Adam Taylor/ABC
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Jack Wagner, 52, is a soap opera legend and singer, but for millions of viewers he’s a dancing star courtesy of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” The actor joined the 14th cycle (season) of the reality-competition series along with such celebrities as Melissa Gilbert (actor, “Little House on the Prairie”), Sherri Shepherd (talk show host and actress, “The View”), Jaleel White (actor, “Family Matters”), Gladys Knight (singer), Donald Driver (NFL star, “Green Bay Packers”), William Levy (latin soap star), Katherine Jenkins (opera star), Gavin DeGraw (singer), Martina Navratilova (tennis star), Roshon Fegan (actor, “Shake It Up!) and Maria Menounos (TV host and correspondent), but what fans truly want to know is if Wagner is heading back to ABC’s “General Hospital” after being taken off contract by CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful” in early February.
In promotion of “Dancing’s” current season each celebrity is taking part in “You Tweeted, They Answered,” a taped segment in which they answer questions provided to them by “Dancing with the Stars’” Twitter followers (@DancingABC). Of the three questions Wagner answered none was as attention grabbing for soap fans, in particular those watching “General Hospital” (in which Wagner portrayed Frisco Jones off and on from 1983 to 1995), as the one pertaining to his possible return to the soap that put him on the map. When asked if he “would you ever consider coming back to “General Hospital,” Wagner stated “Frisco’s never dead, man! He’s right here! Yeah!” While that isn’t an outright yes, or much of an answer in itself, it does help that “Dancing” is on the same network as “GH” and with Kristina Wagner (Felicia Jones) reportedly returning to the soap in late April the possibilities are endless. If you want to ask Wagner your own question, he’s always available online @JackWagnerHPK.
In addition to his Emmy nominated stint on “General Hospital,” Wagner portrayed the Emmy nominated role of Dominick “Nick” Marone on CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful” and was the much beloved and hated Dr. Peter Burns on the FOX primetime soap “Melrose Place.” Other soap stints include appearances in NBC’s short-lived primetime soap “Titans” and daytime soap “Sunset Beach.”
Fans can vote for Wagner each week via telephone or text message until an hour after the Monday performance broadcast of “Dancing with the Stars” based on their local time zones. To vote by text message, text the word “VOTE” using the information below:
| Telephone # | Text-in Code |
| 800-868-3402 800-VOTE4-02 |
3402 |
*Message and data rates may apply.
Online voting, however, is open from the beginning of the Monday performance show until 11:00 AM ET/8:00 AM PT the next day (morning of the Tuesday results show). To vote online, you must create a username and provide a valid email address at ABC.com. You can also connect your Facebook or Twitter account to your ABC.com account and login to vote (find out how).
Watch Wagner dancing the Jive with his professional partner Anna Trebunskaya
Thomas A. Montalto/MontaltoPhotos.com
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) – Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati, who took over the reigns as ABC’s new executive producer and head writer for “General Hospital,” are now on the world wide web courtesy of Twitter, the social networking media giant.
A “General Hospital” spokesperson has confirmed to Soap Opera Network that Valentini joined Twitter on Wednesday, March 7 and his handle is @valentinifrank. Valentini is fastly approaching 3,000 followers in that short period of time. Carlivati, whose handle is @carlivatiron, actually joined Twitter back in March of 2011, but wasn’t very active until around December 14, 2011. Since then he’s made nearly 300 tweets (discussions with actors, fans, etc) and retains over 7,000 followers.
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — A compilation of Twitter and Facebook posts from the cast of “One Life to Live” following word that Prospect Park was dropping plans to resurrect the show online only five days after the soap wrapped production on its ABC run.
Kristen Alderson (Starr): “Extremely sad sad news… No #prospectpark deal for AMC or OLTL. So many lives affected by this… #RIPoltl”
Hillary B. Smith (Nora): “I want to b careful what I say right now. I am so sad for the fans. I am so sad for all of us who were robbed of the 7 months to plan. I wish there had been more communication. This was not about AFTRA! The guilds and unions were talking. The endings were changed to accomodate the move. I wish they would have left us alone. So sad!!!! no, I believe they did what they could, just had no idea what a soap cost. Don’t hate them for ignorance. Endings were changed! So unprofessional. You will al still be satisfied. The ride to the end is still worth it!!! I promise. Meanwhile, LONG LIVE VENICE!!! no but ABC chose this deal. It was on the interrnet. I still feel that ABC will regret this decision. I love you all! I m sorry! But the show is worth the ride. Enjoy through January!!!
