ABC

Had “All My Children” remained on the air beyond its final September 23, 2011 episode, cast/crew and fans all around the world would have been celebrating the daytime soaps 43rd anniversary today, January 5, as the drama series debuted on this day in 1970.

Although “One Life to Live” debuted nearly two years before it, “All My Children” was actually the first soap opera created by Agnes Nixon that was geared towards the ABC Television Network‘s daytime audience. Initially, ABC thought the idea of “AMC” was too much for daytime television, especially with an untested series creator (Nixon), so the network asked the scribe to conceive a totally different soap opera (“OLTL”). With the success of “One Life,” Nixon was given the go ahead to move forward with “All My Children,” which took place in the fictional town of Pine Valley, Pennsylvania. The series debuted as a half-hour program and was owned by Nixon’s Creative Horizons, Inc. before being sold to ABC outright in 1975. “AMC” was expanded to an hour long serial beginning in 1977.

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Deadline is reporting that former “Days of our Lives” star Matt Cedeno (ex-Brandon Walker) has landed a recurring role on Lifetime’s “Devious Maids,” which stars Susan Lucci (“All My Children“), Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty“), Roselyn Sanchez (“Without a Trace“), Grant Show (“Melrose Place”) and Brianna Brown (“General Hospital”). Cedeno is said to be featured in the tweaked pilot, which was originally conceived as a possible series for ABC during last seasons development cycle, and will likely be upped to series regular if the show is picked up by Lifetime for a second season. Cedeno will play the role of Alejandro Reyes, “a successful recording artist. Back home after three long months on tour, Alejandro wants to lounge by the pool – while behind his back, Odessa and the new maid Carmen are maneuvering themselves for Total War.”

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Stephen Colbert is a news junkie, but he’s also a soap fan as evidenced by numerous skits and jokes he makes in reference to them. The recent sex scandal plaguing Washington, D.C. is no different as the host of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report” told the tale of the soap opera that is “General’s Hospital,” referencing the ABC soap “General Hospital” in name and even logo. With a cameo appearance by “All My Children” star Susan Lucci, the skit will likely soon become legen – wait for it – dary, in the words of “How I Met Your Mother‘s” Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris).

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Investigation Discovery, which recently announced its plans to integrate several daytime stars into various aspects of its daytime programming block in the coming weeks, has released the first promos and trailers of “Deadly Affairs,” the new series about love triangles gone wrong and marriages that end in murder hosted by “All My Children” vixen Susan Lucci (ex-Erica Kane).

“Deadly Affairs” premieres Saturday, September 8 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on Investigation Discovery. A 10-minute sneak peek will air during the new “Days of our Knives” daytime block on Monday, September 3 at 1:00 PM ET/PT.

via Press Release

Investigation Discovery

BELOVED SOAP STARS OF PAST AND PRESENT HOST NEW DAYTIME PROGRAMMING BLOCK ON INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY: DAYS OF OUR KNIVES

– Daytime Block Launches Monday, August 20 from 1-4 PM E/P –

– Includes First Look at DEADLY AFFAIRS with Susan Lucci, Airing September 3 at 1 PM E/P in the Original All My Children Timeslot –

(Beverly Hills, CA) – Walking in on your beau bedding your best friend… Halting your wedding because your evil twin stole your spot at the altar… Discovering that your mortal enemy is really your long-lost sibling. These may seem like the plotlines of a delicious daytime soap, but sensational stories are anything but fiction on Investigation Discovery. Dishing out the drama of blindsided betrayals, mistaken identities, and deadly deceptions, ID is staking its claim on real-life soap operas with the launch of daytime programming block DAYS OF OUR KNIVES on Monday, August 20 from 1-4 PM E/P. By enlisting adored soap stars to host themed programming each weekday, ID will provide a new alternative to devoted soap fans searching for new “stories” to turn to. Hosting the block each day will be talent hailing from the drama that started it all, Guiding Light¸ to the now-longest running soap currently in production, General Hospital.

“Investigation Discovery is already the home of guilty pleasure programming, but perhaps there is no more popular example of a classic guilty pleasure than the soap opera,” said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery. “With ID being the #4 network in daytime for Women 25-54*, we realized that soap fans already love The Young and the Restless so let’s give it to them ID-style: the young and the reckless!”

