Browsing: Interviews

Susan Lucci portrayed the iconic role of Erica Kane on ABC’s “All My Children” for more than 41 years. Sadly, the character would last be seen on September 23, 2011, when a shot rang out during an event that brought Pine Valley’s most prominent citizens together. Despite Prospect Park bringing back the series for a short-lived online iteration in 2013, Lucci was unfortunately not part of the cast. Currently pulling double duty as host of the Investigation Discovery series, “Deadly Affairs,” and starring in Lifetime’s “Devious Maids,” Lucci recently told Soap Opera Network, during an Investigation Discovery/Glamour Magazine event honoring actresses Rosario Dawson, Marcia Gay Harden, Tamara Taylor and Stephanie March, that she remains proud of her daytime run as Erica Kane and that’s she’s having a great time with where her career has taken her since.

While the date for the 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards wasn’t necessarily a secret, it was still somewhat surprising when it was revealed that next year’s Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards would be taking place on Friday, April 24 and the big show would be taking place on Sunday, April 26 – the earliest either ceremony will have taken place since at least 2006. In an interview with David Michaels, Senior Executive Director and Co-Executive Producer for the Daytime Emmy Awards & Events, who notes to Soap Opera Network that we can likely thank “The Young and the Restless'” Christian Le Blanc (Michael Baldwin) for revealing the dates online, the executive addresses the red carpet debacle that rocked the industry earlier this year, while also providing insight into what we can look forward to seeing from both the creative side and the broadcast side for next year’s telecast, and a greater understanding of how four new categories will change the future of the awards ceremony.

Something wicked this way comes: “The Taking of Deborah Logan,” a horror flick starring “All My Children’s” Jill Larson (ex-Opal Cortlandt)! And with Halloween creeping closer, there’s no better time to delve deep into the devilishly delightful (or rather, frightful) details of the film, which is already being heralded as an occult classic. Soap Opera Network caught up with Larson to the get the behind-the-scenes scoop, so read on for the scary details — if you dare!

With a slew of soap weddings under her belt, a run at playing “crazy” and nearly a decade of daytime experience between “The Young and the Restless” and “All My Children,” a back-from-the-dead storyline is no big thang for “Y&R’s” Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson). Except for when the back-from-the-dead character happens to be her alter ego’s kid-killing husband, and that same guy’s real-life recast happens to be one of the most talked about soap events of the year! So just how is Egan taking in all of the madness surrounding Adam’s big return from the “dead,” including the fact that the character is now being played by Justin Hartley? Soap Opera Network caught up with the actress to find out!

Halloween is fast approaching, and “The Bold and the Beautiful” is bringing viewers a special treat for the spooky holiday: A candy-bowl plethora of “Big Brother” contestants! Season 16’s Donny Thompson, Amber BorzotraCody Calafiore, Zach Rance, Hayden Voss, Nicole FranzelCaleb Reynolds and Devin Shephard, Season 11 & 13’s Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Lloyd, Season 12 & 13’s Rachel Reilly and Brendon Villegas, and Season 15’s Elissa Slater will be appearing on the sudser for two special Halloween episodes, as previously reported. But there’s no need to wait until Thursday, October 30 and Friday, October 31 to get a taste of the delicious drama: Soap Opera Network sat down with some of the aforementioned stars to get the scoop on the special episodes, which you can read about after the jump!

You asked, and we answered! Following Soap Opera Network’s report that former “Days of our Lives” star Matt Cedeno (ex-Brandon Walker) would be appearing on an upcoming episode of ABC Family’s “Baby Daddy,” your enthusiasm was so great, we reached out to the star to see if he’d spill additional details about his appearance. And guess what? Not only was he more than happy to discuss his sitcom role (which airs Wednesday, October 22), he also opened up about starring in 50 Cent’s drama series, “Powers,” his reaction to Alison Sweeney’s departure as “DAYS’” Sami and much more!

Strolling into a large and quiet stage space just north of Hollywood, “Days of our Lives’” James Scott (ex-EJ DiMera) looks as gorgeous as ever. But it’s not the “tall, dark and handsome” thing he usually emanates that’s turning heads. Rather, it’s a calm, relaxed and seriously happy vibe that’s giving him a remarkable glow and an aura of magnetism. You don’t want to sit next to him because he’s cute; you want to sit next to him because he’s happy. So much so, it appears it just might rub off. And the reason that the actor is all smiles? He tells Soap Opera Network that, completely free of a soap opera contract for the first time in 10 years after a combined run as EJ and “All My Children’s” Ethan Cambias, he is well-rested, inspired, and looking forward to the next chapter in his thus-far very charmed life.

Daniel Jonas’ journey on “Days of our Lives” has taken portrayer Shawn Christian on a plethora of adventures, many of which have included top talent from the drama series. But of all the storylines the devilishly handsome doc has played out, fans seem to have gravitated toward the cat-and-mouse game Daniel and Kristen (Eileen Davidson) have been involved in over the past couple of months the most. And Soap Opera Network has good news for fans: The delicious drama is far from being over, and Christian has shared some of the juicy details of the story below!

