News
Y&R's Kristoff St. John and Tatyana Ali Take Home NAACP Image Awards For Daytime Drama Series Performances!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Last night at the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards which celebrates, according to official press releases, “the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.” The awards were handed out in ceremonies at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The awards presentations aired live on NBC and was delayed broadcast on the west coast and was hosted by talk show host, Steve Harvey!
Actress Kerry Washington was the big winner of the night taking home three Image Awards for her performances on ABC’s Scandal, and her performance in Quentin Tarantino’s oscar-nominated film, Django Unchained. Washington also picked up The President’s Award for special achievement and exceptional public service.
However, in the Daytime Drama acting categories, it was two stars from The Young and the Restless who came away with some trophies! Kristoff St. John received lead actor honors for his performance as Neil Winters besting: Aaron Spears and Rodney Saulsberry of B&B, Erika Valdez, formerly of General Hospital, and James Reynolds of Days of our Lives.
On the female side, once again Tatyani Ali picked up another NAACP Image Award for her performance on Y&R in the seldom seen and recurring role of Roxanne. Ali bested: Angell Conwell and Julia Pace Mitchell from The Young and the Restless, Kristolyn Lloyd from The Bold and the Beautiful, and Shenell Edmonds from One Life to Live!
So soapers what do you of the wins by Kristoff and Tatyani? Do you think the right nominees won? Let us know your thoughts!
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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I’m sorry… but why does Tatyana Ali keep winning these awards when she’s barely on? She’s on like 1-2 times per year, so how she keeps winning the award is clearly biased based on her past. The other nominated actresses much deserve that award more, more so Kristolyn, whose portrayal of Dayzee Leigh Forrester has been amazing since her inception!
Agreed!
WE FANS LOVE AND MISS VICTORIA ROWELL AS DRUCILLA. IT IS SO NOT FAIR TO DO THIS TO US LONG TIME FANS. WE WANT DRU BACK!
I wish they would use Tatiana Ali more. Such a beautiful woman and a good actress from her old THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR days.
Congratulations to all the winners.
The NCAAP has become a joke with the daytime female acting award. Clearly the voting bloc here has lost all credability. Tatyana is a nice young woman. However she has not been on the show with no story to warrant a nomination so it begs the question who does she know or pay to steal this award three years running when she is a blink and you will miss her character?? Way to make a mockery of the process NCAAP and Tatyana. You especially should be ashamed of yourself!!
To me it further shines a light on the lack of diversity in daytime tv; a new POC with no basis is thrown out to appease. We the audience have a say in this, yet we keep watching.
NEIL BELONGS WITH DRUCILLA ON THE SHOW. ONLY DRUCILLA! LOVE SHARON AND DRUCILLA. 🙂
Nothing but a damn joke. How you gonna reward a freaking day player a Best Actress trophy??
we love Sharon Case. i hope she wins best actress this spring!!!! hey why is our favorite Victoria Rowell still not allowed back when so many wish her return? Drucilla is the best talented actress next to Ashly and Sharon
Well I do not watch Days but from what I hear Lexie’s death was really good so I would have given the awards to Renee Jones &James Reynolds. Kristoff St. John when he is on just comes off as a smug angry black man. Turns me off! The fact Renee Jones was not even nominated is stupid. And if anybody takes my remark about KSJ as racist for the record it is not.
Ali wins? Really? Shines light on a serious overlooking of creating characters for women of color in daytime. Let’s work on that.
tatyana ali mentioned that she only goes to y&r if someone’s having a party! talk abt tokenism. this is a large part of ratings being down for soaps and primetime tv as well. it;s the utter lack of diversity from the tolerant crowd of hollywood. representation from hollywood and the manhattan mainstream media is a zero sum game. more representation for a racial minorities would necessarily have to come w/ a decreased representation for the white demographic w/c is already represented too much. and white actors don’t like that one bit. They enjoy having the limelight all to themselves. that utter love of attention is something that is subconscious and conscious depending on the actor and actress. thus there’s never a push from white actors and actresses for more
racial diversity.
white actors and actresses are part of the problem. hollywood casting is the largest part of the problem. they often want white actors only for parts. look at the gh casting for the new char. they ask for african american actors and mixed race. evenracial minorities have to be part white to be more favorably considered by hollywood! and yet they keep preaching tolerance.
