News
Y&R's Jess Walton Issues Statement On Beloved Scene Partner & Dear Friend, Jeanne Cooper!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
What is Genoa City going to be like without its true supercouple? For decades fans have watched with delight as two of the best actresses on daytime television would battle it out, throw cake at each other, love each other, be there for each other, and steal each other’s men!
With the passing of soap icon Jeanne Cooper today, Jess Walton, (who was Cooper’s long time scene partner and one of her dearest friends) issued the following beautiful statement that best exemplifies the kind of grand dame that Jeanne Cooper was.
Jess Walton: “Jeanne Cooper was one of a kind. No one who has ever known her would disagree with that statement. Her life force and energy were legendary. Many a time I marveled as she outlasted the rest of us on late night shoots. She was a moving, inventive, and powerful actress. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was part warrior, part rabble rouser, part truck driver and part Diva, all wrapped up in one Great Lady. Most of all, to me, she was my friend and I loved her. For the last 26 years, hers was the face I most wanted to see when I came to work. Hers was the energy I most wanted to bounce off of on stage. Hers was the voice that kept me in stitches . And because of all that, hers is the presence I will never in my life forget.”
Soap fans, we know you will miss the scenes between Jess and Jeanne. Share your thoughts on the passing of Jeanne Cooper today, and what you thought of Walton’s statement on the kind of actress and lady that Jeanne was!
General Hospital
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall, General Hospital) has taken to her Instagram for the second time this week and now honors her late dear friend and General Hospital co-star, Billy Miller (ex-Drew Cain) on what would have been his 47th birthday on September 17.
In her post, Monaco wished Billy “a heavenly birthday” and shared a typewritten note from her beloved co-star after he exited General Hospital in the role of Drew Cain. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor played the part from 2014-2019.
Monaco wrote accompanying the photo of Billy’s letter: “He (Billy) sent me this a few years ago, after he left (the show) wanting me to post it… I didn’t/ But… I know he wanted anyone who’s ever supported his work and or got to know him as a friend to read this letter.”
Photo: JPI
BILLY MILLER WON THREE DAYTIME EMMYS FOR HIS WORK IN SOAPS
Billy Miller was one of the most respected actors to ever grace the daytime screens for his portrayals as Richie Novack on All My Children from 2007-2008 and Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless from 2008 until 2014 and of course, his final soap stop on General Hospital. He also appeared on primetime’s Ray Donovan and Suits.
TOUCHING GOODBYE LETTER AFTER EXITING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Here now, is what Billy shared in his letter after exiting GH: “Hello, friends… With a slight air of sadness it is time to ponder what ‘goodbye’ means. However, instead of dwelling on what is gone and sure to be missed, there is another way.”
“Maybe our goodbye is really a remembrance of love felt, an appreciation for lives shared and the lifelong reminiscences that come from embraces given and received, Maybe our goodbye is an earnest hope for the brightest path forward for us all,” expressed Miller. “Maybe our goodbye is honoring growth and lessons learned.”
The beloved star added, “Now, instead of sadness, I am filled with gratitude for all your support, encouragement and every emotion shared. I cherish the journey we have taken together, Thank you for allowing me into your homes and lives. With every ounce of myself, I thank you for being you. I would be remiss in this crazy, unpredictable world we all love so much if I did not hold out the possibility that maybe our goodbye is really… until next time.”
Sadly, Billy died by suicide three years ago on September 15, 2023, just two days shy of what would have been his 43rd birthday. You can check out Kelly’s post below.
Now, share your remembrances today of Billy Miller and the touching letter he wrote after leaving General Hospital, that Kelly Monaco posted in tribute to her friend and co-star via the comment section below.
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News
Patrika Darbo and Ashley Campbell Set to Appear on ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Shirley and Coco Spectra
As the nuptials of Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) and Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) are drawing near in October on The Young and the Restless, a few of Sally’s family will be showing up in Genoa City for the big day.
