Tragic Death of Hunter Tylo's Son

Our condolences go out to Hunter Tylo (Taylor, The Bold and the Beautiful) and her family after the death of her 19-year-old son, Michael Tylo Jr., who drowned in the actress's swimming pool at her Las Vegas home. Reports are that he suffered a seizure, fell into the pool and drowned. This is unbelievably sad and we can't imagine what she and her family are going through. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tylo, her children and Michael's father, Michael Tylo (ex-Quint, Guiding Light).

(From Cindy: I couldn't believe this when I read this. I just spoke with Hunter only a few weeks ago. She was laughing and reminiscing with me and was such a joy to interview. She is such a beautiful and classy lady, inside and out. On Monday, I will be posting excerpts of my interview with Ms. Tylo, which is scheduled to run in most papers at the end of the week.)

Tragedy in Genoa City!

You've seen the ads: Out of the ashes, we'll see the real tragedy. All next week on The Young and the Restless, Genoa City residents will be dealing with the aftermath of the Clear Springs parking structure collapse. Here is an excerpt from my interview with Peter Bergman about the story line:

According to Peter: “Filming this was an extraordinary thing. The actors, cameramen and crew were all working 16-17 hour days; the set was five times as big as any set we’ve ever had. We had not just the collapsed parking structure, not just a hook-and-ladder fire engine, but we had about 40 extras, we had real firemen, police cars … I was pretty awestruck to walk out on the set and see all that.”

Jack, Nick and Sharon end up being trapped together beneath the rubble. And you can bet there is going to be some friction. “From the get-go, Nicholas and I are arguing about which is the best way to get out. Sharon has to referee us quite a few times.”

Peter is most excited about this story line, because he can’t wait for the viewers to see the fruit of their labor. “The audience will have great fun with this. I think you’ll see a scale to this that is overwhelming. This is really something to see. It will be shocking to see people at their wits’ end – some deal with it better than others.”

If that build-up isn't enough to entice you to watch, how about this:

“A tragic building collapse at Clear Springs traps friends and foes, changing them forever. Enemies are forced to form alliances and bystanders become unlikely heroes. Loved ones can only wait for word as each passing hour means less hope.”

If that doesn't either, then I just don't know what to say to you! Be sure to watch all next week. You won't be sorry!

Daytime Emmy Winner Guest-Stars on "CSI: Miami"

Greg Rikaart (Kevin, "The Young and the Restless") will appear on “CSI: Miami” on Nov. 12. He plays Scott LeBrock in an episode titled “Chain Reaction,” the son of Horatio Caine’s incarcerated nemesis, Joe LeBrock. Scott seems squeaky clean, but he has an ugly secret life that could threaten his father’s position in prison. Sounds juicy -- Rikaart is great at playing shady guys.

He previously guest-starred on another crime show, the superb "The Closer," in an episode titled "L.A. Woman" back in 2005. I'm still kicking myself for missing it. Don't forget to tune in and see Rikaart on Nov. 12.

Casting News!

Patrick Duffy (right, photo courtesy CBS) is returning his role Stephen Logan on The Bold and the Beautiful. His first airdate is scheduled for Nov. 5. He is coming back at a really good time, as his daughters' personal lives are hitting high gear, Daddy's presence will be needed help with the inevitable fall-out -- and to help tame the beast that is Stephanie Forrester.

As we hinted at in a previous blog, Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe) is coming back to Salem. She will first air in November. "We're thrilled to have her back," says Days of Our Lives Executive Producer Ken Corday. "She is an amazingly beautiful and talented woman." Corday hints: "She comes back with an edge." With hubby Brady Black not slated to return, as his alter ego, Kyle Lowder is Rick on B&B, we wonder if there is trouble in newlywed paradise. Hopefully not -- but since she is back with an edge, hmmmm ......

ABC's Super Soap Weekend Attendees!

Along with myself -- which I could not be MORE THRILLED ABOUT -- here is a list of the ABC daytime stars who will be attending the festivities at this year's Super Soap Weekend, Nov. 11-12, Disney's MGM Studios in Orlando, Fla.

The View’s new co-host Sherri Shepherd, along with other first-time attendees Melissa Claire Egan (All My Children), Brandon Buddy, Tika Sumpter (One Life to Live), Bradford Anderson, Josh Duhon and Sonya Eddy (General Hospital), join the star-studded lineup for the 12th annual “ABC Super Soap Weekend.” This year’s event will take place on November 10-11 as ABC once again partners with Colgate® Total® toothpaste (http://www.colgatetotal.com/) as its presenting sponsor of the “ABC Super Soap Weekend” at the Disney-MGM Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Also new to this year’s event will be the addition of stars from SOAPnet’s original primetime drama, General Hospital: Night Shift.

