, noted soap columnist Carolyn Hinsey on her facebook page made this statement:  “Seriously, stop with the Howarth misinformation here please. He is not coming back to OLTL. Case closed.”

In the SON item their source stated, “You thought the tease a couple weeks back with Tea proclaiming this isn’t Todd as she pointed to a picture of Roger Howarth was not the start of something bigger? Think again.”  On-Air On-Soaps did speak to a rep from the series who does not comment on speculative rumors associated with the series, as they are just rumors.

So does a Howarth return make sense?  Well,  in part yes, since Howarth’s run at As the World Turns had ended, and he is in New York City, where One Life now remains the sole ABC series.   But, how would the writers play out this storyline with the plastic surgeries, the Walker Laurence issue, etc?  Would Howarth play somebody new?  The real Todd, the real Walker?   Or, is this all just one more rumor in the the soap world that never materializes into anything ?  And with Trevor St. John, one of the most heralded actors of the daytime genre, would it be wise to displace all the credibility of the character, that he has made into his own over time?  I guess, we will all just have to make our guesses, and see what comes down the pike over the next few months.  For fans, it simply also comes down to a case of who do you believe.

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This is great news, and however it plays out, it’s sure to bring a lot of “eyes” back to OLTO !

Over a decade ago they showed Todd (howarth) talking to himself in another seat on an airplane. They hinted at the idea that Todd had DID like his sister and neice. Could it be that Howarth has been one of his alters and Walker Lawrence new this and stole Todd’s personality? Hopefully because if Trevor St. John is leaving not having a TODD is NOT an option!

TSJ is not one of the most heralded actor to me. If true, where are his Emmys? RH is Todd Manning. Case closed. Even if he never comes back, or plays someone else on OLTL, he created the iconic character.

Roger H was a good Todd, but a very dark Todd. Trevor St. John has brought so many layers of dimension to the character of Todd Manning. Its great that u r loyal to Roger H. but the truth is the truth Trevor makes a better Todd. By the way just because an actor played the character that was created by the powers that be, does not make him iconic. Like I said Roger H. was a good dark Todd. Trevor is a Great Todd! JUST MY OPINION!

In most cases, characters are created by writers. This wasn’t entirely true in the case of Todd Manning. Todd was intended to be a short-term character. Roger was so wildly popular that they changed their plan and kept him. Your view is directly counter to mine, in that I feel Todd lost his depth when Trevor took over the role. I guess we cancel one another out. In any case, I like Trevor’s character. I wouldn’t mind keeping him. I just can’t suspend my disbelief. He isn’t Todd Manning. No one else compares to Roger as Todd Manning. Not Trevor as Todd Manning. Not even Roger as Paul Ryan. Roger as Todd was once in a lifetime.

Sorry, but Trever’s Todd is such a pussy now. Roger’s Todd has that edge. Don’t believe me? Go on youtube and watch the old clips of Roger’s work. Then you’ll see the REAL TODD MANNING!

I totally agree on all accounts…and I couldn’t have said it better myself. I love Roger Howarth, and no one else can even fit in his shoes, let alone walk in them. I don’t criticize Trevor St. Johns acting ability, he just can’t act like Todd…THE TRUE TODD…!!! The one that Roger created. There is only one Todd for me.

Roger IS Todd!!! pure and simple! TSJ was acceptable as Todd, But Roger is sensational and he is the best person to play the role! Todd is Roger and Roger is Todd! Can’t wait for my baby to come back! Loved him and missed him in the role!

Trevor St John, one of the most “heralded actors in daytime”…………LMAO!!!!!!!! Really that statement just cracked me up! This is an actor who can’t even get prenomed by his own castmates for an Emmy, who hasn’t even “sniffed” at any daytime awards or acclaim!!!!!! I think this writer has a man crush on TSJ!!!!!!!! RH will be back because OL realizes that they are lacking in the leading man department and they know what a “heralded daytime actor is”……..that is why they have been begging for him to comeback!!!!! Long live Todd Manning!

I certainly hope to see The Real Todd back on my OLTL soon…I love him, and miss him so much. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Trevor St. John one of the most heralded actors in daytime? When, where and on what planet? No disrespect, but if the execution were the only scenes that anyone can mention as being his best work, that doesn’t scream of a hearlded actor by any means. The news that RH is coming back is the best news I’ve heard since Florencia Lozano’s return. This, to me, is OLTL heading in the right direction. On OLTL, Roger Howarth is and always will be… Todd Manning.

