News
Y&R's Maria Arena Bell Interview: Her thoughts on Franco, Darnell, Bach & Spring in Genoa City!
Photo Credit: Kathie Hutchins
The Bell family has a lot to celebrate over the next few weeks as this week The Bold and the Beautiful turns 23 and next week The Young and the Restless turns 39.
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with the executive producer and head writer of Y&R, Maria Arena Bell, on the silver carpet of B&B’s anniversary shindig to get some quick thoughts on the some of the series latest casting coups, how her art world and soap world have collided, and a preview of what is to come in Genoa City.
Performance artist, Kalup Linzy recently did an interview with you for The Huffington Post. The two of you and James Franco seem to all be intertwined now. First from the art world, and now the soap opera world … or vice versa!
MARIA: That was the most amazing thing. When I met James Franco I kind of thought, I was one of the few people involved in the contemporary art world and soap operas, until I met James. In fact, the big major sequence that was part of his storyline on General Hospital was shot at MOCA (The Museum of Contemporary Art). I was there that night wearing my MOCA hat and seeing what General Hospital was producing. It was sort of an ironic situation. I met Kalup before they ever went on GH, when they were sort of thinking about how they might do a project within soap opera. I think Kalup is a very talented artist. James Franco is also a very serious artist and in fact, MOCA is really excited. We are doing another project with James Franco, and it’s called the Rebel Project and that will be opening very soon here in Los Angeles. It’s based on the movie, Rebel Without a Cause.
Courtesy/HuffingtonPost
James enlisted the help of other major contemporary artists to collaborate with him on this. It’s almost like a performance art meets installation art, and it should be really brilliant. What I like about what James and Kalup did, was that they were actually very respectful of the soap genre. I was afraid that they would mock it, but it was not mocking at all. Especially, not Kalup, because he is the biggest soap fan. He is a huge Y&R fan, and he is adorable. The whole experience was fun.
Do you think you would bring MOCA into The Young and the Restless with a big location remote as General Hospital did?
MARIA: It’s interesting, not necessarily MOCA, but we have had contemporary art stories on the show. We had Victor with Sabrina, and she was his art consultant. Then we had Devon collect a piece by Shepard Fairey. Shepard is someone I know though MOCA because we did the Art in the Streets show. We like using a little touch of art on Y&R, as it sort of rounds out our world in Genoa City.
How is it having all these very popular and well-respected and beloved All My Children actors now over at Y&R? I am referring to Darnell Williams (Sarge) and Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) and Debbi Morgan (Harmony). Look at the talented array of people you have added to the cast.
Photo Credit: Kathie Hutchins
MARIA: It’s incredible and it’s a total, total dream team, and to add to the incredible actors we have as our core characters. We have always had the greatest cast. Then you bring in a few of these people to add to the cast and add new dynamic stories, it’s amazing. Darnell is just fantastic. I really wanted to play him in a very different way than Jesse Hubbard from AMC. I think that is the same thing we have experienced with Debbi. Debbi’s character is very different, than who she was as Angie on AMC. I think Debbi was very anxious to do that, and to play someone who was not always the “nice gal”. She wanted a breath of fresh air and that is also what Genie Francis (Genevieve) wanted. She wanted to bring something new other than Laura from General Hospital. These are actors I have watched and admired for years. I am a soap fan. I watch all these shows!
Will we see Darnell’s character evolve and have legs? Is there a plan in place for him?
MARIA: Yes, you will. What I really love is that viewers are going to see him really bond with Jack Abbott. One of the things on a soap you don’t get to play as much is friendship. You don’t usually get to play the deep bonding between two guys. I think it’s so important for the audience to see that. I think this is going to be an important friendship for the both of them. I feel that Darnell will be with us for a long-long time, and so not to have him right off the bat with a romance, but to instead really have him in a bromance! (Laughs) I really liked that idea. Sarge is really tough on Jack, and he is going to help him make some progress.
Let’s talk a minute about Catherine Bach. Now that really caught me by surprise. Where did the casting idea come from to make Daisy Duke, Chelsea’s mom?
