SOAP OPERA UNCENSORED
Volume 02, Issue 14 (No. 24)
BY NELSON BRANCO
Copyright 2012 Nelson Branco
INSIDE — Bittersweet News For Colin and Jill Fans: Jess Walton Leaving Y&R! Exclusive Interview With The Emmy Winner On Why (And For How Long) She’s Out! Plus: Tristan Rogers Reveals Details About His Y&R Return! Part Two of Our Exclusive With Deidre Hall: “Brian Frons, ABC, and Disney Made A Huge Error Underestimating the Power of Daytime Drama — and They Will Regret It.” Plus: More Burning DAYS Questions – And Who Wants Hall To Marry DAYS producer Greg Meng! DAYS’s Renee Jones Quits DAYS – And Acting! Another Y&R Hunk Headed to Toronto! How Many Times Can DAYS’s Will Come Out? DAYS’s Lucas and Sami Do The Nasty! Flashback: GH’s Kimberly McCullough on Robin Losing Her Sense of Humour! AMC’s Jordi Vilasuso: Another Soap Project! Every Week: Fearless Predictions! Plus: Last Week's Reviews, Unbelievable Blind Items, and Next Week's Cheat Sheet!
UNCENSORED MASTHEAD:
FOUNDER/EDITOR: Nelson Branco
EDITOR AT LARGE: Denette Wilford
Follow Soap Opera Uncensored at: @nelliebranco or @SoapUncensored
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PRE-ORDER BETWEEN HEAVEN & HELL: A ONE LIFE TO LIVE TRIBUTE
Hi, loyal soaper!
UNCENSORED QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
“We have picked up viewers from the shows that have left. I was pretty heartsick to see those shows go off the air, and I don't want to see any less soaps. We have picked up some more viewers and there is that strength there. That's what's going to keep us on the air, people watching. We have a great audience. We have an important audience. Our audience really means a lot to CBS.”
—Y&R executive producer Maria Arena Bell has encouraging words for WELOVESOAPS.NET
Translation: Which is why we do everything we can to get them to tune out in droves.
"Money-wise, it was just too prohibitive, and that's a shame because this year is the last chance to honour [canceled soaps] AMC and ONE LIFE.”
—James Romanovich to TV GUIDE’s Michael Logan on NATAS not airing THE DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS
Translation: It was our last chance to honour WORLD TURNS and GL, too — and God knows we didn’t do that the year they signed off the airwaves, either.
“It was a vulgar, Vegas nightmare. The awards need to return to what they were years ago, a private, elegant event….
—Y&R’s Peter Bergman to TV GUIDE on the Emmys streaming online this year
Translation: …like when I was winning Best Actor.
“Fans say, ‘I can't believe they took my favourite soap opera off the air for this.’ I want to change that and empower people to feel good about what they're doing. I know that sounds Pollyanna, but I really believe it. I did not kill Erica Kane. I have a lot of respect for the art of the soap opera and the storytelling. But remember, I make TV shows, I don't program them. I didn't know this was going to replace the soaps until — and this is no exaggeration — five minutes before the press release went out.”
—The executive producer of THE REVOLUTION in TV GUIDE MAGAZINE
Translation: I killed Viki Lord instead! And how the hell is Erica Kane? And when I say, “I make TV shows,” I mean, “I make shitty TV no one wants to watch.”
"They actually have the intercourse. I can tell you it happens a lot sooner than you think. That’s about all I can say. Yeah, I was kind of surprised at how quick it happened."
—Bryan Dattilo on Sami and Lucas’s sexual reconnection
Translation: Lucas, um, climaxes sooner rather than later… always.
“They feel like they want to be the first one to say it. I could say AMERICAN IDOL is going to get canceled. At some point it is. So I’ll be right if I’m the first one show says it. All those people who thought they knew about ONE LIFE, they didn’t. There were other business and political reasons.”
—Frank Valentini in SOAPS IN DEPTH on my report two years ago ONE LIFE was being cancelled
Translation: When Brian Frons is bragging to friends he’s cancelling ONE LIFE and ABC is developing multiple shows for the past few years to replace ONE LIFE; seriously, it’s not being cancelled!