The complete list of talent includes more than 30 of ABC Daytime’s and SOAPnet’s most popular stars, including previously announced headliner Susan Lucci, along with Cameron Mathison, John-Paul Lavoisier and Jason Thompson. Completing the list from All My Children are David Canary, Bobbie Eakes, Melissa Claire Egan, Thorsten Kaye, Michael E. Knight, Alicia Minshew, Aiden Turner and Jacob Young. The talent from One Life to Live includes Kristen Alderson, Kathy Brier, Brandon Buddy, Kamar de los Reyes, Kassie DePaiva, Michael Easton, Forbes March, Erika Slezak, Trevor St. John, Tika Sumpter and Bree Williamson. Completing the list, from General Hospital, will be Bradford Anderson, Julie Berman, Tyler Christopher, Josh Duhon, Sonya Eddy, Rebecca Herbst, Kimberly McCullough, Kelly Monaco and Laura Wright.

This year stars from SOAPnet’s hit original series General Hospital: Night Shift, the highest rated series in SOAPnet history, will participate in the festivities. Nazanin Boniadi, Dominic Rains and Kent King will join Jason Thompson, Kimberly McCullough, Bradford Anderson and Sonya Eddy for special General Hospital: Night Shift appearances.

Throughout the weekend fans will have the opportunity to meet favorite stars from All My Children, One Life to Live, General Hospital and General Hospital: Night Shift. Festivities include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, talk shows, interviews and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The Colgate Total Street Jam will close the event each day with live musical performances by some of your favorite daytime stars.

“ABC Super Soap Weekend” is included with theme park admission to the Disney-MGM Studios – where guests of all ages are caught up in the glitz, glamour and excitement of show business. For future updates and more information about “ABC Super Soap Weekend,” guests may call the Super Soap Hotline recording at (407) 397-6808 or visit the ABC Daytime Web site at ABC.com.

Gearing Up for ABC's Super Soap Weekend

(Photo courtesy of ABC Daytime/Steve Fenn Photographer)

All My Children and Dancing With the Stars performer Cameron Mathison, with dancing partner Minnie Mouse, score a perfect 10 among judges and fans alike, dancing the "Mouse-A-Doble" in preparation for the 12th Annual ABC Daytime Super Soap Weekend at The Disney-MGM Studios, Orlando, Fla., November 10th & 11th.

Emmy-Nominated Actress to Leave ATWT

Alexandra Chando, who has portrayed Maddie Coleman on As the World Turns since 2005, will be leaving the soap at the end of the month. Her last day is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 26. While no official word has been given for her departure ("We don't discuss casting decisions," is the standard response), it hasn't gone unnoticed that since Casey Hughes (Zach Roerig) left town, Maddie's presence in Oakdale has been limited and "third-wheel"-ish.

The Daytime Emmy Award-nominated actress played an unusual spoiler in the Luke/Noah/Maddie love triangle, and came out the loser when Noah revealed that he is gay. Since then, she's been kind of hanging out in the background, dispensing advice and reacting to the story lines of those around her.

My guess is that this talented actress is eager to spread her wings and show us what she's made of. And I have no doubt she'll do just fine.

"Y&R": Sneak Peek at November Sweeps

Here's a look at some upcoming stories "The Young and the Restless" hopes will grab your attention this November:

Every parent's worst fear forces Nikki and Victor to fight against each other when a tragic choice must be made.

A surprise decision could spell freedom for Phyllis.

Everyone knew Jack had a motive to kill Ji Min -- but is someone trying to frame Jack?

Will the chemistry between Cane and Lily be too hot to handle?

Karen and Neil are falling for each other -- but can there ever be another woman for Neil now that he's lost Dru?

SPOILERS! Week of Oct. 15th

My apologies for these being late. I don't know where my head is!

AMC: Adam and Krystal have a blissful but short-lived reunion.
ATWT: Meg might be pregnant. Is it Paul's or Craig's?
B&B: Eric and Donna get a surprise visitor. Is Stephanie back?
Days: Sami and Belle help Marlena through a hard time.
GH: Robin continues her search for a sperm donor. Will she get a lucky break?
GL: Harley and Cyrus' search for Marina could have explosive consequences.
OLTL: Sarah's hopes for a relationship with Cristian are dashed when he shows concern for Evangeline.
Passions: Noah and Paloma find Timmy's likeness in Tabitha's attic.
Y&R: JT discovers a crack in the foundation at Clear Springs, but it appears he's too late.

The Y&R Screen Test

Have you ever dreamed of being on America's #1 soap opera? Well, now's your chance, if you can make it to Atlanta on November 1. Here are the details:

"The Young and the Restless Screen Test" comes to Atlanta on November 1st and 2nd.

One talented actress will be selected to travel to Hollywood and appear in an episode of The Young and the Restless.

WHO:
Women 18 to 30 years old on December 1, 2007 and eligible to work in the United States.