II agree with you Regina! Can’t wait for him to come back! I’m guessing he’ll be back for the May sweeps! Isn’t it convenient that TSJ is out of sight now!? Welcome back Roger! We missed you!

I think TSJ has publicly commented that he does not want to be nominated for an Emmy, as his performance is more of an ensemble thing. I don;t understand it but he has his reasons I guess. I think he desrves an Emmy or two.

I think TSJ is a great actor. I also liked Roger when he was on. In my opinion, this is proably ABC testing the waters to see if fans are in support of Roger returning to OLTL in some capacity. Obviously, they need more viewers and they are trying to see how best to accomplish this. I think the easiet route would be to ditch some of the younger and newer characters and focus on vets. And where is Roxy? Why aren’ t they using her?

He only said that after his execution sl did not garner him an emmy nod. Otherwise, why would he have submitted anything to be considered in the first place? I do believe he was hurt by that. If he wants to play “poor me” and throw pity parties fine. Just don’t invite me.

It figures you can’t compliment Trevor without him getting bashed by the Roger cult members. Yes to them Roger is the be all, end all of actors. But I really find it funny how they all forget all the stuns Roger pulled when he didn’t like the direction Todd was going. I couldn’t count how many times he left and came back. All because he didn’t like the storyline and where it was going.

Yet for the the past 7 years Trevor stayed and did every storyline OLTL gave him. And didn’t take off weather he was unhappy with the storyline or not.

Bring RH back than I can sit and watch RC write for him and see them complain when RH doesn’t give it his all, or his storyline sucks and just watch him come and pick up his pay check. Karma it has a way of hitting those in face real good.

I can count them. Twice. 🙂 Roger followed his conscience, and I applaud that.

I agree wholeheartedly. Roger followed his conscience. And that showed in his performance, and in his sucess. Trevor St. John is a very good actor as well, but he does not play Todd like Roger. P L E A S E bring Roger back. Alot of people will be happy, I for one.

Of course, you can compliment TSJ. I did not read any rule that says that you could not. ; )

I agree with the other two repliers: RH has been loyal to the character by leaving than to play the mess that the revolving door of writers, in his day, wanted him to play. I do not think sticking to your guns is the same as having a hissy fit. If you have convictions than you have convictions.

I enjoyed having the charater come and go because I couild miss him in the end. I’ve been missing him for a long time!

I sure hope your last comment doesn’t come true! I have seen TSJ do just the same. No need for an encore, IMNSHO.

I agree that RH is Todd and always will be. Granted TSJ has revamped the Todd role and made it his own….HIS OWN! RH created the character that was only supposed to be a short lived character on OLTL. There is a way. I am a writer and have a perfect storyline for the return of RH! HE can return as Todd Manning and TSJ can be a twin brother of RH….Mitch brainwashed him into thinking he was Todd and he actually believes it. It would be a great storyline….Please come back Roger!!!!

I am hoping that Roger returns also, lets all keep our fingers crossed.

Good God, you bring Roger back, I’d watch again. I have nothing against Trevor, but he’s just not Todd to me. Heck, Roger played Todd faking a bunch of personalities, finding out Trevor St. John’s been faking Todd, not a bad idea. I want Roger as Todd, though, no one else on OLTL. It would definately be fun, and dramatic, funny, and moving all at once to have him back!

IF HE WAS TO COME BACK, I WOULD HAVE HIM BE A NEW PERSON.THAT WAY IF HE DOES NOT LIKE WHAT THEY WRITE FOR HIM THEY CAN SEND HIM PACKING.DO NOT KISS HIS ASS.

Roger Howarth was Todd back in the day but that is the past and this is the present. Saying Trevor is not Todd is an insult to his ABC fans and the genre of daytime. People come and go and Howarth left and St John came. He kept the character of Todd alive. Imagine OLTL w/o Todd Manning and now fans are saying he is not Todd? BS!! He is Todd and always will be. As for Emmy nominations he was nominated for his death scene. One that he should have won hands down. The Emmy process is a bunch of crap and even those in the industry admit it. Case in point: DREW TYLER BELL winner in Younger Actor Category? Please!!! All of us in the press room that night were scratching our heads and were in shock. It is one thing to like your favorite but to put down a actor for doing his job is an insult. Get over it, Trevor St John is a fantastic actor just look at his credits. He does bif screen movies what has Howarth done besides OLTL and ATWT? Nothing Nada Zip. Dont get me wrong I think Howarth is a good actor I watched ATWT and he was fine but he doesn’t have the acting chops St John does.

