News
THE TALK Secrets Revealed: Julie Chen Had Eye Surgery To Look Less Asian To Attain Goals In Broadcasting!
Courtesy/CBS
On the season four premiere of The Talk, the ladies of the panel have been each taking turns sharing a very personal secret that has never before been told publicly or to each other.
On yesterday’s episode, Julie Chen revealed she had surgery on her eyes years ago after a local news director in Dayton Ohio, where she was at the beginnings of her news career as a field reporter and had made known she would like to be a news anchor, told her she looked bored during interviews, and a talent agent advised that without opening her eyes, she would never make it to a big market. This caused controversy in her family particularly since Julie is very proud of her Chinese heritage.
Listen to the heartbreaking tale of Julie’s difficult decision to try to move forward in her chosen profession to attain her goals where she faced significant racism and remarks due to her race.
Watch Julie reveal her secret on her eye surgery after the jump, and then let us know how you feel about her story!
Forget about the eyes. Look at how much surgery she had on her nose
my thoughts exactly Lchan, that nose is only about half its original size
Michael
Please don’t write about these awful talk shows. We don’t care.
Excuse me, check the ratings. I care and plenty of people obviously DO care. The Talk has built a loyal audience that is growing steadily, little by little. I like Julie Chen, enjoy the show very much, and look forward to watching it each day. It’s a harmless, fun show that puts a smile on my face, and I appreciate this theme for the first week of their new season. If you don’t like/watch it, that’s fine, but don’t ruin it for the rest of us who do. You soap fans are NOT so far above everyone else. Yeah, stick your nose up. Grow up already! I suggest that you check the ratings for the different daytime talk shows. Obviously, many many people DO care.
This is my major gripe with so many crazy soap fans. Geez, a person can’t like/watch a soap as well as a couple of talk shows? Don’t you dare tell me what I should or should not care about, thank you very much.
Lisa– I don’t think soap fans think we are above talk shows. The sad truth is many of our beloved soaps were cancelled by networks and replaced by talk shows. If networks hadn’t done that, the black lash against talk shows by soaps fans would not exist. If talk shows get as many or more eyeballs watching them that sends a message to networks that they can do away with soaps altogether. So If you sense hostility toward talk shows by soap fans I think it is for that reason. They are threatening the existing four soaps.
In the old days networks has room for both genre and game shows and cooking shows for daytime, but as talk shows have become the genre of choice for daytime many soap fans will not support them because they are defending their soap.
We do realize talk shows have their fans, and if this was a website for talk shows this item would make sense, but to place it on soap site, knowing the animosity some soap fans have toward talk shows because they replaced their soaps, is just asking for comments like the one posted.
As human beings we should deeply care when individuals feel it necessary to alter their appearance in order to have a equal shot at a life many of us take for granted. I don’t think Anne was saying she doesn’t care about that issue, just as a soap fan visiting a soap site she doesn’t care to read about talk shows, which as for reasons I stated are seen as the enemy to the soaps.
I hope you understand that and realize it isn’t so much a slam against talk as it is our way of defending and trying to keep the four remaining soaps on air.
I agree. Stop the talk about The Talk.
So sad… she should have slapped that talent agent…then tried for a career in Canada…
we have many successful news broadcastors of many races.
wow she looks totally different, either way she is beautiful and its sad she was so discriminated agianst .
Discrimination is unacceptable, but things worked out well for her. She’s married to the President of CBS and she has a highly paid job which requires her to do nothing to engage in mindless patter.
Her eyes do look better after. She looks more trustworthy after. It also looks like she had some nose work done.
