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Van Hansis & Kit Williamson Chat On The Premise of EastSiders! – Watch The Premiere!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/EastSidersTV

Today series creator, Kit Williamson released the first installment of his new web series EastSiders, which tells the story of a four-year relationship between Williamson’s Cal and As the World Turns favorite Van Hansis as Thom, where, from the very first frame, we learn something has gone amiss.

You see, Thom had cheated on Cal, and as the first webisode plays out, the story gets more emotionally riveting as we are introduced to the man that Thom cheated with, and the fallout that is the driving force of this raw and realistic look at the not-so-pleasant side of gay love. But whether you are gay or straight, the themes in this story are universal, and the performances by Hansis (one of the finest actors out there) and Williamson (who will break your heart in this) will leave you beyond impressed!

On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman caught up with Van Hansis and Kit Williamson for a new piece for Frontiers LA out today just in time for the series premiere, where the stars talk about what makes EastSiders stand apart from the rest of web series fare, and especially those involving a gay love story!  Here are a few excerpts from the Frontiers LA piece below with the in-depth full interview coming next week right here at On-Air On-Soaps!

Van on if he had a bit of trepidation when he heard EastSiders was a gay web series, and how he felt tackling another serialized gay role two and half years after ATWT had ended.  “When I got the script and was contacted about it, you hear ‘gay web series’ and you think, either it’s people ripping off their shirts and showing their six-packs, or crying about coming out. So when I was contacted, they said, “Would you be interested in this?” And I said I need to read the script because I do not want to do something that is a bunch of guys sitting around in a steam room. Good for you, if that is what you are interested in telling, but that is not what I am interested in telling. I am not interested in stuff that is easy. Luke on ATWT was crying about coming out seven years ago, that’s over. I got the script and it was so real and so multifaceted.  Then I felt so guilty of having a preconceived notion of what a gay web series is, because that was me judging something I didn’t know anything about. ”

Kit on having Van Hansis associated with his project and cast in the key role of Thom: “From the second I knew Van was reading the script, it was one of those things where I did not want to permit myself to think that he would do it,” revealed Kit. “I did not have any idea that I would be able to attract an actor of Van’s quality and caliber to my project, that has very much been my passion project that I have been driving forward out of sheer force of will. The fact that we have him on board is beyond amazing to me. It really feels like a fairy tale experience for me with this being my first time directing, too.”

Van on his enthusiasm to be involved with EastSiders:  “I said, ‘I have got to be on the show. I don’t care. I will be a Gaffer. I will hold the boom. I just loved it so much because it’s so rare that you find something that just speaks to you. Thom and Cal, and all the characters in EastSiders, are just so real. They are like my friends, me, my parents—anybody!  I loved EastSiders because I think it’s universal. You watch something like the television series Girls, and I am not a girl, but I connect with the characters. You watch something like Mad Men—I don’t live in the ’60s, but you connect with the characters, and you can watch all these shows that have nothing to do with you and you connect with them. That is what I loved about EastSiders. I think, of course, the gay audience is going to connect with it, but I think everybody will connect with it because the characters are so well-written and alive.”

Van weighing on on what has gone wrong in the relationship between Thom and Cal! “I think Thom is very frustrated in his relationship. He loves Cal very much, but obviously something brings him to the point of cheating. I don’t think there is any relationship where one partner cheats on the other and you can call that a healthy relationship. The cheating is a symptom. Thom and Cal have been together for four years. The honeymoon is over. I think they love each other, but I don’t know if they know how to be in love with each other.”

Kit teasing what viewers should look for as the series throughline after watching the first installment:  “You’re left with a dramatic question that will be explored throughout the series, which is: Will they, and can they, stay together through this? And, is their relationship strong enough to weather being changed in a fundamental way?”

Now beloe watch the premiere of EastSiders with Van and Kit, and let us know what you think!

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“But whether you are gay or straight, the themes in this story are universal”

majority of hollywood writers and showrunners and executives never seem to apply this kind of thinking to racial minority storylines. hollywood treats white chars better bec hollywood expects the audience to accept any storyline that’s told from a white character’s perspective. this is a manifestation of white privilege and a form of discrimination against people of color. hollywood thinks that only white chars are “universal” and can appeal to an entire audience. yet hollywood writes racial minority characters for “niche” audiences that are not “universal” and appeal only to that specific ethnic group. if hollywood expects lgbt storylines to be acceptable for everyone then they should use that same mentality when they write for people of color.

eh, it was just ok. and I was a nuke fan so don’t jump all over me!

Thumbs up. Look forward to watching this!

Will probably watch again. I wasn’t overwhelmed but, willing to give it a chance.