RH, did do some other things. He had a bit part in a movie. Can’t for the life of me remember the name of it was a long time ago. Might have actually have been before Tood Manning took Llannview by storm. He also did a short lived night time series called “Prey”.

The way I remember it, RH was trying to take his career in a broader direction, and that was why he left OLTL the couple times he did before he was finally clear of his contract obligations.

I have been a OLTL fan most of my life, but lost touch when I moved to Europe for a few years. Have only recently began watching again. It’s been an adjustment learning to accept TSJ as Todd. Yes he’s a Todd, his own Todd, but to me he isn’t The Todd. RH, played Todd darkly, but as the Character aged he was very capable of letting the vulnerable, caring, “good” part of Todd show through. It would be a huge treat if he was to return to the show as Todd Manning!

I agree…

Sorry you feel that way, but Roger Howarth is truly the only Todd Manning, and IMO there will never be another. Roger is a phenominal actor, perhaps you should check his bio’s, he’s very talented. I wish he would try his hand in Hollywood, because he has what it takes to make it, no question about it. Not knocking TSJ, but he just doesn’t compare to Roger in this case.

Roger gave Todd levels that Trever has never been able to touch! And Roger has work with Spike Lee and Lawrence Fishbourne in case you were wondering. The true Todd fans miss the edge that Todd use to have. When Roger did his thing and the writing was good-you couldn’t wait to see what he’ll do next. That is what a brilliant performer Roger is.

He is in movies but he does bit parts! Blink and you miss him. When he carries a major movie in a major role I will give him all the props in the world.

please keep the present todd , he looks like the children {starr and danni } and that other todd ,{ Howarth } isn’t reliable. remember he walks when ever he wants.

Actually Daniella, and Jack looks more like Roger than Trevor, and Starr, and Blair had amazing chemistry with Roger, I’m sure they’d be so happy to welcome him back, probably Tea too, she seemed to love Roger, he’s just a great guy. But remember that Roger is nothing like Todd in real life, actually completely opposite. But I love the villains, so I am absolutely crazy about Todd as the villain.

Jack looks so much like RH that I have frequently found myself checking his bio to see if they are related. I have chills now seeing RHs picture in a storyline for the second time in two months. I feel sure RH will be back but I have fallen in love with TSJ, much like Blair did when he appeared.

I think Starr, Dani, and Jack looks RH than the other guy. It would make sense. RH is the real face of Todd.

as a makeup artist who applied that cheek scar to Roger at OLTL, I have a few stories to tell about the actor AND One Life in general in my new tell-all, “Makeup & Misery: Adventures in the Soap Factory.” go to http://www.makeupandmisery.com to order this one-of-a-kind expose of the Soap world!

I really hope Roger is returning to OLTL. Trevor is fine, but the depth, introspection, inner turmoil…great hair… everything that made Todd Manning unique is missing. For now, I’m a casual viewer. Roger + impostor storyline = me glued to the teevee for sure! 🙂

I agree.

I am a Todd Manning fan, Todd manning is the only reason I watch OLTL.
I loved Roger as Todd and it took awhile to accept TSJ as Todd ,but I absolutely love TSJ as Todd and I dont want Roger to come back as Todd.
I would like to see him come back as a twin of Todds since he has the origional face it could be interesting cause Todd would have to see ths guy walking around with his face, and it would fun to see how the other charaters reaction to him.

I agree I love Roger as Todd . But I’ll be just as happy with him as another charactor. The twin idea is perfect.

marty sagebrooke came across a photo of todd’s fraternity during her episode with amnesia. in that photo was a man who was not represented during the infamous rape storyline. his features were similar to the new todd. it appeared at the time, that the writers were preparing for a phony todd storyline pending on roger howarth’s open door return. did anyone else notice that but me?

hello all i hope all is well. anyway i hope roger comes back as todd manning. it only makes since. because roger as todd has some stuff to take care of. i don’t like this fake todd.