Photo Credit: Kathie Hutchins
MARIA: I love Catherine Bach. I know her because our children went together when they were in pre-school. I also know her personal story. I was at her husband’s funeral when he passed away. I knew the fun side of Catherine. I knew that Catherine was this very dynamic and fiery person, and that she is a talented actress. So when we were looking for a mother for Chelsea, I was: A) always struck by the idea to bring Catherine to daytime, and B) That Catherine and Melissa Claire Egan have this very striking resemblance and that they really do seem like mother and daughter. I don’t know if you have noticed, but she and Melissa are very connected. When I met with Catherine about the role, I said to her, “Wait till you meet Melissa Claire Egan. You are going to see that she is going to remind you of yourself!” And Catherine said, “Oh my Gosh. She really does!”
What can you preview for spring on The Young and the Restless?
MARIA: We are going to see the struggle that Jack Abbott is facing, and the obstacles he has and his fight to overcome them. There is going to be a lot of unexpected romance. There is going to be some interesting movement in the boardroom as well as the bedroom. A very Y&R move! (Laughs)
Photo Credit: Kathie Hutchins
Finally, look at the accomplishments of the Bell legacy that we are celebrating. Y&R is turning 39 and B&B turns 25!
MARIA: Everyone at Y&R just celebrated our 39th Anniversary the other week, and we are thrilled to be 39 officially on March 26th. Our 10,000 episode is going to air this summer. That is a huge milestone and next year will be 40 years. And 25 years of The Bold and the Beautiful is amazing. I went to work there in 1989. It’s really exciting to see and I think it’s fantastic.
ABC has named their ‘Bachelor’ for the upcoming 30th season of the reality series. Sam Hartman, a 27-year-old NFL quarterback who plays playing for the Washington Commanders, will be handing out the roses as he searches for love.
The upcoming season of The Bachelor will premiere in 2027 on Sunday, March 21 at 8 p.m ET. on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S.
The announcement was made, and Hartman’s first interview was on the Friday, November 13 edition of Good Morning America, where he shared with cohosts Sam Champion and Rebecca Jarvis: “I’m excited but also very nervous, I have a tough time holding conversation with one girl. 30 is going to be pretty tough.”
Photo: NFL
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS QB WRESTLED WITH THE NOTION OF BECOMING THE BACHELOR
Hartman also revealed his initial thoughts on appearing on The Bachelor: “Honestly, at first, I was like ‘no way. The connotation of it − I don’t know.” Ultimately the QB was swayed to take on the reality franchise lead for its upcoming season.
A Charlotte, North Carolina, native, Hartman played for Wake Forest and Notre Dame in the college ranks. It was there he set ACC records, including most career touchdown passes and 300-yard passing games. Sam was also featured in the documentary series QB1: Beyond the Lights. Currently, on the NFL’s Washington Commanders, he serves as a quarterback on their practice squad.
FORMER ATHLETES THAT ALSO GAVE OUT THE FINAL ROSE
The pick of Sam Hartman aligns with pro athletes who have appeared on the show in the past including: now ‘Bachelor’ host, NFL quarterback Jesse Palmer, former soccer player Juan Pablo Galavi, ace car driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. and former NFL practice squad player Colton Underwood.
The Bachelor is executive produced by Scott Teti, Jason Ehrlich and Andy Frank serve as executive producers.
You can check out Sam Hartman talking about being cast as the series lead for the upcoming season 30 of The Bachelor with GMA below.