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via Press Release

Investigation Discovery

TWO’S COMPANY, BUT THREE’S A CROWD WHEN ONE’S A KILLER ON INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY’S NEW SERIES DEADLY AFFAIRS

– Hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Actress and Queen of Daytime Soap Susan Lucci –

(Beverly Hills, CA) – From love triangles that implode to office romances exposed, stories of passionate love affairs turned crimes of passion aren’t just happening on daytime television. They happen in real life and, sometimes, are even stranger than fiction. No stranger to steamy scandals and deadly dalliances, Emmy Award-winning actress and queen of daytime soap Susan Lucci hosts DEADLY AFFAIRS, premiering Saturday, September 8 at 10 PM E/T on Investigation Discovery. Ahead of the premiere, fans that miss seeing the much-adored Lucci in her former “All My Children” timeslot can catch her in a 10-minute first look at DEADLY AFFAIRS, during ID‘s recently announced daytime block, DAYS OF OUR KNIVES, on Monday, September 3 at 1 PM E/P. The new block of themed programming will air weekdays from 1-3 PM with introductions by beloved soap stars of past and present.

“Investigation Discovery’s explosive ratings growth reflects the fact that it has found the perfect recipe for expert storytelling and packaging of these real-life soap operas that leave our fans wanting more,” said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery. “The addition, today, of the incomparable Susan Lucci, who will now lend a voice to these tales of twisted love triangles, further underscores our efforts to make ID the leading destination for compelling stories of crimes of passion.”

DEADLY AFFAIRS tells real-life tales of love gone terribly wrong – from wandering eyes at the workplace leading to adulterous romps in the supply closet to bible-study couples tempted by lust to commit the ultimate sin – proving affairs can be murder on the heart. Episodes contain two stories, each interlaced with expert commentary from local authorities and true-crime experts, as well as first-person accounts from friends and family of the victims.

The first four episodes of DEADLY AFFAIRS are:

In Too Deep Premieres Saturday, September 8 at 10 PM E/P

• From the outside, Michael and Jan Roseboro seem to have it all, but of course things aren’t always as they seem. When Michael meets Angie, a summertime fling quickly turns into a passionate romance. The affair becomes too hot to handle and, in the end, deadly. Location: Lancaster, PA
• Melinda and David Harmon meet at church camp and are models of marital devotion. They hurry to start their lives together. Popular and fully immersed in church life, Melinda catches the eye of Mark Mangelsdorf, an impressive young senior at the local college. It isn’t long before tongues begin to wag and sparks begin to fly. Soon, the fires of passion are ignited, but who will get burned? Location: Olathe, KS

Fatal Finale Premieres Saturday, September 15 at 10 PM E/P

• Kristin Rossum is young, beautiful, and intelligent, but her girl-next-door exterior masks a dark side that includes a penchant for drugs. Her husband, Greg de Villers, is her Prince Charming but feels betrayed when he discovers she’s been having an affair with her hot new boss. Now that Kristin’s secret is out, who kills who? Location: San Diego
• Widowed and nearing the age of 50, schoolteacher Nelda Mason never expects to fall in love again. But everything changes when Charles Chumbler, a new substitute, arrives. It looks like they’ll live happily ever after, until a mysterious young man named Michael Kariakis shows up on their doorstep, claiming to be an illegitimate son. The marriage quickly spirals out of control, leading to a stunning, fatal climax in a remote Kentucky pasture. Location: Tampa, FL

Battle of the Sexes Premieres Saturday, September 22 at 10 PM E/P

• Carolyn and Ken Stahl are the quintessential power couple, but behind their professional exterior is a fast-fading romance. A successful wife isn’t enough to keep Ken from making the rounds with young hospital receptionist Adriana. When the cheating couple makes little attempt to conceal their affair, fate prescribes not one but two murders. Location: Huntington Beach, CA
• After her three sons leave the nest, widowed teacher Janine Sutphen packs up to start a new chapter in a new town. It’s clear from the moment she meets Rob Petrick that they share the same zest for life, but like most good fish in the sea, this one comes with a catch. Two years into their marriage, Rob reconnects with an old high school fling and soon, they are absorbed in a passionate, long-distance engagement. But the title of “Mrs. Petrick” is already taken. Someone has to go. Who will it be? Location: Durham, NC