Lets keep our fingers crossed, and await his return…I miss him so much.

As a fan of As The World Turns, I would love to see Roger Howarth on One Life to Live. I will definitely be a new watcher of One Life to Live due to Terri Colombino and Roger Howarth joining the soap.

I love both Roger & Trevor as Todd, what I love about Roger as Todd Manning is theeviliness in the early years. What I love about Trevor St. John’s acting ability as Todd
Manning is his warmth & sense of humor. I cried the day Todd was put to death by Lethal Injection for two murders he never commited. But I was rejoycing when Todd was brought back to life & fully recovered from that horrid ordeal. Truly Trevor St. John did a beautiful job in playing a condemmed man on Death Row. I also commend Roger in his acting role as Todd The Rapist who became a redemenned man thanks to Blair Crammer’s love & support. We know Todd changed somewhat but he is still the feisty Todd we know & all love. I hope this storyline works out for both Roger & Trevor I will be glued to my chair watching these fine actors. Christine Klinger

Roger returning would be great but the truth is he’s made it clear he doesnt want to return as Todd I very much doubt he will return as another character . I will always love Roger and want him to return to Oltl
I know its not going to happen . I actually fooled myself to thinking there was a possiblity but deep in my heart of hearts I know it will never be. I do hope he comes back to soaps I love him as actor . Lets face Oltl is not what it use to be the writing is horrible and I wouldnt want him to return to a show that would not showcase his true talent. so wherever he goes I will follow and watch because im a true fan of his and want only the best for him .

I pray that RH will comeback,but only as Todd.He created such an iconic character for OLTL that him playing anyone else would just be laughable.I would just as rather they leave things the way they are than try to pull of something like that.
Anyway,I wish they would officially confirm OR deny the rumor once and for all,I soooo hate hoping!!

The lack of Roger on my screen is extremely frustrating. I’ve been watching old videos, as well as current episodes. There’s just no comparison. Todd Manning just isn’t Todd Manning anymore. 🙁 I’m kind of terrified he never will be again.

I agree, Roger’s being missing is really starting to become a PROBLEM! We need him back for the sake of the character and our eyes…when he graces the screen, there is NO ONE LIKE HIM! Roger, please return. We love you and you are and always will be THE REAL TODD MANNING!

TSJ is very pretty, but Todd he is not. I would love to have Howarth back as the one, the only, Todd Manning. It would certainly get me to tune back into OLTL every day, instead once or twice every couple of months, which is all I watch now. I don’t even care about the ‘shipper aspect of it anymore. TnT, TnB, Tangeline, Tarty…whatever. I just want real Todd back. It might be interesting to have Howarth back in a different role, but to me he’ll just always be Todd–a role that NEVER should have been recast to begin with. (Seriously. Bad idea.) I can’t imagine Howarth and TSJ on the same screen without knowing exactly who’s Todd…and who’s not.

I love Trevor St John and accepted him over time as RH’s replacement . He has made a remarkable change to Todd’s character . But I have always missed RH ‘s portrayal of Todd . I got so excited when I saw the episodes with RH’s face as Todd . Please,OLTL bring him back .
There is so many interesting ways that the writers could ressurect RH as Todd .
I liked the twin brother idea .
But what if Todd was captured years after Patrick was captured by the same terrorist group and they come back together . This brings Marty back to normal and happy that she never really did the dirty consential wise with the real Todd . LOL

The new Todd is soooooooooo boring! And he’s a mega pussy! There’s no edge. He can’t touch what Roger brought to the role. The levels of complexed depts that Roger played so effortlessly. RH is the REAL TODD MANNING! Period!

Please find a way to have Roger and Trevor on OLTL . Hmmm there hasnt been a good amnesia story lately. Fingers Crossed . sro

This coming week is going to make it more obvious that Roger is on his way back as Todd. On Friday, OLTL is reliving Todd and Blair’s 1995 wedding episode in it’s entirety.
It’s an encore presentation. And that painting of Blair has Trevor’s Todd all worried. I think that we will soon know that Trevor has been Walker Laurence pretending to be Todd and the real Todd, Roger, will be back to come face to face with Trevor. I cannot wait to see the scenes between Roger and Trevor. Talk about a showdown. Things were getting too easy for Todd lately. Bring back the VCR!!!!!!!!!
Susan

I just went out and got a VHS tape for the VCR for Friday’s episode. Roger has one of those great smiles, but underneath the smile is a sheep. Roger is 2 or 3 years older tnan Trevor although they were both born in September (13th for Roger and 3rd for Trevor). When it first came out that Todd was Victor Lord’s heir and Todd with the long hair. What boardroom at a newspaper has a long-haired CEO at the head of the table. The Sun does and does he look hot!!!!!!!!!!
Susan

Somehow that wedding picture ended up in Paris…hmmm. I do believe this is the pre-empt to the returh of RH.

