News
TV Guide: Was OLTL too gay for America? New statement from ABC!
Courtesy/ABC
TV Guide Magazine in this week’s issue spotlights and examines the ongoing controversy of the abrupt and shocking ending and exit of One Life to Live’s Kish storyline. As everyone knows by now actors, Brett Claywell, and Scott Evans last airdates are next week. Key journalists who were interviewed for the feature included, AfterElton’s, Michael Jensen and Daytime Confidential’s Jamey Giddens, as well as actor, Claywell, and ABC Daytime Rep, Jori Petersen. A main contention through the report is could the same-sex wedding-athon played into the public’s turn-off of the entire gay storyline, as just to much? Of note are some very telling excerpts from Petersen and Claywell that you can read below.
Jori Petersen on why ABC canned canned Kish: “The Kish story did not have the appeal we hoped it would. We are going to spend our time on stories that have a more favorable reaction from our audience. We are sunsetting the storyline but Kish will remain in Llanview. The door is open.”
Brett Claywell on if the same-sex marriage shows could have turned America on Kish: “From the beginning, Scott and I were uneasy about that big gay political wedding. We were telling a slow, subtle love story about two guys who just happened to be gay. We didn’t want to make it in-your-face, which is what the wedding was. It pulled us away from what we were trying to do. We wanted to exist separately from that. It was too much and, in a way, Scott and I became the sacrificial lambs.”
UPDATED: ‘Bachelor Nation’ favorite Tyler Cameron is one of two new additions to the cast of Dancing with the Stars upcoming season 35. Cameron will hit the ballroom dance floor and so too will dancer/actress Jenna Dewan.
Cameron is best known as the runner-up in Hannah Brown’s season of The Bachelorette, the winner of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test and starred in his own Amazon Prime home renovation series, Going Home with Tyler Cameron.
Tyler’s casting comes five years after his best friend and former ‘Bachelor’ lead Matt James competed for the Mirror Ball Trophy with pro Lindsay Arnold on season 30. US broke the casting news.
Photo: JPI
FULL DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 35 CAST REVEAL ON GMA
Dewan is best known for starring as Nora Clark in the 2006 dance film Step Up and for her television roles in Supergirl!, The Rookie, and The Witches of Eastwick to name but a few. Jenna began her career as a back-up dancer for Janet Jackson, Pink, Missy Elliott, and Christina Aguilera before moving into acting.
The full cast of Dancing with the Stars is set to be revealed including pros and celebrity contestants on the September 2 episode of Good Morning America. However, already confirmed are: “Summer House” star Ciara Miller, “Love Island UK” alum Maura Higgins, ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ sidekick and comedian Guillermo Rodriguez and Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson.
Thursday evening August 20, TMZ is now reporting that actresses Julia Stiles and Tatyana Ali have also joined the cast. Ali is remembered in the recurring role of Roxanne on The Young and the Restless from 2007 to 2013.
Last season’s Mirror Ball Trophy went to Robert Irwin, the wildlife conservationist and son of the iconic Steve Irwin, and his pro partner Witney Carson. Dancing with the Stars hopes to repeat the success of season 24 which had stellar ratings in 2025.
Dancing With the Stars season 35 kicks off with a back-to-back premiered on ABC and Disney+ starting Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET.
So, who else would you like to see join the celebrity cast of Dancing with the Stars? Share your picks via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jonathan Jackson Shares Emotional Tribute to His ‘Nashville’ Leading Lady Hayden Panettiere
The entertainment world has been mourning the loss of Hayden Panettiere, who died on Sunday at the age of 36. Panettiere, who was so familiar to daytime drama fans in the roles of a very young Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live and Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light, also starred as an adult in the primetime music city soap opera, Nashville as country and western singer, Juliette Barnes.
Panettiere’s leading man in the series, was none other than six-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer, General Hospital) who played musician Avery Barkley.
The actress’ death is still under investigation in Greenville, South Carolina, now calling in the DEA after the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said there was “no signs of trauma that were discovered that would have contributed to the death.” Hayden’s body was released to her family on Tuesday, August. 18. It is believed Panettiere died of an “overdose.”
Photo: ABC
WE GREW UP IN THE INDUSTRY
Jonathan Jackson took to his Instagram on Wednesday night, August 19 to share poignant words in remembrance of his Nashville co-star. “I have no words to express the loss of our beloved Hayden,” began Jackson. “She had such a bright light within her. She was a sensitive soul. Incredibly funny and witty. Amazingly gifted, with a great sense of empathy and compassion. We both grew up in the industry, although she started even younger than me, but we shared that. A silent knowing of how intense the struggles can be.”
Panetierre started in show business in 1990 at only 11-months-old, while Jackson was cast on General Hospital in 1993 as Luke (Anthony Geary) and Lauras’s (Genie Francis) son, Lucky when he was 11-years-old. Jonathan drew on the parallels in their lives for his remembrance to his late former co-star.