Lust for the Job Premieres Saturday, September 29 at 10 PM E/P

• Bill and Melanie McGuire are picture perfect with successful careers and a growing family. But when a hot and steamy workplace affair begins, their once idyllic marriage crashes down around them, ending with one saw, two bullets, and three suitcases. Location: Warren County, NJ
• Robert Temple and Rosemary Christensen were both working toward a new life together, but while one is climbing their way up the corporate ladder, the other is climbing onto someone else. The flame Robert and Rosemary once shared is now raging out of control. Location: Clearwater, FL

DEADLY AFFAIRS is produced for Investigation Discovery by Sirens Media. For Sirens Media, Valerie Haselton Drescher, Rebecca Toth Diefenbach, and Chris Nusbaum are executive producers. For Investigation Discovery, Pamela Deutsch is executive producer, Sara Kozak is senior vice president of production, and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.

About Investigation Discovery
Investigation Discovery (ID), America’s leading investigation network and the fastest-growing network in television, is the source for fact-based investigative content about culture, history and the human condition. Providing the highest quality investigative programming focused on fascinating stories of human nature from the past to the present to nearly 79 million U.S. households, Investigation Discovery’s in-depth documentaries and series challenge viewers on important issues shaping our culture and defining our world. For more information, please visit investigationdiscovery.com

IMDb

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) – Finola Hughes, who has portrayed Anna Devane on “All My Children,” “General Hospital” and its spin-off “General Hospital: Night Shift” over the course of nearly thirty years, has been bumped to contract status at “GH” according to executive producer Frank Valentini, who made the announcement via Twitter.

“I am so excited to announce the lovely @finolahughes is now on contract!” Valentini said. Hughes followed up the producers tweet shortly afterward when she said “@valentinifrank And I am so happy to be there xxxx.”

Hughes returned to the ABC daytime soap in early 2012 and has appeared in numerous television programs in between her appearances as Ms. Devane including roles on such series as NBC’s “Blossom,” FOX’ “Pacific Palisades,” The WB’s “Charmed,” and NBC daytime’s “Sunset Beach.” In addition to television, Hughes has provided voice talents to the films “Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” and “Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur.”

In 1991, Hughes appeared in a faux Daytime Emmy reel for the fictionalized soap opera “All My Trials” as part of the film “Soapdish” starring Sally Field as Celeste Talbert – a spoof character of Susan Lucci‘s Erica Kane from “All My Children.” From 1999-2003, Hughes transplanted Anna Devane and her twin sister Alex Devane Marick to “All My Children” in one of ABC’s first attempts to provide cross-over character appeal to its daytime soaps.

In 1984, the legendary star received two Razzie Awards nominations for her role in “Staying Alive, the sequel to John Travolta‘s “Saturday Night Fever.” She won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at “The 18th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” for her role on “GH.”

Thomas A. Montalto/MontaltoPhotos.com

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — While she holds out great hope for the future of daytime television, the former first lady of the genre, Susan Lucci, is currently busy adding another notch to her full resume. Beginning this fall, fans can see the legend and former star of “All My Children“ hosting and narrating a new series, titled “Deadly Affairs,” for the cable network Investigation Discovery.

Along with updated encore presentations of some of prime-times most memorable investigation shows, like NBC’s “Dateline” and CBS’ ”48 Hours,” Investigation Discovery or ID is known for creating new programming documenting true-life stories of crime and punishment. Some of their more popular original series include ”I (Almost) Got Away With It,” “Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?,” “Wicked Attraction,” and “Deadly Women.” Following a similar formula to “Wicked Attraction,” according to a press release from the network, “Deadly Affairs” will “explore true stories of romance gone wrong and the crimes of passion that resulted.” Noting the often romantic and tragic heritage of daytime television serial storytelling, Lucci calls the seemingly natural partnership “a perfect match.” In the past, Lucci has narrated on at least severel occasions in the past including for Lifetime’s ”Intimate Portrait,” the prestigious Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and for her memoir “All My Life.” 

“Deadly Affairs” will begin filming in March and is set to debut at the beginning of the 2012 – 2013 fall television season. Investigation Discovery has ordered ten episodes of the series. If you can’t wait until fall to see Lucci again, there are no worries ahead for you. Along with airing regularly on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and on multiple networks with infomercials selling her line of jewelry and products to enhance beauty and fitness, as previously reported, Lucci will guest-star on the new season of “Army Wives.” The series’ sixth season debuts this spring. Lucci will appear in at least two episodes of the high-rated Lifetime series.