Stop teasing us OLTL give us what the majority of the viewers want RODGER HOWARTH!!!!

Malice…..couldn’t agree with you more……Todd= Roger!

so very true truemanning fan. Those who think that TSJ has brought depth to Todd Manning and not Roger, folks go and get yourselves glasses and hearing aids. Roger’s Todd had so much depth and dimension that know one can even compare the two. Roger has Todd “down pat” as the saying goes since he is the one who created this character!!! TSJ is “now” trying to be angry over Dani and Tomas when he walked in and caught Tea and Tomas hugging, I was totally laughing!!!! Put TSJ where he belongs, Walker Lawrence, that is who they brought him on as to begin with! Oh and by the way, I would like to ask one little question to the TSJ vs. RH as Todd: How many emmies has TSJ won and how many times has TSJ been nominated? Hmmmm??????

Now Frank Valentini, Ron Caravati, Brian Fronns, Anne Sweeney and Robert, STOP all this teasing and starting arguments over Roger and Trevor, who’s coming, who going! Not only is this teasing fans it is down right demeaning. Now if you want to lose both Roger and Trevor Fans, just keep it up and then YOUR RATINGS WILL PLUMMET!! Either crap or get off the freaking pot and tell us what is what! If you don’t know, then just come out and tell us. I will respect that much more than what you guys are doing!

It doen’t matter what Roger does, it is always top notch. When he left OLTL, I stopped watching and followed him on ATWT’s. Even in the pilot “Prey” and I don’t like sci-fi! He is the best of the best and will forward to seeing him anywhere!

A Roger Cult??? Well, there’s a very GOOD reason why there is a Roger cult.. Roger created an iconic role . The writing was superb back then. Not, factured as it is now. Then again how hard is it too write for a buch of teenyboppers. I do like Trevor but he is not Todd Manning. How do you recast a legendary part? You simply can’t because you change the whole personality and dynamic of the character. Days Of Our Lives got away with it because Days has always been a “campy” show. OLTL tried to recast and lost alot of viewers. Just to try prove a point Roger.

Love Roger and love Trevor. would like them both on show/Trevor could pull it off that he was brainwashed somehow to think he is real Todd by perhaps the evil Tomas…

if oltl doesnt make a move soon we will all just stop caring !!! timing is everything… just give us what we want already! ROGER

GRRRRRRR IDK roger is todd bt trevor makes a good todd to but idk twins brainwashed or whatever i want roger back as todd bt whatever happens i have a feeling this is gonna be good 🙂

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric

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Dominic Zamprogna

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) opened up about the burgeoning love triangle forming between his Port Charles alter-go, Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) after recently aired scenes, plus his hopes for the future of a Dante and Liz pairing, during his appearance on the Sunday, April 23 edition of the That’s Awesome podcast with Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli).

On last week’s episodes of GH, Ric has made the decision that he wanted to propose to his ex-wife, only when he showed up at Elizabeth’s front door, he misread the scenario he walked in with Liz tending to Dante’s injured leg from the softball game. From there, the legal eagle’s jealous streak is reemerging which may cause him to act out and do something unforgivable, or will he take the high road? Stay tuned.

Speaking with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson about where Elizabeth stands in the annals of the long-running soap, Zamprogna said, “She’s up there with Steve and Maurice (Maurice Benard) as one of the most legacy-filled people on the show.”

Courtesy/ABC

HOW DANTE AND ELIZABETH CAME ABOUT

Dominic jokes it’s a far cry for where Dante and Elizabeth previously, recalling, “We had some scenes together years ago and we were both laughing. Becky’s like, ‘Well, I guess we’re not going be paired up anytime soon.’ I remember we laughed immediately after they yelled ‘cut,”‘and said to each other, ‘Well, so much for that!'”