Mark Lawson (Brody): “Sorry to hear Prospect Park was unable to pull it off. A sad day today for all the fans. A sad day for all of us who were part of the One Life family. But I know we all brought our best these last few months and can be proud of how we finished the game. Thanks OLTL for all you taught me.”
Michael Easton (John McBain): “I’m sorry to say it’s done. Still Much to be thankful for. Happy Thansgiving. I love you all. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU TONIGHT…I know how disappointing this news is to many of you. We tried to fight the good fight, we fought to the end to get the ratings up, but it wasn’t enough. We’re sorry we let you down. I just wanted to thank you all for the years of kindness, love and support you’ve shown me and my family. If you get a chance at some point, maybe say a prayer for the wonderful crew members of “One Life To Live”, many of whom are supporting large families, that they may find work soon. God Bless. Happy Thanksgiving.”
David A. Gregory (Ford): “So sad to hear. Again, thank you everyone for all your support… Keep watching! Its gonna be a great finale week starting January 9th.”
Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian): “I know NOTHING about Prospect Park’s purported pick-up-or- drop out of #OLTL-I depend on SOD+SID+other postings. If I knew-I’d tell YOU. I’m rooting Prospect Park finds the funding, even if I was not picked to be a start-up contract player. Hoping good things happen for ALL. Sad+disappointed-tho not surprised. Statement sounds a bit blame game- Actors/Directors/Writers terminated by ABC were amped 2 rock 4 PP! I believe OLTL actors who accepted PP offer from git-go would’ve knocked it out of ballpark right through last tape day-even without that. #OLTL cast: talented, smart, great looking, edgy, uniquely+singularly creative. How much do I admire and miss them?-let me count the ways.”
Shenaz Treasury (Rama): “OLTL ended, Im so bummed. Now I may really need to be in LA.”
Jerry verDorn (Clint): “Hello everybody.Thank you all for your kind birthday wishes. I enjoyed the day prepping for the Thanksgiving Feast. Much to be thankful for and a little something to grumble about. Don’t blame Prospect Park but rather blame the economy. They lost some financing that was too hard to replace. Start-up money is near impossible to find these days. Who knows what may happen. I guess my birthday present this year is retirement. Love to all.”
Kelley Missal (Dani): “Just saw the news that #OLTL won’t be moving on to the Internet after all. so sad but at least they gave it the chance it deserved!!”
Matt Walton (ex-Eli): “My heart goes out to my #AMC and #OLTL alumni. What a backwards world we live in right now. A bold response is coming soon.”
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — December may bring the first signs of the winter season, but as the month begins things will be heating up on “One Life to Live” when several familiar faces return to the canvas as the show’s ABC run prepares to come to an end.
The week begins on Monday, December 5 when Matthew Conlon next appears as Tomas’ (Ted King) acquaintance M. Claude Calmar, when John McBain (Michael Easton) becomes suspicious of what the shifty Frenchman has to say.
On Tuesday, December 6, January LaVoy reprises her role as the pie-totting waitress Noelle when she and Moe (John Rue) have a special surprise for Shane (Austin Williams). In the same episode, after taking a brief hiatus from “OLTL,” Amanda Setton reappears as an incarcerated Kimberly Andrews (aka Aubrey Wentworth) when the character receives a visit from some unexpected guests. Meanwhile, Nigel (Peter Barlett) gets an earful from Clint (Jerry verDorn) about the women in his life.
Brian Kerwin returns as Viki’s most recent ex-husband Charlie Banks on Monday, December 12, when he encounters someone from his past while at the Bon Jour Café in Paris, Texas.
Tuc Watkins is back yet again as David Vickers Buchanan on Tuesday, December 13 when he pays a surprise visit to his family. Once in town, however, he is quickly sought out by Roxy (Ilene Kristen), who has an usual request for him when she asks him to help save something very important to her.
All this…plus as the residents of Llanview settle in to watch their favorite soap “Fraternity Row,” will fans receive a special treat? Tune in to find out!
In Other News…
Brittany Underwood (Langston) reportedly shot scenes on “OLTL’s” final ABC tape date (Friday, November 18) alongside her onscreen beau Jason Tam (Markko).