“[GH’s] ratings are really getting better, but can you imagine if we could have a good lead-in?”
—Valentini in the same interview
Translation: Like ONE LIFE?
“I think the thing that’s going to make a big difference is, ‘Don’t you dare, don’t even think about canceling my show.’”
—Valentini continued
Translation: Like the ONE LIFE fans did?
“[GH Executive producer Frank Valentini and Head Writer Ron Carlivati] have really cracked down on leaking. They are actually making you tune in tomorrow."
—Richard Simms regarding the story lockdowns at GH in a TOP STOCKS MSN article
Translation: Our magazine is fucked.
“The storyline with Carly? That could have been an interesting and fascinating story with a lot of twists and turns. Unfortunately, I think it all happened so fast. There were so many things that didn’t add up as far as character-driven [storyline]. Why would all of a sudden this woman [Carly] be sleeping in not just her [Hope] house but in her bed? Why wouldn’t it be in the guest room? Or Shawn’s room? Or Ciara’s? There were too many things that were contradicting and that didn’t flow but it could have been a very interesting story..”
—DAYS’s Kristian Alfonso to TV WATERCOOLER
Translation: …had I not interfered! Nighttime Hope trying to kill the love of her life because of sleeping pills made more sense to me than Carly sleeping in her lover’s bed!
“Dena Higley’s a good writer, she’s a very good writer.”
—Alfonso in the same interview
Translation: When she listened to me!
AWARD SHOW CENTRAL
Date Set For Emmy Gold!
As previously teased by UNCENSORED months ago, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced that the 39th ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT EMMY® AWARDS will be presented at the prestigious Beverly Hilton on Saturday evening, June 23rd.
“We are very excited to bring the Daytime Emmy® Awards back to Los Angeles and to such a glamorous venue as the Beverly Hilton,” said Malachy Wienges, Chairman, NATAS. “While we are continuing to speak with various networks and social media sites, we are planning a spectacular evening of stars and entertainment as we honor the best in Daytime Television. In addition, we are happy to return again to the Westin Bonaventure on June 17, 2012 to present our Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy® Awards to honor all those who work behind the scenes raising the bar of what Daytime Television can be.”
The Chairman has announced that the gala at the Beverly Hilton will resemble a “Golden Globes” type setting with many of today’s Daytime stars present from the various genres of Daytime drama, lifestyle, courtroom, children’s programming and talk show entertainment.
Having covered THE GOLDEN GLOBES AWARDS every year at the Beverly Hilton, I totally approve of this decision (so many places to booze, party, hide, and pass out; not necessarily in that order). I pray to Madonna that a network doesn’t air the ceremony so the fans and the industry can enjoy a dignified evening without taking part in an infomercial with cheesy musical acts.
How ironic is it that the death of daytime drama will finally mean the industry will be given
its due in a dignified ceremony?
THIS JUST IN: THE VIEW’s producer Bill Geddie will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s telecast. Um, why not honour a soap opera legend/icon while soaps are still airing? Talk and lifestyle shows will have forever to honour its peeps. Moreover, for the past few years, NATAS has recognized several talk show luminaries — so enough, already! How about Susan Lucci, freaks? Think of the press that will get your non-televised telecast!
COVER STORY
MDNA: GODDESS OF THE OPERA
Deidre Hall Sounds off on ABC’s Decision to Cancel AMC, ONE LIFE; Plus, Secrets of Her Dating Life Exposed!
If you haven’t heard Deidre Hall’s infectious, hearty laugh up close and personal, then you’re missing out. It’s too bad her iconic, long-suffering character Marlena Evans Black on DAYS doesn’t have more fun because the intelligent, savvy, and beautiful superstar is all about having a good time and living your best life.
With Susan Lucci off daytime, UNCENSORED spoke with daytime’s lone female superstar last week on her successful DAYS comeback; working with her talented co-star Chandler Massey (likening the newcomer to James Dean); Salem’s return to a land of “firsts;” Jarlena’s wild sex life; and going back to school (yep, you read that correctly)! Enjoy part one of our chat:
In part two, Hall sounds off on the controversial decision to cancel two ABC soaps, AMC and ONE LIFE, dating, and studying to be the last woman standing (without a laugh track).