I don’t believe they are like acting awards like Emmys or Oscars or Sags. I thought these awards were more about the individual person- and their contribution to promoting positive image for people of color in their personal and professional endeavors. So assuming there must be other criteria other than acting skill there could be reasons why Tatyana has won this award three times. If it is solely based on her acting performance than I don’t understand how it is possible for her to win for her role on Y&R. So there must be more to it.
it’s great that the naacp were open and inclusive to Asian american actresses freida pinto and archie panjabi and sandra oh attending their image awards unlike very commonly unwelcoming hollywood. there’s the alma awards for latino american contributions and then there’s highly publicized glaad but of course there’s no naacp and alma equivalent for Asian american actors and actresses.
that’s bec Asian americans are systematically discouraged from even entering acting by racist hollywood thru casting Asian american citizens and historical figures and fictional chars w/ white actors while casting Asian american actors w/ stereotypical and unflattering roles. this becomes a feedback loop that hollywood uses to explain their lack of Asian american representations. Asian americans are the most bullied demographic in elementary school but no athlete and hollywood personality would ever speak against Asian american bullying bec it won’t get them any press unlike all the publicity of speaking against gay bullying. Asian american teenage girls have the highest depression rate of any demographic.
that’s not suprising when hollywood’s highest rated tv show recently bullied an Asian american female teenager! american idol bullied and mocked a teenage auditioner who was a female Indian american. the panel kept mockingly repeating her indian name bec hollywood ahs made it acceptable to laugh and mock Indian cuisine and accents and customs and names. religious beliefs and customs of indians are mocked the very “tolerant” and openly gay nph’s bollywood themed music video. but no backlash for nph and idol from the tolerant manhattan mainstream media and hollywood of course. did idol’s panel mock the white gay guy that called himself papa peaches on that same episode where they mocked the indian american female? of course not bec gay bullying is the only kinda bullying hollywood’s against.
and yet the Office of Minority Health (OMH) and National Asian Women’s Health Organization (NAWHO) has reported the following: Asian American girls have the highest rates of depressive symptoms of any group! Asian american women ages 15 to early 20s die from suicide at a higher rate than all other groups. Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among Asian americans overall compared to the ninth leading cause of death for white Americans. While Asian american women have the highest suicide rate of all women 66 and older. 71 percent of southeast asian americans meet the criteria for depression and other major affective mental disorders w/ 81 percent among Cambodians. And nearly 16 percent of u.s. born Asian american women have contemplated suicide compared with 13 percent of other Americans.
fashion and the mainstream manhattan media and hollywood often shape the culture. hollywood has made it palatable to bash Asian americans and therefore hollywood has directly contributed to these high suicide rates among Asian american women. bullying Indian american female who is a teenager on american idol is a form of entertaining for hollywood. it’s great when people like wiliam hung are bullied and mocked for ratings right? it’s bec hollywood has to discriminate against asian american males by portraying them as asexual and dorky and heavily accented right? that’s how hollywood operates. they are openly racist to Asian american males and females but scream against any homophobia and are only concerned w/ lgbt suicides bec their lives are more significant right? typical from the tolerance crowd of hollywood.
Well I for one am very happy that Tatyana Ali won another award. She’s a wonderful actress and a very talented singer too. I don’t believe that any awards show is based on the quanity of episodes one days. In truth, Tatyana isn’t onscreen that much, but when she is, she always knocks her scenes out of the park and she does a good job too. I do wish that Y&R would utilize her more and even have her sing – she sings great! But I’m still glad that she won and don’t think it matters that she’s not onscreen that much.