David A. Gregory (Ford) has posted on Facebook that his upcoming [tentative] airdates include November 23, December 13 and 19, and January 5, 6, 9, and 10.
Farah Fath (Stacy/Gigi) reveals on Twitter that the “First scene I ever taped on #OLTL was w/ the queen Erika Slezak. Last scene I will ever tape was w/ Erika Slezak.”
Nick Choksi (Vimal) states that “there’s about 10 more episodes of ‘OLTL’ that I am in between now and the 13th of Jan when it all come to a close.”
Peter Austin Noir who, as we previously reported, will play Statesville Prison Johnny Rocket in January, has posted more information about his upcoming “OLTL” appearance on his website. The actor writes that the show contacted him on October 26 and that he taped his scenes on November 10. Look for him to appear on screen on Tuesday, January 3.
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — As “One Life to Live” gets ready to conclude its run on ABC in January 2012, the soap continues with more comings and goings. What follows are the latest comings and goings as the calendar changes from November to December.
Alyssa Rose, daughter of New York Mets announcer Howie Rose, returns as Tracy, a secretary at the Sun starting Thursday, December 1. When Tracy was last seen back in October she told Natalie (Melissa Archer) that she overheard Brody (Mark Lawson) threatening her former boss, Victor Lord Jr. (Trevor St. John), only days before his murder. This time around look for Tracy to have a run-in with her new employer, Todd Manning (Roger Howarth). Rose made her “OLTL” debut in July, when she appeared as a “patient representative” in an episode, before returning as Tracy in August.
Tonye Patano and Frankie Faison return as Phylicia and Richard Evans just in time for the holidays. On Monday, November 28, Mrs. Evans is less than pleased to learn of Vivian’s (Kearran Giovanni), Shaun’s girlfriend (Sean Ringgold), stance on marriage.
Mellini Kantayya is reprising her role as dayplayer nurse Michelle Vayle. The actress posted a picture of her Llanview Hospital ID tag on her Facebook page and said that her scenes, which were taped on November 11 and 15, would air in early January.
And, for those wondering, “One Life to Live” Music Director Paul S. Glass tweets that the song used in this week’s promo is Josh Auer‘s “Everything.” He also notes that, while it is an ABC original and not commercially available, he will work on getting the song uploaded to iTunes.
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — A collection of Twitter and Facebook posts from current and former cast and crew members of “One Life to Live” during and following the show’s final days of production on its ABC Daytime run, which wrapped production last Friday.
Kristen Alderson (Starr): “Tomorrow [Friday] is the big day #LastdayofOLTL VERY strange feeling, harder than I could’ve ever imagined. Can’t wait for the wrap party though. Eddie [Alderson], Hillary [Nora], and Bob [Woods] last day today. So blessed to be with them today for it. It’s heartbreaking but so special. I want to thank all of our AMAZING/LOYAL fans for being so extremely supportive through all of the years&for today! Our cast partied their butts off until 4AM last night!…going to be hard falling asleep earlier now…lol”
Brittany Underwood (Langston): “Listening to OLTL musicals all morning. can’t believe the last day of OLTL as we know it has arrived :-/ thanks for all the memories. Just wanted to apologize to everyone who waited outside the studio for us. Couldn’t bear 2 say goodbye. Way 2 emotional 2day. Love you all. Yesterday was perfect. I got to be a part of something so amazing for 5 years and to be there for the end was truly special. So blessed 2 have worked with such amazing people.”
Jason Tam (ex-Markko): “Going over my lines for tomorrow [Friday]. So proud to have been a part of OLTL and can’t wait to be in the studio one last time.”
Eddie Alderson (Matthew): “Tomorrow [Friday] is my last day of filming of #OLTL..this is going to be one of the hardest days I’ve ever had. So thankful for all the years though. Wow..thank you so much everyone! You all have been more than amazing to my family over the years, we appreciate you all and will forever! ‘Don’t be sad it’s over, smile because it happened.’ That was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through..so upsetting. Every new beginning comes from another beginnings end. Wrap party time. Let’s go. After party bitchezzz. Well I guess you could say we went out with a bang.”