Talk abt brutal honesty! Tired tv show “the view” could only dream of topping that revelation! It’s completely not surprising though for julie chen to be told she’s not “relatable” enough bec of her Asian american features and heitage and she must conform to white standards of physical appearance for her career to prosper. This is something being told implicitly and explicitly to racial minorities by “tolerant” and “progressive” hollywood. Asian american actors and actresses and public personalities who are part white get more opportunities bec their looks conform more to Anglo features. It’s the same thing for other racial minorities. Why’d you think beyonce and jennifer lopez are called “most beautiful” women by entertainment press? Bec they’re light skinned and have blonde hair weaves and extensions. Bec they have more aquiline noses and comply to white standards of beauty. Actress viola davis is beautiful but she’d never be considered by entertainment press as the pinnacle of beauty bec she’s dark skinned and does not have an aquiline nose and even dares to show up to red carpets w/ her natural hair! It’s same thing for audience. It’s really horrid how films and tv shows expect racial minority audience to relate to white chars who are majority leading chars bec storylines must be told from a white char’s perspective. Yet whenever it’s a racial minority as the lead then it’s a “niche storyline” bec white audience won’t want to relate to a person of color. And thus that racial minority public figure must conform to white standards of physical appearance by getting plastic surgery like julie chen! Tv shows and movies from hollywood love to scream abt tolerance yet racism is alive and well thanks largely to them.
What a beautiful lady!
Wow. Discrimination in the news media. I’m shocked. I’m really shocked. Shame on you Ohio. Shame, shame, shame.
Seriously, I’m not surprised. Work discrimination happens everywhere. All she needed to do is change her makeup and she would have been fine.
I love the talk. julie chen is beautiful. I’m so happy that the talk is a big hit. i watch it every day.
It’s sad she felt she had to do that because she was beautiful before. However, she needs a refund as she is still a beautiful Asian woman who unfortunately had WAY TOO much plastic surgery!
All of you ladies on the Talk are BEAUTIFUL I’m so proud of all of you for bringing out your secrets. And believe me I know what I’m talking about you see I had a stroke 3 years ago which was just following up a heart valve replacementto make a long story
short I now have 2 cow valves, yes cow! in my heart and I’ve been code blue or dead 3 times ,but Julie whom ever made you painted you with a golden paint brush,( your beautiful) and I’m glad you ladies have your show it has gotten me through some tough times yall stay the way you areyour all so sweet and honest.
Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
Two soap opera alums very familiar to fans of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless are paired together in a new short-form digital series from none other than Issa Rae’s production entity HOORAE Digital.
Look for Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, GH)) and Loren Lott (ex-Ana Hamilton, Y&R) as part of the cast of The Compatibility Experiment, premiering on October 14, 2026, exclusively on TikTok and its companion microdrama platform, PineDrama.
In the video teaser, it appears that Bellow and Lott play a couple, Kelvin and Camila, set in a Love Island reality show-esque environment trying to win the one million dollar cash prize, only what could go wrong?
Photo: HOORAE
The Compatibility Experiment loglines share that it brings a fast-paced, relationship-focused reality check—much like Love Island with a twist. The show takes a participant’s current relationship, introduces them to a potentially more compatible partner, and forces them to navigate the differences with life-changing money on the line.
The new series is part of a groundbreaking content deal between HOORAE Digital and TikTok to develop premium short-form storytelling. The ensemble cast also features; Ayona, Reggie Luck, JaNa Craig, Tosin Morohunfola, Jessica Jacoby, Georgia Warner, and Nick Cassidy.
General Hospital fans know Tajh Bellow for his performances as TJ Ashford, and who earned two Daytime Emmy nominations along the way during his run. Bellow took over the role in 2018 and last appeared on the ABC daytime drama series in December of 2024.
Loren Lott first appeared as Devon’s (Bryton James) sister Ana Hamilton on The Young and the Restless from 2018 to 2019; making a brief return in 2024. She has continued to perform on the stage and screen with recent credits including: Bel-Air, Cherish the Day, and All American: Homecoming.
Check out the trailer for The Compatibility Experiment below and let us know what you think of its concept and if you are glad to see Tajh and Loren again? Hoping they might return to daytime in their GH and Y&R roles at some point in the future? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Weighs In on Who She Thinks is Trina’s Stalker (Exclusive)
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