As The World Turns
Want to Know What's Good on the Soaps? – Power Performances of the Week!

Courtesy/ABC
For all of those naysayers in the world who say that soap operas are the poor step children in the entertainment medium, and that the performers in them are just churning out the same ole’ same ole’, day in and day out, one can look no further than this week on daytime. There were so many riveting moments performed by some of the best that soaps have to offer, that when everyone in the mainstream says there is nothing left in soaps anymore, and they are an eroding commodity, they should have witnessed what many fans saw. Our Power Performances of the Week, include five actors who each gave us chills and made us reach for our hankies. Let’s begin in Port Charles with General Hospital’s Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson. As Robin and Patrick, the betrayal and disintegration of their marriage began, when Patrick fessed up to Robin he cheated on her with nut job Lisa, while she was away in Africa. After having been backed into a corner due to Lisa’s machinations, he had no choice but to admit to Robin his infidelity. McCullough, whose performance was so powerful when she realized that Patrick shattered their marriage, showed us once again how given the material, she can hit it out of the park every time. And, the writing of these scenes was also spot on. Robin was all at once strong and that hurt little girl we have watched grow up before our very eyes for decades. We never want to see our Robin hurt. When it does, it’s a major moment. On Friday’s episode, McCullough did it again when she struggles to come to terms with Patrick’s betrayal, realizing she wants to work things out. Jason Thompson, what can I say? One of soap operas best leading men. And, perhaps can out cry any male actor on daytime with real tears, and real emotion. As Patrick, Thompson played his embarrassment, betrayal, and disgust of the situation with Lisa, and what he had done to his beloved wife, and their child, Emma to perfection. It looks from where I am standing and from what we know is to come – a special return from Michael Sutton, as Stone Cates in the month of September – that old heartfelt wounds between Patrick and Robin, and the impact of the memory of Stone, will play out.

Courtesy/ABC
Crossing over to Llanview, Robin Strasser (Dorian) reminded us all of how to chew the scenery, and still make everyone around you, and the audience at home, believe every single second of it. When Dorian’s big wedding day to David Vickers (aka Buchanan) arrived, and the duo had finally gotten past their mistrust of each other and got over themselves, and truly admitted their feelings for one another, it looked like this match made in heaven was going to endure. Ah, but not when Tuc Watkins (David) is involved, because he had to be written out to go star on Desperate Housewives for awhile. So Ron Carlivati and the One Life to Live writing team came up with a perfect plan that gave Strasser her moment to shine. Dorian receives a letter that David is standing her up at the altar for the second time! Reeling from the news, humiliated, and embarrassed, Dorian retreats to her room and bit by bit comes unglued, destroying everything in her path, and ending up on the floor clutching a pillow, and reminding us that there is a fragile little girl inside Dorian. But wait! When Viki (Erika Slezak) comes to help Dorian, literally and figuratively pick up the pieces, Dorian lays into her nemesis and blames her for the whole thing… classic Viki/Dorian! Later, as Langston and Starr brought Dorian back to La Boulaie, the intensity and the emotions of the abandonment and betrayal were brilliant played by Strasser yet again!