As a Van fan I was expecting more but was a bit underwhelmed. It’s a good storyline to be explored given how relationships are these days, but not crazy about the cast…other than Van.

I don’t think that VH will ever have the on screen chemistry that he had with ESS as Luke and Reid on ATWT, with any other actor. LuRe was pure magic; too bad, that the LuRe romance was cut short by the feeble minds of CG and JP.

I got lost, but hoping it will pick up. Focus on Van, he will bring the drama!

There’s no chemistry, I don’t get it and I probably never will, but it’s “universal”, so what do I know.

As The World Turns

Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68

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UPDATED: Heartbreaking news to report this Sunday evening, July 13. Two-time Daytime Emmy nominee and beloved soap veteran and television actor Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery, As the World Turns) has died at the age of 68.

Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Bryce’s longtime friend and former co-star announced his death via her Facebook under an hour ago (in a post that has now been deleted, but see below). Arnaz expressed, “a wonderful actor, a beautiful man and a terrific husband and father, Scott Bryce, passed tonight. I am going to miss his eyes, his smile, his wit, his brain, his intelligence, his talent, his bravery, his laugh and his hugs. Dearest Jodi, dear Jackson, he’s watching over you now from a place of pure joy and will always be your guide. But, I hate these goodbyes. Rest in peace you marvelous, magnificent man”.

Previously, Bryce was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal and stomach cancer back in October of 2024. He had credited early detection as a vital part of his journey. He had underwent medical treatment and had since reported being “on the mend.”

Photo: JPI

SCOTT BRYCE’S RUN AS CRAIG MONTGOMERY WAS MEMORABLE

However, Lucie Arnaz shared on her Facebook post in the comment thread section when asked, that Scott’s cancer had returned. She has appeared in two projects with Bryce, the Indie film, The Pack and the TV series, Sons and Daughters.

Jackson Bryce, Scott’s beloved son, shared a beautiful tribute to his father after his passing on his Instagram where he shared that, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”

Scott was the son of actor Ed Bryce, who was best-known for his role on the soaps as Bill Bauer on Guiding Light from 1959 to 1983.  On As the World Turns, Scott had a significant run as Craig Montgomery, and at one point was initially paired on-screen with Meg Ryan (ex-Betsy Stewart). Bryce had appeared on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008.

AS THE WORLD TURNS CO-STAR PAYS TRIBUTE

On As the Word Turns, Scott’s on-screen romance was with Finn Carter, who played Sierra Esteban was a fan favorite for longtime viewers.

Carter expressed her grief on Instagram following the news of Bryce’s passing sharing, “My sadness knows no bounds. My gratitude for Scott knows even fewer. Scott was the best husband a woman could ask for. As an actor he was fearless, kind, generous and forever looking for ways to grow. And what a sense of humor! It is so difficult to write this as I can not stop crying . Scott , you were a gift that I did not deserve and one the world was freely given . All of my love to you – ah, just can’t stop crying. See you soon ( not too soon) and look forward to recalling our days on As The World Turns . You patiently taught me so much . XO”

It was during his initial run that Scott received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as the manipulative Craig Montgomery. Bryce was nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in both 1986 and 1987.

Bryce exited ATWT in February of 2008 and by December of that year, Jon Lindstrom, (Beyond the Gates, General Hospital) was brought in as the final Craig from 2008-2010 as the soap went off the air. Over the years, Hunt Block and Jeffrey Meek also played the role of Craig.

FROM OAKDALE TO PRIMETIME

In addition, Scott appeared in numerous episodic comedy and drama series throughout his career with roles in: Murphy Brown, The Facts of Life, ER, Law & Order, Reba and Sex and the City and Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Homeland, 30 Rock to name but a few. On the soaps, Bryce also appeared on One Life to Live in the role of a psychiatrist, Dr. Ed Crosby, from 2006-2007.

Scott is survived by his wife Jodi Stevens and their son, Jackson. 

Michael Fairman TV will bring you further updates on this developing story.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Scott Bryce via the comment section below. But first check out these scenes featuring Scott in moments from As the World Turns with Cady McClain and Marie Wilson.

Photo: LArnaz Facebook

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As The World Turns

‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Alum, Colleen Zenk Arrested for Third DUI Since 2010

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UPDATED: Fan favorite, Colleen Zenk (ex-Barbara, As the World Turns, ex-Jordan, The Young and the Restless) found herself in trouble with the law when she was arrested for a DUI in Naples, Florida near where she lives.

The incident took place back on May 15 at 7:35 pm, when the actress was charged with a DUI resulting in damage to property or person of another with a with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher, above the legal limit of 0.08. Both misdemeanors carry a bond of $1,000.

