All My Children
USA Today – Daytime TV Takes Stock, retrenches in a changing world!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
The topic of course, that is on so many broadcasters, networks, production companies, actors and soap fans and pundits, is the harsh reality of what is happening to the shrinking daytime genre. With Oprah Winfrey bowing out after next season due to moving on with her next career move after 25 years of outstanding talk television, and Tyra Banks bailing on the talk format, and ATWT and GL already cancelled by the end of 2009, Bill Keveneny of USA today had this to say in his report out this week, in regards to the latest dilemmas facing soaps. Keveney had spoken with ABC head honcho Brian Frons and Soap Opera Digest’s Lynn Leahey.
“The cancellation of the lower-rated As the World Turns and Guiding Light does not mean the demise of the soap, says Lynn Leahey, editorial director of Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly. “There remains an avid following, if you tell the right story, people will follow it. Networks are cutting costs on their own shows (As the World Turns and Guiding Light are not network-owned) to make them financially viable, meaning lower salaries for stars and fewer lavish shoots,” Leahey says. ” ABC, for example, is moving production of All My Children from New York to Los Angeles to save money. Lots of times you can’t see (the cuts) on the screen,” she says.
Technology is bringing new competition and ways to reach women who aren’t at home, says Leahey. TV soap actresses Crystal Chappell and Martha Byrne have launched online soaps Venice and Gotham, respectively.
Networks and syndicators are embracing technology, too. All My Children, like General Hospital will be shot in high-definition, and greater use of CGI will allow “spectacular stunts,” ABC Daytime president Brian Frons says.
“Soaps aren’t all on the bubble. In the end, the strong shows will remain, Frons says. “Some (soaps) have been on many years, so people feel the need to make sage-like statements about the future of the genre. Nobody makes those statements when a sitcom or long-running drama dies. It’s the end of that program, and that’s the way we should look at it as well.”
So as we ring in a new decade and a new year in 2010, can soaps last another decade? The jury is out. To read the entire USA piece, click here!
All My Children
All My Children Alum Ben Jörgensen Reportedly Dead At 51
According to his former All My Children castmate, Brian Gaskill. there is sad news in the soap world today. Ben Jörgensen who played Kevin on All My Children and Chris on As the World Turns passed away on Tuesday at the age of 51, apparently via suicide, although unconfirmed as to his cause of death.
Gaskill, who played Bobby Warner while in Pine Valley shared via his Instagram: “Sad news to report. Ben Jörgensen who played Kevin Sheffield on All My Children has past away at 51 years old. My understanding is it was suicide. I have heard he suffered from Bipolar disorder but as I have not spoke to him in years I do not know all the details. I just want to remember the good times we had on the set of All My Children 24 years ago. He was a good guy and had the courage to play a gay teenager on tv back when it was nowhere near as common to have representation as it is today. He was part of an award winning storyline…but mostly we just had some good times back then…my condolences go out to his friends and family. Please everybody hang in there and reach out for help if you need it. ”
Since the time of Brian’s posting, friends, colleagues and fans have been posting tributes and condolences on the actor’s Facebook page. You can view that here.
In this heartbreaking photo below from Steven Bergman, during his time on As the World Turns, Ben is pictured with the late Nathaniel Marston, as well as Jaime Nicole Dudney and Terri Conn.
Photo: StevenBergman
On All My Children, Ben was part of the important social issue storyline brought into the ABC legacy soap opera by the iconic Agnes Nixon, who was always trying to move the needle forward in daytime, as the character of Kevin was a gay high school student facing bullying, ridicule and discrimination for his sexuality.
Share your thoughts on the passing of Ben via the comment section below.
All My Children
Hallmark Channel’s ‘Home & Family’ Returns to Production For Ninth Season; Premiere Date Revealed
All My Children
Michael B. Jordan Pays Tribute To Chadwick Boseman: “Since Nearly The Beginning Of My Career, Starting with All My Children When I was 16 Years Old You Paved The Way For Me”
Following the news of the tragic death of now motion picture icon, Chadwick Boseman late Friday, tributes and sentiments have poured in from celebrities, politicians and fans from all across the world.
Chadwick Boseman passed away late last week at the age of 43 from colon cancer – a battle he kept silent about for the last four years of life.
Photo: JPI
No one could be more intertwined with Boseman’s career than that of his fellow Black Panther star, Michael B. Jordan. For Jordan took over the role of Reggie Porter on All My Children from Boseman after the late actor lasted one week, following standing up to, and addressing concerns, of racial stereotypes in the way that the part was written. Reggie was introduced to Pine Valley as a gang member in 2003. As previously reported it was Boseman who helped the soap opera improve the role that Jordan took over with some recommendations.
Now Michael B. Jordan has written a heartfelt remembrance of Chadwick that he shared on his Instagram, and what he has meant to his life, including how he showed him how to be better, to honor purpose and create legacy.
Read below Michael’s post:
“I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything.
I wish we had more time.
One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness.
I wish we had more time.
Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family , your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here.
I wish we had more time.
I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother.”