Fast-forward to early 2025 and as Zamprogna remembered it, “Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) came up to me at the General Hospital Christmas party, and I think it was a year and a half ago and she said, ‘We’re going to have you in scenes with Elizabeth,’ My internal monologue is going, ‘I’m not with Lulu (Alexa Havins) anymore and Sam’s (Kelly Monaco) gone, so maybe they want to see if this works.’ I didn’t want to get scenes with Becky and try to find the chemistry. I just wanted to play whatever honestly was written and came across for both of us and hope it was what people liked, and I don’t know if it is … or not.”

Knowing how beloved Elizabeth is to the GH faithfuls, Zamprogna added, “She got a big fan base with Ric … and a big fan base with with Jason … and you know, you’re going to piss somebody off. But, didn’t Ric drug Elizabeth and put Carly in a panic room?”

Dom and Liz

Photo: ABC

DANTE AND ELIZABETH PAIRING COULD STIR UP STORY FOR OTHERS IN PORT CHARLES

In closing, Dominic felt that the wide-reaching tentacles of a Dante and Elizabeth relationship is something he is 100% down for. “The triangle thing; I was happy to hear it was with Ric and her, because I felt it’s important to have her the top of it as opposed to Dante, Lulu and Elizabeth.”

Zamprogna added, “When you get into relationships on a soap, things seem to fizzle out a little bit, The buildup is what’s the fun part, and the getting to know each other, and the people who are affected by this coming together. When with this case it’s going to affect: Ric, Sonny, Lulu. There’s so much more story here. To me, it’s going to be a fun story to play.”

You can check out Dominic’s visit to That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford below.

Now weigh-in: Are you rooting for Dante and Liz, or Dante and Ric at this juncture of the story, or neither guy  for Elizabeth? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Mike Manning Lands Role in Indie Horror Feature ‘Deify’

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Mike Manning

While Smitty tries to hold the fort down in his marriage to congressman Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon)  and their two teenaged children, Samantha (Najah Jackson) and Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) on Beyond the Gates, Emmy-winner Mike Manning has also landed another feature film role.

According to Deadline, Manning has joined the cast of Deify with 6 other new cast members for the indie psychological horror film starring Neal McDonough and Skeet Ulrich, which was previously announced last week.

Joining Manning as the latest cast addition are: Dennis Haysbert, Ashley Greene,  Casey Harnett, Kirk Avecdo, Anji White, anf Nicholas Chimera who’s directing the pic also has a part in the film.

WHAT’S THE STORY OF DEIFY?

Taking to his Instagram with the news of his casting, Manning shared, “A movie about a cult? What could possibly go wrong? Come for the enlightenment. Stay because they won’t let you leave. DEIFY is coming…”

The movie is currently shooting in Chicago and in story, “a cult leader is put on trial after causing his devoted followers to be burned alive. The film is inspired in part by events surrounding the 1993 Waco, Texas, standoff between members of the Branch Davidians church and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, one of the largest civilian firefights ever recorded on American soil.”

MIKE MANNING IS A DAYTIME EMMY NOMINEE

In addition, the multi-talented Manning is a producer on the feature. Previously, Mike was nominated last month in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. He previously won an Emmy for his role on The Bay and for being a producer on the digital drama.

Mike’s previous credits include the role of Charlie Dale on Days of Our Lives and the Manny on This Is Us, plus various primetime and screen credits.

So intrigued to find what role Mike will play in the upcoming horror/cult film, Deify? Enjoying him as Smitty on Beyond the Gates? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GH and OLTL Alum Patrick J. Gibbons Reveals the Story Behind Writing Trina’s Song on ‘General Hospital’ (Exclusive)

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Patrick J. Gibbons

At the conclusion of today’s August 21 episode of General Hospital, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) sings a lullaby to baby Dez, that went into a montage to close out the episode as her father Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) reports to Pentonville and winds up in his jail cell.

However, in a fun fact, the song entitled, “A Lonely Heart To Give” was actually written by none other than former One Life to Live and General Hospital actor, Patrick J. Gibbons.

Daytime fans first met Gibbons as Sam Manning on One Life to Live. At the time, when he started on the soap, he was just 5-years-old. Gibbons played the part from 2010-2013 on ABC and Prospect Park’s editions of the show. Fast-forward to 2018, Gibbons shows up on General Hospital as Wyatt Hoover, the scout who seemed always be injured, but in the thick of the drama. Patrick had appeared on GH multiple times as Wyatt including: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023.

