The Bold and the Beautiful’s Don Diamont (Bill Spencer) is the special guest on this week’s all new edition of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart. Don’s episode drops Tuesday morning, August 18. During his visit, Diamont talks about his 40+ years in daytime, his co-stars, and much more.

Don has had the distinction on appearing on three different soap operas throughout his career, Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless and his current home on The Bold and the Beautiful. His road to B&B, began after in his second run in the role of Brad Carlton on Y&R, when he was let go. Diamont played Brad from 1985-1996 and again from 1998-2009. Little did he know, he had someone being his biggest cheerleader behind the scenes, six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Heather Tom (Katie Logan).

While Heather and Don worked together on The Young and the Restless, when she played Victoria Newman, it wasn’t until Don came to B&B that the two truly got to develop something special, and now since 2009, the ups and downs of the relationship of Dollar Bill and his “Katie” have often resulted in some of the most dramatic moments in the past 16 years.

Courtesy/CBS

HEATHER TOM GOES FOR HER RECORD-BREAKING 7TH DAYTIME EMMY WIN

Heather Tom is once again in the running for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series at this year’s upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in late October. If she were to win, she would become the winningest actress in a Daytime Emmy history, breaking the tie with Erika Slezak (ex-Viki, One Life to Live).

During his visit with ‘Soapy’s’ Rebecca and Greg, when Budig asks him about working withHeather Tom, Diamont becomes overcome with tears welling up in his eyes, for the love, admiration and respect he has for his longtime co-star, in this exclusive preview clip provided to Michael Fairman TV below.

In it, Diamont expressed about Tom, “The greatest .. it makes me emotional… the greatest blessing in my professional life. Beth Maitland (Traci) at that point in my career (with Y&R), and then Heather, later.”

Photo: JPI

DON DIAMONT EXPLAINS THE ROAD TO ON-SCREEN LOVE STORY WITH HEATHER TOM

Explaining how he wound up paired in story with Heather Tom, Diamont provided a bit of history lesson to the ‘Soapy’ podcast co-hosts. “The story goes, which Heather always tells, when she heard I was coming to B&B and God bless, Brad Bell (executive producer, and head writer, B&B) that after being all of a sudden, out of nowhere, being fired from Y&R, Brad brings me over to B&B.”

Don continued, “Heather hears I’m coming, and she is somewhere where she couldn’t talk so, she had to reach under the table and type, ‘I want Don Diamont,’ t0 Brad. So, that to me is an Emmy. That to me, that Heather Tom, that I call ‘Thee Heather Tom,” wanted to work with me, that was enormously flattering.”

Realizing how lucky he is to have such a phenomenal leading lady by his side, it never goes unnoticed by Diamond. “It is such a gift,” he said. “She’s just the best person. The finest actress, just fun and funny and so talented, just amazing. It has just been my great privilege and joy to work opposite her all these years.”

MORE SOAPY

For new or past episodes from the ‘Soapy’ audio/video podcast series, you can find them via the Audacy app and the CBS brand YouTube channel. The podcast is produced by the Paramount Multiplatform Production Group, with Mike Benson serving as executive producer.

You can check out Don getting choked up, and explaining how important Heather Tom has been to his TV and ‘Bold and Beautiful’ career, below.

Now let us know, do you love seeing Katie and Bill together on B&B? Do you consider, like Don and many others in the daytime drama industry, that Heather Tom is one of the greatest actresses of all-time, with her six and counting Emmys to her name? Let us know via the comment section.

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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Last Week Tonight host, John Oliver had his soap dreams come true on not one, but two long-running daytime dramas, heralding it his “hot soap summer” on the Sunday night, August 16 edition of his HBO series.

As viewers recall, Oliver’s tour of soap duty began back in March when he made a request and an offer to appear in any daytime drama that would have him with certain conditions, which included: having a ridiculous and over the top character name, a juicy storyline, and a slap.