Bree Williamson (Jessica): “Today last day….. Tomorrow first day. Thanks so much for all of your thoughtful tweets!! They mean so so much. Jerry verDorn [Clint] told me he loved me today during taping and I lost it. To all the fans outside, thank you for your support! I am so sorry I had to run. I was trying to get home to be a mom before party time. Ouch……. Dear new York, thank you for giving me perfect days like these before I have to leave you.”
Melissa Archer (Natalie): “I just want to take a moment to thank all of you. Your support means so much. 10 wonderful years!! When one door closes another opens…”
Lenny Platt (Nate): “Last day heading into #OLTL. I’m grateful to have learned so much in my short tenure. Honor to have been part of it. Thanks to the fans. At least now i can keep my shirt on and don’t have to spend 2 hours in the makeup chair getting my extra nipples covered… So much change today. Also Regis‘s [Philbin] last day. Now where am I gonna go to get a lovable little man yelling at me 1st thing in the morning?”
Hillary B. Smith (Nora): “My emotions are over flowing!!! This is getting really sad. It’s our last few days of taping on ABC. We will be together again!! Hard to know when you have a cold if your eyes are running because you are sick or you are sad! I m here 4 my last tape day on OLTL for ABC. Last night we wewre told that we must remove all of our belongings from the dressing rooms. I have all this fan memoribilia, pictures of me with the bo and Nora Fans, jello shot girls, animals, cast mates, presents from fans. How? I love you all, you crazy people!!! You have kept me sane. Is it possible for insanity to bring clarity? thank you for 20 years of YOU! All I ask is that you watch us to the end. There is really good stuff. And then you can turn your sets off or turn the channel. Hey! Good Morning my tweets! It is Saturday morning and I am officially unemployed! Wow! Had a gr8 send off last night! Danced like a fool with my peeps. Cried like a fool, but laughed as well! Great party! You must keep watching OLTL. fantastic all the way thru to end! So good! Nora is not gone, she is out in the yard gardening… Okay ordering the gardner around. I can’t bear the idea that she might b gone. someone has to water the plants on the roof garden. Oh yea…. There is a huge roof garden.”
Shenell Edmonds (Destiny): “Tomorrow [Friday] is my last day on OLTL with the most amazing cast and crew I have ever worked with! I am so grateful the time I have had with them! Wow. I just started crying, realizing that this is my last day of taping until I move on w/ #PP . I really didnt think it would be this hard. thank u guys for the amazing support u have given, not just me but the entire show. U guy are awesome an we will never forget. Omg. Emotions r running high today. So happy an grateful to hav the opportunity to be part of this family!!!”
Farah Fath (Gigi/Stacy): “Sitting in my dressing room on my last day at #OLTL 3 more scenes & thats a wrap! Feeling so very thankful for the time I’ve had here. First scene I ever taped on #OLTL was w/ the queen Erika Slezak [Viki]. Last scene I will ever tape was w/ Erika Slezak. To my fans: From the bottom of my heart, thank you SO much for your support over the years. My 12 years on daytime is because of you all.”
Crystal Hunt (ex-Stacy): “Don’t know if anyone’s popping by the OLTL wrap party tomorrow [Friday], if so, see u there. Btw the wrap party is at Capital, not the studio. Last night was sad but sooo much fun!”
Kassie DePaiva (Blair): “This has been a sad day. I’m truly grateful 4 this awesome journey. I’ve had an amazing time in Llanview….& really hate 2 see it end. But it was great and my life is better because of the lives that have touched mine. Thank you OLTL/Blair fans for 18 years of goodness. It’s because of you that it has lasted this long. Until we meet again… Xoxo”
Andrew Trischitta (Jack): “Thanks to all those fans waiting outside the studio! I could never have done that it was freezing. greeted the fans outside the studio. Starting up the after party.. This is gonna be a long night. What am I going to do now that we stopped filming? Kelly [Missal, Dani] cause I miss you so much I just won’t be able to survive. Haha in a few pictures of me from the wrap party, my tie was obnoxiously long.. Because little Patrick [Gibbons Jr.] (Sam) was pulling it, I didn’t know. not that many cried there. But it was very sad.”
Kelley Missal (Dani): “thank you to all the fans for your incredible support and dedication to #OLTL!!! you mean the world.”