Soap Opera Network was the first to report the news after they had obtained records from County Sheriff’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office in Collier County.

Photo: JPI

Zenk posted bond on May 16, 2026, and court date that was set for June 10, 2026. Although she did not appear in person at the hearing after filing a Waiver of Appearance at Non-Mandatory Court Appearances, she pled not guilty through her attorney, with a continuance scheduled for July 29, 2026, for pre-trial.

Now, according to PEOPLE.com, Zenk’s attorney shared on June 30, “The charges are being defended. Ms. Zenk has not been convicted of anything. The truth will be played out in court.”

According to the arrest report, a witness told deputies they saw Zenk backing out of a handicap parking space near a Tommy Bahama store when her vehicle struck another parked car. The same witness alleged Zenk continued moving after the collision before being stopped a short distance away and claimed she appeared unsteady after exiting her vehicle.

In addition, after Zenk greed to perform field sobriety exercises, the arresting officer notated that Zenk showed multiple signs of impairment, including balance issues, swaying and difficulty following instructions.

Photo: JPI

PREVIOUS DUI TROUBLE

This is not the first time Colleen has been arrested for DUI. This is her third. She was first arrested in April 1, 2010, when she was pulled over by police in Wilton, Connecticut, for erratic driving and crossing into the oncoming lane of traffic, resulting in charges of DUI and improper lane usage. The second time was back on May 28, 2017. Zenk was charged with a DUI, marking her first offense and arrest in Collier County.

Zenk made her daytime debut as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns in 1978 and remained with the series until its final episode in 2010. Viewers will recall, Barbara dancing with Henry Coleman (Trent Dawson) to “Last Dance” in the finale.

Along the way, Colleen earned three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for taking the once girl to a bad girl and eventually a fully evolved character. Then in November of 2023, Colleen made her triumphant return to daytime as the villainous and oft-kilter, Jordan Howard who had more than nine lives! The character was eventually killed off in 2025.

Jordan was the creation of departing head writer, Josh Griffith, who has brought Zenk and Hayley Erin as “Claire” to Y&R to shake things up for the Newmans.

Share your thoughts on the latest DUI charges for Colleen Zenk via the comment section below. Do you hope she gets the opportunity to appear on another soap? Let us know.

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As The World Turns

ATWT Alum Martha Byrne Pays Tribute to Eileen Fulton: “The Original Soap Star Who Paved the Way for the Likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans”

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Tributes and remembrances are pouring in for the the late Eileen Fulton, who passed away on July 14th at the age of 91. Fulton broke the soap opera mold back in the early 60’s when she was cast to play Lisa Miller on As the World Turns, who would turn out to be the first villiainess, vixen, and homewrecker of daytime television.

Fans of the soap loved to love to hate her for how she destroyed many lives in her quests to nab a husband; especially one she had set her sights set on. In fact, Lisa was married 8 times during the history of the show. Fulton was with ATWT on and off until the final year of the show in 2010.

Martha Byrne, who has been Fulton’s castmate for a time (Bryne played Lily Snyder from 1985 to 1989 and then again from 1993-2008 where she also played Rose D’Angelo), took to her account on x to share her thoughts on what Eileen meant to the genre, and also spoke on how Fulton handled not being as front and center on the soap operas as the years went by.

Photo: JPI

“What can I say about Eileen Fulton. The original soap star who paved the road for the likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans,” began Bryne. “Since Eileen started on ATWT when the show was live, there aren’t enough pieces of history for us to truly grasp the enormity of her stardom and presence in the entertainment business. I remember being so impressed that she was a writer. The best part was she would use real stories from behind the scenes and change the names. Maybe that was her way of giving the audience a wink to include them even more.”

Photo: CBS

Bryne went to share, “She (Eileen) loved her fans and she had many. I went to her one woman shows and the place was always packed. As the years went on and her role wasn’t as prominent as it had been she took it with class. I never heard her complain as many did who were frustrated they didn’t have a storyline. She was always a class act and a true pro who knew a storyline or another opportunity was only around the corner. She knew her value and was secure in herself. A national treasure who shaped the entire industry. Thank you Eileen. I’m sure there was a pink feather boa waiting for you just inside the pearly gates.”

So, what did you think about the sentiments shared by Martha on the legendary Eileen Fulton? Would you agree, as we have previously noted, that Lisa as played by Eileen, was really the prototype for all soap opera “bad girls” to follow? Did you appreciate the fact that while having a more diminished role over the last few decades of ATWT, Eileen took it in stride? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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