Breaking News
TONIGHT: GH’s Maurice Benard As John Gotti In Lifetime’s ‘Victoria Gotti: My Father’s Daughter’
Fans and colleagues of Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) have been eagerly waiting to see the General Hospital star take on the role of famous mobster, John Gotti. Well, tonight (February 9th) is the night! Make sure to watch the Daytime Emmy-winner in Victoria Gotti: My Father’s Daughter on Lifetime at 8pmEST/7CST.
In the log lines for the movie. it relates: “Executive produced by Victoria Gotti herself, the movie takes us deep into the world of what it was really like to grow up as the daughter of mob boss John Gotti, revealing the glamour, glitz and unique hardships of her world. Sharing never-before-revealed stories about her life, Victoria (Chelsea Frei) tells of a sensitive child growing up with a beloved father (Maurice Benard) she worried about constantly; the tragedy of her younger brother’s death; and her turbulent romance, forbidden by her father, with the man who later became her husband. Victoria had a front-row seat to a life the world became fascinated with, all while trying to reconcile the loving father she adored with a man the outside world was determined to bring down. . The film is based on Gotti’s book This Family of Mine: What It Was Like Growing Up Gotti. Victoria Gotti will appear on camera narrating.
Benard spoke with ABC Soaps In Depth about taking on the role and wanting to get the performance just right, where he expressed: “That’s up to the audience to decide. I played him like a real-life guy who’s loyal to his people and loves his family — and that’s kind of what the story is about. It’s through Victoria’s eyes and told with complete compassion.”
Photo: Lifetime
As to how playing Gotti compared to his role as Port Charles’ loveable mobster, Sonny Corinthos, Maurice added: “When I was shooting the role, I didn’t really know how different it was from Sonny. But my last day, I wrapped at about 1 in the morning in Canada, flew back and went straight to work as Sonny. I remember shooting the scene and thinking, ‘Wow, Sonny’s in about second gear, Gotti’s in about fourth or fifth gear!’ It’s two different energies.”
Check out the promo for tonight’s Lifetime Movie starring Maurice as John Gotti below, and the let us know if you will be watching, and if you caught it, what you thought of Maurice’s performance, and the movie via the comment section below.
I don’t have the lifetime channel. Can I view it elsewhere?
Recording it so I can watch it a few times. Yes! I am watching it♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I love Maurice benard on gh he is good with the mobster character. and I cant wait to see him in this movie tonight.
The movie was O.K, but got more from Victoria’s book. I still like Maurice no matter what. I am sure he did his ,best.
Come on guys, let’s not all get into an argument over a stupid movie, that was poorly done, including the screenplay,casting,(not M.B) ,just about everything! I can not imagine anyone seeing the movie, would not agree, that on a whole, it was a lousy production, pure and simple.
Every Italian I know will be up in arms…..They all say, they cannot see how an Hispanic, with a pretty high trace of Hispanic accent can pull it off… Italians do not appreciate a non Italian, anyone from a different race play such a prominent role. Gotti looked like the typical Italian. Sonny looks Hispanic, of mixed race. Italians are Caucasoid–European.
I hope Maurice does a great job. But, his Hispanic accent and coloring will not do him any favors. He simply does not look Italian at all.
The same thing happened with JLo in MAID IN MANHATTAN. She looks indigenous—a gorgeous woman, nonetheless—-just does not have the look of an Italian—–the accent, the gestures and, again, the coloring. The movie flopped!!
They must have really hated the Zacchara family on GH then.
An entire Italian mob family portrayed by Jewish actors.
If they matched actors ethnic origins with the characters they played over the years we probably wouldn’t have the film or tv libraries that we do now. It’s really apparent when you watch TCM. And can be infuriating. I wanted Bruce Lee in Kung Fu for instance but admit David Carradine was very good in the role. But right now I’m just getting tired of all of this nit picking. Can’t people just get over it, and appreciate an actors work well done. If I have any problem over Bernard playing Gotti it was that they did another Gotti story. And as an Italian I don’t appreciate this, and obviously didn’t watch.
And there you go again, Rose. David Carradine was disguised to look Asian. Maurice does not look Italian. You never miss the chance to get on the bandwagon, do you, oh pius one? Please, I have grown up these five years. If you push me? I will push back in spades, lady.
Who do you think you are? Ignore me!! Was I talking to you? Communicste with Satan.
Thou hath spoken a bunch of nothing……..
Hi Rose, I’m still playing catch-up (about to watch Feb episodes of GH), so I’ve stayed away from the site—avoiding the spoilers. Apropos of what you just endured here, the very definition of cyber bullying, I wanted to acknowledge your thought-provoking exchanges with Jamesj75 from the 1/16 “Aiden Gets Bullied” thread. Sadly, that kind of discourse was lacking here, through no fault of your own. As with James, I’ve only known you to be a thoughtful contributor, enhancing the discussions here, and I’ll continue to look forward to your posts.
