While fans of The Young and the Restless mourn the loss of daytime drama’s beloved Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters), the series and CBS Daytime announced Thursday evening that although there will be a tribute to St. John, who passed away on Sunday, at the end of tomorrow’s episode, that it is only the beginning and that viewers should stay tuned.
In a statement, the number one daytime drama expressed; “The Young and the Restless will forever value the legacy of Kristoff St. John in his portrayal of Neil Winters. Beginning in late April, Y&R will feature a storyline that pays tribute to both Kristoff and his character.”
Over the days since St. John’s tragic death, fans of the series have wondered what the show planned to do with the character since St. John had played the character for 27 years. Looks like we will all find out together this spring, as the writing team pens a story that honors Neil Winters and his two-time Daytime Emmy-winning portrayer.
So, glad to hear that Y&R is planning a storyline to pay their respects to Neil Winters and Kristoff ?
Share your thoughts via the comment section below, and make sure to catch The Young and the Restless on Friday (12:30-1:30 PM, ET and 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, PT).
Yes, Y&R needs to pay respect to Kristoff and the character of Neil…
Sandy
5 years ago
Love Y&R going to really miss Neil Winters. I hope that family stays together and Lily please come back. I know Y&R will do a beautiful story to honor him. I hope by then Paul Williams is back. ❤️❤️
Chadam
5 years ago
The actor and the character deserves a great memorial, like the one they did for Jeanne Cooper and Katherine in 2013.
Momo
5 years ago
I hope it’s good. That’s nice of them to do,
Chris
5 years ago
I’m glad they are honoring. He deserves it. ❤
Lauri
5 years ago
Maybe doing a nice funeral like they did for kathern maje sure they have all the family there even lily
Antonio
5 years ago
A final scene with Victoria Rowell welcoming Neil in heaven, like the one Cady McClain did when James Mitchell died, would be a perfect ending.
Linda Mullikin
5 years ago
Good, was disappointed with the tribute Friday…thought it was too short…glad to hear more is to come!
I agree with you Linda. I have been a fan since the mid eighties and Neil and Drucilla have always been my favorite couple. I was so shocked and saddened when I heard the news. He was such a terrific actor. When I saw the “tribute” after Friday’s episode, I thought this is it. I hope the one they give him in April is more deserving to his role and his dedication to the show.
Ms T
5 years ago
Thank you CBS he was truly loved!!!
Patty
5 years ago
Thank you to CBS, Sony, Josh Griffith and his colleagues.
James R. Poissant
5 years ago
It’s going to be sad no matter what the writers come up with.
Iakovos
5 years ago
Am glad to see and to hear all this appreciation of Kristoff St. John. It is so well deserved and appropriate. The New York Times this week featured two articles, including an appreciation piece, I thought were spot on.
As for Neil Winters, I am eager to see what happens. I do want the character to continue as the Neil is vital for Lily, Devon, and without Dru, Olivia, and Malcolm on canvas, provides a link to the past that is so necessary. He is another ex-wife and son out there too. Although I could see the passing of Neil Winters a reason to bring back those other family characters and have them stay in town and be strong presences in Genoa City.
Thank you for noting The New York Times Appraisal of Mr. St. John. Yes, indeed, it was “spot-on.”
Damien
5 years ago
Hopefully Olivia and Malcolm will turn up . Along with Dru, they re time with Neil was classic Winters era. Without them any tribute wont feel the same. Hoping Devon and Anna can carry the Winters torch. Not sure about Nate. Hoping Lily returns aswell fulltime
Ray
5 years ago
I have read several negative comments about the tribute at the end of Friday’s show. “Y&R” honored Kristoff at the end of Wednesday’s show and then the two-minute tribute today. First, it is tough for the show – it’s actors, writers, crew and audience – to lose someone so beloved. But these shows are taped months in advance and it is difficult to take a pre-taped show and turn it into a hour-long tribute within a week. I am sure it is still very raw for the actors to think his physical presence will not be there on a daily basis. I believe the writers know how beloved Neil has been to the audience for so many years and will do him justice in the coming months.
RIP, Kristoff.
Harlee
5 years ago
I’m in shock because I’ve been loyal fan of YR since 1973 but with Mal Young at helm I quit watching about 6 months ago. I’m reeling from this news, rest in peace. CBS & Sony needs to do the right thing and give the fans what we all been clamoring for return of Drucilla and in tow a child son of Neil.
JKJ
5 years ago
Nice tribute to Kristoff Friday. Have been watching since day one. He was one of the greats.
Karen Ross
5 years ago
The tribute at the end of yesterday’s show was very disappointing, so I am glad to hear there will be more to come. Been watching Y&R since day 1 and St. John was a terrific addition to the show, so sorry he is gone, may he RIP.
I do hope he will not be replaced as he cannot.
