News
Y&R’s Eric Braeden Weighs-in on the Controversial Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, got off to a rocky start with a heavily criticized opening ceremony broadcast on NBC and streaming on Peacock. However, the ratings proved otherwise. Nearly 29 million viewers, the highest viewership since the 2012 Games tuned in on multiple platforms to watch the spectacle.
With the weather not cooperating with the planned opening ceremony held on the Seine River, due to rain that got more intense as the ceremony continued, the program mixed prerecorded and live performances. Meanwhile, the athletes were taken down the river on boats, waving their countries flags in the rain. This was juxtaposed against unusual segments played out on the sides of the river to emulate French history and more.
The artistic director for the opening ceremony was Thomas Jolly, an actor and stage director, who brought many theatrical moments to the ceremony. However, the ceremony was not without some poignant moments including when Celine Dion delivered a heartfelt and tremendous vocal performance, her first in five years since battling Stiff Person’s Syndrome. Even Lady Gaga was seemingly plagued by some sound issues during her performance.
Photo: AP
The Young and the Restless’ Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) took to X, to give his thoughts on the artistic direction of the spectacle. Braeden expressed, “The opening ceremony was given to a guy who is a theatre director! This is a visual feast, and should have been directed by one of the many brilliant filmmakers in PARIS! And what was all this tortured imagery about? And the teams on the boats largely out of focus!”
However, Eric also noted some of the high notes, sharing, “The highlights were the lighting of the Olympic fire, the BEATLES SONG AND, finally and gloriously, CELINE DION!! I love that woman’s singing! It’s FROM THE HEART!! And LADY GAGA SHOULD HAVE DONE A MEDLEY OF EDITH PIAF SONGS!”
Photo: NBC
One fan, who responded to Braeden’s message expressed their thoughts on Jolly’s artistic direction, and added, “I think he was trying to recreate let’s say a painting/photo/moment in culture w/a bit of Olympic History mixed in. The problem is it was literally a movable stage no one could control. Maybe the weather & micromanagement did it in. It certainly wasn’t the worst though.”
Braeden responded, “Yeah, well, kind of.. I thought it was pretty awful! Obviously not conceived by a visual artist or someone with a deep appreciation of the extraordinary athletes, all in one place!! Why would I want to see some ridiculous dance numbers, instead of closer looks and interviews with the athletes!”
Courtesy/NBC
Meanwhile, the ceremony has now seen an outcry about the depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” that featured DJ and producer Barbara Butch — an LGBTQ+ icon — flanked by drag artists and dancers, and then French actor, Philippe Katerine, seemingly naked lying on a giant fruit platter, with some gold dust and a smattering of foliage to cover his privates. It led to some social media users to compare him to a Smurf. There was also a faceless torch-bearer doing parkour on Parisian rooftops and a headless Marie Antoinette figurine, receiving mixed reactions from viewers. Still others thought the opening ceremony was highly-creative, touching and beautiful.
Courtesy/NBC
So, what do you think about Eric’s sentiments on the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris? Do you wish it would have had less imagery and we could actually see the athletes better? Comment below.
The opening ceremony was given to a guy who is a theatre director! This is a visual feast, and should have been directed by one of the many brilliant filmmakers in PARIS! And what was all this tortured imagery about? And the teams on the boats largely out of focus!
The…— Eric Braeden (@EBraeden) July 28, 2024
Since they kept weaving pre-recorded footage into it and it was fast-paced: I saw the people sitting there but I mistakingly assumed they were with the runway fashion show. It wasn’t until the next day until I learned what it was. My heart sank a little when I learned. Regardless of their intent, they had to know it was going to be deemed by many as religious mockery. Many religious people are very accepting of all walks of life and want no strife. The segment was about Paris fashion and shouldn’t have strayed into religion. If one wants acceptance, offending half the world is a poor way to achieve it. If Paris wants to be a good host it got off to a bad start. In the grand scheme of things it is supposed to be about the athletes and not about the city….and certainly not about the director’s grievances.
Except it wasn’t the last supper. It was a depiction of the GREEK Bachanalia.
You are correct, Audra!
I wonder if that POS would mock the religion of Islam ? I doubt it real tired of your in our face your sickening crap you dish out every day you want to be accepted then start acting like humans
I would rather hear what Erik Braeden thinks about the current state of affairs at Y&R. Like, everything that’s wrong there. But no, we get a story about what he thinks about something not even remotely linked to his show or this website???
You do realize Eric is a human being and he is allowed to voice his opinions on events that occur outside of his show!
ABC has named their ‘Bachelor’ for the upcoming 30th season of the reality series. Sam Hartman, a 27-year-old NFL quarterback who plays playing for the Washington Commanders, will be handing out the roses as he searches for love.
The upcoming season of The Bachelor will premiere in 2027 on Sunday, March 21 at 8 p.m ET. on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S.
The announcement was made, and Hartman’s first interview was on the Friday, November 13 edition of Good Morning America, where he shared with cohosts Sam Champion and Rebecca Jarvis: “I’m excited but also very nervous, I have a tough time holding conversation with one girl. 30 is going to be pretty tough.”
Photo: NFL
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS QB WRESTLED WITH THE NOTION OF BECOMING THE BACHELOR
Hartman also revealed his initial thoughts on appearing on The Bachelor: “Honestly, at first, I was like ‘no way. The connotation of it − I don’t know.” Ultimately the QB was swayed to take on the reality franchise lead for its upcoming season.
A Charlotte, North Carolina, native, Hartman played for Wake Forest and Notre Dame in the college ranks. It was there he set ACC records, including most career touchdown passes and 300-yard passing games. Sam was also featured in the documentary series QB1: Beyond the Lights. Currently, on the NFL’s Washington Commanders, he serves as a quarterback on their practice squad.
FORMER ATHLETES THAT ALSO GAVE OUT THE FINAL ROSE
The pick of Sam Hartman aligns with pro athletes who have appeared on the show in the past including: now ‘Bachelor’ host, NFL quarterback Jesse Palmer, former soccer player Juan Pablo Galavi, ace car driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. and former NFL practice squad player Colton Underwood.
The Bachelor is executive produced by Scott Teti, Jason Ehrlich and Andy Frank serve as executive producers.
You can check out Sam Hartman talking about being cast as the series lead for the upcoming season 30 of The Bachelor with GMA below.
Now let us know, will you be checking out the 2027 season of The Bachelor featuring Sam looking for love? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Ava Tie the Knot With Drew?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘The Bachelor’ Names NFL Quarterback Sam Hartman as Lead for Season 30
‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actress Bree Williamson Mourns the Loss of Husband Michael John Roberts
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Ava Tie the Knot With Drew?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
-
News5 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
-
Previews6 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
-
Days Of Our Lives6 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
-
News1 week agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
-
Interviews3 days agoB&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
