Days Of Our Lives
TV Guide Names Best In Soaps 2012! General Hospital, James Scott & Jane Elliot Take Top Honors!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
As On-Air On-Soaps has been monitoring and reporting on all the key end of the year accolades for your favorite daytime and primetime soaps, add one more major year-end honors that have been announced and this time it’s from TV Guide!
TVG named General Hospital as the Best Soap Of The Year citing, “Suds hatchet man Brian Frons exited the ABC network and GH was handed to OLTL‘s head writer, Ron Carlivati, and exec producer Frank Valentini, who quickly amped up the action, humor and romance and energized the cast by adding top stars from GH‘s past as well as popular refugees from Llanview. Voilà! Dreary, messy GH was suddenly a thrilling, surprise-packed, can’t-miss experience.”
Now over in the top acting honors, it was the dashing brit James Scott who was named Best Actor for his work as EJ DiMera on Days of our Lives with TVG citing, “Scott had a dynamite year — but, then, he always does — as EJ made a ruthless run for mayor of Salem, flip-flopped disastrously between Nicole and Sami, and blackmailed gay teen Will into a skeevy master-slave relationship. How long can Days hang on to him?”
And in the always hotly contested Best Actress of the Year accolade, the outlet named General Hospital’s Jane Elliot noting: “It’s about damn time! Too long relegated to supporting others, this multisoap survivor finally achieved leading-lady status as General Hospital‘s megarich überbitch Tracy Quartermaine and left us breathless with her hilarious, ferocious, utterly brilliant work.”
The Best of Soaps 2012 for Supporting Actor and Actress went to The Young and the Restless Doug Davidson (Paul) and General Hospital’s returning Robin Mattson as loony tunes Heather Webber!
Make sure to come back next week to On-Air On-Soaps for all of our very special year end Best and Worst Of’s for 2012 and find out who will take top honors! In the meantime, what do you think of TV Guide’s choices of GH, James Scott, Jane Elliot, Doug Davidson and Jane Elliot? Weigh-in!
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I disagree about best actor-that honor should go to Jason Thompson who brought me and other GH fans to tears for weeks during Patrick grieving Robin’s “death” and then later the all too brief story where Patrick had a pill addction.
agreed
absolutely agree!
Cheers to Jenny – Major tears and Flooding…. Oye! Thank God… Robin’s telling Patrick to “move on”… was only on the DVD.. and didn’t currently happen…. Bar none, this is the best love story… ever. Jason Thompson is a formidable Talent. I couldn’t agree more on Robin Mattson…. talk about saluting Gold… she’s riveting on screen and carries the torch for old school… She’s a big part of GH’s resurgence… James Scott – dynamic… hold your breath… the guy you can only dream about… ooh la la… and the guy acts circles around most… Jane Elliott – well deserved… I… Read more »
forgot to give props to Doug Davidson…. it’s about time… through the years… he’s overlooked come emmy time… etc…. but, has a high “q” rating… remember reading about that, with Doug/Paul all the time in the soap opera magazines…
Well I guess I am partial but with the soaps barely hanging on by a thread I would like to see DD take the emmy he has been in the business since the 70’s and some of you may not know he was quite the stinker in the day so for the sentimental and because he finally got a storyline again I would like to see him take the emmy. Certainly not taking anything from JT from GH he had some very good work also just would like to score one for the old guy!
I agreed,too my pick best actor of GH goes to Steve Burton and Kelly moracco and the baby,too.
Also best performer and saddness of the year goes to great late John Ingle when I cried so hard from my heart feel broken.
Finally, best return of the year goes to Tristan Rogers and Fiona Hughes..yay!
i agree steve burton and maurice benard should have been no 1 or at least
a tie for ghjust my opinion
but do not agree with jane elliot as choice for best actress she is really good
but other females on gh would have been just as good if picked
Love Jane Elliot and James Scott as best actor/actress but Jason Thompson is “the best of the best” definitely in a league of his own! This guy is raw onscreen. Love him!