“She was an absolute joy to work with. Focused, spontaneous and brilliant,” continued Jackson. “The most important thing between friends and coworkers is trust, and we had this. Elisa (formerly, Lisa Vultaggio) and I both love and cherish her deeply, like our own sister. She holds that place in our hearts. My prayer for her every day we worked together was that she would know how loved she is, and that she would find the peace that she was looking for.”
WE LOVE YOU, HAYDEN
Sadly, Jonathan concluded with, “It’s not possible to express the shock and grief that so many of us feel right now. Our humble prayers are with her family. May God’s angels carry you to your place of rest and true peace. We love you Hayden. You will always be in our hearts. Always.”
Nashville ran for four seasons from 2012-2016 on ABC, and then moved to CMT for its final two seasons from 2016-2018. The actors on the show could also sing and like Jackson, Hayden had a powerful singing voice that was showcased in the series as well as her undeniable acting chops.
Michael Fairman TV previously shared more of Panettiere’s Guiding Light and Nashville co-star tributes here.
So, what did you think of Jonathan Jackson’s very touching tribute to Hayden Panettiere? Did you love them as Juliette and Avery on Nashville? What have you thought about the ongoing investigation into Hayden’s death? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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Bryan Craig, the two-time Daytime Award-winning actor, best known to soap fans as Morgan Corinthos on General Hospital has landed another feature film role. According to i68 Studios, Craig has been cast in the upcoming proof-of-concept to motion picture, The Weapon.
Production begins on August 27th in Texas, and Craig will play the role of Miller, the youngest member of Isaiah Fury’s original team. Miller is said to be, “A brilliant recon and tech specialist, Miller is quick-witted and uses humor to keep fear at bay. But when everything goes wrong, his loyalty wins out over fear, and he follows his brothers into the fight.”
The Weapon loglines share that the film is about brotherhood, sacrifice and what a man is willing to endure for the people he loves. Set against the backdrop of covert operations and a terrifying experiment that changes Isaiah Fury forever, this story asks what remains of a man when everything he thought made him human is stripped away. The film’s producers share on why they chose Craig for the role, “Bryan brings an incredible combination of intensity, charisma and vulnerability.”
Photo: JPI
BRYAN CRAIG’S MEMORABLE RUN AS MORGAN CORINTHOS
Since leaving General Hospital, Craig’s other roles have included: ABC’s Grand Hotel and Freeform’s Good Trouble, along with appearances in Valor, Walker and American Fighter to name but a few.
Bryan appeared on General Hospital for his initial run as Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly’s (Laura Wright) son from 2013-2016. His journey ended when Morgan was presumed dead after a car bomb killed him that was meant for Sonny. Craig later returned for appearances as Morgan in different iterations in 2018 and 2024. Craig won back-to-back Daytime Emmy Awards in the former Outstanding Younger Actor category in 2016 and 2017.
It was back in 2016, that Craig told Soap Opera Digest on his decision to exit General Hospital: “It’s been an amazing journey, but I feel like the time is right for me to say goodbye to General Hospital and Morgan Corinthos. This was not an easy decision and I am extremely grateful to ABC, Frank Valentini, and the entire GH cast and crew for the opportunity and their unyielding support. To the wonderful fans who have embraced and loved Morgan as one of their own, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
So, glad to hear of Bryan’s casting in The Weapon? Are you still holding onto hope that GH will bring back a very much alive Morgan Corinthos that could shake-up the canvas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Admits That He Didn’t Expect the Role of Michael Corinthos to be Recast, and Would Consider Working on Another Soap (Exclusive)
Tyler Cameron Joins the Cast of Season 35 of ‘Dancing with the Stars’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ric’s History of Jealousy Where Elizabeth is Concerned Has Come Back Around
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jonathan Jackson Shares Emotional Tribute to His ‘Nashville’ Leading Lady Hayden Panettiere
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy and Carter Get Lame Excuses From Their Spouses, and Try to Shake Off Their Night Together
‘General Hospital’s’ Maurice Benard Talks: New ‘Sonny’ Storyline, His Contract, and Three Characters He Would Want to See Back in Port Charles
Lucas Adams Lands First Roles Post-Y&R on ABC Crime Drama ‘R.J. Decker’ and a Top Secret Project
‘Days of Our Lives’ Exec Explains How They Fit John Oliver’s Guest Stint into Production When They Tape Almost a Year in Advance
Paige Herschell Exits ‘General Hospital’ as Jacinda Bracken
How John Oliver’s ‘Days of Our Lives’ Guest Star Turn as ‘Devlin St. John’ Came to an End
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Admits That He Didn’t Expect the Role of Michael Corinthos to be Recast, and Would Consider Working on Another Soap (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ric’s History of Jealousy Where Elizabeth is Concerned Has Come Back Around
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy and Carter Get Lame Excuses From Their Spouses, and Try to Shake Off Their Night Together
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: As Dante and Elizabeth Grow Closer, the Green-Eyed Monster Has Gotten Hold of Ric
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Claywell speaks like he has a messiahnic complex. That’s annoying, and he’s not a “sacrificial lamb”. Claywell is now comparing himself to Jesus Christ? Wow, how delusional can he get? But at least this kish melodrama w/in the melodrama is finally fizzing out.