Both Days of Our Lives and General Hospital came a-calling for Oliver, taking him up on his offer and in short order. Oliver appeared on GH in the role of the head of the WSB named  Z on episodes airing July 2-6, and then on DAYS in the role of Salem’s chief water inspector, Devlin St. John, in episodes that streamed the week of August 11.

Photo: ABC

FIRST STOP, PORT CHARLES

On Last Week Tonight, Oliver shared that both soaps delivered, and then launched into a comedic send-up complete with clips from some of his scenes. Starting with General Hospital.

Oliver said, “To General Hospital’s credit, they met all my requirements and more. First, my character got to arrive by a helicopter flanked by a pair of armed goons. And I got to do a dramatic walk during which I bravely shot in the general direction of a guy who was already on the ground. It’s called being an action star, by the way, unless you’re me or Vin Diesel, you really wouldn’t understand. And then in my next scene, I revealed my true identity. (Oliver played the scene where Josslyn wakes up in a hospital bed with Z standing at the side of her bed introducing himself).

He continued, “As for getting slapped, well, they knocked that and me out of the park too, because it turns out that agent’s mother was not happy with me,” explained Oliver, as they cut to the slap of Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) in the WSB Port Charles bureau office on Z. Oliver screamed, “YES! It has everything! A slap, a dramatic closeup, and me doing a voice so wrong, it is genuinely embarrassing. That was my honest attempt at an American accent. I can’t tell you why it’s southern. I can only tell you I was trying my hardest.”

Photo: ABC

SECOND STOP, SALEM

Then, came John’s wrap-up of his role of Devlin St. John on Days of Our Lives, the town’s chief city water inspector. “It is on Days of Our Lives I appeared in scenes alongside soap legends like Jackée Harry (Paulina) and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie). And the Days of Our Lives team met my demands in a whole different way because instead of being an international spy boss, they wrote me a character a little more my speed.”

Cut to a clip of Oliver introducing himself as Devlin St. John to Rita. He explains, “I’m the only thing standing between this town and a catastrophic plumbing failure. A literal sewage apocalypse. They made me Salem’s Chief City Water Inspector, which let’s be honest, is perfect casting. If you’re going to bottle my essence and sell it as cologne, it would be called ‘Chief City Water Inspector.'”

DEVLIN’S WIG

The late night host also clarified all the reports, that the wig he wore for his DAYS character he actually brought from home. “Now, as for the hair, I agree, it’s absolutely incredible. It’s been reported this past week that it is a wig I brought to set from home. And while it wasn’t technically from home, we did actually provide that wig, and for good reason,” joked Oliver. “I’ve seen myself act. I knew the hair was going have to do 90% of the work. I’ll be honest, I was going for a healthy John Stamos (ex-Blackie, GH) look, but instead, it appears I ended up looking more like Tina from Bob’s Burgers.”

Photo: Corday Productions

“And if you’re wondering whether I got slapped on Days of Our Lives, not only was I slapped by a man wearing elegant silk pajamas (EJ), I also got to slap him, which felt utterly incredible. But wait, I was also stabbed with a syringe and not once, not even twice, but three different times. And if that wasn’t enough, this happened too.” At that point, Oliver played the clip of Rita using the taser on Devlin.

JOHN OLIVER LEAVES DOOR OPEN FOR A SOAP RETURN

The now late night star-turned-soap actor concluded his segment with, “Are you not entertained? Watching that makes me feel the way I assume Matt Damon felt after seeing the first cut of the Odyssey, both proud and impressed that my body could even do that. Which again, you wouldn’t understand. You’re not an action star like I am now. ”

As he ended his recap, Oliver thanked both soaps for playing along, and noting that neither DAYS or GH actually killed him off! Could a John Oliver return happen down the line? Stay tuned.

Watch John detail his soap dreams come to life on General Hospital and then Days of our Lives below.

Now let us know, what did you think of the performances of John Oliver on General Hospital and Days of our Lives? Did you prefer one over the other or enjoy both of his guest arc visits? Could you see Oliver nominated in the Guest Performer category at next year’s Daytime Emmys, even for a 3-episode run on one of the soaps? Let us know in the comment section.

 

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