The Young and the Restless has confirmed that Patrika Darbo, who originated the role of Shirley Spectra on The Bold and the Beautiful and last appeared on Y&R back on video calls in story in 2021 with her granddaughter, Sally, will be back on-screen next month.
Darbo originated the role of Shirley, the sister of the legendary Sally Spectra Garrison (the late Darlene Conley), first on B&B from 2017 to 2018. Known for countless television and film roles, Patrika Darbo is best known for her run on Days of our Lives as Nancy Wesley.
Photo: JPI
THE SPECTRAS ARE COMING TO SUPPORT SALLY
Joining Darbo will be Ashley Campbell in the role of Coco Spectra. The role was last played on B&B by Courtney Grosbeck. Coco is the younger sister of Sally’s. Grosbeck was seen in the role on The Bold and the Beautiful from 2017-2018 and was involved with the character of R.J. Forrester.
Campbell is a model and an actress who has previously appeared on HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls and the film Spellbound.
Previously, Y&R’s executive producer Sally McDonald teased Bill and Sallys upcoming wedding: “Billy is his own worst enemy now more than ever as his need for revenge takes over his life. He will receive a reality check from Sally, leading them both on planning the wedding of the year. Sally will find herself navigating politics in her personal life when she is faced with major decisions about the wedding. Adam (Mark Grossman) and Sally always seem to find their lives intertwined whether they like it or not, and this fall will be no different. Billy and Sally’s nuptials will be the wedding of the year, and you should expect the unexpected!”
So, excited to see Sally’s family joining her in Genoa City in time for her wedding to Billy? Do you think Sally and Billy’s wedding will say “I do?” Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Blythe Howard Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ as Monet: Who is She Connected to in Port Charles?
General Hospital continues to add new characters to the canvas. Now comes word of the arrival of Monet, a savvy lawyer played by Blythe Howard. Look for Monet to debut in Port Charles next week on the Wednesday, September 23 episode.
According to TV Insider, “Monet arrives in town as a litigator who recently joined Miller & Davis, the firm run by Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) and Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn), and meets with a Port Charles resident in need of legal counsel.”
In a statement, General Hospital’s executive producer, Frank Valentini shared, “I am very excited to welcome Blythe Howard to the cast of General Hospital. Look for her to have an unexpected connection to a beloved Port Charles resident.”
FROM TELEVISION TO CANCER SURVIVOR TO GIVING BACK
If Howard looks familiar you may have seen her on several television series including: Yellowstone, Power Book IV: Force, Walker, 9-1-1: Lone Star, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, CW’s Dynasty, Silicon Valley plus David Fincher‘s Mindhunter.
Photo: ChemoQueens
Blythe is also a cancer survivor having cofounded Chemo Queens with her sister Kelsey Howard. The company creates products for people undergoing cancer treatment, including a patent-pending cold cap design.
In recent months, General Hospital has brought in several new actors for brand new roles or recasts. They include: Alimi Ballard (William Baines), Jonathan Bennett (Joe Fitzpatrick), Kearran Giovanni (Dr. Nichols), Dean Geyer (Tristan Roberts), Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin), Kayden Brennan Tokarski (Scout Cain) and Troy Lennon Appel (Hudson Parker). You can now add Blythe Howard to this list.
So, who do you think Monet has an unexpected connection to that is a “beloved” Port Charles resident as teased by Frank Valentini? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
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Such beautiful words from Jess. May Jeanne dancing amongst the angels for eternity.
Such sad news. Jeanne will be truly missed. Rest in peace dear Jeanne
That was beautifully said… she is a true friend. I will miss the two of them and their crazy relationship. Y&R will not be the same without Jeanne. She will be missed. My thoughts are with her family and her friends.
What beautiful words that Jess said about her friend. Jeanne (ms c) was one in a million. I have watched y n r since I was 5. I’m 39 now. She will be missed. <3
To the cast and crew of Y&R
I haved watched your show for a long time
My condolences. To you all
Jeanie cooper will be missed
She was an icon
The show will never be the same. Without her.