James Scott is a great actor and does the best with the crappy storylines he is given by Days’ writers.
Absolutely agree! I’m so happy James was finally recognized for his efforts.
Well Said!
agree 100%
I couldn’t agree more! Jason Thompson’s performances are superb! The scene after Robin’s “death” where he imagined her fixing his tie was heartbreaking! Such raw emotion – he is beyond talented! He deserves the Emmy for this past year!
SHARON CASE FOR BEST ACTRESS
Bravo GH, and it’s about time Jane Elliot was recognized!!! I agree with Jenny about Jason Thompson. He was fabulous this year:)
Way to GO GH!!! The best soap and my fave!!!
Way to GO Jane Elliot… well deserved!!! She has been rocking it all year and always!
Way to Go Robin Mattson!!! Crazy and unhinged… well done!
Well done James Scott!!!
Well done Paul Davidson!!!
Keep up the good stuff GH!!! Happy 50th!!! Best cast!!!
Yay,
agree with choice for gh best soap but not for choice of james scott or jane elliott
but hey its only my opinion
Love Heather Webber(Robin Mattson)–I hope she comes back for more adventures on GH !!
Nope best supporting actor should go to DD and I watched both shows DD has been in this business for years and relegated to making something out of nothing which he did this year go Doug.
I agree DD did great work this year with not much material. The scene where Paul shoots Ricky gave me goosebumps and those moments don’t happen too often on any soap anymore, so I am glad that people in the know saw that too. I hope this is the first of many accolades he will get despite his show’s less than stellar year.
I definitely have problems with selecting James Scott as best actor. He would be far down the list if I were choosing. Jason Thompson, Steve Burton, Doug Davidson, Christian La Blanc, shawn Christian, Jacob Young, Don Diamont, all much more deserving. Jane, a great choice tho Nancy L and Carolyn H. And Laura Wright great too.
disagree, James Scott is one of the most talented actors on this medium and maybe the most charismatic one ! He should be a real star, deserve better than daytime.
Jason Thompson was great this year but usually he has better writing than James Scott therefore i chose Scott who has to overcome weak writing most of the time.
Supporting Actress should have went to Arianne Zuker. She did a fabulous job with Nicole this year. Fingers crossed for a 2013 Emmy Nod.
I agree. She slayed her work, over and over again.
I have to say, while the choices wouldn’t have been my pick, I am so, so glad they didn’t pick favourites like other “critics” do. He seemed to choose off of work, not off of who he’s buddies with.
But then, I also agree Jason Thompson’s name not being mentioned is a bad oversight. BAD.
Ariane Zucker is not a bad actress but she doesn’t not move me, too banal for me, nothing special, lot’s of whining, crying..boringgggggg
Congratulations Doug. Great job with your story line
Way to go to all the actors and of course GH! I am a GH fan all they way, and do agree about Jason Thompson, but to be fair, I have not seen the other guy act.
Thank you Bonnie for admitting that you’ve never seen James Scott’s work, and that’s why you can’t agree with the decision made! 🙂
I can see your point on that, and I like Jason Thompson too.
James Scott is a AMAZING actor, but a lot of people don’t watch DAYS so they don’t know.
that’s right, also GH mostly has better writing than Days, often on Days they write Scott’s character as a one-note villain but when they allow him to give his character layers and being more grey he is awesome, showing lot’s of nuance.
I wish they would stop calling it GH. Brining back a bunc of 80’s faves who are past their prime and re-writing history does not make it GH. Call it what it is OLTL by stealth
oh Anne don’t be silly and bitter, GH is back and the only gift from OLTL was its executive producer and Head writer, two people who have done more to recapture GH magic that had been destroyed by its previous regime. and to call Finola Hughes, Tristan Rogers and Robin Mattson(past 80’s faves )as being past their prime is a perfect example of how bitter and really silly you sound.
