General Hospital
Tonja Walker Shares The Moment She Pulled Up To GH For The First Time In 26 Years!
Courtesy/FacebookTWalker
Those that are over the moon that Tonja Walker is returning to General Hospital got to witness the first leg of her journey home to the daytime drama series this afternoon. Walker shared via a facebook video the moment she pulled into the ABC Prospect Lot where GH is filmed. She told those who were watching her video how excited she was to be there again and related it was the first time in 26 years!
GH fans have been abuzz as to exactly what role Walker will be playing when she debuts, although their is high speculation she may be returning as the “dead” Olivia Jerome.
She told her fans in the video that she wanted to thank them for all of the years, and years, of writing and calling to get her back on GH. Walker related that whatever God wants to have happen, will happen. Whether she is supposed to stay at GH, or even if she is not suppose to stay at GH, that is OK, too. As Walker says, she views her return as “A great opportunity”.
Tonja was at GH for a wardrobe fitting, which means taping new episodes is not far behind! Watch Tonja’s video after the jump. Then let us know what you thought of it, and from On-Air On-Soaps, WELCOME BACK TO TONJA!
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Breaking News
California Gov. Gavin Newsom Reveals TV & Film Production Restart June 12th; But May Not Include LA County
There was some significant signs that Hollywood and the state of California’s show business production looks to be gearing up for a restart after all TV and film production was halted a few months ago as the coronavirus pandemic hit the state, our country, and the globe.
The reopening for production may not include L.A. County, however, which is the epicenter of the state’s show business production.
According to Deadline: On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state could begin TV and film production as early as June 12th. While the California Department of Public Health released the following guidelines: “Music, TV and film production may resume in California, recommended no sooner than June 12, 2020 and subject to approval by county public health officers within the jurisdictions of operations following their review of local epidemiological data including cases per 100,000 population, rate of test positivity, and local preparedness to support a health care surge, vulnerable populations, contact tracing and testing. To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, productions, cast, crew and other industry workers should abide by safety protocols agreed by labor and management, which may be further enhanced by county public health officers. Back office staff and management should adhere to Office Workspace guidelines published by the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Industrial Relations, to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.”
For LA County, on Friday, the same day the guidelines were announced they saw a slight increase in hospitalizations, which could cause delays in getting production started. “This has been a slight increase over the last three days in the number of people hospitalized,” said Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer, “and we’ll need to make sure that we’re not starting to see a significant increase in the number of people requiring hospitalizations.”
So the question remains: if there is a surge in Los Angeles in COVID-19 cases production could again be delayed getting started back up and running? So what do you think about the June 12th date for the state of California to start TV and film production? Do you hope your favorite soaps get back into production as soon as possible, or do you want to make extra sure that all your favorites will be safe and sound when they tape new episodes?
General Hospital
Sonny & Carly Week Of Encore Episodes On Tap For General Hospital
A Carson bonanza is on its way for the week of June 15th -19th when ABCs General Hospital rebroadcasts five pivotal moments in the love story and perils of Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly (Laura Wright).
The episodes date back to 2007 through 2016. One of the emotional highlights is when the duo start to have major marital issue over the loss of their son, Morgan (Bryan Craig).
GH is currently still in COVID-19 production shutdown mode and this week is continuing to airs its encore presentations of the some of the Best of the Nurses Ball episodes.
Here’s what to look forward to for CarSon week:
Monday, June 15 : Sonny and Carly re-declare their love during the Metro Court hostage crisis. (originally aired 2/7/2007)
Tuesday, June 16: Sonny has gone off his meds and begins to spiral. Carly convinces him to resume taking the lithium. (originally aired 9/24/2013)
Wednesday, June 17: Sonny is in critical condition after being shot. Sitting vigil in the hospital chapel, Carly reads the vows he wrote for her, and remembers their ups and downs. (originally aired 9/14/2015)
Thursday, June 18: Sonny and Carly get married in the GH chapel. (originally aired 10/15/2015)
Friday, June 19: Grieving for Morgan, Carly blames Sonny for their son’s death. (originally aired 10/12/2016)
So are you looking forward to seeing some of the episodes chosen featuring Maurice Benard and Laura Wright? Comment below.
Breaking News
Hollywood Studios, Producers & Guilds Send Plan To Gov. Newsom and Gov. Cuomo For COVID-19 Production Restart Guidelines
On Monday, the two states with the most television and film production in the United States (California and New York) received a plan from many Hollywood studios, producers and the entertainment and production guilds of a plan and outline to be able to rejigger and restart production of your favorite shows and films. This includes the soaps: General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of our Lives.