You should host a talk show!
I don’t know…. while I do love talking to people and getting to know them, I’m not sure. Let me tell you, I’ve been loving going back to college…. For the past three or four years, I’ve been going to college night classes. I’m in the middle of doing my first stand-up comedy class and I did my first stand-up show at the Comedy Store about three weeks ago.
Being possessed by the Devil is easy; comedy is hard! Congrats. That’s awesome!
Thanks. It changes everything you do in your life. It teaches you to look for the joke in life. I love education. I love to have something to talk about all time. I encourage everyone to keep learning.
Learning when you’re older is the best because you study what you really want and there isn’t a power struggle between teacher and student when you’re an adult. Is this the happiest time in your life? You’re back on DAYS, raising two great sons, writing books, you’re back in school…
I’ve had so many happy times. My life has been content. I’m proud of my kids. I love the work that I do. I love the people that sustain me in my life. I’m really, really lucky.
As a soap vet, what did you think of AMC and ONE LIFE being canceled last year?
I think everybody is trying to get an edge on the market and I think [former ABC Daytime President] Brian Frons made a serious mistake. Those decisions left an enormous audience longing for their families. And I wouldn’t be surprised if ABC/Disney regrets their decision. I know how important daytime is to the viewers — and it’s not reality and lifestyle. In a time where people in our country have lost their jobs, homes, and their loved ones are going to war; we are their constants and families. To take that away is heartbreaking because for some it’s the only free escape they get during the day to sit down and watch the Bradys and Hortons. I think it’s a mistake to underestimate the power of daytime drama.
Very well said. Did you ever think during the glory days that daytime would plateau. I mean, there was so much money at one point, soaps were financing the prime-time TV schedule.
I was never that forward thinking.
You live in the moment…
Well, I was always just glad to be there as long as I was there. I was brought in just to play a blonde psychiatrist. That was 1976. They wanted someone to play somewhere between Laura Horton and Laura Horton. [Laughs] And they brought me in.
Do you believe in fate? Do you believe that you were meant to play this role?
I think we all follow a path. I think the future interferes in once in a while and we get a peek of where we’re headed but you never know. You never know.
What’s the mood on the DAYS set these days?
We love doing our job every day. We’re lifers. We’re here until someone asks us not to do it anymore.
I’m glad you guys have co-executive producer Greg Meng because I think he really cares about DAYS and is passionate about the genre.
I can’t say enough about Greg. He’s my hero. There are not enough kind words to say about him.
And he’s pretty sexy, too! [Laughs]
[Laughs] My son said, “Mom, why don’t you marry Greg? We love him!”
Are you dating at all? Are you over it? Open to possibilities?
You know, my life is so full and so open. No, I’m not over romance. I would love to have a lovely man in my life to share things with.
Next week, tune into part three for more La Hall!
Follow Deidre Hall on Facebook and at @deidrehall on Twitter. To purchase her books, Deidre Hall’s HOW DOES SHE DO IT, and Deidre Hall’s KITCHEN CLOSE-UP, head over to her website, deidrehall.com or visit amazon.com/amazon.ca.
SOAPILEAKS:
This Week’s Hottest News, Gossip, and Reviews!
ALL MY CHILDREN — Vilasuso: Other Soap Projects in The Works!
• Holy Latino Hotness:THE LA TIMES recently caught up with Jordi Vilasuso.
"I really liked the character," Vilasuso said from the Runyon Canyon-adjacent apartment he shares with girlfriend-slash-actress Kaitlin Riley and their dog. "I was able to pay homage to my father and brother's professions."
"I'm very proud to be a part of something that fights for Latino rights and civil liberties," said the actor, who in 2003, received an Emmy for playing Tony Santos on Guiding Light.
"I just try to practice what I preach," he said. "If I can inspire others and set an example for my community, I'll feel a sense of fulfillment."
"My father always told me if I wanted to be a garbage man, be the best garbage man I could be," Vilasuso said. "That's the goal, the way I see it."