Thomas A. Montalto/MontaltoPhotos.com

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — In a new Facebook posting that went up just a short time ago, actress Susan Lucci has taken to the social networking service to clear the air regarding the status of “All My Children” and its move to the internet and plans for her inclusion in the online version of the long running ABC soap.

“I want my fans to know the truth. There has been miscommunications as a result of statements in the press that I am one of the reasons that All My Children is not moving forward. This is simply untrue and not the case. We have been in discussions since Prospect Park first expressed interest in moving the series online, and in correspondence dated September 8th, I made it clear that I would be ecstatic to be a part of ‘All My Children‘ in a prominent way if they committed to producing the series for another year. I have not heard back from Prospect Park since then, in fact, I learned of their decision not to proceed with ‘All My Children‘ at the same time you did, through the media,” said Lucci in her posting.

“It’s been a privilege and honor to be involved with the ‘All My Children‘ family for so many years, from working closely with Agnes Nixon to getting to know millions of devoted and wonderful fans.”

Previously it had been reported that Lucci turned down Prospect Park’s financial offer, which doesn’t appear to be the case per Lucci’s statement.

Yolanda Perez/ABC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — On Monday afternoon, Vincent Irizarry received word of Jamey Giddens‘ (of Daytime Confidential) rather strong implication on Twitter that [Irizarry's] inability to reach an agreement with production company Prospect Park along with Agnes Nixon and Lorraine Broderick’s “story projections” were a major reason Prospect Park decided to reportedly halt early production efforts to move “All My Children” to the internet. The none too pleased Daytime Emmy Award winner responded to the claim on Facebook on Monday evening.

Irizarry was provided with an unexpected birthday surprise on Saturday, November 12 when Giddens revealed that his sources had spilled that “Prospect Park’s inability to make a deal [with] Irizarry is a factor in #AMC reboot stalling. Stories were to heavily involve David… [From a branding pt., Susan Lucci was their biggest casting factor, from story it was Irizzary].” When questioned on how that deduction was possible when neither an Executive Producer or Head Writer has been hired for the soap, as opposed to sister soap “One Life to Live,” which has signed talent to the aforementioned positions for their 2.0 incarnation as well as thirteen actors, Giddens added “Agnes and Lorraine worked on story projections for the show.”

On Monday evening, along with requesting the source of the claim that was stated to him in reduced form, Irizarry responded on his official fan page on Facebook  and emphatically stated that “the part re: me and Lorraine is absolute rubbish. We are certainly not the reason [Prospect Park] has put the show on hold.” (Update: 11/16/11) This evening on Twitter, Vincent neither confirmed or denied the accuracy of Giddens sources but did state he felt Giddens comments were “terribly misquoted” to him by the original poster on his Facebook page. The posters original comment stated to Irizarry that it had been “reported that that the show was put on hold…because broderick and vincent cant decide if they want to sign.”

It had been revealed as far back as October 6 that Irizarry had finally been contacted by Prospect Park to join “AMC” as it prepared to go online. This discussion had not led to a signing before the reported stall in early production; similar to the results of reported discussions with major “AMC” names including Lucci (ex-Erica Kane), Michael E. Knight (ex-Tad Martin), Rebecca Budig (ex-Greenlee Smythe), Alicia Minshew (ex-Kendall Hart) and Jacob Young (ex-JR Chandler). From the performers they reached out to, Prospect Park has only been able to secure Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery), Lindsay Hartley (Cara Castillo) and Darnell Williams (Jesse Hubbard).

Irizarry, who just turned a handsome 52-years old, has enjoyed a long and successful daytime carrer which began on CBS’s Guiding Light in 1984 as anti-hero Brandon “Lujack” Luvanoczeck. He played the popular role until 1986. In 1987, the actor joined the cast of Santa Barbara for a two year run as Dr. Scott Clark. Irizarry returned to the soap that put him on the map in 1991 as Nick McHenry Spaulding. He remained on the soap for five more years. Irizarry landed the role of Dr. David Hayward in November 1997 and remained an integral part of the ABC soap through to the end outside of a two year break between his two stints in Pine Valley where he landed on CBS’ “The Young and the Restless.”