Via Deadline: In an effort to get the industry moving-forward again where jobs were lost or put on hold, and production were completely stalled out-of-the-blue, the guidelines submitted by “The Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force (the “Task Force”) is asking for consideration and adoption for the resumption of motion picture, television, and streaming productions in an environment that minimizes the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19,” says a report for Governors Gavin Newsom of California and Andrew Cuomo of New York.
Photo: AP
You can read the details of the report here. While there has been no word from the Governors and their offices if they have seen the report, bets are that several more steps will be needed before anyone would head and report back to a set yet.
As one would expect, limiting contact, social distancing, regular temperature checks, ways to handle props, and a COVID-19 compliance officer for all productions are part of the proposal. As well as virtual writers room meetings, avoiding filming on-location as much as possible and filming in front of large audiences.
So, glad to know that this major step has been taken to try to get production back on track in Hollywood and New York? Comment below.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom Reveals TV & Film Production Restart June 12th; But May Not Include LA County
Virtual “Bauer Barbecue” Coming Up Featuring Stars of Guiding Light
The Bold and the Beautiful to Rebroadcast First Episode Of Series
Wally Kurth Talks on His Daytime Emmy Nomination For DAYS As Justin’s World Is Turned Upside Down
Sonny & Carly Week Of Encore Episodes On Tap For General Hospital
DAYS Susan Seaforth Hayes Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination For Julie and Doug’s Emotional Storyline
Hollywood Studios, Producers & Guilds Send Plan To Gov. Newsom and Gov. Cuomo For COVID-19 Production Restart Guidelines
The Best of the GH Nurses’ Ball Continues; Which Is Your Favorite Musical Performance?
British Soap ‘Coronation Street’ Set To Resume Production Next Week Following COVID-19 Shutdown
DAYS Chandler Massey Chats On His Bittersweet Daytime Emmy Nomination
DAYS Chandler Massey Chats On His Bittersweet Daytime Emmy Nomination
Eva LaRue Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, And Opens Up About The Loss Of John Callahan
Hollywood Studios, Producers & Guilds Send Plan To Gov. Newsom and Gov. Cuomo For COVID-19 Production Restart Guidelines
Former Y&R Star, Emily O’Brien Set to Debut On Days of our Lives
DAYS New Summer Promo Reveals The Returns of Jay Kenneth Johnson and Louise Sorel
All My Children Reunion with Josh Duhamel, Ricky Paull Goldin, Cameron Mathison and More; Later Debbi Morgan Live
Sonny & Carly Week Of Encore Episodes On Tap For General Hospital
Next Y&R and B&B Theme Weeks Announced
The Bold and the Beautiful to Rebroadcast First Episode Of Series
Y&R’s Tracey E. Bregman and Kimberlin Brown Pelzer Talk the Iconic Battles of Lauren & Sheila
Y&R Alum Max Ehrich Big Smooch with Demi Lovato in Arianna Grande & Justin Bieber’s New Music Video ‘Stuck With You’
Soap Vet Debbi Morgan’s Emotional Words On How COVID-19 Has Affected the Black Community
WATCH: ‘Venice the Series’ Gregory Zarian Talk Daytime Emmy Pre-Nom, Bullying & Staying Safe During COVID-19
Tony Geary Opens Up About His Iconic Role as GH’s Luke Spencer on Nancy Lee Grahn’s ‘Soaps In Quarantine’
Soap Stars & Jake Gyllenhaal In All-New Episode of Tonight Show’s ‘The Longest Days of our Lives’
WATCH: Nancy Lee Grahn’s Birthday Celebration Replay With Her Drive-By GH Friends & Co-Stars
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong Continues To Lobby To Be On Y&R & We’d Be All For It
Brandon Barash On His DAYS Return: “The Reveal Is Going To Be Fun!” But, Who Will He Ultimately Be ?
FRIDAY ON Y&R: Paul and Christine’s Honeymoon Circa 1996
ABC and PEOPLE Announce ‘The Story of Soaps’ Two-Hour Prime-Time Television Event
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Days Of Our LivesMay 30, 2020DAYS Chandler Massey Chats On His Bittersweet Daytime Emmy Nomination
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All My ChildrenMay 29, 2020Eva LaRue Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, And Opens Up About The Loss Of John Callahan
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Breaking NewsJune 1, 2020Hollywood Studios, Producers & Guilds Send Plan To Gov. Newsom and Gov. Cuomo For COVID-19 Production Restart Guidelines
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Breaking NewsMay 27, 2020Former Y&R Star, Emily O’Brien Set to Debut On Days of our Lives
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Days Of Our LivesMay 30, 2020DAYS New Summer Promo Reveals The Returns of Jay Kenneth Johnson and Louise Sorel
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All My ChildrenMay 29, 2020All My Children Reunion with Josh Duhamel, Ricky Paull Goldin, Cameron Mathison and More; Later Debbi Morgan Live
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General HospitalJune 3, 2020Sonny & Carly Week Of Encore Episodes On Tap For General Hospital
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PreviewsMay 28, 2020Next Y&R and B&B Theme Weeks Announced
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Love her!!