WHEN:
Thursday, November 1 – Open Call starting at 9:00 am until 4:30pm.
First round audition/interview for eligible actresses on an open call basis.
Friday, November 2 – Call Backs and Screen Test, time TBA.
Callback for participants advancing to second round of auditions and on-camera test with scene partner for finalists.

WHERE:
AMERICA'S MART Atlanta
240 Peachtree Street NW
Building 1 – First Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Additional information available on http://www.theyoungandtherestless.com/.

ATWT and GL Casting News

* Best-selling author and star of the Food Channel's Semi Home Made, Sandra Lee, appears as herself on ATWT Thursday, Oct. 18, when she stops by Oakdale Now to share some Halloween cooking tips with Katie and Brad.
* Chauntee Schuler joins the cast of ATWT as Bonnie McKecknie, daughter of Jessica Griffin and Duncan McKecknie. Her first air date is Monday, Nov. 5, when she helps Holden through a difficult time. I smll trouble for Lily and Holden!
* Wole Parks joins ATWT in the role of Dallas Griffin. His first air date is Wednesday, Nov. 14.

* Vanessa Simmons, star of the MTV series "Run's House," returns to GL for another appearance as Lola and flirts with Rafe on Monday, Oct. 22.

SPOILERS for B&B, Days, Passions and Y&R!

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

This Week:

* Taylor goes into labor, but not without complications.

* Felicia stumbles upon her father's secret.

* Bridget's fears come to life.

* Nick is forced to beg Brooke for help.

* Eric and Donna's worst nightmare returns.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Next Week:

* Philip and Belle become intimate.

* Roman and Bo's relationship is strained.

* Marlena delivers Sami's twins.

* Max and Morgan give commitment a chance.

* Abe closes in on the hit-and-run driver that killed John.

Thursday - Philip and Shawn get into an all-out brawl.

Friday - Lucas distances himself from Kate.

PASSIONS

Next Week:

Monday - Someone tries to poison Esme's date. Sheridan blasts Luis for doubting her. Gwen searches for information on Pilar's past.

Tuesday - Theresa decides to go against her mother's wishes. Kay and Ivy face off at Fox's funeral. Noah and Palmer discover Tabitha's magic bowl.

Wednesday - Theresa tells Gwen that she is not giving up Ethan. Sheridan and Luis think Fancy has seen Marty. Ivy comforts a distraught Pilar.

Thursday - Ethan and Gwen's baby is in danger! Tabitha wreaks havoc while trapped in a paper bag. Esme's new lover is murdered.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

This Week:

* Still grieving, Jill angrily confronts Jack about his involvement in Ji Min's death.

* J.T. investigates suspicious dealings at the Clear Springs construction site. Will he uncover the truth before it's too late?

* Phyllis is overjoyed to learn that she has been granted work-release, but will she play by the rules or land herself in even more trouble?

* Cane and Heather kiss, upsetting both Amber and Lily.

Help Passions Set a World Record!

PRESS RELEASE:
PASSIONS AND DIRECTV ATTEMPT TO SET A NEW WORLD RECORD FOR THE "LARGEST HALLOWEEN GATHERING" IN HONOR OF TABITHA'S BIRTHDAY
Saturday, Oct 20th from 2:30-5:30 p.m. @ Universal City Walk Hollywood

The outrageous soap opera Passions will celebrate its move from NBC to DIRECTV's original entertainment channel, The 101, by attempting to establish a Guinness World Record for the "Largest Halloween Gathering" in honor of resident head witch Tabitha's birthday. The event will be held on Saturday, October 20 at the famed Universal City Walk at Universal Studios Hollywood from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Joining Tabitha (Juliet Mills) will be her apprentice witch-in-training, Kay (Heidi Mueller), who will emcee the event along with some of her fellow cast members. Fans of the show and general public are encouraged to attend the event, dressed in traditional Halloween garb, to help the cast attempt to set a new world record.

Guinness World Record guidelines requires participants to dress in traditional costumes, such as witches, ghosts, monsters, Dracula and Frankenstein. Those who choose to attend the event dressed as a witch will be entered into a raffle to win an on-set lunch with the cast of Passions. Full Halloween attire is also required during a 15-minute record setting attempt at approximately 3:45 p.m. in order to qualify for participation. Masks and inappropriate costumes are prohibited. Participants can receive the entire list of rules and regulations by visiting www.nbc.com/Passions. The first 500 attendees will also receive a trick-or-treat gift bag at the conclusion of the event.

What: Passions Largest Halloween Gathering World Record Attempt Presented by DIRECTV
Where: Universal City Walk, Hollywood
When: Saturday, October 20th from 2:30-5:30 PM PST
Who: Cast members, fans and future fans of Passions
Attire: Traditional Halloween Costumes
Prizes: Special Prizes for attendees dressed in witch costumes and Trick-or-Treat gift bags for the first 500 people