The new Producer/Writers love and reverence for GH was shown in the incredible memorial episode for John Ingle. These people have brought back the true General Hospital while also trying to make OLTL fans happy. Difficult, but it’s working.
It’s still GH. The less-than-handful actors they brought over from OLTL have only added to their already superb cast. I love, love, love Roger Howarth!
Listen Anne (and all you others) I watched ABC soaps since I was in my mother’s womb. I do not understand any of the crap I have read from various fans of OLTL and GH. It is General Hospital – a few characters from One Life to Live does not change the entire show (although a change was needed). Bringing back past characters does not change the entire show – and sorry, but they are SO not past their prime! (But that is just my opinion) And all soaps have rewritten history when needed for current story line purposes.
I agree with CTwildheart! Gh has improved so much! I agree a few characters from OLTL doesn’t change the entire show.I like seeing the characters come back from years ago on General Hospital. Todd made me laugh when faking a heart attack. He’s a pisser! And I am a OLTL fan & happy to see some of the characters on GH…I wish Erika Slezak would come on board on GH & visit Todd and Starr!
GH to me has always been great, there was a time in the early 90’s where I missed some. But to have the wonderful Finola, Ian, Tristan, Robin back is the best thing to have happened! IF the OLTL characters want to come by and visit for a while that is ok. We also do not see they much, the only one that really seems to be used is Roger, and they have intergrated him well with the other citizens of the city. It would be nice to see Natalie come over for John or Hope and Cole or Aunt… Read more »
James Scott is a good actor.. well done.. ok storylines for him, but they need to ramp him up with a good one soon..
Heather Webber needs more air time…….
Here we go again 🙂 I agree about James Scott but then again, Days isn’t the greatest at character development. EJ gets stuck in fluff storylines. I’m amazed they were capable of writing Will so well but then again, they went and fired that writing team. Dumb.
Oh so James Scott plays EJ?? Then I know who he is I remember him from AMC
Yay GH!! Loved this show for so many years
Even through its ups and downs.Really
Do miss Steve Burton though.Love seeing
Some OLTL actors.really want Blair full time
And I miss Rex..among so many .What a
Huge mistake ABC made.If they get rid of
GH they will have lost me forever.Do
Not care how much I love Greys.GH has
Been part of my live since I was a kid!
Actually ALL mentioned are ”’great” and they should all be the best actress & actors ..
BRAVO!! to them all for their outstanding performances !!!!
I am very happy for those listed. While I agree there are others who are just as deserving – everyone can’t be named the top and everyone will have their own personal favorites.
I am just glad that some remaining shows are improving and hopeful that they will stick around for a long time!
Can we get Jane Elliot a story of her very own? I quite enjoy her chemistry with Tony Geary..speaking of Tony, where is he?
Where’s Anthony Geary (Luke) ???? That’s what I would like to know also!!!!!
probably vacationing in Amsterdam… I hear he does that quite frequently (and long vacations at that!)
Ah! It must be hard for the GH writers to write their storylines according to his travel plans. I miss him!! Not only should he have been on the show for Edward’s death (and for Tracy) but he should also be there for Lulu right now. Hope he returns soon.
Seems Tony has been gone a while this time!! Yes, he needs to know he is going to be a Grandfather!
Love James Scott. He’s only reason I’m still watching Days.
Leave it to TV GUIDE to get it right… Spot-on assessment!
I love James, E.J. and EJami! DAYS is so lucky to have James Scott. I wish they’d realize it!
James Scott is the best. He takes lemons and makes lemonade every time! Well done!
And I used to be a long long time GH fan but just couldn’t do it anymore starting in the early 2000s, even with the new guys and their changes
Happy to see James Scott on this list. He’s a leading man who is not only swoon worthy but can actually act. That’s rare on daytime. He rises above the contrived story lines on Days to deliver believable performances on a regular basis.