They kish fans are kishinitas? LOL! That’s pretty bad. So are the Nuke fans Nukettes? With all this publicity and his far better acting over Evans, Claywell should be able to secure a nom. They’re voting now right? Good timing is everything.
And BRAVO to tvg’s Michael Logan for actually having the balls to call out Carlivati’s bad storytelling as a major factor to the kish storyline dropping in ratings and the kish axings! If Wheeler’s regime had axed Otalia, or Goutman had extricated Nuke, many soap journalists would be carrying their pitchforks and torches demanding that Goutman or Wheeler to be sent to the guillotine. So bravo to Logan for that critique! No one has critiqued Carlivati for botching up Kish and the hate crime w/ Nick and Dorian’s race to the mayor’s office by fooling the lgbtq voters that she’s a lesbian.
And afterelton are self-satisfying hypocrites. Who the hell is Michael Jenson to speak for GAY people? Of course he makes this abt a homophobia issue.
Jensen and his partner host this 2 gay guys running commentary and of course show preference for out actors. They’ll complain abt Jodie Foster sharing her life as a mother and speaking abt her stalker to the media, so they’ll turn that around and say if Foster can speak abt that, why doesn’t she speak abt her being allegedly a lesbian? Who the hell are they to say how Jodie Foster should lead her life. Yes celebrities will be speculated on and even outed, but she does not have to come out or talk about her sexual orientation if she chooses not to.
And Jensen knows nothing abt soaps. They only follow soaps w/ gay characters, so his narrow perspective lends nothing to the article. At least Giddens knows his shit.
sorry, but if you don’t know what you’re talking about don’t talk.
I am glad to see that there is only one real and authoritative source on the OLTL Kish scenario. It has become clear that none of the rest of us knows what we are talking about.
This could have been a really good story for One Life to Live seems years ago they attempted this subject but shyed away from it. The only soap that comes to my mind that has had a gay male storyline for a long time has been As The World Turns so good for them for keeping a gay male couple pretty much a front burner story for a good while!!
ATWT had their moments w/ Nuke, GL had their moments w/ Otalia. And Claywell saved kish, but even Claywell admits in this interview that he had reservations abt the mass same sex marriages. Carlivati was making too political a statement w/ Dorian pretending to be a lesbian to win the lgbtq vote, Nick, a character no one cares abt being in a hate crime and then the mass same sex marriages. But none of these lgbtq arcs compare w/ AMC’s original coming out storyline for Bianca.
If Reigel submitted this ep instead of Bianca confronting Erica abt her planting the drugs on Frankie, then maybe reigel would have beaten Finnigan. And Lucci could have won her 2nd Emmy with this scene IMO.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkMfrNX7q6g
I think Lucci’s fantastic in this clip. It’s so Erica Kane to make it abt her, and all of Lucci’s acting choices here are excellent like when Bianca asks when it’s going to be ok for her to have a gf, and Erica shrugs her head. Reigel’s great too, no other lgbtq char compares to Bianca.
Dialogue is full of gems. Bianca says she wants a rel like straight people and Erica says “Bianca don’t be that way.” I LOL bec it was so realistic since many parents would actually say that! The hesitation, queasiness and “I don’t wanna hear it” attitude of Erica was so on point.
Reigel’s delivery of the lines “it’s never gonna be ok for me to have a sexual rel, a sexual rel w/ a woman,” and “get over this gay thing” were really great. Erica saying “You have your whole life ahead of you…..” and Bianca countering “…….to meet a woman” was great dialogue. Lucci saying “You think every disagreement we have is bec of your sexual orientation, and it isn’t.” SO GREAT! And everytime Bianca throws it in Erica’s face that she’s a lesbian, Erica says “Will you please stop saying that.” So true of so many parents.
The writing is so organic, so character driven unlike the preachy, political kish crap. Hendrickson was so great as Frankie also, w/c shows she can act when given the rt material, since her acting as Chloe is crappy on MAB’s version of Y&R. She even looks like Frances Mcdormand in some angles.
AMC got it right. They hired a newbie w/ tremendous acting chops who could hold her own w/ La Lucci. Agnes Nixon’s writing was excellent. And it wasn’t about making a political statement. It was plain old solid soap writing at its finest. The scene I put is one of daytime’s best, if not the best.
I really really HATE ABC for dumping Kyle and Oliver and will NEVER watch OLTL again ever.
Awwwww, got his feelings hurt. keep continue condemning yourself.
I don’t think that’s what he was trying to get at.
It doesn’t matter, OLTL hit new record lows with ratings after Kish and the BGW storyline, proving that Kish wasn’t actually the cause of their slope.
I agree with you Brad, I will never watch OLTL ever again just because of their stupidity for dumping Kish! Unless they put Kish back on the show! 😉
i agree for dumping scott evans and brett claywell and a’m still watching one life to live as soon next year come april 2011 they will bring scott evans and brett claywell as acotr of kyle leiws and oliver fish their daughter seirra rose to bring them back a’m still keep on watching oltl all way to next year to put scott evans and brett claywell on-screen and to return to the show oltl