It’s been a rough week for Another World fans with the news of both the passings of Mark Mortimer (ex-Nick Hudson) and as previously reported Robert Kelker-Kelly, (ex-Sam, Bobby Reno/Dr. Shane Roberts). Sadly, Mortimer died following a courageous fight with cancer. Mark was just 59-years-old.

Mortimer died back on September 23 in the greater Chicago area and was laid to rest in St. Charles, Illinois. He made his television debut on Another World in 1996, becoming the third actor to take on the role of Nick Hudson following Justin Chambers and Kevin McClatchy. In story, Nick was introduced as the son of Michael Hudson (Kale Browne) and the half-brother of twins Vicky and Marley (Jensen Buchanan). Mortimer remained with the soap until it came to its heartbreaking end in 1999 after 35 years on NBC.

Mark credited his AW costars with helping him develop as an actor. Speaking with Soap Opera Weekly in 1999, he shared, “My fondest memory of being on the show was getting an opportunity to work with fine actors like Jensen Buchanan, Eric Morgan Stuart (ex-Chris Madison) Anna Stuart (ex-Donna Love) Tom Eplin (ex-Jake McKinnon) and Timothy Gibbs (ex-Gary Sinclair). They’ve really been great. When I came on the show, I didn’t know much about acting, but they’ve been very helpful to me. It’s been like one big class for me, which has been really rewarding.”

MARK MORTIMER CHOSE TO HELP OTHERS AS HE FOUGHT CANCER

According to his obituary, “Cancer became part of Mark’s story in 2024, but it never became the definition of it.  Instead, Mark chose to use what he was experiencing to help others. Together, Mark and (his wife) Christie founded the Integrative Access Foundation, created to give people facing cancer access to integrative therapies that might otherwise be financially out of reach. What began in the middle of their own difficult journey became a mission of hope for other families.”

Mark leaves behind his wife Christie; daughter, Hunter; Mom, Sharlene Pearson; Father Emil (Belinda) Mortimer; Siblings: Micheal Mortimer, Michele (Bill) Doyle, Martin (Shannon) Mortimer, Melissa (Bob) Gassmann, David Mortimer, Tyler Mortimer; In-law’s John & Barbara Allen, Chad (Jeanne) Allen and Beth Allen. Many Nieces and nephews, his IOC Construction family; and countless friends who touched his life immeasurably.

In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family asked for memorial donations to be made to the Integrative Access Foundation to continue Mortimer’s mission of helping others facing cancer.

You can check out this segment below from Monday night’s Entertainment Tonight on Mark’s passing.

Now, share your condolences and remembrances for Another World’s Mark Mortimer in the comment section.

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.

Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.

When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Photo: ABC

LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES

Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.

“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Photo: ABC

GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS

Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.

Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”

The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”

So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.

According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.

Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Photo: NBC

Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.

As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.

Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Photo: ABC

Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.

Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.

Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”

The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”

Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.

Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.

Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.