Photo: ABC

FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER’S DEATH CAME THE INSPIRATION FOR HIS SONG

Now in 2026, General Hospital fans are getting to learn about another side of Gibbons’ talent as a songwriter and guitar player after “A Lonely Heart to Give” debuted today! Michael Fairman TV caught up with Patrick, who is now a senior at Penn State entering his final year as a finance major, to get the back-story of how his song wound up on GH!

Gibbons explained he wrote the song in honor of his grandmother who passed away a few years ago with whom he was, very, very close with. “Randomly, my grandmother had a downfall and passed away during the second semester of my sophomore year. I was in my dorm a lot and I was just playing with my guitar. And at the time, I was really into finger-style playing. I wrote the lyric and music to it (with a little help from my guitar teacher Lou), and my mom showed the rough demo to Frank Valentini (EP, General Hospital). He’s like an uncle to me. Frank loved it so much he said, “Finish that up. I want to hear the whole thing, and I want it on the show.”

MAKING MUSIC FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL

Gibbons and his parents took the next steps! “So now, all we needed was a female voice, because I thought that would fit the song well,” Patrick shared. “At the golf club we go to my parents were at a dinner. They liked the singer that was performing and spoke to her about the song, and she says she would like to bring it to her ‘boss’ who ended up being Eric Bazilian of the Hooters fame!” (Bazilian also wrote the smash hit song “One of Us” for Joan Osborne).

Next, “We went in the studio and recorded it and the song came together and it was beautiful. We loved it. They loved it at General Hospital and now they’re putting it the show and they are coming in with a piano, instead of a guitar. Paul Glass, the GH musical director, has been keeping us updated over the last six months of how it was coming along, and when it would air, and how GH put their own arrangement to it. I can’t wait to see and hear what they did with it.”

Photo: JPI

PATRICK’S ONE LIFE TO LIVE FAMILY

Everyone knows that the One Life to Live extended family share a very tight bond, and Patrick said he does stay in touch with a few of his former One Life to Live co-stars, especially those from the Manning family! “I stayed in touch with Kassie DePaiva (ex-Blair) and sent her little videos here and there. She was like my second mom for five years. We keep in contact with Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) over X the most, and she can’t believe how big I’ve gotten. Like, none of them can! (laughs). I also loved working with Roger Howarth (ex-Todd) and Trevor St. John (ex-Todd and Victor Jr.), and to me since I was so young, they were just my friends, ‘Roger and Trevor,’ not Todd Manning or Victor Jr.”

It was a trip to California and a visit to Port Charles that ultimately led to Gibbons second soap role of Wyatt Hoover. Patrick explains, “In 2016, Frank Valentini invited us out to Los Angeles to visit the set of General Hospital. I think he heard me say, ‘This is so much fun. I miss being on the set.’ He goes, ‘You should come out. I’ll bring you on the show. We can make you a character.'”

A few years later, Patrick’s dream became a reality! “Then, by the summer of 2018, I was playing Wyatt, the scout, and shared scenes with Wes Ramsey (Peter August), and the best was when I shared a scene with Roger Howarth and Michael Easton (ex-John, OLTL and ex-Silas, Finn et al, GH), it was like chemistry from the old days.”

Photo: PGibbons

IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS

As to his future aspirations, it’s a career in the finance game that has piqued Gibbons’ real-life interest. But never say never to a return to acting. Patrick explained, “I’ve always enjoyed numbers. And on top of that, one of the biggest parts of finance is being personable and outgoing.”

He continued, “That’s one of the greatest skills I developed growing up. I really love the markets. I’m super interested. I’m never going to close the door to acting. I’m always open to that because I just love it so much. It’s such a great art.”

Take note! If there are any investment bankers or private equity folks among the GH faithful looking for a young analyst next year, Patrick’s DMs are open. You can find him on X at @PatrickJGibbons.

So, what did you think of the song sung by Trina on today’s GH that was written by Patrick J. Gibbons? Did you enjoy Patrick’s performances as One Life’s Sam and GH’s Wyatt? Would you like to see him back on GH at some point? Let us know via the comment section.

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