She was a legend
Kim Cheung 🙂
I remember reading in her memoir about co-stars that were let go suddenly for whatever reason would walk up a staircase in whatever scene they were last seen in. They never
came back downstairs. It was a running joke. How appropriate for Mrs. C to
do the same thing. I’m sad at her passing but I know she is just beginning
her second act. We were blessed and honored to have known such a great woman.
Goodnight Duchess, sleep well.
Oh wow, did not know that– it really does give that scene between her and Jess by the stairs so much more meaning. Looking back I think both of knew it might be their last scene and you could just feel this sadness in the vibe the two were giving off. And it also explains why GH did the same thing when saying goodbye to Edward and Lila- when they had their look a likes going up a staircase, never to come down. It is making me tear up just thinking about it. Thanks for the insight.
Yes, that scene on the stairs was amazingly touching. Now, realizing it was their last one together, I feel weak in the knees. The same applies to the coming home from the hospital scene where she & Murphy were on the sofa & Cane, Lily, Chloe & Esther welcomed her with a toast.
Jess, your statement is a beautiful tribute to a beloved friend & colleague. I’ve watched Y&R for 36 years & feel as if I’ve lost a close family member. She was an amazing woman who led a full & rich life. Thank you, Jeanne for all the years of entertainment ! Much love and may you rest in peace.
Valerie Sawyer
what a second act this should be.
she imparted so much knowledge with her being.
she knew her children would know… just as we fans have garnered her profession.. and likened her personal life just as much.
she imbues the best of us.
I have watched and loved Jeanne Cooper on YR since the first day she appeared on screen. I will miss her there every day from now on. My loving prayers are now for her family.
A beautiful statement by Jess Walton about the beautiful Jeanne Cooper. She will be missed on my TV screen for a long long time Thanks for the memories Mrs C.
I’m a very sorry for everyone in the cast & crew for their loss. Jess’ words were beautifully written & heartfelt. I will miss seeing Jeanne on the screen, she has been a part of my life for over 30 years. Maybe it’s silly but I feel the loss in my heart.
The fabulos Mrs.C will be missed. She has been part of my life since the show began. She was the light of the show. Jess hit the nail on the head about her. All soap fans will miss seeing the two of them battle it out to only love one another in the end. Jeanne’s time in this world has come to an end but her memories will live forever in our hearts. All of us who watched her and loved her will never forget the wonderful, lovable Mrs. C.
The last scene with Jess and jeanne says it all. You could hear in Jess’s voice, it was so much more than acting.
Oh Jess.
You have my deepest sympathy. I know you and Jeanne were the closest of friends in real life.
Beautifully stated Jess.
Such beautiful words from Jess, I knew that scene at the stairs was her last scene because I could see the pain in Jess’s eyes. I said that is not acting that is both of them saying good bye to their working relationship and preparing for a good bye for now in the coming months. I watched it several times and teared up every time. I cant imagine how hard it will be for Jess to come to work each day with her friend and co-worker not there. We the fans support you and will never forget Jeanne, Mrs C the Dutchess and when we see Jill on our screens we will also think of her and of Jess. Thank you for sharing your words with us during this difficult time. HUGS
I also want to point out that it was the perfect scene for it to be her last because it was just her and Jess and that is so very fitting and I couldn’t think of a better ending.
With a very heavy heart, I say R.I.P. As a very long-time viewer of Y&R, I’m so sad . May the family know just what a gem you shared with us over the years
Jess Walton –
“Good Lord” – “her’s was the face I wanted to see.” Tears… emotionally choked up here.
Respect for her tour de force… it was her nature… in her being… to stand with.
What a presence to share and know.
Your time with family in Oregon…. is yours.
you’re a part of ours and we’re with you. Thank You Jess.