Though the actor doesn't plan to cross over to telenovelas any time soon, preferring the English-language market instead, he is sticking to soaps. A project with other soap stars is currently in the works.
THE BAY, TheBayTheSeries.com — Battle of the Fallen Soap Opera Stars!
• Wanted: Ex-Soap Stars! I guess when THE BAY hires a gaggle of veteran soap actors in new roles, no one cares; but when Y&R’s Maria Arena Bell does it, it’s a crime against soap-manity. The latest soap spree includes: John Reilly, Fiona Hutchison, Brian Gaskill, Scott Bailey and Gerald Hopkins. I hope this means I don’t have to see less of my new Twitter buddy, Paul Satterfield.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, CBS/CSV — Arrow Wood!
• According to GREEN ARROW TV, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood has just signed on to play Sarah Lance in the new CW pilot ARROW.
Is Wood bolting from B&B, just like Jennifer Finnigan?
David Gregg, B&B’s international PR rep, tells UNCENSORED “no comment,” but La Wood tweeted she’s not going anywhere. I hope this project takes off so my magazine HELLO! CANADA can feature Wood more.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES, NBC/GLOBAL — Renee Jones Quits Acting!
• It looks the rumours that Lexie is dying are true: According to TV GUIDE’s Michael Logan, the sexy, ageless and talented Renee Jones is quitting the soap and acting all together! Expect more Celeste and Abe.
• In story 411, John snaps out of his Pawn trance and shows a picture of Bo to Hope praying it does the same. Across town, Ian makes a move on Kate; Billie meets an ISA agent; Lucas phones Autumn with disappointing news; Kate is outraged to learn Stefano’s keeping tabs on her; and Gabi makes Melanie look bad on the Internet.
GENERAL HOSPITAL, ABC/CITY — Sometimes, They Don’t Come Back!
• Jack Wagner has finally gone on the record regarding his rumoured return to GH. He told SOAPS IN DEPTH, “I'm prohibited from d
oing anything but dancing with [my DANCING WITH THE STARS partner, Anna] right now at all. Except maybe for going to the grocery store and feeding my kids!" And what about his rumored return to GH? "No Port Charles updates," he shared. "I'm actually under contract to ABC so if [GH] wants to call then they can call."
• Actor/Model Christian Monzon will debut in the role of Eddie Cabrera the week of April 16, reports SOAPS IN DEPTH.
• SOAPS IN DEPTH’s new issue states Kassie DePaiva isn’t interested in moving to L.A. for a contract gig on GH. But the magazine is retracting its story after talking the source: Mrs. De Paiva herself. Here’s what IN DEPTH wrote:
When you want the truth, go to the source... which is what we should have done initially and belatedly did when an item we recently ran stirred up questions about the status of Kassie DePaiva and whether her popular ONE LIFE TO LIVE alter ego, Blair, might return to GENERAL HOSPITAL in the future. "It opened a hornet's nest within a corner of the soap world with my fans," shares the actress, adding that her followers would love nothing more than to see Blair move to Port Charles permanently!
Setting the record straight, DePaiva tells us that "my character was not invited to stay there, which I'm sure was based on story." Which isn't to say that somewhere down the line, that won't change. "We're not talking about Llanview anymore; we're talking about Port Charles. If there's not a place for Blair at GH, then there's not a place for Blair at GH. I, personally, have no say in it whatsoever." Should her phone ring, however, she'll happily answer! "Would I like to come back and play? Absolutely!" she says enthusiastically.
But UNCENSORED hears De Paiva will be back sooner rather than later for a few more episodes. Especially when another popular actor returns around May.
ONE LIFE TO LIVE — True Tuck!
• DAYTIMECONFIDENTIAL.COM is reporting that one of my all-time favourite actresses Jessica Tuck is finally about to play a living, breathing TV character! Says the website: “After spending the last few years as a vampire politico on TRUE BLOOD and briefly reprising the ghostly part of Megan on ONE LIFE in 2011, Tuck has been cast in a recurring role in the Fox pilot PRODIGY BULLY.” Congrats!