What do you think of Michael’s tribute to Chadwick and how they have been interconnected dating back to 2003 and All My Children? Comment below.
Tricia Cast Returns to The Young and the Restless
Genie Francis Returns to General Hospital During November Sweeps
THE BACHELORETTE: Clare’s Laser-Focus on Dale Pisses Off The Other Guys; ABC Exec Robert Mills Reveals The Turning Point When They Knew They Had To Replace Her
Ashley Jones Confirms Return to The Bold and the Beautiful
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Chrishell Stause Continues On After Halloween Week, Kaitlyn Bristowe Reacts To Carrie Ann’s Comment That She ‘Gave Up’
Eileen Davidson, Vince Van Patten & Caitlyn Jenner In Cast Of New Sitcom ‘Duke of the Valley’
General Hospital’s Halloween Week Promo Touts Wicked Surprises
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Tom Pelphrey Set As Series Regular For Amazon’s Mystery Drama ‘Outer Range’
‘This Is Us’ Preview: Kevin Drops Baby Bombshell On Toby and Kate
ABC Previews General Hospital’s Halloween Episode
Y&R’s Brytni Sarpy Talks On Her Emotional Week of Scenes & The Fallout From Elena and Devon’s Break-Up
As the World Turns Cast To Perform Virtual Reading Of Final Episode
Ashley Jones Confirms Return to The Bold and the Beautiful
Eileen Davidson, Vince Van Patten & Caitlyn Jenner In Cast Of New Sitcom ‘Duke of the Valley’
General Hospital’s Halloween Week Promo Touts Wicked Surprises
DAYS Alum Molly Burnett Promoted To Series Regular on ‘Queen of the South’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Thomas Gets Creepy As The Hope Mannequin Talks To Him
Kiara Barnes To Perform Her Original Song On The Bold and the Beautiful
THE BACHELORETTE: Clare’s Laser-Focus on Dale Pisses Off The Other Guys; ABC Exec Robert Mills Reveals The Turning Point When They Knew They Had To Replace Her
GH’s Ingo Rademacher Shares Insight With His Son On Parenting & Anger On Maurice Benard’s “State of Mind”
Y&R Shares ‘Most Memorable Moments Of Dina Mergeron’: What Was Your All-Time Favorite?
‘The Bachelorette’ Releases Two-Minute Hot Mess Promo Ahead of Tonight’s Season Premiere
The General Hospital Promo Featuring The Arrival of Kim Delaney
‘Tiger King’s’ Carole Baskin Gets Emotional In ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Preview Leading Into Tonight’s Competition
WATCH: Ellen DeGeneres Address Toxic Workplace Issues & How She is a ‘Work in Progress’ in Talk Show Season Opener
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Anne Heche. Jesse Metcalfe & Chrishell Stause Make Their Ballroom Debuts; While Tyra Banks Bows As New Host
Chandler Massey & Freddie Smith Discuss Their Departure From DAYS, New Beginnings & WilSon’s Journey
WATCH: Matt Bomer & Tuc Watkins in Official Trailer for Netflix’s Film Adaptation of ‘Boys in the Band’
The Bold and the Beautiful Shows How They Shoot Scenes With Blow-Up Dolls & Mannequins On Access Hollywood
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General HospitalOctober 20, 2020ABC Previews General Hospital’s Halloween Episode
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InterviewsOctober 25, 2020Y&R’s Brytni Sarpy Talks On Her Emotional Week of Scenes & The Fallout From Elena and Devon’s Break-Up
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As The World TurnsOctober 19, 2020As the World Turns Cast To Perform Virtual Reading Of Final Episode
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NewsOctober 27, 2020Ashley Jones Confirms Return to The Bold and the Beautiful
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NewsOctober 26, 2020Eileen Davidson, Vince Van Patten & Caitlyn Jenner In Cast Of New Sitcom ‘Duke of the Valley’
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General HospitalOctober 26, 2020General Hospital’s Halloween Week Promo Touts Wicked Surprises
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 21, 2020DAYS Alum Molly Burnett Promoted To Series Regular on ‘Queen of the South’
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RecapsOctober 23, 2020THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Thomas Gets Creepy As The Hope Mannequin Talks To Him
Mr Frons is a “JOKE” he does not listen to the viewers “The Loyal Ones” and continues to act as if GH was in the top of the ratings, Wake Up Frons you and Mr Guza have destroyed the once top GH, it has become unbearable to watch, the mob s/l has gone it’s distance bringing James Franco has put another nail in the coffin. Unless Mr Frons is fired ABC will lose all their soaps, AMC & OLTL “ARE TRYING” to return, GH lost it’s way two years ago, braking up Sonny & Kate, Jason & Elizabeth and returning… Read more »
I can’t help but think that Brian Frons is a bit out of touch with the ABC Daytime audience. I am not a network exec but I know for a fact that many long-time fans of soaps are unable to watch the episodes when they air because they are at work. Many have told me they will not watch daytime at all if it is full of game shows and talk shows. Again, I’m not a daytime exec but would sponsors rather advertise to long-time, loyal, faithful viewers or the people who leave the tv on while they’re in the… Read more »