Reed…Thank you for your kind comment. I will be interested on what you think of Feb GH. So don’t watch anything about what has happened in the first few weeks of March. Don’t want to ruin it for you. ((:
Firstly, Satan, I have tried by best to be civil with you, despite your sarcastic undercurrent. If you have an issue with me, I do not give a flying fig. I try to respect everyone. I will avoid you from here on in. Please do the same. I bite when pushed too far!!
Secondly, GH misspells Zaccara. There is no ‘H”…. the only time the ‘H’ is employed in the Italian language is with a soft vowel to beget the ‘k’ sound; as there is no ‘k’ in the Italian alphabet. How fo you like me now?? Laugh, if you must–
Thirdly, Jews are WHITE, neither mestizo or indigenous as Maurice is. More power to him…..not to offend anyone, all races are noble and outstanding…..BUT, Italians are caucasoid, not of mixed Hispanic heritage. That is the difference.
Have a good night nell’inverno!!
Comparing white, Jewish actors convincingly playing caucasian, Italian soap opera characters with CeeCee’s objections of the casting of a clearly Hispanic individual portraying a famous, real life mafioso of another race is hardly the same thing! Whilst a person’s religion of choice can have an imperceptible bearing upon how they fill a prospective role, their physical presence does not, especially if it is obviously indicative of a different ethnicity than said character. One works, the other often cannot.. (Take for example, the late, great Edward G. Robinson’s iconic star turn as “Little Caesar’s” Rico Bandello….despite being a Romanian Jew, he totally owned that role, not only through his acting ability, but by totally looking the part of the dapper gangster.)
hey Celia! 🙂
I watched it..
I never watch those lifetime movies isshh they just are not in my lane..
Anyways.. It was good to see Maurice having fun being a real gangsta ahaa
but- the movie stunk!
it was DULL for a Gotti movie, indeed.
It was a true to form Lifetime movie; BLAAHHH.
so- Maurice good, move bad ..
Hey, SuzieQ,
I didn’t watch….I couldn’t bring myself to watch a mockery……I like Maurice as much as you do…..the only difference is, you love Sonny—I don’t. LOL.
The accent alone probably did Maurice in. Mannerisms are also hard to imitate. It’s an art. Having been around my husband’s family since I was six years old, I have come to accept the fact that they can communicate by gesturing–no words. LOL. It is amazing to watch!!
Thank you, my friend, for always being so civil and kind!!❤️
C, watch the movie! I didnt focus on the races. I looked at the acting and the story. For Lifetime, I give them credit, they spent some money on the movie. Maurice did well. The actress who played Victoria was really good. Victoria herself was part of the movie, commentating on certain aspects of her story and her relationship with her dad. They even inserted clips of John himself. Listen, it wasnt a Netflix production BUT, remember this, Travolta and his wife were attached to one of the WORST movie last year, GOTTI, and it was panned by almost every critique. Thats John freakin Travolta! Maurice did a better job than John Travolta, hand down!
JLo was playing a Puerto Rican in Maid In Manhattan. :))
Her character name was Marisa Ventura. Can’t get more Italian than that, as my husband’s grandfather’s name is Bonaventura….everyone calls him Ventura.
In WDDING PLANNER, JLo also played an Italian–Mary Fiore ( fiore=flower).
What do you want from me, Rose? If you cannot address me by my name, yet refer to me as ‘people’, do not acknowledge me at all. Ok?
Hi Celia,
Agree with your comments. I didn’t want to criticize the show too much, and there isn’t enough space here, but, having grown up on the East Coast with Italians, including my mother, its not hard to want to take this show apart, but what’s the use? My first gripe was “Mottsarella??” Thought I’d choke on that one. I live in Ca.now, and they do say it that way here, but took me years to get used to it. Maybe a different network would have done a better job with authenticity, but I don’t understand V.G approving that script, which was so different than her book. At least Maurice’s dimpled don persona, didn’t let us down.