She was good over at GH and she was awesome over at OLTL..Surprise she did not get an Emmy while @ both shows..Welcome back!! Hope is for a a long run..I am salivating possible scenes with Ava, Anna, Carly and Sonny!!!!
I think this actress is awesome. Her return has thst buzz factor that soaps lack right now. However…she was redeemed back in 1900. I HATE when soaps bring back “good” characters as dark or evil, and GH is the worst offender at bringing back beloved fan faves as mere shadows of themselves. I will give this one a pass because the man whose love changed Olivia…..Felicia’s cousin Colton…is long gone. And as a manipulative mob momma…she could have been faking her short period of goodness. Or…even if she redeemed at one point 26 years is enough to re harden everyone. Another mistake soaps make ia bringing a performer back as a look alike. Bring her back as Olivia…warts and all. If written right…this could be a very exciting time for GH. In my dreams…it would end with Julian, Ava, and Sonny dead….tbereby removing the “Mob As Good Guys” stain that has dragged this show down for 20 years! But I know that will never happen!
I meant she was redeemed back in 1990! Not 1900!! Lol…sorry Tonja!
I remember Tonya being on Capital…I am impressed with her just from this post on Facebook. Tonya, you seem to be a kind person and I love your comments on your Facebook video…wishing you the best and GOD bless.
Julians return from the dead sister who is back to take down Julian and maybe she is responsible for the bomb in Julians car…
Balls of fire—could Olivia really be alive? I would be excited to find out she is but it would also make me wonder if duke is really still alive too since she was obsessed with him all those years ago. If Olivia is still around, she has to be beyond angry at Julian if he really killed the man sh loved. This could bring some good story!!!
I mentioned this before…but maybe she’s been in hiding and has been living with her son…Griffin! (And then she “died” again…oar so she made Griffin think)…and he’ll soon find out his mother’s criminal ways…she could be out to avenge Duke. Okay…far fetched? On GH…maybe not. 🙂
Either way, I am happy Tonja Walker is back with us. Loved her the first time around on GH and thought she was great as Alex on OLTL. It would be so cool if tey were able to have her be Olivia and Alex doing a dual role. I’d tune in to see that!!
I never saw her as Olivia Jerome but didn’t Julian supposedly kill her? Should be interesting…from what I’ve read she was obsessed with Duke…if they slept together who knows…maybe she’s Dr/Father Griffin Monroe’s son with Duke. I did love her as Alex on OLTL. Either way, I agree…should be interesting! Oh…Happy New Year James… 😉
Can’t wait. Let the games begin!
Yes–with some strong writing! She can be a bit over the top–but doesn’t that characterize GH of late? LOL!
I’m so glad she’s back. I met Tonja years ago at a GH weekend event. Love her! Hope she’s playing Olivia Jerome again.
Can’t wait to see who she plays but I have a hunch she will be Olivia Jerome
i can’t wait to see her on air. its going to be fun!!
(1988–90): General Hospital as Olivia St. John
(1990 – 10’s): One Life to Live as Alex Olanov (Role: 1990–97; 2001–02; 2007; 2009; 2011)
I; do not know… her, career
what I do know… is how beloved… Tonja Walker is
with fans… her peers
dang ! she looks good
whatever it takes… to detract from the Sonny and Carly show
have at it
whatever it takes… to flesh out the Jerome family…. as fans have , given rise
scenes between Julian, Ava, and Olivia. let the reign begin
OR
the January 3rd ep – Valentin and Nina get married and consummate their vow
their was so much sex… lovemaking… wallaw wallaw MORE PLEASE
I bring you… the new core family GH need focus
The Cassadine Empire rise
even , Lulu said it right… as she told Dante…. at the mere mention of spending time together for New years or whatever… she told Dante… Charlotte looked at her like she may as well have had a face full of wart…. Mamma smurph SINK.