“One Life to Live” fans had the privilege of literally watching Kristen Alderson grow up via her portrayal of Starr Manning, a role she landed back in 1998. And “General Hospital” fans then had the unique privilege of watching the actress shed the character she’d played for nearly 14 years on OLTL and embody her new character — Kiki Jerome — right before their eyes. The journey has been filled with a lot of ups and downs, but Alderson recently shared with Soap Opera Network that Kiki is finally coming into her own — which she couldn’t be more thrilled about!

Jen Lilley is well aware that she hit soap opera gold when she landed the role of “Days of our Lives'” Theresa Donovan. The feisty character has gotten one stellar storyline after the next — and it doesn’t look like the runaway train will be stopping any time soon! Soap Opera Network caught up with actress, who spilled the deets on Theresa’s rivalry with Kristen (Eileen Davidson), her love/hate relationship with sister Eve (Kassie DePaiva), and how her alter ego just may well be done with her current love life once and for all!

“Days of our Lives’” fans have had 32 years of dark DiMera family amusement through Stefano (Joe Mascolo) and later the addition of EJ (James Scott), but it looks like the newest family member will be giving his predecessors a run for their money! Billy Flynn debuted as the new darker and vengeful Chad this month, and it’s been quite obvious that the apple has definitely not fallen far from the tree. But just what can fans expect from the character as he continues to ingratiate himself back into Salem? Soap Opera Network spoke with his new portrayer to find out!

Fall has officially hit “The Young and the Restless’” Genoa City, but the big fall — or rather fallout — you’ve been waiting for regarding the Neil, Hilary and Devon triangle has yet to descend. But Mishael Morgan (Hilary) says that’s all about to change! Soap Opera Network caught up with the actress, who reveals that her alter ego’s rendezvous with father/son pair Neil (Kristoff St. John) and Devon (Bryton James) is on the verge of exploding — and it’s going to leave one ugly Winters family mess!

“The Young and the Restless” has cemented its spot as the number one daytime drama for the past 25 years with a record of outstanding decisions, and the sudser’s latest flawless move was the addition of Emmy-winning actress Gina Tognoni, who took over the role of Phyllis Summers (previously portrayed by Michelle Stafford, Nina Clay, “General Hospital”) this year. The Missouri native showed off her serious acting chops as “Guiding Light’s” Dinah Marler and “One Life to Live’s” Kelly Cramer, and now that Phyllis is finally out of her lengthy coma and headed back to Genoa City starting this week, Tognoni will be giving soap fans yet another dose of her powerhouse skills — but this time, as the feisty GC diva “Y&R” fans have loved since she hit the scene back in 1994!

Summer may be over, but “The Young and the Restless” is keeping it hot with a special guest appearance by real-life Chippendales dancer Jaymes Vaughan, who’s scheduled to put on a seriously sexy strip show during Sharon’s (Sharon Case) upcoming bachelorette party! But what exactly can viewers expect when he hits the scene? Soap Opera Network caught up with the dancer, who bared all in an interview regarding his time in Genoa City.

Famous funnyman Fred Willard is set to make his “The Bold and the Beautiful” debut as Eric’s (John McCook) brother, John Forrester, next week! To celebrate his arrival, Soap Opera Network took part in a special press event where the celebrated comedian shared all the deets about his daytime gig, including working with the sudser’s cast, staying PG for family audiences and what viewers can really expect from the zany character once he crashes Forrester Creations. Read on for the scoop!

Fall may be fast approaching, but there’s no need to worry about getting cold: “Days of our Lives” is keeping it hot with an exciting story involving new resident Ben Rogers! Soap Opera Network caught up with the character’s portrayer, Robert Scott Wilson, to get the scoop on what’s to come for his alter ego in the weeks ahead. You better hold on tight, because it’s going to be a wild ride!

If you tuned into the new OWN/Tyler Perry series, “If Loving You Is Wrong,” during its premiere Tuesday night, then you’re all too aware that the steamy drama series is nearly too hot to handle! Scandalous sex scenes, drugs, affairs, love, families and friendship are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the topics offered on the show, which ended up being the most-watched series premiere in OWN history! Since former “All My Children” star Aiden Turner (ex-Aidan Devane) is smack dab in the middle of the excitement as the stuffy-yet-lovable character Brad, Soap Opera Network met with him to get the lowdown on working with creator/writer/director Tyler Perry, his embarrassing first meeting with Oprah Winfrey and what lies ahead for Brad on the sizzling series!

There’s never a dull moment on “Days of our Lives,” especially where Kate Roberts is concerned. And rumor is, this fall will prove to be even more of an emotional journey for the Mad World Cosmetics CEO! Soap Opera Network caught up with the character’s portrayer, Lauren Koslow, to get the scoop on what’s to come as the days in Salem — and the town’s residents — get colder!