@CeeCee…This is just another example of the gross hypocrisy of the left where the application of “cultural appropriation” is a one-way street. God forbid caucasians of certain ancestries ask to be accurately portrayed by their own, yet when a minority person is piqued by even the smallest of perceived offenses by those of another race doing what they claim as theirs and theirs alone, then there is a huge outcry with major recriminations. Just look at what recently happened when a woman of color, albeit not the “right one,” decided to try out a different hairstyle associated with a particular ethnicity…Padma Lakshmi was excoriated for her cornrow braids, even though she wore them well and obviously meant no harm. Still, she was taken to the politically correct woodshead for daring to go there…At the same time, many of those very individuals who grouse about the most minute of matters regarding identity politics consider it perfectly acceptable to constantly demand that traditionally caucasian roles, like that of the iconic fictional film figure, James Bond, be relinquished to anyone and everyone but the actual white male of UK origin as his creator, Ian Fleming, intended. The same goes for that utterly disgraceful mess of a revisionists’ wish-fulfillment piece called “Hamilton.” Whether those who repeatedly seek to obliterate our actual history and sully those genuine heroes of our country’s earliest days like it or not, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and the rest of the founding fathers who instituted the world’s greatest nation on earth were indisputably male and they were indeed white….Hence they therefore should be presented as such since all the dramatic license and pc posturing in the universe shall never change that fact. No matter how many attempts by those who wish to the contrary seek to undermine that reality through their own interpretations of those courageous souls who bravely fought the American Revolution to give birth to our new land, they are still nothing but pure fabrication and a total insult to the real people they purport to portray If only those aggrieved individuals would just deal with this apparently inconvenient truth, move on and dedicate their efforts toward creating new icons that better illustrate their own agendas, rather than repeatedly trying to usurp or destroy ours, we would all be better for it. There is certainly enough room in this world for a variety of perspectives and characters who represent them, but why is it our long-treasured figures, both historical and fictional, cannot not be left standing undisturbed and revered as they always have been and always should be, instead of tearing them down as a means of building up those of alternative ideals? It’s quite one notion to do your own thing by introducing new idols, but demeaning established ones in the process is really not necessary.
Breaking News
‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actress Bree Williamson Mourns the Loss of Husband Michael John Roberts
In heartbreaking news, Bree Williamson (ex-Jessica Buchanan, One Life to Live, ex- Claudette Beaulieu, General Hospital) is mourning the loss of her husband Michael John Roberts who passed away after his battle with glioblastoma om Wednesday, November 11 and at just 48-years-old.
The Hollywood Reporter initially reported Roberts death sharing he died after a brief battle and was surrounded by loved ones and died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles.
Michael was a well-known animator and director behind Comedy Central’s Trip Tank and Netflix’s BoJack Horseman among others.. He also created the YouTube Red series Dallas & Robo, starring John Cena and Kat Dennings.
Taking to her Instagram following the news of Michael’s passing, Bree Williamson expressed, “Thank you to everyone that has reached out. We are heartbroken and taking some time.” Bree and Michael share a son McGreggor, who is 16-years-old.
Photo: JPI
OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FROM ONE LIFE TO LIVE CO-STARS
Williamson received an outpouring of love and support from many of her One Life to Live co-stars below:
Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers): “Michael Roberts. Words are clumsy. I watched the ways he was kind, and I admired him. I love him and his family, individually and collectively. He was so many things. He did so much. There would have been more.”
Michael Easton (ex-John McBain): “Michael was a beautiful spirit and he lives on in our hearts. Our thoughts are with you and Mac and your family.”
Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr Manning): “Beyond tragic, He was so kind, I only remember him with that exact smile every time I saw him. I remember when we met him & just knew you found the best partner. So deeply sorry Bree. We love you so much.”
Eddie Alderson (ex-Matthew Buchanan), “Sending you infinite amounts of love. He was so fantastic. He’ll be very missed by all who knew him.”
Others who sent messages included: Laura Wright (Carly, GH) and Finola Hughes (Anna, GH) and Martha Madison (Belle, DAYS).
MICHAEL JOHN ROBERTS INCREDIBLE TALENT REMEMBERED
The family shared a statement via an obituary that read, in part, on the gifted artist that Michael was and his remarkable gifts:
“Michael saw the world a little differently. A gifted artist with an extraordinary talent, he could find something worth exploring in what others might overlook. His creativity was not limited to what he put on paper; it shaped the way he thought, questioned, and understood the world around him.”
FAMILY STATEMENT ON THE LOVE MICHAEL HAD FOR BREE AND MCGREGGOR
The obituary also spoke on Michael’s family, love of Bree and their son McGreggor:
“Above all, Michael cherished the family he had built. His wife, Bree (Williamson), was his beloved partner, and the person he was so proud to have beside him. He treasured their shared journey, their everyday moments, and the simple privilege of walking through the world together. His son, McGreggor, was a source of immense pride. Michael wanted nothing but the best for him, and saw in the young man he was becoming, possibilities greater than he could ever have imagined for himself. He was already deeply proud of the life his son was building, and eager for all that lay ahead of him.”
It concluded with, “Although his illness came suddenly and the time that followed was heartbreakingly short, it cannot define the man he was. His life is better remembered through what he created, the conversations he inspired, the friendships he nurtured, and the love he gave so freely to those closest to him.”
Michael is survived by Bree, their teenage son, McGreggor; sister, Jane; niece, Gwen and nephew, Vaughan. He was also close with his cousin Hrothgar, whom he saw as a brother, and his wife, Emily, and their children, Evie and Lili.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bree Williamson and McGreggor at this time on such a devastating loss of such an exceptionally talented man and beloved husband and father. Share your thoughts for Bree on the loss of Michael John Roberts in the comment section below.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: ‘Miss Beehavin’
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’ 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
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: ‘Miss Beehavin’
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)
-
General Hospital6 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
-
News6 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
-
Previews7 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 Lives7 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’
-
Interviews4 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)