I GIVE YOU… the new reign supreme of core value… the Cassadine
@GH … DO NOT EVER… again… show SONNY and Carly ewh… making love
what production value… YES YES YES
Valentin and Nina
or tired dismal failure… Sonny and Carly
I protest: that if @GH is merely bringing on Olivia… or whomever Tonja Walker is: that this much lauded actress.. be given TIME … not just a walk on.. to prop
give this lauded actress who cares.. and is a serial juggernaut… an act
GIVE yourself a let… when you hire actors… who have solid presence
HINT HINT: Nicholas / Morgan / Sabrina / Dr. Joe / Paul… who solidify this genre
what was wrong with the Baker brother?
you suck @ times
this beloved actress … with all her presence… cared about his genre as a whole.. and fans do not forget
OK… I digress : January 4, ep
SAW va va voom Seth Baker swag @ General Hospital…. Kevin Spacey ; no ?
dang
followed by; Valentin and Nina… all afterglow
then the show as a whole… spiraled
Sonny and Carly and Michael and Nelle… buzz kill
not to mention … Finn and Hayden…. LOL…. why ? GH; WHY ?
ya know
Anna getting all hypnotic and all…. IS fearful about some thing
????
I suppose even back then… Valentin found Anna enchanting and such… but… he certainly isn’t acting out for fearing for his life…. nor is he scrambling to “hide” any thing.
so who knows what this bright light is shielding…. a dropped watch
OK Anna… you’ve been warned… no harm shall come to Valentin
or GH loses what little they have on the canvas to appeal to
I”ve had it with Ms. centerfold and entitled
I was SO LIVID with Sam… as she just had to know if Alexis is OK.
LOL… Alexis , not wanting to be bothered… is any one bleeding or dying ?
Sam … what an abysmal waste… acts so entitled and barges her way through… with both her parents…. well – F – that… no parent puts up with that
piss off Jason and Sam… you can move any time now
with two pivotal characters that the audience does not root for or find value
Jason and Sam definitely NEED TO MOVE out of Port Charles
no personality… they lack so much charisma… seeing these two in matching leather jackets … LOL oy it’s dullard syndrome happening all over these mob characters
GH needs to hire Curtis and Hayden as the new hot about town sleuths. these two have so much going for themselves and each other. only way Hayden can be salvaged… she’d be getting so much more in the sack.
PS : what kinda name is Rudge…. no matter…he’s super sexy
So those were n TW’ hands we saw wearing Victor Jerome’s ring in yesterday’s final scene…..hmmmmm
Wasn’t able to view the video, but I am so excited for her return! What’s one more back-from-the-dead character. LOL I love the crazy gals of Port Chuck, namely Heather and Olivia J!
Should be a fun run.
If this is a return to some of the best flavors of Classic GH and putting the Jeromes, Cassadines, and Corinthoses back in their proper place in history pre-Guza then I am all for it. It would be great for this story to be about Anna and Duke, which is who Olivia interacted with most. Seriously tired of FV and the execs at GH making the show all about the baddies and driving fans away. It’s OUR show. We are the audience. We love the characters. All they have to do is let them be written for. I’m expecting this all will happen someday. Will it be Jan/Feb? We shall see. The show still seems to be controlled by this outside force that foists these evil characters on it which is the exact opposite of how it was designed to be and why it’s much less popular than it could be.
I’m glad she mainly credited God for returning to ABC over Frank Valentini. Some actors get the two confused!
Haha, no doubt and it took an act of God for them to hire her, as a Classic character, so she got it right.
She’s probably going to play Olivia but by another name this time. I can’t honestly see there being two Olivia’s (or any name) on one show. We do remember Olivia Falconeri who is still currently on contract with the show, no!?…it just ain’t right. I’m still excited about Tonjas return tho
The other Olivia has no purpose. If there is a choice to make, lets all hope it will be Olivia Jerome
Great news, I hope she’s back at Gh for good. I’ve always liked her at OLTL and was glad when they brought her back towards the end.
So excited for what’s coming up with her!
I starting watching GH in 1993, so she was a little bit before my time. But everyone I know that was watching when she was on as Olivia is very excited. A friend that has been watching a long time told me, just wait until she has scenes with Maura West, it will be like two forces of nature colliding, lol.
She has an established history with the show, not just another pointless new character with no ties, which I like. Definitely very interested to see what happens next.
A lot of intriguing reveals should be coming in the next few months, with this story, the story of who Valentin really is and his connection to Anna, the story with Nelle and who she really is. Everything that has been going on for the past few months seems to be building up to some really cool stuff. The writing on GH has been very strong from around September on, in my opinion.
I am so excited about the return of Tonja as Olivia.
Can’t wait for the scenes with Julian, Ava, Anna, Lucy, Griffin.