News
Wall Street Journal: "Life After 'Life' Is A Mystery" – Parting Words from the Set In Llanview!
Courtesy/ABC
The Wall Street Journal was present last week on the set of One Life to Live where several actors taped their final scenes for network television of the 43-year-old-soap including: Robert S. Woods (Bo), Hillary B. Smith (Nora), Eddie Alderson (Matthew) and Ilene Kristen (Roxy). Today WLS has a feature post titled, “Life After ‘Life’ Is A Mystery” where they discuss the economic downturn that caused the soaps to continually decrease, and the sad state of affairs that after One Life, there is no soap shot in New York City, the place where soaps were a once a thriving mecca! You can also see some heartbreaking photos as some of the cast and crew said their goodbyes.
In the feature, Frank Valentini, One Life’s Executive Producer explained the significance of this loss for him, the cast and crew, the soap genre, and the city of New York by saying measures had been taken to reduce overhead in recent years—including voluntary pay cuts for several principal cast members—but acknowledged it may have come too late as ratings plummeted and production costs soared up to $300,000 per episode.
Valentini went on to say, “I think our leaving definitely shallows out every facet of the entertainment business in New York because we keep so many people working at any given time,That includes not just our primary cast, but also people who come on in short-term roles. Because we generate so many episodes, we make a lot of money for the city, so this affects everyone, including the local vendors where we buy our props and costumes.”
Robert S. Woods and Hillary B. Smith struggled to say their final lines in their scenes choking back the tears. Woods revealed his sadness. “The hardest part is saying goodbye and realizing we may never see each other again. We work so closely here and it’s like a family. I did a lot of other things over the years, like ‘The Waltons’ and ‘Police Story’ and movies of the week, but this show was the job that gave me recognition.”
Ilene Kristen, chocking back the tears told WLS, “Of course I’m sad, but I’m not a depressive person and as an actor you’re always back to square one. The one thing I know is that people stop ironing when they see me, and they don’t run to the refrigerator or put me on fast forward. That I know. I could die as Roxy, and I hope we have the chance to continue it. I didn’t think we’d have to say goodbye so quickly.”
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo
Today’s Monday, July 13 episode of General Hospital marks it 16,000 episode to air on the ABC television network. It is a remarkable milestone. The previous television record was held by Guiding Light which clocked in at 15,762 episodes before it went off the air on CBS in 2009.
To mark the occasion, the cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles back on Monday, June 1, 2026.
In addition, GH has released a new cast photo taken the day of the on set celebration. Pictured in the photo are front row: Rory Gibson, Finn Carr, Kayden Brenna Tokarski, Asher Antonyzyn, Giovanni Mazza, Braedyn Bruner, Dean Geyer and Nathan Dean.
Featured in the back row are: Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, Kristen Vaganos, Rebecca Herbst, Dominic Zamprogna, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison, Brooke Kerr, Cynthia Watros, Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Maura West, Donnell Turner, Nancy Lee Grahn, Tanisha Harper, Kelly Thiebaud, Kristina Wagner, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Katelyn MacMullen and Sawandi Wilson.
In addition, the official GH social media handles shared these sentiments along with some other photos from the cake cutting: “Today’s episode of General Hospital is the 16,000th produced since the show’s inception in 1963. It’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass by without taking some time to celebrate as a family (and, of course… eating some cake). 🍰 We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE 16,000th Episode?
The 16,000th episode will feature Jason Morgan returning to the town of Port Charles, Anna and Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) reuniting, and a new surgeon, Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) joining the staff of ‘General Hospital.’
GENERAL HOSPITAL HOLDS SEVERAL RECORDS
Now in its 64th year, Emmy Award-winning daytime drama General Hospital is currently both the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production.
General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 18 times. Will they do it again and make it 19 in 2026? Stay tuned for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations tomorrow on Tuesday, July 14 to find out if GH will be going for gold in the category, once again.
The ABC daytime drama series was created by Frank and Doris Hursley and premiered back on April 1, 1963. Frank Valentini is the current executive producer with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.
What do you think of the new cast photo marking General Hospital’s 16000th episode? What do you think of the accomplishment to have that many episodes of a television show and its still thriving and kicking? Share your thoughts and congrats for everyone in front of the camera and behind the scenes on this milestone airing.
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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As The World Turns2 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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Breaking News4 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
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General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
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After One Life to Live leaves to air, we’ll only have four soaps on the air. To think that only 3 years ago, we had the double of this number of soaps on the air.
After OLTL leaves ABC, so will I. I have no reason to turn the television to that station anymore. ABC will feel the repercussions of this decision, come January. They think that soaps are a dying genre, well wait until January, they will realize that without the soaps “Daytime Television” is what will die. The talk shows and games shows were always great lead-ins to the soaps….which is what people were waiting around to watch. Well, with nothing to look forward to, people just won’t watch at all.
For fun, I love to revisit those “Love in the Afternoon” clips from the 1970s and early 1980s on youtube. Hear the RYAN’S HOPE theme. Watch some classic scenes. I will never understand how good solid storytelling has become passe in web execs’ views. Really?
What is up with the ‘goodbyes’? I would be thrilled to hear just one officially released positive word about the continuations of the soaps. What is up with all of this negativity? I anticipate that OLTL & AMC will be up and running on the internet, on demand, and cable as Jeff K. of Prospect Park promised.
