(UPDATED) In just more heartbreaking news in the soap world in 2021, we have lost another beloved performer.  Lisa Brown, who was so noteworthy for her spunky and emotional turns as Guiding Light’s Nola Reardon from 1980-1985, and later as Iva Snyder on As the World Turns from 1986-1994, has died.

Brown passed away this week on November 24th at the age of 67 following a brief illness.  The news came via the As the World Turns Facebook Fan Group and Soap Opera Digest.

This comes just two months later following the death of her former on-screen love interest Michael Tylo (Ex-Quinton, Guiding Light), who passed away in late September.

Those that followed Lisa’s career know she also starred in the Broadway Musical 42nd Street, while still playing Nola each and every day on Guiding Light.

She is survived by her children: James “Buddy” Nielsen, and daughter Victoria from her first husband Tom Nielsen (Ex-Floyd, GL) in addition to her two grandchildren, Penelope Ruiz-Nielsen and Brayden Hopf, and her second husband Brian Neary.

Photo: JPI

Brown’s on-screen ATWT daughter, Martha Byrne  (Ex-Lily) simply tweeted, “My heart is broken.”

On Friday, Lisa’s son, Buddy Nielsen, posted a touching tribute to his mother, where he revealed that she passed away due to cancer.

Buddy shared: “My Mom passed away the day before Thanksgiving after a very quick battle with cancer. This all happened really fast and wasn’t expecting it. I’ve been MIA as I’ve been back and forth between LA and NJ as she has been in and out of the hospital the last couple weeks. This dream we live, we are all subject to the suffering, aging and death. It’s not to be morose but to understand that we have finite time and must take care with what we do and how we do it. To be able to be with someone at their last breath is truly beautiful. We must not fear death as without it we would never be born and experience the 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows. Our existence is both small and vast all at the same time. We are tiny but immense. I know she is here but no longer in her physical form, what we do in love we leave in death. My beautiful daughter and unborn son are her legacy.”

Share your condolences to Lisa’s family, and let us know of your remembrances of this wonderful actress who gave us so many memorable moments throughout her career via the comment section below. But first, watch Lisa in some of her classic scenes from ATWT and GL.

 

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Steve Burton has spoken and after so much speculation, the two-time Daytime Emmy-winning star has confirmed he is out as General Hospital’s Jason Morgan.

In his post on his Instagram account on Tuesday, Steve shared that he was let go by the ABC daytime drama series due to their vaccine mandate and that even though he applied for medical and religious exemptions those were denied.  Thus, he has to exit his role.

In story, viewers saw on Monday, that Jason is MIA from being under the rubble of the cave that collapsed in Jason’s attempt to apprehend Peter August (Wes Ramsey).

In his post, Burton shared the following: “I know there has been a lot of rumors and speculations about me and General Hospital and I wanted you to hear it from me, personally. Unfortunately, General Hospital has let me go because of the vaccine mandate. I did apply for my medical and religious exemptions and both of those were denied, which, you know, hurts, but, this is also about personal freedom to me. I don’t think anyone should lose their livelihood over this. But with that being said, you know me. I’ll always be grateful for my time at General Hospital I love it there. I grew up there. I grew up with some of you, so I will always be grateful and I believe when one door closes multiple doors open. That’s always been my perspective, so I am excited to see what the future brings. ”

Steve went on to say, “Maybe one day when these mandates are lifted, I can return and finish my career as Jason Morgan. That would be an honor, and if not, I am going to take this amazing experience, move forward and be forever grateful. I have got to say, that I am forever grateful for your love and your support over the years. It means so much to me. Thank you. I don’t know when my last airdate is. It may have aired or it might be tomorrow or the next day. I am not sure. I want you guys to have an awesome Thanksgiving. I know it is hard, maybe, in this type of situation to be thankful or grateful, but we have so many things to be thankful about. Being grateful really is the key. Love you guys.”

The popular actor began his run as GH’s Jason Quartermaine back in 1991. Later in 1995, after a car accident he had a major personality shift and became Jason Morgan. Burton went to Y&R to play Dylan McAvoy for a four-year stint from 2013-2017, before heading back to his home at GH.

A source close to the show told Deadline that Burton’s last tape date was October 27th.

You can watch Steve’s video announcement below on his GH departure.

So, how do you feel about Steve being let go from GH? Do you hope Steve can return at some point? Share your thoughts via the comment section below,

 

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After returning on-air this past Friday as Sami, Alison Sweeney will also be appearing in the upcoming DAYS holiday film, Days of our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas.  PEOPLE broke the casting news.

The Peacock streamer will bow on December 16th.  In it, the story will follow Sami’s son, Will Horton (Chandler Massey), as he works to finish writing a screenplay before his Christmas Eve deadline.  Will’s pic is inspired by his own friends and family. However, as only DAYS can do, this story will have many twists and turns.

There is no intel on just what Sami will be up to during the Christmas special.  However, currently on the daytime version of the long-running NBC soap, viewers found will learn what caused Sami’s disappearance months ago… she was kidnapped.

So, glad Alison is on board for the upcoming DAYS holiday film? Comment below.