Now let us know, will you be checking out the 2027 season of The Bachelor featuring Sam looking for love? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: ‘Miss Beehavin’
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘The Bachelor’ Names NFL Quarterback Sam Hartman as Lead for Season 30
‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actress Bree Williamson Mourns the Loss of Husband Michael John Roberts
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: ‘Miss Beehavin’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Ava Tie the Knot With Drew?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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My question is why does everyone that interview MAB give us viewers such softball interviews? Why not push her on the disastrous decisions she has made about the direction of Y&R? There have been plenty questionable decisions and I think in your heart you realize the horrible state Y&R is in at the moment. Why not ask her about the ratings slide especially during the Feb. sweeps? Y&R didn’t post any increases what so ever? So does this mean advertising will take a hit for revenue and which could mean long time vets will be out or pushed aside for the boring “Kevin & Angelina” story! Why bring on “Daisy” again? Fans don’t like the character at all! The balance of show is sorely lacking and fans are being pushed down our throats with the same characters! It is so sad to see our beloved characters being written so out of character and then fans are turning against these long time characters…example Phyllis or Sharon. Then you have some vets twirling in the wind with no story, bunch of psychos constantly running around and that gets old to watch. Where’s the romance? None in sight but GC-SVU? I’m a long time viewer of CBS and quit watching Y&R for an year until (not your site) but another site (you are familiar) with does nothing but BASH Y&R & B&B (which I”m loving right now GO BRAD keep traditional) pushing their own agenda and actually stating wanting Y&R cancelled! I retreated back to my home of CBS regardless of state trying to find something positive. I would never wish any soap death, I seen enough but when push comes to shove I will go home and won’t watch GH (not a fan of RC & FV) and stopped watching DOOL all together because like it or not CBS soaps are stilling very viable in ratings and wanting to keep my last soaps on the air. I for one was so upset with Y&R the last year and screamed very loud about it, I watched since the debut and feel I had a right to be upset because it’s not Bill Bell’s mighty soap. He knew how balance and when you have heinous characters pay for their deeds and knew when a story was working he changed direction. NOT MAB & cronies they just keep shoving it on fans. I want fresh new blood in the writing department for Y&R such as Lorraine B., Jill Lorie Hurst, Pam Long or better yet BRING BACK Kay Alden to name a few that know how to write traditional style writing with romance, mystery and social issues as my beloved Mr. Bell knew how to write.
Hi Harlee:
Thanks for your comments, but I want to nip something in the bud here. As I indicated at the top of this news post, this interview with Maria was done on a red carpet at a party celebration. The type of interview you are speaking of is better served when Maria and I have the opportunity in the future to have a sit-down one-one-one to address all the concerns of the fans and the storylines. This was not the appropriate time to do that.
Michael
Hello Micheal:
I just want to be the first to wish you a Happy FIRST Day of Spring…! Enjoy.
Why is everything about the new additions to the cast? It’s consumes her interviews and consumes the show. Can’t they write a story without a new character? I don’t remember every story having to have a someone new in it.
The onslaught of new characters has smothered the show and prevented the viewers seeing their classic families and favorite relationships they watch the Y&R for. Jill & Katherine haven’t had a story in years and pass like ships in the night. New viewers must wonder why those 2 old ladies live together, if they even notice they live together. Not much happens at the Chancellor estate any more. Everything Chancellor that built since 1973 has been abandoned for Tucker. Which isn’t interesting in the least unless you are a super fan of that actor.
Michael, I hope you do get a chance to discuss fan concerns with MAB. I want to put something out there because Y&R was my favorite show for decades, long before I discovered RC/FV’s OLTL. Bill Bell wrote smart, beautiful soap. I didn’t always like what he did, but I trusted him, because I knew that 4 out of 5 times, there’d be a satisfying payoff, which is darn good for a soap opera, given the amount of episodes that have to be produced. Y&R today is a plot-driven, overpopulated shell of its former self, and that makes me sad. It seems that MAB has “vision”, and she has decided to stick to that “vision”, but I think the numbers speak volumes. Stalwart viewers like me are abandoning MAB’s vision of Y&R, and they don’t seem to be able to replace us, as seen by the shockingly declining ratings. I think she needs to face facts and steer this show back on course, or I am sorry to say, she should step aside, along with Sheffer and Hamner. There are so many talented, creative people out there who could make this right, and it’s so frustrating to see this gem of daytime in the wrong hands.
Too many new characters (although I do think Catherine and Melissa are doing a good job), too many storylines. She needs to take a machete to the cast and trim it down and maybe that will help with the writing. I would like to see more Gloria–she is who got me hooked on the show in the first place. Would also like to see Sharon and Adam together. I get recycling is in, but not with storylines. How many times are Sharon and Nick going to be pushed together before they realize it’s not working? I don’t feel the heat I do with Sharon and Adam. Besides, Nick is a serial cheater. He and Phyllis deserve each other.
MAB and her co-hacks Hogan Sheffer and Scott “My name’s NOT Earl” Hamner have ruined my beloved show!! SORAS-ing the character of Kyle will be another move certain to put another nail in this show’s coffin!
NEW WRITERS PLEASE AND STAT!!
Will we see Michael E. Knight on Y&R? I would love to see him as a friend on Paul Williams that takes over and covers his detective operation. And later becomes a partner, ad a condition of getting freedom for killing his son, even though he never meant to. And there he .can have his long time reunion with Darnell and Debbi from AMC. days. He could become to new PI of Genoa City