Photo Credit: JPI Studios
As we head over to Oakdale, it was truly a gift from Jean Passanante and As the World Turns writing team to give Colleen Zenk (Barbara) an episode that truly showed her remarkable talents. It was truly, I believe, a love letter to Colleen and Barbara for 32 years of bringing a one of a kind character to the small screen. As the series ends it’s remarkable run of 54 years on September 17th, Friday’s episode was the beginning of the can’t miss episodes that will tie together, and give closure to a myriad of the key characters. But it started with veteran Zenk. As Barbara and Henry struggled to come to grips with whether they should marry one another with the Stenbeck curse hovering over them, Zenk played it to the hilt. In a part “cougar” storyline, Barbara wondered if she was too old, not pretty enough, or was it her past evil skullduggery that was making Henry not commit? But it wasn’t. It was the curse of the Stenbecks that had this man, who was formerly scared by his own shadow, wanting to run to the hills. But after an emotional and convincing speech by Barbara about their unorthodox and bizarre life and love, the wedding was a go and it was to happen right away! In the second half of the episode, that is when Zenk really shined. Realizing her family would probably never show up for a wedding of hers and Henry, she was shocked when they all did! And, in bittersweet and emotional moments with the core characters of her family and extended family, back-history was subtlety played, and rivalries were subdued, as everyone was there to support Barbara in her big moment. When it came to the vows – hankies! Colleen, tears flowing (and reminding us all of Barbara’s and Colleen’s real-life cancer scare and the true meaning of getting a new lease on life), delivered a monologue to Henry (Trent Dawson) that without a doubt was one of the finer moments. Bittersweet, joyful and life-affirming, Zenk did it all throughout the episode devoted to her.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Finally, Days of our Lives James Scott (EJ Dimera) did not disappoint, and showed us the gamut of emotions behind his dark, brooding, and yet romantic character when the truth came out at EJ and Sami’s (Alison Sweeney) wedding day! Many have known for months that before Labor Day, all of EJ’s lies would spin out of control once Rafe (Galen Gering) had the evidence to bring him down for his hideous plot to make Sami believe her daughter, Sydney had died! Let’s not forget EJ was behind the baby girl’s kidnapping in the first place, and concocted all of this to exact revenge on Sami and everyone that wronged and betrayed him in the first place. After Rafe broke up another one of Sami’s weddings (the gal at this point should never get in a wedding dress again!) with the evidence of EJ’s deception, the sexy Dimera’s house of cards came tumbling down. It was then we witnessed another superb performance by Scott. Knowing he has been caught, EJ reveals he did it all, but he truly and deeply loves his Samantha no matter what he had done. EJ begs her to marry him, forgive him, and to stay with him, as he is now a changed man. And, he does this with tears in his eyes! Only James Scott can pull this off and gives so much dimension to this character that in the hands of anyone else, it could come off as just an evil sonofabitch with one black heart, and no redeeming qualities. Later, after Sami lets him have a piece of her mind and kicks him to the curb and takes his kids out the front door, it’s daddy Stefano who lays into him for being so stupid to open his big mouth in front of Nicole, which caused his downfall. Looking completely disjointed and unnerved by the disappointment of his father, and the shock of losing everything he fought so hard to get back, EJ ends Friday’s episode with one final thought: “I’m going to kill Nicole”!
On-Air On-Soaps says “Bravo” to all the above talented men and women who make watching daytime still a fun and emotional rollercoaster!
As The World Turns
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68