Nick Choksi (Vimal): “Incidentally, today [Thursday] is also my last day of filming! That’s a wrap! Thanks, OLTL, for a fantastic time and a hell of a year! The last day of taping is Friday, we’re all closing out. Today is just my last round, my last dance with the disco king! Thanks, everyone! Clarification: I’ll still be in episodes between now and the big Finale on Jan 13. The taping of it all is finished, they shot the last scenes yesterday and I taped my last scenes on Wednesday! there’s about 10 more episodes of OLTL that I am in between now and the 13th of Jan when it all come to a close. thanks for the good wishes. Happy Thanksgiving, America!”
Shenaz Treasury (Rama): “And it’s a wrap for OLTL. Just walked out of the ABC Studios for the last time [Thursday]. Emotional day for everyone on the show. I was just there a little over a year and I’m a weepy mess. Think about all the people who have been with it for 30 years! So grateful to have been part of such a wonderful team. Thank you for being my family in New York!”
Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian): “Fans couldn’t save AMC/OLTL but they FOUGHT back hard-Taking action-they created a shift in a mis-conceived plan. With LOVE-it’s never over. My heart feels this IS Black-est Friday. My mind-confused by rumors about Prospect Park. My spirit is proud of being part of OLTL’s history. Saw promo 4 a Charity Event-Chicago on LAST OLTL airing ABC Daytime. Zoicks! OMG! Last show is going to be 1/13. YO? that’s Friday the 13th!”
Gina Tognoni (ex-Kelly): “Going to the One Life Wrap Party / follow the show y”all Xx. Today last day of taping for entire One Life cast and crew. Today the last day of taping One Life.The amazing cast and crew god bless / great things ahead for ALL in the new year no doubt!! Going to the wrap party 4 sure.”
David A. Gregory (Ford): “Heading to the studio for the last day of OLTL. Thank you all so much for your support; it means the world. I was only supposed to be around a few episodes and you turned it into a few years. Thank you guys!” Gregory also posted this video thank you to his fans on Facebook.
Mark Lawson (Brody): “Studying for Brody’s last scenes for ABC. I can’t believe it’s here. The last three and a half years have flown by. I’ve learned so much and am so thankful for all the people I’ve been privilaged to work with. Above all, I’m overwhelmed by the support of the fans. Your love of the show, of Brody, and of me as an actor have made this ride worth it. Thank you.”
Carolina Bermudez (Blanca): “Sitting in my makeup chair for the last time [Thursday] at One Life to Live & it’s creator Agnes Nixon is sitting next to me… I’ll never forget this. Headed to the #OLTL wrap party to get my drink on!”
Tonja Walker (Alex): “Fun last night…Fun last night…me Ilene and Jimmy” Ilene [Kristen] and Jimmy [DePaiva].”
Catherine Hickland (ex-Lindsay): “Good morning, Kittens! Today belongs to #OLTL. Sending love to cast, crew, fans & all who supported the show throughout the years! BIG love To all of my brothers and sisters at OLTL. God Speed to the new and improved. Blessings on each cast&crew member. TY Frank V 4all.”
Fiona Hutchison (ex-Gabrielle): “Saying Goodbye. Goodbye One life to Live… We’ll miss you on the network… saying goodbye to One Life to Live on the ABC Network… as well as so much of daytime these past few years.”
January LaVoy (ex-Noelle): “To my friends and colleagues at One Life to Live…all the best. 44 endlessly entertaining years! From my grandmother’s knee to Paris, Texas, I was so fortunate to be a part of that family. Love and congratulations to everyone.”
Thom Christopher (ex-Carlo): “To everyone at “One Life To Live” let it be said that every individual involved in this show, both past and present, have added themselves to the collective memory of millions of viewers. The decades of this show and its’ success speak a million words of praise to everyones creative labor…how proud I am to have been one of its’ laborers. I join in the sadness to see it go dark but look at the greatlight it leaves behind..my love to all and the thanks for the journey.” And from “OLTL” Director Bruce S. Cooperman, “Hi Thom- you were definitely a part of my happy memories at OLTL. I will never forget the great times we had!! All the best to you and Judy. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!”
Nafessa Williams (ex-Deanna): “OLTL memories. I hear it’s lots of #OLTL supporters outside the studio. Sending my love to everybody from LA;) xoxo.”
Tika Sumpter (ex-Layla): “Goodbye #OLTL , it was nice meeting you and being apart of your T.V. history.”
Erin Torpey (ex-Jessica): “Thinking about my OLTL family today. Love you all.”