Robin Mattson is a gem! A throwback to when villans were truly evil and didn’t give a damn. What I love about her is that she throws herself into the material wholeheartedly and somehow makes you root for her
Congrats to all of the actors chosen for their amazing talent, and Congrats to GH for being chosen as Best Soap!
I agree with James Scott being chosen as “Best Actor” !
He is a PHENOMENAL actor! He has taken the character of EJ DiMera and made him one of DAYS most popular charaters today!
I doubt those criticizing him as TV Guide’s choice, actually WATCH the show or have seen James’ work!
Congrats James you earned the acknowledgement and recognition that TV Guide has give you!
Of course James Scott won for best male actor! It’s about damn time. I am surprised too that Prime Time and Hollywood have not jumped all over him already. He is not only an amazing actor, he is gracious, humble and down to earth, how did I forget absolutely gorgeous??? A true class act… other actors need to follow suit! Congratulations James well deserved.
Congrats to all the winners , James Sott is a wonderful actor ! He can liight up a screen . Congrats again Mr Scott. You deserve it !
James Scott definitely deserves the recognition for his exceptional work as EJ. He portrayed Lexie’s grieving brother in such touching ways during Renée Jones’ exit from Days this past year. He can hold his own with the best actors. The emotion and the complexities he displays are impressive. Bravo James!
When I heard about James Scott being named best actor I along with so many others felt validated. We say it all the time this actor is a genius and he never calls in a performance. He can look at his costars and you can feel the wheels turning and know that he is thinking of what just occurred and how he is going to respond. I am in awe of his talent and wish just wish to GOD that the stupid writers we have now for Days would write for the character instead of using him less and less.… Read more »
Very happy that James Scott is finally being recognized for the superb talent he is.
He has managed to give his character EJ Dimera so many layers & that is why his character is so loved (not by all I realize) but it is a pleasure to watch James & I hope he remains on my screen for many years
Congrats to all the winners. They are all great and have been a fan of all of them.
Good picks for Best of 2012.
I always love the effort and talent James Scott displays. When will GT realize he is the male lead of the show? Waiting to see the story the show has put off telling for years.
Jane Elliott deserves praise as well. As Tracey she goes through every emotion and does them convincingly.j
I have to agree that the new GH is so worth watching. I didn’t watch this soap for over five to six years. And now with AJ back, with the Robin storyline and wondering what is going on with Olivia seeing that puppy in regards to Lulu and Dante’s baby, which MAY I APPLAUD THIS SOAP for having one couple that is trying to have a baby and not having a ‘miracle pregnancy’ but trying to have a family by dealing a bit of reality. I love the surrogacy idea, but I think that Olivia should have offered. Maxie’s health… Read more »
While I am a big fan of James I don’t agree with the choice. James himself said back in May that Days was unwatchable. Imo that hasn’t changed with the new writing and he has not been given anything to challenge him as an actor the past year. Some of his scenes with Joe M were good last winter/summer but that was it imo. It’s a shame that Days continues to waste his talent in such lame stories and have turned EJ into a boring, lackluster ‘good guy.’ Definitely not what Days needs at all. I am now watching GH… Read more »
Ej is not written as a boring, lakluster ‘good guy’ since these writers don’t write for him ! duh
Ej is at his best whe he is a grey character, not an overall ‘bad guy’ but not a ‘good guy’ either, he is not Stefano ! And JS agree with me.
So glad The Bold and the Beautiful got no recognition whatsoever, it has been a pile of crap this year, Brad should be ashamed of his sloppy, unimaginitive work.
General Hospital is on fire, no amount of praise could ever be enough for Frank and Ron!
They should give B&B recognition for the worst actors on daytime! The new young actors made me cringe and sorry KKL squinting eyes got old after 25 years. Have not watched in months and do not miss it one bit.