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
May 16, 2024
After various reports surfaced, it has been confirmed that Patrick Mulcahey is out as the co-head writer of General Hospital. This is after a very short tenure of under five months.
Mulcahey was named to the position back in January of 2024 along with longtime GH writer Elizabeth Korte. They replaced the team of Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor, who had been the head scribes of the long-running ABC daytime drama since 2019.
A source informed Soap Opera Digest that stories created by the co-head writing team of Mulcahey/Korte team will air through mid-summer. However they added “There will be more news to share at a later date as to the composition of the new writing team.”
In addition, eagle-eyed soap fans have seen that in recent episodes former co-head writer, Chris Van Etten has been credited, as he is reportedly a breakdown writer with the show.
Soap Opera Network is reporting that Korte has assumed the head writing duties solely on her own at the moment, while Buzz blog initially reported Mulcahey’s exit.
We will have more on the GH writing team evolution in the days ahead.
What do you think about the writing team changes at GH thus far? Comment below.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward J. Scott to Receive Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Honors
May 6, 2024
The Young and the Restless iconic Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) and her husband, Emmy-winning producer, Edward J. Scott have been named by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences as Lifetime Achievement Honorees at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Melody and Ed will be presented with the award on June 7th during the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (8 PM ET/delayed PT) broadcast live on CBS and streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
In a statement Melody and Ed expressed, “We are honored and humbled to receive this recognition from NATAS. Throughout our decades-long careers in front of and behind the cameras, we have had the opportunity to work not only with each other, but also with an incredibly talented pool of people who excel in their crafts and are passionate about the art we create in daytime television. We are grateful to have worked side by side with them and to be included with such esteemed recipients who have made their mark in our industry. We look forward to spending another wonderful evening celebrating the daytime community!“
Adam Sharp, President and CEO, NATAS added,“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott. With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of Daytime television.”
In addition to Melody and Ed receiving their Lifetime Achievement honors, public television host and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich will also be honored.
Photo NATAS
Lidia Bastianich said, “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized and receive the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for having shared my passion for food with TV audiences for over 25 years. Cooking together and sharing food remain a common denominator of all cultures. Food nurtures, it connects diverse people, and it brings families, friends, and strangers together. There is no better place to be on this earth, especially in these trying times, than sharing food at a table with others. That simple idea has been the basis of my life’s work. Hence, as I say in my shows, “Tutti a Tavola a Mangiare!” Mille Grazie to NATAS for this honor.”
While Adam Sharp shared, “Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an honor for us to say ‘grazie’ for the many fine meals borne from her TV kitchen and cookbook pages.”
Melody Thomas Scott recently celebrated 45 years in the role of Nikki Newman, having joined the show in February 1979. Scott’s character has matured from the girl from the wrong side of the tracks to the serial’s luminous and resourceful leading lady. After garnering a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1999, she went on to win in the same category for the Soap Opera Digest Award in 2001 and received four Soap Opera Update Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996). Scott began her career at age three. She studied singing, tap dancing, ballet and jazz and became one of the world-famous “Meglin Kiddies,” performing in USO shows as she started booking national commercials and guest spots on such series as “Wagon Train,” “My Three Sons,” “Ironside” and a recurring role on “The Waltons.” Scott made her motion picture debut at age eight when she was cast by Alfred Hitchcock as the young Tippi Hedren in the thriller “Marnie.” She has co-starred with legendary actors Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. Scott has worked on stage and in numerous television shows and was the subject of Lifetime Television’s “Intimate Portrait.” As a lifelong fan of “I Love Lucy,” Scott served as a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, N.Y., which is committed to preserving the legacy of the great comedienne. In 2020,
Scott released her memoir, “Always Young and Restless.” Married since 1985 to Edward J. Scott, the couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Photo: JPI
Edward J. Scott is a six-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning producer who has played a pivotal role in the historic development of the soap opera genre for nearly five decades. Scott is currently supervising producer for The Bold and the Beautiful, the #2-rated daytime drama in the U.S. and the most-watched daily drama in the world, which is nominated for 12 Daytime Emmy Awards this year. Scott began his association with The Bell Family and Bell-Phillip Television Productions when he joined “The Young and The Restless” as an associate producer in 1976. He quickly moved up the ranks and served as the show’s executive producer for decades.
Scott’s legendary 48-year producing partnership and creative collaboration with “The Young and The Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” creators, the late William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, and their son, Bradley P. Bell, has helped create the two most popular daily American television series. Today, both daytime dramas are syndicated internationally. Before joining “B&B” Scott was executive producer for the NBC daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.” Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, Scott earned a B.A from California State University at Northridge with a double major of anthropology and broadcasting journalism. He has been married since 1985 to actress and author Melody Thomas Scott. The couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
So, excited to hear Y&R’s Melody Thomas Scott and longtime daytime soap opera producer, Edward J. Scott are receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honors at this years 51st Annual Daytime Emmys? Comment below.
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.