Crystal Chappell (ex-Maggie): “I miss One Life already. What a wonderful show! Thinking of everyone there. Enjoy the party tonight! Will toast in your honor.”
Terrell Tilford (ex-Greg): “To All of My ONE LIFE TO LIVE past-castmates, the crew and the entire awesome production team, Congratulations on your great job… Today may be the last day of THIS, but I look forward to the first day of 2.0 for all of you! Keep it movin’!!!”
Paul S. Glass (“OLTL” Music Director): “Thanks so much..I really appreciate it! I’m so proud of all we’ve done & hope to have the chance of doing even more! Can’t say enough about the people in that studio. Great friends, incredible talents and even better people. one family. We did things that people thought we were crazy for even trying and things that were impossible…year after year! So fortunate to have EPs (especially Frank [Valentini]! ) that always wanted to push the music to the limits! Their support made everything possible. Have had such great material and performances to work with! Thanks & thanks 4 you all your support! Nothing like the feeling of putting music 2 video & having it all come together! I still have 26 shows to do before the end of ABC run in January.”
Julia Davis (“OLTL” Make-Up Artist): “Good morning! Headed to Llanview. Today will always be remembered. So many wonderful memories… As we turn the pages of time, we discover hidden mysteries and triumphs in each new chapter. Wow! So many Fans outside. And its officially a Good Night & Good bye to Llanview.”
Bruce S. Cooperman (long-time “OLTL” Director): “This is a sad day in television history. No, not for Regis, who will take his millions and walk away into the sunset, but for all the hard working people at One Life to Live. After spending 30 years working on the show, I made some great friendships along the way. Even though I was tossed out after all that time, I too, would like to say what a great way to spend most of my adult life and I wouldn’t change it for the world. There are only some people that I wish nothing but the best in the future and for the others….well I don’t want to sound bitter but ….. As Bob Hope said, ‘Thanks for the memories.’”
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Jason Tam returns to “One Life to Live” as Markko Rivera the same day the show wraps production on its ABC Daytime run.
In a message on his Twitter page earlier this afternoon, Tam tweeted that he was “Going over my lines for tomorrow. So proud to have been a part of ‘OLTL’ and can’t wait to be in the studio one last time.” While his next airdate is unknown, it will likely be sometime in early January.
After portraying Markko from 2007-2010, Tam briefly reprised the role in April of this year to usher his on-screen girlfriend Langston Wilde (Brittany Underwood) off the canvas.
Markko was last seen in Llanview in July when he attended the premiere of “Vicker Man,” which he directed.
Marina Chavez/ABC
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — As we previously reported, “One Life to Live” was forced to replace Brandon Buddy with Van Hughes in the role of Cole Thornhart just one day after Buddy reprised the role for an upcoming storyline with ex-girlfriend Starr Manning (Kristen Alderson). Now the actor has taken to Twitter to apologize to fans for the sudden turn of events.
In a series of tweets dated Thursday, November 10, Buddy explains, “Hi everyone! I wanted to say that I am so sorry that I was unable to make a return to ‘OLTL’ as I intended due to personal family issues. I cherish the time that I had on the show and always will. The fans mean more to me then words can express. I’m devastated about this! Again I am so sorry! Thank you all for your love and support! It really helps me in times like this. Thank you and God bless!”
Buddy’s journey back to the set of “One Life” began in early August when he posted another series of tweets begging fans to help him get back on the show. “I want/need everyone to send in your love for cole! I’m tired of sitting around. Get me back on the the show so I can finish what I started. I love my fans/friends let’s go!!! No more f**ging around!!!!!!!!! Ok!!! Let me think! I hope I don’t get in trouble for this! …..standby! : ),” said the actor at the time.
Although both Buddy and the show are keeping mum on the specific reason as to the need for an emergency recast, Texas public court records from Travis County indicate that an individual with the full name Brandon Robert Buddy, which is the actors full name, along with matching birthday (verified by Soap Opera Network via district clerk), is scheduled to appear before a judge next month on charges of “INJURY CHILD/ELDERLY/DISABLE W/INT SBI/MENTAL,” or allegedly causing harm to a Child/Elderly/Disabled person with the intention to cause serious bodily injury or mental injury.