Congrats to James Scott!!! He truly deserves it cause he is an amazing and talented actor.
I think James Scott is phenomenal (though I not-so-secretly wish he’d be recruited by prime-time or feature films so I can stop watching Days already). Now only if Days can pull together a storyline worthy of him…
Jane Elliott was bar-none the best actress of the year. Finally, Tracy Q was featured in front-burner story and Jane Elliott nailed every scene. Robin Mattson was a large part of GH’s resurgence and deserves the credit. She is infinitely watchable and often had me rooting for Heather to get away with her schemes. I like James Scott and Doug Davidson but I thought their performances were fine, nothing spectacular in lackluster storylines. My choice for Best Actor of 2012 is hands-down, Jason Thompson. JT portrayed Patrick’s grief with virtuoso-level acting. No one came close in my opinion. As far… Read more »
Congrats to everyone! James is a great actor, but sadly these new writers are making him a dull character right now. While Days is my favorite soap, this year was a weak year for the show, so congrats GH!
So Glad James won the best actor NOT just because of his looks! He is a very intelligent and serious actor! Days producer and writers try so hard to put his character EJ down with crap storyline such as begging Sami, forced to quit the mayor,taking Will, the only support away from him left nothing else to for him to do..He still delivers a very charming EJ! What the waste to stuck with those stupid,unimaginative producers and even less talented writers in DAYS who rather gives all air time to RAFE, Gabi and Jennifer…NO EJ NO DAYS, simple!
Totally agree, always favoring a dull character like Rafe face to a great and interesting character like Ej played with nuance by James Scott is a shame, writers from Days right now are clueless, it is sad..
If James Scott deserves more than a soap, then he needs to leave Days and go for it. Anthony has at least 3 6 week vacactions built into his contract so he can go home to Holland and recharge.
As for Rafe bwing boring, I sit every day watching Days for James’s face to see id it is ever going to move or change expression. Talk about wooden, he is that. And his character is dispicable, he kidnaps children, lies to their mother, blackmails, manipulates people, cheats and threatens. This is what you want for Sami, you really hate her enough to wish that on her?
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Ron Carlivati Talks on the Creation, Scenes & Cast of ‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’
Last week viewers saw all five episodes of the limited-series Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem drop on Peacock. It was the first foray for the long-running NBC daytime drama series onto a streaming platform with an original self-contained story, in a move that is forward-thinking, and another avenue for soaps to be seen on and to keep the genre remaining relevant in the pop culture of today.
The head writer of Days of our Lives’ Ron Carlivati was also in charge of the overall story and direction and development of the creative of the limited-series, and following the initial streaming of all five episodes talked with Michael Fairman for in-depth look at the scenes, the moments and the casting of “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem”, exclusively on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Photo: JPI
During the conversation, Carlivati explained the impetus for bringing back Lisa Rinna to her signature role as Billie Reed, how the writing team created the parody of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills infamous “Amsterdam'” scene which featured Rinna and Eileen Davidson (Kristen/Sister Mary Moira) who also returned for the DAYS limited-series, and why they felt it was important to bring Davidson back to the roles she originated for the streamer.
Photo: JPI
In addition, Ron shares details of what went into the decision to recast the role of Sonny Kiriakis for the series with Zach Tinker, after Freddie Smith did not return for it, the casting of Peter Porte in his dual role as ISA agent Kyle Graham and bad guy Dimitri Von Leuschner, how the hilarious drag show scenes came to fruition, and how the decision was made to have Deidre Hall do the voiceover in the opening title sequence, plus his thoughts on the performances of the stellar cast.
Photo” JPI
Watch the chat with Ron below, and in case you missed it, our chat with cast members: Eileen Davidson, Peter Porte, Charles Shaughnessy, Zach Tinker and Rob Scott Wilson … and if you haven’t check out “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem” its continuing to stream on Peacock.
So, what was your favorite part of Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem? Let us know in the comment section below.
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