Think it’s goodbye for some, because not everyone is signing on to the PP deal….but I get what you’re saying. It would be nice if it felt more like, “I’ll see you soon.”
It is very sad, and premature to be axing these soaps. And it is sad that so many people will lose their jobs and like Frank said so many vendors will be losing money also. It is so sad that there are no more New York soaps. Look at the movie Tootsie, it shows how soaps were a big part of New York.
The only upside is the soaps that are off don’t have to deal with the idiots in charge anymore, it’s just too bad those idiots weren’t replaced instead of the legendary soaps!
Let’s all try to remain positive… and that soon “One Life To Live” will be up and running on Prospect Park. I have not lost my hope yet.
Totally agree. I believe PP will have OLTL running on the internet and onto a cable network in the near future. I only wish PP would release some kind of statement. NO news was not good news for AMC fans. The silence is making me nervous a bit, but I remain positive and optimistic. Long Live — OLTL.
I have not had a truly happy day since April 14 when we got the news of the cancellation of OLTL. I have been just sick over it-it was ruining my life! I could barely enjoy watching OLTL knowing every episode brought us one day closer to the end. All I could think of was the bleak January day when OLTL would air for the last time. Then suddenly the fantastic news from PP! They have got to get OLTL up & running & get as many of their cast as possible ASAP & THEY WILL. I cannot, just cannot imagine that show not being on. It has been a roller coaster of emotions since April 14. Has anyone seen the previews for The Revolution? Gag me, it looks just as bad, if not worse that the embarrassing Chew. I caught the tail end of the Chew the other day (turned on the tv a minute too early waiting for OLTL) & the hosts actually had on cowboy hats & were pretending to ride ponies, I guess that’s what the poor things were doing–my mouth just fell open at how stupid they looked, I mean I just could not get over it. I will never, ever watch one second of ABC from the minute OLTL signs off.
Gloria,
I feel your pain, have watched for over thirty years, since i was a kid, I never miss an episode. At the end of every stressful day, I can’t wait to sit and watch my shows and have me time. I fed three babies watching these shows who are now grown and one is married. I watched them when I was stuck in bed for 7 months after surgery, they made me laugh and they made me cry and I felt their happiness and their sadness like they were my family. I am saddened and sick to my stomach like you are. It was so hard losing AMC, devastating, but at least we had OLTL and GH. After months of phone calls and emails and collecting coupons, I finally felt some hope with the news of Prospect Park. Now AMC is supposedly put on hold, actors will all find other jobs, I have lost faith we will ever see it again… but I still had my fave, OLTL…. that is not looking good to me and the roller coaster crashes to the ground again. It has been a roller coaster ride for all of us, I am still hanging on, but my hands are getting tired as we hear nothing from Prospect Park, nothing at all… Why is that?? We are the fans, why would they not say something??? We are willing to pay a fee, contact investors, help in any way, why not say something to us??? Smells like another rat to me.
Like I said in my previous comment.. “Let’s try to remain positive” These are hard financial times for everyone… and I feel Prospect Park is trying to give us back our beloved shows… but can’t help but wonder why they would bother when I read comments like “smells like another rat to me” At least they are trying !
When I first read Sue’s reply I thought the same thing-remain positive & I was worried about her smelling a rat comment but Jeez, she was right, damn it to hell. I am sick about this-cannot even sleep-dreading the days to come when there is no OLTL. I mean, every single interest group has a network-science, country music, animal planet, hunting/fishing, ESPN, Hallmark, Lifetime Movies, Game show network, cooking, food, HGTV, on & on-but what the hell? What about soaps? Taking away Soapnet to give to the Disney kids channel? Seriously? I’d take Soapnet with nothing but reruns from the past, i.e., Santa Barbara, Loving, Ryan’s Hope (if we could ever see it thru to the end), Another World, Search for Tomorrow, Where the Heart Is, Love is a Many Splendored Thing-there must be tons of hours of old soaps that would be FREE to run for soap fans. I am so distressed over this situation.
A friend on another board said “I don’t think Gigi’s message is just to Rex. ”
So “Don’t Give Up” and let’s hope that somehow, someway One Live will live on…
IF ONLY, what will it take, what can we do? But if last Friday was the last day of taping at the studio & everyone was told to clean out their stuff but left thinking they were going online in January, then got the awful news Wednesday of the 2nd damned cancellation, I mean has everyone gone to the four winds? People have to move on with their jobs/careers, they cannot sit around forever waiting for someone to rescue OLTL, damn it. I wish I had the money. Seems like something could have been done, go to 1/2 hr. shows, cut the salaries of some of the fat cats who do not need it, i.e. Barbara Walters & Couric to name two.
I will miss OLTL tremendously. Damn, Damn, Damn, Damn!!!!
This is the one that really hurts. ABC and Prospect Park really did a number on all of us. ABC so cunningly deflected attention toward Prospect Park, thinking that would take some of the heat off. Well now we are angry at both companies, if indeed they are different companies. I personally think this was all a con. If you think about it, a lot of the boycott advertiser efforts died down after the announcement to move online. I think they wanted to satiate and fool the fans for a few months and undo their boycott efforts. Now they’ve made me angrier, and I call on all fans to boycott ABC and all associated companies for life.
Agree 100%
ABC is joke.
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