Buddy was reportedly involved in a traffic accident early last month. On October 8, he tweeted “So check this out! I was headed to Dallas for the Texas OU game yesterday and someone rear ended me going over 60 mph totaling my car. I had to climb out of the window to get out of the car! Craziness!”
While there is no reason to presume that Buddy’s personal family matter is in anyway tied to these reported legal issues, Soap Opera Network wishes Buddy nothing but the best as he works to get things back on track.
Meanwhile, “OLTL” is moving forward with Van Hughes in the role. The Broadway vet, who reshot all of Buddy’s scenes, taped for the first time with Alderson last Tuesday. In fact, she tweeted on Friday (November 11) that “Nic [Robuck],Van, & I have been working extremely hard for the #Jarr & #Sole fans! Having a lot of fun, can’t wait until you guys see what happens!”
Disney/ABC Television Group
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — There has been much discussed about “All My Children” 2.0 following a report by Soaps in Depth in which the magazine reported on its website that “All My Children,” as conceived by the minds behind the scenes at Prospect Park, has been placed on hold. This of course is after months of rumors and speculation stating that the company had planned to launch the show just days following its September 23 ABC finale and again in January 2012 following the network finale of sister soap “One Life to Live,” which in addition to “AMC” was licensed to Prospect Park for its Online Network (TOLN) in a deal brokered with the Disney/ABC Television Group back in July of this year. But is this really news to the fans or were we all just hoping something else was going on behind the scenes that would suddenly pace the show on the same trek as “OLTL?”
When the deal with Prospect Park was announced many speculated that one of the reasons “One Life to Live” was allowed to continue on post ABC was due in large part to its association with “All My Children,” both in cancellation and its creator Agnes Nixon. After weeks of silence following the big press release touting the renewed life for both series, which were canceled by ABC in April, “One Life to Live” signed deals with four actors in early September to continue on while “All My Children” only signed two. By the end of September “One Life” would not only sign five additional stars, but would also sign an executive producer and a head writer. Frank Valentini, who will continue as the soaps EP once production wraps at the end of this coming week, will also take on duties as VP, Serial Dramas, Prospect Park. In this new role Valentini will be responsible for all aspects of “One Life to Live” and “All My Children,” along with any other serialized dramatic programming Prospect Park puts into production. His duties will include signing off on the hiring of actors, writers, producers, etc along with setting the budgetary tone for each serialized program under Prospect Park.
Disney/ABC Television Group
By the end of October, “One Life to Live” had signed a total of 13 actors in addition to their EP and HW, while “All My Children” signed Darnell Williams (ex-Jesse Hubbard) to round out the current “AMC” 2.0 cast that includes Cameron Mathison (ex-Ryan Lavery) and Lindsay Hartley (ex-Cara Castillo). Williams’ signing was confirmed to Soap Opera Network by a Prospect Park representative, although other publications have yet to confirm the news through proper channels and used a tweet by Hartley as the basis for their initial reporting. “All My Children” remains without a head writer or executive producer. Last week, Soap Opera Network reported via several sources that ABC had agreed to allow Prospect Park continued usage of “One Life’s” current studio space, which just so happened to be “AMC’s” studio prior to the soaps move to LA in 2010. “All My Children” was said to continue filming at its Andrita studio in LA under Prospect Park, but after nearly three months since production ceased for the ABC run it’s anyone’s guess as to what has since happened to the sets, wardrobe, props, etc.
Prospect Park
With the signing of no more than three actors, no executive producer, and no head writer, there was absolutely no way “All My Children” could continue online or in any other form as planned. Meanwhile, Prospect Park continues to state that their new Online Network (TOLN) is launching in January 2012, and the company has signed a licensing deal with Universal Music Group in which contemporary music would be available in episodes of both soaps and available for purchase online after the end of each episode. Although there are reports that the company is in need of $65 million on hand to get their efforts off the ground and an additional $80 million per year to fund both series each year, the funding necessary doesn’t seem to be stalling preparations for an online version of “One Life to Live” nor does the fact that there is no deal between the required unions such as the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the Directors Guild of America (DGA) or the Producers Guild of America (PGA), among others.