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

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.
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”
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.
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. 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… pic.twitter.com/bN3skb2Rws
— Martha Byrne (@MarthaByrne10) July 20, 2025
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2 and 1 man women was the Performance of the Week for me 1st Alison Sweeney(days) Kimberly McCullough(GH) “the only thing was good about Gh this week” And Maura West and Michael Park(Jack and Carly) the always the best!!!
I totally agree about James Scott’s perfomance for the week of August 23rd. He did indeed show every emotion possible. And one thing that makes EJ DiMera so compelling is his vulnerability when it comes to Sami and his children. He bleeds with love for them and when the week ended the only things in life that really matter to him are gone. How often is it that an actor can say so much with his demeanor and his eyes? I cried along with EJ this week and expect to be doing more of the same in the coming weeks.
KIMBERLY McCULLOUGH IS AWESOME. Since she was a child, to a teenager and now a young woman she continues to amaze with her talent and beauty. She always brings it even when the material isn’t there but when it is she flys. And she always brings out the best in her partners – she did that with Michael Sutton ( looking forward to their reunion ) she did that for Steve Burton ( who is now a one note actor with the same expression on his mug 24/7 ) and she has certainly done that with Jason Thompson. He is a good actor whose gotten better thru’ the years but he continues to be at his best when he’s with his “perfect partner. “
HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU!!!!! 🙂
So true, Eileen. Agree with you!
KIMBERLY McCULLOUGH AND JASON THOMPSON WAS AWESOME THIS WEEK!!!!! THEY SURELY HAD ME IN TEARS JUST GREAT!!!!!!! 🙂
Wow! I would definitely love jason thompson and kimberly mccullough performances in # GH . I enjoyed watching the revelation scene. It’s so awesome! and the emotions that are coming out such a real emotions with two married couple who are dealing with crisis with their family life. Kimberly McCullough emotions are so amazing, she handled her emotions so real and natural, she delivered the betrayal, being cheated , looking such clueless of this cheating stuff… Jason thompson did a great job as always , he is giving his best whatever material or story giving to them. I can see how good he was on his own way. Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson always good when they are good and they keep doing their acting so well. They know how to play any scenes no matter how bad it is they will make it good. Both these actors gave their own best when they had a great story on the show… They bring each other’s best! I am loving this sl in gh for now and it’s keep getting better and better… This is the only story that appealed me on the show right now….. Kudos to Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson for doing this story so great! 🙂
Jason Thomspon and Kimberly McCullough were definitely awesome this week.
It was great to see this two nail the emotional scenes that they shared. I have enjoyed watching Kimberly since she was a young girl. But the character of Robin gained a new fan this week when she uttered the words – IF YOU COME NEAR MY DAUGHTER AGAIN, I WILL KILL YOU MYSELF. I love when a female character does not play the victim. And yes she was betrayed by her husband, but her first instinct goes right to protecting her child!!!
Colleen Zenk Pinter has always been my a favorite character of mine. I did not watch the scenes, but I will be sure to track those scenes down.
Thank you for sharing. I hope that all the soaps realize that there are soap viewers out here that want to see good soapy stories.
I have to agree about Kimberly and JT on General Hospital! They are in a class by themselves as far as I’m concerned…delivering spot on performances every time. I just wish the show would realize how special they are because they rarely give them the air time they deserve especially considering this is supposed to be a frontburner story.
I just finished watching yesterday’s episode of ATWT – everything you said is true! Colleen has been a delight to watch for years. While some of the show’s writing leaves a lot to be desired, it is wonderful what they gave to Barbara to complete her story. She and Henry are a fine match, as proven in their vows. 🙂
I cannot get over how amazing Jason Thompson has been through out this story, I think in my personal opinion he is one of the best actors on daytime. He brings his heart to the set no matter what he does. Kimberly McCullough was fab on reveal day such heartbreaking emotion.
James Scott is the best actor on Daytime TV and I don’t know any actor on DAYS who is supposed to be a bad guy, but you root for him to get the girl. To bad TPTB don’t realize who the true HERO on DAYS should be. James totally made the scene bareable for me to watch. It was so heartbreaking and cruel what Sami did to him when she took his kids away. Especially when she didn’t allow him to say goodbye to Sydney. I cried right along with Ej!
I totally agree with you! Just remember, Sami did it to EJ first, with the original sin!
So why does she have all the sympathy?
I love how James Scott never disappoints!! He always does an excellent job! I was feeling EJ’s pain right along with him this week.
James Scott is amazing …and Ali Sweeney is no slouch either. I’m more convinced than ever this is an Ejami story. And James will rock it for all it’s worth.
Colleen Zenk was wonderful. Barbara was real, one of us, flawed and yet thankful to get a chance to do it better. The wedding storyline was perfect. Trent Dawson and Colleen Zenk pulled it off so well I heard myself think… wonder if they are a real couple? I love all the characters on ATWT. I am going to miss my escape of reality. These people have been in my home over 35+ years. I’ve never been to NY. Never seen a studio or movie set. And up till mid Sep, I have washed my clothes, iron and folded while my TV was on CBS. Guess I’ll turn it off and just put the radio on the oldies station.
Isn’t it about time Robin Strasser’s Dorian and her fans got a romance written for the character that didn’t hinge upon the availability of Tuc Watkins? Strasser always rocks. She was exceptional with the material she was given. But I am tired of the Dorian and David rerun.
Coleen and Trent as barbara and henry were fabulous together,And when vienna lied to henry and pretended to be pregnant I cried for him.But finally Barbara and Henry got together…she is so beautiful, and he is so adorable and he finally grew up.Their wedding was so touching…i could see them together as a couple. in real life..anyone else agree?
James Scott is a brliiant actor and my main reason for still watching this show. He shows Ej so complex and passionate and the love he has for his darling Samantha and his beautiful children. I cried right alongside him when she took the kids away from him. JS is a wonderful actor he should be leading romantic man, Ej is so charming and oozes romance like no other on this show. Look at his proposal with the dinky fishing hat!! He needs to be with the leading female character Sami. Jamison have amazing chemistry, why waste this. Other shows would kill for what Days has with Jamison.
Nice to see JS receive much deserved praise for his amazing acting. He is one of the best actors on Daytime. He draws you and and makes you feel everything he’s going through good, bad or in between. Never in all my years of wathcing DOOL did I imagine rooting for or loving a Dimera as I do EJ. JS has done an outstanding job with this character.
have to agree with all the praise for James Scott. He is beyond awesome and my only reason for even tuning in when I know he is on, dont want to miss anything that down the road will be considered an Emmy worthy consideration.
thank you for recognizing him and his talent and his strength as a romantic leading man.