The issues currently plaguing “AMC” rests on the former cast and crew and their ability to now find jobs anywhere in Hollywood now that they are all living their lives comfortably in the Bear state and free from the clutches of ABC. Michael E. Knight (ex-Tad Martin) received an offer from Prospect Park, but turned it down because he wanted a break. Alicia Minshew (ex-Kendall Hart) and Rebecca Budig (Greenlee Smythe) were sure to be in demand by the company, but alas both wish to only return if they were able to remain on recurring status. Series star and soap opera legend, Susan Lucci (ex-Erica Kane), turned down the company’s offer for the same salary she received while working on the ABC version of the soap. Jacob Young (ex-JR Chandler), who returned on screen at “The Bold and the Beautiful” just before “AMC” aired its final episode in September, admitted that he only signed a short-term deal with “B&B” and wants Prospect Park to be more forthcoming with information. “Let’s see what these Prospect Park guys can bring to the table,” he said on Tuesday, October 25 at New York’s Town Hall for the first of several “A Tribute to Pine Valley” sessions with fans. Once Prospect Park gets its ducks in a row, including signing deals with the necessary unions and apparently finding the funding necessary, “All My Children” 2.0 is now said to be geared for a March 2012 launch, while “OLTL” remains on track to launch in January 2012.
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — With only one week left to go until production on its ABC Daytime run is finished, the list of former “One Life to Live” cast members returning to Llanview continues to grow.
Among those rumored to be making their final appearances on the soap before it moves to Prospect Park are Jessica Tuck (Megan), Roscoe Born (Mitch), Susan Batten (Luna), Barbara Garrick (Allison), Ty Treadway (Colin/Troy), and Meghann Fahy (Hannah), many of which were spotted by fans entering and exiting the show’s studios in recent weeks.
Those listed above are in addition to the previously confirmed returns of Catherine Hickland (Lindsay), Fiona Hutchison (Gabrielle), Tonja Walker (Alex), January LaVoy (Noelle), John Rue (Moe), Tuc Watkins (David), and Brian Kerwin (Charlie). Kate Miller is also reportedly coming back for a few episodes as Brody’s (Mark Lawson) sister Nadine Lovett. And, as we previously reported, “OLTL” creator Agnes Nixon will tape scenes on November 17, that will air during the week of January 9. Nixon will play Agnes Dixon, the creator of “One Life’s” infamous soap-within-a-soap “Fraternity Row,” and will be interviewed by Blanca Morales (Carolina Bermudez).
On a related note, Mellini Kantayya, who has played a recurring dayplayer nurse over the years, will also be back in the show’s final weeks. The actress tells Soaps.com that “These last times shooting are bittersweet. I’m sad to see the show go, but I really feel lucky that they’ve had me on so often during the years. I’ve met and worked with so many talented people. It’s been a truly wonderful experience.” Kantayya will tape her final scenes on November 11 and 15.
However, it appears as if two at least three of “One Life to Live’s” most memorable characters won’t be coming home to Llanview for the show’s ABC finale. Judith Light, who played housewife turned hooker Karen Wolek from 1977-83, is reportedly not reprising her role, despite earlier rumors to the contrary.
James DePaiva, who portrayed Max Holden from 1987-90 and from 1991-2003 (and again briefly in 2007), is also not returning. In an interview with TvLine, the actor’s wife and former co-star Kassie DePaiva (Blair), revealed that the show had not approached her husband about returning to the show. “I’m really shocked that they didn’t bring Max back. Jim DePaiva made a huge contribution to the show, and I don’t know if it was intentional, the snubbing… but it doesn’t take [his contributions] away. Women of my generation still think he’s hot, and I’m married to him so I’m the luckiest one here!” DePaiva also talks about the future of Blair and how she hopes that she will reunite with Todd (Roger Howarth). Click here to read the full interview.
And Robin Strasser, who left “OLTL” in August after playing Dorian Lord off and on for nearly thirty years, tweeted earlier this week that “I have NOT declined numerous offers to return. September, I was asked to do 3 shows, I’d just gotten out of hospital. Looked like a wreck.” Strasser also reveals that she has not been approached by Prospect Park about returning yet either.
In addition, Crystal Chappell, who played Maggie Carpenter on “One Life to Live” from 1995-97 is also not returning, despite being spotted outside the show’s studios last week. According to Soap Opera Digest, Chappell “was just visiting good friend (and ‘Venice‘ co-star) Hillary B. Smith (Nora). Chappell was in New York for a few days and was sharing Smith’s Manhattan hotel room for some much-needed girl time.”